10 Things to Do in Cordoba at Night

When the sun goes down, the land of Cordoba awakens to its typical carefree atmosphere and the streets fill with activities to get to know its tradition and culture.

Night-time visits to its main monuments, the Arab baths, a tour of its largest archaeological site... You won't be short of things to see and do in Cordoba at all hours, but here are a few for when it gets dark.

Attending a tablao should be at the top of your list of night-time activities in Cordoba. When you arrive in Andalusia you will 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 appear in their flamenco costumes, the first chords of the guitar and the sound of the cajón (box drum) arrive, with the bailaoras (female dancers) stamping their feet in the hall.

Make sure you book your tickets for 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: set aside 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 splendour and invites visitors to rediscover its beauty from another perspective.

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

Practical information

• Address: Calle Cardenal Herrero, 1.
• Night-time opening hours: you can enjoy this experience from 8pm onwards.
• Further information: Cordoba Mosque Tickets and Tours

Fancy relaxing while you cool down for the day? Visit the best Arab baths in Cordoba, one of the Arab traditions that came to stay in Andalusia. I recommend pampering yourself for at least 60 minutes in some of the most acclaimed hammams:

• Baths of the Caliphal 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 hammams or Arab baths are places where the massage service is combined with a water circuit stimulating the client's senses. These baths were the predecessors of spas and in the streets of Cordoba the style and atmosphere is still preserved. Here you can enjoy a stimulating massage with hot stones or baths set to relaxing music amidst the ancient Arab architecture.

Practical information

• Night-time opening hours: the hammams are open all day. Opening hours end between 24:00 and 02:00, so it's perfect for a night-time activity.
• Price: from €42.

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

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

At night, the shining city, a translation of its original name, Madinat al-Zahra, dresses up to honour its name by enhancing its beauty under the spotlights. It is easy to get lost inside this emblematic site, 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 Cordoba, at the foot of the Sierra Morena.
• Night-time opening hours: from 8pm.
• Further information: Day Trips to Medina Azahara from Cordoba

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

I recommend you take a guided tour of Cordoba and explore its mythical routes. On this tour you will 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 just over 2 hours a guide will share the secrets behind paranormal phenomena and current beliefs. This is a tour not for the faint hearted. The tour in some cases includes videos and real psychophonies that will scare the best of us.

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 it all after a daytime visit, you rediscover the place in 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 Alcázar are dressed up to present a spectacle of lights and rhythmic water. You will travel back in time to celebrate an intimate celebration.

To attend this event I recommend you book your visit to the Alcázar de los Reyes de Córdoba, as seating capacity is limited.

Practical information

• Address: go to Pl. Campo Santo de los Mártires.
• Night-time opening hours: from 9 pm onwards.
• Duration of the event: 60 minutes.
• Further information: Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs in Cordoba Tickets and Tours

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

A visit to the Jewish Quarter of Cordoba tops the list of tourist destinations in the city all year round and a stroll through its streets at night will take you on an amazing journey through the history of Cordoba. It will take you on an amazing journey through the history of Cordoba, and it's well worth it!

The must-sees of the Jewish Quarter

Inside the network of streets in the heart of the old quarter and not to be missed:

• The Puerta de Almodóvar: to get to the Jewish Quarter you must go through one of the three entrances to the complex, the main and oldest being the Puerta de Almodóvar, also known as the Puerta del Nogal (Walnut Gate). At night this walled entrance is a reminder of the city's Muslim era. The lighting 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 p.m., without the crowds of the day.
• Maimonides Square: a 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 characterise the architecture of the Cordovan style. Other highlights are the Julio Romero Museum and the Fosforito Flamenco Centre, where the flamencos wait for you at sunset.

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

This is a city to fall in love with, and not just because of 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: 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 can try the Salmorejo de Blasón, the fried aubergines, the tortilla de santos and not to mention the flamenquines, all of which 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 Calle de la Judería and Rda. de Isasa. Use this as a reference point and lose yourself in this night-time stroll through Cordoba.

Cordoba has always had a reputation for having a great nightlife for those who prefer something more lively than the terraces. In the city centre, in the old quarter, you will find a large number of pubs and discos.

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

Don't miss the Christ of the Lanterns, a religious sculpture that never fails to impress visitors. At night, the gardens take on a special air with the Christ illuminated by his lanterns and the silence creates a unique experience. It is well worth a visit to the Plaza Capuchinos square.

I also recommend a visit to the Torre de la Malmuerta, a monumental place of 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 only opens its doors 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, elements of classical Andalusian horsemanship, flamenco, doma vaquera, high school, the horsewoman, the garrocha and the Cordovan equestrian tradition converge. 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 when they see these dazzling horses? From their blue eyes to their shiny black coat, everything about them is awe-inspiring. The specimens are a thing of beauty and the accompaniment provided by all the dancers and artists on stage is worthy of praise.

Originally, 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 metres from the Mosque-Cathedral.
• Night-time opening hours: performances from 7:30 pm onwards. Consult the calendar
• Duration of the event: 70 minutes.
• Price: from 16.5 €.