Baghdad

DESTINATIONS iraq baghdad

Baghdad

Baghdad remains a vibrant and colourful city despite recent hardships. The locals have steadfastly resisted the conflicts and violence, striving to keep their beloved city bustling with life, courage, personality, and optimism. However, it is important to acknowledge that risks and dangers persist, and most world governments currently advise against leisure travel to the city.

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 travellers. International visitors, primarily travelling for business, are typically confined to the International Zone (Green Zone), where security is more stringent. Although venturing outside the Green Zone is often cautioned against due to safety issues, this area is where you can experience much of Baghdad’s remaining vibrancy and cultural flair. Despite the challenges, exploring beyond the Green Zone can offer a glimpse into the city’s enduring spirit and rich heritage.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

While international visitors are generally advised to remain within the International Zone (Green Zone) for security reasons, exploring beyond its boundaries can offer a deeper insight into Baghdad's rich cultural and historical landscape. Outside the zone, you’ll find impressive monuments such as the Swords of Qadisiyyah and the Al-Shaheed Memorial, as well as significant museums like the Iraqi National Museum. Additionally, parks like Al-Zawraa Park offer much-needed green spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Monument to the Unknown Soldier

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier, located in the Al-Shaheed (Martyrs) Memorial complex in Baghdad, is a striking symbol of sacrifice and valour. Built between 1979 and 1982, the monument features a design that includes a stylised Iraqi shield and sword, representing the fallen soldiers. It serves to commemorate all those who fought and …

Iraqi National Museum

The Iraqi National Museum is dedicated to the rich history of Iraq and its ancient civilisations, including the Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. Its collections feature artefacts that span over 7,000 years of history. Unfortunately, many of these invaluable pieces were lost during the looting that occurred in the early days of the Iraq War …

Victory Arch (The Swords of Qadisiyah)

Victory Arch or The Swords of Qadisiyyah, also known as the Hands of Victory, is one of Baghdad’s more striking monuments. It features two colossal statues of hands holding crossed swords that arch above the road. The monument marks the entrance to a major traffic circle and celebrates Iraq's victory in the Iran-Iraq War. …

Baghdadi Museum

Often referred to as the Iraqi equivalent of Madame Tussaud's, the Baghdadi Museum features wax sculptures that capture the lives of average Baghdadi residents from the mid-20th century. Unlike Madame Tussaud’s, which focuses on contemporary celebrities, this museum offers a glimpse into daily life and the local culture of the …

Al-Zawraa Park

Al-Zawraa Park is one of Baghdad’s largest and most well-known green spaces. Originally an army camp, the area was converted into a family-friendly park in the 1970s. It features expansive green spaces, a roller coaster, shops, cafés, and even the Baghdad …

Dining

Iraqi cuisine has ancient roots, with influences from early Mesopotamian cultures and neighbouring regions such as Persia, Syria, and Turkey. Over the centuries, these influences have shaped a diverse and intricate culinary tradition. Typical Iraqi dishes include 'dolma' (stuffed grape leaves), kebabs, and various stews. While dishes like falafel, pita with hummus, and biryani are popular in the broader Middle Eastern region, they are more commonly associated with Levantine or South Asian cuisines.

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 …

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 …

Cafés

From the modern and sleek Western-style cafés 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 café scene has plenty to offer even the most discerning coffee-lover.

Ice Pack

Few things can help cool weary travellers 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 & Cafe Shop

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 conflict and curfews, Baghdad's nightlife is gradually reviving. Young residents are increasingly frequenting outdoor cafés and pool halls, enjoying beer and playing dominoes well into the night. The city is seeing a resurgence of bars, restaurants, and a few nightclubs, bringing a renewed vibrancy to its evenings. However, for foreign visitors seeking a safe and lively night out, international organisations and private clubs remain the most reliable options.

Shopping

Baghdad's historic shopping area extends from Shuhada Bridge to Ahrar Bridge, with Rashid Street as the main thoroughfare. This bustling street is flanked by lively souqs, including the Coppersmith Souq, the colourful Shorjah marketplace, and the Clothiers and Rug Souqs. On the other side of the Tigris, Mansour Mall provides a modern, quieter shopping alternative, featuring contemporary retail options and a more relaxed environment.