Baghdad

Baghdad, Iraq

Baghdad remains a vibrant and colorful city, despite the hardships of recent times. The locals have refused to give in to the conflicts and violence and do everything in their power to make sure their beloved city remains bustling with life, courage, personality and optimism. With all this in mind, risks and dangers remain ever-present, and leisure travel is highly advised against by most world governments for the time being.

Population:

3,800,000

Currency:

Iraqi Dinar
1 IDQ = 1000 fils

Emergency Numbers:

122

Opening Hours:

Businesses and shops are generally open Sat-Thu 8:30am-1pm and 5pm-7pm, but hours can vary a lot. Restaurants stay open late, until about 11pm or midnight.

Newspapers:

Iraqi News

The City

Baghdad's current state betrays its long and illustrious history. It was once a vital centre for scholarship and culture in the Arab world and an inviting destination for bohemians and backpackers from every corner of the world, invoking romantic images of Arabia. Today, sadly, after years of conflict, much of the city is in tatters, and constant dangers make it difficult for local residents, not to mention foreign travelers.

International visitors, mainly there for business purposes, are largely restricted to the International Zone, or Green Zone, where security is better. Venturing outside the Green Zone is often advised against, but that is where much of the city's and its population's vibrancy and flair can be found and enjoyed.

Do & See

Though international visitors are advised to remain within the International Zone for security reasons, venturing outside its boundaries reveals more of what the city has to offer. Within and without, imposing monuments to wartime heroes and some fascinating museums make up some of the highlights, and parks provide some much needed green spaces for locals to rest.

Dining

Iraqi cuisine has roots that date back as far as 10,000 years, and through the centuries those roots have incorporated ingredients and techniques from nearby areas such as Persia, Syria and Turkey, resulting in a complex and varied cooking tradition. Be sure to try some of the typical dishes and snacks, such as falafel, dolma, biryani and pita with hummus.

Cafes

From the modern and sleek Western-style cafes where young urbanites sip espressos, to more traditional Iraqi teahouses where older gentlemen share a hookah, to child-friendly ice cream parlours where families escape the afternoon heat and enjoy pistachio-packed cones, Baghdad's cafe scene has plenty to offer even the most discerning coffee-lover.