This blog post is the ultimate Baghdad guide to help you get around the city and learn more about it while on a vacation. It contains a map of Baghdad, a brief history of the city, and is written in a casual style to appeal to those who want to make Baghdad their destination for an extended stay.
Map of Baghdad
Baghdad was originally founded in the 8th century BC by the Assyrians as a small trading post on the banks of the Tigris River. The city grew rapidly in importance under the Abbasids and became the capital of Iraq in 1258 AD. In 1401, Baghdad was captured by the Ottoman Turks, who ruled it until World War I.
During World War I, Baghdad was heavily bombed by the Allies and suffered extensive damage. After World War II, Saddam Hussein’s government undertook a series of massive rebuilding projects that turned Baghdad into a modern city. Today, Baghdad is a bustling metropolis with wide streets and an impressive collection of Medieval and Modern architecture.
Baghdad is a fascinating city to explore and there are plenty of interesting places to visit. The following is a list of some of the most popular attractions in Baghdad:
1) The Golden Dome Mosque – One of Baghdad’s most iconic landmarks, the Golden Dome Mosque is one of Iraq’s oldest mosques and was built in 740 AD. It is famous for its elaborate gold-leaf decoration and breathtaking 360-degree view from its top platform.
2) Saddam Hussein’s Palace – Saddam Hussein’s palace was once the largest presidential palace in the world. It was built in 1982 and is one of the most expensive palaces in the world to build, costing over $1 billion dollars to construct.
3) The Old Palace – The Old Palace of Baghdad was a historic palace complex built by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mansur and his son Harun al-Rashid (founder of Baghdad).
4) Firdous Square – The Firdous roundabout is an important site in Iraq’s history as it was there that Saddam Hussein held a public rally during his rule.
5) Qadissiya Mosque – This mosque is famous for its beautiful blue mosaic tiles and beautiful dome covered with gold-leaf.
Baghdad Travel Guide For Tourists – Map Of Baghdad Photo Gallery
What to Do in Baghdad
There’s so much to do in Baghdad that a travel guide could never scratch the surface. But here are five of our favorite things to do in the Iraqi capital:
1. Explore the Old City – Baghdad’s historic districts are bustling with life, from traditional souks and mosques to modern shopping malls. Start your exploration at the remarkable Al-Nuri Mosque, built by Caliph Umar after he captured Baghdad from the Byzantines in 642. From there, wander through narrow alleyways and lively markets until you reach the heart of the Old City – where you’ll find grandiose palaces and imposing churches dating back centuries.
2. Take a scenic drive down the Tigris River – No trip to Baghdad is complete without a scenic drive along its mighty riverbanks. Take a drive out to Qadisiyah or Koresh, two large agricultural islands located just south of Baghdad. Or head further south towards Basra for a more isolated experience. Either way, be sure to stop off at some of Iraq’s many picturesque villages along the way!
3. Soak up the local culture at one of Baghdad’s famous souks – In addition to its plethora of antique shops, Baghdad is home to a huge variety of souks, or traditional markets. These are where the locals go to do their shopping, and they’re places you simply shouldn’t miss out on! The beautiful Souq al-Hamidiyeh (also known as “The Hundred Doors”) is one such place.
4. Stay with a local family – There’s nothing like experiencing life in Baghdad through the eyes of a local Iraqi family. For most travelers, it’s something they can’t do enough of. Here’s how to experience it yourself: head down to Iraq’s capital city and stay with an Iraqi host family, who will be more than happy to show you around and help you get off on the right foot in Iraq.
How to Get Around Baghdad
Baghdad is a huge city, and navigating it can be a challenge. The following are some tips on how to get around:
-Baghdad’s Central Post Office is the best place to start your travels. It’s located in the center of the city, near the National Museum. There are several post offices in different parts of Baghdad, but this one is probably the easiest to navigate.
-Public transportation in Baghdad can be frustratingly difficult to use. Trains run infrequently and are overcrowded, and buses often take long delays between trips. To make matters worse, drivers will often refuse to stop at small bus stations or stoplights, so you’ll need to be prepared to walk quite a bit.
-If you’re looking for a taxi, always try to find one that’s been pre-booked by someone in advance. Most taxi companies won’t pick up passengers off the street and will only accept prepaid phone numbers.
-If all else fails, there are still plenty of reliable car rental companies in Baghdad that can take you anywhere you need to go. Just be sure to negotiate a fair price before getting into the car!
Where to Stay in Baghdad
When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Baghdad, there are two main options: either stay in the city centre, or head out to one of the suburbs. The best way to figure out where is best for you is to do some research and compare prices.
When staying in the city centre, you can either book a room in a hotel or stay with a local family. Within walking distance of most places in the city centre are several hostels and guesthouses. It’s also not too expensive to find a room on Airbnb or Booking.com.
If you want to stay outside of the city centre, there are several suburbs that offer good value for your money. The best area to live in is usually Abbasiya, which is relatively new, and has many modern amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, and fast-food joints. Other good suburbs include Khadraa and Sabaa al-Bakr.
Keep in mind that security situation can vary greatly from suburb to suburb – so always do your research before making any decisions about where to stay.
Where to Eat in Baghdad
Baghdad is a city full of delicious food and what better way to sample it than by eating out? Here are our top recommendations for where to eat in Baghdad:
1. Zarqa Restaurant
Zarqa Restaurant is a great place to get a taste of traditional Iraqi cuisine. They have a wide selection of dishes to choose from, including kebabs, rice, and lamb. Their prices are reasonable, too.
2. Abu Mahal Restaurant\Abu Mahal Restaurant is another great option for traditional Iraqi cuisine. They have a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including kebabs, rice, and lamb. The prices are also reasonable.
3. Al-Ghanim Street Food Centre\Al-Ghanim Street Food Centre is a great place to get street food in Baghdad. There are lots of options here, including falafel, shawarma, kabobs, and baklava. The prices are very reasonable.
4. Hussein’s Ice Cream Parlour\Hussein’s Ice Cream Parlour is another great option for food on Al-Ghanim Street Food Centre. They have many different flavors of ice cream, including chocolate, rosewater, pistachio, pineapple, and coconut. The prices are reasonable.
5. Mulla Coffee Shop Mulla Coffee Shop is another great option for food on Al-Ghanim Street Food Centre. Here you can get coffee, tea, cookies, and baklava with your meal. The prices are also reasonable.
6. Rainbow Restaurant
Rainbow Restaurant is another great option for traditional Iraqi cuisine in Baghdad. Many people travel from all over Iraq to visit this restaurant because of its delicious food and the fact that it has been around for many years.
How to Get To and From Baghdad
Baghdad is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and the only way to get there is by plane. Baghdad International Airport is about an hour away from the city center by taxi.
If you’re driving, be sure to have a good map of Baghdad, as well as enough gas to get you there and back. The roads in Baghdad can be very confusing and dangerous.
There are several ways to get around Baghdad: on foot, by bicycle, or by public bus. You can also hire a car or taxi for a day or two if you want to explore more of the city.
If you’re planning on staying in Baghdad for more than a day or two, it’s best to make reservations at one of the many hotels in town. There are also a few hostels available, but they can be quite expensive.
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