Erbil Governorate, Iraq Travel Guide

Discover the ancient wonders and modern vibrancy of Erbil Governorate, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in the heart of Iraqi Kurdistan.

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Erbil Governorate

Erbil Governorate, located in the heart of Iraqi Kurdistan, is a captivating blend of ancient history and vibrant modern life. At its core lies the city of Erbil, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with its roots tracing back over 6,000 years. The iconic Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage. Wandering through its narrow alleyways, visitors can uncover layers of history and culture that span millennia. Beyond the citadel, Erbil Governorate offers a wealth of attractions for the curious traveler. The bustling bazaars, such as the Qaysari Bazaar, are a sensory feast, where the aroma of exotic spices mingles with the vibrant colors of handmade textiles and crafts. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the local culture, the Kurdish Textile Museum and the Syriac Heritage Museum provide fascinating insights into the region's traditions and history. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to marvel at as well. The governorate is home to stunning landscapes, including the breathtaking Gali Ali Beg waterfall and the serene beauty of the Bekhal Waterfalls. The Safin Mountain offers hiking opportunities with panoramic views, making it a perfect escape for outdoor lovers. The region's hospitality is legendary, and visitors can expect to be warmly welcomed by the local people, who are eager to share their rich cultural heritage and traditions.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Erbil Governorate.

Visit the Erbil Citadel early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
Learn a few basic Kurdish phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it can enhance your experience.
Try the local cuisine, especially traditional Kurdish dishes like dolma and kebab.
Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the historical and cultural sites.

Explore Erbil Governorate: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Erbil Governorate

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Bekhal Waterfalls

Experience the beauty of Kurdistan at Bekhal Waterfalls: cascading waters, cultural richness, and a refreshing escape in a mountainous paradise.

4.2

The castle Fountains and gardens

Escape to Erbil's enchanting Castle Fountains and Gardens: a blend of history, nature, and tranquility in the heart of the city.

4.4

شقلاوة

Discover Shaqlawa: A picturesque mountain retreat in Iraqi Kurdistan, offering stunning scenery, rich culture, and a refreshing escape.

4.5

Arez resort

Escape to Arez Resort in Dargala: Where natural beauty meets cultural richness and warm hospitality in the heart of Erbil Governorate.

4.4

Best landmarks in Erbil Governorate

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Erbil Citadel

Explore the ancient Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 8,000 years of history, offering a unique glimpse into Mesopotamia's past.

4.4

قلعة اربيل

Explore Erbil Citadel: An ancient, UNESCO-listed site with 8,000 years of history, stunning architecture, and panoramic city views.

4.5

Alana Valley

Discover Alana Valley: A picturesque escape in Iraqi Kurdistan with stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.

4.3

Bekhal Waterfalls

Experience the natural beauty of Iraqi Kurdistan at Bekhal Waterfalls: cascading waters, lush landscapes, and a refreshing escape in the mountains.

4.2

Best restaurants in Erbil Governorate

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ABC Restaurant Erbil

Experience a fusion of flavors at ABC Restaurant Erbil - where American meets Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

4.3

TODAY Rest & Cafe

Experience exceptional dining at TODAY Rest & Cafe in Erbil's Roya Towers - where local flavors meet international cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.

4.1

The Grill

Experience the culinary delights at The Grill in Erbil - where every bite is a celebration of flavor.

4.4

Top Organic Grill

Experience fresh organic cuisine at Top Organic Grill in Erbil - where every bite celebrates health and flavor in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

Best bars in Erbil Governorate

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German Bar

Discover the lively German Bar in Erbil, where authentic flavors and a vibrant atmosphere come together for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.0

Mars Rooftop

Experience breathtaking views and vibrant nightlife at Mars Rooftop, a premier bar in Erbil offering expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

4.3

نادي الموظفين العائلي

Experience the lively atmosphere of Nadi Al-Muwazzafin Al-Aili, a vibrant bar in Erbil that blends local culture with unforgettable nightlife.

4.3

Piccadilly Pub and Restaurant

Discover the lively ambiance of Piccadilly Pub and Restaurant in Erbil, where local culture meets delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Erbil Governorate

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نادي الموظفين العائلي

Experience the lively nightlife at نادي الموظفين العائلي, a premier bar in Erbil offering a vibrant atmosphere and extensive drink menu.

4.3

HERA Club

Discover the electrifying nightlife scene at HERA Club, Erbil's premier disco club, where the music never stops and the good times roll.

4.1

Inferno Erbil

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Erbil at Inferno, where music, dance, and an electrifying atmosphere await every night.

3.8

Love time club

Discover the energetic nightlife at Love Time Club in Erbil, where music and excitement come alive every night.

4.0

Best shops in Erbil Governorate

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Family Mall Erbil

Experience shopping, dining, and entertainment at Family Mall Erbil - the ultimate destination for families and tourists in the heart of Iraq.

4.3

Majidi Mall Erbil

Explore the luxurious Majidi Mall in Erbil, where shopping meets entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for tourists and locals alike.

4.2

Gulan Mall

Discover Gulan Mall in Erbil: A Shopping Haven with Diverse Retail, Dining, and Entertainment Options.

4.5

USA Bazaar

Discover the essence of Erbil at USA Bazaar, a vibrant shopping mall offering unique local products, diverse dining options, and a lively atmosphere.

4.9

Explore Erbil Governorate on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Erbil Governorate, mapped for you.

Erbil Governorate Essentials

Erbil Governorate is served by Erbil International Airport (EBL), which has direct flights from major cities in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for airport shuttle services to reach your accommodation. Overland travel is also possible from neighboring countries, but ensure to check border crossing conditions and visa requirements.
Within Erbil, taxis are the most common form of transportation and are relatively inexpensive. Ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber also operate in the city. For intercity travel, buses and shared taxis connect Erbil with other cities and towns within the governorate and beyond. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city for those who prefer driving.
The official currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and some shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in Erbil, but ensure to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
Erbil is generally considered safe for tourists, but it is always wise to remain vigilant. Avoid areas near the borders and stay updated on travel advisories. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Neighborhoods like Ankawa and the Citadel area are popular with tourists and relatively secure.
In case of emergencies, dial 104 for police, 115 for fire, and 122 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals in Erbil, such as West Erbil Emergency Hospital and Rizgari Hospital, provide emergency medical services. It is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should avoid wearing revealing clothing. Men should avoid shorts in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices, especially during prayer times. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers; avoid loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; men should wait for women to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings; don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.
To experience Erbil like a local, visit the bustling Erbil Bazaar where you can buy traditional Kurdish goods and souvenirs. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss the historic Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a stroll in Sami Abdulrahman Park, one of the largest parks in the Middle East.

When is the best time to visit Erbil Governorate?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Erbil Governorate

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Erbil Governorate. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloسڵاو
  [sllaw]
- Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [khudahafiz]
- Yesبەڵێ
  [bellay]
- Noنەخێر
  [nekher]
- Please/You're welcomeتکایە
  [takaye]
- Thank youسوپاس
  [supas]
- Excuse me/Sorryببورە
  [bbure]
- How are you?چۆنییت؟
  [choniyat?]
- Fine. And you?خۆشە. تۆ چی؟
  [khosha. to chi?]
- Do you speak English?ئینگلیزی دەنەت؟
  [ingilizi dinet?]
- I don't understandنەفەهمم
  [nefehmm]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseداوا دەکەم لە بەرنامەیەک ببینم، تکایە
  [dawa dekem le bernameyek bebînem, takaye]
- I don't eat meatمن گۆشی ناخۆشم
  [min goshi nakhosham]
- Cheers!چاو
  [chaw]
- I would like to pay, pleaseداوا دەکەم بپارێزم، تکایە
  [dawa dekem bparêzm, takaye]
- Help!یارمەتی!
  [yarmeti!]
- Go away!دەرەوە برو!
  [derewa bero!]
- Call the Police!پۆلیس بپەخشە!
  [polis bpekhshe!]
- Call a doctor!دۆکتۆر بپەخشە!
  [doktor bpekhshe!]
- I'm lostگمکردم
  [gumkirdem]
- I'm illناراستم
  [narastem]
- I'd like to buy...داوا دەکەم بکچم...
  [dawa dekem bkechm...]
- I'm just lookingتەنها دەخەم ببینم
  [tenha dekhem bebînem]
- How much is it?چەقدە بەردەستە؟
  [cheqde berdeste?]
- That's too expensiveبەرزییە
  [berziye]
- Can you lower the price?دەتوانی ئەوەی پارە بەرەوەریت بکەی؟
  [detawani ewey pare berewerit bekey?]
- What time is it?کاتژمێر چییە؟
  [katjemer chiyae?]
- It's one o'clockیەک کاتژمێرە
  [yek katjemer]
- Half past (10)نیساند (ده‌)
  [nisand (de)]
- Morningبەیانی
  [bayani]
- Afternoonپێشوو
  [pêşo]
- Eveningئێوار
  [ewar]
- Yesterdayدوێنێ
  [dowene]
- Todayئەمڕۆ
  [amro]
- Tomorrowسەرەتا
  [sereta]
- 1یەک
  [yek]
- 2دوو
  [dow]
- 3سێ
  [se]
- 4چوار
  [chwar]
- 5پێنج
  [pênj]
- 6شەش
  [shesh]
- 7حەوت
  [hewt]
- 8هەشت
  [hesht]
- 9نۆ
  [no]
- 10دە
  [de]
- Where's a/the...?لە کوێیە...؟
  [le koyye...?]
- What's the address?ناونیشان چییە؟
  [nawnîshan chiyae?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?دەتوانی پیشانم بدەیت (لەناونیشان)؟
  [detawani pîshanem bedeyt (lenawnîshan)?]
- When's the next (bus)?کاتێک بەردەستە (وێنە)؟
  [katek berdeste (wene)?]
- A ticket (to ....)بلیت (بۆ ....)
  [belit (bo ....)]

History of Erbil Governorate

Erbil, also known as Hawler, boasts one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that spans over 6,000 years. It was part of the ancient Assyrian Empire and served as an important administrative center. The Erbil Citadel, perched on a tell, has seen numerous civilizations come and go, from the Sumerians to the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Medes.
The Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a tell or mound that rises around 30 meters above the surrounding plain. It has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. The citadel's strategic location made it a crucial military and trading post throughout history. The citadel's labyrinthine streets and ancient buildings offer a glimpse into the lives of its past inhabitants.
In the 7th century, Erbil came under the control of the Islamic Caliphate during the Muslim conquests. The city became an important center of learning and culture. The establishment of mosques, madrasas, and other religious institutions helped in the dissemination of Islamic culture and education.
Erbil became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and remained under Ottoman control until the early 20th century. During this period, the city saw significant administrative and architectural developments. The Ottomans established new trade routes and improved infrastructure, linking Erbil more closely with the rest of the empire.
In the 20th century, Erbil became a focal point in the Kurdish struggle for autonomy and independence. The city has been a center for Kurdish cultural and political movements, particularly after the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government in the 1990s. Erbil has since seen rapid development and modernization while striving to preserve its rich cultural heritage.
Today, Erbil is a bustling economic and cultural hub in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The city's modern skyline is complemented by bustling markets, luxury hotels, and international businesses. Despite its rapid modernization, Erbil continues to celebrate its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.