The Best Places to Visit in Iraq
Note: Many Government Travel Advisories worldwide advise against travel to Iraq due to civil and political unrest, and terrorism.
Iraq is a large, historic country in the Middle East known mainly by the world as a place with a long, complicated history tying back to decades of war. However, it’s a country full of ancient history when it comes to former empires, trade routes and being the birthplace of writing. It’s also one of the worlds largest oil reserves. While it isn’t recommended for tourists to visit, many dedicated travelers want to see a different side of Iraq compared to the one shown in the media, so it is possible to visit Iraq and its many ancient sites for some.
Capital: Baghdad
Currency: Iraqi Dinar
Language: Arabic, Kurdish
When to visit: March to May, October to November
1) Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's huge, chaotic, and historically one of the most important places on Earth. The population sits around 7–9 million in the city area, and it was founded all the way back in 762 AD. The city now is worn out, after decades of war and occupation. It’s a tough to place to live and visit, but the streets stay lively.
Things to do:
You can visit one of the most important Shia shrines in the world, Al-Kadhimiya Mosque. It’s very crowded especially during religious days, as it sits in the center of the Kadhimiya neighborhood which is packed. On the other side of the river is Al-Adhamiya Mosque, another historic religious site. Shorja Market is one of Baghdad’s largest and oldest markets, it is busy and you need to keep your eye out as it can get unsafe. Lastly, you can visit one of Baghdad’s most famous streets, Al-Mutanabbi Street. It is iconic as it’s known for being the historic center of Baghdad bookselling dating back years and years. The city is high risk, so stay alert as you walk through the historic streets.
How to get there:
Baghdad International Airport (BGW) is the gateway to the country, and most flights go through the Middle East.
2) Karbala
Karbala is a major city in central Iraq, southwest of Baghdad. It's one of the holiest places in Shia Islam and the site of the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where Imam Hussein (grandson of the Prophet Muhammad) was killed along with his family and companions. That's why millions of Shia pilgrims come here every year, especially during Ashura (the 10th day of Muharram) to mourn Hussein's martyrdom. The city basically revolves around that event and the two main shrines.
Things to do:
The main shrines which attract the visitors are Imam Hussein Shrine and Al-Abbas Shrine. The holy golden tombs and domes are unmissable, especially with the constant crowds praying, crying, and beating chests. Non-Muslim’s usually can view from outside only. Around the city you’ll see various streets and souks, whilst further out is Al-Taff Battlefield, an open area where the Battle of Karbala happened in 680 AD. There are some memorials and markers, but it's mostly flat land now.
How to get there:
Take a shared taxi / minibus from Baghdad, they have security checkpoints on the way and are found in Al-Nahda bus station.
3) Hillah / Babylon
Hillah is a mid-sized city in central Iraq, mostly known for being the modern day city sitting next to the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon. It sits on the edge of the city area and the site is pretty spread out and not restored at all. Many know the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to be one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, and the site is filled with history relating to this.
Things to do:
What’s left in the ruins of ancient Babylon includes things such as the big blue replica of Ishtar Gate, which is a reocnstruction of the real thing. You also have the Lion of Babylon, an original ancient statue, the Etemenanki ziggurat base, which is remains of the supposed Tower of Babel, and of course the unmissable Labyrinth of Nebuchadnezzar Palace, which is massive. You have massive wide streets you can walk through in the ruins area, where you really are walking through one of the most iconic historic sites in the world.
How to get there:
Take a bus from Alawi bus station in Baghdad to Hillah, then take a taxi to the ruins.
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