Córdoba

Spring (March-May) is best, especially during the Patios Festival in May when locals open flower-filled courtyards to the public free of charge; autumn (October-November) is also pleasant. Avoid summer (June-September) if you can - Córdoba is one of Europe's hottest cities, regularly exceeding 40°C, with a record near 47°C.

• Mezquita-Catedral - the forest of red-and-white striped arches and gilded mihrab, the city's defining monument from the Umayyad Caliphate era
• Judería (Jewish Quarter) - narrow whitewashed lanes decked in flowers, especially the famous Calleja de las Flores with its view of the Mezquita's tower
• Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos - a fortress-palace with manicured gardens and reflecting pools
• Roman Bridge and Torre de la Calahorra - best sunset view back toward the Mezquita
• Medina Azahara - ruins of a 10th-century caliphate palace-city, a UNESCO site just outside town
• Palacio de Viana - a heritage house with twelve distinct courtyard gardens
• Patios Festival (May) - locals open flower-filled private courtyards to visitors, free of charge
• Mercado Victoria and Plaza de la Corredera - for local food and everyday atmosphere

Families do best staying inside the Judería near the Mezquita - everything is walkable, though it's the busiest and slightly pricier area. Couples wanting more calm should look at the riverside near the Roman Bridge, still close to the sights with nicer views. Budget travelers or those avoiding crowds can find better rates and a more local feel in Santa Marina and San Lorenzo, just north of the old town, still an easy walk in. Near the main train station is convenient for early departures or heavy luggage, but it's a longer walk from the historic core.

Book Mezquita tickets online ahead of time, or use the free entry window (8:30-9:30am, Monday-Saturday, individual visitors only, no groups) to skip both the crowds and the heat - modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required since it's an active cathedral. Skip restaurants right at the Mezquita entrance - walk 5-10 minutes to Santa Marina, San Lorenzo, or Plaza de las Tendillas for better food at lower prices. Watch your belongings in the Mezquita ticket queue and the narrow Judería lanes, especially 10am-1pm and 5-8pm when they're busiest - though Córdoba overall is one of Spain's safer cities. In summer (June-September), avoid walking or sightseeing outdoors at midday; do mornings and evenings and rest during the hottest hours like locals do. Avoid flamenco shows pushed by street touts (often a short set with a single guitarist) - reputable venues cost a bit more but deliver a full, proper show. Wear comfortable shoes - the old-town lanes are cobblestone and involve a lot of walking. If visiting in May for the Patios Festival, book accommodation months in advance - rooms fill up fast and prices rise.

2-3 days

Suggested plan:

1. Day 1: Morning visit to the Mezquita (free window or booked ticket), wander the Judería and Calleja de las Flores, local lunch, afternoon at the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, sunset at the Roman Bridge and Torre de la Calahorra
2. Day 2: Morning trip to Medina Azahara by dedicated bus, afternoon at Palacio de Viana and its courtyards, dinner at Mercado Victoria or Plaza de la Corredera
3. Day 3 (optional): Slow wander through Santa Marina and San Lorenzo away from the crowds, café time at Plaza de las Tendillas, and if visiting in May, touring the flower-filled patios