What are the best things to do in Erbil?
Top picks in Erbil include Citadel of Erbil, Grand Mosque, Kurdish Textile Museum, Erbil Gem Museum. See the full list and itinerary on this Erbil travel guide.
Why visit Erbil
Travel guide for Erbil, Iraq — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Erbil is a stop in Iraq, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Citadel of Erbil, Grand Mosque, Kurdish Textile Museum 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 Erbil
1
Citadel of Erbil
2
Grand Mosque
3
Kurdish Textile Museum
4
Erbil Gem Museum
5
Qaysari Market
6
Jalil Khayat Mosque
7
Mohamed Jolly Mosque
Budget travel
Free things to do in Erbil
Grand Mosque
Qaysari Market
Jalil Khayat Mosque
Mohamed Jolly Mosque
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Erbil itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Citadel of Erbil
- Visit Grand Mosque
- Visit Kurdish Textile Museum
- Eat at Iskan Street
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Erbil Gem Museum
- Visit Qaysari Market
- Visit Jalil Khayat Mosque
- Eat at Abu Afif
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Mohamed Jolly Mosque
- Eat at Second Cup
Budget
Erbil 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 Erbil, 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 Erbil
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 Erbil 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
Iskan Street
Popular street lined with cheap Kurdish and Turkish kebab shops, as well as one of the center of (male) social gathering. Kebabs are usually
Abu Afif
Erbil's most famous bakery and confectionery, and stems out of an equally famous Baghdad bakery that has been open since 1973.
Second Cup
Among the best places in Erbil for European-style espresso drinks. Also offers light sandwiches and an attractive space.
Sandwich shops
Shops near the Quayseri Market offer a cheap, quick lunch of kebabs and bread.
Abu Shahab
An iconic (and physically sprawling) Erbil restaurant serving standard Kurdish cuisine (salads, soups, and meat-based entrees), as well as a
Saj Alreef Restaurant
Serves a smorgasbord of standard Asian, Western, and Middle Eastern Cuisine. Like Abu Shahab, this is a local icon and sprawling emporium.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotels below main gate to the Citadel
One of the cheapest options in town. Numerous other hotels exist in this area or just west of it.
- $
Merci Hotel
Little cookies and things for breakfast.
Montana Hotel
Very basic, not all rooms with windows, but AC.
Erbil International Hotel
Nicknamed "The Sheraton". Erbil's oldest high-end hotel, built in 2004, and centrally located. There are several relatively good restaurants
Ankawa Palace Hotel
It is nice and clean, the staff is very helpful.
Shopping
- Quayseri Market
- Majidi Mall
- Family Mall
- Royal Mall
- Mega Mall
- Tablo Mall
Nightlife
- Deutscher Hof
- Mamounia Sky Bar
- T Bar Sports Lounge and Grill
Museums & culture
- Grand Mosque
- Kurdish Textile Museum
- Erbil Gem Museum
- Jalil Khayat Mosque
- Mohamed Jolly Mosque
In pictures
Erbil gallery
Photos: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg), Sarmad Yaseen, James (Jim) Gordon, Jim Gordon — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Erbil travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Erbil?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Erbil?
Plan at least 3 days in Erbil for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Erbil?
Popular stays in Erbil include Hotels below main gate to the Citadel, Merci Hotel, Montana Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Erbil cost?
On the ground in Erbil (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 Erbil, Iraq. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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