Cordoba

Cordoba, Argentina's second-largest city, is home to 17th-century Jesuit ruins, ornate churches, and the trendy Güemes neighborhood where locals sip fernet and Coke. The city's historic center features the 16th-century Cathedral and the Cabildo, while the nearby Sierras de Córdoba mountains offer hiking trails and horseback riding routes. Less crowded than Buenos Aires, Cordoba allows you to experience Argentine culture at a relaxed pace.

Cordoba's Historic Center

Walk through Cordoba's well-preserved colonial center, starting at Plaza San Martín. Here, you'll see the 16th-century Cathedral and the Cabildo, once the seat of colonial government and now a cultural center. The pedestrian streets are lined with colonial and Art Nouveau buildings. Visit the Manzana Jesuítica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes several 17th-century Jesuit buildings such as the old university and Montserrat School.

Museums and Culture in Cordoba

Explore Cordoba's art scene at the Evita Fine Arts Museum, housed in a grand Beaux-Arts mansion. The museum displays works by Argentine and international artists. Learn about Argentina's recent history at the Memory Museum, which documents events from the country's military dictatorship. On weekends, browse handmade crafts at the Paseo de las Artes market. For evening entertainment, watch a performance at the Teatro del Libertador, Cordoba's main theater and opera house built in the late 19th century.

Parks and Green Spaces

Take a break in Parque Sarmiento, Cordoba's largest park. You can sit by the lake, visit the small zoo, or walk through the rose garden. Many locals come here to jog or have picnics. For a view of the city, climb the 90-meter high concrete Faro (Lighthouse) tower. If you want to explore further, the nearby Sierras de Córdoba mountains have hiking trails, horseback riding routes, and paragliding spots.

Food and Drink in Cordoba

Start your day with medialunas (sweet croissants) and coffee at a traditional cafe. For lunch, try empanadas cordobesas filled with meat, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. In the evening, join locals for an asado (barbecue) featuring Argentine beef. Order a fernet and Coke, the city's signature drink. The Güemes neighborhood has many restaurants and bars where you can taste local and Argentine dishes.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Cordoba's nightlife centers around the Nueva Cordoba and Güemes neighborhoods. Start your evening with drinks at a rooftop bar before heading to a boliche (nightclub) to dance. For local music, look for a cuarteto show - this upbeat genre originated in Cordoba. If you visit in July, consider attending the Cosquín Folk Festival in nearby Cosquín, one of the largest folk music events in Latin America.

Day Trips from Cordoba

The areas around Cordoba offer several options for day trips. Visit Villa Carlos Paz, a resort town on San Roque Lake, where you can try water sports. Explore Villa General Belgrano, a town with strong German influence that hosts Oktoberfest celebrations. Walk through La Cumbrecita, a car-free alpine village with hiking trails. If you're interested in UFO lore, head to Capilla del Monte, known for its alleged extraterrestrial sightings.

Getting Around Cordoba

You can walk around Cordoba's center. For longer distances, use the city's bus network, though it can be confusing to navigate. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are widely available. To reach nearby towns in the Sierras, take minibuses from the Mercado Sur station. Renting a car gives you more flexibility to explore the region independently.

When to Visit Cordoba

Plan your visit to Cordoba in spring (September to November) or fall (March to May) for mild temperatures and little rain. Summers (December to February) can be hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Winters (June to August) are cool and dry, good for exploring the city but less ideal for activities in the Sierras. July and August are busy with domestic tourists, so book accommodations early if visiting during this time.