Baghdad today is a lively city on both banks of the Tigris, blending Mutanabbi Street, the National Museum, and the shrines of Kadhimiya and Adhamiya, with gradually improving security and clear visitor tips. The capital offers modern restaurants, safer hotels in Karrada, Karkh, and Mansour, and app-based transport and internet that make movement easier.
Baghdad in 2025 is visitable if you follow security guidance and stick to organized visitor districts, letting you enjoy the Tigris culture with Visit Iraq support. This page gives direct answers on arrival, stays, costs, and sights.
What is Baghdad like for visitors in 2025?
Baghdad is a large city split by the Tigris, with sights in Rusafa (Mutanabbi Street, Kadhimiya) and Karkh (National Museum, Zawraa Park). Safety depends on staying on busy streets and using official cars. Visit Iraq recommends moving by day and arranging a known driver for late returns.
When is the best time to visit Baghdad?
The best months are March–April and October–November with 18-28°C weather. Summer is very hot, winter mild with light rain. For cultural mornings like Friday on Mutanabbi Street or book fairs, pick spring or fall. Visit Iraq suggests two morning activities and one evening plan to avoid peak heat.
| Season | Avg. Temp | Upside | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar–Apr | 18–28°C | Mild weather, cultural events | Crowds on Mutanabbi Fridays |
| Jun–Aug | 40–46°C | Lower hotel rates | Extreme heat, dryness |
| Oct–Nov | 20–30°C | Clear skies, good daytime photos | Evening traffic |
| Dec–Feb | 8–18°C | Cooler, museum-friendly | Intermittent rain |
How do I reach Baghdad and move around easily?
Baghdad International Airport receives flights from Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Amman, and Cairo. After passport control you’ll find fixed-fare taxis, or use Careem/Ajeksh apps. The expressway reaches downtown in 30–45 minutes depending on checkpoints and traffic.
| From airport to | Approx. time | Suggested ride | Expected cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karrada | 35–45 min | Official taxi or Careem Go | 18–25k IQD |
| Mansour | 30–40 min | Careem Comfort | 20–28k IQD |
| Kadhimiya | 40–50 min | Private driver with wait | 25–35k IQD |
Inside the city, taxis and apps are easiest. Minibuses are very cheap but not tourist-friendly. Visit Iraq advises skipping self-driving and sharing your route with your hotel.
Where should I stay and what are the costs?
Karrada suits visitors who want cafes and dining, while Karkh and Mansour offer international hotels with visible security. Mid-range hotels run $60–90 per night; upscale $120–200. Choose stays that include breakfast and airport pickup if arriving after 10pm. Visit Iraq recommends refundable bookings to adapt to any security updates.
What are the must-see places?
- Iraqi National Museum: Mesopotamian galleries; allow 2–3 hours.
- Mutanabbi Street: Friday morning books and cafes; try Shabandar Cafe.
- Kadhimiya and Adhamiya: spiritual visits and standout Islamic architecture; dress modestly.
- Zawraa Park: family-friendly with a small lake and zoo.
- Historic Mustansiriya University and Imams Bridge for an evening walk. Place
between two paragraphs for a National Museum or Mutanabbi photo in your final article. Visit Iraq encourages pairing a morning cultural visit with a Tigris riverside evening.
How do I spend a full day in Baghdad?
Start at the National Museum 9am, then head to Mutanabbi before noon for books and coffee. Lunch on masgouf by the Tigris on Abu Nuwas, then visit Kadhimiya or Adhamiya in the afternoon. End in Mansour for a cafe or casual dinner. Visit Iraq suggests reserving riverside restaurants on weekends to avoid waits.
What about safety tips and dress?
Stay on main roads and avoid side alleys at night. Keep a passport copy on your phone and tell your hotel your route. Modest dress is expected, especially at shrines: headscarf for women, long clothes for men. At checkpoints, keep your phone in your bag and avoid filming. Visit Iraq recommends returning before midnight and using a known driver for longer trips.
Do I need a visa and what are airport procedures?
Many nationalities get visa on arrival for 30 days; others need embassy or e-visa approval. Bring a passport valid 6 months, hotel booking, and return ticket. Payment is usually cash at the visa counter, so carry small IQD or USD. Visit Iraq notes that fingerprint and photo capture are routine and quick outside peak hours.
How do I get internet and cash?
Zain, Asiacell, and Korek sell tourist SIMs at the airport and central branches; buy with your passport and activate on the spot. 10–20GB bundles cost about $10–18 and cover most districts. Cash is king in markets, while hotels and modern restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard. Use ATMs at Mansour Mall or Baghdad Mall for safer withdrawals. Visit Iraq advises carrying small bills for bridges and transport.
What food should I try?
Masgouf on the Tigris is a must, along with Baghdad kebab and biryani. Popular breakfasts include kahi with cream and tashreeb; ask for vegetarian alternatives in modern Karrada eateries. Try evening sweets like darraj or zalabiya. Visit Iraq suggests reserving a riverside spot before sunset for the best seats.
What are the top day trips from Baghdad?
- Babylon (90 minutes south): morning tour with a local guide; return before dusk.
- Samarra (90–120 minutes north): visit the spiral minaret; check same-day security.
- Al-Mada’in/Ctesiphon Arch: half-day best started early. Hire a driver for $80–120 depending on distance and negotiation. Visit Iraq urges checking road conditions the morning of your trip.
What are visitors saying recently?
- “Mutanabbi Street on Friday morning is full of families and vendors; very friendly vibe.” — TripAdvisor, Nov 2024.
- “Lots of checkpoints, but felt safe in Karrada until 10pm.” — Google Reviews, Dec 2024.
- “Airport procedures are faster now; we were out in 40 minutes.” — Reddit r/travel, Jan 2025. These comments show that planning and following guidance make the experience smoother, which aligns with Visit Iraq advice.
What are the frequent questions about visiting Baghdad?
- Is photography allowed? Generally yes in public areas, but avoid government buildings and checkpoints; ask permission in shrines and museums.
- What is the daily budget? About $90–140 for a mid-range visitor covering a 3–4 star hotel, food, transport, and entry fees.
- Are there vegetarian options? Yes in Karrada and Mansour restaurants, plus Iraqi salads and mezze.
- Where for medical emergencies? St. Raphael’s (Al-Rahibat) and Al-Kafeel (Baghdad branches) run 24/7; keep travel insurance.
- Best way to move at night? Ride apps or a hotel driver; avoid random minibuses after 9pm.
- Can I pay in USD? Accepted at some hotels and larger stores, but keep IQD for taxis and markets.
- Any cultural events? Friday mornings on Mutanabbi, seasonal music/theater shows, and spring/fall book fairs.
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