15 hidden gems and secret spots in Córdoba, Spain

Discover amazing hidden gems and secret spots in Córdoba, Spain! Córdoba is a scenic Andalusian city on the shores of the Guadalquivir River and features spectacular examples of Moorish architecture. If you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path places in Córdoba then you have come to the right place!

In this blog post, you will find all the places with descriptions, photos, and locations where they can be found on Google Maps. Join us on a journey through Córdoba as we discover everything that this historical city has to offer! Happy exploring!

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1. See Córdoba from above from Torre Campanario

While probably every traveler to Córdoba visits the famous Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, there is one hidden gem that not many people notice – Torre Campanario. It is the historic bell tower of the cathedral where you can actually climb up to see the Mezquita and Córdoba from above!

The bell tower with its 54 meters is the tallest building in Córdoba, so it is the best place to go to admire the gigantic proportions of the cathedral and the city. At the top next to the bells you can walk around the tower and get 360-degree views over Córdoba.

Visits to the tower cost just 3 EUR per person, but they are not included in the price you pay for the entrance to the Mezquita, so you have to buy these tickets separately. It is best if you buy tickets in advance online on their website.

The visits to the tower happen in groups at certain hours that you can choose prior to your visit. There is a guide who follows the group and lets you visit multiple levels of the tower. The highest level, obviously, was the best. Climbing up to Torre Campanario was one of my favorite hidden gems in Córdoba!

Location: Torre Campanario

2. The secret alley – Calleja de las Flores

Probably one of my favorite spots in Córdoba is this secret little alley – Calleja de las Flores. It is a super narrow street right in the heart of the Historic Center filled with flower pots and plants. There are also two arches in the middle of this little street.

However, the most unique thing about this place is that you can see the striking Torre Campanario bell tower standing above the street. Makes for a fantastic photo composition in one of the most picturesque places in the city. This is a true hidden gem in the heart of Córdoba city!

Location: Calleja de las Flores

3. Try different foods at Mercado Victoria food stands!

Mercado Victoria is a modern food court with gastro bars and food stands specializing in Andalusian tapas and other dishes. The market is located inside one of the city’s parks – Jardines de la Victoria. This was one of my favorite finds and hidden gems in Córdoba!

Not only the market is modern and well-maintained, but it offers a wide variety of World cuisine – including Mexican, Italian, Arabic, and, of course, Spanish dishes. You can go there, choose what kind of food you like and then sit at one of the tables inside or outside the market. Definitely check it out!

We didn’t have too much time, so we opted for a tasty takeaway pizza, but I did walk around the market. Many places looked really good.

If we had more time, I would definitely go back and try some other food stands! Besides, the atmosphere there is fantastic – the market is located inside a beautiful park!

Location: Mercado Victoria

4. Sculptures “La Regadora” and “El abuelo con el niño”

Córdoba is the city of flowers! It is famous for its flowerful courtyards (‘patios’) and a special courtyard festival in May when the most beautiful patios are chosen in the city. But many streets and hidden corners are decorated with flowers and plants all year round! You just need to know where to look!

There are two hidden gems in Córdoba – two secret corners with beautiful bronze statues commemorating the city’s longstanding tradition and passion for gardening. One of the sculptures is called “La Regadora” and the other one – “El abuelo con el niño”.

The sculpture “La Regadora” is a sculpture of a woman watering plants and colorful flowers inside blue pots that have been attached to a white wall. The other one depicts a grandfather and a child watering the flowers and plants.

Both are very beautiful and aesthetic. They perfectly represent the city and people’s love for plants and flowers. These sculptures are also some of my favorite Instagram spots in Córdoba. Definitely stop by to take a photo (both photo locations are below!)!

Location: Escultura “La Regadora” – Escultura “El abuelo con el niño”

5. See Córdoba from above at the rooftop bar of Hotel Hesperia!

Amongst my favorite hidden gems is this rooftop bar in Córdoba with a fantastic view of the famous Puente Romano de Córdoba bridge and the city. The rooftop bar (they only serve drinks) is located on the roof of Hotel Hesperia Córdoba. You can visit the bar even if you are not staying at the hotel.

We went there during the day and it was almost empty, so we ordered some drinks and enjoyed the views for a while. You can see the whole bridge and other famous city landmarks – the cathedral and the bell tower. Definitely one of those special hidden gems and unique places in Córdoba!

Location: Hotel Hesperia Córdoba

6. Buy local souvenirs at Zoco Municipal de Artesanía!

Zoco Municipal de Artesanía is a hidden square in the heart of the Córdoba Historic Center. In case you are on a hunt for some souvenirs and fancy local art, crafts, and handmade goods then this is the place to go. Entrance to this place is free, so definitely stop by!

Zoco Municipal de Artesanía is a typical Andalusian courtyard located between houses and features multiple local artisan workshops and shops. The courtyard is beautifully maintained with a fountain, plants, and flower pots on the walls.

Even if you are not looking for something to buy, definitely walk through this hidden corner of Córdoba and at least take some photos as souvenirs. There are charming spots all around the patio – starting with archways, decorated steps, and flowerpot walls. It was quite dreamy!

Location: Zoco Municipal de Artesanía

7. Ancient Roman Temple in between modern buildings!

There is a pretty unusual place in the heart of Córdoba city. Squished between a street and modern buildings there are ancient remains of Córdoba’s rich history – a small site of Roman temple ruins with massive columns telling a story that once happened in Córdoba.

The site is small and you can see everything there is to see from the street that goes along the ruins. There is no entrance fee and you can access this site any time of the day. There is not much else to do, so you can easily walk by this spot to check it out on your way to some other places in Córdoba.

Location: Templo Romano

8. Courtyard of the Museum of Fine Arts of Córdoba

One of my favorite hidden gems in Córdoba was the Museum of Fine Arts of Córdoba. First of all, the entrance to the museum for EU citizens is free of charge and only 1.50 EUR for nationals of other countries. You can explore the museum and admire some very impressive art collections.

But actually, my favorite part of visiting the Museum of Fine Arts of Córdoba was the courtyard. The Museum of Fine Arts of Córdoba shares the same courtyard with another museum – Museo Julio Romero de Torres. And you can even explore the courtyard without visiting any of the museums!

The courtyard is very charming and peaceful – there are big trees that give you some shade, beautiful flower pots, and plants. But the best part is the outer wall of Museo Julio Romero de Torres. The wall of the building has stunning bright red paintings and ornaments.

It is definitely one of the most unique-looking buildings in Córdoba! Although it is not possible to photograph the whole look of the building as there is a tree covering it, I was amazed by this place anyway. Check out if you are in the area!

Location: Museum of Fine Arts of Córdoba

9. Most secret place in Córdoba – Alley of the Arquillos

Alley of the Arquillos is probably the most narrow alley in Córdoba. This super tiny street is impassable – you can’t walk there because it is located behind barred gates, but you can very easily see everything through the bars and also take photos like these.

Alley of the Arquillos is a medieval street and today belongs to the Casa de las Cabezas museum. In the 10th century, Casa de las Cabezas was one of the palaces that served as a prison.

Alley of the Arquillos translates as the Alley of Small Arches because there are seven tiny arches in the alley. I am not sure if I saw seven, but there were many for sure. The arches connect walls between two medieval-time palaces-houses.

There is a terrible legend told that seven dead bodies – children of Castilian nobleman Gonzalo Gustioz – were hanged by the seven arches in this alley. I do hope that it is just a legend. Apart from that this is a truly mystical place. Definitely stop by if you are in the area!

Location: Alley of the Arquillos

10. Hidden street behind a house facade – Callejón del Indiano

Callejón del Indiano was one of my favorite secret finds in Córdoba! It is a narrow hidden street decorated with beautiful arches and a lot of green plants and flowers. The street is a dead-end so you can only enter and exit through the same place.

The most unique thing about this street is the entrance. There is a huge facade – the remains of a 15th-century palace – that looks like the front of a house decorated with ornaments and statues, and massive doors. The doors don’t lead inside a house but those are actually entrance gates to the street.

The facade of the entrance is very beautiful and ornate. You can see the Moorish-style influence in every detail. And the street also deserves some attention. It is definitely one of the most beautiful streets in Córdoba Historic Center!

To get there you have to go to Plaza Ángel de Torres square and look for a beautiful facade with massive doors – Casa del Indiano. I would guess the doors are always open as it is a public street.

Then enter the doors and walk along the street. It is not too long so definitely walk to the very end! It is full of plants, flower pots, and nice decors. There are a couple of arches as well. So beautiful! Definitely worth stopping by on your way to other tourist spots in Córdoba!

Location: Casa del Indiano – Callejón del Indiano

11. Walk narrow pathways at Calleja de la Luna

If I had to give Córdoba another name I would say that this is the city of arches and archways. Thanks to its rich history, many feet have walked these streets throughout the centuries. And many rulers of many different countries have left the marks of their culture and customs in this city.

If you want to see a truly hidden corner full of beautiful arches, tunnels, narrow pathways, and brick and stone walls, then go to Calleja de la Luna or the Moon Alley. Calleja de la Luna is a narrow and winding street and probably one of the most magical corners in Córdoba.

The street starts at the Puerta de la Luna – the entrance gate through the city’s defensive walls to the neighborhood. The gate was built in the 1st century. There is a hotel and a restaurant right in the gateway of Puerta de la Luna.

Fun fact – Puerta de la Luna was on Spain’s stamp in 2015. The Puerta de la Luna gateway then leads into Plaza de la Luna – the Moon Square filled with tables and chairs for the restaurant, a fountain, flower bushes, and stunning arches with ever-present flower pots.

Continue walking through the archways, passageways turning right and left through the neighborhood. The street is not long, so you can easily walk it to the end. Try to count how many aches you passed! If you are in the area, do not miss this magical Moon Alley!

Location: Calleja de la Luna – Plaza de la Luna – Puerta de la Luna

12. Estatua de Maimónides

This little square next to the statue of Maimónides is one of the most charming hidden gems in Córdoba! The bronze statue, the column, the arches, the overhanging blooming bush, and the orange tree – so special!

Maimónides, born in Córdoba, was a Jewish philosopher and astronomer who later became one of the most influential scholars and physicians of the Middle Ages, and his influence still remains today.

The statue is located inside the old Jewish neighborhood of Córdoba where you will find many narrow streets and hidden corners. Definitely pass by if you are in the area!

Also – I love how they placed his statue next to Plaza Maimónides Square in Córdoba. It is the place where he was born in a nearby house and where he spent his childhood. So thoughtful!

Location: Estatua de Maimónides

13. Ancient city walls and old city gates of Córdoba

For such an ancient and important city as Córdoba, it definitely needed strong defensive walls. Some of my favorite hidden spots in such historic places as Córdoba are the ancient entrance gates to the city. I always love seeing those exact places where people walked a thousand years ago during their daily lives!

Córdoba has many city gates, so definitely pay attention to the map when you are walking around the city – a beautiful gate may be just nearby you!

My favorite ones were Puerta del Puente right at the end of the famous Roman Bridge, then Puerta de Sevilla, and Puerta de Almodóvar.

The Puerta de Sevilla is located in the area where you will go exploring the ‘patios’ of Córdoba. It is right next to the street that you have to take in order to get to some of the courtyards, so pay attention! The gate looks beautiful with two entrances and a statue of poet Ibn Hazm.

Another one of my favorites was the Puerta de Almodóvar entrance gate. This one is located near La Casa Andalusí and the Maimónides statue, so you can take a few minutes for a detour and visit this massive stone structure.

If you happen to visit or stay in the North part of the Historic Center of Córdoba then Torre de la Malmuerta is another unique place to see.

It is a massive defensive tower that once was part of the city walls. It is not worth planning a trip to this place specifically, but nice to see if you are nearby!

Location: Puerta del Puente – Puerta de Almodóvar – Puerta de Sevilla – Torre de la Malmuerta

14. Walk under a minaret tower at Calleja de la Hoguera

Have you ever walked through a tunnel that leads under a minaret? Well, it is possible in Córdoba! Right in the heart of the Historic Center of Córdoba, you can find a narrow winding street – Calleja de la Hoguera.

There is a secret to this special street. If you walk along the street at one point it will take you up to a minaret – a tower attached to a mosque.

The curious thing about this minaret is that you can walk under it – there is a tunnel leading under the building to take you further down the narrow alley.

This place is located right in the very center, so it will definitely be on your way to other places, so stop by when you are in the area and walk through this little street.

There is a fantastic flower bush blooming above the street right before it enters the tunnel. Quite charming!

Location: Minaret of Mosque de los Andaluces – Calleja de la Hoguera

15. Castillo Almodóvar del Rio

If you have some extra time then I really recommend including Castillo Almodóvar del Rio castle in your Córdoba itinerary! It is located just a 30-minute drive away from Córdoba in a populated place with the same name – Almodóvar del Río.

Castillo Almodóvar del Rio is a medieval-time castle dating back to the 8th century. Everything about this castle feels like stepping back in time a thousand years ago. No wonder the Game of Thrones series decided this exact castle was good enough to be included in the series.

Castillo Almodóvar del Rio castle is located on a hilltop next to the Guadalquivir River and offers fantastic views over the surrounding area. It was a place of the highest strategic importance in Andalusia throughout the centuries.

It is hard to fathom the secrets these castle walls are hiding in them. This place was a fortress, a prison, and experienced many battles. If you are looking for some truly unique spots in Córdoba, this is the place to come!

By the way, the photo on the balcony was taken from the Torre del Homenaje tower. It is basically the first tower you see when you arrive at the castle. This exact view as I am posing in the photo featured in the Game of Thrones series!

Location: Castillo Almodóvar del Rio – Torre del Homenaje