Basra
Iraq
- Safety rating
- 3.5/10
- Best time to visit
- November to March offers the most bearable weather, as summers are among the hottest on Earth.
- Population
- 2.9M
Overview
Basra is Iraq's southern port city, laced with canals that once earned it the nickname Venice of the East and bordered by the vast Mesopotamian marshes. A historic gateway for trade and pilgrimage, it carries echoes of the tales of Sinbad and a rich riverine culture.
Top attractions
Explore the Shanasheel heritage houses, the Corniche along the Shatt al-Arab, and boat excursions into the Mesopotamian Marshes.
Getting around
Private cars and arranged drivers are the safest options; taxis exist but agree fares beforehand. The marshlands require organized boat trips.