Baghdad
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Iraq. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Iraq
- Region
- Baghdad Governorate
- Population
- 8 million
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- Baghdad International (BGW)
- Coordinates
- 33.32°N, 44.37°E
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Overview
Baghdad was founded on the Tigris in the 8th century as the round city of the Abbasid caliphs, and for centuries it was one of the great centres of learning in the world. Decades of conflict have left deep scars.
This guide is written for a future, safer time and is not an encouragement to travel now. When that time comes, the city's museums, bookshops and riverside cafés offer a moving glimpse of its long history and resilient culture.
Things to see
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Photo: Hussein A.Al-mukhtar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Iraq Museum
One of the world's great collections of Mesopotamian antiquities, from Sumerian sculpture to Assyrian reliefs.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Tpark Kareem, CC0 Mutanabbi Street
The historic street of booksellers, named after a 10th-century poet, at its liveliest on Friday mornings.
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Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa
One of the oldest universities in the world, a 13th-century Abbasid building with a brick courtyard on the river.
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Photo: Hamed Malekpour, CC BY 4.0 Al-Kadhimiya Mosque
A major Shia shrine with gilded domes and minarets in the north of the city.
Things to do
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Photo: Hill93, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat masgouf
Iraq's signature dish of butterflied river carp, slow-grilled beside an open fire.
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Photo: Mustafa Alsumaidaie, CC BY-SA 4.0 Tea at the Shabandar Café
A historic café at the end of Mutanabbi Street, its walls hung with old photographs.
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Photo: David Stanley, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Babylon
The ruins of the ancient city lie about two hours south, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Find tours
Where to stay
Karrada
A central district on a bend of the Tigris with hotels, shops and restaurants.
Hotels in KarradaMansour
A residential area in the west with upmarket hotels and cafés.
Hotels in Mansour
Getting around
In any future visit, a trusted local driver or fixer is the sensible way to get around. Always follow current official advice.
The airport is to the west of the city, around 30 minutes by road in normal conditions.
When to go
November to March is mild and the most comfortable time. Summers are extremely hot, often among the hottest of any capital city.
Plan your trip to Baghdad
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.