Erbil
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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
- Kurdistan Region
- Population
- 1 million
- Best time to go
- March to May, October to November
- Main airport
- Erbil International (EBL)
- Coordinates
- 36.19°N, 44.01°E
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Overview
Erbil is the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth. At its centre rises the citadel, an ancient mound crowned by a ring of old houses.
It is a growing, modern city with malls and hotels, but its bazaar and teahouses keep a traditional feel. This guide is written for a future, safer time; check official advice before considering any trip.
Things to see
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Photo: jan kurdistani, CC BY-SA 2.0 Erbil Citadel
A UNESCO-listed walled mound towering over the city, inhabited for thousands of years and slowly being restored.
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Photo: Lamacchiacosta, CC BY-SA 4.0 Qaysari Bazaar
A traditional covered market at the foot of the citadel, selling spices, sweets, cloth and household goods.
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Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D., CC BY-SA 3.0 Kurdish Textile Museum
A small museum inside the citadel showing woven rugs, bags and tribal textiles.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Vladimir Lysenko (I.), CC BY-SA 4.0 Mudhafaria Minaret
A tall, decorated brick minaret from the 12th century, standing alone in a park.
Things to do
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Tea in a traditional teahouse
Sit with locals over small glasses of sweet tea at a teahouse beside the bazaar.
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Photo: Levi Clancy, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore Ankawa
The largely Christian district in the north of the city, with churches, restaurants and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
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Photo: Sbeyy, CC BY 4.0 Mountain trip to Shaqlawa
A hill town set among orchards on the road towards the mountains of Kurdistan, cooler in summer.
Where to stay
Near the citadel
Simple hotels close to the bazaar and old town.
Hotels in Near the citadelAnkawa
International hotels and restaurants, popular with business travellers.
Hotels in Ankawa
Getting around
Taxis are widely available and inexpensive; agree the fare or ask your hotel to arrange one.
The airport is a short drive from the city centre, usually around 20 minutes.
When to go
Spring (March to May) brings green hills and wildflowers, and Newroz, the Kurdish new year, on 21 March. Autumn is also pleasant, while summers are very hot.
Plan your trip to Erbil
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.