trip to erbil

Erbil, Iraq: Ultimate Travel Guide

• Author david
• Date November 21st, 2023

Welcome to Erbil, Iraq ! Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Kurdistan region, Erbil is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This vibrant city is often referred to as the ‘Paris of Iraq,’ and it’s not hard to see why.

With its ancient citadel that has stood for centuries, bustling bazaars filled with spices and textiles, and mouthwatering local cuisine, Erbil is a treasure trove for travelers seeking an authentic Middle Eastern experience. Whether you’re wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, exploring the fascinating museums, or venturing into the stunning surrounding landscapes, Erbil has something for everyone.

As you explore Erbil, be prepared to uncover hidden gems and learn about the rich history of the city. From archaeological sites to vibrant markets, this city is a blend of everything curious travelers love.

I visited Erbil in September 2022 with my guides Jafar and Ali from Bil Weekend . With them, not only did I get to experience Erbil, but I also got my first taste of Iraqi Kurdistan. I only got to spend a day in the city, but my time there was still quite eventful. I highly recommend at least two full days there if you want to experience it properly. These are my favorite things I did in Erbil, Iraq!

See a Livestock Market

My first stop in Erbil was a local livestock market. As you might imagine, it’s a raw and fairly smelly experience, as the vendors there sell everything from chickens, goats, and rabbits, to more exotic creatures like ostriches. Other vendors sell feed for the animals. I even found some offering foods and snacks, including a milky and nutty knafeh , a popular Middle Eastern snack made from sweet cheese and crispy vermicelli noodles.

Experiencing the market was a wild ride. One of my favorite things about experiencing any market is the unexpected. You never know what you’re going to see and encounter next. It always helps when the people are friendly, as they were in Erbil. It made the experience quite enjoyable despite the funky smells!

Visit the Citadel of Erbil

Easily the most notable attraction in Erbil, Iraq is the Citadel of Erbil . Locally known as Qelat, this ancient wonder dates back over 6,000 years and is one of the longest continuously inhabited sites in the world. The imposing structure stands atop a hill formed by generations of people living and rebuilding on it. The citadel played a significant role in the Neo-Assyrian period and was involved in the famous battle between Alexander the Great and Darius III.

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and rehabilitate the citadel. It was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. As a history buff, it pains me that the citadel was closed during my short time in Erbil, but I did get to marvel at it from the outside. When you visit Erbil, just remember that the citadel closes at 7 p.m. every night, so get there before then if you want to explore it!

Explore the Citadel Bazaar in Erbil, Iraq

Although the Citadel of Erbil, Iraq had closed earlier in the evening, the bazaar below it was rife with activity. As I mentioned earlier, I tend to make a beeline to local markets and bazaars when I travel. When I visit a new place, I want to be among the people. I like chatting with them, shaking their hands, and being shoulder-to-shoulder to them with tons of things happening around me. That’s what the Citadel Bazaar is like, and I loved it.

The Citadel Bazaar is alive with food vendors. There are tons of options, so be sure to pace yourself. They sell roasted corn on the cob with a squeeze of lemon, an earthy fava bean dish called bagilla, baklava, dried fruit, and even honey! You can also find vendors selling household goods like mirrors and intricate, colorful rugs. Come with some money—if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably spend a nice amount there!

Enjoy Iraqi Kebabs

I tried a lot of food in the Citadel Bazaar, but my favorite, by far, was the kebabs. These were Kurdish kebabs, which included an assortment of grilled meats I hadn’t tried anywhere else in Iraq. Our massive kebab feast included chicken wings, chicken tikka (boneless chicken), lamb meat, and exotic fare like kidney, lamb testicles, and liver!

As much as I love fresh organ meat, the lamb kebabs were my favorite. They were tender and juicy, and practically disintegrated the moment they touched my tongue. The lamb testicle kebabs were unique but surprisingly tasty as well. We also enjoyed some yogurt mixed with ice afterward! Try the Kurdish kebabs when you visit Erbil, Iraq. You won’t regret it!

Get an Iraqi Haircut

If you’ve followed my blog or YouTube channel for a while now, you’ll probably know that I love getting haircuts in different countries. It’s a way for me to unwind and relax, as I work almost constantly and rarely get the chance to do anything for myself.

At Bash Turkish Barber in Erbil, Iraq, I enjoyed a wonderful pampering session, starting with a beard trim and lining. Then, my barber also gave me a face waxing and a full head shave. Then, another guy came in to give me a much-needed massage. He released all of the tension from my head, neck, shoulders, and back!

Experience the Magic of Erbil, Iraq

Whether you find yourself in Erbil to explore its history, cuisine, or Kurdish culture, you will have a wonderful time. I was there for barely 24 hours, but I got to experience a bit of each. It made Erbil a wonderful stop on my Iraqi itinerary, and was a great way to wrap up my trip through the country.

Iraq may not have the best image on the world stage, but as someone who recently visited the country, I can positively say it’s one of the kindest and warmest cultures I’ve ever experienced. Everyone made me feel welcomed and at home. The generosity and hospitality were off the charts. It’s very different from what you often hear about the country. So book a trip to Erbil, Iraq today. I think you’ll be surprised by what you find.

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Travel Guide to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan [with Sample Itinerary]

Read our Erbil travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey and adventure here in the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan.

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Table of Contents

Erbil Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

1. erbil-kurdistan.

2. Erbil Citadel

3. Sami Abdulrahman Park

4. Kurdish Textile Museum

5. The Korek Mountain Resort & Spa

Korek Mountain is a must-see natural beauty. The cable car gives great views on the way up. They also have a lot of activities for families for all seasons. Upon going down, you can stop at some of the small towns to eat.

6. Jalil Khayat Mosque

7. Gali Ali Bag

Located near Rawanduz, it is easy to get here by taxi. The sound of the water falling is like music in the ears. You can get very close to the water, but then you’ll get pretty wet. In summer, you can go dinghy, but remember that the current is much weaker.

Erbil Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

Day 1 – weekend guide to erbil, iraqi kurdistan.

Kurdish Textile Museum –  Discover one of the Kurds’ rich culture and tradition. See how traditional carpets are made.

The Korek Mountain Resort & Spa –  Don’t miss the chance to go to the Korek Mountain. Try the cable car and enjoy a wonderful view on top of it.

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

Erbil Citadel –  On your second day, spend it by strolling around the citadel. By going here, you can also visit the Erbil square which is located just below the citadel. Buy anything at the bazaar and eat a lot of delicious food.

Jalil Khayat Mosque –  Ready your camera to capture picturesque shots of the Jalil Khayat Mosque.

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

Sami Abdulrahman Park –  To end your trip to Erbil, have a relaxing day at the Sami Abdulrahman Park. With the quiet and peaceful surroundings, you’ll get the chance to contemplate.

Erbil Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan if you’re a Backpacker

Logal Hotel 

All rooms at Logal Hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and are fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property as well. The nearest airport is Erbil International Airport, 9 km from the property.

Price: Starts at $50 per night for Standard Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , but it’s non-refundable.

Hyksos Hotel

Hyksos Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. It also provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. At the Hyksos Hotel, each room includes a seating area.

Price: Starts at $77 per night for Twin Room with Balcony, includes taxes and charges, add $8 for breakfast , and free cancellation

Bella Roma Hotel

All rooms at Bella Roma Hotel boast a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. The hotel provides an indoor pool, sauna, evening entertainment, and a 24-hour front desk. You can also enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast.

Price: Starts at $85 per night for Standard Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan if you’re on a Budget

Masaya By Emerald

Masaya Hotel & Residences by Emerald features Cristal’s exclusively designed mattress for a soothing and relaxed stay, an LCD TV, coffee & tea facilities, mini bar, safe box, and complimentary internet access. It is a 10-minute drive from Erbil International Airport and offers free pick up from the airport for guests staying two or more nights.

Price: Starts at $107 per night for Superior Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Darin Plaza Hotel

Darin Plaza Hotel offers a fitness center, an indoor pool, a sauna, and free Wi-Fi in all areas. all rooms and suites at Darin are decorated in soft tones. Each one offers a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe and a minibar. The suite includes a spacious seating area with a sofa. A buffet-style breakfast is served daily, while à-la-carte specialties are served in the evening at Darin Restaurant.

Price: Starts at $111 per night for Suite, includes taxes and charges, add $10 for breakfast , and free cancellation.

Cristal Erbil Hotel

Cristal Erbil Hotel is located in Erbil. Free WiFi access is available in the rooms. Each room here will provide you with a satellite TV, air conditioning, and an electric kettle. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a bath and a hairdryer. At Cristal Erbil Hotel guests can find a fitness center.

Price: Starts at $130 per night for Amber King Limited View, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan if you want Luxury

Ankawa Royal Hotel & Spa

Ankawa Royal Hotel & Spa offers free WiFi in all areas. Complete with a balcony, the elegant suites are air-conditioned. Each is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a safety deposit box. A bathrobe and free toiletries can be found in the private bathroom. A range of International classical and contemporary dishes can be enjoyed at the hotel’s restaurant.

Price: Starts at $154 per night for Deluxe King Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Divan Erbil Hotel

Divan Erbil Hotel offers luxurious, air-conditioned guestrooms with 24-hour room service. Each room offers a flat-screen TV, a minibar and an iPod docking station. Each suite has a separate living room with a plush sofa. Seasons Restaurant serves pizza, international, and barbecue cuisine, while Qi 21 Sushi Bar serves sushi.

Price: Starts at $227 per night for Deluxe King Room, add $23 for taxes and charges, $25 for breakfast , but offers a free cancellation.

Erbil Rotana

The Erbil Rotana is equipped with 201 spacious rooms and suites, each air-conditioned unit at The Erbil Rotana is elegantly decorated. They all have a bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and a separate bathtub. For lunch and dinner, the 5 on-site restaurants serve mesmerizing food adhering to all tastes and served by friendly, professional, and efficient staff.

Price: Starts at $230 per night for Classic King Room, add $23 for taxes and charges, $27.50 for breakfast , but offers a free cancellation.

Erbil Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

1. DC Steakhouse

DC Steakhouse has raised the standards for premium international dining in Erbil. Their mouthwatering steak has been making the customers go back over and over again.

Operating hours: 12:30 PM – 01:00 AM (Sun-Sat) Address:  Dream City Commercial complex, first floor. Dream City Commercial Complex, first floor., Erbil 44001 Iraq

2. Basilico

Craving, for some Italian cuisine? Basilico is the place to be. You can have a romantic and elegant dining experience here. Don’t forget to try one of their main dishes, the Sea Bass dish.

Address:  Gulan Street Hotel Rotana, Erbil 44001 Iraq

3. Well Done Bowl

For some Asian cuisine, you should head your way to the Well Done Bowl. Serving Chinese and Japanese dishes, it can satisfy your Asian cravings.

Address:  Ainkawa main road, close to US consulate Ankawa, Erbil 44001 Iraq

4. Al Bustan Lebanese Restaurant & Garden

From the name itself, this is a Lebanese Restaurant. Al Bustan’s mouth-watering menu is filled with Lebanese and local cuisine that is sure to please every diner’s palettes.

Operating hours: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM  (Sun-Sat) Address:  Gulan Street, Erbil 44001 Iraq

To have a taste of a wonderful Middle Eastern cuisine, you should head your way to Dawa 2. Those meat-lovers would enjoy dining here.

Address:  Mosul Road, Erbil 0964 Iraq

And that’s our Erbil travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!

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Best 21 Things to Do In Erbil (Travel Guide) · Iraqi Kurdistan

Moving to a new country every two years

Welcome to beautiful Erbil, the biggest city of Iraqi Kurdistan!

Based on my experience of living for two years in one of the most ancient cities in the world Erbil (also called Hawler in Kurdish), I’ve made this comprehensive Erbil travel guide.

You’ll learn about the top 21 must-dos while in Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, plus the best places to eat, do groceries, how to get around and the best things to buy. Yalla!

Things to do in Erbil · Explore the Ancient Citadel and bazaar

So what is Erbil famous for? It is of course the famous ancient Citadel! Right in the heart of the city.

Among things to do in Kurdistan and Erbil, visiting the ancient Citadel is number one on the list.

Erbil is the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. It’s a city full of history and cultural gems, and the Citadel is undoubtedly the most famous part of the city. 

The Citadel of Erbil dates back more than 6,000 years. It is one of the oldest places in the world where people have always lived, so it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There is still one family that actually lives inside the old fortress to keep the world record!

Check out my cinematic travel video for an impression of this fascinating area.

This famous site is full of Mesopotamian history. It has seen the rise and fall of many cultures, making it an archaeological treasure. The form of the Citadel is a mix of different building styles, which shows how different cultures have affected the area over time.

The most accessible place to park, if you’re by car, is the parking area near the back entrance of the Citadel (Costs: 1000 dinar which is 75 cents). After parking, you can walk up to the rear entrance and start your trip.

Once inside the Citadel, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an old middle eastern movie.

The Citadel also has several museums that tell more about the area’s history. Inside the Citadel is the Kurdish Textile Museum to see beautifully made fabrics and learn about traditional weaving methods passed down from generation to generation.

The Erbil Civilization Museum is also a must-see. It has items that show how the city has changed over time.

Next to the Erbil Civilization Museum, you will find an old souvenir shop where you can buy money used in the time of Saddam. It’s an incredibly unique area.

On the other side you will have an amazing view over the Erbil main square, the center of Erbil. I absolutely loved walking around there right in the heart of Erbil.

Check out my full post about the area of the Citadel in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. (Coming Soon)

Location Parking

Things to do in Erbil · Meet the Kurdish locals

One of the most extraordinary things about traveling is meeting locals. They can give you new perspectives and share information you will not find anywhere. The Kurdish people are among the most friendly, open, and welcoming people I’ve ever met.

In the city of Erbil, you’ll meet friendly people happy to tell you about their lives and customs.

When you walk around the old center, locals will surely come up to you, ask where you’re from, and perhaps take a picture with you. They are always kind and interested.

Talk to the locals at the busy bazaars, the cute tea shops, or while you’re visiting the historical places. If you spend time getting to know the people of Erbil, you’ll learn a lot about their history, habits, and way of life.

The people from Erbil are very proud of how well they make tourists feel at home, going above and beyond to ensure they have a great time. I’ve had several occasions when complete strangers said: “If you need anything, just let me know!” or they would offer me a bottle of water, for example.

The kindness and friendliness of the locals will stay with you forever, from the traditional Kurdish meals they serve to the heartfelt talks they share.

The Citadel in Erbil in Kurdistan is one of the best locations to meet locals, much easier than in many other countries in my experience.

Things to see in Erbil: The Jalil Khayat Mosque

When you’re looking for things to see in Erbil, besides the Citadel, one of the most interesting structures in Erbil is the Jalil Khayat Mosque.

It is the largest mosque in the city.

The mosque is open for visitors and tourists outside of praying hours. It was actually built as a tourist attraction in mind, I’ve been told.

Among things to do in Erbil, Kurdistan, it is worth a visit when you are in Erbil. When I was visiting the mosque, it was closed, but someone was so kind to us to open the mosque and gave us a tour. I was allowed to take pictures and walk around in this vast empty mosque. It shows again how friendly the Kurdish people are.

The inside was beautiful; there were stunning colors and details on the ceiling and walls.

I’ve also been to the massive mosque in Oman called the Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the blue mosque in istanbul . Those are a lot bigger, but the Jalil Khayat Mosque in Erbil is in an excellent second or third spot, at least.

It is best reached by car and parking is free like almost everywhere in Erbil.

Just incase the mosque is closed you might have to find a local working in the mosque. When I visited the mosque it was closed but they were so kind to open it for us. The Kurds are very friendly so don’t be shy to ask them! (Oh, and don’t forget to take of your shoes 😉 )

Location Mosque

what to do in Erbil: Hiking!

In Kurdistan, there are several traditional activities on weekends; one of the most famous is, hiking!

There are numerous options to go hiking or walking in the outdoors in Iraqi Kurdistan. My favorite location is Rawanduz , 1 hour and 45 minutes driving from Erbil.

Seen here below is the closest mountain to Erbil is Safeen (or Safin). It is about 45 minutes driving from Erbil, depending on where you park… 😉

You can drive all the way up the mountain or park your car at the bottom and hike to the top, which is the most fun way!

A photo with a Barzani (Kurdistan President) scarf is mandatory on the top of the mountain!

You’d be surprised about the rich nature of the area. As you climb up the trails of Mountain Safeen, you’ll see fantastic views that will blow your mind. In the distance, you will see the town of Shaqlawa, and even further, you will see snow-peaked mountain tops. Snow in Iraq!

With its beautiful green grass, rocky rocks, and colorful flowers (during spring), Safeen is a feast for the eyes that will surely make you feel better. It feels more like being in Austria than in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Mountain Safeen is where you can escape the busy world and find peace and quiet. This area is the perfect place to relax and recharge because it is quiet and hasn’t been touched by humans.

If you’re thinking about what to do in Erbil; this is one of the best places to visit in Erbil.

Best location for driving up the mountain.

Best location for parking to hike up the mountain.

When is the best time to visit Mountain Safeen?

Hiking on Mountain Safeen during winter time is actually a great and unique experience. In winter time during the day, it is usually around 8 degrees. When you go hiking to the top, it will be around 0 degrees. Most of the time, days are sunny, which are perfect hiking conditions.

Bring some BBQ equipment and do a winter BBQ!

The mountain’s flora and fauna will be at their peak during the brief spring season (about March to June). You will see an enormous variety of flowers and plants, salamanders, and butterflies.

If you want to spot more wildlife like vultures and mountain goats, you will have to go to mountains a bit further away like mountain Barzan.

This will be the longest period of the year and also the hottest. If you prepare well, bring enough water, and take it easy, it is doable to hike in the mountains. Personally, I find it too hot.

Try to avoid weekends!

Something I learned along the way, avoid the weekends! And that’s not Saturday and Sunday like you will probably be used to, but Friday and Saturday. In most of the middle eastern countries, the weekend is on Friday and Saturday. You can compare Friday to Sunday, like in most Western Countries when everybody is off from work and visits family.

But, one thing many people do on Friday in Kurdistan, and I mean MANY people, is go hiking and picnicking. So, if you want peace of mind and just drive relaxed to the mountains, try going there from Monday to Thursday or Sunday.

The traffic jams on Friday especially are crazy; everybody goes out of the city to picnic with the family. Going on a Friday is an adventure in itself, but if you want to have the most relaxed experience, avoid going on a Friday.

Preparing to hike on Mountain Safeen

• Tell someone about your hike plans and when you think you’ll be back for safety.
• If possible, go with a local who knows the area.
• Plan your trip based on the weather and make sure there aren’t any warnings or limits.
• Bring along essential things like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a map of the paths.
• Respect the environment by following the Leave No Trace principles, which say you should only take memories and leave nothing behind.
• Avoid street dogs. Most of them are harmless, but when you’re out in the mountains with nobody around, it’s always good to be extra careful and not approach them.
• BBQing is allowed everywhere.
• Bring some coal, lighter fluid, Turkish coffee, and a Turkish coffee pot to make delicious Turkish coffee on top of the mountain.
• Finally, people are super friendly. If anything might happen, they will help you, provide water or assist you in any way they can.

Erbil's closest town: Shaqlawa

The closest village near Erbil is Shaqlawa. It’s on the foot of Mountain Safeen. When you’ve been hiking for a day on the mountain, it’s a great opportunity to visit Shaqlawa and the busy market and streets.

What’s special about Shaqlawa? Erbil has a certain international touch to it; Shaqlawa is 100% local, which is nice to experience. It is also nestled between the mountains with mountain Safeen as the highest peak.

You can also find an ancient shrine close to Shaqlawa titled Shrine of Raban Boya.  

Location of Shrine: More info

Hiking: Mountain Korek or Barzan

If you have more time than the mountains, Korek or Barzan are a must-see. But! This area is not safe to visit solo.

You need a local guide that knows the area. You are entering terrain close to Turkey and Iran’s border, which is unsafe, so please be careful. Korek is the safer option of the two but Barzan has the upper hand on wild life.

That said, both areas are incredible. I never expected there to be so much nature, green, and wildlife. It’s just completely different than the image I had in my mind when I moved to Iraq. These areas are one of the most epic things to visit in Iraq.

I stereotypically expected a lot of sand; boy, was I wrong. But that’s the beauty of traveling to get new perspectives and insight into countries and cultures.

Barzan location

Korek location

View the city from rooftop bar Dusk

Back to the city!

If you’re looking for things to do in Erbil, such as going out. This bar has one of the best views in the city. It’s a rooftop bar that can open and close its roof; how awesome is that? They have fancy cocktails, nice snack food, and Hookah. The panoramic view is incredible; you’ll be able to see the city and the mountains.

Try some of the famous Iraqi Shisha, or Hookah as it is also called. Tip for starters: go for the lemon-mint flavour! It’s the mildest one.

Keep in mind that visiting the bar is only allowed for couples or groups including women. Guy groups are most of the time not allowed.

Info: https://iq.arabplaces.com/erbil/dusk-roof-bar-400062

Be amazed by the wedding photoshoots at Empire World

If you want to learn more about Kurdish culture , you must visit Empire World. It is the number one area for wedding photoshoots. You will see at least between 3 and 6 wedding photoshoots at the same time during the entire day.

Why is this interesting to see? Well, everyone is fully dressed in traditional clothes. The wedding dresses are purple, blue, gold, white, and red and are accompanied by golden necklaces.

The brides are wearing typical Kurdish make-up, and the guys have their hair done in a traditional Kurdish way. It’s one of the most authentic things you’ll ever see. If you are looking for things to do in Erbil than this has to be on your list.

You can have a drink at one of the bars and restaurants and watch the Kurdish folks celebrating a beautiful wedding day.

Unlike avoiding Mountain Safeen on Friday, this area in Empire World is perfect for visiting on a Friday. You will see a lot of wedding photoshoots with entire families. Sometimes it gets so crowded that there are wedding photoshoots on the side of the road. It’s a truly fascinating experience!

Location : https://goo.gl/maps/M8u2R6MSWV7qnu3E7

Read my full post about Kurdish weddings.

Shopping: Gulan Mall and Family Mall

If you are looking for things to buy in Erbil and do some shopping, then there are two main malls in Erbil. The most luxurious mall is Gulan Mall. It’s a shopping mall focused on brands and more high-end stuff. On the top floor, you will find an excellent food court with sushi, pizza, salads, and kebab.

Family Mall feels more local and is a more fun experience.

If you want to park in the parking garage below the mall, security guards will check your trunk, so keep that in mind.

Gulan Mall: https://goo.gl/maps/GhGmqcUnWw2by3R46

Family Mall: https://goo.gl/maps/MXf3f89zoQLbZ5uQ9

Walk around at Sami Abdul Rahman Park

Sami Abdul rahman Park is not in my top favorite things to do in Erbil, but it is relatively easy to visit, and it is pretty big. The thing is, there are several power generators running on gas in the park that can pollute the air quite a bit.

But it is an interesting area to visit. You can get some Turkish coffee, picnics, and go horse riding, there is a running track and a cable cart, but I’m not sure if it works.

Across the street, there is this dystopian abandoned building, that was never finished, with a huge Pepsi sign on it. As a photographer, I find this quite the fascinating image.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sZjtfKPr6EbxAHZQ9

Buy BBQ equipment and go picnicking in the wild

As I said, hiking and BBQing are the one of the most famous activities in Erbil, and perhaps all of Kurdistan.

So, you will find many little shops that sell BBQ equipment along the roads. You can BBQ in the park or take the car outside the city and find a nice quiet place.

Go to Mountain Safeen or drive right behind Shaqlawa, where you will find a vast valley where there is plenty of space to BBQ or to drink some chai.

You don’t even have to bring a BBQ! A roster, some coal, and lighter fluid are enough. You can easily build a BBQ from big rocks lying around, living an adventurous life, BBQ’ing the Kurdish way!

Visit the small town of Akre

Talking about activities near Erbil, about 1,5 hours driving from Erbil is the small Kurdish town, Akre. It is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world. It is famous for its massive event during Kurdish New Year’s Eve.

You can visit the market and walk up to the most famous restaurant in the town, where they serve the best Kurdish food you will find.

I recommend going there with someone who knows the area so that you don’t get lost.

The road from Erbil is surprisingly good! The government made a new highway of very high quality.

Read my full post about visiting Akre .

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aTSxJ7XV6eJzVKcb9

Nightlife in Erbil: Go to The Spot

Looking for things to do in Erbil at night? Erbil has quite the night life!

If you are in Gulan Mall, then make sure to have a quick stop at The Spot. This bar is an international bar with live music. Many people that visit Erbil are surprised by the modern surroundings, and this bar is part of that.

Attached to the bar is the German Bottle Shop, where they sell German bottles; who would have guessed? You can buy imported German beer but also anything ranging from Corona to more strong beer and many different kinds of wine. The prices are actually really reasonable!

It’s fascinating to find all these international locations in Erbil.

Many of my friends are expecting surroundings like in Baghdad or like they have seen in documentaries in Iraq. Erbil is quite different; you’d be surprised about this modern city.

Location : https://goo.gl/maps/tG2kYfiS5WcsMqe6A

Nightlife in Erbil: Basilis

There are quite a lot of clubs and bars in Erbil. The nightlife in Erbil is very much alive , but many of the clubs are entirely commercial and more focused on Arabic music. In Ankawa, there are a few more underground clubs that have a bit more of a Berlin vibe.

One of them is Basilis. During the week, it’s a bar that also serves very delicious pizza, but on Thursday night, it is a proper club with one of the best vibes in town.

If you want to go out clubbing, I recommend this place.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BmFAbKvWhYEyZvjZA

Top things to do in Erbil: Take a Taxi!

Now this might not sound like one of the top things to do in Erbil, but in my experience, it is! Traffic is kind of crazy in Erbil, to say the least.

Taking a cab in Erbil is like diving headfirst into the chaos and getting a feel for the city’s rhythms. The city’s traffic is an ever-changing mixture of horns, swerving cars, quick pedestrians, trucks, scooters, people selling stuff on the road, and so on.

As soon as you step into the taxi, you’re part of the cab’s (Poethic mode on: ) “lively symphony of motion” Oh yes.

Taxi drivers know the streets and how and when to brake, avoid holes, or when they get priority on a roundabout, for example. But, for you, it will feel like the taxi driver has lost his mind, and you’re on a rampage…

There are no rules on the road! So, to sit in the front chair of a taxi is something only for adventurous people.

Make sure to always book a taxi with the app Careem.

Read more about what it’s like to drive a car yourself in Iraq.

Go to bars near Dream City

Near the famous area, Dream City is one of the biggest bar areas of Erbil. This area is more of a commercial site and less’ local.’ Nevertheless, it is pretty fascinating to visit it, especially during the evening when the muscle cars come out and Kurdish folks are dressed traditionally.

Although this area is not a Christian area where alcohol is allowed, most bars sell beer. If you are looking for a place to have some food and drinks, this is one of the best.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HxYf7Do6T3RcK8aKA

Check out the huge MTV Cribs style villas

In Erbil and most of Kurdistan, the gap between the poor and rich is quite big. You can see incredibly tiny houses where entire families live or gigantic villas with only two people. There are several areas where you can see villas that will blow your mind.

If you are in Empire World, you can easily walk to Dream City, where you will see many huge villas. Other areas are New Azadi and Aram Village. These houses are MTV cribs worthy for sure.

Visit Ainkawa Christian Neighbourhood

What I like about Erbil is the mix of different people and religions. Ainkawa is a Christian suburb where you will see various churches and other Christian symbols.

In many middle eastern countries, alcohol is not allowed, but in Erbil, in the Christian areas, you will find many liquor stores. Muslims and Christians live happily together.

During Christmas times, you will even see many Muslims buying Christmas decorations for their house. I love this beautiful mixture of culture and traditions.

It is also one of the few areas where you can walk around more easily. You will need a car for most of the Erbil areas, but in Ainkawa, you can just wander around. It feels a bit more European.

Best restaurants in Ainkawa are Well Done Bowl (Asian), the Armenian Restaurant, and Manolo (Pizza). Both of them are next to the American Consulate area, which is also quite fascinating to see because of the gigantic walls and intense security.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rASNL7iupXuNoH5f7

Relax at a rooftop pool

A kind of hidden location is the rooftop bar with a pool at the Erbil International hotel. I only found out about this place after living in Erbil for six months.

The entrance fee is relatively high, around 30 dollars, but it is one of the few locations where there is a pool. So, if you are looking for an excellent location to cool down, this is the place.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZdguqbbaxdMSo3v27

Have dinner at the Catholic University

My personal favorite location to have dinner is Erbil! This restaurant is part of the catholic university. It’s behind the university on a wide field of grass. The area has tables with enough space for at least a few hundred people.

The surroundings of the restaurant make you feel like you’re at a big wedding.

The food is incredible, and there is a very relaxed atmosphere.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gSyUQVi8XV92ZhDu6

Festival on top of a mountain

If you have a car, a special area to visit is the Haibat Sultan Mountain near Koya, where several times a year a festival is held. This is one of those things that you would never be able to find during a holiday. It’s a rather secret location in an area that only a few tourists visit.

I’ve heard this festival is possible because it is being organized by one of the sons of the leader of the area. It’s awesome to see this kind of progressive event in Kurdistan.

It takes place during winter and summer time. It’s possible to camp on the festival site.

You will have to go through a checkpoint because you are leaving the Erbil area and entering an area that is being ruled by a different leader.

On the mountain you will also find this odd looking carnival. It looks like it hasn’t been used for a while. Perfect photo opportunity!

More info: https://www.avalanche.oceanic.krd

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GGs6K5uNqWyxLvYg7

Final thoughts on the top 21 things to do in Erbil

For two years long, I’ve been living in this diverse, strange, and fascinating city. Honestly, before I moved here, I had never heard of Erbil. Therefore, I came here open-minded, which is the best way, I think to approach a new city and a new culture.

I’ve learned a lot about this place on a cultural and political level but also as a tourist. Especially the amount of beautiful nature surprised me, and the friendliness of the local people.

While there is much more to do in and around Erbil (like visiting Newroz ) I hope this guide will help you to find out what to do in Kurdistan.

There are still many locations that are on my list that I want to explore; Shanidar Cave, Dukan Lake or the old Erbil Observatory.

Location Observatory: https://goo.gl/maps/AazssgemBepNzELA6

Location Shanidar Cave: https://goo.gl/maps/ysuZkfFJQkbTHJrK9

Location Dukan Lake: https://goo.gl/maps/kmYQJP9JPcSHZWQKA

Erbil is a very diverse city, and unlike other parts of Iraq, like Baghdad, it is very easy to visit. You can get a visa on arrival for around 70 dollars.

Nevertheless, countries like the USA still see Erbil as part of Iraq, which means that if you want to visit the USA after visiting Erbil, you might have to provide more documents about why you have visited Erbil. Please keep this in mind . For the latest info, check out the official page from the USA.

Things to buy in Erbil

Because Erbil is such a historic rich city there are many incredible items to buy in Erbil. 

The president of Iraqi Kurdistan is the Barzani Family. They are known for their red scarfs. On every market you can find these scarfs and buy them which is a typical Kurdish item.

Buy some old money! Around the citadel it is possible to buy old money from back in Saddam times. This is such an incredible unique item. One billet costs 1 dollar.

Another item are these incredible Middle Eastern lanterns. These lanterns are used to hang in front of the door of a house during events like Ramadan or Eid al -Adha. But they can also be used all year around.

Especially around the citadel you wil find many second hand and antique shops. Gold is relatively cheap and there are many hand crafted items to be found like a handcrafted carpet with beautiful colours. Don’t forget to bargain!

When is the best time to visit Erbil?

In my experience, the most pleasant temperatures are in the months of October until April/May . But, during wintertime, it can get quite cold! There were several nights when the temperature dropped below zero, and there was some snow as well.

Most houses don’t have central heating, only ACs that can produce warm air. This works fine, but the floor can get super cold; it will even hurt my feet if I’d walk on bare feet in the house.

During the short period of spring in March and April, the mountains and almost all of Erbil are green, lush, and vibrant. That’s the perfect time for hiking, I would say.

Where to stay in Erbil?

The most well-known hotels are Divan , Arjaan Rotana , and Hyatt . I recommend booking a room at one of the more known hotels for safety. Hyatt is located in one of the more fun areas where you have some international and local restaurants, and it is close to Gulan Mall.

These hotels are more expensive than many other options, but most buildings run on gas power generators and lack safety precautions.

Top 10 places to eat · The best restaurants in Erbil

After living in Erbil for two years, these are my top ten restaurants in Erbil. Making a reservation is unnecessary unless you want to go on Friday night, which is the most busy night.

Also, if you go around 6 or 7 pm, it will not be crowded, but after 7, it will be more challenging to get a table. You can wait in line at most restaurants until a table becomes available.

By the way! Ordering food and having it delivered to your door is also possible. Use the app Lezzo or Talabat and pay cash to the delivery guy. It works perfectly.

• CUE: Catholic University Erbil

My favorite location and number one of the best restaurants in Erbil.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/R7dyV16g5fCWJQCq9

• Kebab Yassin

Probably the most famous restaurant in Erbil.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9ZiH3uC2Tg6QDetX6

• Dusk (Bar and snacks)

Amazing view!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/17LvBVEpnWJTEQmM6

Great food and service, hectic, but that’s part of the experience.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aSLSjNZDVyPnmvsE9

• Fuul w humous

Small restaurant but really tasty food.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/c2nU9s5QvFyaN2q77

• Gourmet Italiano

A surprisingly good Italian restaurant in Erbil!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bs6kthcrYLQ147KG7

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1KcWLGRHkrcFozqr6

A more luxurious and slightly more expensive place, but it is one of the best places for beers and pizzas. Try the Quatro Fromage!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LLUyzaopxveXBNt69

• Well Done Bowl

The best Asian restaurant in Erbil, in my opinion.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iq9162gzNYPE68hX9

• Armenian Restaurant Nazeli

Located on the right of Well Done Bowl is an Armenian restaurant. They have some special meals.  

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tbwJXKB6Lq8Tdmij6

Supermarkets in Erbil

Carrefour and the Holland Bazaar are the most well-known supermarkets in Erbil. There are a lot of these stores all around Erbil. You will find most of the Western products here imported from Europe or The States.

There are also many local supermarkets with cheaper prices.

Make sure to bring cash, cash is king!

Useful websites

Erbil Citadel: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1437

Kurdistan Region: https://gov.krd/

Erbil Governorate: https://erbil.gov.krd/

Kurdish culture: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdish_culture

Iraqi Kurdistan tourism: https://bot.gov.krd/

History of Erbil: https://www.britannica.com/place/Erbil

Hopefully this comprehensive travel guide will help you to experience Erbil to its fullest.

If you have any questions about Erbil, please leave a comment!

F.AQ. Erbil

Erbil is the capital of Kurdistan, a fascinating region with some of the friendliest people on earth. It is known for the old citadel which is one of the oldest inhabited places on earth.

Wearing shorts or flip flops is no problem at all in Erbil. Although most people are dressed rather neat, wearing shorts is perfectly fine.

Many Kurdish people speak English quite well. Especially at the bigger shops and hotels.

Life in Erbil is rather cheap. The average wage per month is around 500 dollars. Flight tickets can be more expensive than other countries because there is a certain geopolitical instability. Airlines have to pay a higher fee for insurance and the supply in airlines is lower.

The Textile Museum in Erbil is a small but fascinating museum that exhibits beautiful Kurdish textiles.

Erbil is home to numerous attractions such as historical sites, museums, parks, and vibrant markets. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Chris Oberman is the creator of Moving Jack and has been traveling the world for over 20 years to 40+ countries.

He lives in a different country every two years which allows him to gain unique in-depth insights in places abroad.

Read more about the author.

• Iraq , Kurdistan

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Leuk om te lezen Jack, heb de taxi app gedownload. We gaan volgende week, ik ben ontzettend benieuwd!

Hopelijk hebben jullie een mooie tijd gehad! 🙂

It is rather valuable piece

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A Travel Guide to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan’s Capital

Erbil is Iraqi Kurdistan’s capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The central citadel has been continuously lived in for 7000 years, and is now a built up, manmade hill jutting out of the city centre, as one generation after another have built and rebuilt the city after foreign invasions.

The square and bazaar around the citadel were always buzzing with activity but at around sunset the place really came to life. I met so many people who just wanted to come and talk to me. I met market vendors who wanted their photo taken, I was interviewed by local UN staff for a film project, I had a conversation with a college student for his English assignment, I was bought water and chai and coffee and I had young girls ask for a selfie. It was a really incredible city to be in and I could have stayed longer to just walk the bazaar one more time and sit in the central square one last evening. 

Everyone who visits Iraqi Kurdistan comes to spend at least a day in Erbil. While there might not be as many things to do as in Sulaymaniyah, I definitely suggest allowing a couple of days to soak up this incredibly fascinating place and its friendly locals. Here’s my guide to Erbil, for any tourists hoping to visit Iraqi Kurdistan.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

How to get to Erbil

Erbil is home to Erbil International Airport , which is the main airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. It has regular flights to Europe, Asia and other destinations in the Middle East.

If you’re travelling around Iraqi Kurdistan, then Erbil is easily connected to most places by taxi and shared minivan.

From Sulaymaniyah

If you’re coming from Sulaymaniyah , the second largest city in Kurdistan, then there are two road options.

The quicker option takes the road that goes close to Kirkuk and unfortunately, it is not possible to take this route as a foreigner. Kirkuk is still not entirely safe and it is under control of the Iraqi government which means you need an Iraq visa to use the road. 

The better option is to take the  Khalkan-Dukan Road . Shared taxis and minivans leave from the General Bus Station or otherwise known as Baghdad Terminal in Sulaymaniyah for Erbil. They leave when full which is quite regularly throughout the day. Most locals will know that you need to go via Dukan, so they’ll point you to the right vehicle.

In Erbil, shared taxis and minivans depart from  Garaj Sulaymaniyah , which is slightly to the south of the city centre in Erbil. This is where a congregation of vehicles are waiting to fill with passengers.

A minivan between Erbil and Sulaymaniyah via Dukan will cost around 10, 000 dinar (AUD$12) per seat (a shared taxi will be more expensive). The trip took around 4.5 hours with a lunch stop and four military checkpoints where ID is checked along the way.

From the north west of Erbil, Duhok is the third largest city in Iraqi Kurdistan. Most minivans and taxis travel via Mosul between Duhok and Erbil. For foreigners this can be a problem, if you don’t have an Iraq visa as the city is still unstable. However, most drivers will know this and they tend to stay on the outskirts of the city anyway.

There are shared taxis and minivans leaving from Duhok’s main garaj or Bus Station in the middle of the city.

Travelling in the other direction, Erbil’s main bus station and transport hub is known as Erbil Terminal , next to Shaykh Ahmad and Family Fun Mall. From here, you can take buses and shared vans to cities in Northern Iraq, as well as, international buses to Turkey.

Where to stay in Erbil

There is plenty of accommodation to choose from in Erbil. While I wanted too stay close enough to the main bazaar area so that I could walk around, many foreigners choose to stay in Ankawa neighbourhood to the north of the city centre. This is where you can find many foreign offices and aid organisations, wand has traditionally been known as the Christian neighbourhood in the city.

Some of my hotel recommendations for Erbil include:

Janet Bludan Hotel || This budget hotel was USD$25 per night for a double room, single occupancy. It included a very nice breakfast and decent Wi-Fi. It’s the most popular budget option for foreigners as it is just 10-15 minutes walk from the main square. I loved my stay here, as the staff were extremely friendly and I could walk to most places. Check availability here .

Fareeq Hotel || One of the most popular budget options in Ankawa area 5km away from the bazaar, this hotel is common amongst foreigners. The staff are super friendly and will help you with your stay in Erbil City. Check their availability here .

Erbil Quartz Hotel || For something nicer, this hotel is located close to the city centre and is a nice 4-star hotel with an indoor pool, Wi-Fi and a restaurant. Very convenient place to stay and foreign tourists have said the staff are lovely. Check availability here .

Things to do in Erbil

All the exciting action happens in the main bazaar and city centre. It’s dominated by the impressive Citadel and main square, which is where people congregate every evening. While there’s not a whole lot to do in Erbil, it’s worth spending some time to soak up the energy of the place.

Erbil Citadel

Officially recognised under UNESCO in 2014, the old walled city is seeing a revitalisation that will likely take years. From the outside, it’s an impressive sight and dominates the centre of the city, as most of modern Erbil spreads outwards from the citadel itself. It is free to enter and roam around inside, however, most of it is under construction and there really isn’t much to see other than crumbling old houses and construction workers. 

The main gate just above the main square provides a great panorama of the city, and is particularly popular at sunset.

There are, however, some good museums inside and it’s clear that they’re trying to turn the city into a real cultural hub for tourists to one day come and explore Kurdish history. The best museum and worth the small 1500 dinars (AUD$2) ticket, is the  Kurdish Textile Museum . It was opened way back in 2004 and is housed inside a renovated mansion inside the citadel. The displays are beautiful and written in English. Even if you’re not interested in carpets, it’s a great introduction to Kurdish culture.

Main Square

The main square is in front of the citadel and beside the main bazaar. With its water fountains and numerous street vendors, it’s impossible to miss. It comes to life at sunset time, when tourists, families and locals all go to sit, drink chai and ponder life. 

Around the afternoon and evening, there is also a small side walk market run by men on the east side of the main square near the clocktower. There is always a crowd there bargaining and discussing over prayer beads, but also clothes and antique watches. I walked up and down through the small market a couple of times each night and I could not get over how friendly the men were. They always wanted photos and to know where I was from and what I was doing in Erbil. I always left in the evening back to my hotel with a smile on my face.

Tea culture and cafes

The one thing you’ll notice in Iraqi Kurdistan and Erbil is the tea drinking culture. There are coffee and tea shops everywhere, some just being a small street side vendor. There are also plenty of people walking the bazaar and main square selling tea and coffee out of flasks. I drank plenty of tea in Erbil, mostly because I had people pour me a cup without even asking and I’m almost certain I never had to pay for any of it. It is part of the Kurdish hospitality.

The most famous tea shop is on the edge of the main square, underneath the main gate of the citadel and next to the only group of souvenir shops I saw in Iraqi Kurdistan. It’s called  Machko Cafe  and always has tea drinkers spilling out onto the pavement. It’s considered potentially the oldest, continuously running tea shop in the city and is now run by the grandson of the founder. It’s been open since the 1940s and it claims that every important person, dignitary, intellectual, writer and activist have sat to drink tea there at least once. It’s also one of the only tea shops where women and men can drink tea side by side and people are extremely friendly.

Main bazaar

The bazaar reminded me of the ones I had strolled around in Iran; a large covered area selling everything from sweets and dried fruits to clothes and headscarves to Kurdish flags and knock-off Nikes. Plenty of the traders were friendly and some even spoke enough English to ask where I was from and explain what they had for sale. I spent nearly an hour inside a large shop tasting all the sweets, dried fruits, chocolate and nuts for sale. And of course, he bought me a cup of tea as well.

Jalil Khayat Mosque

I stumbled across this mosque when I was walking back into the city from an ATM (see below) and it is incredibly beautiful. Relatively new, it was opened in 2007 after being built by a wealthy local family and it can hold up to 2000 worshippers at prayer time. It’s a worth a look if you have time.

Erbil parks

The Middle East really does love a good park. Most cities have a few of them, which can be a nice escape after the concrete jungles that are Middle Eastern cities. Erbil’s most popular park is  Sami Abdulrahman Park , which is also built on top of a former military base like Azadi Park in Sulaymaniyah. It’s a huge green area that is popular for picnics and exercising.

Finding a bank and ATM in Erbil

ATMs are hard to come by in Iraqi Kurdistan and it’s truly still a cash economy. In Sulaymaniyah it is possible to find a couple within the city centre, however, in Erbil it’s basically impossible. I spent an entire morning trying to find an ATM and I only found one that didn’t accept foreign cards. I decided to just go inside a bank to ask where I could find an ATM. I immediately had all the friendly security guards asking me what I needed and when I said ATM, they began discussing the whereabouts of one. After none of them actually knowing anything about ATMs, they finally said, “Just go see bank manager.” 

So I walked into the bank manager’s office, who I was delighted to see was a woman, and she was holding a meeting with a couple of people. She ushered them out and then proceeded to call a number of banks to see where an ATM that accepted foreign cards would be. I suggested an Iraqi bank because that was what I had used in Sulaymaniyah. So she grabbed a customer who was doing his own business at the bank and told him to drive me to the Bank of Baghdad , a few kilometres outside of the city. 

I jumped into the car with him, he was a teacher and happened to speak good English. He drove me out to the bank and I told him I would find my own way back as I was already overwhelmed with how much people were going out of their way to help me. (I ended up opting to take the long walk back into the city and stumbled across the Jalil Khayat mosque on the way, so it was worth it.)

I met a US citizen who was working in Erbil at the ATM and we laughed together about how ridiculous it is that there’s so few of these machines and they just so happen to be way outside of the city centre. But, just ask for help and you will get it in Iraqi Kurdistan!

Exploring more of Iraqi Kurdistan?

Check out my other posts about Iraqi Kurdistan:

Best Things to Do in Sulaymaniyah

• Why You Should Explore Akre, Lalish and Alqosh

A Complete Guide to Travelling in Iraqi Kurdistan

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Erbil Travel Guide + 7 Things To Do In Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

Updated April 2024, Erbil Travel Guide + 7 Things To Do In Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan was originally published in August 2020

Welcome to Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan and the largest city in the territory. The city definitely warrants at least a couple of days or more the wander its old bazaars, explore the ancient citadel, hang out in its lovely parks, and meet friendly locals.

Start planning here:  A Quick Iraqi Kurdistan Guide

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Iraq?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

A Quick History Of Erbil

Erbil, or known locally in Kurdish as Hawler, has an impressively long history, with some estimates claiming up to go back as far as the 5th millennium BC making it among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The earliest references to the city are found in Sumerian scripts that date back to sometime in the 3rd millennium BC.

Eventually, the Akkadian Empire rose and the Akkadian Semites and Sumerians of Mesopotamia jointly ruled. Erbil would see the rise and fall of the Assyrian Empire, the nearby Battle of Gaugamela between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia, and be stuck in the middle of land claimed by both the Romans and the Sassanids.

Christianity, and later Islam would be introduced to the population, the Mongols would later invade and the city of Erbil would see itself under the control of the Umayyads, Abbasids, Buwayhids, Seljuks, Ilkhanids, Jalayirids, Kara Koyunlu, Timurids, and finally the Ak Koyunlu before falling under the Ottomans.

Eventually, the whole of Iraq would fall under British rule before an independent Iraq was formed.

Looking for ideas? Check out my  10 Day Iraqi Kurdistan Itinerary

Things To Do In Erbil

Erbil Citadel

The Erbil Citadel was listed as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  in 2014. The citadel is what remains of the ancient fortified city. There are a number of museums to check out while wandering the ruins of the Erbil Citadel.

This is also a great sunset location to catch the last light of day.

Erbil Main Square

Erbil’s main square is the best place in the city to go to just hang out and watch life go by. Home to many cafes, go sip a chai and chat with locals. For the best view of the Erbil Main Square, walk up to the Erbil Citadel.

Solo female traveler? Read my  Guide to Solo Female Travel in Iraqi Kurdistan

Wander The Qaysari Bazaar

The Qaysari Bazaar dates back to the 13th century, located along the Erbil Main Square just downhill from the citadel. The covered bazaar is filled with countless photo ops. Don’t forget to try the chai Kurdi and the Kurdish sweets you’ll find on display.

Visit Jalil Khayat Mosque

Jalil Khayat Mosque is ornately decorated, and to my surprise upon my visit is a newer construction. The mosque’s construction began by a well-known Erbil man by the name of Jalil Khayat. Khayat, unfortunately, passed away in 2005 before the completion of the mosque.

Jalil Khayat Mosque would be finished in 2007 by his sons in his memory. The mosque fuses Abbasid and Ottoman architectural elements.

Don’t miss  Alqosh  and  Lalish  on your visit to Iraqi Kurdistan

Sami Abdul Rahman Park

The former location of Saddam Hussein’s 5th Corps Army military base was converted into a park with construction beginning in 1998. Sami Abdul Rahman Park was named in honor of Sami Abdul Rahman who was killed in a suicide bombing in 2004.

The park is massive, housing two lakes, the Martyrs Monument, and a rose garden. When I visited Erbil Sami Abdul Rahman Park was bustling as there was a giant food festival going on with food trucks and stalls selling food from all over the city.

Don’t forget to visit the ancient city of  Amedi

Minaret Park & Shanidar Park

Minaret Park and Shanidar Park are sat side by side, making them easy to visit together. Minaret Park is home to the Mudhafaria Minaret, whose construction began in 1190 AD and took 42 years to complete.

Shanidar Park is quite modern, centered around the Shanider Cave, a rock structure encircled by a moat and filled with local art exhibits. There is a cable car across Shanider Park too.

Get adventurous and visit beautiful  Gomi Felaw  and  Dore Canyon

Ankawa is Erbil’s Christian suburb, originally known as Beth Amka. The suburb is home to many churches. The Patriarchal See of the Assyrian Church of the East was relocated to Ankawa from the US.

Where To Sleep In Erbil

Bella Roma Hotel |  Booking.com  |

Divan Erbil Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Have Any Questions About Visiting Erbil?

Ask in the comments section below. I also recommend grabbing a copy of Bradt Iraq while planning your trip to Iraqi Kurdistan.

More Posts from Iraqi Kurdistan:

Visiting The Ancient Assyrian City Of Amedi, Iraqi Kurdistan

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Things to do in Erbil (Iraq) – A complete guide

By Joan Torres 39 Comments Last updated on April 25, 2024

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Not many cities in the world can brag about having as much history as Erbil has.

Historians claim that the city has been permanently inhabited since the 5th millennium B.C., making it one of the oldest cities in the world, if not the oldest. Erbil’s Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site for being an astonishing example of a multilayered archaeological mound, today overlooking a modern city that has grown around it over the centuries.

With more than 7,000 years of history, Erbil – or Hawler, as the locals call it – is the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan , a city with fantastic old bazaars and traditional cafés, which can all be visited while you bump into the many locals that hang out in the lively Erbil’s central square.

Nevertheless, if you think that visiting Erbil is just about wandering around a traditional Muslim city, you are completely wrong because Erbil is a modern metropolis which for the last years, has become a regional business hub, home to a large expat community and some of the best nightlife in the Middle East, often compared to Beirut .

I have traveled to Erbil three times, so here is a complete Erbil tourism guide, which includes the best things to do in Erbil , as well as plenty of travel tips.

In this Erbil travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Where to stay

How to go to Erbil

• Moving around
• Things to do
• Where to eat
• More resources

our recommended travel insurance for Iraq

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Iraq.

Do you need a visa to go to Erbil? Most Western nationalities, including EU countries, the USA, Canada and Australia, among many others, can easily purchase a visa on arrival for 75USD or 60€. For more information, read my Iraqi Kurdistan travel guide

Where to stay when you visit Erbil

In Erbil, accommodation can get pricey, as there are no hostels and guest houses and the cheapest options can’t be booked online.

Budget Hotel – Fareeq – With super friendly staff and modern facilities, this reasonably budget hotel is the cheapest hotel in town that can be booked online. It has loads of positive reviews and the location is great. Overall, a good, practical option.

Nicer – Erbil View Hotel – This hotel is one of the best value-for-money options in Erbil. Everybody claims that the staff are amazing, as well as the breakfast and the hotel in general.

Top-end – Divan Erbil Hotel – One of the most popular luxury choices in Erbil. If you are looking for real comfort and affordable luxury, this is the place to stay in Erbil.

I also traveled to Mosul from Erbil, and you can read about it here

Erbil has an international airport, Istanbul (both Turkish and Pegasus) and Dubai (Fly Dubai) being the cheapest and most common routes.

For more information on how to travel to Erbil , check the Getting in section of my Kurdistan guide .

Getting to and from the airport when you visit Erbil

Getting to and from Erbil airport is a bit tricky. Due to extreme security measures, you can’t actually reach the airport by car, but you can take a free shuttle bus that connects the airport with the actual arrival terminal.

Going to Erbil from the airport

There is only one taxi company which is allowed to go to the actual airport. They tend to be particularly expensive so, if you want to save some money, take the shuttle bus that goes to the arrival terminal. Taxis there are cheaper and for going to Erbil, they typically charge 20-30USD, depending on where you go.

Going to the airport from Erbil

You can just take a regular taxi, which will charge around 20USD. The taxi will drop you off at the arrival terminal, from where you must take a shuttle bus to the airport. You will go through so many security layers, so do head to the airport well in advance.

How to move around Erbil

The easiest and most comfortable way to move around. Typically, any ride within the city costs from 3,000 to 5,000ID.

Most likely, you won’t need to take a bus but, if you are traveling on a budget and staying in Erbil’s suburbs – in New Hawler for example – you may have to take the bus. The bus station is close to the citadel, next to Downtown Mall.

Getting out of Erbil

Local shared taxis are the most common way of moving around the country. You may also find mini-vans, which are cheaper but they travel to very few places and run less often. In any case, the terminal is right here: 36.205632, 44.046895 .

In my Kurdistan itinerary , you can read more about it.

Things to do in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan

Erbil is quite small, hence, most sites can be reached on foot.

Visit Erbil – Map of the things to do in Erbil

Enjoy a perfect sunny day at Erbil’s main square

The best thing to do in Erbil is visiting its main square, a lively place that is miles away from the stereotype you may have of Iraq .

This is where the Kurds meet, socialize and, basically, hang out. It is always crowded with all kinds of people, from kids to the local young hipsters and old men in their traditional clothes.

The square is enjoyed by sitting on any terrace from the many cafés around, which are always filled with Kurds having chai and smoking shisha.  Just sit down, observe and all the pieces will come together.

Read: Places to visit in Iraqi Kurdistan – A 2-week itinerary

Check out the obsession the Kurds have with worry-beads

The Kurds, especially the elderly, have one hobby, which is that they spend the whole day buying, selling and playing around with worry-beads, a sort of necklace. They touch them, squeeze them and switch them from one hand to the other, non-stop, for the whole day.

You can see people playing with worry-beads all over the Middle East , especially in Turkey, but seriously, nowhere else it is as crazy as in Erbil and Iraqi Kurdistan in general.

Traditionally, they used them for praying but then, they became a way to fight against stress, to the extent that it has become a habit which they can’t stop.

There is even a worry-bead market in the main square itself, one of the most interesting things to see in Erbil.

Visit Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Erbil’s Citadel has over 7,000 years of history and it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage in 2014.

Nobody lives inside anymore but there are museums, buildings under restoration, and a souvenir shop, where you can buy fridge magnets, carpets or even a coffee cup featuring Sadam Hussein.

To be very honest, the inside of the citadel is not very exciting, as the restorations seem to take forever. The views, however, the best ones to see in Erbil, especially at sunset, when the orange light covers up the minaret and clock tower of the main square.

Go for drinks to Ankawa, Erbil’s Christian district

Ankawa is home to the largest Christian community in Kurdistan, an area packed with loads of liquor stores and churches and, of course, where the nightlife in Erbil is going on.

The area is very pleasant to walk around, as you barely see cars and you won’t experience the chaos the Middle East is famous for. 

Moreover, if you are tired of Kurdish food, here you will find a large variety of international restaurants, including Indian, Italian or Lebanese.

They are a bit pricey but they are pretty good. I actually got some amazing Indian dal and curry but, perhaps, it was because I had spent more two months eating the same thing every day when I was traveling in Iran , so putting some Indian spices into my mouth was like an explosion of flavors. 

After some hard-backpacking, Ankawa was one of the best places I visited in Erbil.

By the way, Ankawa is a bit far from Erbil’s citadel (5-6km). A taxi should cost around 3,000-4,000ID. 

Read: Solo female travel in Kurdistan

Have some tea at one of Erbil’s historical teashops, like Mam Khalil

A visit to Erbil won’t be completed without enjoying a cup of tea at Mam Khalil Tea House .

Serving everyone from famous politicians to tourists and all the locals in general, Mam Khalil was opened in 1952 and hasn’t been closed since then.

The most famous Kurdish intellectuals and politicians and from other places in the Middle East have slurped sweet Kurdish tea in this hidden, cozy café, and you should do the same.

It’s located inside the covered bazaar.

Another epic, historical café which you can visit is Machko Chai Khana , built into the wall of the citadel, western part of the square. Opened in 1940, it’s actually older than Mam Khalil, but I personally find Mam Khalil to be cozier.

Stroll Qaysari bazaar (the covered bazaar)

This maze of narrow alleys contains the most traditional shops in the city, from fabrics to dried fruits.

Allow some time to walk around and besides Mam Khalil’s teahouse, I particularly liked the jamadany shop – the traditional Kurdish scarf, whose design changes across the region – and the klash workshop – where they make and sell the traditional hand-made Kurdish shoes

Uusally, locals don’t mind being photographed so, if you are into street photography, this is the place to go.

The money market

The craziest place. 

The exchange offices in Erbil are street stalls with no security, where the locals have huge bundles of money on the counter, without a window, without surveillance and in the middle of the street.

You can find a few money exchange stalls in the covered bazaar, but there is a specific market with plenty of them. Most stalls have Iraqi Dinars but I saw a few tables with loads of Syrian notes with Bazar al-Assad’s face printed on them.

It’s sort of a sensitive place, so be careful when taking photos.

Check out Erbil’s particular  street art

Not sure whether this may be considered graffiti or not but there are some peculiar murals on a few walls across the city.

All of them represent peace, Kurdish soldiers’ heroism and the important role that women play in military Kurdish affairs. In case you didn’t know, the Kurdish women participate in the battlefield.

I saw these paintings when I first traveled to Erbil back in 2015. However, those walls belonged to a Government building and, after taking the photo, some soldiers came from across the street and were actually quite upset.

It was not a big deal anyways but, when I came back in 2018, the murals were gone.

Read: Visiting a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq

Explore the abandoned Arab Quarter

For your information, Kurds are not Arabs, yet, both cultures have been coexisting for a long time.

The old Arab quarter is located in downtown and, nowadays, it is completely abandoned, in ruins, which makes it particularly interesting to walk around and feel the creepiness of the place.

Jalil Khayat Mosque, Erbil’s Grand Mosque

Located within a walking distance from Erbil’s square, this is the largest mosque in the city, whose design resembles the Blue Mosque in Istanbul or the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo. The interior is absolutely jaw-dropping.

It’s relatively new. Its construction began in 2005 and was completed in 2007.

Some non-Muslim travelers have reported having some trouble getting in. It depends on the guard’s mood but generally, dress modestly and try NOT to be there during the time of prayer.

Where to eat in Erbil

My list of the best places where to eat in Erbil.

Iskan street food – An entire street packed with tens of fast-food restaurants which are all opened 24/7, the busiest time being after 12am. Here you will find the best shawarma in Erbil.

Best local kebab – Kebab Yasin – Arguably, the best place for kebab in town. It’s located inside the covered bazaar.

Best Syrian restaurant – Fuul w Hummus – In Erbil, there is a huge Syrian population and this restaurant serves the best Syrian food.

Best Kurdish restaurant – Tamdar – The best spot for traditional Kurdish food.

More information for visiting Erbil

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Iraq destination

• A City Guide to Mosul
• Visiting Syrian Refugee Camp
• Is Iraq Safe?
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraq
• Iraq Itinerary
• Travel Guide to Amedi
• Iraq Travel Guide
• Tales of Backpacking in Iraqi Kurdistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraqi Kurdistan
• Iraqi Kurdistan Itinerary
• Iraqi Kurdistan Travel Guide

Check more city guides

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Asmara Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Dubai
• Beirut Travel Guide
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Baku Travel Guide
• Tbilisi Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Minsk
• Kiev Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Nouakchott

39 comments

I never considered travel to Iraq, but you’ve made me second-guess myself. The citadel and main square are simply gorgeous.

So interesting to see and learn about a city I’m not at all familiar with. The contrast between so many thousands of years of history and modern cultural aspects like street art would make it a really interesting city to experience.

And, in addition to what you say, Erbil is a developed that has served as a business hub in the Middle East for decades. They are rich in petrol and there’s an uprising middle class!

Hello, as a kurd and someone who lives in Erbil,I’m really glad you liked Erbil and the way you described Kurdistan really moved me and I’m sure the same happened to every other kurd that read this,so thanks alot!

it is my pleasure 🙂

Thanks Joan, it’s such an interesting place to visit! For most people, Kurdistan and Iraq is probably not going to be a place they would seek to travel to but it’s posts like this one which show the human side to these destinations that will hopefully inspire people to visit. And shawarma, everyone loves shawarma…..

Hey Kim, yes you are absolutely right. My only objective is to inspire people by making them see that Kurdistan is a safe and awesome place to visit. Yeah, everybody loves shawarma but when is the only choice available, after 4 days you hate it for life!

Looks like there’s plenty to see! I think it would be fascinating to visit Iraq but I’d be a bit concerned about safety. I went to Syria just before the war and was so glad to get the chance to visit before many of the historic sites were destroyed. Is there a political undercurrent in Iraq?

WOW! I’m so jealous that you went to Syria. When did you go? I tried to go a couple of months back, but just to Damascus as it’s still safe. I wanted to go there to visit some friends but getting a visa is pretty hard. Yeah, it’s a shame that those fuckers are destroying all the historical sites. A few weeks back, palmyra was taken over again by ISIS and they destroyed one more building… Really sad. What do you mean by political undercurrent?

For me, the Middle East is not somewhere I am personally attracted to, but I always read with interest the perspectives and experiences of others. Loved learning about the Kurdish men who have the fascination for necklaces. I wonder where all of that started. Looks like you’ve had a great time there, if your photos are anything to go by.

Hi Kerri, the necklace thing is an ancient Greek game. It had relaxing and anti-stress purposes. Not much of a secret 😉 I hope one day you are attracted to the Middle East! Is the region I’ve traveled the most!

A 50c Shawama – I’m sold! I never think to visit the heart of the middle east (preferring to stay on the fringes in places like Dubai and Doha) due to their precarious position in relation to ISIS, but I find their culture fascinating. Interesting to hear about the men and their necklaces – and that westerners would we welcome to sit down and smoke a shisha with the locals!

A very interesting insight to Iraq. I like your idea of sitting next to a Kurd to smoke and drink tea with them. It must lead to some interesting communication.

Breathtaking photos!! I would absolutely, absolutely love to visit Iraq. It’s been high on my bucket list for some time now. I dearly hope 2017 can be the year that I make it happen <3

I hope you really mean it Aileen 😉 Please, let me know before you go

I can help you if you come to kurdistan ? Let me help you

Hello, are you still there ?

I love the choices you make about where you travel. Really unique and true to your blog’s name! Erbil looks really interesting, from the culture to the landmarks. Great list of things to do in Erbil!

It took me 3 weeks to find this name and, since I’ve always been working on Brand Management, I really wanted to find that name that summarizes the concept and content of my site! It was tough! Loads of brainstorming but finally go it 😉 ! I’m glad you find Iraq interesting

So fascinating to read about Iraq – it’s very rare these days to find an article or post which paints it in a positive light, so I’m so glad that you’ve been able to share with us the highlights of Erbil … hopefully these kind of insights can change people’s perspectives of a war torn and dangerous nation.

I would love to travel to Erbil – this to me screams real travel – history, culture in tact, it’s a real experience and so much opportunity for cultural immersion away from the mass tourism which plagues other cities.

Thanks for the photos and sharing your insights from your time here!

Hey Megan, I wish you are talking seriously and you are thinking of going to Erbil at any time soon. If you do, please let me know in advance 😉 And yes, at least Kurdistan is a place where one can only write good things about it. After Lebanon, this is the only Middle Eastern country with a large middle class!

Hi dear …. in fact the history of Erbil is Turkmen city, just go back to 40 years ago when the kurds came to Erbil for selling and trading ….until that time, there was no one who could speak kurdish, that all happend in saddam rijim time and then they migrated them to Erbil…

Hi, I don’t understand what you mean

Beautiful! May I print your pictures for talking about with our refugees? I please you. Mila

Yes, of course you can print them 🙂

Thank you …ya you will have to be polite and friendly with the locals then they Respect you more its the imp. point… & keep smiling ^^

Type here..Hello am Martin Kweku and am a Ghanaian, I want to visit Kurdistan within this year. I wish you could make me your friend so that we can chat more.

Hey what’s up , how I can help you?

Hey what’s up , how I can help you

I did not know much about Erbil in Iraq, until I found some pictures that a friend posted on his Instagram. The place looked interesting and I came across this article while trying to find more about this place. Erbil is definitely on my bucket list now.

In Erbil today. Can vouchsafe everything Joan says. It is the perfect tourist destination and my daughter and I are the ONLY bloody tourists here. A consequence is no hassling whatsoever and you pay the local price. Yes two shwama with works for A$3.

Is very safe. People need distinguish political danger from bandit country. I found it more modern, tidier with better services than most eastern European capitals. Wish I could put up a few pictures.

How about air quality? Is it bad or moderate?

I’d say good to very good with clear skies everyday. Mind you we’d just flown in from Lahore. In december!

Hi! I am in erbil right now and would like to note that super budget accom (layli) you recommended is sadly no longer. Myself and another traveler I crossed paths with in Suli both searched it out with no luck! Thank you for this blog though, it has been instrumental in my trip!! 🙂

thanks for the update!

I have been to Erbil twice in the past 6 months, thanks to this great guide which helped me in many ways specially my first visit. As for taxis from Airport you can also book your taxi online in advance at NA Much cheaper and reliable.

I almost believe it, but you just tried to spam with a website that doesn’t accept bookings in Erbil

So the people who live in Ankawa are Assyrians, they are not only christians. They are the indigenous people of Northern Iraq and South Eastern Turkey.

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• Travel Guide

Things To Do In Erbil (Iraq) – A Complete Guide

Published: September 16, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Marya Radke

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to Erbil, the capital city of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. With a rich history spanning thousands of years, this vibrant city offers a multitude of experiences for travelers. Erbil, also known as Hawler in Kurdish, is a captivating blend of ancient tradition and modern development.

As you explore this bustling city, you will be mesmerized by the magnificent Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region as you visit the Kurdish Textile Museum and the Kurdish Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating history and traditions of the Kurdish people.

Erbil is a city that caters to all interests. For nature lovers, there are serene parks like Sami Abdulrahman Park and Shanadar Park, perfect for relaxation and picnics. If you are looking for adventure and excitement, head to Chavi Land, an amusement park that offers a variety of thrilling rides and activities for all ages.

No trip to Erbil would be complete without experiencing the local cuisine. Indulge in a culinary journey as you savor traditional Kurdish dishes like kebabs, dolma, and baklava. Explore the bustling Kurdish Textile Souk, where you can find exquisite hand-woven textiles and handicrafts that showcase the craftsmanship of the Kurdish people.

If you are in the mood for shopping, Erbil has impressive malls like Family Mall Erbil and Majidi Mall Erbil, offering a wide range of international and local brands. Take a leisurely stroll along Gulan Street, a vibrant boulevard lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Erbil is also surrounded by natural wonders. Visit the famous Shanidar Cave, known for its archaeological significance and stunning rock formations. Pay your respects at the Peshmerga Martyrs Monument, a tribute to the brave Kurdish fighters who sacrificed their lives. Discover the dark history of the region at the Amna Suraka Museum, which sheds light on the atrocities committed during Saddam Hussein’s regime.

Conclude your visit to Erbil by exploring Sami Rahman Square, a vibrant public square where locals and visitors gather to enjoy concerts, cultural events, and delicious street food.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Erbil. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or a lover of fine cuisine, this city has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to Erbil, where you can experience the warm hospitality and charm of the Kurdish people.

History and Culture

Erbil has a rich history that dates back over 8,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. As you walk through the streets of Erbil, you will be surrounded by a fascinating mix of ancient landmarks and modern developments.

The city’s most iconic attraction is the Erbil Citadel, towering over the cityscape. This historical gem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to be the longest continuously inhabited settlement in the world. Explore the narrow alleys, visit the ancient mosques and palaces, and soak in the breathtaking views of the city from the Citadel’s rooftop.

Erbil is the cultural hub of the Kurdistan Region, offering a wealth of museums and cultural institutions that showcase the region’s rich heritage. The Kurdish Textile Museum is a must-visit, displaying a stunning collection of traditional Kurdish textiles and garments. From intricately woven carpets to colorful dresses, this museum provides a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of Kurdish textiles.

For a deeper understanding of Kurdish culture and history, head to the Kurdish Heritage Museum. Here, you can explore exhibits that trace the origins of the Kurdish people, their struggles for independence, and the preservation of their unique traditions. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops to engage visitors of all ages.

A visit to Erbil would not be complete without a stroll through the bustling Kurdish Textile Souk. This vibrant market is a treasure trove of vibrant fabrics, handmade carpets, and traditional Kurdish crafts. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, negotiate with local artisans, and take home a piece of Kurdish culture.

Throughout the year, Erbil hosts various cultural festivals and events that celebrate the region’s heritage. The annual Erbil International Film Festival showcases the talents of Kurdish and international filmmakers, while the Nawroz Festival marks the Kurdish New Year and is celebrated with music, dancing, and traditional ceremonies.

The people of Erbil are known for their warmth and hospitality. Engage with locals, share a cup of traditional Kurdish tea, and listen to their stories. You will find that their strong sense of identity and pride in their culture is deeply ingrained in their everyday lives.

Erbil’s history and culture are intertwined, creating a vibrant tapestry that tells the story of a resilient people. From ancient citadels to contemporary museums, the city showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the Kurdish people. Soak in the history, immerse yourself in the culture, and embark on a journey of discovery in the captivating city of Erbil.

Erbil Citadel

Standing as a magnificent testament to Erbil’s rich history, the Erbil Citadel is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados. Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the city, this ancient citadel offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past.

The Citadel, also known as Qalat Erbil, is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Its history can be traced back to at least the 6th millennium BC, with evidence of human occupation throughout the centuries. The site has served as a military stronghold, a royal residence, and a bustling urban center.

One of the most striking features of the Citadel is its fortified walls, which have been meticulously preserved and restored over the years. As you pass through the imposing entrance gates, you will step into a world frozen in time. Narrow winding alleys lead you through a maze of traditional mud-brick houses, ancient mosques, and serene courtyards.

Take a leisurely stroll along the Citadel’s pathways and soak in the historical ambiance. Admire the intricate architectural details, such as the carved wooden doors, ornate balconies, and decorative motifs adorning the buildings. The stunning craftsmanship is a testament to the skills of craftsmen of centuries past.

At the heart of the Citadel, you’ll find the ancient Erbil Citadel Mosque, which dates back to the 12th century. This beautifully designed mosque retains its original features, including its tall minaret adorned with intricate geometric patterns.

The Citadel also houses several museums that offer a deeper insight into its rich history. The Kurdish Textile Museum, located within the Citadel’s walls, showcases a collection of traditional Kurdish textiles and garments. Explore the exhibits and learn about the artistry and symbolism behind these stunning creations.

From the top of the Citadel, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Erbil and its surroundings. Marvel at the modern skyline juxtaposed against the ancient architecture, a visual representation of the city’s evolution through time.

The Erbil Citadel is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the resilience of the Kurdish people. Despite facing various challenges and conflicts, the people of Erbil have preserved and restored this iconic landmark, ensuring its place as a symbol of heritage and cultural identity.

Visiting the Erbil Citadel is like stepping back in time and immersing yourself in the city’s storied past. As you wander through its ancient streets, you’ll feel a sense of awe and wonder at the history that unfolds before you. So take the time to explore this architectural marvel and unravel the mysteries of Erbil’s captivating Citadel.

Sami Abdulrahman Park

Nestled in the heart of Erbil, Sami Abdulrahman Park is a verdant oasis that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. Spanning over 100 acres, this park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, providing a serene setting for relaxation, recreation, and appreciation of nature.

Named after a Kurdish politician and former mayor of Erbil, Sami Abdulrahman Park is a beautifully landscaped green space filled with lush gardens, colorful flowers, and towering trees. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by scenic walkways, peaceful ponds, and charming bridges, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility.

The park features a picturesque lake, where you can rent paddleboats and gently glide across the shimmering water. Enjoy the soothing sounds of nature and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The lake is also home to various species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

For those seeking recreational activities, Sami Abdulrahman Park offers a wide range of amenities. Engage in a friendly game of football or basketball at the numerous sports fields and courts scattered throughout the park. There are also dedicated areas for jogging, cycling, and skating, catering to those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Children can delight in the park’s spacious playgrounds, equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames. Let them unleash their energy as they explore the play areas, under the watchful eyes of their parents or caregivers.

Sami Abdulrahman Park is more than just a space for leisure; it also hosts a variety of cultural and recreational events. During the summer months, the park comes alive with concerts, performances, and festivals. Join in the festivities and experience the vibrant energy and creativity of the local community.

Whether you’re looking for a serene spot to enjoy a picnic, a peaceful environment for a leisurely walk, or a place to engage in outdoor activities, Sami Abdulrahman Park has something for everyone. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature in this urban oasis.

Visiting Sami Abdulrahman Park is an opportunity to connect with nature, relax your mind, and rejuvenate your senses. The park’s beauty and tranquility provide a welcome respite from the fast-paced world, allowing you to embrace the peacefulness that only nature can provide. So, pack a picnic, grab a book, or simply take a leisurely stroll and savor the serenity of Sami Abdulrahman Park.

Shanadar Park

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature in Erbil, look no further than Shanadar Park. Located in the bustling neighborhood of Shanadar, this urban green space offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Spread over a sprawling area, Shanadar Park is known for its beautifully manicured gardens, vibrant flowers, and well-maintained pathways. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by the gentle rustling of leaves and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, creating a serene ambiance that instantly relaxes the mind and rejuvenates the spirit.

The park features a picturesque lake at its center, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake’s edge or sit on one of the benches scattered throughout the park, allowing yourself to be immersed in the tranquility of the surroundings.

For those seeking recreational activities, Shanadar Park offers a range of options. Engage in a friendly game of football or volleyball on the open grassy areas, join a group of locals in a lively game of chess, or simply bring a book or a picnic blanket and find a tranquil spot to relax and unwind.

Families with children will find delight in the park’s playgrounds, equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames. Let the little ones explore and burn off energy while you bask in the peaceful atmosphere of the park.

Shanadar Park is not just a place for relaxation; it also serves as a hub for cultural and community events. From art exhibitions to live music performances, the park often hosts a variety of events that showcase the local talent and bring the community together.

As you stroll through the park, you’ll notice small food stalls and vendors selling snacks and refreshments. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink or indulge in a local delicacy, immersing yourself in the flavors of Erbil.

One of the highlights of Shanadar Park is the stunning water fountain show, which takes place in the evening. As the sun sets and darkness falls, the fountain comes alive with a mesmerizing display of lights and water choreography, captivating visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a place for outdoor activities, or a venue for cultural experiences, Shanadar Park has something to offer. Embrace the tranquility, soak in the beauty of nature, and enjoy moments of serenity in this urban oasis.

Visiting Shanadar Park allows you to escape the noise and chaos of the city and find solace in the peacefulness of nature. So, grab a blanket, bring a book, or simply take a leisurely stroll and savor the tranquility of Shanadar Park.

Kurdish Textile Museum

The Kurdish Textile Museum in Erbil is a hidden gem that unveils the artistry and craftsmanship behind traditional Kurdish textiles. This unique museum is a treasure trove of exquisite hand-woven fabrics, showcasing the rich heritage and cultural significance of Kurdish textiles.

As you step into the museum, you’ll be greeted by a fascinating collection of textiles, garments, and accessories that represent the distinct weaving techniques and designs of the Kurdish people. From intricately patterned rugs and tapestries to vibrant kilims and embroidered garments, each piece tells a story of the region’s history and cultural diversity.

One of the highlights of the museum is the display of traditional Kurdish costumes. Admire the intricate details, vibrant colors, and elaborate embroidery that adorn these garments. Each costume represents a specific Kurdish region, with its unique design elements and motifs.

The Kurdish Textile Museum goes beyond showcasing the finished products; it also provides insight into the traditional weaving process. Visitors can observe demonstrations of loom weaving, spinning, and dyeing techniques, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication required to create these beautiful textiles.

The museum not only highlights the traditional techniques but also emphasizes the importance of preserving this cultural heritage. It offers educational programs and workshops, allowing visitors to learn about the various stages of textile production and even try their hand at weaving under the guidance of skilled artisans.

The Kurdish Textile Museum is not just a place to marvel at beautiful textiles; it also serves as a platform for promoting the local textile industry. The museum’s gift shop offers a wide range of textiles and handicrafts for sale, providing support to local artisans and creating economic opportunities for Kurdish weavers.

When visiting the Kurdish Textile Museum, take the time to engage with the knowledgeable staff, who are eager to share their passion for Kurdish textiles and culture. Listen to the stories behind each piece, learn about the symbolism and cultural significance of the designs, and gain a deeper understanding of the Kurdish people and their traditions.

Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply interested in immersing yourself in local culture, the Kurdish Textile Museum offers a captivating and educational experience. It serves as a celebration of the rich heritage of Kurdish textiles and the artistry of the skilled weavers who continue to keep these traditions alive.

Visiting the Kurdish Textile Museum allows you to explore the intricacies of traditional Kurdish textiles and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of weaving in Kurdish society. So, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kurdish textiles and discover the remarkable craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Kurdish Heritage Museum

Located in Erbil, the Kurdish Heritage Museum is a captivating destination that offers a deeper understanding of the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Kurdish people. This engaging museum invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the roots and resilience of the Kurdish community.

Step into the Kurdish Heritage Museum and be transported to a world that showcases the diverse aspects of Kurdish culture. The museum’s exhibits highlight the unique heritage of the Kurdish people and provide insights into their language, traditions, music, art, and daily life.

Visitors are greeted with an array of artifacts that date back centuries, including ancient manuscripts, tools, weapons, and pottery. These artifacts bear witness to the rich history and cultural heritage of the Kurdish people.

One of the highlights of the museum is the comprehensive display on the origins and migration patterns of the Kurdish people. Discover the geographical and historical context that has shaped the Kurdish identity, and gain a deeper understanding of their struggles for self-determination and autonomy.

The museum also sheds light on the important role of Kurdish women in society. Exhibits showcase the various roles and contributions of Kurdish women throughout history, highlighting their strength, resilience, and contributions to their communities.

As you explore the Kurdish Heritage Museum, take the time to appreciate the vivid artworks that adorn the walls. These artworks depict scenes from Kurdish folklore, historical events, and everyday life, providing a glimpse into the vibrant artistic traditions that have been passed down through generations.

In addition to showcasing the past, the museum celebrates the present achievements of the Kurdish community. Exhibits highlight the developments and advancements made in various fields, such as science, literature, and sports.

The Kurdish Heritage Museum is also committed to educational programs and initiatives. Visitors can attend lectures, workshops, and cultural events that deepen their understanding of Kurdish history, culture, and current affairs.

Engage with the knowledgeable museum staff, who are passionate about sharing the stories and traditions of the Kurdish people. They are eager to answer questions, provide insights, and engage in meaningful conversations, ensuring a truly enriching and immersive experience.

Visiting the Kurdish Heritage Museum allows you to delve into the captivating history and culture of the Kurdish people. It provides an opportunity to learn about their unique customs, traditions, and struggles, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Kurdish identity and their resilience.

So, come and explore the Kurdish Heritage Museum, where history comes alive, stories are woven, and the vibrant Kurdish culture is celebrated. Immerse yourself in the richness of Kurdish heritage and gain a newfound appreciation for the diversity and resilience of the Kurdish people.

Kurdish Textile Souk

Located in the heart of Erbil, the Kurdish Textile Souk is a vibrant and bustling market that immerses visitors in the world of traditional Kurdish textiles and handicrafts. This vibrant souk is a treasure trove of colorful fabrics, intricately woven carpets, and unique Kurdish crafts, offering a delightful shopping experience for visitors.

As you enter the Kurdish Textile Souk, you’ll be greeted by a maze of narrow lanes filled with shops and stalls, each displaying an array of beautifully crafted textiles. From hand-woven carpets and rugs to embroidered shawls and blankets, the market showcases the artistry and skill of Kurdish weavers.

The souk is a paradise for those seeking unique and authentic souvenirs. Whether you’re looking to decorate your home with traditional Kurdish textiles or searching for a meaningful gift, you’ll find a wide selection of high-quality items to choose from. Each piece tells a story of Kurdish heritage and craftsmanship.

Engage with the friendly and passionate shopkeepers, who are eager to share their knowledge and expertise. They can provide insights into the historical significance of the designs, the techniques used in the production, and even help you find the perfect piece to suit your taste and preferences.

Aside from textiles, the Kurdish Textile Souk also offers a variety of other Kurdish handicrafts. You’ll find intricately crafted ceramics, traditional musical instruments, artisanal jewelry, and hand-carved wooden sculptures. These items beautifully showcase the rich artistic heritage of the Kurdish people.

Exploring the Kurdish Textile Souk is not just about shopping; it is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and experience the local culture. As you wander through the market, you’ll hear the chatter of bargaining, feel the energy of the bustling crowds, and catch glimpses of skilled artisans at work.

Take a moment to appreciate the intricate patterns and vibrant colors that adorn the textiles. Each motif and design is a reflection of Kurdish culture, depicting elements from nature, tribal symbols, or historical events. The textiles are not just objects of beauty, but they also carry deep cultural significance.

Visiting the Kurdish Textile Souk allows you to support local artisans and contribute to the preservation of traditional Kurdish crafts. By purchasing items directly from the market, you can ensure that these art forms continue to thrive and pass down through generations.

Whether you’re an avid shopper, an appreciator of art and craftsmanship, or simply curious to explore the local culture, the Kurdish Textile Souk is a must-visit destination in Erbil. Step into this vibrant market, feel the rich textures, feast your eyes on the colors, and take home a piece of Kurdish heritage.

Explore the Local Cuisine

One of the highlights of visiting Erbil is the opportunity to indulge in the delicious and diverse flavors of Kurdish cuisine. The local culinary scene in Erbil is a delightful fusion of traditional Kurdish dishes and international influences, offering a gastronomic adventure for food enthusiasts.

Start your culinary journey by trying some of the traditional Kurdish dishes that have been passed down through generations. Kebabs are a staple in Kurdish cuisine and come in various forms, such as lamb, chicken, or even vegetarian options. Enjoy the juicy and flavorful meat, complemented by aromatic spices and served with freshly baked bread.

Another must-try dish is dolma, which consists of stuffed vegetables like grape leaves, bell peppers, or zucchini. The filling typically includes a mixture of rice, meat, herbs, and spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Each bite is a burst of deliciousness that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Be sure to sample the mouthwatering Kurdish desserts, as well. Baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and a sticky syrup, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Let the delicate layers melt in your mouth and savor the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

To truly immerse yourself in the local cuisine, head to the bustling food stalls and restaurants in Erbil’s markets and neighborhoods. The food scene in Erbil is a vibrant mix of traditional Kurdish eateries, international restaurants, and fusion cuisine that caters to all tastes.

For a unique dining experience, visit the street food stalls known as dawazis, where you can savor a variety of authentic Kurdish dishes. From grilled meat skewers to hearty soups and stews, these stalls offer a taste of the true flavors of Erbil.

Don’t forget to sample the local dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese. Kurdish yogurt is known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, while the local cheese varieties range from soft and crumbly to aged and sharp.

To enhance your dining experience, pair your meal with traditional Kurdish tea or sharbat, a refreshing fruit-based drink. Kurdish tea is served hot and often flavored with a hint of cardamom or other aromatic spices, while sharbat comes in various flavors like pomegranate, rose, or mint.

Exploring the local cuisine in Erbil is not just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s also an opportunity to connect with the culture and traditions of the Kurdish people. The warmth and hospitality of the locals extend to the dining experience, where you’ll be welcomed to share a meal and engage in lively conversations.

So, go ahead and embark on a culinary adventure in Erbil. Let the tantalizing aromas, bold flavors, and friendly ambiance whisk you away into a world of Kurdish gastronomy. Discover the rich tapestry of flavors that make up the local cuisine and create unforgettable culinary memories in Erbil.

If you’re in the mood for some family-friendly fun and adventure, look no further than Chavi Land in Erbil. This vibrant amusement park offers a range of thrilling rides and exciting activities that cater to visitors of all ages.

Chavi Land is home to a variety of rides that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. From heart-racing roller coasters to spinning teacups and Ferris wheels, there’s something for everyone. Let your inner child out as you conquer the twists, turns, and loops of the park’s exhilarating attractions.

Families with young children will find plenty of age-appropriate rides and attractions in the dedicated kids’ area. From gentle carousels and mini roller coasters to interactive play zones, the little ones will have a blast exploring and experiencing age-appropriate fun.

In addition to the thrilling rides, Chavi Land offers a range of entertaining games and activities. Challenge your skills at the arcade games, try your luck at the carnival-style booths, or test your aim at the shooting galleries. There’s no shortage of ways to keep the whole family entertained and engaged.

When it’s time for a break, head to the park’s various food stalls and restaurants, which offer a wide array of tasty treats and refreshments. Indulge in classic amusement park favorites like cotton candy, popcorn, and ice cream, or satisfy your hunger with a variety of international and local cuisine options.

Chavi Land also hosts regular live performances and shows, adding an extra dose of excitement and entertainment to your visit. From energetic dance performances to captivating magic shows, these performances are sure to leave you mesmerized and wanting more.

As you explore Chavi Land, you’ll notice the vibrant and colorful atmosphere that surrounds you. The park is adorned with dazzling lights, vibrant decorations, and lively music, creating an immersive and festive ambiance that enhances the overall experience.

Chavi Land is a place where laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories are made. The park’s dedication to safety, cleanliness, and customer service ensures a pleasant and enjoyable visit for all. It’s a perfect destination for families, friends, and anyone seeking an action-packed and fun-filled day in Erbil.

So, get ready to let loose and have a blast at Chavi Land. Experience exhilarating rides, engage in exciting games, and immerse yourself in the thrilling atmosphere of this fantastic amusement park. Indulge in delicious treats, make lasting memories, and leave with a smile on your face as you bid farewell to Chavi Land.

Family Mall Erbil

For a day of shopping, dining, and entertainment, head to Family Mall Erbil, one of the largest and most popular shopping centers in the city. Located in the bustling neighborhood of Ankawa, this modern mall offers a wide range of retail outlets, dining options, and leisure activities for visitors of all ages.

Family Mall Erbil boasts a diverse selection of local and international brands, making it a shopper’s paradise. From high-end fashion to electronics, home decor to sporting goods, you’ll find everything you need under one roof. Explore the various stores, browse the latest fashion trends, and enjoy a leisurely shopping experience.

Aside from the extensive shopping options, Family Mall Erbil features a range of entertainment facilities to keep visitors of all ages entertained. The mall is home to a state-of-the-art cinema complex, where you can catch the latest blockbuster films in spectacular high-definition quality.

Children will delight in the mall’s dedicated play areas, featuring interactive games, slides, and climbing structures. Let the little ones run free and burn off some energy while you take a moment to relax and recharge at one of the mall’s cozy cafes or restaurants.

Food lovers will be spoilt for choice at Family Mall Erbil. The mall houses a variety of eateries, offering diverse cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re craving traditional Kurdish dishes, international fast food favorites, or a gourmet dining experience, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.

In addition to shopping and dining, Family Mall Erbil also hosts a range of events and entertainment throughout the year. From fashion shows and live music performances to seasonal celebrations and cultural festivals, there’s always something happening to captivate visitors.

When it’s time to take a break from shopping and entertainment, enjoy the mall’s spacious and comfortable seating areas. Take a moment to relax, recharge, and catch your breath before continuing your exploration of all that Family Mall Erbil has to offer.

Accessibility and convenience are prioritized at Family Mall Erbil, with ample parking spaces, clean facilities, and helpful customer service. The mall’s welcoming and friendly environment ensures a pleasant experience for all visitors.

So, whether you’re a shopping enthusiast, a food lover, or seeking entertainment for the whole family, Family Mall Erbil has it all. Embark on a day of fun-filled activities, discover the latest trends, enjoy delicious meals, and create lasting memories at this vibrant and bustling shopping destination.

Majidi Mall Erbil

If you’re looking for a premier shopping experience in Erbil, look no further than Majidi Mall Erbil. This expansive shopping center is a hub of luxury brands, world-class boutiques, and upscale dining options, offering a sophisticated and indulgent retail experience.

Majidi Mall Erbil is renowned for its wide selection of prestigious international brands, making it a haven for fashion connoisseurs. From high-end designer labels to luxury accessories and cosmetics, you’ll find a plethora of options to satisfy your refined tastes. Immerse yourself in the glamorous ambiance as you browse the latest collections and discover exclusive pieces.

In addition to luxury fashion, Majidi Mall Erbil is home to a range of high-quality lifestyle and home decor stores. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home with elegant furniture, enhance your personal style with exquisite watches and jewelry, or simply seek unique and elegant gifts, the mall’s offerings cater to all luxurious desires.

Indulge in a culinary journey at Majidi Mall Erbil, where a plethora of refined dining options await. From chic cafes offering artisanal coffee and delectable pastries to upscale restaurants serving gourmet cuisine, food lovers will be delighted by the array of culinary experiences available. Sit back, relax, and savor the flavors of exquisite dishes crafted by talented chefs.

Aside from shopping and dining, Majidi Mall Erbil offers a variety of entertainment options. The mall houses a state-of-the-art cinema complex, allowing visitors to catch the latest films in ultimate comfort and style. Additionally, there are entertainment zones featuring arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and engaging activities to cater to the whole family.

Visitors can also enjoy the mall’s beautiful open spaces, adorned with elegant decorations and seating areas, providing a serene environment to rest and unwind. Take a moment to recharge amidst the luxurious surroundings before continuing your exploration of the mall’s offerings.

Majidi Mall Erbil prides itself on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring a refined and enjoyable experience for all who visit. The attentive and knowledgeable staff are readily available to assist with any inquiries and ensure your visit is seamless.

With its upscale atmosphere, a curated selection of luxury brands, gourmet dining options, and entertainment experiences, Majidi Mall Erbil is a haven for discerning shoppers and those seeking luxury and refinement. Prepare to indulge in an unforgettable shopping adventure where opulence and elegance converge.

Walk along Gulan Street

If you’re looking to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Erbil, a leisurely walk along Gulan Street is a must-do. Located in the heart of the city, this bustling boulevard is a hub of activity, lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and attractions that showcase the modern side of Erbil.

Gulan Street is known for its lively ambiance, with locals and visitors strolling along the sidewalk, enjoying the vibrant energy of the area. The street comes alive with colorful banners, twinkling lights, and inviting storefronts, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons you to explore.

As you walk along Gulan Street, you’ll find an array of shops offering a diverse range of products. From fashion boutiques and accessory stores to electronics retailers and gift shops, there’s something for everyone. Take your time to browse the latest trends, hunt for unique finds, and perhaps treat yourself to a special souvenir.

The street is also dotted with cafes, providing the perfect pit stop for a cup of traditional Kurdish tea or a delicious coffee. Find a cozy spot, relax, and people-watch as you enjoy your beverage of choice. Gulan Street is an ideal spot to observe the vibrant mix of locals and tourists bustling about.

If you’re feeling hungry, Gulan Street is a culinary delight offering a variety of dining options. You’ll find a plethora of restaurants serving a range of cuisines, from traditional Kurdish dishes to international favorites. Indulge in the flavors of Erbil as you savor the local culinary offerings.

Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the numerous art galleries along Gulan Street. These galleries showcase the works of talented local artists, providing a platform for creativity and self-expression. Take the time to admire the diverse range of artistic styles and perhaps even purchase a unique piece to take home.

As you explore Gulan Street, you’ll encounter street performers, musicians, and entertainers adding an extra touch of vibrancy to your leisurely stroll. Enjoy their performances, feel the rhythm of the music, and become immersed in the artistic ambiance that fills the air.

Gulan Street is not just a commercial hub; it’s also a gathering place for events and festivals throughout the year. From lively street fairs to cultural celebrations, you may stumble upon a festive atmosphere as you wander along the vibrant street.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a foodie, an art lover, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Erbil, a walk along Gulan Street is an experience not to be missed. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere, soak in the local culture, and explore the myriad of offerings that make Gulan Street an integral part of the vibrant tapestry of Erbil.

Shanidar Cave

Located in the Zagros Mountains of Kurdistan, Shanidar Cave is an archaeological site of significant historical and anthropological importance. This ancient cave offers a glimpse into the lives of our early human ancestors, providing valuable insights into their behaviors, culture, and evolution.

Shanidar Cave gained international recognition in the 1950s when a series of Neanderthal burials were discovered within its depths. These Neanderthal remains, dating back tens of thousands of years, have provided researchers with valuable information about Neanderthal life, including evidence of cultural practices, tool use, and even the presence of flowers as funeral offerings.

Exploring Shanidar Cave is a fascinating journey into the past. As you venture deep into the cave, guided by expert archaeologists, you’ll witness firsthand the meticulous excavations that have unearthed these remarkable discoveries. Learn about the scientific methods used to analyze the remains and the theories that have emerged from these findings.

The cave’s interior reveals layers upon layers of ancient sediment, each representing a different time period in human history. These layers provide a timeline of cultural and environmental changes, helping researchers piece together the story of our early ancestors and their interaction with the world around them.

Aside from the scientific significance, the cave itself is a marvel to behold. Its large chambers, intricate rock formations, and stalactites create an otherworldly atmosphere that transports you back in time. The cool air and dimly lit passages add to the sense of mystery and wonder as you explore this prehistoric site.

Visiting Shanidar Cave is an opportunity to reflect on our shared human heritage. As you stand in the same space where our ancestors once lived, you can’t help but be humbled by the vast span of time and the complexities of our evolutionary journey. It’s a chance to connect with our past and gain a deeper appreciation for our place in the world.

It’s important to note that access to Shanidar Cave is restricted and controlled in order to protect and preserve the site. Visitors are typically guided by knowledgeable archaeologists who provide informative explanations and ensure the preservation of this invaluable piece of our human history.

For those with an interest in anthropology, archaeology, or the wonders of the natural world, a visit to Shanidar Cave is an unforgettable experience. It allows you to step back in time, unravel the mysteries of our ancient ancestors, and gain a deeper understanding of our shared human story.

So, embrace the opportunity to explore Shanidar Cave and embark on a journey that transcends time. Discover the wonders of our early human history and marvel at the intricate patterns that connect us to our ancestors. Shanidar Cave is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit, an archaeological treasure that continues to shed light on our collective past.

Peshmerga Martyrs Monument

Standing as a solemn tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Peshmerga fighters, the Peshmerga Martyrs Monument in Erbil is a symbol of Kurdish resilience and the struggle for freedom. This powerful memorial honors the men and women who have lost their lives in the fight for the Kurdish cause.

As you approach the monument, you’ll be struck by its grandeur and significance. The imposing bronze sculpture depicts a group of Peshmerga fighters standing in unity, with unwavering determination etched on their faces. They are armed and ready, symbolizing the unwavering dedication and courage of the Kurdish forces.

The Peshmerga Martyrs Monument serves as a sacred memorial and a place for reflection and remembrance. It holds deep emotional significance for the Kurdish people, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought valiantly for their rights, freedom, and the wellbeing of their fellow Kurds.

Visitors to the monument can pay their respects at the engraved plaques that list the names of the Peshmerga martyrs. Each name represents a life given in the struggle for the Kurdish cause, fostering a sense of reverence and gratitude for their sacrifice.

The memorial also serves as a gathering place for commemorations and ceremonies, particularly on important dates and anniversaries related to the Kurdish fight for self-determination. It is a site of unity, where the Kurdish community comes together to honor their fallen heroes and celebrate their resilient spirit.

Standing before the Peshmerga Martyrs Monument, one cannot help but be moved by the stories of sacrifice and bravery that it represents. It serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by the Kurdish people and the indomitable spirit that continues to drive their fight for equality, justice, and freedom.

It’s important to approach the monument with respect and reverence, understanding the significance it holds for the Kurdish people. Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Peshmerga fighters and the enduring legacy they have left behind.

The Peshmerga Martyrs Monument stands as a testament to the resilience, courage, and indomitable spirit of the Kurdish people. It is a place of remembrance, where the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom are honored and cherished. By paying tribute to the Peshmerga martyrs, we not only honor their memory but also pledge our commitment to supporting the Kurdish cause for a better future.

So, take the time to visit the Peshmerga Martyrs Monument, pay your respects, and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by the Kurdish people. Let the monument serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and freedom, and as a symbol of hope for a brighter future for all Kurds.

The Amna Suraka Museum

Situated in the city of Erbil, the Amna Suraka Museum serves as a testament to the painful past and enduring resilience of the Kurdish people. Housed in the infamous Red Prison complex, this museum provides a haunting yet important glimpse into the atrocities committed during Saddam Hussein’s regime.

The Amna Suraka Museum offers a deeply emotional and educational experience, shedding light on the history and impact of the Ba’athist regime on the Kurdish population. As you enter the museum, you’ll be transported back in time to the dark era of political repression and unspeakable suffering.

The museum showcases the original prison cells, interrogation rooms, and torture chambers, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the oppressive conditions endured by Kurdish prisoners. The crumbling walls and haunting remnants serve as stark reminders of the human rights abuses that took place within these walls.

Photographs, personal testimonies, and artifacts are displayed throughout the museum, providing a harrowing account of the experiences of the Kurdish people under the Ba’athist regime. They depict the resilience and determination of the Kurdish population in the face of unimaginable adversity.

One of the most impactful exhibits in the museum is the Hall of Mirrors, which displays photographs and names of individuals who were killed or went missing during the regime. This chilling space pays tribute to the victims of Saddam Hussein’s brutal campaign against the Kurdish people.

Visiting the Amna Suraka Museum is an emotionally charged experience that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of human rights, justice, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the dark chapters of history and to honor the memory of those who suffered and lost their lives.

As you navigate through the museum, it’s essential to approach the exhibits with sensitivity and respect. The stories and artifacts on display reflect the pain and resilience of a community that has fought for survival, justice, and the rights of the Kurdish people.

Although the Amna Suraka Museum exposes the dark history of the Kurdish people, it also serves as a symbol of hope and resilience. It stands as a testament to their determination to preserve their identity and fight for a better future, free from oppression.

Visiting the Amna Suraka Museum is a humbling experience and an important reminder of the importance of human rights and social justice. It is an opportunity to connect with the history and struggle of the Kurdish people, and to renew our commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

So, take the time to visit the Amna Suraka Museum, bear witness to the painful history it represents, and honor the resilience of the Kurdish people. Let this experience deepen your understanding of the need for justice, compassion, and the preservation of human rights.

Sami Rahman Square

Situated in the heart of Erbil, Sami Rahman Square is a vibrant public space that serves as a gathering point for locals and tourists alike. Named after the late Kurdish musician, Sami Abdulrahman, this lively square offers a variety of activities, events, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Erbil.

Sami Rahman Square is a bustling hub of activity, where the rich tapestry of Kurdish culture comes alive. Throughout the year, the square hosts a range of events, including live music performances, concerts, cultural festivals, and art exhibitions. This vibrant atmosphere creates a sense of celebration and showcases the talents of local artists and musicians.

Visitors to Sami Rahman Square can immerse themselves in the lively ambiance and enjoy the vibrant energy of Erbil. Take a stroll around the square and soak in the sights and sounds of the city. Engage with street performers, browse local vendors’ offerings, or simply find a spot to people-watch and absorb the bustling atmosphere.

The square is also a popular destination for families, offering various amenities for children. The area features playgrounds, interactive fountains, and open spaces where kids can play and enjoy outdoor activities. Bring the whole family and create lasting memories in this family-friendly environment.

When it’s time to refuel, you’ll find a range of cafes and restaurants surrounding Sami Rahman Square. Indulge in traditional Kurdish cuisine, sip on a cup of tea or coffee, or sample international flavors while enjoying the panoramic views of the square. The culinary options cater to all tastes and preferences.

For those looking to delve into local retail therapy, the square is surrounded by shops and boutiques offering a variety of merchandise. Explore the market stalls and browse through a range of products, including handicrafts, textiles, accessories, and souvenirs. Support local artisans and take home a piece of Kurdish culture as a memento of your visit.

Sami Rahman Square is not just a physical space; it’s a cultural meeting point that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of Erbil. It embodies the spirit of the Kurdish people, celebrating their heritage, talent, and unity. It serves as a reminder of the warmth and hospitality that defines Kurdish culture.

With its vibrant atmosphere, cultural events, diverse dining options, and vibrant street life, Sami Rahman Square offers visitors a unique and immersive experience that captures the essence of Erbil. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, family fun, or simply a place to relax and connect with the local community, Sami Rahman Square is the perfect destination.

So, take the time to visit Sami Rahman Square, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, and embrace the essence of Kurdish culture. Allow the energy and spirit of Erbil to captivate you as you explore this lively public space filled with music, art, delicious food, and the warm smiles of the Kurdish people.

Erbil, the capital city of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, offers a plethora of experiences for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and history. From the ancient wonders of the Erbil Citadel and Shanidar Cave to the vibrant atmosphere of Sami Rahman Square and Gulan Street, this captivating city has something to offer everyone.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of Erbil by visiting the Kurdish Textile Museum and the Kurdish Heritage Museum. Explore traditional markets like the Kurdish Textile Souk, where you can find exquisite handcrafted textiles and immerse yourself in the vibrant Kurdish culture. Indulge in the local cuisine and sample traditional Kurdish dishes, experiencing the diverse flavors that define the region.

For family-friendly adventures, explore the thrilling rides and activities at Chavi Land, or visit the spacious and entertaining Family Mall Erbil and Majidi Mall Erbil. Take a leisurely stroll along Gulan Street, where you can browse through shops, savor delicious food, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

Pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Peshmerga fighters at the Peshmerga Martyrs Monument, and witness the rich and tumultuous history of the Kurdish people at the Amna Suraka Museum. Finish your exploration of Erbil with a visit to Sami Rahman Square, a vibrant public space that captures the essence of Kurdish culture and provides a backdrop for cultural events and celebrations.

Erbil is a city that captures the heart and imagination, offering a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern experiences. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a lover of fine cuisine, Erbil has something to offer for everyone.

So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to Erbil, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the city. Discover the warm hospitality and charm of the Kurdish people, and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting destination.

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35 Things To Know Before You Travel To Kurdistan Iraq in 2024

As part of my big trip through the Middle East I was excited to set foot in Iraq, well... Kurdistani Iraq of course! After my trip to Syria , Lebanon and Jordan, flying to Erbil, Iraq was a perfect stop on my itinerary, although I had to fly through Istanbul. In this Kurdistan blog I will tell you all about my experiences traveling to Kurdistan, Iraq.

Surely I could understand all the questions when I said I was going to visit Kurdistan Iraq. Most Westerns think Iraq is one of the most unsafe places to travel, but I already knew for quite a while that a trip to Kurdistan was not really risky or dangerous. I guess going off the beaten path is in my nature and traveling to these kind of destinations makes me excited.

In this Kurdistan travel blog I will give you as many travel tips as possible and also show you the best things to do and places to see, some background information and some accommodation tips. Find it all in this complete Kurdistan travel guide.

1. Is it safe to travel to Kurdistan Iraq

From my experiences is a trip to Kurdistan completely safe. Keep in mind that things can change overnight as this still is a conflict area. Although over the last years the Autonomous region of Kurdistan has been doing an amazing job to make Kurdistan safe for travelers.

The Kurdistan Tourism Board claims that in the first 6 months of 2018 over 1.3 million tourists had been traveling to Kurdistan, most of them being Iraqis.

My experiences traveling Kurdistan were very laid-back so when you ask me if it is safe to travel to Kurdistan, I say: YES!  The first couple days I spent in Erbil and felt completely safe. A laid-back city to roam around in. The city center is filled with friendly locals and in the Ankawa district you can go out till late and walk home safely. Erbil is safe to travel in 2024!

When you visit Kurdistan there is no need to worry about anything getting stolen. Kurdistan sees very little crime. You can leave your phone and bag on the table while you order locals say. I would personally never do that, but according to locals it is common to do and nothing ever happens.

I also rented a car and went on a 4-day road trip. Roads are actually pretty ok, but definitely watch out for unexpected speed bumps and so now and then some potholes on less maintained roads. I drove around Northwest Kurdistan but avoided Mosul. I did not come across any problems or unsafe situations whatsoever on my road trip. Language barriers are real though, but people are very friendly and super helpful. When traveling to Kurdistan a road trip if one of the best things to do.

Watch my Instagram Story videos here: Iraq 1 , Iraq 2 and Iraq 3 .

The last 3 days I decided to travel to Sulaymaniyah, the shared taxi was pretty convenient and as I was hosted by a local in Sulaymaniyah I even got to see the city from a locals perspective. Not a single time did I feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

2. Kurdistan Iraq history

It is quite impossible to write in brief about the Kurdistan Iraq history in this travel blog. This region of the world has been fought over since the days of Karel the Great and still is a place of conflict until today. Kurdistan has had an extremely turbulent past and only in the last 30 years already they had to deal with a genocide, war against the Saddam regime, multiple humanitarian crises, fighting for independency and only recently the war against ISIS of course.

In this blog I want to focus on Kurdistan travel tips rather than its turbulent history. Though one of the best things to do in Kurdistan is to visit the Amna Suraka Museum in Sulaymaniyah. Definitely don’t miss this when traveling to Kurdistan Iraq. It is an amazing history lesson!

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Kurdistan

Most Western countries can visit Kurdistan Iraq visa free. Your passport will get stamped on arrival and you are allowed to stay up to 30 days. This only counts for the autonomous region of Kurdistan, you are NOT allowed to travel to Iraq. These are the visa free countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, UAE, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Arabic Emirates United Kingdom, United States.

4. Is Kurdistan a real country

Kurdistan is NOT an official country! Kurdish people are considered the biggest ethnic group in the world without their own country. They are spread over 4 countries: Iran, Turkey, Syria and Iraq. Only in Iraq Kurdistan is considered an autonomous region. In Iran, Turkey and Syria Kurds don’t have a special status.

Kurdistan became an autonomous region within Iraq since 1998 and this status was reconfirmed in the Iraqi constitution in 2005.

5. Language in Kurdistan

The official language spoken in Kurdistan is Kurdish. It is related to Turkish and Farsi (Iran) and therefore many Kurds also speak Turkish. Most of them also understand/speak Arabic, but do rather not use the Arabic language.

Kurds and Arabs are not each others best friends, but live in peace together nowadays… let’s put it that way!

When traveling to Kurdistan you may want to download a translate app or use Google Translator as most local people don’t speak English at all. In touristy places, hotels, restaurants there is always someone that speaks good English though. The younger generation speaks pretty ok English.

6. Religion in Kurdistan

The majority of the Kurdish people are Sunni Muslims, like in Saoudi Arabia. That said it felt like Kurdistan was pretty liberal and not that conservative as in other places in the Middle East. There are also some minorities like Christians, Yazidis and Zoroastrians.

Steets will mostly be filled with men and you won't see that many women out on their own. In Sulaymaniyah things are changing slowly though and you see women out and about on the streeets. I know you are wondering... No you don't need to wear a head scarf as a woman!

7. Weather in Kurdistan

Be prepared for extreme temperatures when traveling to Kurdistan in summer. It can get up to 50 degrees celsius in July and August. Winters are short but cold and snowfall in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah occurs from time to time. The mountains see a lot of snow every winter.

8. Best time to travel to Kurdistan Iraq

The best time to visit Kurdistan is in spring and autumn when temperatures are moderate. Best months are March and April when the countryside is green and heavenly with waterfalls all around. October and November sees great weather with clear blue skies guaranteed.

When I was visiting in mid September it was still 35+ degrees (95+), nights were pretty nice with 22 degrees (71). Pretty damn hot during the day though so visiting the more mountainous areas was the best thing to do in Kurdistan at that time.

9. Money in Kurdistan

The local currency is the same as in Iraq: the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). The Iraqi Dinar has been very stable in the last 5 years and the going rate is around $1 USD = 1,200 IQD. It is wisely to bring at least some cash money as there are exchange offices everywhere and they charge only a small fee.

10. ATM’s in Kurdistan

International ATM’s are not common, so bringing some cash when traveling to Kurdistan is advisable. The cash machines at Erbil International Airport weren’t working on my arrival so again bring cash to exchange. Later I found a good working cash machine for Visa and MasterCard at Nobel Hotel in Ankawa.

Most ATM’s don’t accept international bank cards. Those who do sometimes limit the amount to $50,000 ($42). Pretty annoying as in my case I get charged $5 per transaction from my bank! This happened to me at Byblos Bank and therefore I would suggest you to not use that one.

11. Credit cards in Kurdistan

Most of the places I have been didn’t accept international credit cards. The car rental company did. I rented a car from Europecar and they accepted a credit card.

12. Buying a sim card in Kurdistan

Upon arrival at Erbil Airport you will find 4 shops selling sim cards straight away Korek, Asiacell, Zain and Fastlink. It is pretty simple to determine the best prepaid Kurdistan sim card for tourists as only Fastlink can offer you a 4G connections. Unforunately Korek, Asiacell and Zain only offer 3G and I can tell you that is not what you want in a modern age.

Buying a sim card at Erbil Airport is slightly more expensive, but easy, quick and convenient. However Fastlink is not open at night! :(

The downside of Fastlink is that it only works for internet so you can’t call or text. However I never do that anyway, so for me this Kurdistan sim card was the best one anyway. As I needed to buy a sim card in Erbil anyway to find to best deal for Fastlink Kurdistan I shopped around. There are uncountable phone shops but they offer different value.

A Fastnet sim card costs 10,000 IQD ($8.5) and I found a mobile phone shop that gave me 18 GB for 15,000 IQD ($12.5). Amazing deal and it worked absolutely amazing, 4G around the whole country.

13. Prices in Kurdistan

Traveling in Kurdistan is not super cheap. Budget hotels start from $30 per night and getting around is not cheap either. As there is no public transport, taxis are the way to go. Restaurants in Erbil charge around $6 for breakfast and lunch, dinner is around $8-$10 per person. A beer in a restaurant is around $2-$3, a cocktail or mix drink around $5.

When backpacking Kurdistan you will probably like to go to the cheaper local restaurants where you can already find shawarma and kebabs for $1. But you can also find skybars in Erbil where a beer is $7, but these places are rare.

14. Drinking alcohol in Kurdistan, Iraq

Since Kurdistan is predominately Muslim, most places in Kurdistan don’t serve alcohol, but especially in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah it is super easy to find alcohol and to get drunk.

In Erbil you will need to go to Ankawa, the Christian Quarter. Here you will find multiple liquor stores and also restaurants that serve alcohol. Beers in a liquor store cost $1 (Corona, Heineken, Efes, etc.). International hotels often have a license to sell alcohol as well, but are expensive.

In Sulaymaniyah finding drinks is like anywhere in Europe. Pretty much every bar/restaurant serves alcohol and prices are ok.

For some reason Kurdistan Iraq is one of those few countries in the world where Corona is the cheapest beer on the menu! Definitely a reason to travel to Kurdistan, right? ;)

15. Prostitution in Kurdistan

Yes, yes! You would probably not expect it from Kurdistan, Iraq but in Sulaymaniyah I found a red light district. Not that I got a taste of it, but I stumbled upon it and was very surprised to see decriminalised prostitution in Kurdistan. Not throwing it out here because I think it should be mentioned as a Kurdistan travel tip, just willing to take away misconceptions. Apparently Sulaymaniyah in Kurdistan Iraq is not that strict Muslim as we may think it is.

16. Tipping in Kurdistan

It is not super common to leave a tip in Kurdistan. Just paying the bill and leaving small change is normal practice and will already be appreciated. However the more popular places, especially were they serve alcohol they already add 10% tip to the bill.

17. Getting around Kurdistan

There is no organized public transport so when traveling around Kurdistan you will have to make use of taxis. The cheapest way to go from A to B are shared taxis who depart from several places around the city. If you for example want to get from Erbil to Sulaymaniyah then a shared taxi can be found from the Bagdhad Terminal in Erbil. A shared taxi from Erbil to Sulaymaniyah and the other way around cost 15,000 IQD ($13) for a back seat and 20,000 IQD ($17) for the front seat. It takes about 3-4 hours depending on traffic.

Getting around cities

Within cities it is best to grab a taxi and the going rate is somewhere in and between 2,000 ($1.5) and 5,000 ($4). From one side to the other in Erbil was 5,000 and it took about 25 minutes. Taxi drivers were friendly and easy going and never over charging.

From Erbil Airport to the city

Don’t take a taxi straight on arrival. These guys will charge you $30 set fare, although Ankawa for example is only 10 minutes by taxi. There are very limited taxis allowed at the arrival hall exit. But there is a bus you can take at the Arrival terminal. Almost everyone will take this bus, so follow the crowd. Then grab a taxi here that is dropping off passengers. In the middle of the night when taxis were very rare I found a taxi for only 8,000 IQD ($6.5) to my Airbnb in Ankawa.

Renting a car in Kurdistan

The best way to travel around Kurdistan is by renting a car. There are some really cool places to visit in Kurdistan, but it is fairly impossible to get there by shared taxi or public transport. Renting a car in Erbil was $60 per day and that was over the weekend, so I guess you can find it cheaper during the week.

18. Checkpoints Kurdistan

When traveling in Kurdistan you will have to go through to several checkpoints. It weren’t that many as I lately had on my trip to Syria but there are a few. You can mostly just pass by smiling and waving, although some want to see your passport. It is pretty easy and there is no need to worry for them when visiting Kurdistan. It is all about your attitude, just be smiley, be happy, these soldiers are mostly happy to see tourists in Kurdistan.

19. Kurdistan tour guide

There are a bunch of Kurdistan tour guides you can find online, but they are pretty expensive. When you are backpacking Kurdistan Im sure you don’t want to even approach them as they charge up to $150 a day for a guide/driver and when there are more people in the car they charge even more. STUPID!

When I inquired I was straight away put off by this practice as that shows it purely is a money making thing, not serving tourism. Some don't even have English speaking guides, so what is the point. So if you are looking for a Kurdistan tour guide, I am not the one to ask, because I think most of them are rip offs. At least the ones I have been in contact with.

I was lucky I got toured around in Sulaymaniyah by my online friend from Instagram (@baderkhanamerbadran) . I even stayed with his family and was treated like a family member. An amazing local experience!

20. Kurdistan tours

A great alternative is the Facebook Group called Rock Ur Bones . They organize Kurdistan tours and you can just join them. Most trips though are over the weekend, but I am sure that if you drop your request here some people are able to help. This Facebook group is amazing for ideas/inspiration for when you travel to Kurdistan, Iraq. Also great for when backpacking Kurdistan and looking for fellow travel buddies.

21. What to wear in Kurdistan

Kurdistan is predominantly Muslim and therefore for women it is advised to cover shoulders and knees at all times. Erbil is much more conservative than Sulaymaniyah and while going out in Sulaymaniyah I saw girls in skirts and heels, but only in high end bars and restaurants. As a woman you don't need to wear a head scarf like in Iran. In 2014 I travel there, it was amazing, check my Iran travel guide .

For local men it is not common to wear shorts, but for tourists it is totally excepted. I always wore my short jeans, a t-shirt and my flip flops. In Sulaymaniyah even some local young men were wearing shorts. I must say though that walking around the streets of Kurdistan Iraq I always felt underdressed. But since it was 35/105 degrees I couldn’t really be bothered.

22. Where to stay in Kurdistan

Finding accommodation when traveling in Kurdistan can be a pain. It is not that easy to book hotels online, especially outside the bigger cities. A Kurdistan travel tip is to go old school and find accommodation while on the road. During my Kurdistan road trip I found out it was very easy to book hotels/motels on the spot. Just walk in, ask for the price, see the room, negotiate and reserve. I think this is the best way to travel Kurdistan.

Couchsurfing Kurdistan

When backpacking Kurdistan I would suggest you to make use of Couchsurfing. I did not use Couchsurfing for more than 5 years, but because of a friend’s recommendation I tried it again on my trip to Kurdistan. It was a winner!!!! Wow what was I lucky with my couchsurfing host in Erbil. I ended up staying 4 nights with my host and afterwards we rented a car and went on a road trip together with another friend. We ticked off some of the most amazing things to do in Kurdistan, the road trip was epic!

In Sulaymaniyah I was equally over the moon as I got to stay with a local friend. Not directly through couchsurfing this time, but through Instagram. His family treated me like one of them and I got a real local Kurdistan experience. Thanks a million!

Airbnb Kurdistan

There are some great Airbnb places for the grab in Sulaymaniyah and Erbil but outside the cities there are very few options. I used Airbnb for several nights while traveling in Kurdistan.

Booking Kurdistan hotels online

The same counts for Kurdistan hotels on online booking sites. While on our road trip we hardly found hotels in Kurdistan online, but while driving through towns there were always a bunch of hotels or motels for the grab.

Booking.com

23. Things to do in Kurdistan

This Kurdistan travel guide wouldn’t be complete without the best things to do in Kurdistan. Northern Kurdistan is known for its amazing natural beauty with deep canyons, lakes and green mountains. On top of the places to visit in Kurdistan that I will mention in this travel blog there for sure are a bunch more but I want to focus on the main tourist attractions in Kurdistan.

24. Visit Erbil

Let’s start with the capital of Kurdistan: Erbil. As I said before I definitely liked hanging out in this city but I wouldn’t name it on my top 10 places to visit in the Middle East. Erbil is a typical Middle Eastern city where you find modern buildings next to outdated or unfinished buildings. Make sure to walk around the main square before sunset and feel the local vibe. Sit down in one of the cafes and have a tea or stroll through the bazaar.

Also see if you can arrange a visit to the Jalil Khayat Mosque and get a sneak peak inside: fabulous!

Another amazing place to watch the sunset when you travel to Erbil is the Loft skybar located at the International Hotel.

Watch my Instagram Story videos here: Iraq 1 .

The Erbil Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site but pretty disappointing to visit to be honest. There is no entrance fee so just walk in and see it for yourself. There is a stones & gems museum, and the Kurdish textile museum, which all ask $1 entrance fee. In the middle you will find an impressively huge flag of Kurdistan.

25. Visit Sulaymaniyah

The second biggest city in Kurdistan, Iraq is not so conservative as Erbil. It definitely is more open and feels much relaxer and more modern. Where in Erbil you will mostly only see men on the streets in Sulaymaniyah also groups of girls go out by themselves. It is still not really common, but slowly slowly it is becoming a much more open society.

When visiting Sulaymaniyah don’t miss the busy city center where you will find many markets with endless food stalls to sample from. Fresh fruits, crepes, nuts, tea and coffee bars, barbecue places and many more. It is best to visit in the evening when the streets are packed and people watching while sipping a traditional Kurdish coffee is one of the best things to do in Sulaymaniyah.

When visiting Sulaymaniyah make sure you don’t miss a sunset! There are numerous viewpoints around. Don’t miss the sunset from the Goizha Mountain where you can get by taking the cable car up. This is also where I am going to paraglide next time I visit Sulaymaniyah. Families gather along the ridge of the mountain and there are places where you can buy food and drinks.

My other favorite place to visit in Sulaymaniyah is the Roman amphitheater in the Hawary Shar Park with amazing mountains views.

All about my videos about visiting Sulaymaniyah can be found in my Iraq 3 Instagram stories .

26. Amna Suraka (Red) Museum Sulaymaniyah

This museum for sure is among the best places to visit in Kurdistan. Housed in the former intelligence office of the Saddam regime this is were you will find all about the recent Kurdistan history: the 1988 Anfall genocide, the days of the Saddam Hoessein regime and even about the war against ISIS. Prepare for an emotional journey as the Red Museum in Sulaymaniyah will give you goosebumps.

These are some of the photos I took from the Amna Suraka Museum in Sulaymaniyah. 

27. Rawanduz

This small mountain village is one of the best places to visit in Kurdistan when you love the outdoors. Surrounded by mountains and deep canyons there are a ton of viewpoints, one already 10 minutes walk on the North side of this sleepy little town. To get here you will need to rent a car, but it is definitely one of my Kurdistan travel tips to write down.

28. Barzan viewpoint

With this name you will most likely find the best thing to do in Kurdistan. I was so extremely excited when I got to see this place with my own eyes. Luckily it is not mentioned in all Kurdistan travel guides yet and it is not easy to find either. The Barzan viewpoint looks like the horseshoe bend in Arizona, but then better because there are NO tourists.

The viewpoint can be found north of Rezan just before a little town called Dore. You can find it on Google Maps (36.8938876, 44.1304754).

Watch my Instagram Story videos (Iraq 2) about Barzan Viewpoint here . You will see for yourself how this is one of the best places to visit in Kurdistan.

29. Deralok Canyon

Another place you should definitely write down on your list of things to do in Kurdistan is the gorgeous canyon of Deralok. You will have to drive on a dirt road until you can’t go any further. Then cross the small river and climb up a little hill till you get to a man-made canal. Walk on the ridge for a s long as you can into the canyon. On your left hand side you will see the river and waterfalls of this oasis.

Watch my Instagram Story videos (Iraq 2) about Deralok here .

A pretty damn amazing photo spot, but not so interesting in itself to be honest. I drove through Amedi, but didn’t see anything interesting. Amedi is a village situated on top of a small hill. There are some waterfalls around, which are super touristy. Find a nice restaurant on the West side of the town and have lunch with an amazing view over Amedi.

This is the most holy place in the Yazidi religion, their Mecca or Jerusalem. There are very few Yazidis in the world who practice this monotheistic religion. This unwritten religion is taught on for generations dating back to the ancient Mesopotamians. It is often described as very mysterious and I kind a can confirm that. In Lalish you can find the clear water source related to where the Noah’s Ark stranded. Everyone is allowed to visit Lalish, but I would recommend you to fix a guide as otherwise you will be walking around not knowing what is going on here. It was an emotional, but also a very spirital experience.

Hard to express in words, may better you watch my Instagram Story videos (Iraq 3) about Lalish and this mysterious religion. In the link you find more details about the (tragic) story of the Yazidis.

32. Shanidar Cave

Coincidentally I stumbled upon the Shanidar Cave while on my road trip and I feel very lucky I did.  When you travel to Kurdistan try to make it out here (36.8337579, 44.2209624). At first I was a little disappointed as there are a lot of fences around the cave because of an ongoing excavation project. There is no guide available but talk to the one of the archeologists and he/her will explain you that this is where they found the biggest group of Neanderthals remains in the world. Another reason to visit Kurdistan!

33. Sadam's Villa Amedi

Not really sure if I should mention Sadam's Villa nearby Amedi as one of the things to do in Kurdistan Iraq, but to me it was very interesting. It definitely is not a tourist attraction as it now is a military base for the Kurdish Army. While on our Kurdistan road trip we drove by to check it out and were friendly greeting by a man with a big gun. We had no clue it was a military base nowadays so we were a bit surprised. They let us in though, gave us a tour around the building and let us shoot some photos from the landscapes from the top of the building.

This is not a Kurdistan tourist attraction, but if you are adventurous then totally go and you might be lucky to be toured around. We were not allowed to take film and take photos in the building. Before we were told not to I filmed a little bit with my GoPro.

34. Shaqlawa

A small village in and between two hills just north of Erbil. It is a popular place to visit in Kurdistan  on a weekend trip. Shaqlawa has some restaurants with good views and some hiking trails to the top of the hills. I wasn’t that impressed to be honest, but some Kurdistan travel guides rave about it. There is a female run bakery that serves delicious sweets too.

35. How to get to Kurdistan

There are two international Airports with direct flights to Europe: Erbil International Airport and Sulaymaniyah International Airport. This is the best way to get to Kurdistan, but you can also travel overland from either Turkey or Iran.

I hope all the above Kurdistan travel tips were useful for your next trip to Northern Iraq. Apart from all the amazing things to do and places to see in Kurdistan I have to thank the people of Kurdistan just as much. These warm hearted people made my trip one to never forget! Thank you for your amazing hospitality and your endless smiles.

I will definitely travel to Kurdistan again and will then continue my trip into Iran crossing the border overland. But that is something for 2024. I will definitely be back traveling in Kurdistan again.

I have traveled to almost all countries in the Middle East now. Syria was definitely one of my favorite trips. Click here for the best things to do in Syria .

Curious about more of my trips? Since December 2012 I am traveling the world continuously and have now been to more than 155 countries as of January 2024.

Interested how travel bloggers afford to travel the world  then click on the link to read my story.

Enjoy your trip to Kurdistan and thank you for reading my Kurdistan travel blog. 

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16 Amazing Things to do in Erbil, Iraq in 2024

I spent a week exploring Erbil in late 2022 and detail some of the best Erbil tourist attractions below. There are lots of great things to do in Erbil from an assortment of interesting museums, to city parks, bazaars, markets, mosques, churches and of course, the ancient citadel.

Erbil is the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan and is separate from Federal Iraq. It has its own government and army and is administered separately from the rest of the country. It is also one of the safest parts of Iraq to visit.

The centre of the city is dominated by the citadel (Qelat/Qalat) which is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited place on earth (6,000 to 7,000 years as a human settlement). There are also many other interesting places to visit in Erbil from the bazaars to the parks and much more.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Top Things to do in Erbil

1. erbil citadel (one of the best things to do in erbil).

The UNESCO-listed Erbil citadel is definitely one of the best things to do in Erbil. After you ascend the road to the Grand Gate you will be met with stunning views of the city skyline and an old cannon.

The citadel has been home to many peoples throughout the ages from the Assyrians to the Sassanians and even captured by the Mongols in 1258. The impressive sandstone Grand Gate opens up into a courtyard with winding lanes and

Once inside, there are many things to see from archaeological ruins to an assortment of museums and gift and antique shops which I’ve detailed below. The Citadel is free to enter but the various museums charge a small entrance fee of around 1,500 Iraqi Dinar ($1.00).

2. Visit the Kurdish Textile Museum

The Kurdish Textile Museum houses a collection of traditional Kurdish rugs, national dress and more over two floors and several rooms. From carpets to a recreated Kurdish home and a pleasant cafe, this interesting museum is definitely worth a look and one of the top Erbil tourist attractions.

The walls are adorned with rugs incorporating many different designs from sun wheel patterns to animals and represent different Kurdish tribes throughout the ages.

The museum costs 1,500 ($1.00) to enter and is open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. To get to the museum walk in through the Grand Gate and take the first lane on the right.

3. Shop for Souvenirs at Qaysari Grand Bazaar

The area in front of the citadel is packed with bazaars and market stalls, the largest of these being the indoor Qaysari Grand Bazaar . This is a fantastic place to browse all manner of goods on sale from sweets, nuts and herbs to clothing, keffiyehs, plants, snacks and household goods.

If you want to bring a souvenir or gifts back from Erbil this is the place to get them. I picked up Kurdish and Iraqi flags, and some old banknotes from the Sadam days. I also bought some sweets (candy) for my host family back in Diyarbakir ).

The bazaar is open seven days a week from 9:00am to 10:00pm and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Erbil for shopping, eating and soaking up the atmosphere. Be sure to haggle for your bargains, and you’ll find that one or two of the sellers may speak a few words of English.

4. Visit Minaret Park (One of the Best Places to Visit in Erbil)

Across the road from, Shanadar Park is the Minaret Park , a large open space with some interesting sculptures, a miniature version of the citadel and the 36-metre (118-foot) Mudhafaria Minaret.

The minaret was completed in 1232 and is adorned with Kufi calligraphy and patterns. It’s not possible to climb the tower as the stairs have collapsed, but it’s still impressive to see this baked-brick structure still standing after nearly 800 years.

Entrance to the park is free and in summer there is a cafe selling refreshments. This is definitely one of the top Erbil attractions so be sure to pay it a visit and explore the interesting art and architecture on display.

5. Shanadar Park (One of the Top Erbil Attractions)

Shanadar Park was less than one kilometre from my hotel (the Sinaia Palace ) and almost on the way to the Citadel so this was my first Erbil attraction. It’s a large park with pleasant walkways, benches, cable cars, cafes and a large lake.

Although the park was open, the cafes and cable cars were closed on my visit (a weekday in November) and I assume this is for the winter.

6. Gemstone Museum

The Erbil Gemstone Museum houses an impressive collection of precious stones, gems, meteorites and more from all over the world. There are two rooms with various displays, a small courtyard and upstairs a gift shop selling gems and other stones.

There is a raised platform next to the gift shop with excellent views of the inner citadel and the Qalat Mosque. The entrance fee is 1,500 Iraqi dinars ($1.00). Open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Although it’s a small museum, it’s definitely worth having a look at, especially for the upstairs views of the citadel.

7. The Grand Mosque Qalat

The Grand Mosque , also known as the Mullah Afandi or Old Sawafa Mosque is the oldest in the city and dates back to the 8th Century. It was however rebuilt in 1719 to face Mecca. The yellow and blue minaret reminded me a lot ofRegistan Square Samarkand in Uzbekistan.

The mosque is currently closed for renovation (2022) but it’s possible to walk around the outside and there are great views from the gemstone museum. The mosque is located within the Citadel at the middle point just to the right of the flagpole.

8. Visit the Erbil Civilization Museum

The Erbil Civilisation Museum is located in the Hawler district and contains three halls with displays charting the history of Mesopotamia from prehistoric times through to the Assyrians, Sassanids and later Islamic period of northern Iraq.

Inside you’ll find a selection of archaeological finds from pottery to statues, and even a few Babylonian relics. Visiting the museum is a great way to get an introduction to the history of Iraq.

Unfortunately, the museum was closed when I tried to visit as it was the weekend (closed Friday and Saturday). Opening hours are 8:00am to 2:00pm Sunday to Thursday. There is no entrance charge, making it another one of the best free things to do in Erbil.

9. Syriac Heritage Museum

Like the Civilization Museum, the Syriac Heritage Museum was also closed when I tried to visit (it seems Saturday in Iraq is when most museums are closed) but I was able to have a nose around outside and snap some pictures of the interesting exterior which seems almost Babylonian in style.

The museum is open from 9:00am to 5:30pm Sunday to Thursday. The museum is free to enter so it’s one of the best free things to do in Erbil if you want to learn about Assyrian culture.

10. Military Bazaar

If military chic is your thing (it’s definitely mine), then head to Erbil’s military market a short walk from ther centre of the city. Here you can pick up anything from combat boots and army jackets to sniper scopes and militaria.

The military surplus stalls and shops can be found along Kirkuk Road 500 metres from the citadel, cose to the Kirkuk bus terminal. Open normal shopping hours from 9:00am to 10:00pm.

11. Jalil Khayat Mosque

The Jalil Khayat Mosque is the largest in the city and is located on the northeast outskirts of Erbil a couple of kilometres from the centre. This Sunni place of worship bears a resemblance to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and has a similar Ottomon-inspired interior.

The mosque was completed in 2007 so it’s not a historic building (check out the Qalat Mosque in the Citadel for a more historic building). The total area stretches over 15,000 square metres so it’s an impressive sight.

The mosque is open to the public daily between 10:00am and 7:10pm.

12. City (Shar) Park

The City Park is mostly a concrete affair with trees and shrubs around the edges, but this vibrant area between the bazaars and in front of the citadel has great views. Tea sellers walk around selling hot tea between the fountains and pools.

13. Mzgawi Xanaqa

Mzgawi Xanaqa is home to two mosques, a bazaar with countless market stalls, and a recreation of London’s Big Ben. This is where I bought my Sadam banknotes for 1,000 dinars apiece ($0.70). There are fruit juice stalls and food stands selling kebab, shawarma and other local snacks.

14. Have Coffee and Cake at the Machko Cafe

The Machko Cafe (Chaixanay Machko) is located in a gorgeous old building at the foot of the citadel overlooking City Park and the Grand Bazaar. I stopped in here for a coffee and a piece of cake (pricey at 13,000 dinars / $9.00), but the views are fantastic and it has a great atmosphere.

The cafe has an English menu, and they also serve food and hookah. Head up the stairs to the right of the downstairs cafe for the best seats and views. The cafe is open every day from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

15. Walk around the Christian Ainkawa (Ankawa) District

Ankawa (also known as Ainkawa) is Erbil’s Christian district and it has a completely different feel to the rest of the city. This is also the only place you’ll find bars and shops selling alcohol (the Suryiani wine is a must-try). Ankawa has lots of churches to explore, but they are all protected by soldiers and armed guards.

One of the best expat hangouts is the Deutscher Hoff German bar and beer garden. I popped in here for a drink on my last night in Erbil and met lots of foreigners working and living in the city. Prices are pretty steep with a steiner of beer costing 12,000 dinars ($8).

16. See St Joseph’s Cathedral

I tried visiting St Joesph’s Cathedral in Ainkawa but a soldier wouldn’t let me in or take any photos outside. I tried another entrance and a friendlier soldier allowed me to take a couple of pictures but I still wasn’t able to go inside, contrary to other reports I’ve read online.

Getting Around Erbil

Taxis are inexpensive and you can get anywhere in the city for 5,000 Iraqi Dinars ($3.50) including the international bus station. The citadel, parks and museums are all within walking distance of a couple of kilometres. The only exception is the Ankawa Christian suburb which is about 6km from the centre of the city.

Getting to Erbil

I took the bus from Diyarbakir in Turkey (it also makes stops in Mardin, Cizre and Duhok). Ibrahim Kalil Border Crossing. The journey from Diyarbakir to Erbil took 10 hours bu the return journey took 22 hours as we were stuck at the border for many hours.

Erbil Accommodation

I stayed at the Sinaia Palace Hotel which was basic but comfortable and included a half-decent breakfast. It’s one kilometre from Shanadar Park and just under two kilometres from the citadel and an easy walk from most of the city’s main attractions.

Is Erbil Safe to Visit?

Erbil is a very safe city to visit. I walked around the city day and night and never felt unsafe. The only time I was ever really worried was at night in my hotel. There was a gun on the reception desk which freaked me out a little (as an Englishman I’m not used to seeing guns).

Although Mosul, the former capital of the ISIS caliphate, is just 40km away, Erbil hasn’t seen any major terrorist incidents since the defeat of Daesh in 2019.

One thing to be aware of is that both Turkey and Iran are conducting airstrikes in northern Iraq as they hunt Kurdish separatists such as the PKK. There have been several incidents recently of tourists being killed in these airstrikes and by roadside bombs .

Travel Insurance

Our partners at SafetyWing provide insurance cover for trips to Iraq.

For more on travelling in the region, check out this excellent Kurdistan Travel Guide from Joan Torres of Against the Compass.

Now you know what to do in Erbil, this incredible city should be high on your list of places to visit in the Middle East. There are so many wonderful things to do in Erbil and I loved walking around the parks, bazaars, and of course the magnificent citadel.

Iraq is bursting with history from Babylonian and Mesopotamian times to the present day and is an intensely rewarding destination. The Kurdish people of northern Iraq were some of the friendliest people I’ve met on my travels.

You might also enjoy these articles:

Travelling the Silk Road

Things to do in Mardin

London to Baghdad by Car

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

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• 1 Districts
• 2.1 Climate
• 3.2 By plane
• 4 Get around
• 5.1 Museums
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11.1 Consulates

Erbil (Hawlêr in Kurdish and also transliterated as Arbil) is the capital and largest city in Iraqi Kurdistan , and the fourth-largest city in Iraq . It is one of the oldest continually-inhabited sites of human civilization, and is also a rapidly-growing and urbanizing center for the oil industry and NGOs in the Middle East.

Districts [ edit ]

• Old Erbil The historic and geographic center of the city. Home to most major tourist sights, including the Citadel, Qayseri Bazaar, and museums, as well as many government offices.
• South Erbil Neighbourhoods immediately south of the old city include Minaret Park, Shanidar Park, and Iskan Street.
• Northwest Erbil Brand-new developments between 60 Meter Road and 100 Meter Road, west of Ankawa include many of the city's restaurants and hotels, as well as Sami Park and many upscale villa and apartment communities.
• Northeast Erbil Developments east of Ankawa and outside 60 Meter Road include Erbil's three major shopping malls, hotels and restaurants, and sprawling, brand-new villas and apartment towers.
• American Village On the eastern outskirts of Erbil, this community contains a large number of foreign companies and workers as well as a popular bar.
• Komari Where the stadium is located.
• Ankawa Christian suburb to the north of the city and close to the airport, home to most of the city's bars, many hotels, and a large expatriate community.

Understand [ edit ]

Climate [ edit ].

Erbil has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa), meaning it has extremely hot summers and cool wet winters. January is the wettest month.

Get in [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ]

Comprehensive and up to date info on visa requirements and cost can be found in the article Iraqi Kurdistan under Get in .

By plane [ edit ]

• Austrian Airlines has flights between Vienna and Erbil on a daily basis.
• Turkish Airlines and Iraqi Airways fly to Istanbul daily or almost-daily. Pegasus flies three times a week to Ankara ; Turkish and Pegasus also fly to Antalya during summer.
• Middle East Airlines flies to Erbil from Beirut on 7 flights per week.
• Royal Jordanian has daily flights to Amman , while Iraqi Airways has several flights a week to Amman.
• Qatar Airways flies 4 times a week between Erbil and Doha .
• FlyDubai has flights to Dubai daily, while Emirates flies twice a week to Dubai.
• Lufthansa flies two weekly round-trip flights from Frankfurt .

Other destinations are served with less frequent flights. In Europe, destinations with at least weekly flights include Berlin (Iraqi Airways), Dusseldorf (Iraqi Airways), Copenhagen (Iraqi Airways), London (Iraqi Airways). Egypt Air has flights four times a week to Cairo , while Mahan Air has three flights weekly to Tehran . Iraqi Airways provides frequent flights to other parts of Iraq, but the security situation in these places is rarely safe even for experienced travellers.

By bus [ edit ]

• 36.20564 44.04689 2 Erbil International General Terminal ( Erbil International Terminal ), Peshawa Qazi Street ( 500 meters south of Family Mall ). Generally, international buses arrive and leave from this modern bus terminal. There are ticket offices of many big Turkish bus companies (Can Diyarbakir, Özel Diyarbakir Yeni Diyarbakir, Cizre Nuh, Cizre Itimat, Metro, Van). There are several buses leaving everyday to Turkish cities such as Diyarbakir or Istanbul . ( updated Sep 2022 )

There are many Iranian bus companies that run services connecting Iran to Erbil. This is about 916 km (569 mi) or 10 hours. There are many cities in Iran that connect to Erbil by bus including Tehran , Isfahan , Tabriz , Shiraz , Kurdistan , and Ahwaz . The VIP buses travel from Tehran to Erbil every day, 2 buses per day. If you move to Erbil by bus, you should stop in Piranshahr city, at the Iran-Iraq border, to show your passport. If you have an Iranian passport, you don't need a visa to cross the border. Companies include

• Seyr O Safar ( Seyr O Safar  : +982144648484)

Bus companies also connect Erbil to Diyarbakir in Turkey (10–15 hours) and Istanbul (36–48 hours). You can find ticket offices of most of these companies at Erbil International Terminal . Arrival time depends on border formalities (around 1 hour from Turkey to Iraq in May 2019 and 2 hours back to Turkey).

• Cizre Nuh (Tel Erbil: 0750 340 47 73)
• Can Diyarbakir (Tel Erbil: 0750 895 62 17-18-19)

Get around [ edit ]

Public transportation is available in the form of taxis and some bus routes, but automobiles are the main mode of transportation. Compared with other cities in the Middle East, shared taxis and buses are very infrequent and impractical. If you don't know your way around or have a guide with local knowledge it is inadvisable to try public transportation alone. In terms of taxis there are several choices:

• 36.233517 43.956031 1 Airport Taxi , Airport , ☏ +964 750 507 0000 . Taxi service at Erbil Airport ( updated Jul 2018 )
• 36.20564 44.04917 2 Soran Garage , Peshawa Qazi Street ( just behind Erbil International General Terminal ). This is a Garage where you can find shared taxis going to some eastern destinations in Iraq, such as Soran, Ranya or Rawandoz (10000 IQD). Just ask somebody for your destination and you will be directed to the right “platform”. Expect to wait until the taxi is full before the ride starts. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 36.157539 44.012032 3 Baghdad Garage , Qasimlo Street . This is a Garage serving cities to the south of Erbil, such as Dukan, Kirkuk , Baghdad , Sulemania . Has both minibuses as well as shared taxis. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• "Street Taxis" . Generic independent taxis, which will take you most places in Erbil and Ankawa. Rates are negotiable. For a drive across town (15–25 minutes), expect to pay 4000–6000 dinars. It is acceptable to pay at the end of a ride without negotiating the price beforehand.  
• Hello Taxi . Erbil's branded taxi company, with English speaking drivers – at highly inflated rates. USD is accepted. From the airport to Erbil centre the rate is US$15, to Ankawa $10.  
• 36.185534 43.962834 4 Europcar , Italian Village, Villa 137 , ☏ +964 (750) 7372288 . Most of their rental cars have automatic transmissions.  

See [ edit ]

• 36.19154 44.0097 2 Grand Mosque ( The Citadel ). Erbil's historic central mosque, still open despite renovations on the Citadel.  
• 36.190133 44.008928 4 Erbil Gem Museum , 52R5+3H . 09:00-19:00 . ( updated Jun 2019 )
• 36.18843 44.00911 6 Quayseri Market ( Across the street from South Gate of Citadel ). Erbil's historic covered bazaar, built out of vaulted yellow brick. It is similar to many others found throughout the Middle East and North Africa, but with less tourism than most. Market stalls sell everything from cheap toys and pirated DVDs to bulk spices to fine jewelry and carpets.  

Museums [ edit ]

• 36.179664 44.012824 9 Hawler Museum . ( updated Dec 2017 )
• Mound of Qalich Agha . An excavation here in 1996 found tools from the Halaf, Ubaid and Uruk periods. On the grounds of Erbil Civilization Museum.  

Parks [ edit ]

• 36.181482 44.001159 12 Shanidar Park ( Across the street from Minaret Park ). Shanidar park feats an aerial cable car connecting with Minaret Park.  
• 36.189706 44.009906 14 Shar Park ( Parki Shar ), In Front of Erbil Citadel . Free . ( updated Feb 2018 )
• 36.22154 44.033723 15 Peshmerga Park ( Parki Peshmerga ), Kwestan Quarter . Free . ( updated Feb 2018 )

Do [ edit ]

• Stroll around in the deserted city inside the citadel in the centre of Erbil. Hundreds of houses that appears to have been abandoned in a hurry. Walk into the court yards, sleeping rooms and bed rooms or up to the rooftop terraces to enjoy an spectacular panorama of Erbil or ponder what life might have been in this place before the inhabitants were repopulated.
• In season, see the Erbil SC football team play a match at Franso Hariri Stadium, south of the city center. Erbil SC is a regular winner in the Iraqi Premiere League, runner-up in the Asian Football Cup, and beloved by many locals.
• Explore Erbil's nascent local art scene at the Shanadar Gallery, in Shandar Park, then take in Kurdish, Arab, and Persian music at one of the many restaurant/show venues in the city.

Buy [ edit ]

• Quayseri Market ( across the street from South Gate of the Citadel ). In addition to sightseeing, Erbil's historic bazaar provides good opportunities to haggle for carpets , jewellery , traditional Kurdish clothing, and other handicrafts.  
• 36.19537 44.065 1 Majidi Mall . A large, Western-style shopping mall opened in November 2009, with stores such as Mango, Adidas and Levis as well as Turkish and Gulf brands. Also has a very large hypermarket in the basement of the mall, and a food court at the top.  
• 36.21007 44.04626 2 Family Mall ( 100 m road besides Family Fun ). The largest shopping mall in Erbil (and one of the largest in Iraq) with predominantly American, European, and Turkish clothing labels and other stores. Includes a movie theater and food court  
• 36.201744 44.02029 3 Royal Mall ( 60 m Road ). The most centrally located of Erbil's large, Western-style shopping malls. Includes a popular food court as well as clothing stores  
• 36.2078 44.02641 4 Mega Mall ( Pirmam St, near Shorsh Petrol Station ), ☏ +964 750 742 9391 .  
• 36.171411 44.013611 5 Tablo Mall , Kirkuk Road,Near to Franso Hariri Stadium , ☏ +964 750 193 3330 . 09:00-12:00 . Tablo Mall is one of the famous malls in Erbil City, it has 270 shops, a hypermarket, games hall for children, furniture shops and many cafeterias. ( updated Apr 2018 )
• 36.185328 44.037457 6 Langa Market ( Bazari Langa ), Peshawa Qazi (100 m Street), Near to Rizgary Teaching Hospital, Erbil , ☏ +964 781 057 7040 . 09:00-20:00 . ( updated Apr 2018 )

Eat [ edit ]

Many good restaurants exist in Erbil. However, the vast majority serve kebabs and chicken, with some Lebanese and Turkish restaurants. Options for foreign food are limited. Most restaurants, except those in high-end hotels, do not serve alcohol or accept credit cards.

Budget [ edit ]

• Iskan Street . Popular street lined with cheap Kurdish and Turkish kebab shops, as well as one of the center of (male) social gathering. Kebabs are usually served with a soup, bread, and assortment of pickled vegetables. Meal for two: 10,000 dinars/USD 8 .  
• Abu Afif ( 60 m road near Ministry of Trade ). Erbil's most famous bakery and confectionery, and stems out of an equally famous Baghdad bakery that has been open since 1973.  
• Second Cup ( Jouhayna Hotel, 100 m road across from Empire ). Among the best places in Erbil for European-style espresso drinks. Also offers light sandwiches and an attractive space.  
• Sandwich shops . Shops near the Quayseri Market offer a cheap, quick lunch of kebabs and bread.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Abu Shahab ( Meal for two: 45,000 dinars/USD 36 ). An iconic (and physically sprawling) Erbil restaurant serving standard Kurdish cuisine (salads, soups, and meat-based entrees), as well as a popular spot for local celebrities. Intersection of Gulan Street and Ankawa Road .  
• Saj Alreef Restaurant ( on Kirkuk Road and Gulan Street ). Serves a smorgasbord of standard Asian, Western, and Middle Eastern Cuisine. Like Abu Shahab, this is a local icon and sprawling emporium. Meal for two: 50,000 dinars/USD 40 .  
• Tarin Restaurant ( Saladin Road, just outside city limits ). Features fairly typical, heavy Kurdish restaurant cuisine, with live music (Arab, Kurdish, and Turkish) and an attractive outdoor garden. Serves alcohol. Meal for two: 35,000 dinars/USD 28 .  
• Zahle ( Arabella Hotel, 60 Meter Road opposite Parliament ). Serves Lebanese mezzo and meats, in a more intimate environment than most Erbil restaurants and with attentive service. Serves alcohol. Meal for two: 35,000 dinars/USD 28 .  
• O'Caffee ( Ankawa Main Road, Ankawa ). Good Italian cuisine, including oven-baked pizzas, good pasta dishes, and Western-style salad. Also has one of Erbil's better espresso bars Meal for two: 35,000 dinars/USD 28 .  
• 36.188956 44.008357 1 Kebab Yasin (Main) ( Grand Bazaar ), ☏ +964 750 461 6610 . 07:00-17:00 . Good Middle Eastern, halal, excellent kebabs. Meal for one: 9,000 dinars/USD 7 .  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 36.1853 43.9844 2 Dawa 2 , Mosul Road, Erbil 0964 ( South side of Sami Abdulrahman Park ), ☏ +964 750 445 0330 . Particularly good local restaurant serving meat kebabs. All freshly prepared, often in front of you. This is a large modern and clean place. Have a look at the 'rogues' gallery of well known people that have dined at the restaurant. ( updated Feb 2018 )
• Qi 21 ( Divan Hotel, Gulan Street ), ☏ +964 66 210 50 00 . Erbil's only sushi bar, at the top of the Divan Hotel with panoramic views of the city. Prices are astronomical, but the sushi is good. This is a place to see and be seen, and attracts a wide range of celebrities and politicians. Serves alcohol.  
• Divan Erbil Seasons Restaurant ( Divan Hotel, Gulan Street ). 18:30-23:30 . Buffet.  
• Greek Grill ( Classy Hotel, Ankawa ). Despite the name, is a steakhouse with Mediterranean accents rather than a proper Greek restaurant. The food is good, however, and prices are more reasonable than other high-end hotel restaurants. Serves alcohol. Meal for two: 85,000 dinars/USD 68 .  

Drink [ edit ]

You can buy a wide variety of beer, wine and liquor at pretty reasonable prices in Ainkawa, the Christian suburb of Irbil. Just look for any of the local liquor stores. A litre of Jack Daniels for about US$22 is cheaper than in Tennessee where it is bottled! Remember that Erbil is a predominantly Muslim city: drinking in public is unacceptable and public drunkenness is frowned upon.

In addition, the bars at the major luxury hotels (such as the Divan and the Rotana) are popular gathering spots.

• Marina . Great food Pretty expensive .  
• 36.224043 43.995957 1 Deutscher Hof ( Ankawa ), ☏ +964 750 488 3981 . For German draught beer and food. Features dancing and Western music on weekend evenings. ( updated Mar 2017 )
• Mamounia Sky Bar ( Noble Hotel, Erbil ). Cocktails, wine and beer, and dancing at the top of the Noble Hotel.  
• T Bar Sports Lounge and Grill ( Ainkawa exit road across from RRT compound ). 17:00 to late . American-style sports bar and lounge. Features plasma TVs with international sports.  

Sleep [ edit ]

There is an active couchsurfing community in Erbil, which offers a low cost alternative for hotels if you only plan to stay a few days in Erbil.

• Hotels below main gate to the Citadel . One of the cheapest options in town. Numerous other hotels exist in this area or just west of it. Beds on terrace start from 5000 dinars/USD 4. Rooms 25,000-50,000 dinars/USD 20-40 .  
• 36.18015 44.01585 1 Altin Saray , İskan Street, City Center , ☏ +964 750 302 2002 . With a little restaurant on site. $35 (May 2022) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 36.15612 44.01429 2 Merci Hotel , 100M street, aladala , ☏ +964 750 186 5349 . Little cookies and things for breakfast. $35 (May 2022) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 36.187643 44.007695 3 Montana Hotel , Shekh AllahStreet . Very basic, not all rooms with windows, but AC. 25,000 IQD . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 36.18125 44.01142 4 Erbil International Hotel ( Barzany Namr Street, across from City Council ). Nicknamed "The Sheraton". Erbil's oldest high-end hotel, built in 2004, and centrally located. There are several relatively good restaurants in the hotel (including East Asian and Indian food). USD 200 .  
• 36.23927 43.9962 5 Ankawa Palace Hotel , Near Residency Office in Ankawa. . It is nice and clean, the staff is very helpful. USD 150 .  
• 36.22183 43.99436 6 Noble Hotel ( 100 Meter Road, Ankawa ). USD 175 .  
• 36.22529 43.9914 7 Classy Hotel ( Ankawa Main Road, Ankawa ). Business-oriented hotel in Ankawa, popular with international travellers. USD 200 .  
• 36.197411 43.977786 8 Hotel Divan , Gulan Street ( Gulan Street, near Sami Park ), ☏ +964 66 210 5000 . Major luxury hotel with several restaurants, popular bars and lounges, a duty-free shop, and large gym and pool. Along with the Rotana, a center of the high-society social scene. Higher security than in other hotels. USD 300 . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 36.18712 43.973836 9 Erbil Rotana , Gulan Street ( Gulan Street and Mosul Road ), ☏ +964 66 210 5555 . Major luxury with spa and outdoor swimming pool, plus popular bars and restaurants. Along with the Rotana, a center of Erbil's high-society social scene. Security is tighter than in other hotels. USD 300 . ( updated Mar 2017 )

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

Sulaymaniyah is an easy 2-3 hour drive. Described as the centre of education and culture in Kurdistan. The city features the best museums in Iraqi Kurdistan, good hotels and a number of pleasant parks including Chavvy Land.

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Erbil Travel Guide

For the more adventurous travelers, Iraqi Kurdistan is sure to be on their bucket list. With the gradual return of stability to Iraqi and visa-free schemes for Kurdistan, travel has never been easier. While tourism is growing in Erbil and surrounding areas, Kurdistan is left ultimately untouched. Therefore, traveling to Kurdistan allows the unique opportunity to journey to the unknown and experience true Kurdish culture. On the other hand, due to the lack of amenities and infrastructure, travel can prove to be quite difficult. Here is an overview of what you need to know to start your holiday in Iraqi Kurdistan!

You can find information on Akre , Lalish , and Rawanduz here!

Erbil International Airport

After getting your passport stamped, travelers will then walk out to the arrivals portion of the airport. Here are many stalls providing car services, sim cards, and currency exchange. ATMs often do not work in Kurdistan and if your flight arrives late at night the money exchange at the airport will already be closed. Fortunately, many taxi drivers accept US dollar and Euro. There is no free wi-fi in the airport, the only option would be to approach the coffee stand in arrivals to ask for their password. There is also no public transportation to or from Erbil International Airport. It would be advisable to arrange for your taxi beforehand. In my case, I had to pay the whopping price of 25 USD to be taken a mere 6km.

Departing from Erbil International Airport is a little bit strange as well. Your taxi will drop you off at a separate building from the actual terminal. Here is where the first round of security checks will take place. After being cleared, passengers will then board a shuttle bus which will take them to the departures hall of the airport.

Where to Stay

Hostels are currently nonexistent in Erbil. After talking to some locals, there are dormitories available for less than a dollar. However, this kind of accommodation is not advertised and are located in more decrepit parts of town. Hotels found online usually start at around 15 USD a night. In my case, I stayed at the Madera Hotel , costing 24 dollars a night. The hotel, while rundown, is staffed by incredibly hospitable employees and is located only 1km from the citadel.

Ankawa-The Christian District

Ankawa and the surrounding districts of Vital City and Dream City are the flourishing business/expat neighborhoods of Erbil. Those travelers wanting to stay in a more liberal environment with various restaurants, bars, and clubs, this area is for you. Since the US embassy is located in this district, Ankawa is also incredibly safe. The only drawback is that these areas are located near the airport, leaving them 6km away from the cultural center near the citadel.

What to do in Erbil

The Citadel

The cultural center of Erbil is, without a doubt, The Citadel. The Erbil Citadel and the city’s history is closely linked, with a history dating back before the Assyrian Empire. The current appearance of the walls and buildings are reflective of the Ottoman period, however. The Southern section of the Citadel is largely rebuilt while other parts of the wall are still left partially collapsed. To this day, The Citadel still dominates the Erbil skyline. Its presence is further amplified with the presence of a huge flag pole placed in the heart of the castle.

The interior of the citadel is currently being renovated, with many districts being closed off while restorations are being completed. After entering the citadel there is little to do, only a textile and gem museum to entertain tourists. The only other site of historic relevance is the Qalla mosque, located near the center of the citadel.

The Bazaars

The entirety of the area south of the Erbil Citadel is many sprawling bazaars spilling over into each other. The recently remodeled Qaisary Bazaar, located to the south-west, is the most famous. This market offers anything from souvenirs and golden jewelry to pesticides and gardening equipment. Nearby you will also find the electronics market where you can purchase a sim card for a reduced price.

Sheikh Allah Bazaar is located to the South-East of the Citadel. Here one will find various fruits and vegetables for sale. Compared to the other markets, there is more of an abundance of street kids, selling plastic bags and being paid to carry around customers shopping in wheelbarrows. There is also a large currency exchange market, although it looks quite unreliable. For those wanting the best rate, it is recommended to go to the Family Mall.

Visiting a Gun Shop

The once infamous black market in Erbil has been closed since 2016 . With the fall of the Islamic State, the local government saw the need to control the buying and selling of arms. While the military market is closed, you still have the opportunity to check out one of the last operating gun sellers in Erbil (that I know of). This gun shop is located in a small market just east of the park in front of the citadel, housing various camera and tool repair shops. The owner was indifferent to a tourist gawking at his machine guns and RPGs being promptly displayed in his shop and was even open for taking photos.

Some other sites popular within Erbil are the Minaret Park and Jalil Khayat Mosque. For more info on things to do in and around Erbil click here !

Getting Outside of Erbil

Buses are a bit difficult to come by in Erbil. All intercity transportation departs from the Erbil International Terminal near the Family Mall. From here, you can find shared taxis taking you to all corners of the country, including Mosul. Haggling is a must with the taxi drivers. Fortunately, with multiple passengers they are less inclined to try and cheat you.

For a list of fares and more travel information click here !

Some of the most popular places to do day trips from Erbil is Akre , Lalish , and Rawanduz !

While leaving Erbil may be easy, getting back will end up being a bit more expensive. Unless you are in a major city, hailing a shared taxi with be difficult. Also, when visiting destinations such as Lalish or Saint Matthews Monastery there is no choice but to hire a private taxi. When doing so be sure not to pay the full amount of the fare before the end of your journey. In my case, I paid a driver to take me to Lalish, Saint Matthews Monastery, and Akre for the sum of a hundred dollars. I tried to pay half up front and half at the end of the trip, but the driver refused. Being on the side of the road in Iraq, I took a chance and paid him up front. Later on, he informed me we couldn’t visit the Monastery since the Iraqi Army was currently in the region fighting ISIS. While I had no problem with this, it did take off a destination on the itinerary. Obviously, I would expect some of the money to be returned to me. The man refused. Eventually, I found some lovely Arab men from Baghdad to help me translate with him. Calling him a theft and that he was shaming his people was not enough to sway his mind. I was consoled by the translators, being told that this is a Kurdish trick which they have fallen victim to in the past as well.

Many of these cab drivers will also try and squeeze more money out of you after reaching your destination. They will find excuses such as complaining about traffic or the road being bad. It is best to stay firm and pay the original price which you had agreed on.

Overall, the Kurdish people are some of the most hospitable I have ever met in all my travels. On my first day in Erbil, many shop owners wouldn’t take my money, giving me drinks for free. Roadside workers, seeing me pass by, offered me their hats to shade me from the sun. Many other locals offered me to sit down with them and eat together. Unlike other countries, I did not feel gawked at for being a foreigner. The hospitality of the Kurds was truly genuine. When seeing your camera, many people in the bazaar will ask you to take a picture of them and their shops. Even the street kids, pushing sticks of gum at you, will eventually give it to you for free after talking to them for a while. Despite the scams by the taxi drivers, Kurds truly are some of the most welcoming people on the planet.

Is Iraqi Kurdistan Safe?

Contrary to what many may think, Iraqi Kurdistan is extremely safe. Numbers show that in recent years there have been more terrorist attacks in France than there has been in Kurdistan. Despite this, it is important to note that you are still entering a war zone. I was unable to travel to certain regions due to military operations being taken against ISIS. During my stay, there was even an attack on a government building in Erbil . This attack, however, is considered extremely rare in the capital.

As a foreigner traveling in Kurdistan, your safety is a top priority by the local police, Peshmerga, and the Asaije. The Peshmerga are the Kurdish military which maintains safety in Kurdistan. By law, the Iraqi Army are not allowed to enter the borders of Kurdistan. The various checkpoints on the highways are all operated by the Peshmerga. The Asaije is a kind of army reserve, which act as a police force in cities throughout Kurdistan. Many taxi drivers are also a part of the Asaije. If you are concerned about your safety, you can always ask if the driver is Asaije or not before getting in the vehicle.

Traveling to Kurdistan was an amazing, eye-opening experience. As a traveler, you are truly experiencing and documenting places that are untouched by tourism. Despite my grievances with the taxi drivers, the Kurds were extremely hospitable, making me feel truly welcome in their country. Kurdistan is about as off the beaten path as one can go. For those looking for adventure and an experience that will last a lifetime, Iraqi Kurdistan awaits you!

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Things to Do in Erbil Province, Iraq - Erbil Province Attractions

Things to do in erbil province, explore popular experiences, popular cities in erbil province.

Top Attractions in Erbil Province

What travelers are saying

• Erbil Citadel
• Sami Abdulrahman Park
• Kurdish Textile Museum
• The Korek Mountain Resort & Spa By Hama Khafur
• NewCity Supermarket
• Shanadar Park
• Gali Ali Bag
• Bekhal Waterfall
• Iraqi Kurdistan Guide
• Gerrok Tourism
• Kurdistan Iraq Guide

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Flights from Amman to Erbil - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from amman to erbil to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest month to fly from amman to erbil, the cheapest month for flights from amman to erbil is march, where tickets cost $373 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are september and january, where the average cost of tickets is $437 and $435 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from amman to erbil, to get a below average price on the flight from amman to erbil, you should book around 1 week before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 83 days before departure., which airlines fly non-stop between amman and erbil, there are 2 airlines that fly nonstop from amman to erbil. they are iraqi airways and royal jordanian. the cheapest airline for this route is royal jordanian, with the best one-way deal found costing $353. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at royal jordanian., how many flights are there between amman and erbil per day, each day, there are between 1 and 3 nonstop flights that take off from amman and land in erbil, with an average flight time of 1h 57m. the most common departure time is 5:00 pm and most flights take off at night. each week, there are 13 flights. the most frequent day of departure is monday, when 23% of all weekly flights depart. the fewest flights depart on a tuesday., which cabin class options are there for flights between amman and erbil, there are 2 cabin class options for the route. these are business and economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., what’s the earliest departure time from amman to erbil, early birds can take the earliest flight from amman at 1:05 am and will be landing in erbil at 3:05 am., what’s the latest departure time from amman to erbil, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from amman to erbil jets off at 7:45 pm and lands at 9:30 pm., good to know, when to book flights from amman to erbil, faqs for booking flights from amman to erbil, do i need a passport to fly between amman and erbil.

Yes, you'll most likely have to show a valid passport before boarding the plane in Amman and on arrival in Erbil.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Amman to Erbil?

The Airbus A320-100/200 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Amman to Erbil flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from Amman to Erbil?

oneworld is the only airline alliance operating flights between Amman and Erbil.

On which days can I fly direct from Amman to Erbil?

There are nonstop flights from Amman to Erbil on a daily basis.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Amman to Erbil?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Amman to Erbil.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Amman to Erbil?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Erbil from Amman is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Amman to Erbil?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Erbil with an airline and back to Amman with another airline. Booking your flights between Amman and EBL can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Amman to Erbil?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Erbil from Amman up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from AMM to Erbil

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $231 or less one-way and $376 or less round-trip.

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Find which airlines fly direct from Queen Alia Intl to Erbil Intl, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

Amman Queen Alia Intl to Erbil Intl

Iraqi Airways, Royal Jordanian

Royal Jordanian

Nonstop returns

Erbil Intl to Amman Queen Alia Intl

Top airline flying from amman to erbil.

Very nice staff. organized check in and good food. Bit cramped and tired looking plane inside

Was so surprised that for a short flight we were served a sandwich lunch

In business class and attendants acted like bothering them when asking for water. Which they didn’t even offer at all during the flight.

Worst flying experience ever. Both kids fell sick from food afterwards. In flight Service was missing. Same food served for all meals and that too stale which made us sick.

I had bad experience, this flight from Amman to Detroit was delayed for 40 hours!!!! The staff are rude & the food was not good at all.

Regarding the boarding: it needs more efforts to make it more convenient

It was okey overall but disappointed for the price I paid

The staff (crew) was very unprofessional They don't care about passengers' complaints and don't respond when we call them The food is very poor and the seats are old, broken and making noises The plane is generally dilapidated and needs restoration

Boarding was easy. Relatively on time. For a long flight from Montreal to Jordan should offer more water, drinks etc. Dehydration is linked to DVTs . Also some of the stewards were a bit rude but it’s ok ; maybe stress of dealing with rude people

Had a bitter experience with RJ, and had the challenge to login to account no information about what went wrong and not being able to select the food option after check-in flight they don't have any vegetarian food option on the flight, and they told us to have to select the food option before boarding :( i had the challenge of login into my account, with explaining all the details to crew members they told they don't have any vegetarian food to serve for my entire family throughout the journey and my baggage does not arrive to the destination on time. Overall its very bad experience for my entire family

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Iraq Build Expo 2024 | Basrah International Fair Ground

The Iraq International Building-Construction and Municipal Equipment Exhibition, known as Iraq Build Expo, is the premier event in Erbil for showcasing the latest in building construction, municipality equipment, machinery, and natural stone. Held annually in Basra, Iraq, the event provides a unique platform for industry professionals and businesses to connect and explore the latest trends and innovations in the sector. With its focus on measurable goals and a strategic content strategy, Iraq Build Expo ensures that attendees have access to valuable insights and resources to enhance their business operations. The event takes place at the prestigious Basrah International Fair Ground, situated in the heart of Basrah, Iraq. From May 21 to May 24, 2024, the exhibition will bring together a diverse range of exhibitors and visitors, creating a conducive environment for networking, business discussions, and collaborations. Whether you are a seasoned industry player or a newcomer, Iraq Build Expo offers an invaluable opportunity to gain exposure, expand your network, and discover new avenues for growth. Mark your calendars and join us at Iraq Build Expo 2024 in Basra, where industry leaders and professionals come together to shape the future of the building and construction industry in Iraq.

Provided by Izora | Published Apr 25, 2024

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Turkey's Erdogan says Iraq sees need to eliminate Kurdish PKK militia

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US, 17 other countries urge Hamas to release hostages, end Gaza crisis

The United States and 17 other countries on Thursday issued an appeal for Hamas to release sick, elderly and wounded hostages as a pathway to end the crisis in Gaza.