i was immediately captivated by the whitewashed buildings lining the pedestrian streets and the variety of charming local shops. one of the city's oldest hotels features a bright central atrium and an elegant marble staircase, while a more modern section boasts a lovely breakfast area, a rooftop bar, and a tranquil pool.
the service was excellent, and the rooms were comfortable and well-furnished.
i particularly liked the diverse breakfast options. the plaza was generally quiet at night, with many convenient spots near the hotel entrance for a daytime coffee or cool drink.
the eurostar chain is well-regarded throughout europe, but its properties in southern spain are especially impressive.
this hotel, located in the central district just east of plaza de las tendillas, is close to museums and universities. the architecture is stunning, blending modern amenities and rich fabrics with beautiful arched ceilings.
the hotel also features several well-preserved archaeological remains, including an ancient hydraulic fountain.
this hotel is a true gem in the eurostar collection. small and unassuming, yet chic, this boutique hotel with only 27 rooms offers a full-service spa, complete with turkish baths and saunas.
the rooms have a sleek, modern aesthetic, with exposed brick walls and subtle gold accents that create a regal ambiance.
the hotel provides a generous breakfast and a rooftop terrace. it is situated in plaza de capuchinos, one of the most striking and hauntingly beautiful squares to experience at night.
the small square features a 17th-century crucifix at its center, surrounded by candles that visitors can light in memory of loved ones.
plaza de colón is also nearby, home to the jardines de la merced, a peaceful, cool, green space perfect for relaxing with locals.
dining experiences in córdoba
bodegas mezquita ribera has three locations, but the original site at plaza cruz del rastro 4 is the most welcoming.
the two servers, carlos and yubry, invited me to sit at the bar and watch them serve delicious, authentic food from a kitchen staffed entirely by women.
i also enjoyed the squid and cabbage salad, along with several unique wines that carlos recommended.
moriles ribera paseo de la ribera 6 was recommended by someone who once ate there for both lunch and dinner. normally, i would question this, but after tasting their shrimp roasted in olive oil and garlic and savoring their house-cured tuna, i understood their obsession.
the restaurant was packed with locals during a tuesday lunch.
the stylish design, featuring multiple levels including a sought-after indoor patio and an outdoor patio, adds to its appeal. patio romano deanes 11 romero is advertised as queer-owned and was the only place where i found a substantial selection of vegetables on the menu.
after a week of mainly fish, meat, potatoes, and white bread, i happily paid 16 euros for a large plate of grilled dark green asparagus.
i arrived more than an hour before it got busy, around 8 pm. it was here that i finally understood the appeal of córdoba's signature dish, flamenquín, a rich pork loin filet stuffed with ham, rolled, breaded, and then fried.
it was incredibly delicious.
the mezquita cathedral is a must-see in córdoba. originally built as a mosque in the 8th century, it was converted into a cathedral by king ferdinand iii in the 13th century, who removed the mosque's roof to build a cathedral on top of it.
the two structures now exist harmoniously, a blend of moorish and christian architecture.
explore the striped archways leading to the cathedral's central vaulted ceiling and admire medieval art along the way. online ticket purchases can be confusing, but you can buy them on-site or through the official website.
exploring córdoba's historic sites
this walled city is also famous for its roman bridge, which crosses the guadalquivir river and provides stunning city views at sunset.
constructed in the 1st century, the bridge connects the city center to a peaceful riverside park, where the tower de calahorra stands impressively, housing a museum and gift shop.
heading back toward the city center, the alcázar de los reyes cristianos is a short walk away, offering a tranquil exploration.
this fortified palace, practically a city in itself, was built in the 10th century and served as the capital of the caliphate, the muslim empire.
once the center of government, it eventually fell into disrepair and is now being restored. information panels are available in spanish and english, and the views are breathtaking.
be aware that taxis are known for dropping people off there for a high fare of 35 euros and rarely return, even when called.
consider using the affordable bus tour service for a 10 euro round trip, but be punctual, as they depart from two locations near plaza de victoria and offer only one return trip several hours later.
my favorite street was calle de jesús y maria, which starts at plaza de las tendillas; stay on the main street and follow the crowd south.
i particularly enjoyed mandrágora café, té y chocolate jesús de maría 14 and gastrotienda luque blanco belmonte 4, where they sell small bottles of olive oil suitable for carry-on luggage.
i was also quite taken with the helpful young man who assisted me there!
nightlife and social scene
shopping in southern spain is a surprisingly pleasant experience due to the genuine hospitality and pride people take in their work. at night, the city is illuminated, giving the stone buildings a golden glow.
even late at night, i often encountered musicians playing guitar in the plazas, where i would sit among couples, both queer and straight, enjoying the romantic atmosphere.
the area can become quite lively after dark. i was flattered when an older gentleman invited me back to his apartment and captivated by a muscular young man playing the flute.
i chose to stay on my own but enjoyed the scenery. ideal alfaros 29 was close to the city center yet peaceful at a.m. on a saturday.
i could tell it was the kind of place with attractive bartenders and strong drinks, perfect for getting tipsy and dancing with strangers after hours.
glam vial calle de la radio 11 was bustling when i arrived at a.m. the tables outside were filled with locals of all ages, chatting and smoking, indicating a beloved neighborhood spot.
exploring córdoba's gay bars
while the original question asks about whether straight people can visit gay bars in córdoba, it's important to address the underlying intention: can people of all orientations enjoy the diverse nightlife córdoba has to offer?
the answer is generally yes, with a few considerations.
acceptance and inclusivity
most gay bars, especially in tourist-friendly cities like córdoba, operate on a principle of inclusivity. they are often welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
the key is to be respectful of the space and the people who frequent it.
understanding the culture
it's crucial to understand the culture of gay bars. these spaces often serve as safe havens for the lgbtq+ community, offering a place to express themselves freely and connect with others.
straight visitors should be mindful of this and avoid behaviors that could be perceived as intrusive or disrespectful.
potential considerations
while most gay bars are welcoming, there might be instances where a straight person's presence is not appreciated, especially if they are being disruptive or disrespectful.
it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and gauge the atmosphere.
specific venues in córdoba
the provided text mentions a few specific venues in córdoba, although it doesn't explicitly label them as exclusively gay bars. it mentions venues like:
- xjwc, josé antonio de sucre
- xjwc córdoba, argentina (note: argentina is incorrect, this should be spain)
- pétalos de sol (described as an earthy live music venue)
- x-bar (described as a divey gay bar with an impressive selection of irish whiskey)
- beep pub (described as an intimate drag pub)
it's advisable to research these venues further to understand their specific atmosphere and target audience.
online reviews and local listings can provide valuable insights.
etiquette and respect
whether visiting a gay bar or any other establishment, it's essential to practice good etiquette and show respect. this includes:
- being mindful of personal space
- avoiding offensive language or behavior
- supporting the venue by purchasing drinks or food
- being open-minded and respectful of diversity
ultimately, the best way to determine if a particular gay bar is welcoming to straight people is to visit and observe the atmosphere.
if you are respectful and open-minded, you are likely to have a positive experience. if you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and choose another venue.
in conclusion, while there's no definitive "yes" or "no" answer, straight people can generally visit gay bars in córdoba, spain, as long as they are respectful and mindful of the space and the people who frequent it.
researching specific venues and practicing good etiquette can ensure a positive experience for everyone.
xjwc, josé antonio de sucre, xjwc córdoba, argentina. sign up log in list your space. gay córdoba. gay bars in córdoba. pétalos de sol ratings earthy live music venue follow the rastafarian-colored pathway down into this brightly colored basement venue where reggae, x-bar ratings find your next scruffy lover this divey gay bar has an impressive selection of irish whiskey and its knowledgeable bartenders mak beep pub ratings intimate drag pub this hole-in-the-wall drag bar is known for its late-night shows which don't start until 2 am and di choose your language.
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