The Top 25 Things to See and Do in Córdoba, Argentina
The city of Córdoba, capital of the province in Argentina of the same name, has a history of culture and intellectualism. Find out the top things to see and do here, whether you’d like to catch a tango performance, roam around Spanish-colonial buildings, immerse yourself in art and music or check out the trendy restaurants of the bohemian Güemes neighborhood.
Tour the Cathedral of Córdoba
Cathedral, Church
Stroll through Parque Sarmiento
Park
Get a dose of history at the Jesuit Block
Church, School, University
Bar Yoly
Bar, Argentina
What trip to Argentina is complete without a visit to a good steak house? A visit to Bar Yoly will remind you why Argentine beef is considered to be one of the best in the world. Unbelievable cuts of meat are thrown on the grill and served with love (but no frills). Expect the food to do the talking. A local joint, this is the perfect typical Argentine parrilla restaurant, or steak restaurant. Recommended by Eve Bidmead.
Centro Civico de la Provincia de Cordoba
Architectural Landmark
This sculptural government building is a planar concrete construction with an interestingly perforated facade. Although not accessible to the public, it is worth passing by at night to see it lit up in all its glory. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.
Villa Carlos Paz
Architectural Landmark
This idyllic town is a tourist haven for those looking to experience both the urban settlements and natural beauty of the Cordobese countryside. Situated on the shores of the San Roque lake, Villa Carlos Paz is less than 40km from Cordoba and boasts incredible lakes, rivers and hills – perfect for some light outdoor activity. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.
Villa General Belgrano
Architectural Landmark
This quaint mountain town was founded in 1930 by two German agriculturalists and has a distinctly Alpine feel. Known for its Bavarian architecture and German influence, it is a popular stop on the tourist trail in the countryside surrounding Cordoba and well worth a day trip. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.
Cosquín
Architectural Landmark
This quiet town garnered fame for being a safe haven for anyone with respiratory or pulmonary ailments due to its pure and fresh air. Now it is more renowned for the National Folklore Festival it hosts annually, drawing over 100,000 people each year. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.
Uritorco Hill
Natural Feature
One of the more legendary locations around Cordoba, the Uritorco Hill has become a thing of lore due to reported paranormal activity in the area. UFO sightings, secret portals to other dimensions, magnetic energy fields all fight for the title of the most bizarre happening on the hill. A must-visit for any mystic. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.
Look for handicrafts at the Feria Artesanal
Market
Dine in Güemes
Architectural Landmark
This hip neighborhood in the heart of the city is full of bohemian restaurants and bars, making it an ideal spot to grab a bite to eat. Casual Argentine cuisine is served all day at Bruncheria, from bruschetta, jamón and freshly squeezed juice in the morning, to pizza and vino tinto in the evening. Its retro blue-and-yellow styling extends to the terrace, which is open until 8pm every day. If you’re in the area on the weekend, be sure to check out the colorful artisans’ market.
Take in the canal-side nightlife
Architectural Landmark
A landscaped canal bisects Córdoba, and the canal-facing street of Marcelo T de Alvear in the downtown area is chock-full of bars for every type of reveler. One of the best is X Bar, a dimly lit locals-only spot with second-hand furniture and vintage adverts on its walls. Order a kiwi daiquiri, which tastes so good it could pass as a breakfast smoothie.
Dance up a storm at Tsunami Tango
School
Peruse art at the Evita Fine Arts Museum
Museum
Catch a show at the Teatro del Libertador General San Martín
Theater
Take in the culture at Paseo del Buen Pastor
Monastery
Museo Emilio Carrafa
Museum, Building
Mercado Norte
Market
Mercado Norte is a fantastic find. This small and cheap food market sells a host of delicious typical foods, from empanadas to steak sandwiches. You’ll find authentic eats at an unbelieveable price. The market is also a great stop to buy fresh produce, so come here and get inspired to cook your own meals. Recommended by Eve Bidmead.
Dance tango at Cabildo
Architectural Landmark
Visit Cabildo, a much loved cultural center, and try your hand at tango. You may not find yourself a natural, as it’s not as easy to pick up this dance as other Latin American dances (salsa, for example), but it’s worth a shot. Classes start at 9:30pm every Friday, and afterwards you’re free to stay and practise, which is completely encouraged and a great chance to mix with the regulars. Recommended by Eve Bidmead.
Centro Cultural Cordoba
Architectural Landmark
Another must-see in Parque Sarmiento, the Centro Cultural Cordoba is an impressive feat of urbanism and engineering, taking the form of a sculptural landform under which the concrete and glass structure of the cultural center sits. Part interpretive center, part city monument, it is worth scaling its large ramp to get impressive views of the city. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.
Reserva Natural Urbana San Martin
Natural Feature
Nueva Cordoba
Architectural Landmark
A popular haunt of college students who proliferate in Cordoba, Nueva Cordoba is the city’s heartbeat. Marcelo T. Alvear is the go-to street for the most vibrant nightlife – revelers party into the wee hours, downing glasses of Fernet and Coke, a staple of the Cordobese nocturnal scene. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.
Iglesia De Los Capuchinos
Architectural Landmark
Located opposite the Paseo del Buen Pastor, this incredible church was only completed in 1934, despite appearing to date from an era far earlier than this. Built in the Neo-Gothic style, it is notable for the two bell towers on its front facade, one with a spire that represents divinity and another truncated tower which represents mortality. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.
Capilla del Monte
Architectural Landmark
A small town in the Sierras Chicas mountain range in the Cordobese countryside, Capilla Del Monte is the local stronghold and hub for anyone wanting to visit the Uritorco Hill. There are many other features of natural beauty to be explored from the town, such as the Calabalumba River and the El Zapato rock formation. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.
Sierras Grandes
Natural Feature
This local mountain range runs parallel to the Andes but is a lot more hospitable. Clusters of rolling hills and valleys hide rivers and streams, and the Sierras offer everything an outdoor enthusiast can want. Rent a car and discover the wonders the Sierras Grandes have to share. Recommended by Sorcha O’Higgins.