Córdoba, located around 700km northwest of Buenos Aires, sits along the Río Suquía and exudes local energy and character. While some rush through en route to the sierras, those who linger discover colonial landmarks, edgy neighborhoods, and a thriving student-fueled nightlife. It may not have Rosario’s flair – its long-time rival – but Córdoba offers its own charm: elegant yet unpretentious, with a famously dry sense of humor. Its location makes it a perfect base for regional day trips, but the city itself rewards exploration. One of the best things to do in Córdoba is to take your time – wander its streets, listen to its stories, and fall into its rhythm.
Córdoba’s microcentro is where colonial elegance meets everyday bustle. Centered on Plaza San Martín, it’s a compact tangle of grand buildings and shady squares. The Cabildo, now a museum, and the adjacent Cathedral mark the city’s oldest core. Just steps away, the Museo Histórico Provincial offers a glimpse into Córdoba’s colonial history, housed in the 18th-century home of Governor Sobremonte.
A few blocks northwest, the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes is tucked inside a restored French mansion and features Argentine art from the 1800s onwards. One of the best things to do in Cordoba is wander the plaza at dusk, when locals gather under lapacho blossoms and jacaranda trees. It’s beautiful, but after dark, keep your wits about you.
No visit to Córdoba is complete without walking through the Manzana Jesuítica, a UNESCO-listed block of Jesuit buildings dating back to the early 1600s. The city’s university – the oldest in Argentina – was founded here in 1610. Much of the campus now forms the Museo Histórico de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, packed with Jesuit artefacts, ancient maps, and frescoes of naked students reaching for the Muses.
Wander through leafy patios lit up by bougainvillea and dive into dusty libraries crammed with 15th-century religious texts. Among the things to do in Cordoba, this visit offers history with a quirky academic twist. It’s quiet, beautiful, and strangely timeless.
Catedral in Cordoba, Argentina @ Shutterstock
Just off Plaza San Martín, the Museo de la Memoria sits in a former secret detention center used during Argentina’s dictatorship. Between 1971 and 1982, around 20,000 people were tortured or killed here. Today, cells and offices remain as they were, filled with victims’ personal items – school medals, guitars, letters.
The museum includes powerful testimonies from survivors and families, as well as banned books and films from the era. The most unsettling part? It’s only 20 meters from the Cathedral – you can still hear the bells ring, just as prisoners did. For those looking for meaningful experiences in Cordoba, this raw and sobering space delivers far more than history lessons.
Güemes is Córdoba’s creative soul. Once a working-class Italian barrio, it’s now the city’s coolest district – think vintage stores, boho cafés, rooftop bars, and indie galleries. Weekends bring the Paseo de las Artes, a sprawling market packed with handicrafts, leather goods, books, and everything in between.
Streets like Belgrano and Achával Rodríguez buzz with students and locals sipping craft beer. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Cordoba if you want a slice of local life beyond museums and monuments. The vibe is laid-back but lively, the perfect place to lose an afternoon (or a whole night).
Cordoba, Argentina @ Shutterstock
Art in Córdoba isn’t limited to museums, but the museums are a great start. The Museo de Bellas Artes Dr Genaro Pérez is housed in a former mansion and showcases local artists like Genaro Pérez himself and members of the 1920s Generation. Over at the Museo Superior de Bellas Artes Evita, expect rotating exhibitions in another beautifully restored villa.
For something livelier, hit the Paseo del Buen Pastor – a former women’s prison turned cultural complex. With its water fountain shows, sculpture garden, and outdoor cafés, it’s where art meets urban escape.
Córdoba’s food scene has finally caught up with its potential. Güemes is your best bet for inventive cuisine – from veggie-forward dishes to Argentine grills with a twist. Nueva Córdoba has a decent student-fueled nightlife, while Cerro de las Rosas brings upscale dining with a quieter vibe. For drinks, Güemes again wins: rooftop bars, hidden arcades, and trendy patios are the norm. El Abasto, just across the Río Suquía, is where the party kicks off late – clubs and live music venues keep it moving till sunrise.
Argentinian beef steak © Foodio/Shutterstock
Nightlife in Córdoba isn’t for the faint-hearted. Locals love their cuarteto music – bouncy, upbeat, and everywhere. For dance clubs, check out El Abasto and Chateau Carreras. The former, a reclaimed warehouse district, is gritty and full of energy. Chateau Carreras is glitzier, with flash clubs and dress codes. Prefer something mellow?
Güemes delivers bars with a vibe – think rooftop DJs, artisanal cocktails, and solid people-watching. Whatever your style, make sure you try Fernet and Coke. It’s practically Córdoba’s national drink. One of the most fascinating things to do in Cordoba is to watch the city come to life.
Córdoba’s location makes it an ideal launchpad for the surrounding sierras. In summer, locals flee the heat and head to nearby towns like Alta Gracia – Che Guevara’s childhood home – or the scenic Jesuit estancias scattered through the valleys. Outdoor lovers can hike, cycle, or swim in rivers around Villa General Belgrano or La Cumbrecita. Everything’s close enough for day trips, but interesting enough to stay longer. Among the best things to do in Cordoba, using it as a base lets you blend city life with countryside escapes, minus the crowds of more touristy spots.
Córdoba is easy to reach and well linked to the rest of the country. Direct flights connect the city with Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Salta, and more, arriving at Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport, about 20 minutes from the center. Long-distance buses are another reliable option, with regular routes from major cities and comfortable overnight services.
Trains also run from Buenos Aires, though they’re slower and less frequent. If you're planning a bigger trip, getting around Argentina is relatively simple thanks to good domestic air routes and an extensive bus system. Once in Córdoba, local buses and walkable neighborhoods make exploring easy.
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 23.06.2025
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