Erbil
Iraq
- Safety rating
- 6/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are most comfortable, with hot summers and cool winters.
- Population
- 1.6M
Overview
Erbil, capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, is built around one of the oldest continuously inhabited citadels on Earth, a UNESCO World Heritage mound rising over a lively bazaar. Markedly safer and more relaxed than central Iraq, it offers a welcoming introduction to Kurdish culture.
Top attractions
See the ancient Erbil Citadel, the Qaysari Bazaar, the Kurdish Textile Museum, and the green spaces of Sami Abdulrahman Park.
Getting around
Taxis are cheap and the main way around, with the citadel and bazaar easily walkable; ride-hailing apps operate in the city.