Erbil
Save20 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
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Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Ancient hilltop citadel, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Combine with the museums inside
📷 Photos
- 2
Covered bazaar at the foot of the citadel
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Try local spices and sweets
- Bargain politely
- Busy in the evening
📷 Photos
- 3
12th-century leaning minaret of the Muzaffar mosque
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Best at sunset
- Exterior view
- Pair with Minaret Park
📷 Photos
- 4
Large landscaped city park
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Pleasant in the evening
- Families picnic here
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 5
Christian district with churches, cafes and restaurants
3 tips
- Good dining and nightlife
- Visit Mar Elia Church
- Taxi from the centre
📷 Photos
- 6
Museum of traditional Kurdish textiles inside the citadel
3 tips
- Entry via citadel ticket
- Allow 45 minutes
- Photography rules vary
📷 Photos
- 7
Archaeology museum with finds from Kurdistan
3 tips
- Often included in the citadel visit
- Check opening days
- Allow 1 hour
📷 Photos
- 8
Large modern mosque with a distinctive dome
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Visit outside prayer times
- Taxi from the centre
📷 Photos
- 9
Dramatic gorge and mountain scenery northeast of Erbil
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Day trip with a driver
- Bring layers
📷 Photos
- 10
Mountain resort with views over Erbil
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Cooler than the city
- Cable car in summer
- Best at sunset
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Erbil tips
Transportation
- Use taxis: Taxis are the main way around; most have no meters, so agree the fare before getting in or ask your hotel to call one.
- Get your bearings by the Citadel: The city spreads in rings around the Citadel, which makes a handy landmark for navigating.
- Hire a driver for day trips: For trips to Rawanduz or the mountains, a hired car and driver is the easiest option.
Security
- Check travel advice: Erbil is generally calm, but check your government's advice and avoid travelling outside the Kurdistan Region without guidance.
- Carry your passport: Checkpoints are common on roads in and out of the city; keep your passport and entry stamp with you.
- Do not photograph checkpoints: Avoid photographing security forces, checkpoints or government buildings.
Saving
- Carry cash: Iraq is largely cash-based; Iraqi dinars are used daily, and US dollars are widely accepted for larger amounts.
- Eat at local kebab shops: Simple restaurants serve kebabs, rice and bread at low prices compared to hotel dining.
- Enjoy free parks: Sami Abdulrahman Park and Shanidar Park are popular, free places to relax with locals.
Weather/Clothing
- Prepare for extreme summer heat: Summers are very hot and dry; wear loose, light clothing and avoid midday sun.
- Pack layers for winter: Winters are mild by day but cold at night, with some rain; bring a warm jacket.
- Dress modestly: Long trousers and covered shoulders are respectful, especially in bazaars and religious sites.
Cultural
- Accept tea: Kurdish hospitality is warm; accepting a glass of tea is a friendly gesture.
- Join Newroz: The Kurdish New Year on March 21 is celebrated with fires, picnics and dancing.
- Try local food: Taste dolma, kubba, kebabs and fresh flatbread, with sweets from the bazaar.
Local Hacks
- Visit the Citadel at sunset: The UNESCO-listed Citadel offers views over the city and the busy square below.
- Explore Qaysari Bazaar: This old market below the Citadel is great for spices, sweets and people-watching.
- Dine in Ankawa: This Christian district has many restaurants and cafes, popular in the evenings.
1-day itineraries in Erbil
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.