UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Iraq's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, ruins, and experiences across Iraq.
Babylon Historic Centre
Explore ancient ruins including the Lion of Babylon and reconstructed Ishtar Gate for a glimpse into Mesopotamian glory.
Especially evocative at sunset, perfect for guided tours and historical reenactments.
Hatra Archaeological City
Discover Parthian temples and grand arches in this desert fortress, showcasing Hellenistic influences.
A blend of ancient engineering and serene isolation that captivates history buffs.
Erbil Citadel
Climb this ancient mound fortress with panoramic views of the modern city below.
Markets and museums create a lively hub perfect for immersing in Kurdish culture.
Ashur Ancient City
Walk through Assyrian palaces and ziggurat foundations along the Tigris River.
Combining religious artifacts with riverfront serenity in a dynamic historical setting.
Samarra Archaeological City
Uncover Abbasid mosques and the spiraling Malwiya minaret highlighting Islamic architecture.
Less crowded, offering a peaceful alternative to major urban sites.
Ahwar of Southern Iraq
Visit the Mesopotamian Marshes with wetlands, reed houses, and traditional boat rides.
Fascinating for those interested in ecology and ancient Sumerian heritage.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Mesopotamian Marshes
Navigate reed-filled wetlands by boat, ideal for birdwatchers with trails to hidden villages.
Perfect for multi-day eco-tours with scenic waterways and wildlife spotting.
Western Desert Dunes
Explore vast sand seas in Anbar with camel treks and starlit camping.
Adventure-friendly fun with ancient caravan routes and desert breezes in cooler months.
Zagros Mountains
Hike rugged peaks near Sulaymaniyah via marked paths, attracting nature photographers.
Serene spot for picnics and eagle watching with diverse alpine ecosystems.
Hammar Marshes
Wander southern wetlands near Basra, perfect for easy boat trips and family outings.
This aquatic paradise offers a quick nature escape with traditional reed trails.
Bekhme Gorge
Kayak along the river with dramatic cliffs and valleys, ideal for water sports.
Hidden gem for scenic drives and riverside picnics in Kurdistan.
Shalavat Caves
Discover underground chambers and stalactites with guided spelunking routes.
Geological tours connecting to Iraq's karst heritage and mountainous charm.
Iraq by Region
🏔️ Kurdistan (North)
- Best For: Mountain landscapes, Kurdish culture, and citadels with vibrant bazaars in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.
- Key Destinations: Erbil Citadel, Duhok, and Rawanduz for historic sites and modern cafes.
- Activities: Hiking in Zagros, cultural festivals, tea house visits, and exploring ancient monasteries.
- Best Time: Spring for blooms (March-May) and autumn for mild weather (Sept-Nov), with 10-25°C temperatures.
- Getting There: Well-connected by flights to Erbil Airport, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🏙️ Central Iraq
- Best For: Mesopotamian history, urban energy, and Islamic landmarks as the cradle of civilization.
- Key Destinations: Baghdad for museums, nearby Samarra for minarets and ruins.
- Activities: River cruises on Tigris, souk shopping, archaeological tours, and local kebab tastings.
- Best Time: Year-round, but winter (Dec-Feb) for cooler crowds and events like cultural fairs.
- Getting There: Baghdad International Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🌾 Southern Iraq
- Best For: Ancient Sumerian sites and marshlands, featuring wetlands and ziggurats.
- Key Destinations: Babylon, Nasiriyah, and Basra for ruins and port city vibes.
- Activities: Boat tours in marshes, visiting Ur, date palm groves, and traditional music evenings.
- Best Time: Winter for activities (Nov-Mar) and spring for marsh flooding (Feb-Apr), 15-30°C.
- Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote archaeological areas and villages.
🏜️ Western Desert (West)
- Best For: Nomadic heritage and vast expanses with a rugged desert atmosphere.
- Key Destinations: Hatra, Anbar oases, and border trails for ancient forts and sand dunes.
- Activities: Camel safaris, stargazing camps, Bedouin storytelling, and off-road explorations.
- Best Time: Cooler months (Oct-April) for trekking, with dry 10-25°C and clear night skies.
- Getting There: Domestic flights to regional airports or guided convoys from Baghdad for safety.
Sample Iraq Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Iraq Highlights
Arrive in Baghdad, explore the National Museum, visit Al-Mustansiriya University for Islamic history, sample dolma, and see Tigris River landmarks.
Drive to Babylon for ruins and Lion Gate tours, then head to Samarra for the Malwiya minaret and Abbasid palace explorations.
Travel to Erbil for citadel climbs and bazaars, with a day trip to Bekhme Gorge for scenic hikes and local cuisine.
Final day in Baghdad for souk shopping, last-minute cultural visits, and departure, ensuring time for tea house experiences.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Baghdad city tour covering museums, Kadhimiya shrines, Tigris cruises, and local food markets with kebabs and sweets.
Babylon for ancient sites including ziggurat views and guided histories, then Nasiriyah for Ur excavations and marsh introductions.
Erbil for cultural hubs and citadel museums, then drive to Sulaymaniyah for mountain hikes and Kurdish heritage sites.
Full eco-adventure with boat rides in Hammar Marshes, visits to Marsh Arab villages, and stays in reed houses.
Desert exploration in Hatra with Parthian ruins, followed by return to Baghdad for final reflections and departure.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Iraq
Comprehensive Baghdad exploration including archaeological museums, street food tours, Abbasid ruins, and riverfront walks.
Babylon for Mesopotamian wonders, Ur for Sumerian ziggurats, Basra for port vibes and date markets.
Zagros mountain hikes, Erbil citadel tours, Duhok gorges, and cultural festivals in scenic valleys.
Samarra minarets and Ashur ruins, followed by Ahwar wetlands for boat tours and ecological insights.
Hatra desert forts and oases, final Baghdad experiences with shopping and cuisine before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Marsh Boat Tours
Glide through Mesopotamian wetlands in traditional mashufs for unique views of reed villages.
Available year-round with evening tours offering serene ambiance and bird calls.
Kurdish Tea Ceremonies
Sample herbal teas and sweets at mountain teahouses across Kurdistan regions.
Learn hospitality traditions from locals and storytellers in cozy settings.
Archaeological Workshops
Handle replicas of cuneiform tablets in Babylon's educational centers with expert guidance.
Learn about Sumerian writing and ancient artifact conservation techniques.
Mountain Biking Tours
Traverse Zagros trails and valleys on rented bikes with guided groups in Kurdistan.
Popular routes include gorge paths and plateau rides with varied terrain.
Islamic Art Tours
Discover Abbasid mosaics at Samarra and Baghdad museums with historical context.
Works from medieval caliphates and modern Iraqi artists with expert-led visits.
Ruins Exploration
Tour ancient cities like Hatra and Ashur with interactive exhibits on Assyrian life.
Many sites offer guided narratives and virtual reconstructions for immersive history.