Planning a solo trip to Cordoba, Argentina? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- The second largest city in Argentina, with a population of about 1.3 million.
- The capital of Cordoba Province, located about 700km northwest of Buenos Aires.
- Nicknames: La Docta (“The Wise”), City of Bells, the Cultural Capital of South America
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Argentine peso (ARS).
- Spoken languages: Spanish.
- Best time to visit: from May to September, for milder weather and three major festivals – Cruces de Mayo, Festival de Patios, Feria de Cordoba.
- Arriving via airport: the Igeniero Talavella (a.k.a. Pajas Blancas) International Airport is located ten minutes from the city center (in the north). AeroBus costs around $300 ARS. Taxis to the center are also available.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers in Cordoba: Selina Nueva. Clean, with good facilities (nice communal kitchen), and an on-site swimming pool. Great value, in a convenient location. Friendly and welcoming staff.
- Hotels for all budget levels can be found in the center with the cheapest accommodations located by the bus terminal.
- The suburbs of Cordoba are dotted with popular resorts, called Villas.
GETTING AROUND
- The city bus system operates on five lines (and three TrolleyBus lines). You will need to buy a bus card to use the system (an average fare is around AR$8.25).
- Taxi fares start at around AR$45 to hail (then $40 per mile).
- Cycling is a great way to see Cordoba as the city is playfully hilly and has great weather.
CORDOBA NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, and last call is never. Nightlife in Argentina does indeed last all night, though the city gets quiet from December to March (and on Sundays through Tuesdays).
- A walk down Calle Rondeau will reveal dozens of entertainment options, from upscale bars with live Tango shows to electronica hangouts.
- Alta Córdoba, Güemes and Abasto are the most popular clubbing districts in town.
- Great bars to start your night in Cordoba: Clarke’s Irish Bar, Amsterdam Bar, and X-Bar.
- Want to go clubbing? Your best bet is Studio Theater.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Manzana de los Jesuitas is a cluster of the most historic Jesuit buildings that make up the city center. It is these 17th and 18th century buildings that give Cordoba its timeless charm.
- If you’re lucky enough to get in, visit the Teatro del Libertador, a classic concert hall that’s stunning both inside and out.
- The baroque ceiling and dramatic night-lighting are just some reasons to see the 16th century church, Catedral de Cordoba (one of many churches in town).
- Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes houses an excellent contemporary art collection.
INTERESTING WALKS
- La Canada is a stone canal lined with arched bridges that flows north to south through town, making it one of the best walks in Cordoba.
- Make sure you check out Sarmiento Park, a 43-acre green space in Nueva Cordoba designed by French urbanist Charles Thay in the late 1800s.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Cordoba is famous for its scholarly traditions, youthful energy and Jesuit architecture. A day of sightseeing on foot, followed by a trip to the theatre and a long night out with new friends makes for a complete experience!
- Great restaurants to try in Cordoba: Nakama Ramen Corner, Don Rogelio, Sabores del Peru, Elefante Bengal, Clientovolando, and El Papagayo ($$$).
- Where to find good cheap eats: the stands around Sarmiento Park serve some of the cheapest Argentinian fast food in town.
- Dangerous areas: the suburban areas along Avenida Circunvalación and the road to Ata Gracia (Villa El Libertador and the Santa Isabel area) are considered the most dangerous districts. Exercise caution when walking alone at night, especially in dimly-lit areas.
Recommended trip duration: 1-2 days