14 Best Things to Do in Córdoba Argentina (2025)

Find out all the best things to do and see in the capital of Argentina’s Córdoba province, including all the best local places to eat.

Córdoba is Argentina’s second largest city. It has all the same conveniences as Buenos Aires but feels more approachable and less hectic.

I spent over three months living in Córdoba, the capital city of the Córdoba province. I spent so much time here because I have a good friend who lives here. He opened his world to me, and I got to know the city like a local.

In an effort to get to know Córdoba better, I asked my new local friends about their favorite spots in Córdoba Capital: Favorite restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. Now I am going to offer those local suggestions to you in this ultimate guide to Córdob,a Argentina.

Things to do in Córdoba Capital

Even though Córdoba is a big city, it is easy to get around. There are buses and taxis available, but most of the time you don’t need them. You can easily walk from one side of Córdoba to the other within an hour.

Córdoba is a young city, in that it is a student mecca, with many young Argentines coming from all over the country to study medicine here. There are lots of options for international food (though many are mediocre) and great brunch spots in Córdoba.

The most popular neighborhoods are:

• Nueva Córdoba | popular with young students, many bars and clubs
• Guemes | hip area with lots of restaurants and outdoor markets
• Alberdi | Residential area close to the center
• General Paz | Residential area popular with professionals
• Cerro de las Rosas | Residential area popular with young families

The majority of the tourist attractions in Córdoba can be found in the center, making it easy to see many things in one day. Continue reading for this Córdoba Argentina travel guide.

1. Plaza de San Martín

This plaza was founded by the Spanish in 1577 and was planned out perfectly to be in the center of the 70-block gridded city. The two most important buildings were to be located here as well: The Cathedral (religious power), and the Cabildo (political power). In the center of the plaza is a giant bronze statue of José de San Martín, which was built in 1916.

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2. La Catedral de Córdoba Capital

This cathedral, built in 1582, faces Plaza San Martin, but wasn’t officially consecrated until 1706, and not fully completed until the late 1700s. The inside of the church is exactly what you would expect for a Catholic cathedral: lots of gold, painted ceilings, statues of Jesus, and rows of pews.

On the pedestrian path in front of the cathedral, is a brick design that directly mirrors the façade of the cathedral. The cathedral is open most days, and you can wander in. You’ll need to get a specialized tour if you want to go to the top of the building.

3. El Cabildo

The Cabildos in Argentina were originally built as political houses during the Spanish colonization, and are now mainly used as historical museums of the city. The Cabildo in Córdoba is no exception to that rule.

The courtyard of the space is also used for various events in the city. In the museum of the Cabildo, you can find tools used by the Indigenous people who lived here before the Spanish arrived, old maps of the city, and relics of the time of high immigration from Europe, such as barber chairs, beds, and old freezers.

Like the cathedral, the Cabildo faces Plaza San Martin, and the façade of the building can be seen mirrored in the street. You can catch a tour (in Spanish) at 10:30, 11:30, or 12:30 Monday-Friday. The entrance is on the side of the building, in the alleyway.

4. Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon (Capuchino)

This is a Franciscan church, whose construction was completed in 1934, in a neo-Gothic European style, complete with spires on the roof, and several religious figure statues covering the face of the church.

At night, the church is lit up brightly and sits across the street from Buen Pastor, where a number of nightclubs and restaurants are located. You’ll see this area covered with teens drinking mate in the evenings.

5. Museo de las Mujeres

This museum is exactly what it sounds like. Art created by women. Exploratory, anti-racist, feminist works. The day I went, there were several interesting projections and embroidered works. The entrance was free, and I was there for less than 30 minutes, but I really enjoyed it and would recommend it. It’s only a 5-minute walk from Plaza San Martin.

6. Paseo de las Artes and the Feria

During the day, this massive building looks abandoned. But on the weekend evenings, it comes alive. There is a massive feria that covers several streets surrounding the building. You can find anything here, from jewelry to plants to books to vintage records. There are also several buildings with markets inside during market times.

7. Palacio Ferreyra

What was once a 35-bedroom home for the Ferreyra Family (whoever they are), is now the Museum of Fine Arts. The bottom floor is mostly landscape and portrait oil paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Upstairs is a bit more contemporary, with several rooms along the terrace, showing paintings of travel and other sculptures.

8. Museo Caraffa

This museum is located on the edge of Parque Sarmiento and about a 2-minute walk from Palacio Ferreyra. The museum has a constant rotation of contemporary exhibitions. The museum has several floors and many rooms and hallways on each floor. I quite enjoyed this museum. The entrance was equivalent to 1.25 USD.

9. Plaza del Bicentenario

This is a small corner park with 201 oversized, brightly colored rings, reminding me of the Olympics. Each ring has a date on it, with a corresponding piece of Argentine history from that year. It is just across the street from Museo Caraffa, on the edge of Parque Sarmiento.

10. Parque Sarmiento

This is a massive park of 43 acres. Inside the park, you can find a rose garden, a zoo, lakes, several small cafes dotted around the edges, food trucks, large green expanses, and walking trails. You can find lots of people exercising here.

11. La Rueda Eiffel

On the north side of Parque Sarmiento, you can find the remains of the Eiffel Wheel. Yes, that Eiffel. The same guy who built the tower in France. There is a small park around the wheel, but it is completely closed off to the public with a high fence surrounding it.

Once upon a time, when it was in use, the wheel took 20 minutes to make a complete turn. Córdoba bought the wheel from Tucuman in 1918, but just one year later, it faced several structural issues. Throughout the next decade, the city made several attempts to repair this wheel, though ultimately futile.

A small path forms around the perimeter of the fence. You can walk around it to try to get a closer look behind the chain-linked fence.

12. Rio Suquia

Córdoba Capital consistently has warm weather, even in winter. This means most days are good for a stroll under the sun. The Cañada is a small river that runs through the center of town. As it goes north, it hits the Suquia River.

Once you reach the river, cross the bridge and go left. The banks of the river are full of people drinking mate in the grass, reading a book, taking a walk, or riding a bike. The river extends out far in each direction, so there is plenty of walking to be had. There is also great street art all along the river.

13. The Walking Streets

Like the best cities in Argentina, Córdoba also has several peatonal streets (foot traffic only). They are lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, street food, shoe shiners, and the occasional street performer.

14. Ride your bicycle on the Ciclovia Elevada

Córdoba has recently completed an elevated track that goes above ground and connects the Nueva Córdoba, General Paz, and Centro neighborhoods. Both bicycles and pedestrians are welcome to use this track. It has lights along the track so you can travel safely at night.

The track doesn’t make a complete circle but connects to pre-existing bicycle tracks around the city. You can easily pass by all the main tourist attractions in Cordoba along the bike trails, such as the Capuchin Church, Parque Sarmiento, and much more.

Rent a Bicycle

If you don’t have your own bike, no problem! You can rent a bike for FREE from one of the many stations around town. You just need to create an account on their website first (using your phone). Then you can go to any of the stations around the city.

The map above shows the stations. Once there, the attendant will scan the QR on your phone. You need to enter your credit card info just in case. Then you can choose the bike you want. They will provide a helmet and an orange vest to use while riding.

Where to eat in Córdoba Capital

The food and drink options in Córdoba Capital are endless. The selection is huge and there is truly something for everyone: breweries, bars, cafes, and brunch places in Córdoba too!

Santa Calma

This is a great cafe/restaurant/bar that sits on the edge of Sarmiento Park. I went during the day and had a fresh juice, though as I walked by the other tables, I could see all the lunch dishes looking particularly amazing.

The outdoor atmosphere is really cozy. At night, it must be like a dream, with strings of light hung across the open spaces between trees. I definitely recommend this spot for a delicious lunch, a romantic date, or a great spot for drinks in the evenings.

El Dante

This is a food truck for choripan, just across the street from Santa Calma, and in the corner of Parque Sarmiento. I was told it is the best choripan in Córdoba. While I’m not a choripan connoisseur, it was truly delicious. It was massive.

Plus, the truck had a ton of options for extras on top: salsa criolla, onions, tomatoes, carrots, etc. There are a few benches just next to the truck, so you should easily be able to find a place to sit and enjoy your choripan.

La Capke

There are actually two La Capke locations- one in Guemes, one in General Paz- and both are incredibly cute. The decorations and ambiance are really cozy, and the food is delicious.

I had an egg Benedict on a croissant one time, and a salmon lox sandwich the other. I haven’t been disappointed one single time that I’ve gone here. The Guemes location is in a small alley off a main street, so it’s quiet back there. This is one of the many great brunch spots in Córdoba.

Standard 69

My friend recommended this spot to me for the drinks, but when I went in the evening, I couldn’t get in as a reservation was needed. I went back another day for lunch. A reservation was also needed to sit outside, but I was able to get a table inside with no problem.

The servings are quite small, more like tapa size, so I do recommend trying a few different things. It is a little on the pricey side, but worth it when you want to treat yourself. When I told my friend I was at a restaurant that abbreviated itself to STD69, she told me not to order the crabs. Solid advice.

La Cocina de Fazzio

If I had to describe this place in one word, it would be WILD. It’s like a midday party. Oh yeah, and there’s seafood too.

The place pumps up the music for the lunch crowd (only open for lunch) and intermittently turns up the volume for a few seconds at a time, and all the eaters clap and cheer. Then the volume goes back down, and they continue as if it were a normal afternoon.

Fazzio’s is famous for seafood, and it does not disappoint. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it for the experience. It’s just inside the Mercado Norte. Go to the main entrance and turn right. You’ll see it.

Mercado Norte

While you’re waiting for your name to be called at Fazzio’s, take a quick stroll around the market. It is probably not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. There are aisles and shops serving cheese, ham, sausage, veggies, etc.

But along the aisles, you will also see entire pigs hanging from their feet. Definitely an interesting cultural experience, and a popular place for locals to get their meats.

Mercado de las Rosas

The Mercado de las Rosas is in the Cerro de las Rosas neighborhood, on the outskirts of the city center. There are several eating establishments inside here to choose from. It is all outdoor dining with flowers and vines hanging everywhere. Very pretty.

Mercado Alberdi

This market is not a traditional market like Mercado Norte. It is a newly renovated hipster market. Think craft beer, several small restaurants, buzzers to tell you when your food is ready, and a young crowd hanging out. The market is closed on Monday and Tuesday but is open the rest of the week from 6 pm to midnight.

LA TERMINAL – Ruin Bar

This is a really fun restaurant and bar. It is a large open space full of random decorations reminiscent of the traditional ruin bars in Budapest. You can get beers and cocktails or even enjoy a full meal. It’s worth a visit.

K-Mix Korean Food

I lived in South Korea for 4 years, and it is easily my favorite cuisine. But finding authentic Korean food outside of Korea can be really challenging. So when I found K-Mix, I was so excited. The owners are Korean, and the food is really authentic and delicious. This is the best Asian food restaurant in Cordoba.

Fernet & Coca-Cola

Fernet is an alcoholic beverage originally from Italy and has become extremely popularized in Argentina when drunk with Coca-Cola. The Fernet & Coca origin story begins here in Córdoba Capital, with the university students in the 1980s. Apparently, 75% of global consumption of Fernet is here in Argentina.

If you come to Córdoba, nearly every Cordobes will ask if you have tried it. Therefore, you should probably just try it so you don’t have to hear them crying if you say no.

Getting Around Cordoba Capital

Even though Cordoba is Argentina’s second biggest city, it feels much more approachable and smaller than Buenos Aires.

Walk

You can easily walk around the center of Cordoba and the various neighborhoods. No matter where you are in Cordoba, you’re never more than a 10-15 minute walk away from restaurants or attractions.

Bike

With the new addition of the Ciclovia, biking in Cordoba has become so much easier. The city is full of new bike lanes and ciclovia trails. Rent a bike for free at one of the main stations.

Bus

There are several city buses, though they come much less frequently than they do in Buenos Aires. You need to get a Red Bus card from a kiosk. Unfortunately, the Cordoba transit system does not use the same SUBE card as in Buenos Aires.

Taxi

It’s not difficult to find taxis on the street. However, Cordoba now has access to Uber and Didi, making moving around the city much easier and more affordable.

Getting to Cordoba by Bus

The main bus terminal in Córdoba is massive, so make sure you give yourself extra time if you’re planning to take a bus. There is an old and a new section. The long-distance buses leave from the older section, and the provincial buses leave from the newer terminal.

You can buy tickets from either terminal. In the old terminal, the bus company counters are downstairs on the lower level. In the newer terminal, you can find the bus company counters at the very end of the terminal. Buses go from this terminal all over the province and the country. Check Unibus or Busbud for schedules.

Getting to Cordoba Capital from the Airport

The Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport is the main airport of Cordoba. There are multiple flights that arrive here per day from Buenos Aires and other major cities in Argentina. The airport is to the north of the city, just outside the main traffic ring encircling Cordoba.

Taxi

There are often yellow taxis waiting outside of the airport on the ground floor where you would pick up your bags. A yellow taxi costs around $15-$20 to the city center.

Ridesharing Apps

You can also order a Didi or an Uber to pick you up. The Didi/Uber drivers will often ask you to wait for them on the upper level. It costs around $10-$12 to take a Didi from the airport to the town center.

Bus

You can take the city Bus 25 from the airport to the town center for around $1.20. The bus comes every 20 minutes. You need to have the Tarjeta Red Bus (Red Bus Card) in order to take this bus.

AeroBus

This bus is created for tourists in Cordoba. It goes from 7 am to 11 pm, and goes every hour on the hour. The price is 4800 pesos ($5). It makes 3 stops in the city: Patio Olmos, Parana street/Blvd Illia, and the bus terminal.

Day Trips from Córdoba

Córdoba is surrounded by nature, making it a great place to stay for several days as you discover nature in the rest of the province. This is my favorite area in Argentina, and there are so many things to do in the Cordoba Province. Here are a few great day trips or weekend trips to take from Córdoba capital:

• Tren de las Sierras
• Villa General Belgrano and La Cumbrecita
• Carlos Paz
• La Cumbre
• Los Gigantes
• Mina Clavero
• Durazno
• Capilla del Monte & San Marcos Sierras
• Alta Gracia

Is Córdoba Argentina worth visiting?

Córdoba is a city that is very worth visiting. It’s not as hectic as Buenos Aires, but there are still a ton of things to do. Córdoba is also really special because of its proximity to nature. You can find yourself on hiking trails and sitting in streams within 30-40 minutes of the city center.

Is Córdoba safe?

Anything is possible in a city, but in my personal experience, I always felt safe in Córdoba. I felt safer walking around the streets here than I did in Buenos Aires. People in Córdoba are famous for being jokesters, and they often want to have a chat and a laugh with you. I always had a strong sense that I could trust Cordobeses.

What is the weather like in Córdoba?

The weather in Córdoba is generally pretty mild. In comparison to Buenos Aires, it is always slightly warmer. The winter (July & August) never felt too intensely cold, but the summer can get pretty hot. I think the best times in Córdoba are during the spring (September – November) and fall (March – May). The weather is perfect.

The climate reminds me a lot of Colorado in the United States. Many sunny days throughout the year make the winter season pass by quickly and bearably.

Where to stay in Córdoba, Argentina

Córdoba is a big city with a lot of hotel options. Below are the spots I suggest.

Lacandona Hostel

This is an affordable hostel for young travelers about 4 blocks from the main bus station. The beds are comfortable, and the rooms are clean. A simple breakfast is included.

Book NOW to stay a night in this hostel near the bus station

Bucanaan hostel boutique

This hostel is perfectly centrally located between the centro, Guemes, and Alberdi. There are a ton of dining options nearby. The hostel has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, free private parking, a garden, and a shared lounge with a free breakfast in the mornings.

Stay in this centrally located hostel in DOWNTOWN Córdoba

Windsor Hotel

This hotel is fantastically located and easily within walking distance of everything you’ll want to do and see. There is a heated rooftop swimming pool. You can even order a massage in your room. There is a restaurant in the hotel where you can enjoy dinner if you want to stay in.

Stay in this beautiful central hotel in Córdoba

NH Córdoba Urbano

This is a 4-star hotel with a great location. There is a rooftop terrace with great city views. Breakfast is included each morning. There are a lot of great restaurants in the area, and there is good nightlife.

BOOK NOW to stay in this stunning downtown hotel

Hotel de la Cañada

This hotel is in a perfect location near the canal, where there is a night market every weekend. The hotel has a garden, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and a Continental breakfast. Laundry service is available.

Stay in this perfectly located hotel along the canal, BOOK NOW

Final Thoughts on What to do in Córdoba Capital

There is so much to see in Córdoba. While it is Argentina’s second-largest city, it is easy to get around, and you can see a lot in one day. Córdoba also has great proximity to the surrounding natural areas, making it a perfect place to base yourself for several days.

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