10 Things to Do in Cordoba at Night

When the sun goes down, the land of Cordoba awakens its typical carefree spirit and the streets are filled with activities with which to learn about its tradition and culture.

The night visits to its main monuments, the Arab baths, the tour of its largest archaeological site... Things to see and do in Cordoba at all hours will not be lacking, but here are a few for when it gets dark.

Attending a tablao should be at the top of your list of nighttime Cordovan activities. When you arrive in Andalusia you are going to find the roots of flamenco and the ancient capital of Hispania Ulterior is no exception. It is a city of pure art, history and tradition.

In Cordoba the tablaos are well felt. Once the dancers show up in their flamenco costumes, the first guitar chords and the sound of the cajón, with the bailaoras (female dancers) stamping their heels in the hall.

Secure your place in the best flamenco shows in Cordoba, it is an unforgettable experience.

The official experience begins at the monumental door of the Mosque-Cathedral, but I recommend you visit like a local: reserve a few minutes to appreciate the views from the other side of the Roman Bridge.

The now Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady is illuminated in all its splendor and invites visitors to rediscover its beauty from another perspective.

I recommend that you book your tickets to the Mosque-Cathedral in advance, there are thousands of visitors and the night capacity is 80 people in each 60-minute visit.

Practical information

• Address: Calle Cardenal Herrero, 1.
• Night time: you can enjoy this experience from 8:00 pm.
• More information: Cordoba Mosque tickets

Do you feel like relaxing while you lower the temperature of the day? Visit the best Arab baths in Cordoba, one of the Arab traditions that came to stay in the Andalusian lands. I recommend pampering yourself for at least 60 minutes in some of the most acclaimed hammams:

• Baths of the Caliph Alcazar. Address: Plaza Campo Santo e los Mártires, in the Alcázar de los Reyes de Córdoba. Price: From 42 €.
• The Arab Baths of Cordoba. Address: Calle Almanzor. Price: From 60 €.
• Hammam Al Ándalus. Address: Calle Corregidor Luis de la Cerda, 51. Prices: From 50 €.

The hammam or Arab baths are places where the service of massages is combined with a circuit of waters stimulating the senses of the client. These baths were the predecessors of the spas and in the streets of Cordoba the style and consecrated atmosphere is preserved. In them you will be able to enjoy a stimulating massage, with hot stones or baths set to relaxing music among the ancient Arab architecture.

Practical information

• Night hours: the hammams are open all day. The opening hours end between 24:00 hours and 02:00 hours, so it is perfect to be included among the night activities.
• Price: from 42 €.

The Caliphate city of Medina Azahara is the most important archaeological site in Spain and at night, the temperature will have dropped enough to enjoy the 2-hour tour of this World Heritage Site.

The history of this marvel of Andalusia is situated around the year 936, a period in which the administrative activities were carried out among its 112 hectares at the time of the first Cordovan caliphate. In this Palladian city the Islamic art is preserved in its original condition. In addition, every year new discoveries are added within the site.

During the night, the shining city, translation of its original name, Madinat al-Zahra, dresses up honoring its name by enhancing its beauty under the spotlights. It is easy to get lost inside this emblematic place, but, my advice is to book a guided tour of Medina Azahara to get to know the history condensed inside, especially if you are looking for things to do in Cordoba during the summer.

Practical information

• Address: Carretera de Palma del Río, km 5.5, 7 km from Córdoba, at the foot of Sierra Morena.
• Night hours: from 8:00 pm onwards.
• More information: Medina Azahara from Cordoba

The cultural richness of the city of the three cultures is a cornerstone for the Spanish reign. And along the way, facts, legends and myths emerged that deserve attention.

I recommend that you take a guided tour of Cordoba and walk its mythical routes. On this tour you will be able to learn stories about the Inquisition in Cordoba, the famous legend of the bells of Santiago, the origins of Cabezas Street, the terrible case of Don Carlos de Unciel, the anecdote of the Cristo de los Faroles, powerful sorceresses, places where covens were held and many others.

For a little more than 2 hours a guide will share the secrets behind paranormal phenomena and current beliefs. This is a tour not for the faint of heart. The tour in some cases includes videos and real psychophonies that scare the best planted.

On the banks of the Guadalquivir River, where you can appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the Calahorra Tower and stroll through the Royal Stables, you should attend the Magic Nights at the Alcazar. As with the Mosque-Cathedral, just when you think you've seen everything after the daytime visit, you rediscover the place under the moonlight.

At sunset, the fountains are the stars of the place. This is the night show offered in the spaces of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. During the event, the gardens of the Alcazar are dressed up to present a spectacle of lights and rhythmic water. You will travel back in time to celebrate an intimate party.

To attend this event I recommend that you book your visit to the Alcazar of the Kings of Cordoba, the capacity is reduced.

Practical information

• Address: go to Pl. Campo Santo de los Mártires.
• Night time: from 9 p.m. onwards.
• Duration of the event: 60 minutes.
• More information: Alcazar de los Reyes Cordoba Tickets: how to buy and prices

This area is located behind the Mosque-Cathedral and is made up of narrow streets with traditional white houses, a synagogue, stores, sculptures and typical Andalusian taverns.

The visit to the Jewish Quarter of Cordoba tops the list of tourist destinations in the city throughout the year and wandering through its streets at night allows you to delight in its beauty. It will take you on an amazing journey through the history of Cordoba and is well worth it!

The must-see of the Jewish Quarter

Within the network of streets in the old town and you should not miss:

• The Almodovar Gate: to get to the Jewish Quarter you must go through one of the three entrances to the complex, the main and oldest being the Almodovar Gate, also known as the Walnut Gate. During the night this walled entrance is a reminder of the Muslim era of the city. The illumination is a spectacle.
• Cordoba Synagogue: only three are still standing in Spain and this is the most imposing of them all. It was built in 1315 by the master builder Isaac Moheb. You have time to visit this enclave until 9 pm, without the crowds of the day.
• Maimonides Square: beautifully decorated space reminiscent of the elite of Sephardic heritage. Nearby are the municipal souk, Tiberias Square, the statue of Maimonides and theBullfighting Museum.
• The Plaza del Potro: here you will find all the attributes that characterize the Cordovan style architecture. Other points of attention are the Julio Romero Museum and the Fosforito Flamenco Center, where the flamencos wait for you at sunset.

To visit the Jewish quarter in peace and quiet you need time and good temperature and the night offers these conditions. Lose yourself aimlessly and get to know this center of the three cultures.

This is a city to fall in love with and not only for its mysticism or its immeasurable history. The atmosphere in Cordoba is lively and at night you have the opportunity to get to know its contemporary side with a great temperature. Apart from its flamenco shows you have the following options:

• Tapas tour: they make a culinary tour through the Paseo de la Ribera, the Rda. de Isasa and the Juderia with the Guadalquivir river in the background. Often these tours stop at 3 restaurants where you try the Salmorejo de Blasón, the fried eggplants, the tortilla de santos and not to mention the flamenquines, all are a delight.
• Wine tasting: enjoy a delicious evening tasting the best wines of Cordoba accompanied by the typical tapas of the city.

Most of the terraces and restaurants are located around the Mosque-Cathedral, between Judería street and Rda. de Isasa. Use that point as a reference and get lost in this night walk through Cordoba.

On the other hand, Cordoba has always had a reputation for having a great nightlife for those who prefer something more lively than the terraces. In the center of the city, in the old town, you will find a large number of pubs and nightclubs.

The Jardines de la Merced is a park that houses a nineteenth-century fountain, tree-shaded paths, rose bushes and a mosque. The walk is really refreshing and worth doing at night.

Don't miss the Cristo de los Faroles, a religious sculpture that never fails to impress visitors. At night, the gardens are dressed with a special air with the Christ illuminated by its lanterns and the silence creates a unique experience. It is worth going to the Capuchinos square to visit it.

Likewise, I recommend you to visit the Torre de la Malmuerta, a monumental space and tourist interest that tells its history at its feet. The Palacio de Viana is another must on this tour, although between September and June it opens its doors only until 19:00 hours.

A highly recommended show to enjoy in the evenings is the Pasión y Duende del Caballo Andaluz (Passion and Goblin of the Andalusian Horse). On stage converge elements of classical Andalusian horsemanship, flamenco, doma vaquera, high school, amazon, garrocha and the Cordovan equestrian tradition. Take a look, schedule this event and come to one of the most important buildings in Spain: you can't miss it!

Who doesn't get excited to see these dazzling horses? From their blue eyes to their shiny black coat, everything about them arouses admiration. The specimens are a beauty and the accompaniment provided by all the dancers and artists on stage is commendable.

At first, it was Philip II who in 1570 had the idea of breeding horses to serve the crown. Following his personal hobby, he ended up creating an emblematic local breed: the Andalusian horse.

Practical information

• Address: Calle Caballerizas Reales, 1. 550 meters from the Mosque-Cathedral.
• Evening opening hours: they perform from 7:30 pm onwards. Consult their calendar
• Duration of the event: 70 minutes.
• Price: from 16.5 €.