Baghdad

Getting to Baghdad

The national airline is Iraqi Airways that operates a growing fleet of more than 30 modern jets. They mainly provide domestic flights but Iraqi Airways also offers flights to numerous international destinations, including a few routes from Europe. Numerous other operators in the Middle East also fly to Baghdad, with daily flights from most regional hubs.

1. 01
   Baghdad International Airport
2. 02
   Baghdad Central
3. 03
   Al-Alawi

Worth seeing

A combination of heavy redevelopment during the second half of the 20th century, two decades of warfare and neglect has not been kind to Baghdad's architectural and cultural heritage. Generally, the eastern side contains the older districts while the western side is newer. The historic old quarter contains a myriad of alleys and small streets with buildings dating back to the Ottoman era or even older.

1. 01
   Mustansiriya Madrasah

   Often referred to as the Abbasid Palace, this medieval-era scholarly complex was established in 1227 CE.

2. 02
   Qushla

   Ottoman landmark building.

3. 03
   Baghdad Zoo

   The largest zoo in the country, opened in 1971.

4. 04
   Khan Murjan

   Built in the 14th century as a caravanserai, an inn for traveling merchants, whose centre was a hall more than 13 metres high.

5. 05
   Firdos Square

   A public open space surrounded by several artwork monuments.

6. 06
   National Museum of Iraq

   Covering the history of Mesopotamian culture, this museum housed a huge collection before the Iraq War.

Things to do

Baghdad's cultural life is more vibrant than most visitors expect. Beyond the historical sites, the city offers riverside promenades, traditional markets worth exploring on foot, and day trips to some of Mesopotamia's most important archaeological sites.

1. 01
   Iraqi National Theatre
2. 02
   Baghdad Island Park
3. 03
   Abu Nawas Street
4. 04
   Mutanabbi Street

Where to eat

Restaurants and cafés have been notorious targets for suicide bombers in the past, making eating out a quite dangerous activity.

1. 01
   Saj Alreef Restaurant
2. 02
   Barley Restaurant

   This eatery has a kind of macabre distinction of naming their large shawarma things after landmines.

3. 03
   Samad Restaurant

   Rowad St, couple blocks north of Mansour St on right,.

4. 04
   Jadiriyah Floating Restaurant

   Not many places where you can eat aboard a ship in the Tigris River.

5. 05
   Oyoon Baghdad Restaurant

   Rather expensive, but suited to impress an audience or spoil oneself with its views over the Tigris River and elements of Iraqi culture in its decor and food.

Getting around Baghdad the local way