Granada Or Cordoba: Which One To Visit? (2024)
Are you planning a trip to Spain and wondering if you should add Granada or Cordoba to your itinerary?
I visited both so I’ve got you covered!
While I think both cities are well worth visiting, your time in Andalucia might be limited and you’ll have to choose between them.
Granada is a larger city best known for the impressive Alhambra and the charming Albayzín neighborhood.
Cordoba is a smaller city, and its whole historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the main tourist attraction being the unique Mezquita.
So, which one is better for you?
Here’s everything you need to know to make the decision!
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Overview: Granada vs Cordoba
Both Granada and Cordoba are one of the main tourist attractions in the south of Spain. They offer impressive historical monuments, a unique Andalucian atmosphere and culture.
Basically, you’ll have to decide if you’re more interested in things to see in Granada or Cordoba.
Other factors, like the ease of getting there and the price of stay, are quite similar for both.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from each city!
| Granada | Cordoba |
|---|---|
| Alhambra and Albayzín neighborhood | Mezquita and flower patios |
| Larger city | Smaller city |
| Lively nightlife | Gets more quiet and intimate at night |
| Great base for exploring the region | Most people visit on a day trip |
| Closer to Malaga | Closer to Seville |
Tourist Attractions
- Winner: Granada, but Cordoba is quite impressive too!
Deciding whether you like tourist attractions in Cordoba or Granada better is such a personal decision!
Both cities boast UNESCO World Heritage sites, so it is safe to say they are pretty impressive.
However, I found there were more things to do in Granada, so it won for me just slightly!
TOP Things to do in Granada
1. Visit Alhambra
Alhambra is the main reason to visit Granada. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most impressive remains of Moorish architecture in Spain.
You can easily spend several hours walking the premises of this majestic Palace and admiring the intricate details.
You’ll want to get your Alhambra tickets well in advance as they quickly sell out in high season! Especially if you want to go for the cheapest option of a self-guided tour of the Palace.
Tickets have an entrance time, and you’re only allowed to enter Nasrid Palace at the time noted on your ticket. Also, don’t forget your ID, as you’ll have to show it to get in.
2. Discover the historic old town of Albayzín
Before coming to Granada I thought the city center and Albayzín were the same thing. Obviously, I was wrong.
Albayzín is a historic hilltop neighborhood with white houses with tiled rooftops, cobblestone streets, and winding staircases.
It is a cool place to stroll around and see what you can discover. Also, it offers a great view of the Alhambra!
3. Admire the view from Mirador de San Nicolás
Situated at the top of the Albayzin neighborhood stands the best viewpoint in Granada – Mirador de San Nicolás!
Before you ask, yes it is worth taking all the stairs to the viewpoint.
I love this viewpoint for two reasons!
Firstly, it offers the best panoramic view of Alhambra, and you’ll see how large the Alhambra complex is.
Secondly, it is a fantastic place to visit for sunset, as you get to admire the colors of the sun while listening to the live music from street performers.
4. Go for a hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains
Granada is a great place to stay to discover the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains on a day hike.
Several hiking trails start just outside the city and you don’t even need a car to do it! You can simply grab a local bus to the starting point and grab it on the way back.
Alternatively, you can join a hiking tour in the Sierra Nevada with a guide who will pick you up in the city center so you don’t have to worry about transportation!
5. Join a free walking tour
Finally, there are many hidden gems in the city center of Granada apart from Alhambra and Albayzin.
Most of the city center is a pedestrian zone, and I loved the architecture, the impressive Granada Cathedral, and many local markets sprinkled around the city.
Even when I travel on a budget, I like joining one of the tips-based free walking tours, as the local guides always have something interesting to say about the city that you might not learn otherwise.
🚶Browse all free walking tours in Granada here!
TOP Things to do in Cordoba
1. Visit Mezquita
The main tourist attraction in Cordoba is its unique Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. This unique religious building dates back to the Moorish times, when it was built as a mosque.
After the Spanish king conquered Cordoba in the 13th century, the mosque was turned into a Cathedral.
The architecture is quite unique for Europe, and a great example of the Islamic influence in the region.
You’ll want to book your ticket in advance to ensure you get to visit this popular site without waiting in line for an hour!
You can also buy the tickets on-site like I did, but I only recommend that if you’re traveling in the low season.
Join a guided tour of the Mezquita to learn more about its history!
2. Stroll the Jewish Quarter and the historic center
The historic center and the Jewish Quarter (La Juderia) are my favorite neighborhoods in Cordoba as it is a perfect example of the city’s history.
I enjoyed following the maze of cobblestone streets and taking a peak into the inner courtyards.
You’ll also find many traditional restaurants where you can try some of the local delicacies like the typical cold soups Salmorejo and Mazamorra.
These soups are accidentally vegan, just make sure they don’t add any toppings you wouldn’t want to eat!
3. Discover hidden patios
The flower-adorned patios in Cordoba are more than just a picturesque Instagram opportunity.
The way Cordoba locals decorate their patios is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage!
There is even the Cordoba Patio Festival taking place in May when all these patios are open to the public and they compete for the title of the best patio in the city!
Most of the best spots to see these beautiful flowers are only accessible on a tour outside the festival time. However, some are open year-round like Calleja de las Flores!
💐Join the Guided Tour of the Córdoba Patios here!
4. Walk the Roman Bridge
Cordoba is situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the bridge crossing the river offers a stunning view of the historic city center.
Standing across the river is Calahorra Tower. The tower hosts a museum where you can learn about the history of the city and the different populations that used to live there.
5. Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
Mezquita is not the only historic landmark in Cordoba! Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs is a medieval fortress dating back to the 14th century.
It served as a residence to several Spanish monarchs throughout history, and today you can visit it and imagine what it was like to live there all those years ago.
Getting There
- Winner: Both
Both Granada and Cordoba are relatively close to each other and easy to reach from all over Spain and Europe.
Neither of the cities has a large international airport, but they are close to Seville and Malaga who do!
Logistically, both cities are a couple of hours’ drive from Seville or Malaga and you can simply hop on a bus or train to get there.
When you look at the map, Cordoba is closer to Seville and Granada is closer to Malaga, but the difference is negligible.
Sure, you’ll have to take a little detour from the region’s airport hubs to get to both cities, but they are easy to incorporate into any Spain itinerary.
🚌 Compare buses and trains here!
Accommodation
- Winner: Both
You won’t have a problem finding affordable and comfortable accommodation in either of the cities.
For Spain backpackers, there are social hostels for about 20€ per night, and family-run hostals with private rooms can be found starting at 40€.
I really like the traditional houses in both cities!
Higher-end accommodation starts at about 100€ per night, which is a great price compared to Barcelona or Madrid!
Where to stay in Granada
Backpacker Hostel: Toc Hostel Granada (I love the social vibes in this backpacker hostel!)
Mid-range Option: Palacio Dorobe
TOP Pick: Barceló Carmen Granada
Where to stay in Cordoba
Backpacker Hostel: Backpackers Al-Katre
Mid-range Option: Pension Internacional (I stayed here and it was a great place!)
TOP Pick: H10 Palacio Colomera
Getting Around
- Winner: Both
The ease of getting around won’t be something that will make or break your trip.
Both cities are quite compact, with the main tourist attractions in the city center.
Even if your accommodation is further from the city center, you can simply get a local bus.
I didn’t use public transport in either of the cities, as my accommodation was in the city center so it was easy to just walk around.
In fact, walking around was half of the fun because the cobblestone streets of the cities were so picturesque!
Nightlife
- Winner: Granada
When it comes to nightlife, you’ll quickly notice that Cordoba is a day trip destination.
If you’re backpacking Andalucia and want to enjoy the famous Spanish nightlife, Granada is the winner.
That is not to say that Cordoba is deserted in the evenings but it is significantly calmer than Granada.
I liked the laid-back evening I spent in Cordoba, strolling the cobblestone streets, enjoying an open-air concert in the city center, sipping sangria, and enjoying free tapas.
On the other hand, Granada has a really lively nightlife, and the city center is lined with clubs and cocktail bars.
Cost of travel
- Winner: Both
If you’re planning a trip to Southern Spain, you’ll be glad to know that it is one of the cheaper regions in Europe.
Despite its popularity, the cost of travel in Granada and Cordoba is surprisingly low compared to the most expensive European destinations.
Generally, you can expect to spend 40-80€ per day if you’re traveling on a budget.
Now, if you’re a backpacker staying in hostels your daily average will be on the lower end.
If you travel solo and prefer to stay in private rooms, you’ll spend at least 40€ just for accommodation.
The price of tourist attractions like Mezquita and Alhambra can quickly add up.
You’ll pay 13€ just to enter Mezquita without a guide, and 19€ for a general Alhambra visit without a guide. If you’re getting a guided tour the price is almost double.
I didn’t notice much difference in restaurant prices in the two cities, but Granada did have more vegan options.
Granada is better for you…
If you want to visit a Spanish city that’s a blend of rich history and modern vibes, Granada is the spot for you.
Alhambra is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Spain, and you can easily spend several hours walking around the palace premises and the historic center of Albayzín.
With many tourist attractions around the city, Granada is a place where you should spend at least 2 days.
At the same time, Granada is a great destination for backpackers with a very lively nightlife. The city center is dotted with cocktail bars where you can grab a drink or dance until the morning.
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, Granada makes for a great departure point for hikes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Cordoba is better for you…
If you want to experience a smaller Andalucian city with a rich history, impressive monuments, and unique landmarks – you should visit Cordoba.
Cordoba has fewer tourist attractions than Granada, but they are well worth visiting.
I loved the quaint and picturesque maze of cobblestone streets of Cordoba, which hide numerous local restaurants, hammams, and flower-filled patios.
Most people visit Cordoba on a day trip, so the city can feel overcrowded during the day.
If you spend a night in Cordoba, you’ll get to enjoy the sites without crowds. Also, you can base yourself in Cordoba and visit Granada on a day trip too!
Still, some might find evenings in Cordoba too quiet, especially in the low season. However, I didn’t mind it at all for one night and enjoyed the tranquility.
FAQ: Cordoba vs Granada
Should you visit both Granada and Cordoba?
100% yes! The cities are different enough that it makes sense to visit both.
Alhambra in Granada is one of the most impressive monuments to visit in the whole country.
At the same time, Cordoba’s Mesquita is one of a kind too!
Also, I loved the whole small city feeling of Cordoba, its cobblestone streets and beautiful flowered patios.
It is even possible to visit both cities on the same day if you start your day bright and early!
Where to stay longer?
If you visit both cities, should you spend more time in Cordoba or Granada?
Granada is a bigger city with more tourist attractions, so that’s where most people will prefer to stay longer.
I spent 1 night in Cordoba and 2 nights in Granada, and that was great if you had 7 days in Andalucia.
Many people only visit Cordoba on a day trip, but I actually enjoyed walking around the city once all the day trippers left. It was quite charming!
However, after 1 day I felt like I’d already seen everything there was to see, while Granada felt more like a place where you stay longer and go on day trips in the region.
How many days in Cordoba and Granada?
To experience Cordoba and Granada you need about 3 days.
You could spend 3 nights in Granada and visit Cordoba on a day trip, or 2 nights in Granada and 1 in Cordoba like I did.
Spending a night in Cordoba allows you to have a more relaxing experience in the city once the tour groups leave.
Final Thoughts: Granada Or Cordoba
Both Granada and Cordoba are impressive places to visit, but if I only had time to visit one I’d go to Granada.
I visited both cities and felt like there were more things to do in Granada. I found Alhambra and Albayzín more impressive than Mezquita and the city center of Cordoba.
Granada is a great base for exploring Andalucia, and I loved the city, atmosphere, and proximity to the Sierra Nevada.
That being said, I really enjoyed spending a day in Cordoba too, and you should try to squeeze in at least a day trip as you can easily see all the main tourist attractions in a couple of hours.
Now that you know what to expect from these two cities, you are ready to plan your Andalucia itinerary! Have you already decided between visiting Seville or Granada?
