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- National Museum of Iraq — The best place to see Iraq’s ancient civilizations up close: Sumerian, Akkadian and Babylonian treasures, many restored and displayed after years of recovery; a must for context before wandering the city.
- Al-Muţanabbī Street (Book Market) — Baghdad’s intellectual heartbeat: stalls of second-hand and rare books, tiny presses and readers lingering over tea—great for people-watching and picking up unexpected finds.
- Shabandar Café — The old wooden café on Al-Muţanabbī where writers, poets and politicians met for decades; atmospheric, historic, and a living reminder of Baghdad’s literary culture.
- Al-Kādhimayn Mosque (Kadhimayn Shrine) — Twin golden domes and rich tilework mark one of Shia Islam’s most important shrines; even non-pilgrims will appreciate the architecture,
- National Museum of Iraq — The best place to see Iraq’s ancient civilizations up close: Sumerian, Akkadian and Babylonian treasures, many restored and displayed after years of recovery; a must for context before wandering the city.
- Al-Muţanabbī Street (Book Market) — Baghdad’s intellectual heartbeat: stalls of second-hand and rare books, tiny presses and readers lingering over tea—great for people-watching and picking up unexpected finds.
- Shabandar Café — The old wooden café on Al-Muţanabbī where writers, poets and politicians met for decades; atmospheric, historic, and a living reminder of Baghdad’s literary culture.
- Al-Kādhimayn Mosque (Kadhimayn Shrine) — Twin golden domes and rich tilework mark one of Shia Islam’s most important shrines; even non-pilgrims will appreciate the architecture, ritual life and scale of devotion.
- Al-Shaheed Monument (Martyrs’ Monument) — A striking split dome and surrounding museum honoring Iraqis who died in war; powerful modern architecture and quiet grounds ideal for reflection and photos.
- Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa — Remains of the 13th-century Islamic university with carved stonework and a calming courtyard; one of the clearest links to Baghdad’s medieval scholarly past.
- Baghdad Museum of Modern Art — Rebuilt collections of 20th-century Iraqi painters and sculptors that tell a different, local story of art and identity—you won’t find these works in guidebooks about the region.
- Qishla of Baghdad (the Ottoman Barracks) — A large, atmospheric complex by the Tigris whose walls and courtyards host cultural events and give you a taste of Ottoman-era Baghdad architecture.
- Tigris Riverfront and Bridges (Al-Jumhūriyyah / Al-Sarāfīyah area) — Walkable riverbanks, old bridges and small boats make for relaxed evening strolls and good sunset views; watch city life unfold from the water’s edge.
- Al-Zawraa Park (including the Baghdad Zoo) — The city’s biggest public park: tree-lined paths, family rides and a modest zoo—great for seeing everyday Baghdad life away from monuments and markets.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.