Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq, offers a lot of interesting places to see and things to do. I’ve collected the best places to visit in Baghdad. This list of the best places needs at least 3 days.
I covered all these places in about 5 days. But it’s because I didn’t have sufficient information about them. But now that you have this guide, you will be fine and will manage to cover all the tourist attractions in less time than me.
All these places are unique in one way or another. Some of them are just simply beautiful, some of them historically speaking highly significant and some of them are places that will teach more about life in Iraq.
In the light blue boxes, you can see how you can actually get from one place to another.
Now, let’s start discovering Baghdad.
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From #2 to #13, from the Freedom Monument to Tahrir Square to the Armenian Church of the Holy Mother of God, Miskinta, you can explore on foot. As most of these places close early, you only have time until 3 pm. As for all the other places, use Careem to reach them.
1) MARTYR’S MONUMENT aka AL-SHAHEED MONUMENT
The famous Martyr’s Monument (Al-Shaheed Monument) – Visiting Baghdad
Three monuments were built to commemorate the Iraqi soldiers who lost their lives in the eight-year-long Iraq-Iran War (1980 – 1988) and the pain and suffering as a result of the war. Moreover, it’s also a memorial for all those who fell in any war throughout the country’s history.
They are the Victory Arch, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and Al-Shaheed Monument which were all built in the 80s.
Al-Shaheed Monument also called the Martyr’s Memorial, is one of the most iconic monuments in the city of Baghdad.
It was designed by Iraqi sculptor Ismail Fatah Al Turk.
The memorial itself is a split turquoise dome situated in the center of an artificial lake. The dome looks like domes built by the Abbasid Caliphate.
Between the half domes, there is a twisted metal flag pole with an Iraqi flag. There is also a spring of water running near the monument which symbolizes the blood of those who died in the wars.
ENTRANCE FOR THE MARTYR’S MONUMENT
3,000 IQD (~ 2 USD / 1,80 €)
2) FREEDOM MONUMENT AT TAHRIR SQUARE
The Freedom Monument at Tahrir Square – Visiting Baghdad
Let’s start your trip to Baghdad with one of the most significant monuments for the Iraqi people in the heart of Baghdad. The Freedom Monument (Nasb al-Hurriyah in Arabic) is one of the most famous monuments in Baghdad. You can find it at the Tahrir Square (also called Liberation Square) in central Baghdad.
WHY IS THE FREEDOM MONUMENT FAMOUS IN IRAQ
It’s because this monument is a symbol of Iraq’s declaration of independence. It commemorates the 14th July Revolution which took place in 1958 and pays tribute to the Iraqi soldiers who were fighting for freedom.
The revolution itself marks the overthrow of the Hashemite Monarchy by the Iraqi army led by Abdel Karim Qasim and the beginning of the Republic of Iraq.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE FREEDOM MONUMENT AT TAHRIR SQUARE
Before 3 pm
3) TAHRIR SQUARE
Graffiti artwork at Tahrir Square – Visiting Baghdad
Hang around Tahrir Square and under the bridge there, in the tunnel. There are amazing graffiti works there. They are not ordinary graffiti murals.
These graffiti murals demonstrate Iraqis’ sadness and anger about the past and hope for a better future.
The graffiti murals were created by young people including artists to deliver their message to the Iraqi government. It was part of a demonstration in October 2021 when people took the streets to protest against the government.
Graffiti murals at Tahrir Square – Visiting Baghdad
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Graffiti murals at Tahrir Square – Visiting Baghdad
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BEST TIME TO VISIT TAHRIR SQUARE
Before 3 pm
4) AL RASHEED STREET aka MAIN MARKET STREET
Al Rasheed Street (Al Rashid Street) is one of the main streets of historic central Baghdad.
A beautiful mosque on the Al-Rasheed Street – Visiting Baghdad
OPENING HOURS OF AL RASHEED STREET
Al Rasheed Street has only shops, cafés and food stalls. Nobody lives there. At 3 pm, all the shops and cafés are closing and the Al Rasheed Street becomes a deserted area. Thus, the best time to go there is from early morning to 1 pm.
And the best day to visit Al Rasheed Street is Friday as it’s the busiest day of the week.
Al-Rasheed Street – Visiting Baghdad
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Al-Rasheed Street – Visiting Baghdad
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5) AL-MUTANABBI STREET
Al-Mutanabbi Street in November 2021 – Visiting Baghdad
Continuing our journey in the historic center of Baghdad, we will walk to Al Mutanabbi Street which is one of the oldest streets in Baghdad named after Al Mutanabbi, a 10th-century classical Iraqi poet. His statue, the Al Mutanabbi Statue, can also be found there.
WHY IS THE AL MUTANABBI STREET A FAMOUS PLACE IN BAGHDAD
This street is full of bookstores, outdoor bookstalls, stationery shops and cafés. It’s been the heart of the literary and intellectual scene of Baghdad since the times of the Abbasid Caliphate, the third caliphate succeeding the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (750 – 1517).
After a long period of devastation and then cleanup and repair, this street was also reopened in 2008.
OPENING HOURS OF THE AL MUTANABBI STREET
Al Mutanabbi Street was just like Al Rasheed street with shops, cafés and food stalls open until 3 pm. But since February, after renovations, it’s accessible even at night.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE AL-MUTANABBI STREET
Similarly to Al-Rasheed Street, the best day to visit Al-Mutanabbi Street is Friday which is the busiest day during the week.
6) SHABANDAR CAFE
Shabandar Café – Visiting Baghdad
Shabandar Cafe is located in the heart of Baghdad in the bookshop district. It has been a hub of Baghdad’s intellectual life since it opened its doors more than a century ago. It’s an awesome place to have traditional Iraqi tea.
OPENING HOURS OF THE SHABANDAR CAFÉ
The Shabandar Café is located on the Al Mutanabbi Street. It’s open from 8 am to 6 pm.
With an old radio in Shabandar Cafe – Visiting Baghdad
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Reading the local news in Shabandar Cafe – Visiting Baghdad
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7) QISHLEH CLOCK (Al-Qushla Clock)
The Qishleh Clock with the Tigris River in the background – Visiting Baghdad
The Al-Qushla located at the Al-Mutanabi Street is a heritage site built by an Ottoman pasha in the 19th century. Today, the place turned into a cultural hub where artists and intellectuals come together to discuss current affairs, share views and change ideas.
OPENING HOURS ODF THE AL-QUSHLA CLOCK
Due to the fact that the Al-Qushla Clock is located on the Al-Mutanabbi Street, it was only accessible until 3 pm. There was no official opening time for the place but I would advice that you schedule to visit it between 9 am – 1 pm.
8) SAFAFEER COPPER MARKET
Coppersmith working in the Safafeer Market – Visiting Baghdad
An old shanasheel in the Safafeer Market- Visiting Baghdad
It’s an ancient copperware market on the eastern bank of the Tigris River where for hundreds of years people could listen to the beautiful sounds of hammers tapping on copper. You can literally smell the fragrance of the ancient city there.
Here you can find gorgeous and sparkling oily lamps, pots and plates and other artifacts made by coppersmiths decorated with looping and intricate calligraphy of the holy Quran.
On this market, you can buy some of Baghdad’s best souvenirs representing Iraqi civilization such as the Lion of Babylon.
Sadly, you can also find factory-produced copper plates and pots made in India, China and Iran here. Make sure you buy the original local artifacts.
Copperware in the Safafeer Market – Visiting Baghdad
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Ancient copperware in the Safafeer Market -Visiting Baghdad
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OPENING HOURS OF THE COPPER MARKET
The Safafeer Market is located close to Al Rasheed Street. Thus, the best is to visit it until 3 pm.
9) MUSTANSIRIYA MADRASAH / OLD MUSTANSIRIYA UNIVERSITY
The Mustansiriya University – Visiting Baghdad
The Mustansiriya Madrasah in Baghdad founded by Abbasid Caliph Al-Mustansir in the 13th century is one of the oldest Islamic universities in the world. It‘s a significant cultural landmark not only because it was a prominent center for Islamic Studies but because it’s one of the greatest works of Islamic Civilizations.
The major highlights of this beautiful historical building are Islamic features such as a stunning iwan, intricate muqarnas and arabesque brick decoration.
The Mustansiriya Madrasa is actually nominated to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It would definitely deserve to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today, the Mustansiriya Madrasah is part of the Mustansiriya University which was built in the 1960s.
OPENING HOURS OF THE MUSTANSIRIYA MADRASAH
From 8 am to 1 pm. I don’t know if its is open every day.
ENTRANCE FEE FOR THE MUSTANSIRIYA MADRASAH
– 25,000 IQD for foreigners
– 3,000 IQD for Iraqi citizens
10) BAGHDADI MUSEUM
Men back in the old days – Visiting Baghdad
The Baghdadi Museum is a history museum located in Baghdad where you can learn about Baghdad’s history and social heritage.
About 70-80 scenes with lifesize wax models from different periods show you how life was in Baghdad in the past.
The scenes showcase for example street life, trade life, professional life and local traditions in the city of Baghdad.
You can see among others what a traditional Baghdadi home looked like, women wearing colorful traditional dresses called dishdashas, circumcision rituals or a traditional wedding procession in which the groom with his family and friends are singing and dancing at the bride’s home.
During the Iraq War, in 2003, explosions severely damaged the Baghdadi Museum. To some extent, the museum was restored. Then, although they didn’t manage to restore it completely, it was reopened in 2008.
It’s a really interesting place. Don’t miss it!
Vax figures in the Baghdadi Museum illustrating life in the past – Visiting Baghdad
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Vax figures in the Baghdadi Museum illustrating life in the past – Visiting Baghdad
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OPENING HOURS OF THE BAGHDADI MUSEUM
9:00 – 13:30
ENTRANCE FEE FOR THE BAGHDADI MUSEUM
1,000 IQD (0.60 € / 0.70 USD) for both Iraqis and foreigners
11) ABBASID PALACE
The courtyard of the Abbasid Palace – Visiting Baghdad
The Abbasid Palace overlooking the Tigris river was probably built in the 12th century by the Abbasid Caliphate. It has an impressive courtyard and two levels of rooms. Its iwan is majestic with beautiful arches and muqarnas decorating its brickwork.
The entrance of the Abbasid Palace – Visiting Baghdad
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Beautiful muqarnas in the Abbasid Palace – Visiting Baghdad
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OPENING HOURS OF THE ABBASID PALACE
8:00 – 13:00
ENTRANCE FEE FOR THE ABBASID PALACE
– 25,000 IQD for foreigners
– 3,000 IQD for Iraqi citizens
Mindblowing arabesque brickwork – Visiting Baghdad
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Beautiful and intricate details of the Abbasid Palace – Visiting Baghdad
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12) ANTIQUE MARKET
It’s one of the most interesting hidden gems in Baghdad. Go on a tresure hurt in this old market and find your own treasures!
The yard of the antique market – Visiting Baghdad
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old televisions in the antique market – Visiting Baghdad
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13) THE CHURCH SOURP ASDVADZADZIN IN BAGHDAD (CHURCH OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, “MISKINTA”)
Armenian church – Visiting Baghdad
It’s an Armenian church built in the 17th century. It’s actually not some sort of tourist attraction. But once again I added a church to my list because I think it’s really interesting to see how religiously diverse the city of Baghdad is.
One interesting fact about this church is that as it is also the shrine of Virgin Mary, it gets not only Christian but Muslim visitors when it’s open.
OPENING TIMES OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH
There are no specific opening hours but it’s recommended to visit it during the day in the morning or early afternoon.
14) SAINT JOSEPH LATIN CATHEDRAL
Saint Joseph Latin Cathedral – Visiting Baghdad
In Iraq, there are actually quite a lot of churches, cathedrals and monasteries. That’s probably something that not many people know about.
The St. Joseph’s Cathedral also known as the Latin Cathedral of St. Joseph is one of the many churches in Iraq.
It’s a Latin Catholic cathedral in Baghdad that was built in the 17th century.
OPENING TIMES OF THE SAINT JOSEPH LATIN CATHEDRAL
It’s temporarily closed.
15) THE HOLY SHRINE OF SHEIKH ABDUL QADIR GILANI aka MAZAR GHOUS
On the way to the Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani Mosque – Visiting Baghdad
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In the Sheikh Abdul Gilani Mosque – Visiting Baghdad
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WHY IS THE ABDUL QADIR GILANI MOSQUE FAMOUS IN IRAQ
Mazar Ghous is a very famous Sunni Islamic complex dedicated to the highly respected preacher and theologian, Abdul Qadir Gilani.
This magnificent complex, which was built by the Safavid Dynasty and renovated by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificient, has three main parts: the mosque, the mausoleum and the Qadiriyya Library where you can find a lot of books about Islam.
Prayer time in the Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani Mosque – Visiting Baghdad
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE ABDUL QADIR GILANI MOSQUE
As there are many places that are only open in the morning and mosques are open all day, it’s better to schedule visiting it late afternoon and early evening.
16) GREEN ZONE (INTERNATIONAL ZONE OF BAGHDAD / INTERNATIONAL ZONE IRAQ)
While driving around in the Green Zone of Baghdad, I quickly shot this awesome picture – Visiting Baghdad
The Green Zone located in central Baghdad was created after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. It was the governmental center of the Coalition Provisional Authority (Iraq’s transitional government formed following the US-led invasion in 2003) during the occupation of Iraq (2003-2011).
As of today, it’s the center of international presence but it’s fully controlled by the Iraqi security forces.
In the past, the rest of Baghdad was called the Red Zone and considered unsafe. But now, I can say that the rest of Baghdad is also very safe,
On a side note, there is a movie called Green Zone. This action thriller film is based on a true story, a non-fictional novel ‘Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq’s Green Zone’ written by Rajiv Chandrasekaran.
The novel itself documents how life was in the Green Zone in Baghdad during the US-led invasion of Iraq.
The entrance of the Green Zone of Baghdad – Visiting Baghdad
ENTRY TO TO THE GREEN ZONE
It’s close to the public.
17) AL-QUDS GATE
The Al-Quds Gate, also knowns as the Jerusalem Gate.
It was inspired by Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque. You can’t miss it if you ever get to the Green Zone. It’s located very close to the entrance of the Green Zone.
A quick shot from the car in the Green Zone of Baghdad when approaching the Al-Quds Gate – Visiting Baghdad
ACCESS TO THE AL-QUDS GATE
As it’s located in the Green Zone, it’s close to the public.
18) MONUMENT TO THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER, BAGHDAD
The Unknown Soldier’s Monument symbolizes a traditional shield being dropped from the hands of a dying Iraqi warrior.
ACCESS TO THE MONUMENT TO THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
It’s inside the Green Zone. I didn’t get this far as we should have passed more checkpoints. And we didn’t have permission for that.
19) VICTORY ARCH aka SWORDS OF QADISIYYAH
The monument consists of a pair of massive outstretched hands emerging from the ground and two 43-meter-long swords, a small flagpole at the point where the swords meet and helmets of fallen soldiers around the hands on the ground.
ACCESS TO THE VICTORY ARCH
It’s also inside the Green Zone. I didn’t get this far as we should have passed more checkpoints. And we didn’t have permission for that.
In any case, try to see it from the roundabout at the crossing of Zaytoun Street and Yafa Street in Harthiya.
20) SAVING IRAQI CULTURE MONUMENT
It’s a pretty new monument designed by Iraqi sculptor Mohammed Ghani Hikmat and commissioned in 2010.
The huge broken stone of the monument represents Iraqi culture and the group of hands and arms trying to hold it symbolizes an attempt to support Iraqi culture so that it doesn’t fall.
21) THE IRAQ MUSEUM
The Iraq Museum is the national museum of Iraq.
Here, you can learn more about the heritage of the Iraqi nation and find beautiful relics from ancient civilizations: Mesopotamian (Sumerian, Assyrian, Babylonian civilizations) Persian and Islamic civilization.
During the Invasion of Iraq, unfortunately, it was looted similarly to other museums in Iraq and they didn’t manage to recover all the stolen artifacts.
Nevertheless, the museum decided to reopen in 2015 with what they have left.
OPENING TIMES OF THE IRAQI MUSEUM
From Sunday to Thursday, 9 am to 1 pm
ENTRANCE FEES FOR THE IRAQI MUSEUM
Iraqi students: 2,000 IQD
Iraqis: 3,000 IQD
Foreigners including non-Iraqi Arabs: 25,000 IQD
22) BAB BAGHDAD AL-WASTANI – THE GATES OF BAGHDAD
Originally, the ancient city of Baghdad was a walled round city with four gates built in order to protect the city from foreign attacks.
These four gates are the Gates of Baghdad. Most of them were destroyed either by the allies of World War I or Ottoman troops
Today, the only gate you can see is Bab Al-Wastani close to the Mausoleum of Umar Suhrawardi.
OPENING HOURS OF BAB BAGHDAD AL-WASTANI
It’s temporarily closed. But you can see it from the highway or the parking lot next to it.
23) AL-KADHIMIYA MOSQUE
This mosque is also known as Al-Kazimiyyah or Al-Kadhimiayn Shrine. It’s good to know all these names because everyone refers to it with a different name.
This breathtakingly beautiful Shi’ite Islamic Mosque and shrine is situated in the Kadhimayn suburb of Baghdad.
WHY IS THE AL-KHADMIYA MOSQUE A FAMOUS PLACE IN BAGHDAD
Here, you will find among others the tomb of the seventh Twelver Shia Imam, namely Imam Mousa, and famous Shia theologians and scholars.
Do you know what Twelver is? It’s the largest branch of Shia Islam. About 85 % of Shia Muslims belong to this branch.
OPENING HOURS OF THE AL-KHADMIYA MOSQUE
It’s open all the time. But the best time to visit the Al-Kadhimiya Mosque is either in the morning or in the evening.
In the morning, it’s really lively. In the evening, it’s beautifully lit and also full of life.
Close to the mosque, there is a big market (souq). This is where you can find abayas, traditional clothes, Iraqi sweets and all kinds of traditional Iraqi things. Walk around the market and try Iraqi sweets. They are super delicious.
Historic street around the Al-Kadhimiya Mosque – Visiting Baghdad
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Sweets in the market next to the Al-Kadhimiya Mosque – Visiting Baghdad
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING THE AL-KHADMIYA MOSQUE
As it’s a Shia mosque, women must wear a chador inside the mosque. You can buy a chador from the market. A chador cost 5,000 Iraqi Dinar. If you are not wearing socks, buy socks as well.
Go without wearing makeup. I’m not talking about a little bit of foundation, of course. But I’ve seen that the security makes Iraqi girls remove their makeup if it’s too heavy.
Before entering the mosque, you must deposit all your electric devices including phones, cameras, power banks and earpods.
Afterwards, you go through the security where you can also put on your chador. The female guards were very happy to see me in the mosque. And they especially enjoyed chatting with me in Arabic. There, we got candies as well.
The next step is to drop off your shoes.
When I entered the mosque, it felt like in a dream. The mosque is definitely a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
There are female and male sections. I went around the female sections and I tried to absorb all the beauty and peacefulness of the place. I am very lucky because a female member of the Iraqi Travelers’ Café accompanied me and she explained a lot of things about the mosque and Islam.
24) ABU HANIFA MOSQUE
The Abu Hanifa mosque is a significant Sunni mosque in Baghdad. It’s a beautiful mosque featuring a majestic golden minaret and dome. It’s not only the exterior of the building but its interior is awe-inspiring. Make sure you check out this magnificent piece od Islamic architecture inside out.
The Abu Hanifa Mosque from outside – Visiting Baghdad
OPENING HOURS OF THE ABU HANIFA MOSQUE
It’s open during the day and at night.
HOW TO VISIT THE ABU HANIFA MOSQUE
As it’s a Sunni mosque, women don’t need a chador. But they need to wear an abaya.
25) FIRDOS SQUARE
The Firdos Square in the capital city of Iraq – Visiting Baghdad
This is a very interesting place. Two of the most well-known hotels in Baghdad are located here: the Palestine Hotel and the Ishtar Sheraton Hotel.
They got very famous hotels because foreign journalists and correspondents have been using these hotels as their base since 2003, the US invasion of Iraq. Moreover, these hotels made their way several times to the news because of bomb attacks targeting journalists there.
Also, this is also where the 12-meter tall statue of Saddam Hussein stood until the Iraqi citizens and the US forces toppled it in 2003.
WHEN TO VISIT THE FIRDOS SQUARE
It’s busy all the time. You can visit it both daytime and in the evening.
26) KAHRAMANA STATUE
Kahramana is a famous fountain and one of the most iconic artworks in Baghdad designed by Mohammed Ghani Hikmat in the 60s.
It depicts a scene from the legend of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, which is one of the most fascinating Middle Eastern folk tales from the One Thousand and One Nights.
In this story, you can see the slave girl Marjana who tricked thieves into thinking that she was hiding inside the jars. Once the thieves were in the jars she poured the boiling oil into the jars to kill the thieves.
27) SAYIDAT AL-NEJAT CATHEDRAL
This church is not a tourist attraction. I put it on the list because it’s interesting to see another church in Baghdad. It’s a Syrian or Antiochian Catholic Church.
28) SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH (كنيسة قلب يسوع الأقدس)
And here is another church. This one is an Armenian Catholic Church.
29) STATUE OF SCHEHERAZADE AND KING SHAHRIYAR / THE MONUMENT OF STORYTELLING
This is a brilliant piece of art where Scheherezade, the beautiful storyteller, is narrating fascinating stories to King Shahryar.
You can read her stories in The One Thousand and One Nights, also called the Arabian Nights. Some of her most captivating tales are Aladdin and His Magic Lamp, Sinbad the Sailor, and Ali Baba and The Forty Thieves.
30) DUR-KURIGALZU (Ziggurat at Aqar Quf / زقورة عقرقوف الأثرية)
Dur-Kurigalzu was an ancient Mesopotamian city in the 14th century B.C. “Dur” in the name of the place means fortress in Akkadian language which was an ancient Mesopotamian language. And the word Kurigalzu refers to Kurigalzu I, a Kassite King of Babylon, who founded the city.
The city consisted of a ziggurat, temples dedicated to Mesopotamian gods and a royal castle.
A ziggurat is a monstrous stone structure similar to pyramids featuring terraced levels. In the past, it was accessible through stairways the same way as other ancient ziggurats.
There is not a lot left from the original city but we can still see an outstanding historic monument at Aqar Quf that is totally worth visiting.
