Iraq

Where cities and writing began.

US travel advisory: Level 4 · checked 2026-11-02
Photo: David Stanley · CC BY-SA 3.0
This is a first draft of the Iraq list. The full region guide is being written, and tiers may still change.

The Short List

Must-See

Must-See
Heritage · UNESCO

Babylon

The ancient city of Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar.

Guide Coming Soon

Worth a Detour

Worth a Detour
Heritage · UNESCO

Erbil

One of the world's oldest continually lived-in settlements.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Heritage · UNESCO

Ur and the Marshes

The great ziggurat, and the Marsh Arabs' reed houses.

Guide Coming Soon

If You're Nearby

If You're Nearby
Spiritual · Shia pilgrimage

Karbala and Najaf

Golden-domed Shia shrines, and the vast Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Guide Coming Soon

On the Map

Grey pins: guides still being written.