About Erbil
Erbil is one of Iraq's major cities, home to around 1,612,700 people.
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
Suggested itinerary
- 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
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
Keep exploring
