Under $100: Córdoba, Spain

Córdoba has the unique claim of being not only a Caliphate, but also the former capital of a Roman province as well as an Arab State. As you can imagine, it’s steeped in history and things to do and see.

The best part is you can do it all for fairly cheap. Córdoba is an extremely pedestrian-friendly city and you can get just about everywhere on foot. That’ll save you the expense of paying for transportation.

The Calahorra Tower and Roman Bridge on the Guadalquivir River © Antonio Jodice | Dreamstime

You’ll want to stick with a hostel for affordable housing as the hotels can get a little on the pricey side towards the center of town. The Funky Córdoba hostel has rooms between $25 and $30 a night.

Spend the morning touring the forest columns of the Mezquita, a cathedral that remains one of the most popular spots in the city. It also has an orange grove with trees aligned in the exact pattern of the columns inside the main structure. Entrance is only $9.

Head over to the Taberna La Montillana for lunch and try some traditional Spanish tapas for less than $20 for two.

Traditional Architecture of Old Town in Cordoba, Spain © Artur Bogacki | Dreamstime

From there make your way to the Old City to stroll through neighborhoods dating back to the Middle Ages. Take a walk across the Roman Bridge while you’re here and be sure to stop by the Museum of Al-Andalus Life for a history of the city coupled with magnificent views of the city and surrounding river. Admission to the museum is only $5 and walking the bridge is free.

© Nikolai Sorokin | Dreamstime

Finally, head over to Casa Pepe de la Judería for a delicious meal on their patio. It’s expensive, to be sure, and dinner can cost you upwards of $50 for two, but it’s worth it for the spectacular Spanish dishes this place is doling out each night.

Afterwards feel free to stroll around town and take in the sights of a city that’s been around since Ancient Rome.