Pass The Passport

Places / Asia / Iraq

Baghdad

Not been yet

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

Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.

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

  • Iraq Museum
    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
  • Mutanabbi Street
    Photo: Tpark Kareem, CC0

    Mutanabbi Street

    The historic street of booksellers, named after a 10th-century poet, at its liveliest on Friday mornings.

  • Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa

    One of the oldest universities in the world, a 13th-century Abbasid building with a brick courtyard on the river.

  • Al-Kadhimiya Mosque
    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

  • Eat masgouf
    Photo: Hill93, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Eat masgouf

    Iraq's signature dish of butterflied river carp, slow-grilled beside an open fire.

  • Tea at the Shabandar Café
    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.

  • Day trip to Babylon
    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 Karrada

  • Mansour

    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

Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

More city guides for Iraq

Back to Iraq

Over to you

Been here? Share a tip, or ask me anything about it, in the comments.