Free things to do in Cordoba updated January 2025

General Information

Free for EU citizens/free for all

Spain has a policy on edificios BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural) which aims to ensure that these buildings, which receive financing from the State, are free to the public at least four times a month. Most of these occasions are available to all EU citizens although there are some notable and understandable exceptions  - the Alhambra of Granada only for local residents, for example.

"La ley no se negocia y establece que, cuando se trate de edificios BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural), se permitirán las visitas públicas y gratuitas al menos cuatro días al mes, en días y horas señalados, una información que debe ser pública y accesible".

https://www.diariodealmeria.es/almeria/Ley-gratuitas-edificios-declarados-BIC_0_1107189373.html 

Interpretation varies but you can be reasonably sure that for the vast majority of monuments, if you are on a ‘slow travel’ holiday, you are likely to be able to visit free at some point during the week, although it can be useful to get up early (especially for cathedrals) or adapt your meal times/siesta (museums and art galleries).

For free entry times sometimes you can or must book online; for other attractions you have to be in a physical queue/line. Work out how long you are prepared to wait according to how much you will save.

Free or discounted for over 65s.

It’s also worth always checking free or discounted entry requirements. Many museums/monuments are free or discounted for those over 65 (not just for EU residents). There’s no one rule which covers everywhere, so check the specific website, reading who is entitled to a free or reduced priced ticket.

If you buy a discounted/free ticket online – for example because you are over 65, you will have to go to the ticket office anyway to get it validated by showing documentation. You can’t just turn up at the gate and go in. This is worth bearing in mind if you are travelling when there are likely to be queues. Again, decide if the saving is worth it.

CORDOBA

Comprehensive info about things to see and do in Cordoba here To check updated information about opening hours and prices for current month open the pdf you find here

The free time for the most interesting monuments are Wednesday afternoon for the Patios de Palacio de Vianos and Thursday afternoon for several other. Bear in mind when planning your stay.

- Mezquita - spectacular, the most beautiful building I have ever visited, except for the Alhambra de Granada. Entry to the Mezquita is free from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 to 9.30 (well they start to ask you to leave at 9.20). We went every morning we could, it is splendid! If you don't go for free, pay to go in, you can't not visit the Mezquita if you are anywhere near Cordoba.

- Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos - free on Thursdays from 6pm in 'winter' and from 12 noon in 'summer' (check the times on the link above for the specific month). We went end October and got there at 17.40 which was about right because a queue was forming, they only allow a certain number of people in at one time. Normal price is €7 which would be worth it, especially for the gardens, there are the usual discounts

- Palacio de Viana (only the 12 patios) free on Wednesday afternoons. 

- Museo Taurino - free on Thursdays from 6pm, definitely worth a free visit if you're interested in bull-fighting, a nice video experience too.

- Museo Julio Romero de Torres - free on Thursdays from 6pm

- Posada del Potro C. Flamenco “Fosforito” - free on Thursdays from 6pm

- Patios, everywhere in Cordoba, especially in Barrio San Basilio, where some are free because used for small shops, restaurants or arts and crafts areas, others are private and you can make an offer, some you have to pay if you want to visit them.

- Museo Bellas Artes -  free for EU citizens, worth a quick look if you've got time.

- Baños del Alcázar Califal, once again on Thursdays from 6pm, not left much to see, don't bother if you've seen those in Jaen.

- Sinagoga - free for EU citizens, just one room, but interesting.

- Museo Arqueológico - free for EU citizens, worth a visit.

- Caballerizas Reales - you can have a look in at the stables with a collection of carts for free which is interesting.

- Casa Árabe - free

- Iglesias Fernandinas - free and open Mondays to Fridays if you buy a ticket to the Mezquita. If you don't, many are open on Sunday mornings/evenings for Mass - check the times and don't disturb! 

CORDOBA TRIP REPORT OCTOBER 2018

CORDOBA TRIP REPORT JANUARY 2025

Free things to do in  Malaga, HERE

Free things to do in Andalucia: the Sherry triangle of Cadiz, Jerez, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Sanlucar de Barrameda, Chiclana de la Frontera HERE

Free things to do in Granada HERE