Things to do in Iraq

Walk among the reconstructed walls, the Lion of Babylon statue, and the vast ruins of Nebuchadnezzar’s capital, once the center of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

Ascend the iconic Malwiya Tower, a 9th-century spiral minaret offering panoramic views over the Tigris and the remains of the Abbasid capital.

Stroll the narrow alleys of one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, topped by Ottoman-era houses and a museum showcasing Kurdish heritage.

Stand before the massive mud-brick stepped pyramid dedicated to the moon god Nanna, largely restored to its 21st-century-BCE form near Nasiriyah.

Marvel at the exquisite fusion of Hellenistic and Mesopotamian architecture, with towering temples and colonnades scattered across the desert of Nineveh.

Gaze up at the world’s largest brick single-span vault, an awe-inspiring remnant of the Sasanian imperial palace that once dominated the Tigris banks.

Delve into millennia of Mesopotamian civilization through priceless artifacts from Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria, including the famous Warka Vase and Nimrud gold.

Glide in a traditional mashoof canoe among vast reed beds and water buffalo that define this UNESCO-listed wetland, the legendary Garden of Eden.

Trek along dramatic gorges and waterfalls amidst the Zagros Mountains, a popular Kurdish adventure spot with sheer cliffs and panoramic viewpoints.

Enter the serene valley of white-washed shrines and conical domes, walking barefoot through the sacred temple of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir.

Savor Iraq’s national dish of butterflied carp slow-roasted over an open fire, served with flatbread and pickles at riverside restaurants on Abu Nawas Street.

Feast on tender skewers of marinated lamb and tangy sauces in the bustling Qaysari Bazaar, alive with spice aromas and copperware.

Contemplate the evocative remnants of Ashurnasirpal II’s capital, with its colossal lamassu guardians and palace reliefs telling tales of war and hunting.

Browse stacks of dusty volumes and listen to poets reciting verses in the heart of Baghdad’s literary quarter, a vibrant Friday ritual since the Abbasid era.

Enter the magnificent golden-domed shrine of the first Shia Imam, a focal point of pilgrimage featuring a glittering courtyard and intricate mirror work.

Visit this early Islamic landmark where Imam Ali was fatally struck, now a sprawling complex with towering minarets and serene prayer halls.

Trace the footsteps of Gilgamesh at the world's first true city, where you’ll find the monumental ziggurat of Anu and the earliest known written tablets.

Climb the hilltop fortress layered with Assyrian, Babylonian, and Ottoman remains, and take in sweeping views of the oil-rich city below.

Sip strong cardamom tea and watch Kurdish life unfold among centuries-old covered lanes filled with textiles, perfumes, and handicrafts.

Find this remarkably preserved 5th-century church in the desert, thought to be Iraq’s oldest standing church, with a simple stone basilica and ancient inscriptions.

Trek to Iraq’s highest peak at over 3,600 meters, passing alpine meadows and wildflower slopes before panoramic summit views into Turkey and Iran.

Step into the vaulted halls of this medieval caravanserai, now a craft center where sunbeams filter through carved brickwork onto artisan stalls.

Descend into the underground rooms of this multi-faith sanctuary, where a carved stone sarcophagus is revered by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.

Sit among intellectuals and generations of poets in this 100-year-old smoke-filled café, a living monument to Baghdad’s literary life that buzzes late into the night.

Witness the resilience of this iconic 12th-century mosque, where the al-Hadba minaret still stands as a symbol of Old Mosul after recent restoration efforts.