Visit historical sites

Historical sites in Iraq are a must-see for any traveler. Some of the most important are Babylon, Nimrud, and Basra. All three cities have extensive archaeological sites that are well worth visiting. Many other historical sites can be found throughout the country, including Ur, Najaf, Karbala, and Kufa.

Explore the natural scenery

Iraq is a land of great natural beauty, and there is much to explore if you are interested in nature. The mountains, deserts, valleys, and rivers offer a variety of attractions for visitors. Here are five things to do in Iraq if you want to experience the country's natural splendor:

1. Visit the Iraqi Desert

The Iraqi Desert is one of the most stunning areas in Iraq. It is an area that stretches for more than 800 kilometers, making it one of the largest desert countries in the world. If you're looking for an adventure, head out into this sandy landscape and see what life is like on the other side of the fence.

2. Trek through Kurdish Mountains

If you're looking for a more gentle exploration of nature, head to the Kurdistan Mountains. These ranges rise abruptly from the plains below, offering spectacular views. There are plenty of trails and paths to take, so bring your binoculars or camera!

3. Take a boat trip down the Tigris River

No trip to Iraq is complete without a boat ride down the mighty Tigris River! This artery flows through Baghdad and joins up with the Euphrates River before flowing onto Syria and Turkey - making it one of the longest rivers in Europe! Take a leisurely trip downriver and enjoy some classic Iraqi cuisine on board while you're there.

Learn about Iraq’s culture and heritage

Iraq is a land filled with rich cultural heritage and history. There are many things to do in Iraq if you want to explore the country’s different regions and learn about its culture and heritage. Here are just a few of the things you can do:

Visit Babylon – One of Iraq's most famous ancient sites is Babylon, which was once the world's capital. Today, visitors can see remains of the Old City, including stunning ruins of the Ishtar Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

Visit Nasiriyah – Nasiriyah is another beautiful city in Iraq that sits on the banks of the Euphrates River. It’s home to some impressive mosques and other historical landmarks.

Explore Samarra – Samarra is one of Iraq’s most important cities because it was here that Islamic scholars developed their religious canon, or body of law, known as Sharia Law. Today, visitors can see some beautiful mosques and other historical sites in this city located in central Iraq.

Take a trip to Diwaniyah – Diwaniyah is a port town located on the Tigris River in western Iraq. This area is known for its pottery production, copper mining, and bazaars full of traditional Iraqi goods.

Catch a performance by a local artist

If you're looking for a unique and culturally enriching experience, look no further than a performance by a local artist. Whether you're interested in traditional Iraqi music, modern poetry readings, or Cirque du Soleil-style acts, there's something for everyone in Iraq. Here are five of the best places to catch a performance:

1. Mosul Museum of Art
This museum is home to one of the world's largest collections of Iraqi art. The landmark building was destroyed in combat but has since been rebuilt and now hosts regular performances by local artists. In addition to traditional Iraqi dance and music, visitors can also enjoy contemporary works by local artists.

2. Babylon Arts Center
This cultural center is located in Baghdad's famous Market district and features an eclectic mix of art exhibits and events ranging from poetry readings to classical concerts. The center also regularly hosts performances by local artists such as folk singers and traditional drummers.

3. Nasiriyah Palace
The Nasiriyah Palace was built during Ottoman rule in the early 1800s and now houses the city's Museum of Fine Arts. The palace regularly hosts performances by both Iraqi and international artists, including ballet companies and symphony orchestras.

4. Al-Madina Theater
Al-Madina Theater is one of Iraq's oldest theaters in Baghdad's Sadr City district and still operating today. The theater regularly hosts performances by both Iraqi and international artists, including theater troupes and rock bands.

5. Baghdad Opera House
This imposing neoclassical building is home to the Baghdad Opera House, which regularly hosts performances by local and international artists. The opera house features a beautiful interior and often puts on classical ballet and musical performances that are sure to impress.

Spend time with family or friends

Iraq is a country with a rich history and culture. There are many things to do in Iraq if you're interested in exploring the country's diverse landscape. Spend time with family or friends, take a trip to one of the country's many ancient ruins, or relax by the pool at one of Baghdad's many resorts. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to enjoy your time in Iraq!

Go on safari

If you're looking to take in some of Iraq's natural beauty, plenty of options are available. From exploring the stunning deserts to marveling at the impressive peaks, there's something for everyone on a safari in Iraq. Remember that these activities are best done during cooler months when the weather is more comfortable.

1. Visit the ancient ruins of Babylon. Sit atop the ruins of ancient Babylon and imagine what life must have been like back then. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is only a few hours' drive from Baghdad and can be easily visited by car or bus.

2. Explore the Zab desert. The Zab desert is one of the most beautiful places in Iraq, with dunes reaching up to 600 meters high and temperatures rarely exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). It's best explored on foot or camel but is also accessible by car if you're prepared for a long journey through rugged desert terrain.

3. Trek to Mount Nebo. One of Iraq's most impressive peaks, Mount Nebo, can be reached by trekking up one of its many trails or taking a helicopter ride from Baghdad or Kerbala. With stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea, it's well worth the effort to make the ascent!

4. Take a cruise on the Tigris River. Cruise down the Tigris River aboard a luxury boat and see all of Baghdad’s iconic landmarks as you go. This enjoyable activity can be done from the river banks in Baghdad or Basra, making it a great choice for a day out.

5. Visit the ancient city of Ur. Located in southern Iraq, Ur is home to some of Iraq’s most famous archaeological sites, including the Sumerian city of Lagash and the Babylonian city of Babylon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site can be easily reached by car or bus from Baghdad, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.

Take in a farmer's market

If you're looking for a delicious and interesting way to spend your Saturday morning, head to a farmer's market! Here, you can find all sorts of fresh produce, meat, bread, spices, and more. Whether you're looking for something quick and easy to eat or something more substantial to take home, a farmers market is the perfect place.

Experience traditional Iraqi cuisine

Iraqi cuisine is a combination of many different cultures and influences. Some dishes are reminiscent of Persian or Turkish cuisine, while others are based on Arab traditions. There are also several unique Iraqi dishes that you won't find in any other country.

One of the best ways to experience Iraqi food is to visit a traditional restaurant. These restaurants usually have anIraqi atmosphere, with brightly colored tiles and walls, and serve traditional Iraqi dishes such as qabiliya (a type of chicken stew), kubba (a type of meat pie), and baklava (a sweet pastry). You can also find restaurants specializing in specific types of cuisine, such as seafood restaurants or chicken restaurants.

Another great way to experience Iraqi cuisine is to make your dish at home. A variety of Iraqi spices are available at most supermarkets, so you can cook a fantastic dish using only ingredients found in Iraq. You can even try some more unusual Iraqi dishes, such as lamb kebabs with cardamom sauce or shish taouk (grilled skewered fish) with lemon sauce.

If you're looking for something less traditional, there are plenty of attractions in Iraq that offer a different experience. Some popular tourist destinations include Babylon (the city where ancient Babylonian culture was preserved), Najaf (the city where the Shia Imam Ali was buried), Kufa (the historic city where Muhammad was born and ruled), and many more.

Rent a bike and explore the city by bike

If you're looking to explore your city by bike, Rent a Bike is a way to go! With numerous locations throughout Iraq, Rent a Bike makes it easy to get out and explore. You can rent bikes in all different sizes and styles, so there's sure to be one that fits your needs. If you're new to biking, we recommend starting with smaller bikes so you can get a feel for it. Once ready for more challenges, try renting a bike with gears. This will let you easily tackle hills and make getting around town a breeze!

In addition to exploring your city on two wheels, Rent a Bike also offers guided tours of various hotspots. These tours are perfect for those who want to learn about Iraq's history and culture while enjoying its cityscape. And if sightseeing isn't your thing, Rent a Bike also offers cycling workshops to learn new tricks and improve your riding skills. So whether you want to relax and take in the sights or get active and explore new areas of town, Rent a Bike has everything you need!

Visit some of Iraq’s most famous archaeological sites

Iraq is home to some of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Baghdad, Nineveh, and Ur are all steeped in history and culture and offer visitors an insight into ancient Mesopotamia.

Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city has a rich cultural history which can be seen in its many mosques, palaces, and museums. Highlights include the National Museum, a vast collection of artifacts dating back to antiquity, and the staggeringly large Palace of Saddam Hussein.

Nineveh
Sargon II founded the great city of Nineveh around 2250 BC. It was at its peak during the reign of King Hammurabi between 1792-1686 BC. The ruins of this magnificent city can be found near Mosul in northern Iraq. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Iraq’s most popular tourist destinations.

Ur
Ur was an important political and religious center in today's southern Iraq during the Sumerian period (2500-2350 BC). The ruins of Ur include an impressive temple complex as well as tombs belonging to important Sumerian kings and queens.