How Much Does Córdoba Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Córdoba offers a fascinating blend of historical grandeur and Andalusian charm that caters to a wide variety of travel styles, with typical daily costs ranging from $77 / €65 to $518 / €440. Compared to Spanish hubs like Madrid, this city is generally more affordable, though prices can fluctuate during the intense heat of July and August when temperatures frequently exceed 40°C (104°F). Visitors should expect to spend between $65 / €55 and $194 / €165 per person for a mid-range experience that balances cultural exploration with comfortable dining. While the historic center is compact and walkable, those visiting during the high-demand spring months will find that accommodation prices rise significantly to meet the influx of festival-goers.
Is Córdoba expensive to visit?
Córdoba is a moderately priced destination—expect to spend between $77 / €65 and $518 / €440 per day depending on whether you choose a hostel bed or a luxury boutique hotel.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Córdoba
$77
per person /day
$253
per person /day
$518
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $230 | $759 | $1,554 |
| 5-Day Trip | $383 | $1,265 | $2,589 |
| 7-Day Trip | $536 | $1,771 | $3,625 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A 15% buffer is recommended to account for hidden costs like the $1.18–$2.35 / €1–€2 bread service fees or the 25% taxi surcharge applied during the May Festival and holiday periods. This buffer also covers optional extras such as the separate ticket required for the Mezquita Bell Tower, which is not included in the general entry price.
How Does It Compare?
See how Córdoba stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Córdoba
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant Look for the 'Menú del Día' which often costs ~$14–$18 / €12–€15 for three courses. | $14 €12 |
| Domestic draught beer (0.5L) A small 'caña' (0.2L) is usually ~$1.77–$2.35 / €1.5–€2. | $3.53 €3 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Single bus ticket (AUCORSA) Tickets are purchased directly from the driver on the bus. | $1.53 €1.3 |
| Bonobús card (10 trips) The card itself has a small refundable deposit. Each trip costs ~$0.85 / €0.72. | $8.47 €7.2 |
| Taxi Minimum Fare (Night/Weekend) Standard daytime minimum fare is lower at ~$4.64 / €3.94. | $5.74 €4.88 |
| Bus Transfer: Seville Airport to Córdoba The journey takes about 2 hours. Booking in advance is recommended. | $23 €20 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bed in highly-rated hostel dorm Budget options in the Judería (Jewish Quarter) start around $33 / €28. Prices spike during the May Patio Festival. | $34 €29 |
| Mid-range boutique hotel room Average mid-range prices for a double room in the center range from $129 / €110 to $188 / €160 depending on the season. | $162 €138 |
| Luxury 5-star hotel (Hospes Palacio del Bailio) Expect prices to exceed $435 / €370 on spring weekends. | $297 €252 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mezquita-Catedral General admission Free entry for everyone from 08:30–09:30 (Mon-Sat), except on special celebration days. | $15 €13 |
| Palacio de Viana (Complete Visit) You can opt for a Patios-only ticket for ~$9.42 / €8. | $14 €12 |
| Medina Azahara Entry (Non-EU Citizen) EU citizens enter free with a valid passport/ID. | $1.77 €1.5 |
| Medina Azahara Tourist Bus (Round Trip) Departs from Avenida Alcázar. Price includes the internal shuttle bus at the ruins. | $12 €10 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo Spain eSIM (10GB) Best value for a 1-2 week trip. | $16 €14 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is dominated by traditional tabernas where a hearty 'Menú del Día' typically costs between $14 / €12 and $18 / €15 for a three-course meal. A domestic draught beer is priced around $3.53 / €3, though smaller glasses are often available for less in local neighborhoods like San Lorenzo. For those on a budget, places like Bar Santos and Mercado Victoria offer local specialties without the overhead of formal restaurant service.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Bar Santos
$2.94–$7.06 / €2.5–€6Near the Cathedral · Local chain
Famous for massive Spanish tortillas; grab a slice for ~$2.94 / €2.5 and eat it on the cathedral wall.
Mercado Victoria
$2.35–$18 / €2–€15Jardines de la Victoria · Food court
Visit Mon-Wed for the ~$2.35 / €2 caña and tapa promotion.
Taberna San Cristóbal
$12–$24 / €10–€20Centro · Local chain
Essential for tasting authentic Flamenquín for under ~$14 / €12.
Bocadi
$3.53–$9.42 / €3–€8Plaza de las Tendillas · Local chain
Best spot for a quick and cheap 'bocadillo' (sandwich) while sightseeing.
Taberna Sociedad Plateros María de la O
$14–$29 / €12–€25San Lorenzo · Local chain
Try the cod fritters; they are a local specialty and very affordable.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Most of Córdoba's highlights are located within the pedestrian-friendly Judería, but the AUCORSA bus system is available for longer trips with single tickets at $1.53 / €1.3. Regular commuters should opt for the Bonobús card, which costs $8.47 / €7.2 for 10 trips, effectively reducing the price to $0.85 / €0.72 per ride. Taxis are a convenient option for late-night travel, with weekend and night minimum fares starting at $5.74 / €4.88.
Accommodation Overview
Highly-rated hostel dorms in the Judería start around $34 / €29, offering excellent value in the heart of the city. Mid-range boutique hotels typically average $162 / €138 per night, while luxury stays like the Hospes Palacio del Bailio average $297 / €252. The sweet spot for value is often found in the San Basilio or Santa Marina neighborhoods, which offer authentic local stays away from the highest tourist concentrations.
Accommodation Budget in Córdoba
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Enter the Mezquita-Catedral for free between 08:30 and 09:30 (Monday–Saturday), saving the standard $15 / €13 admission fee.
- 2 Purchase a Bonobús card for $8.47 / €7.2 to get 10 bus trips for nearly half the price of individual tickets.
- 3 If you are an EU citizen, bring your ID to access the Archaeological Museum and Medina Azahara ruins for free.
- 4 Enjoy a massive portion of Spanish tortilla at Bar Santos for a cheap, filling lunch right next to the Cathedral.
- 5 Look for the 'Menú del Día' signs at lunch for a full three-course meal at places like Taberna San Cristóbal for approximately $14 / €12.
- 6 Opt for the $9.42 / €8 Patios-only ticket at Palacio de Viana if you want to skip the interior rooms and save $4.71 / €4 on the complete visit.
- 7 Refill water bottles at the historic public fountains in Plaza de las Tendillas and Plaza del Potro for $0.
- 8 Take the $12 / €10 tourist bus to Medina Azahara from Avenida Alcázar, which includes the mandatory internal shuttle at the site.
- 9 Avoid the 10–15% terrace surcharge by eating at the bar or inside the dining room at busy tourist squares.
- 10 Visit during the shoulder seasons or early summer to avoid the price spikes associated with the May festivals.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Apr, May, Oct
+40-60%
Jan, Jul, Aug
-30-50%
Mar, Nov
May is spectacular but brutally expensive and crowded. July and August are the cheapest because the heat often exceeds 40°C (104°F), making sightseeing difficult after 11:00.
Events to Watch
- ● Fiesta de los Patios (May): +100% hotel prices
- ● Semana Santa (Easter week): +60% accommodation
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walk across the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano) for the best views of the city skyline.
- 2 Explore the narrow, winding alleys of the Judería (Jewish Quarter) for $0.
- 3 Visit the Plaza de la Corredera, the city's unique 17th-century rectangular square.
- 4 Enter the Mezquita-Catedral for free between 08:30 and 09:30 (Monday–Saturday).
- 5 Admire the flower-filled Calleja de las Flores, Córdoba's most famous alleyway.
- 6 View the ruins of the Roman Temple on Calle Capitulares from the public sidewalk.
- 7 Relax in the Jardines de la Victoria, a large historic park bordering the city center.
- 8 Walk through the Puerta del Puente, the impressive Renaissance gateway to the city.
- 9 Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) for free (valid for EU citizens).
- 10 Explore the Plaza del Potro and its famous fountain mentioned in Don Quixote.
- 11 Wander through the San Basilio neighborhood to see traditional white-washed house exteriors.
- 12 Visit the Museo Arqueológico (Archaeological Museum) for free if you are an EU citizen.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Hammam Al Ándalus Arabian Baths
A stunning, authentic re-creation of Moorish baths with thermal pools. Packages with massage start around ~$53 / €45.
Soul of Córdoba (Night Visit to the Mosque)
An immersive light and sound show at night that offers a completely different atmosphere than daytime.
Patios de San Basilio Guided Tour
Allows access to the most beautiful private patios even outside the May festival season.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Córdoba
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Córdoba and what they cost
Seville
$51 / €43 by train
$14 / €12
$106 / €90
Almodóvar del Río Castle
$7.06 / €6 by bus
$12 / €10
$41 / €35
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
Excellent in most places, but small tapas bars and family-run patios in San Basilio may require cash for small amounts under ~$5.89 / €5.
Not mandatory. Rounding up to the nearest Euro is common for coffee; for dinner, a ~$2.35–$5.89 / €2–€5 tip is generous if service was excellent.
Use official bank ATMs (CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander). Avoid Euronet ATMs found in the Judería as they charge high transaction fees of ~$4.71–$8.24 / €4–€7.
Connectivity
eSIM: $16 for 10GB (30 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $18–$24 / €15–€20 for 40GB+ at Orange/Vodafone
WiFi: Excellent in cafes and hotels; many public squares like Plaza de las Tendillas have free municipal hotspots.
Airalo eSIM is the most convenient, but if you need a physical SIM, visit an Orange or Vodafone shop in the city center for a ~$24 / €20 prepaid plan.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Córdoba.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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