A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cordoba vs. Urbino for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cordoba or Urbino?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cordoba and Urbino can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a flower-filled, historical, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Urbino

Urbino is a undiscovered, authentic, and laid back town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cordoba and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to La Mezquita
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cordoba or Urbino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cordoba. Although Cordoba and Urbino are popular destinations, Cordoba has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cordoba is more touristy than Urbino and is popular for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. It is also well known for La Mezquita. Urbino is famous for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Cordoba different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Urbino and Cordoba. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cordoba or Urbino?

Cordoba
Urbino

Cordoba is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cordoba has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.


Is the Food Better in Cordoba or Urbino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cordoba
Urbino

Both Cordoba and Urbino offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Cordoba is an experience not to be missed. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Urbino. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Cordoba or Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Cordoba
Urbino

Cordoba is great for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Many people head to Cordoba for the nightlife scene. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Cordoba or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Cordoba
Urbino

Cordoba is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town.

Cordoba offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

Many visitors go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Cordoba or Urbino?

Cordoba
Urbino

Both Cordoba and Urbino are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Cordoba to go shopping. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Urbino. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Cordoba or Urbino Better for Families?

Cordoba
Urbino

Cordoba is a town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Cordoba offers lots of family activities. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Cordoba or Urbino Better for Couples?

Cordoba
Urbino

Both Cordoba and Urbino are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Urbino makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.


Is Cordoba or Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cordoba
Urbino

Cordoba is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cordoba. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Cordoba or Urbino Better for Students?

Cordoba
Urbino

Cordoba is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Cordoba is a very popular town for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

Many students visit Urbino. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Is Cordoba or Urbino Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cordoba
Urbino

Cordoba is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Cordoba offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.


Is Cordoba or Urbino a more walkable city?

Cordoba
Urbino

Cordoba is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Cordoba is a very walkable destination. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cordoba Worth Visiting? and Is Urbino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Urbino?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cordoba or Urbino to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cordoba than Urbino because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cordoba, and 1-2 days is enough time in Urbino.

Families should spend more time in Cordoba than Urbino. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cordoba, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cordoba than Urbino. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cordoba that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cordoba than Urbino if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cordoba.


  • How many days in Cordoba or Urbino? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cordoba 1-3 
    Urbino 1-2

One day in Cordoba or Urbino?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cordoba. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Urbino, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cordoba or Urbino?

Cordoba is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Urbino, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Urbino has to offer.


Five days in Cordoba or Urbino?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cordoba. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Urbino is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cordoba or Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Cordoba. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Urbino. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Urbino. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Urbino or Cordoba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is €127, while the average daily cost in Urbino is €118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cordoba and Urbino in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba 68
    Urbino 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba 136
    Urbino 106
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Urbino

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba or Urbino? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cordoba


Hotels in Urbino


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Urbino Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba 28
    Urbino 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cordoba:

  • Private Transfer from Córdoba to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $241
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $132
  • Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $72
  • Medina Azahara Cordoba, with Transfer by Bus: $34
  • Guided tour of Medina Azahara with transfer from Córdoba: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

Also for Urbino, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Urbino?

Prices for flights to both Urbino and Cordoba change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cordoba 34
    Urbino 39
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Ice Cream
    1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cordoba.

  • Paella and Salmorejo 2-Hour Cooking Class in Córdoba: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cordoba 25
    Urbino 15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Garden Entrance Fee
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cordoba are as follows:

  • 3-Hour Tour from Cordoba to the Site of Medina Azahara: $32
  • Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $20
  • Alcazar of Cordoba Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket: $20
  • Arabian Baths Experience at Cordoba’s Hammam Al Ándalus: $66
  • Authentic Patios of Cordoba Guided Tour: $20
  • Best of Cordoba Guided Tour : $46
  • Bike Tour Córdoba: $32
  • Córdoba Highlight Walking Tour: $32
  • Córdoba Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $8.95
  • City Sightseeing Cordoba Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • Cordoba : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $49
  • Cordoba Jewish Quartier Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Urbino

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Urbino.

  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour with certified guide: $139
  • Private Walking Tour with Ducal Palace Ticket: $150
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba 37
    Urbino 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cordoba:

  • Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $26
  • Evening Local Wine Tasting in Córdoba: $39


When comparing the travel costs between Cordoba and Urbino, we can see that Cordoba is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cordoba Expensive? and Is Urbino Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Urbino?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba and Urbino, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cordoba or Urbino?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cordoba or Urbino in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Urbino. The summer months attract visitors to Cordoba because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

Cordoba is a little warmer than Urbino in the summer. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Urbino fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Cordoba usually gets less rain in July than Urbino. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F) 
    Urbino 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Urbino in the Autumn?

Both Urbino and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cordoba this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Urbino for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cordoba is a little warmer than Urbino. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cordoba in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Urbino averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In October, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Urbino. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F) 
    Urbino 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Urbino in the Winter?

Both Urbino and Cordoba during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cordoba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Urbino in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Urbino can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cordoba is generally much warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 10°C (50°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Cordoba usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F) 
    Urbino 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Urbino in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Urbino. Many visitors come to Cordoba in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Urbino for the natural beauty during these months.

Cordoba is a little warmer than Urbino in the spring. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In April, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Urbino. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cordoba 16°C (60°F) 
    Urbino 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Urbino and Cordoba

Cordoba Urbino
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)