You have to visit Iraq, a land steeped in ancient history and rich culture, beckons travelers with its blend of historic sites and vibrant modern life. From the bustling capital of Baghdad to the sacred cities of Karbala and Najaf, and the legendary ruins of Babylon, there are countless best places to visit in Iraq. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the country’s diverse heritage and stunning landscapes.
Explore the ancient cities in Iraq, each with its own story to tell. Wander through Baghdad’s historic streets, experience the spiritual ambiance of Najaf and Karbala, and marvel at the ancient ruins of Babylon.
For nature enthusiasts, the Mesopotamian Marshes and the Zagros Mountains provide breathtaking natural beauty and adventure opportunities.
Whether you are a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or an adventurer, Iraq has something extraordinary to offer. Embark on this journey to uncover the timeless charm and profound history of Iraq.
Iraq Tourism
Iraq tourism is on the rise as the country opens its doors to the world, revealing a wealth of attractions in Iraq that captivate the imagination. Any Iraq tourist will find a treasure trove of historical wonders, from the ancient ruins of Babylon to the majestic Ziggurat of Ur, showcasing the rich tapestry of Iraq historical sites. These landmarks in Iraq not only answer the question, “what is Iraq famous for?” but also highlight the country’s deep cultural heritage. For those embarking on an Iraq visit, the blend of ancient civilizations and vibrant modern life makes Iraq one of the most unique Iraq destinations.
As you explore Iraq vacation spots, you’ll find that the country’s historical depth and cultural richness make it abundantly clear why Iraq is worth visiting. Moreover, obtaining a Iraq visa on arrival is straightforward for citizens from certain countries. The Federal Iraq visa is available at Baghdad, Najaf, and Basra international airports, while the Kurdistan Region offers a similar service at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports, making it easy to get an airport visa in Iraq. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iraq to the dynamic marketplaces, every corner of Iraq offers a new story and a unique adventure.
Religious vs Non-Religious Tourism in Iraq (1980-2024)
To better understand Iraq tourism flow, here’s a illustrative graph, which now differentiates between religious and non-religious tourists visiting Iraq from 1980 to 2024. The blue line represents the number of non-religious tourists, and the green line represents religious tourists. The red shaded area highlights the Iraq War period, reflecting a significant drop in both categories. The annotation again points to the recent increase in tourism, highlighting the recovery and growth from 2016 onwards.
- Blue Line (Tourism): This represents the number of general tourists visiting Iraq from 1980 to 2024.
- Green Line (Religious Tourism): This line represents the number of religious tourists visiting Iraq in the same period.
- Red Highlight (2003-2011): The period of the Iraq War, showing a significant drop in both general and religious tourism.
- Recent Increase (2016-2024): A notable rise in tourism, reflecting the stabilization and growth in recent years.
Ancient cities of Iraq
- Ancient Cities of Mesopotamia
- Uruk Ancient City
- Ur Ancient City
- Samarra Ancient City
- Hatra Ancient City
- Eridu Ancient City
- Babylon Ancient City
- Ctesiphon Ancient City
- Nineveh Ancient City
Iraq Attractions
Discovering the attractions in Iraq offers a journey through time, with each site telling a part of the country’s storied past. Iraq destinations like the Erbil Citadel, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, are prime examples of what Iraq is most famous for. These Iraq UNESCO sites stand as testaments to the country’s ancient civilizations and architectural marvels. The rich tapestry of Iraq biblical sites, including the ruins of Nineveh and the Tomb of Ezekiel, add to the profound historical and cultural experiences awaiting visitors. Planning an Iraq visit means delving into the heart of Iraq sights that include the best places to visit, such as the vibrant city of Basra and the historical city of Mosul. These Iraq vacation spots offer a diverse range of experiences, making each trip to Iraq a journey of discovery and enrichment. For those seeking unique holiday destinations, Iraq’s historical landmarks and cultural sites present a compelling case.
| City | Approximate Population | Distance from Baghdad (km) | Major Sightseeing Places |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baghdad | 7,216,000 | 0 | Liberation Square, Al-Mutanabbi Street, Abbasid Palace, Al-Kadhimiya Shrine, Iraq Museum |
| Erbil | 932,800 | 350 | Erbil Citadel, Sami Abdulrahman Park, Kurdish Textile Museum, Jalil Khayat Mosque, Shanadar Park |
| Basra | 2,600,000 | 550 | Basra Corniche, Shatt al-Arab River, Basra Museum, Sinbad Island, Basra International Stadium |
| Hillah | 400,000 | 100 | Ancient City of Babylon, Saddam Palace, Borsippa Ziggurat, Al-Mustansiriya University, Hillah River Promenade |
| Najaf | 482,576 | 160 | Imam Ali Shrine, Wadi-us-Salaam Cemetery, Al Sahlah Mosque, Kufa Mosque, Najaf Sea |
| Karbala | 434,450 | 100 | Imam Hussein Shrine, Al-Abbas Shrine, Al-Mukayyam Mosque, Shrine of Habib ibn Madhahir, Karbala Historical Museum |
| Mosul | 1,739,800 | 400 | Great Mosque of al-Nuri, Mosul Museum, Nineveh Ruins, Bash Tapia Castle, Mar Mattai Monastery |
| Sulaymaniyah | 723,170 | 330 | Slemani Museum, Azmar Mountain, Chavi Land, Slemani Cultural Museum, Goizha Mountain |
| Nasiriyah | 400,249 | 350 | Ziggurat of Ur, Marshes of Iraq, Nasiriyah Museum, Great Ziggurat of Ur, Shatrah Marshes |
| Akre | 130,000 | 440 | Akre Mountains, Akre Citadel, Old Bazaar, Rashash Waterfall, Akre Mosque |
| Dohuk | 284,000 | 430 | Dohuk Dam, Zawa Mountain, Dohuk Bazaar, Mashko Hill, Azadi Park |
| Samarra | 158,508 | 125 | Al-Askari Shrine, Samarra Archaeological City, Great Mosque of Samarra, Malwiya Minaret, Al-Mutawakkil Mosque |
| Kufa | 110,000 | 165 | Kufa Mosque, Al-Sahlah Mosque, Dar Al-Imam Ali Mosque, Shrine of Muslim Ibn Aqil, House of Imam Ali |
| Halabja | 80,000 | 260 | Halabja Monument and Museum, Ahmed Awa Waterfall, Halabja Cemetery, Halabja Dam, Halabja Historical Museum |
| Amedi | 6,000 | 365 | Amedi Citadel, Qaban Mountain, Gali Ali Beg Waterfall, Bekhal Waterfall, Amedi Old City |
| Soran | 125,000 | 380 | Rawanduz Canyon, Bekhal Waterfall, Gali Ali Beg Waterfall, Soran Mountain Resort, Korek Mountain Resort |
Iraq Destinations
- Best places to visit in Iraq
- Hillah Iraq
- Mesopotamian Marshes
- Baghdad City
- Erbil Iraq
- Soran Iraq
- Amedi Iraq
- Akre Iraq
- Kufa Iraq
- Samarra Iraq
- Dohuk Iraq
- Nasiriyah Iraq
- Karbala Iraq
- Sulaymaniyah Iraq
- Najaf Iraq
- Mosul Iraq
- Basra Iraq
- Halabja Iraq
Iraq Pilgrimage Destinations
Iraq pilgrimage sites are among the most revered destinations for spiritual seekers, offering a profound connection to religious history. The holy cities of Najaf and Karbala are central Iraq holy sites, attracting millions of pilgrims who come to pay their respects at the shrines of Imam Ali and Imam Hussein. These cities not only serve as spiritual hubs but also feature significant Iraq historical sites that enrich the pilgrimage experience. In Karbala, the Al-Abbas Shrine and the Battle of Karbala site hold great importance. Iraq biblical sites, such as the ancient city of Ur, known as the birthplace of Prophet Abraham, add another layer of spiritual depth to the journey. Additionally, the site of the ancient city of Babylon provides insight into the historical narratives found in religious texts. These landmarks in Iraq are a testament to the country’s rich religious heritage and are essential stops for any Iraq tourist. Visiting these Iraq pilgrimage sites offers a unique perspective on what Iraq is famous for, as well as a deeper understanding of its cultural and spiritual fabric. As Iraq continues to emerge as a destination for spiritual tourism, these holy sites, along with other Iraq holiday destinations, underscore the profound historical and religious significance of the country.
| City | Pilgrimage Site | Description | Approximate Visits in 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Najaf | Imam Ali Shrine | Resting place of Imam Ali, a significant figure in Shia Islam. | 15 million |
| Wadi-us-Salaam | World’s largest cemetery, located in Najaf. | 2 million | |
| Al-Sahla Mosque | Associated with several prophets and Imams. | 500,000 | |
| Karbala | Imam Hussein Shrine | Site of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein during the Battle of Karbala. | 20 million |
| Al-Abbas Shrine | Resting place of Abbas ibn Ali, revered for his loyalty and bravery. | 18 million | |
| Baghdad | Kadhimayn Shrine | Burial site of the seventh and ninth Twelver Shia Imams, Musa al-Kadhim and Muhammad al-Jawad. | 5 million |
| Samarra | Al-Askari Shrine | Resting place of the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams, Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari. | 3 million |
| Associated with the “Lesser Occultation” of the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi. | |||
| Kufa | Great Mosque of Kufa | Historic mosque where Imam Ali was assassinated; associated with significant Islamic events. | 1 million |
| Basra | Tomb of Zubair ibn al-Awam | Companion of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the first converts to Islam. | 500,000 |
| Tomb of Talhah ibn Ubayd-Allah | Prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad. | 400,000 | |
| Mosul | Nabi Yunus Shrine | Believed to be the burial place of the Prophet Jonah (Nabi Yunus). | 700,000 |
| Balad | Shrine of Sayid Muhammad | Known as the “Golden Dome,” an important site for Shia pilgrims. | 1.5 million |
| Hillah | Ancient city of Babylon | Primarily a historical site with significant biblical associations. | 200,000 |
| Ur | Ziggurat of Ur | Believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham (Nabi Ibrahim). | 150,000 |
| Samarra | The Great Mosque of Samarra | Known for its spiral minaret, an architectural marvel and significant Islamic site. | 300,000 |
This table highlights the key pilgrimage sites across different cities in Iraq, emphasizing their religious and historical significance.
