Baghdad بغداد
Iraq’s capital on the Tigris, founded in 762 as the round city of the Abbasid caliphs.
Baghdad was founded by the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur in 762 and soon became one of the largest and most learned cities in the world. Its House of Wisdom, schools and markets drew scholars, poets and merchants from across the Islamic world.
Today Baghdad is a busy, green capital of riverside parks, book markets, shrines and museums. Its layers of Abbasid, Ottoman and modern history sit side by side along both banks of the Tigris.
The Abbasid caliphs made Baghdad the centre of a world empire. Scholars at the House of Wisdom translated Greek, Persian and Indian works into Arabic, and the city’s mathematicians, doctors and poets shaped learning far beyond Iraq. The Mustansiriya school, completed in the 1230s, still stands beside the old souqs as one of the oldest surviving university buildings anywhere.
Baghdad was sacked by the Mongols in 1258, ruled for centuries by the Ottomans, and became the capital of modern Iraq in 1921. A first visit usually combines the old city around Al-Mutanabbi Street and the Qishla, the Iraq Museum’s Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian galleries, the golden shrine of Al-Kadhimiya, the Freedom Monument on Tahrir Square and an evening by the Tigris with masgouf, the grilled river fish the city is known for.
Baghdad is also the natural base for day trips: the Kassite ziggurat of Aqarquf lies about 30 km to the west, Samarra about 125 km to the north and Babylon about 85 km to the south.
Tours in Baghdad
Baghdad & Aqarquf Ziggurat · 1 day · from $200
Travel tips
- Visit Al-Mutanabbi Street on a Friday morning, then take tea at the Shabandar café.
- Carry your passport: checkpoints and museum entrances may ask for ID.
- Women should bring a headscarf and long abaya-style cover for Al-Kadhimiya; abayas are often available at the entrance.
- Try masgouf, Baghdad’s famous grilled river fish, at one of the restaurants along Abu Nuwas Street.
Questions & answers
How many days do I need in Baghdad?
Two to three days covers the old city, the museum and a day trip to Aqarquf. Add a day if you want to visit Samarra or Babylon from the capital.
Can I explore Baghdad with a private guide?
Yes. Our Baghdad & Aqarquf private tour includes the old city, Al-Mutanabbi Street, the Iraq Museum and the Aqarquf ziggurat.
What is the best time to visit Baghdad?
October to April. From June to September daytime temperatures are often above 45°C.
Photos
Map of Baghdad
Pins show the sites in this guide. Locations are approximate.
Learn more
Sites to see in Baghdad
Al-Mutanabbi Street
Baghdad’s famous book street, busiest on Friday mornings, between the old souqs and the Tigris.
Iraq Museum
Iraq’s national museum, with treasures from Sumer, Babylon and Assyria to the Islamic era.
Al-Mustansiriya School
A 13th-century Abbasid college beside the old souqs, one of the oldest surviving university buildings.
Al-Kadhimiya Shrine
The golden-domed shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad in north Baghdad.
Aqarquf Ziggurat
The Kassite ziggurat of Dur-Kurigalzu, about 30 km west of Baghdad.