The historic centre of Córdoba spreads around Plaza de las Tendillas, the city's main commercial square. This is where Córdoba goes about its daily life — boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and bars operating around an urban fabric that includes Roman ruins and baroque palaces.
Getting oriented
Plaza de las Tendillas is the starting point for most free walking tours — 2-hour guided walks that cover the historic centre before moving to the Judería and the Mezquita. A useful first morning for anyone new to the city.
Roman ruins and baroque palaces
The Roman Temple rises from Calle Claudio Marcelo, its Corinthian columns lit at night. Around it: the Plaza de la Corredera, the only Castilian-style arcaded square in Andalusia; the Plaza del Potro, cited by Cervantes in Don Quixote; and the Palacio de la Merced, a baroque convent with free morning visits.
In April, the Paseo de la Victoria hosts the Batalla de las Flores, a floral parade of 100,000 carnations. In October, historic palaces across the centre host festival FLORA, a contemporary floral art event with free monumental installations in inner courtyards.
The Hospes Palacio del Bailio, a 5-star hotel in a 16th-century palace, has a Roman villa visible beneath its restaurant floor. The Eurostars Palace on the Paseo de la Victoria has a rooftop pool. For boutique character with Sevillian tiles and a pool, Casa de los Azulejos offers good value from €72.
Gastronomy and local life
The Centro is the core of Córdoba's tapas culture. Bodegas Campos has been here since 1908, Taberna Salinas since 1879, and Mercado Victoria brings a modern food hall to a 19th-century pavilion. Pastelería Francesa makes tropéziennes and artisan quiches.
Both Michelin-starred restaurants in Córdoba are in this neighbourhood: Choco (1 star, chef Kisko García) and ReComiendo (1 star 2026, chef Periko Ortega). Taberna Los Berengueles occupies the former palace of the Marquesa de Valdeloro with a tree-filled patio. La Casa de Manolete Bistro serves creative food in the bullfighter's former home.
All these addresses pour wines from the Montilla-Moriles appellation — the wine route guide explains the region in depth. The food tour covers 3 hours of guided tastings in the century-old tabernas of the Centro and Judería.
Nightlife
The historic centre has most of Córdoba's evening options. For wine: Taberna El Barón on Plaza de Abades has a Spanish wine list with homemade tapas; VinumPlay near the Roman Temple pours over 300 labels by the glass. Distrito Cocktail Bar does premium cocktails in a vintage setting. Glace Lounge Bar runs a sophisticated lounge. El Último Tango has live music and affordable cocktails. For craft beer: Cervecería Califa, the city's first local brewery, and CEPA Craftbeer & Wine. Doble de Cepa hosts live flamenco in a traditional tavern near the Mezquita. Pub Glam is the main LGBT-friendly venue in the centre. Full listings in the bar guide and Córdoba by night guide.
