Iraq offers an extraordinary journey through the cradle of civilization, from the ancient Mesopotamian ruins to the bustling streets of Baghdad and the stunning mountains of Kurdistan. Experience authentic Middle Eastern culture, world-class archaeological sites, and warm hospitality in this historically rich nation.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Babylon (Hillah)
Highlights: Ruins of Nebuchadnezzar's palace · Ishtar Gate replica in situ · Processional Way · Alexander the Great's theatre · Iraq Museum branch at site
Ctesiphon (Madain)
Highlights: Taq Kasra — world's largest single-span brick arch · Ruins of the Sasanian capital · Tigris riverside setting · Archaeological excavation areas
Ziggurat of Ur and Nasiriyah
Highlights: Ziggurat of Ur — best-preserved Sumerian ziggurat · Royal Tombs of Ur · Ancient city excavations · Nasiriyah Museum
Erbil Citadel and Ankawa
Highlights: UNESCO-listed Erbil Citadel — continuously inhabited 6,000 years · Qaysari Bazaar · Ankawa Christian quarter with wine shops · Kurdish Textile Museum
Dukan Lake, Kurdistan
Highlights: Turquoise reservoir lake surrounded by Zagros Mountains · Fishing villages on the shoreline · Picnic areas and tea gardens · Dam viewpoint · Watersports rentals in summer
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Baghdad to Babylon $40-80/person including guide; from Erbil to Rawanduz Canyon $30-60/person
- Private
- Private taxi hire from Baghdad for day trips $60-120/day (full car regardless of passengers); from Erbil $50-100/day depending on destination
- Public
- Shared taxis (servis) run between major Kurdistan cities — Erbil to Sulaymaniyah $7-10 per seat, 2 hours. Intercity buses available but time-consuming.
- Rental
- Car rental available at Erbil airport from $35-50/day — practical for Kurdistan exploration; not recommended for Baghdad day trips due to security complexity
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Always pre-arrange transport through your hotel for archaeological sites — negotiate a full-day private rate ($60-120) rather than separate fares
Start early: summer temperatures at archaeological desert sites like Babylon can exceed 45°C by mid-morning — arrive by 8 AM and leave by noon
Hire a licensed guide at major sites: Babylon is confusing without interpretation and a good guide transforms the experience
For Najaf and Karbala from Baghdad, combine both holy cities in one day (40km apart) with a private car
Fly to Nasiriyah from Baghdad (1 hour, ~$80) to visit the Ziggurat of Ur rather than the 4-5 hour desert drive