Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base

Ancient Mesopotamian capital rising from history on the Tigris

Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, sits along the Tigris River and carries nearly 1,300 years of history as one of the Islamic world's most storied cities. Founded in 762 CE by Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur, it once served as the intellectual and cultural heart of the medieval world during the Islamic Golden Age.

Today the city is rebuilding after decades of conflict, and visitors willing to navigate its complexities will find extraordinary museums, historic mosques, vibrant markets, and a warm, resilient population proud of their heritage. Travel requires careful preparation, up-to-date security advisories, and ideally a local contact or guided arrangement.

Baghdad rewards the intrepid traveler with an authenticity rarely found elsewhere — bustling teahouses along the Tigris corniche, the aroma of grilled masgouf fish, and glimpses of ancient Mesopotamian treasures that shaped human civilization.

• •Iraq Museum — world-class collection of Mesopotamian artifacts and ancient antiquities
• •Al-Mutanabbi Street — historic booksellers' street and literary heart of Baghdad
• •Al-Kadhimiya Mosque — magnificent golden-domed Shia shrine in the historic district
• •Abbasid Palace — rare 12th-century Abbasid-era palace surviving in the old city
• •Al-Shaheed Monument — iconic 1983 split-dome memorial honoring Iraq's war dead
• •Souk Al-Ghazl — one of Baghdad's oldest traditional bazaars full of local life

Getting around: Baghdad has no metro or functional rail network for tourists; the primary ways to move around are private taxis negotiated before departure, three-wheeled auto-rickshaws in older neighborhoods, and ride-hailing apps such as Careem, which operates in the city. Renting a car with a local driver is the safest and most practical option for visitors unfamiliar with the roads, as traffic is heavy and navigation can be challenging.

Best time: October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures, avoiding the extreme summer heat that regularly exceeds 45 °C (113 °F).

Local food: Do not leave without trying masgouf — slow-grilled Tigris carp seasoned with tamarind and turmeric — along with samoon bread, kubba soup, and strong cardamom-spiced Iraqi chai served at riverside teahouses.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.