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Iraq
Sustainability Politics
✈️ Travel Guide

Iraq

Cradle of Civilization

Capital
Baghdad
Currency
Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
Language
Arabic, Kurdish
Best Time
Nov–Mar
Time Zone
AST (UTC+3)
Flag of Iraq
👋 Overview

Welcome to Iraq

Welcome to Iraq, a country often called the cradle of civilization, home to the ancient lands of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Babylon's ancient ruins, though weathered by time, hint at the grandeur of one of history's greatest empires. Baghdad, the capital, holds centuries of history as a former center of learning, art, and culture during the Islamic Golden Age. The southern marshlands, fed by the Tigris and Euphrates, reveal a unique way of life among reed houses and waterways dating back thousands of years.

Ancient sites like Ur, birthplace of the biblical Abraham, offer a profound connection to humanity's earliest recorded history. Iraq's Kurdistan region in the north reveals dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and a distinct, welcoming culture. Traditional markets and mosques throughout the country reflect layers of history spanning millennia. Iraq invites travelers to discover the ancient roots of human civilization itself.

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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

Baghdad

Baghdad sits along the Tigris River with a history stretching back to its founding as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. The Mutanabbi Street book market comes alive every Friday with poetry readings, secondhand books, and coffeehouse conversation.

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The National Museum of Iraq houses treasures from Mesopotamian civilization, including artifacts from Ur and Nineveh that trace the roots of writing and law. The Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, with its golden domes, remains an important pilgrimage site. Along Abu Nuwas Street, riverside restaurants serve masgouf, Iraq’s grilled carp specialty, in the open air facing the Tigris. Baghdad’s layered history rewards visitors willing to look past the headlines to its deep cultural roots.

02

Erbil

Erbil claims one of the longest continuous histories of any city, built around the Citadel of Erbil, a mound of settlement dating back thousands of years. The Citadel’s restored gates and museum offer a walk through Kurdish heritage.

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The Qaysari Bazaar spreads out at the base of the Citadel, its covered lanes filled with textiles, spices, and gold jewelry much as they have been for generations. Sami Abdulrahman Park provides a green, modern counterpoint with lakes and walking paths. The Erbil Civilization Museum traces the region’s Assyrian and Kurdish history through pottery, cuneiform tablets, and jewelry. Erbil today balances its ancient citadel with a fast-growing skyline of hotels and shopping centers.

03

Basra

Basra, Iraq’s southern port city, is threaded with canals that once earned it comparisons to Venice, particularly along the Shatt al-Arab waterway. The Corniche promenade is the best place to watch dhows and fishing boats drift past at sunset.

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The Basra Museum, housed in one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces, displays artifacts recovered from the region’s Sumerian and Babylonian past. Nearby date palm groves, once among the most extensive in the world, still shade parts of the riverbank. The city’s markets sell pearls and dates that have defined Basra’s trade for centuries, a reminder of its role as Iraq’s gateway to the Persian Gulf. Basra offers a quieter, riverside counterpoint to Iraq’s northern cities.

🍴 On the menu

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Iraq's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Masgouf

Masgouf is a signature Iraq specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Quzi

This popular Iraq dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Dolma

A well-loved part of Iraq cuisine, Dolma reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Kubba

Kubba is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Iraq.

Tashreeb

Visitors often seek out Tashreeb for an authentic taste of Iraq's everyday cooking and food culture.

Tepsi Baytinijan

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Iraq.

Pacha

Pacha is widely recognized in Iraq and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Kleicha

A memorable choice for travelers, Kleicha offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Iraq.

Zalabia

This classic food is an important part of Iraq's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

Iraq occupies much of the ancient region known as Mesopotamia, often called the "Cradle of Civilization." Between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, some of humanity's earliest cities emerged thousands of years ago, giving rise to writing, agriculture, mathematics, and the world's first legal codes. This fertile region witnessed the rise of the Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian civilizations, whose innovations shaped the course of human history.

2

One of Iraq's most remarkable archaeological treasures is the ancient city of Babylon, famous for King Nebuchadnezzar II and the legendary Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The country also preserves ancient sites such as Ur, believed to be the birthplace of the biblical Abraham, and the marshlands of southern Iraq, where unique ecosystems and traditional floating villages have existed for thousands of years. These Mesopotamian Marshes are now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both their natural and cultural significance.

3

Iraqi culture reflects thousands of years of scholarship, literature, music, and craftsmanship. Baghdad was once one of the world's greatest centers of learning during the Islamic Golden Age, housing the renowned House of Wisdom where scientific knowledge flourished. Today, Iraq's rich archaeological heritage, ancient traditions, and enduring historical importance continue to make it one of the most fascinating regions in the world.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

Tap a topic to open it.

Before You Go
  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Money & Payments
  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.
Stay Connected
  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.
Transportation
  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.
Electricity
  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.
Weather & Clothing
  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.
Food & Water
  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.
Safety
  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.
Language & Etiquette
  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.
Emergency Planning
  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.
Smart Packing
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.
Local Research
  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.

Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

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