Alhambra or Mezquita de Córdoba. Which one wins your limited time in Andalusia? We’ve visited both, and the answer isn’t simple. The Alhambra dazzles with sprawling Nasrid palaces, lush gardens, and jaw-dropping views over Granada. The Mezquita hits different: step inside and you’re hit with a forest of red and white arches, a Renaissance cathedral built straight into a 1,200 years old mosque. In this post, we compare price, crowds, time needed, and overall “wow factor”. And our final verdict on which to see first (and how to fit in both).

Looking for a family-friendly itinerary for Cordoba, Spain? During our Andalusia road trip, we spent 1.5 days exploring this historic city with our 18-month-old daughter. From wandering across the Roman Bridge and touring the impressive Mezquita-Cathedral to visiting Córdoba’s famous patios and finding toddler-friendly parks, here’s exactly how we spent our time, where we stayed, and what we’d do if we had longer.