23 Instagram spots for the best photos in Córdoba, Spain

Discover the best Instagram 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 the perfect Instagram shot in Córdoba then you have come to the right place! Let’s get started!

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!

Read more » 17 bucket list things to do in the beautiful Córdoba, Spain

1. Patios de Córdoba

Córdoba is famous for its beautiful courtyards called ‘patios’. There is a whole festival in May where numerous courtyards compete for the award as the best and most beautiful courtyard in the city. Exploring these flowerful and aesthetic patios is a must for every visitor to Córdoba!

Visit flower patios in Córdoba during the festival!

The festival – La Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba – takes place each year in May (usually at the beginning). Tens of private courtyards participate in the festival and access to all the patios is free of charge.

If you happen to go to Córdoba during the festival, there will be a whole program and map, and timetable for when, where, and how to visit all the patios. You can read more about the festival on their website.

This is definitely the time when everyone shows off as much as possible to get the award. However, this festival attracts a lot of people – the city will be as busy as it gets!

Visit flower patios in Córdoba all year round!

The reality is that you can visit the patios all year round. Many patios get maintained and remain beautiful throughout the year with spring, summer, and autumn months being the best ones when a lot of different flowers will be in full bloom.

There is a whole list of patios that you can visit either on your own or on a guided tour. Check out this website for more info! There you can download a pdf file with actual tourism information – look for patios in the list and see which ones are available at the time when you are visiting!

Walk Ruta de Patios Córdoba!

If you happen to visit Córdoba between February and June then you might want to consider walking Ruta de Patios Córdoba route! Some of the best and most awarded patios have united together offering everyone a way to visit the most beautiful patios in Córdoba.

You can buy tickets (they cost 6 EUR per person) and get a map with 5 different patios in Córdoba. With this ticket, you can enter the courtyards during certain hours. Many other private patios ask for donations so this is another way to give back.

We did this exact route as I wanted to see the most beautiful ones and did not have time to wander around endlessly searching for the most beautiful courtyard. Every single one of these courtyards fits amongst the best Instagram spots in Córdoba, haha!

You can buy tickets at the ticket office at Calle San Basilio 14 (location below). Definitely check their working hours on their website (scroll down for the timetable!).

If you only wish to visit one or two of these patios, you can try to enter them with donations. I am not sure if it works that way but you can try as I saw donation boxes in some of these patios!

Photo locations (two photos from each patio):

• First photos: Patio at Calle Martín de Roa 7
• Second photos: Patio at Calle San Basilio 14
• Third photos: Patio at Calle Postrera 28
• Fourth photos: Patio at Calle Duartas 2

Ticket office location: Ruta de Patios Córdoba – ticket office

2. Patio de los Naranjos

Patio de los Naranjos is an iconic courtyard in Córdoba. It is located within the walls of the famous Mezquita cathedral. Although access to the square is limited to the working hours of the cathedral and the tower, you can access it for free. This was one of my favorite Instagram spots in Córdoba!

The cathedral and the tower can only be accessed by purchasing tickets beforehand, however, you can roam around the Patio de los Naranjos for free. It is a great place to catch some shade. There are multiple entrances to the square, but the main entrance is located next to the Torre Campanario tower.

The square is filled with cypresses and orange trees as well as fountains. There is a unique photo spot where you can get a cool shot of the Torre Campanario tower within the frame of an arch. See the photo location below. Come early to avoid crowds!

Location: Patio de los Naranjos – Photo location

3. Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is a landmark tourist attraction in Córdoba and is one of the main reasons people visit this city. It is a spectacular cathedral that was once a mosque when Córdoba was under Islamic rule. When the Christian kings conquered the city it was redesigned into a cathedral.

The building itself was expanded and broadened over the centuries and under different rulers so it is an important historic monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Although it is now a cathedral, for the most part, it still looks like a mosque.

If you want to visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba you have to buy tickets in advance. You can do it online for a certain hour when you wish to come. I recommend coming in the morning. The lines outside are massive, however, the building is massive too so there is a place for a lot of people.

This is also one of the most iconic Instagram spots in Córdoba and a must-visit place. Although we came in the morning there were already about 200 people in line in front of us. The line moves very fast, so we got inside quite soon.

For a better picture, I recommend going to the corner that is as far away from the entrance as possible. Most tourists will enter the building and start looking and taking photos right away at the entrance. Run to the remotest corner, take your photos, and then enjoy the architecture!

Location: Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

4. Torre Campanario

One of my favorite things to do in Córdoba was climbing up to Torre Campanario – the historic bell tower of the cathedral. Visits to the tower are not included in the price you pay for the entrance to the Mezquita, so you have to buy them 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 was the best.

The bell tower with its 54 meters is the tallest building in Córdoba, so it is the best place to go to see the city from above. At the top next to the bells you can walk around the tower and get 360-degree views over Córdoba. My favorite thing was seeing the cathedral from above – makes you realize how huge it is!

Location: Torre Campanario

5. Puente Romano de Córdoba

The iconic Roman Bridge of Córdoba is one of the symbols of Córdoba city. It is a long, arched bridge crossing the Guadalquivir River and connecting both sides of the city. The bridge dates back to the 1st century BC when it was built by the Romans. It has been reconstructed multiple times.

Crossing the bridge is a must-do thing when visiting Córdoba. There is a big stone tower at the end of the bridge – Torre de Calahorra. Today it hosts a small museum about Córdoba and offers amazing views over Córdoba city from the roof (you can climb up there!).

If you cross the bridge (coming from the Historic Center) then there is a nice photo spot on the other side of the bridge offering a scenic view of the side of the bridge and the skyline of Córdoba city (the first photo). This is one of those iconic Instagram spots where you have to have a photo!

Location: Puente Romano de Córdoba – Torre De Calahorra – Photo location

6. Palacio de Viana

Palacio de Viana is a stunning Renaissance palace with numerous gardens, patios and courtyards, vibrant flowers and blooming bushes as well as rooms full of art collections and artifacts. Every corner around there was very picturesque and beautiful. You will find many Instagrammable spots here for sure!

This palace-like house is a real example of how aristocratic and wealthy families lived in Córdoba centuries ago. Every room inside the house is filled with relics and appropriate tools that were used in each corresponding room during daily life centuries ago. It was pretty cool to see how they lived here!

However, I have to admit that this place is famous for its’ incredible courtyards. There are numerous courtyards and each is unique and well-maintained. There is an entrance fee to see Palacio de Viana, but at certain hours you can visit the courtyards for free. Check their website for more info!

Location: Palacio de Viana

7. Calleja de las Flores

Probably one of the most famous Instagram 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 one of those Instagram spots you cannot miss!

Location: Calleja de las Flores

8. Rooftop bar of Hotel Hesperia Córdoba

The roof of the Hotel Hesperia Córdoba is another fantastic viewpoint of the famous Puente Romano de Córdoba bridge and the city. They have a nice rooftop bar that you can visit 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 photo spots in Córdoba!

Location: Hotel Hesperia Córdoba

9. Escultura “La Regadora”

The Escultura “La Regadora” sculpture is one of those hidden gems and picture-perfect corners in Córdoba. There is a sculpture of a woman watering plants and colorful flowers inside blue pots that have been attached to a white wall.

This was definitely one of my favorite Instagram photo spots in Córdoba. It perfectly represents the city and people’s love for plants and flowers. The sculpture depicts the traditional way of watering plants that grow on the walls. There is even a water bucket at the feet of the sculpture.

If you want to get to this Instagrammable spot in Córdoba you will have to walk for a bit as it is located on the outskirts of the Historic Centre (location below). But I do think it is worth it plus there are some other tourist attractions you can visit on your way to the sculpture (like Palacio de Viana).

Location: Escultura “La Regadora”

10. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos are 14th-century palace grounds with a palace, courtyards, defensive walls and towers, and extensive decorative gardens with fountains and pools. Before going to Alcázar you need to buy tickets. You can get them online or at a ticket office in the nearby park.

The palace itself was not too exciting at least for us, however, we liked climbing up the defensive walls and towers to see Córdoba from above.

Without a doubt, the most beautiful part of Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos was the extensive gardens. They really take care of the gardens here! So beautiful!

There were multiple rectangular pools with fountains, other fountains with sculptures, and decorative trees cut into different shapes.

There were majestic statues of the Christian kings and endless flower fields. I bet upkeeping the garden takes a lot of effort as Córdoba is the hottest city in Europe!

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos offers countless photo opportunities. There are unique photo spots on the towers, around the castle, and, of course, in the garden.

My favorite Instagram spots were with the unique trees and the kings’ sculptures alongside the pool.

Location: Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (entrance)

11. Puerta del Puente

Puerta del Puente (Gate of the Bridge) is a massive gate-like structure at one end of the famous Roman Bridge in Córdoba. Today it only serves as a beautiful reminder of the past, however, in the past, it was part of the defensive walls of Córdoba.

This gate was built during the 16th century and served as an entrance to the city. It has two beautiful columns and sculptures on both sides and a coat of arms in the middle.

It is a cool Instagram spot in Córdoba but will be quite busy during the day (unless it is that hot siesta time when everybody sleeps!).

Location: Puerta del Puente

12. 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 Instagram spots all around the patio – starting with archways, decorated steps, and flowerpot walls. It was quite charming!

Location: Zoco Municipal de Artesanía

13. Moorish-style gate at Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

This spectacular and ornate gate is located on the outside of the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba walls. If you walk along one of the main streets next to the cathedral – Calle Torrijos – you will definitely find it if you pay attention. The exact location is below!

Córdoba is a spectacular example of Moorish-style architecture. And if you are wondering what would be a good example of this architectural style then this is it.

The combination of the arches, columns, and very intricate ornaments that you can see here is definitely the perfect example!

Location: Moorish-style gate

14. Escultura “El abuelo con el niño”

This beautiful and aesthetic sculpture of a grandfather and child is another charming corner near the area where you can go and look at the decorated ‘patios’ of Córdoba. It is located just a few meters away from some of the famous flower patios, so definitely stop by!

For me, this was one of the most charming Instagram spots in Córdoba for sure! It is created in the same style as the previously mentioned sculpture “La Regadora” – the woman watering the plants in a traditional way. This is a unique and very Córdoba-style spot!

Location: Escultura “El abuelo con el niño”

15. 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 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

16. Restaurante El Caballo Rojo

Restaurante El Caballo Rojo is a traditional Spanish restaurant hidden in a beautiful alley next to the Torre Campanario and the entrance to the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. We did not eat at the restaurant, however, we did appreciate the stunning exterior of the restaurant.

There is a narrow alley between buildings that is decorated with flower pots, plants, lanterns, and a brick arch. It is a beautiful photo spot where you can take a quick picture while you are in the area. You don’t have to eat at the restaurant to take this photo – the entrance alley is accessible to all.

Location: Restaurante El Caballo Rojo

17. Plaza de la Corredera

If you happen to be in the area then definitely stop by Plaza de la Corredera square. It is a historical town square dating back to the 17th century.

The unique thing about this square is that is in the shape of an irregular rectangle – the sides are not in even lengths which is somewhat unusual.

Historically this was the place where bullfighting took place in the city. Today you won’t find much action apart from some special days. There are some restaurants to visit and maybe some live music during the evenings.

What makes this square extra special is the architecture. If you are a photographer you might like the angles, the lights, and the shapes you will find here.

I am not a photographer, so I simply liked how bright everything was and how cool it looked. Definitely one of those unique Instagram spots in Córdoba!

Location: Plaza de la Corredera

18. Estatua de Maimónides

This little square next to the statue of Maimónides is one of the most charming Instagram spots 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

19. La Casa Andalusí

La Casa Andalusí or the Andalusian House is a museum-house. Built in the 12th century it depicts a typical home in the Moorish Córdoba so you will notice many design pieces and objects typical to the Islamic architecture and style. The entrance fee to this museum was 4 EUR.

The visit to the house includes a home, a paper museum, a large coin collection, a beautiful patio, and a basement.

Although the place is quite small, we very much enjoyed walking around the property and discovering secret corners. In the end, you exit through a shop where you can buy some souvenirs.

La Casa Andalusí is a great place to go if you have already visited Córdoba’s main attractions and have some time to spare.

You will also find some cool Instagram spots around this unique house in Córdoba. We spent around 45 minutes exploring all the rooms and basement areas here.

Location: La Casa Andalusí

20. 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 and one of my favorite Instagram spots in the 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!

Location: Casa del Indiano – Callejón del Indiano

21. Ancient city walls of Córdoba

For such an ancient and important city as Córdoba, it definitely needed strong defensive walls.

Some of my favorite Instagram 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 which I mentioned before, Puerta de Sevilla, and Puerta de Almodóvar.

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. Definitely one of the coolest Instagram spots in Córdoba!

Location: Puerta de Almodóvar – Puerta de Sevilla

22. Medina Azahara

Medina Azahara is an archeological complex of a Medieval palace near Córdoba city. It is a must-visit place for any visitor to Córdoba who enjoys historic sites. There is not much left of the palace – mostly ruins. However, there are some exquisite examples of Moorish-style arches (see photos).

Entrance to the Medina Azahara archeological site is free for EU citizens and 1.50 EUR for nationals from other countries. You can’t drive to the archeological site yourself. There is an organized bus that takes groups to the site and back to the parking lot every 15 minutes.

Once you get to the parking lot and park your car, you need to go to the ticket office to get your entrance ticket to the archeological site. Even if you are a citizen of the EU and entry is free, you still need a ticket.

Then go to the bus stop and wait for the bus. You can buy bus tickets on the bus or from a tour guide at the bus stop. Round trip bus tickets cost us 3 EUR each. The trip from the parking lot to the archeological site takes about 20 minutes.

Once you get off the bus there will be a staff member checking entrance tickets and then you can finally explore on your own. The territory is pretty massive.

This was once a territory of a palace with worship places, servant quarters, staterooms, and so on. Pretty amazing to imagine all the life that went on here!

If you are looking for some unique Instagram spots then you need to find this place – Edificio basilical superior – with the arches.

It will be more on the left side of the whole area once you enter. The arches are a beautiful example of Moorish-style architecture. The whole visit to this site will take about 1-2 hours.

Location: Medina Azahara – Parking lot – Ticket office – Edificio basilical superior (photos of arches)

23. Castillo Almodóvar del Rio

If you have some extra time then I really recommend including Castillo Almodóvar del Rio castle in your 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 Instagram spots in Córdoba, this is the place to come!

The photo on the balcony was taken from the Torre del Homenaje tower (exact location below). 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