I spent a week exploring Erbil in late 2022 and detail some of the best Erbil tourist attractions below. There are lots of great things to do in Erbil from an assortment of interesting museums, to city parks, bazaars, markets, mosques, churches and of course, the ancient citadel.
Erbil is the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan and is separate from Federal Iraq. It has its own government and army and is administered separately from the rest of the country. It is also one of the safest parts of Iraq to visit.
The centre of the city is dominated by the citadel (Qelat/Qalat) which is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited place on earth (6,000 to 7,000 years as a human settlement). There are also many other interesting places to visit in Erbil from the bazaars to the parks and much more.
Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Top Things to do in Erbil
1. Erbil Citadel (One of the Best Things to do in Erbil)
The UNESCO-listed Erbil citadel is definitely one of the best things to do in Erbil. After you ascend the road to the Grand Gate you will be met with stunning views of the city skyline and an old cannon.
The citadel has been home to many peoples throughout the ages from the Assyrians to the Sassanians and even captured by the Mongols in 1258. The impressive sandstone Grand Gate opens up into a courtyard with winding lanes and
Once inside, there are many things to see from archaeological ruins to an assortment of museums and gift and antique shops which I’ve detailed below. The Citadel is free to enter but the various museums charge a small entrance fee of around 1,500 Iraqi Dinar ($1.00).
2. Visit the Kurdish Textile Museum
The Kurdish Textile Museum houses a collection of traditional Kurdish rugs, national dress and more over two floors and several rooms. From carpets to a recreated Kurdish home and a pleasant cafe, this interesting museum is definitely worth a look and one of the top Erbil tourist attractions.
The walls are adorned with rugs incorporating many different designs from sun wheel patterns to animals and represent different Kurdish tribes throughout the ages.
The museum costs 1,500 ($1.00) to enter and is open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. To get to the museum walk in through the Grand Gate and take the first lane on the right.
3. Shop for Souvenirs at Qaysari Grand Bazaar
The area in front of the citadel is packed with bazaars and market stalls, the largest of these being the indoor Qaysari Grand Bazaar. This is a fantastic place to browse all manner of goods on sale from sweets, nuts and herbs to clothing, keffiyehs, plants, snacks and household goods.
If you want to bring a souvenir or gifts back from Erbil this is the place to get them. I picked up Kurdish and Iraqi flags, and some old banknotes from the Sadam days. I also bought some sweets (candy) for my host family back in Diyarbakir).
The bazaar is open seven days a week from 9:00am to 10:00pm and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Erbil for shopping, eating and soaking up the atmosphere. Be sure to haggle for your bargains, and you’ll find that one or two of the sellers may speak a few words of English.
4. Visit Minaret Park (One of the Best Places to Visit in Erbil)
Across the road from, Shanadar Park is the Minaret Park, a large open space with some interesting sculptures, a miniature version of the citadel and the 36-metre (118-foot) Mudhafaria Minaret.
The minaret was completed in 1232 and is adorned with Kufi calligraphy and patterns. It’s not possible to climb the tower as the stairs have collapsed, but it’s still impressive to see this baked-brick structure still standing after nearly 800 years.
Entrance to the park is free and in summer there is a cafe selling refreshments. This is definitely one of the top Erbil attractions so be sure to pay it a visit and explore the interesting art and architecture on display.
5. Shanadar Park (One of the Top Erbil Attractions)
Shanadar Park was less than one kilometre from my hotel (the Sinaia Palace) and almost on the way to the Citadel so this was my first Erbil attraction. It’s a large park with pleasant walkways, benches, cable cars, cafes and a large lake.
Although the park was open, the cafes and cable cars were closed on my visit (a weekday in November) and I assume this is for the winter.
6. Gemstone Museum
The Erbil Gemstone Museum houses an impressive collection of precious stones, gems, meteorites and more from all over the world. There are two rooms with various displays, a small courtyard and upstairs a gift shop selling gems and other stones.
There is a raised platform next to the gift shop with excellent views of the inner citadel and the Qalat Mosque. The entrance fee is 1,500 Iraqi dinars ($1.00). Open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Although it’s a small museum, it’s definitely worth having a look at, especially for the upstairs views of the citadel.
7. The Grand Mosque Qalat
The Grand Mosque, also known as the Mullah Afandi or Old Sawafa Mosque is the oldest in the city and dates back to the 8th Century. It was however rebuilt in 1719 to face Mecca. The yellow and blue minaret reminded me a lot ofRegistan Square Samarkand in Uzbekistan.
The mosque is currently closed for renovation (2022) but it’s possible to walk around the outside and there are great views from the gemstone museum. The mosque is located within the Citadel at the middle point just to the right of the flagpole.
8. Visit the Erbil Civilization Museum
The Erbil Civilisation Museum is located in the Hawler district and contains three halls with displays charting the history of Mesopotamia from prehistoric times through to the Assyrians, Sassanids and later Islamic period of northern Iraq.
Inside you’ll find a selection of archaeological finds from pottery to statues, and even a few Babylonian relics. Visiting the museum is a great way to get an introduction to the history of Iraq.
Unfortunately, the museum was closed when I tried to visit as it was the weekend (closed Friday and Saturday). Opening hours are 8:00am to 2:00pm Sunday to Thursday. There is no entrance charge, making it another one of the best free things to do in Erbil.
9. Syriac Heritage Museum
Like the Civilization Museum, the Syriac Heritage Museum was also closed when I tried to visit (it seems Saturday in Iraq is when most museums are closed) but I was able to have a nose around outside and snap some pictures of the interesting exterior which seems almost Babylonian in style.
The museum is open from 9:00am to 5:30pm Sunday to Thursday. The museum is free to enter so it’s one of the best free things to do in Erbil if you want to learn about Assyrian culture.
10. Military Bazaar
If military chic is your thing (it’s definitely mine), then head to Erbil’s military market a short walk from ther centre of the city. Here you can pick up anything from combat boots and army jackets to sniper scopes and militaria.
The military surplus stalls and shops can be found along Kirkuk Road 500 metres from the citadel, cose to the Kirkuk bus terminal. Open normal shopping hours from 9:00am to 10:00pm.
11. Jalil Khayat Mosque
The Jalil Khayat Mosque is the largest in the city and is located on the northeast outskirts of Erbil a couple of kilometres from the centre. This Sunni place of worship bears a resemblance to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and has a similar Ottomon-inspired interior.
The mosque was completed in 2007 so it’s not a historic building (check out the Qalat Mosque in the Citadel for a more historic building). The total area stretches over 15,000 square metres so it’s an impressive sight.
The mosque is open to the public daily between 10:00am and 7:10pm.
12. City (Shar) Park
The City Park is mostly a concrete affair with trees and shrubs around the edges, but this vibrant area between the bazaars and in front of the citadel has great views. Tea sellers walk around selling hot tea between the fountains and pools.
13. Mzgawi Xanaqa
Mzgawi Xanaqa is home to two mosques, a bazaar with countless market stalls, and a recreation of London’s Big Ben. This is where I bought my Sadam banknotes for 1,000 dinars apiece ($0.70). There are fruit juice stalls and food stands selling kebab, shawarma and other local snacks.
14. Have Coffee and Cake at the Machko Cafe
The Machko Cafe (Chaixanay Machko) is located in a gorgeous old building at the foot of the citadel overlooking City Park and the Grand Bazaar. I stopped in here for a coffee and a piece of cake (pricey at 13,000 dinars / $9.00), but the views are fantastic and it has a great atmosphere.
The cafe has an English menu, and they also serve food and hookah. Head up the stairs to the right of the downstairs cafe for the best seats and views. The cafe is open every day from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
15. Walk around the Christian Ainkawa (Ankawa) District
Ankawa (also known as Ainkawa) is Erbil’s Christian district and it has a completely different feel to the rest of the city. This is also the only place you’ll find bars and shops selling alcohol (the Suryiani wine is a must-try). Ankawa has lots of churches to explore, but they are all protected by soldiers and armed guards.
One of the best expat hangouts is the Deutscher Hoff German bar and beer garden. I popped in here for a drink on my last night in Erbil and met lots of foreigners working and living in the city. Prices are pretty steep with a steiner of beer costing 12,000 dinars ($8).
16. See St Joseph’s Cathedral
I tried visiting St Joesph’s Cathedral in Ainkawa but a soldier wouldn’t let me in or take any photos outside. I tried another entrance and a friendlier soldier allowed me to take a couple of pictures but I still wasn’t able to go inside, contrary to other reports I’ve read online.
Getting Around Erbil
Taxis are inexpensive and you can get anywhere in the city for 5,000 Iraqi Dinars ($3.50) including the international bus station. The citadel, parks and museums are all within walking distance of a couple of kilometres. The only exception is the Ankawa Christian suburb which is about 6km from the centre of the city.
Getting to Erbil
I took the bus from Diyarbakir in Turkey (it also makes stops in Mardin, Cizre and Duhok). Ibrahim Kalil Border Crossing. The journey from Diyarbakir to Erbil took 10 hours bu the return journey took 22 hours as we were stuck at the border for many hours.
Erbil Accommodation
I stayed at the Sinaia Palace Hotel which was basic but comfortable and included a half-decent breakfast. It’s one kilometre from Shanadar Park and just under two kilometres from the citadel and an easy walk from most of the city’s main attractions.
Is Erbil Safe to Visit?
Erbil is a very safe city to visit. I walked around the city day and night and never felt unsafe. The only time I was ever really worried was at night in my hotel. There was a gun on the reception desk which freaked me out a little (as an Englishman I’m not used to seeing guns).
Although Mosul, the former capital of the ISIS caliphate, is just 40km away, Erbil hasn’t seen any major terrorist incidents since the defeat of Daesh in 2019.
One thing to be aware of is that both Turkey and Iran are conducting airstrikes in northern Iraq as they hunt Kurdish separatists such as the PKK. There have been several incidents recently of tourists being killed in these airstrikes and by roadside bombs.
Travel Insurance
Our partners at SafetyWing provide insurance cover for trips to Iraq.
For more on travelling in the region, check out this excellent Kurdistan Travel Guide from Joan Torres of Against the Compass.
Conclusion
Now you know what to do in Erbil, this incredible city should be high on your list of places to visit in the Middle East. There are so many wonderful things to do in Erbil and I loved walking around the parks, bazaars, and of course the magnificent citadel.
Iraq is bursting with history from Babylonian and Mesopotamian times to the present day and is an intensely rewarding destination. The Kurdish people of northern Iraq were some of the friendliest people I’ve met on my travels.
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About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲