Highlights
Babylon
The site of the ancient city on the Euphrates, south of Baghdad, listed by UNESCO in 2019. Excavated walls, a reconstructed processional route and the remains of palaces give a sense of the city of Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar.
Ur
The ancient Sumerian city in southern Iraq, near Nasiriyah, with a partly reconstructed ziggurat dating back about 4,000 years and the royal cemetery where famous treasures were found.
The Mesopotamian Marshes
Wetlands in southern Iraq, part of the UNESCO-listed Ahwar of Southern Iraq, where Marsh Arab communities live in reed houses and travel by narrow boat among buffalo and birdlife.
Baghdad
The capital on the Tigris has the Iraq Museum, home to an important collection of Mesopotamian artefacts, Al-Mutanabbi Street with its book market and cafés, and the Abbasid-era Mustansiriya school.
Erbil Citadel
A UNESCO-listed citadel on a high mound at the heart of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, which has been settled for thousands of years. The bazaar below is lively, especially in the evening.
The Kurdistan mountains
In the north, the landscape becomes mountainous and green, with gorges, waterfalls and villages along roads such as the route from Erbil towards Rawanduz and the Gali Ali Beg canyon.
Samarra
A former Abbasid capital on the Tigris, famous for the spiral Malwiya minaret of the Great Mosque, part of a UNESCO-listed archaeological city.
Najaf and Karbala
Two of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, with richly decorated shrines that draw millions of pilgrims. Visitors should dress modestly and follow guidance at the shrines.
Interesting facts about Iraq
- Cuneiform, one of the earliest known writing systems, developed in Sumer in what is now southern Iraq more than 5,000 years ago.
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, often called the oldest surviving great work of literature, comes from ancient Mesopotamia.
- The Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala is one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world.
- Masgouf, carp split open and slow-grilled beside an open fire, is considered a national dish.
- Iraq's official languages are Arabic and Kurdish, and the Kurdistan Region in the north has its own regional government.
Best time to visit
Spring (roughly March to May) and autumn (roughly October to November) are the most comfortable times to visit. Summer is extremely hot across central and southern Iraq, with temperatures often among the highest in the world. Winter is mild in Baghdad and the south but cold, with snow, in the northern mountains. Major religious occasions bring huge crowds to Karbala and Najaf, so check dates before planning a visit there.
Practical information
| Capital | Baghdad |
|---|---|
| Currency | Iraqi dinar (IQD) |
| Languages | Arabic, Kurdish |
| Plugs | Type C, D, G |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 104 police, 122 ambulance, 115 fire; numbers can differ in the Kurdistan Region, so confirm with your accommodation or guide on arrival |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Not obligatory, but tips for guides, drivers and good restaurant service are appreciated. |
Getting around
Domestic flights link Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Najaf. Road travel between cities involves checkpoints, and arrangements can vary between the federal regions and the Kurdistan Region, so many visitors travel with a licensed local guide or tour operator who can handle logistics. In cities, taxis are common; agree the fare first or ask your hotel to arrange one. Plan routes with up-to-date local advice.
Staying connected in Iraq
Mobile coverage is generally good in Baghdad, Basra, Erbil and other cities and along main roads, with weaker signal in desert areas, marshes and mountains. Mobile internet is sometimes switched off nationwide for short periods, for example during national school exams, so keep offline copies of maps and documents. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though speeds vary. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Iraq eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Iraq
- WhatsApp: Widely used for keeping in touch with guides, drivers and hotels.
- Google Maps: Finding places in cities; download offline maps in case data is unavailable.
- Google Translate: Translating Arabic and Kurdish, with offline packs for when there is no signal.
- XE Currency: Converting dinar prices, which run to large numbers.