Erbil Travel Guide & Tips | Things to do in Erbil

Welcome to Erbil

Discover the world of the ancient Sumerians, Assyrians and Babylonians, starting in Erbil – Iraq’s fourth largest city. Located between two rivers and lined with minarets, museums and public parks, the Kurdish capital offers fertile ground for further travel through the “cradle of civilisation”.

At the time of writing, there was unrest in Iraq. Please check with your embassy to find out about any warnings and restrictions before you travel.

Top things to see and do

Walk around the ancient Citadel of Erbil, believed to be one of the oldest continually inhabited places on Earth.
Hunt for Kurdish antiques and other bric-a-brac at the Qaysari Bazaar in the city centre.
Feast on shawarma, falafel, tabbouleh and other traditional favourites in a local Erbil cafe.
Admire the waterfall at Gali Ali Beg – an oasis of natural beauty just a short distance from the city of Erbil.
Explore the ruins of Babylon, the legendary capital of ancient Mesopotamia, located in present-day Al-Hillah.

Tips for travellers

If travelling south to Babylon or Baghdad, don’t miss the Ziggurat of Ur – a mighty pyramidal structure and one of the last remaining relics of ancient Sumer.

Travel ideas

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Useful information about Erbil, Iraq

Current weather

Average temps

-- Jan-Mar
- Apr-Jun
- Jul-Sep
- Oct-Dec

Time & date

06:32 Local time
Fri 30 Sep Date
GMT+3 Time Zone

More info

Iraqi dinar Currency
Arabic/Kurdish Languages
230 V, 50 Hz, type C/D/G plug Power adapter

More categories
Getting around
Baggage
Visa information
Travel insurance

You can get around Erbil by taxi or private car hire. There are several taxi types available in the city with "Hello taxi" being the official, often more expensive option. Hello taxi drivers speak English and accept major foreign currencies. You can also flag down a street taxi. Fares can be negotiated before the journey starts, but this is generally not necessary.

Our destinations are split into 4 different zones. The cost of checking in baggage per kilo depends on what zone you’re flying to and from.

For more information, please visit our Airport baggage rates page.

Before you fly, please make certain you have the correct visa and documents required to enter the country. Check with the relevant embassy to find out what you need.

Travel Guard for flydubai is the travel insurance provided by flydubai’s travel partner, AIG Inc. It can cover you if: