Babylon Ruins
Region: Babil Governorate
Cultural heritage
Ancient city with palace ruins and Ishtar Gate foundation from Nebuchadnezzar II era
Tourism in Iraq
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Hatra Ruins
Region: Nineveh Governorate
Cultural heritage
Desert city fusing Hellenistic and Parthian styles (UNESCO)
Ashur
Region: Saladin Governorate
Cultural heritage
Religious city ruins of ancient Assyria
Samarra Spiral Minaret
Region: Saladin Governorate
Cultural heritage
Spiral minaret from 9th-century Abbasid period
Karbala Sanctuary
Region: Karbala Governorate
Religious
Largest Shia pilgrimage site centered on Imam Hussein shrine
Najaf Sanctuary
Region: Najaf Governorate
Religious
Shia holy site with Imam Ali shrine
Erbil Citadel
Region: Erbil Governorate
Cultural heritage
Highland fortress city with approximately 6,000 years of habitation history
Mesopotamian Marshes
Region: Basra, Maysan, and Dhi Qar governorates
Nature
UNESCO mixed heritage of vast reed marshes and water settlements
Baghdad Old City
Region: Baghdad Governorate
Modern culture
Historical district retaining Kadhimiya shrine and Mutanabbi Street bookshops
Kurdistan Mountain Resorts
Region: Sulaymaniyah Governorate and others
Nature
Hiking and hot springs popular in cool highlands and canyons
Suggested itineraries
Ancient Ruins and Holy Sites of Central Iraq 6 Days
Duration (days): 6
Highlights: Babylon, Samarra, Karbala, Najaf, Baghdad Museum
Efficiently visit Mesopotamian ruins and Shia holy sites based from capital
Kurdistan Highland and Erbil World Heritage 4 Days
Duration (days): 4
Highlights: Erbil Citadel, Rawanduz Gorge, Hanjirin Hot Springs, Kurdish cuisine
Short plan enjoying nature and culture in relatively stable northern region
Mesopotamian Marshes Eco Tour 3 Days
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: Marshland boat tour, Reed house homestay, Masguf tasting
Experience water-life culture and birdwatching from Basra
Travel tips
- Tourist visa system fluctuates; check latest information
- Passport must have 6+ months validity remaining
- Many checkpoints; always carry photo ID
- US dollars convenient for cash; limited card acceptance
- Summer approaches 50°C; essential hydration and sun protection
- Refrain from eating and drinking in public during Ramadan
- Women should wear clothing covering shoulders and knees
- Strictly observe photography prohibited areas (military/government facilities)
- Use authorized taxis or ride-hailing apps for city transport
- Tap water not potable; use bottled water
- Limited English in urban areas; simple Arabic greetings helpful
- Avoid solo night activities
- SIM cards available at airports and telecom shops
- Declining charity solicitations not considered rude
- Handle political and sectarian topics discreetly