Baghdad

DESTINATIONS iraq baghdad

Baghdad

Baghdad remains a vibrant and colorful city, despite the hardships of recent times. The locals have refused to give in to the conflicts and violence and do everything in their power to make sure their beloved city remains bustling with life, courage, personality and optimism. With all this in mind, risks and dangers remain ever-present, and leisure travel is highly advised against by most world governments for the time being.

The City

Baghdad's current state betrays its long and illustrious history. It was once a vital centre for scholarship and culture in the Arab world and an inviting destination for bohemians and backpackers from every corner of the world, invoking romantic images of Arabia. Today, sadly, after years of conflict, much of the city is in tatters, and constant dangers make it difficult for local residents, not to mention foreign travelers. International visitors, mainly there for business purposes, are largely restricted to the International Zone, or Green Zone, where security is better. Venturing outside the Green Zone is often advised against, but that is where much of the city's and its population's vibrancy and flair can be found and enjoyed.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Though international visitors are advised to remain within the International Zone for security reasons, venturing outside its boundaries reveals more of what the city has to offer. Within and without, imposing monuments to wartime heroes and some fascinating museums make up some of the highlights, and parks provide some much needed green spaces for locals to rest.

Iraqi Museum

The Iraqi Museum is dedicated to the history of Iraq and the peoples that have inhabited its territory throughout the centuries. The collections include Sumerian, Assyrian and Babylonian artefacts dated back as far as 7,000 years, although, unfortunately, many were lost during the looting that took place during the early days of the war …

Monument to the Unknown Soldier

Located in the Great Celebration square, this imposing monument represents a traditional Iraqi shield (called a dira'a) being dropped by the loosening hand of a dying soldier, and it is meant to commemorate all the men who fought and died for their country in the Iran-Iraq …

Swords of Qadissyah

The Swords of Qadissyah, also known as Victory Arch or Hands of Victory, is one of Baghdad's more bizarre monuments, consisting statues of two hands holding swords that join above the road. They mark the entrance to Great Celebrations square, which celebrates Iraq's victory in the Iran-Iraq …

Baghdadi Museum

Described as the Iraqi "Madam Tussaud's", the Baghdadi Museum's wax sculptures eternalize not the modern-day movie stars but average Baghdadi residents going about their lives during mid-20th century. The museum is a family-friendly place to learn about local folklore and past …

Zawraa Park

One of the biggest and well-known parks in Baghdad, Zawraa Park's territory used to be occupied by an army camp, but was later transformed into a family-friendly recreation area. Green spaces, playgrounds, shops, cafés and even the city zoo are all located …

Dining

Iraqi cuisine has roots that date back as far as 10,000 years, and through the centuries those roots have incorporated ingredients and techniques from nearby areas such as Persia, Syria and Turkey, resulting in a complex and varied cooking tradition. Be sure to try some of the typical dishes and snacks, such as falafel, dolma, biryani and pita with hummus.

Saj Al-Reef Restaurant

Saj Al-Reef, as the name reflects, uses Saj (a bread-type dough placed on a domed metal griddle and baked over a wood fire) as a main ingredient in many of its dishes, being a healthier alternative to regular bread. Over time other influences have been adopted and the menu now includes Saj sandwiches, Mexican …

Restaurant Beeston Samad

Samad Restaurant is a local favourite, its throngs of loyal patrons flooding their four locations daily and warranting the opening of a new location in Dubai. The menu consists of oriental, Iraqi, Kurdish and Western cuisines. The prices might be higher than most other options in the area, but they merely reflect the quality …

Aroma Restaurant

Aroma Restaurant is well-known for its breakfast buffets, which have a wide selection of food, and its fantastic fruit juices, which should not be missed. Lunch and dinner options include Italian and Middle Eastern dishes, as well as prime steaks. The restaurant itself is classy and clean and the staff is …

Mazaya Restaurant

Mazaya stands out for the huge diversity of its menu. Options include everything from European cuisine and classic Italian favourites like pizza and pasta to Chinese and Middle Eastern dishes, specializing in Iraqi and Lebanese food. Whatever mood you're in, you are sure to find something at …

Cafes

From the modern and sleek Western-style cafes where young urbanites sip espressos, to more traditional Iraqi teahouses where older gentlemen share a hookah, to child-friendly ice cream parlours where families escape the afternoon heat and enjoy pistachio-packed cones, Baghdad's cafe scene has plenty to offer even the most discerning coffee-lover.

Ice Pack

Few things can help cool weary travelers during the hot Iraqi afternoons quite like ice cream. Ice Pack is a popular ice cream parlour with locations all around the city. Locals love the rich and creamy texture, as well as the great variety of flavours from which to …

Al Faqma Ice Cream & Cake

Al Faqma is a Baghdad institution. This much beloved family-run establishment has been in operation for over 40 years. Now with several locations throughout the city, it is a great place to try more traditional Iraqi ice cream, loaded with pistachio …

Bars & Nightlife

After years of violence and imposed curfews, Baghdad's once famous nightlife is slowly coming back to life. Throngs of young residents can be seen enjoying themselves at outdoor cafes and pool halls, drinking beer and playing dominoes until as late as midnight. Bars and restaurants and even a nightclub or two are once again filling the city's nights with merriment, but for foreign visitors, the best place to get a drink and enjoy the night is still at one of the international organisations or private clubs.

Shopping

Baghdad's historic shopping area stretches out from Shuhada Bridge to Ahrar Bridge, Rashid Street being a traveler's' main landmark - most specialized shopping streets (souqs) are off the Rashid Street's either side. Some highlights of the busy shopping labyrinth include the deafening Coppersmith Souq, vibrant Shorjah marketplace and colorful Clothiers and Rug Souqs. On the other side of Tigris, Mansour Mall offers a quieter, haggle-free shopping alternative.

Souqs and Bazaars

Most of Baghdad's traditional marketplaces are to be found off Rashid Street, in the area between Shuhada and Ahrar Bridges. Stroll through the Coppersmith Souq to marvel at ornate copper pots of all shapes and sizes, and stop by the busy marketplace of Shorjah on the other side of Rashid Street to savor the …

Mutanabbi Street

Hailed as the heart of Baghdad's intellectual life, Mutanabbi Street (named in honor of a celebrated 10th century Iraqi poet Al-Mutanabbi) has historically been home to multiple bookshops, outdoor book stalls and book vendors - many of these are still in operation …

Mansour Mall

Mansour Mall is the first one of its kind in Iraq, and is easily comparable to its multiple shiny look-alikes all over the globe. Inside, shoppers will find international brand boutiques, a food court, a 5D cinema and children entertainment areas. Avoid rush hours to miss the …

Maximall

Maximall is something of a large department store chain, with several locations around the city. Selling primarily shoes and clothing by brands lesser-known internationally, the stores are clean and staffed by helpful shop assistants. There is normally a food court in the top …