Traveling to Iraq isn’t something many people think of first, but I highly recommend it. The country offers so much rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. You can get a real sense of ancient civilizations and modern life side by side. The people are welcoming, and while tourism is still developing, you’ll get unique experiences without the crowds you find elsewhere.
Day 1: Arrive in Baghdad
Start your journey by flying into Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. It’s a mix of modern urban life and ancient heritage, and arriving here sets the tone for your trip. Give yourself time to settle in and get a feel for the city. If you arrive early enough, you can dive right into exploring.
What to See
Start with a visit to the National Museum of Iraq. You’ll find artifacts from Mesopotamia, ancient Persia, and beyond. The museum is well worth a few hours, especially if you’re interested in archaeology or history.
Afterward, it’s worth heading to Al-Mutanabbi Street, a famous cultural district. The street is lined with bookstores, cafes, and street vendors selling a variety of goods. It’s a great place to relax and grab a coffee.
Food and Evening
For dinner, you can try some local Iraqi food. Look for a restaurant serving masgouf, a slow-cooked fish dish widely regarded as Iraq’s national dish. You can finish the night with some tea or a relaxed walk by the Tigris River.
Day 2: Explore Baghdad’s Historical Sites
On your second day, explore more of Baghdad’s historical side. There’s a lot to see, but make sure you’re pacing yourself. This itinerary isn’t meant to rush you.
Abu Hanifa Mosque
The Abu Hanifa Mosque is a must-see. It’s a large, impressive structure dedicated to one of the key figures in Islamic law. Walking through the mosque offers a moment of peace in a bustling city.
Al-Shaheed Monument
Another great stop is the Al-Shaheed Monument. It’s iconic for its design and is dedicated to Iraqi soldiers who lost their lives in the Iran-Iraq war. The architecture alone is worth seeing.
Shopping at Souq Al Arabi
If you want to pick up souvenirs or experience a local market, visit the Souq Al Arabi. You’ll find everything from fresh dates to local handicrafts. You can spend a few hours here wandering the stalls, followed by a relaxed lunch at one of the nearby cafes.
Evening Relaxation
Wrap up the day with a trip to the Al-Zawraa Park. It’s big, green, and a favorite spot for locals wanting to escape the traffic. Here, you can enjoy a sunset or just observe daily local life unfold.
Day 3: Day Trip to Babylon
On the third day, it’s time to leave Baghdad for one of the most famous historical sites in the world: Babylon. It’s about 1.5 hours from Baghdad, so it works as a perfect day trip.
Exploring Ancient Babylon
Babylon is one of those places you’ve read about in history books, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. The ancient city was one of the power centers of Mesopotamia. You’ll be able to visit the remnants of the walls and the Ishtar Gate, both of which have been reconstructed.
Spend a few hours exploring the site, learning about the history, and imagining what life was like here thousands of years ago. Guided tours are available, and provided you aren’t rushed, it’s worth getting a guide to dig deeper into the history.
Hillah
Before heading back to Baghdad, visit the nearby town of Hillah. It’s a smaller, quieter place with some nice local cafes and eateries, perfect for a late lunch. You can also visit some local historical sites here as well.
Return to Baghdad in the evening, unwind, and maybe grab a light dinner or hit a local café for tea or dessert.
Day 4: Samarra and the Spiral Minaret
Samarra, located about two hours from Baghdad, is another essential day trip. It’s perfect for anyone interested in Islamic history and unique architecture.
The Great Mosque of Samarra
The centerpiece of Samarra is the Great Mosque, famous for its majestic Spiral Minaret. This 9th-century structure is truly unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. You can actually climb the minaret, which provides a fantastic view over the surrounding areas.
Spend your morning here, taking pictures and walking through the town. The mosque and minaret really are the highlights, but Samarra also offers insight into life in smaller Iraqi cities.
Lunch in Samarra
After your visit, stop in at a local restaurant for a quick meal. You’ll often find traditional Iraqi dishes, and a good plate of kebab with bread and rice is a solid choice to recharge.
In the afternoon, you can head back to Baghdad or relax in Samarra a bit longer before returning. I’d recommend getting back to the capital for your evening, as Baghdad has more options for food and post-sightseeing relaxation.
Day 5: Head to Erbil
For your final day in Iraq, catch a flight to Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. It’s a more modern city compared to the rest of Iraq, but it still offers a lot of history and culture. Plus, it gives you a chance to experience a different side of the country.
Erbil Citadel
No trip to Erbil is complete without visiting the Erbil Citadel. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. You can stroll through its alleyways, visit small museums, or just admire the history embedded in the stone buildings.
Main Bazaar
Next, visit the vibrant bazaar in Erbil’s central area. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to local textiles. Take your time picking up unique gifts or souvenirs to remember your trip to Iraq.
Kurdistan’s Cuisine
End your day by trying some of the local Kurdish cuisine. One dish you should try is Dolma, but there are many regional specialties to choose from. Kurdistan is a bit different in terms of culture, so this day allows you to experience this diversity.
Evening in Erbil
Spend the night either walking the streets of Erbil or heading to a rooftop bar to unwind. Erbil is known for being one of the safer cities in Iraq, so relax and enjoy your final night in the country.
Wrapping Up
If you have some extra time, feel free to extend your stay in either Baghdad or Erbil. Both cities have plenty to offer for a few more days of sightseeing. This 5-day itinerary allows you to experience a good portion of Iraq’s culture and history without rushing from one place to the next. Iraq is still an off-the-beaten-path destination, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
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