What are the best things to do in Baghdad?
Top picks in Baghdad include Baghdad Zoo, Firdos Square, National Museum of Iraq, Baghdadi Museum. See the full list and itinerary on this Baghdad travel guide.
Why visit Baghdad
Travel guide for Baghdad, Iraq — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Baghdad is a stop in Iraq, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Baghdad Zoo, Firdos Square, National Museum of Iraq instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 55–150 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Baghdad
1
Baghdad Zoo
2
Firdos Square
3
National Museum of Iraq
4
Baghdadi Museum
5
National Museum of Modern Art
6
Baghdad Island Park
7
Souk al-Safafeer (Coppersmiths' Market)
Budget travel
Free things to do in Baghdad
Firdos Square
Baghdad Island Park
Souk al-Safafeer (Coppersmiths' Market)
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Baghdad itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Baghdad Zoo
- Visit Firdos Square
- Visit National Museum of Iraq
- Eat at Saj Alreef Restaurant
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Baghdadi Museum
- Visit National Museum of Modern Art
- Visit Baghdad Island Park
- Eat at Barley Restaurant
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Souk al-Safafeer (Coppersmiths' Market)
- Eat at Samad Restaurant
Budget
Baghdad trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 55–150
per person / day
Luxury
USD 175–285+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Baghdad, Iraq. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Baghdad
Estimated total (USD)
$2,250
≈ $1,125 per person · $321 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $100/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Baghdad mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 55–150 · luxury 175–285+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Saj Alreef Restaurant
Older but popular Baghdad restaurant featuring local as well as Western and Chinese cuisine. Comfortable interior.
Barley Restaurant
This eatery has a kind of macabre distinction of naming their large shawarma things after landmines.
Samad Restaurant
Lots of kebabs and other meat here. Buffet.
Jadiriyah Floating Restaurant
Not many places where you can eat aboard a ship in the Tigris River. Pricey and a good place to take the honey probably for a memorable buff
Oyoon Baghdad Restaurant
Rather expensive, but suited to impress an audience or spoil oneself with its views over the Tigris River and elements of Iraqi culture in i
La Vinto
Posh, and expensive, steakhouse with a large variety of meat.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Baghdad International Airport Hotel
A standard business hotel, but with quite a hefty price. On secure grounds at the airport and often used by people visiting on business.
Inter Hotel
Babylon Rotana Baghdad Hotel
Coral Baghdad Hotel
An upstart hotel that has quickly become one of the most popular higher-end hotels in Baghdad.
Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel
A hotel in central Baghdad.
Shopping
- Baghdad Mall
Nightlife
- Shahbandar Café
Museums & culture
- National Museum of Iraq
- Baghdadi Museum
- National Museum of Modern Art
In pictures
Baghdad gallery
Photos: USACE HQ , JIM GORDAN, CIV, USACE, Hammody.90, Samir Al-Ibrahem, Aboalhasan Ayad, Mohammed Qays Kazem — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Baghdad travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Baghdad?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Baghdad?
Plan at least 3 days in Baghdad for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Baghdad?
Popular stays in Baghdad include Baghdad International Airport Hotel, Inter Hotel, Babylon Rotana Baghdad Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Baghdad cost?
On the ground in Baghdad (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 55–150, and luxury about 175–285+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Baghdad, Iraq. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
