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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hand-hammered copper trays and bowls
Artisans in Baghdad's Souk Al-Safafeer have been hammering intricate geometric patterns into copper for centuries. These trays and bowls make exceptional souvenirs that showcase Mesopotamian craft traditions.
Price: $10-80
Where: Souk Al-Safafeer, Al-Rasheed Street, Baghdad
Kurdish kilim rugs and woven textiles
Handwoven kilims from the Kurdistan Region feature bold geometric patterns in deep reds, blues, and oranges. Smaller pieces like cushion covers and table runners are easy to transport.
Price: $20-200
Where: Qaysari Bazaar, Erbil; Kurdish Textile Museum shop, Erbil
Kurdish silver and gold jewelry
Traditional Kurdish jewelry features intricate filigree work, turquoise stones, and bold silver designs. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings reflect a rich heritage passed down through generations.
Price: $15-150
Where: Qaysari Bazaar, Erbil; Shorja Market, Baghdad
Arabic calligraphy artwork
Master calligraphers produce stunning pieces featuring Quranic verses and classical poetry using traditional reed pens. Works range from small cards to large framed pieces suitable for wall display.
Price: $5-60
Where: Al-Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad; artisan shops near Erbil Citadel
Mesopotamian-motif ceramic tiles and pottery
Decorative tiles and pottery featuring ancient Babylonian and Assyrian motifs make distinctive souvenirs. Designs include the famous Ishtar Gate lion reliefs and cuneiform-inspired patterns.
Price: $8-50
Where: Babylon site gift shop; craft markets in Erbil
Premium Iraqi dates and date products
Iraq produces some of the world's finest dates, especially the Medjool and Barhi varieties from Basra. Date syrup, date-filled cookies (kleicha), and vacuum-sealed date assortments travel well.
Price: $5-25
Where: Shorja Market, Baghdad; any supermarket or bazaar
Books on Mesopotamian history and culture
Al-Mutanabbi Street bookshops offer an extraordinary selection of Arabic-language and English books on Iraqi history, archaeology, and culture. Vintage maps and prints of Baghdad are also available.
Price: $5-30
Where: Al-Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad (especially Friday book market)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Shorja Central Market
Baghdad's oldest and largest wholesale and retail market occupying multiple blocks near the old city center. The market is a sensory experience with sections dedicated to spices, textiles, hardware, and food products from across Iraq.
Where: Al-Rasheed Street, Rusafa, Baghdad
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily, Friday reduced hours
Al-Mutanabbi Street Book Market
Baghdad's intellectual heart and the world's oldest continuous book market, where booksellers have traded since the 8th century Abbasid era. Every Friday the street transforms into an outdoor book fair with hundreds of vendors.
Where: Al-Mutanabbi Street, Rusafa, Baghdad
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Friday book market 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Souk Al-Safafeer (Copper Market)
The coppersmiths' bazaar where you can watch artisans hammering intricate patterns into copper, brass, and silver items using techniques unchanged for a thousand years. The sounds of metalwork fill the covered alleyways.
Where: Near Al-Rasheed Street, Baghdad
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Friday afternoon
Qaysari Bazaar
Erbil's ancient covered bazaar dating back centuries, spread across multiple sections underneath the world's oldest continuously inhabited fortress. Different sections specialize in gold, textiles, spices, and traditional handicrafts.
Where: Below Erbil Citadel, Erbil
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Sulaymaniyah Bazaar
The sprawling central market of Sulaymaniyah is one of Kurdistan's liveliest, with covered and open-air sections selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts. The bazaar is a hub of Kurdish cultural and commercial life.
Where: City Center, Sulaymaniyah
Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Al-Karrada Street
Baghdad's most popular commercial street in the Karrada district, lined with shops selling clothing, electronics, jewelry, and daily goods. The area is one of the safest and most accessible for tourists in Baghdad with active street life throughout the day.
Best for: Clothing, electronics, household goods, local prices
Ankawa Quarter, Erbil
Erbil's predominantly Christian neighborhood offers a relaxed shopping environment with boutiques selling Western clothing, wine shops, international brands, and restaurants. The most liberal shopping area in Iraq with alcohol freely available.
Best for: International brands, wine, casual dining, relaxed browsing
100 Meter Road, Erbil
Erbil's modern shopping boulevard lined with showrooms, restaurants, and stores carrying international and regional brands. Wide pavements and well-maintained storefronts make it a pleasant shopping experience.
Best for: Fashion, electronics, restaurants, modern goods
Salim Street, Sulaymaniyah
Sulaymaniyah's main commercial thoroughfare offering a mix of boutiques, jewelers, and specialty shops. The area around Malik Mahmoud Square is particularly lively with cafes and international clothing stores.
Best for: Clothing, jewelry, cafes, people-watching
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Family Mall Erbil
Iraq's largest and most modern shopping mall in Erbil, anchored by hypermarkets, international fashion brands, a multi-screen cinema, food court, and indoor entertainment for children. The mall is a social hub for Erbil's middle class and a good place for tourist amenities.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Majidi Mall, Erbil
A well-established mid-size mall in Erbil featuring domestic and regional fashion brands, a food court with Kurdish and international options, and a supermarket. More affordable than Family Mall with a local clientele.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM daily
Dream City Mall, Erbil
Located within Dream City residential development, this mall caters to Erbil's upscale suburban community with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets. Less crowded than city-center malls.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Al-Zuhoor Mall, Baghdad
One of Baghdad's better-established malls in the Karrada area offering clothing stores, electronics, and a food court. The security arrangements are thorough, and it provides a comfortable air-conditioned environment for shopping.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected and customary in traditional bazaars and souks — starting prices are typically 30-50% above final price
Never bargain in fixed-price supermarkets, malls, or pharmacies
Begin with a friendly greeting in Arabic (Salam or As-salamu alaykum) before negotiating — Iraqis respond very warmly to respectful visitors
Counter-offer at about 50-60% of the asking price and work toward a middle ground
Show genuine interest but be willing to walk away — the vendor will often call you back with a better price
Buying multiple items gives you more bargaining power — bundle purchases for better deals
In gold markets (Qaysari Bazaar), prices are linked to daily gold rates so little negotiation on weight price, but making fees are negotiable
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Iraqi law prohibits export of genuine antiques and archaeological artifacts — severe penalties apply. Declare items over $10,000 in value at customs. Alcohol purchased in Ankawa may be brought out if properly packaged.
Tax Refund: No formal VAT refund scheme for tourists currently operates in Iraq.
Duty Free: Arriving travelers may import up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1 liter of alcohol (Kurdistan only), and personal-use electronics.
Shipping: International shipping available from DHL and FedEx offices in Baghdad and Erbil. Allow extra transit time and check prohibited items lists carefully.