Erbil أربيل

Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, grew around a great mound that has been settled for thousands of years. The citadel was listed by UNESCO in 2014. Below it the Qaysari Bazaar is still the city’s trading heart, and green mountains and lakes are a short drive away.

The Erbil Citadel has been settled for thousands of years and is often described as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. It was listed by UNESCO in 2014. Inside its walls, restored houses, a textile museum and wide views over the modern city reward the short climb.

Below the citadel, the covered Qaysari Bazaar has been the city’s trading heart for centuries, with spices, sweets, honey, textiles and tea houses. Erbil is the capital of the Kurdistan Region, has an international airport (EBL) and is a good base for the mountain towns of Shaqlawa and the valleys to the north-east, as well as for Lalish and Alqosh.

Tours in Erbil

Nowruz Trip · 7 days / 6 nights · from $1,450

Travel tips

• Climb the citadel in the late afternoon for the best light over the city.
• Entry rules for the Kurdistan Region can differ from federal Iraq. Ask us which visa you need for your route.
• Have tea in one of the old tea houses beside the Qaysari Bazaar.

Questions & answers

Can I combine Mosul and Erbil?

Yes. Our group tour travels from Mosul via Lalish, Khinnis and Alqosh to Erbil, and our private tours can be adapted.

When is the best time to visit Erbil?

Spring and autumn. Summers are hot but cooler than central and southern Iraq, and the mountain towns are popular escapes.

Photos

Map of Erbil

Pins show the sites in this guide. Locations are approximate.

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