Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Digital Nomads Are No Longer Welcome In This European Hotspot

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Digital Nomads Are No Longer Welcome In This European Hotspot

For years, Portugal has marketed itself as one of the most welcoming hotspots for digital nomads, especially on the islands of Madeira and cities like Portimão, Lagos, Porto, and of course, the stunning Lisbon, according to data provided by Nomadlist.

Nevertheless, the European country has been slowly enacting laws and implementing a series of measures suggesting digital nomads and remote workers are no longer as welcome, or at least not with the same enthusiasm, as a couple of years ago.

The rise and fall of
🇵🇹
Lisbon (2020-2024) Lisbon arrivals have now returned to the levels of 4 years ago, just before it started to explode and suddenly get popular with foreigners and tourists alike Why? The government stopped the NHR program (to attract foreigners to… https://t.co/xp2UBheWw9 pic.twitter.com/QoXTJjGvss

— @levelsio (@levelsio) July 1, 2024

As of today, there is growing social discontent with the supposed issues that digital nomads and their high-spending capacity bring to the locals’ way of life.

In the last two years, Portugal has received more than 16,000 location-independent workers who, by law, must earn more than three times the minimum wage of Portuguese residents.

As expected, gentrification didn’t take long to emerge forcing hundreds of locals out of their lifelong homes.

While newcomers can easily afford rents of over 2,500 euros, locals are struggling to find a one-bedroom apartment for less than 1,200 euros. Here, it’s worth mentioning that a large percentage of the population makes less than 900 euros a month.

Since the arrival of digital nomads (and other expats, we’ll talk about it later), rents have increased by more than two percentage points every year, and home value has doubled in the last six years, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Other sectors such as restaurants, bars, and supermarkets, have also massively increased prices.

Fed up with this situation, locals have started to show signs of hostility towards their new neighbors.

Last year, some graffiti reading: “Digital nomads, you are fucking disgusting!!!” went viral on social media. The sentence “One digital nomad = Many forced nomads,” has become quite popular among demonstrators.

The government has echoed this sentiment withdrawing policies that highly favored remote workers to the detriment of the local population.

In January 2024, the government canceled the famous non-habitual tax residency (NHR) scheme, which offered an attractive fixed tax rate of only 20 percent for remote workers.

Similarly, in 2023, the government approved a law called “Mais Habitação” aimed at regulating the use of properties prioritizing long-term renters over short-term tourists and digital nomads.

re Digital Nomads the Only Ones to Blame?

The number of issues expressed by Portuguese people and some government sectors didn’t start on October 30, 2022, when the country first launched its visa for digital nomads.

For years now, Portugal has been creating statutory conditions to attract high-spending ex-pats who also have the potential to mess up the real estate market and skyrocket the cost of living.

Cited policies include, but are not limited to, the introduction of “Visas for Retirees,” and “passive income earners,” as well as a special tax regime for highly-skilled immigrants, which grants them a 0% tax rate on foreign earnings and dividends.

And we haven’t even talked about the famous “Golden Visa,” which became one of the most popular residency-by-investment schemes while it was in place. With an investment of just €500,000, applicants could even obtain European citizenship in a matter of five years. That attracted hundreds of speculators. The program has not been entirely canceled but it doesn’t offer European residence due to real state investments any more.

So far, the Portuguese government has only sent signals about where things are going, but it hasn’t said digital nomads should stop coming. If that happens, there are still more than 50 countries worldwide welcoming digital nomads with open arms.

The post Digital Nomads Are No Longer Welcome In This European Hotspot appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

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By: Viktor Vincej
Title: Digital Nomads Are No Longer Welcome In This European Hotspot
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/digital-nomads-are-no-longer-welcome-in-this-european-hotspot/
Published Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:58:09 +0000

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Is Syria safe to visit in 2024?

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Is Syria safe to visit in 2024?>
is Syria safe

Wanna travel to Syria with Against the Compass?



Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Syria on:

August 11th to 17th, 2024

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Prior to 2010, Syria was one of the most touristic countries in the Middle East, receiving an average of more than 8 million tourists per year.

In 2011, however, an unfortunate war made Syria one of the most dangerous countries in the world, preventing travelers from venturing into an amazing destination with epic places to visit.

Nevertheless, few travelers know that, after several years of darkness, Syria is welcoming tourists again, and the reason is that some parts of the country are gaining significant stability, hence becoming safer for travelers.

This is a comprehensive analysis of how safe is Syria from a tourism perspective. From the latest updates to safety tips and a compelling region breakdown, Against the Compass is always your source.

Why travel to Syria with Against the Compass?

Our honest review of what is it like to visit Syria with Against the Compass, what is it that makes us unique, as well as testimonials from some of our customers.


is Syria safe to visit

In this Syria safety guide you will find:

Table of Contents

Syria todayTravel insuranceSyria ToursTravel adviceMy personal experienceSafety by regionSafety tipsSolo female travelIs it safe for Americans?ConclusionMore information

our recommended travel insurance for Syria

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Syria.

GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE

Latest update: Is Syria safe now?

In March 2011, the Syrian Government decided to suppress the Arab Spring protests violently, an action that unleashed an armed conflict that later became a bloody civil war between tonnes of different groups supported by different foreign forces, including the USA, Iran, Russia, and Turkey.

With several million refugees and hundreds of thousands of dead civilians, the Syrian war is considered to be the worst humanitarian crisis in the 21st century, the legacy of which has left a country divided.

Today, the war is nearly over in many parts of Syria, but it has become a fragmented country made of different regions controlled by distinct armed and ethnic groups, including Al-Nusra, the Free Syrian Army, the Kurds, the Islamic State – composed of sleeping cells mostly hiding and operating in the Syrian desert – and even Turkey and the USA.

The areas controlled by the Government are safe to visit

Honestly speaking, Syria is still hugely chaotic, a real mess but, surprisingly, those areas controlled by the Syrian Government (Bashar al-Assad) are actually enjoying certain stability, safety-wise speaking, and that is why the Government decided to open their territories to foreign tourism.

These Government-controlled territories comprise practically all of west Syria, including popular places such as Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Krak de Chevaliers, anywhere along the Mediterranean coast and also Palmyra.

Those cities are pretty safe nowadays, open to all travelers with a valid visa, which you can only obtain through a tour operator.

Is Syria safe due to the Israel-Gaza war in 2024?

Back in October 2023, when the war in Gaza started, the situation across several countries in the Middle East was full of uncertainty and highly unstable.

With more than a few war fronts opened in neighboring countries such as Syria or Iraq, nobody knew what this war could lead to, the reason why we decided to temporarily suspend all our Syria tours.

However, life in Syria goes on as usual, markets keep being at their fullest and fortunately, all reciprocal attacks between Israel and Syria have been exclusively targeting military areas, never civilians.

This is the reason why we are traveling back to Syria again.


is Damascus safe?
This is Damascus Souq, today, one of the safest places in Syria

Travel insurance for Syria

Like in Iran, because of all the sanctions, most travel insurance companies don’t provide cover for travel in Syria.

The one that does, however, is IATI Insurance.

They have loads of different plans for all types of travelers and the best of it is that the readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount.

BUY IT HERE TO GET YOUR DISCOUNT

How to sign up for a tour in Syria

The safest way to visit Syria is with a group and a certified guide who knows the latest security updates.

Our upcoming Syria Expeditions for 2024:

May 29th to Jun 5th, 2024 (8 days). SOLD OUTAug 11th to 17th, 2024 (7 days, Marmarita Carnival). APPLY NOWSep 15th to 27th, 2024 (13 days). APPLY NOWOct 13th to 20th, 2024 (8 days). APPLY NOWDec 23rd to 30th, 2024 (8 days). APPLY NOWLEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SYRIA TOURS
Syria Tour
One of our last Syria groups

Is Syria safe to travel? A look into the Government’s advice

If we look into the Syria travel advice–, the FCDO advises against all travel to Syria, and claims that foreigners should leave by any practical means.

Is Syria dangerous for tourists?

The FCDO say that the situation in Syria remains volatile and dangerous, which is partly true, but only in those regions where the Government doesn’t have any sort of control, especially in the eastern part of the country, an area absolutely off-limits to tourists.

Regardless of your feelings about the current Syrian Government – we are not here to discuss politics – the areas controlled by them are currently safe to travel to, and no Syrian living in that part of Syria will tell you otherwise.

As I always mention in similar safety reports, there is always a certain logic behind the FCDO travel advice, but it barely relates to the actual reality and is typically based on unlikely worst-case scenarios.

That’s why, instead of trusting their over-cautious analysis, do talk to Syrians living in Damascus or Aleppo – not abroad – and travelers who have recently been there as well. You are likely to hear an opinion that doesn’t differ much from what you find in this Syria travel blog.


Syria travel advice
Travel advice for Syria according to FCDO

How safe is traveling to Syria from my personal experience

Since the beginning of the war, I have visited Syria three times, and I can only say positive things about it.

The people

On the one hand, Syrians are genuinely kind and happy to see tourists because they are a clear sign that Syria is becoming safer as a country, plus let’s not forget that tourism used to be an essential part of Syria’s economy.

Security in Syria

On the other hand, I can affirm that the security situation between 2018 and 2022 has drastically improved and proof of it is that, back in 2018, going through checkpoints was more way tedious than it is today.

In 2018, road checkpoints used to take ages and in Damascus, I remember the Syrian Army checking my backpack every now and then. In 2022, however, we managed to get through all checkpoints fairly quickly, making everything seem much more relaxed.

A curious fact to mention is that in 2022, the only checkpoint where I was asked for my passport was the Bosra checkpoint, which isn’t controlled by the Government but by the Free Syrian Army (FSA).


backpacking Syria
With a member of the Syrian Army, escorting the group on the way to Palmyra

Is life back to normality in Syria?

Despite the abundance of ghost towns and destroyed buildings, life in Western Syria is slowly coming back to normality, visible in the overpacked souks and restaurants of Damascus, for example.

Homs and Aleppo have struggled much more than Damascus but a lot of rebuilding is ongoing, shops are reopening and, very slowly, Syrians are moving back to their hometowns.

It will take a long time for Syria to recover the beautiful life from before 2010, especially because half of the people fled abroad, plus there isn’t any money to rebuild the numerous destroyed buildings.

Nevertheless, the simple fact that this back-to-normal process has already started can only mean that Syria is becoming safer and that there is hope.

Personally, I found Venezuela extremely more dangerous than anywhere I’ve been in Syria.


which part of Syria is safe
Enjoying in Mar Musa monastery, one of the safest parts of Syria

Which parts of Syria are safe to visit?

Read: 1-week safe itinerary for Syria

Here’s an overview of where in Syria is safe to travel.

1 – Safe regions to visit in Syria

Is any part of Syria safe? – some people wonder. As I mentioned before, the safe areas to visit in Syria are those which are controlled by the Government.

Is Damascus safe?

Officially, the capital has always been one of the safest places in Syria – relatively speaking. While it’s true that the outskirts of the city are heavily bombed, both the old city and the new part of town are untouched, and the different streets and souks are back to life.

Actually, all travelers are absolutely wowed by how ordinary everything seems to be. Today, walking around Damascus on your own is completely safe.


is Damascus safe
Damascus is a safe place to travel in Syria

Is Aleppo safe?

Liberated in 2017 from Al Nusra, the old city of Aleppo was largely destroyed.

People say that, before the crisis, Aleppo used to have the most beautiful souk in the Middle East. Sadly, most shops are closed nowadays but there is a lot of rebuilding going on and, compared to 2018, many small, family-owned businesses have begun to pop up.


Is Aleppo safe?
Living history – A Syrian man rebuilding a destroyed mosque in Aleppo

Is Homs safe?

By far, Homs was the most affected city by the war, nearly half of it being completely destroyed.

When I first visited it in 2018, it was a deplorable, ghost town. The souk was gone and I could barely see anyone strolling the streets.

But during my second visit in 2022, the souk had been rebuilt and some parts of the city center felt relatively busy. But again, it will take ages for Homs to come back to its original beauty, since many of its districts are today nothing but pure rubble.


is Homs safe?
A sweets shop in Homs

Is Krak de Chevaliers safe?

Krak de Chevaliers is a Crusader fortress and one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in the world. It used to be a major tourist attraction but during the crisis, it was taken by a branch of Al-Qaeda named Al Nusra before the Syrian Army took it back.

Luckily, the castle remained untouched, and foreign visitors are allowed to visit it again.


Is Krak de Chevaliers safe?
Krak de Chevaliers

Is Maaloula safe?

Infamous for being the place where those nuns were kidnapped by Al Nusra, Maaloula is a historic, Christian town that was also taken by the jihadists in 2013, and recovered during the battle of Maaloula.

You can still see some destruction but pretty much all churches and monasteries have been rebuilt and Maaloula is welcoming tourists again.

More safe places to visit in Syria

There are more places in Syria that are safe to visit:

Hama: the city with the 17 noriasAl Mishtaya and Marmarita: lovely Christian villages close to KrakSidnaya: Christian town close to MaaloulaTartous and Latakia: the two main coastal citiesArwad: the only inhabited island in Syria
Is Hama in Syria safe?
Hama is one of the safest places to visit in Syria

2 – Relatively safe areas to visit in Syria

The following places are actually safe to visit but they have some particularities:

Is Palmyra safe?

The city and archaeological site of Palmyra lie almost 300km east of Damascus. It was taken by ISIS on two separate occasions (2014 and 2016). They blew up the Temple of Bel, but the site is huge and most of its structures are still standing.

The reason why Palmyra is in the relatively-safe section is that ISIS cells are not that far away, and a few attacks have been reported – always targeting the army – along the road that takes you to Palmyra.

The situation, however, is calmer now, there is a crazy amount of security along the way, plus all tourists must be escorted by an army member.

The archaeological site of Palmyra is guarded by the Russian Army. They are based in Qalaat Fakhr ad-Din al-Maani (Palmyra Castle), the fortress that overlooks the ruins, and a former tourist spot for watching sunset.


is Palmyra safe?
The Roman site of Palmyra is safe and possible to visit

Is Bosra safe?

Bosra is a southern city located close to the border with Jordan.

It’s a peaceful town, and pretty much the only safe place to visit that isn’t controlled by the Syrian Government but by the Free Syrian Army, an armed group representing the Syrian people who oppose the Syrian regime.

The FSA had an important role in fighting the Syrian Government during the war but now, they are trying to make peace with each other and, in exchange for controlling that territory, they agreed to allow the Russian army’s presence.

Bosra is safe to visit but it’s quite sensitive and most travelers venture here just to visit the Roman theater.

3 – Dangerous areas to visit in Syria

The dangerous regions to visit in Syria have one thing in common, which is that you can’t visit them, even if you wanted to.

Is Idlib safe?

Being almost an enclave within the Government-controlled west part of Syria, the city of Idlib is an area dominated by Al Nusra. Their domination, however, is merely symbolic because it is actually occupied by Turkey, for real.

No kidding, when you get close to Idlib (and you will on your way to Aleppo), you will receive a Turkish mobile network, along with an SMS literally saying Welcome to Turkey.

Nobody knows which kind of deal is going on there but, in my understanding, it seems the Government has stopped fighting for Idlib, and Turkey began annexing it. In Idlib, they don’t use the Syrian Lira anymore but the Turkish, and their inhabitants are not allowed to enter Syria but they can enter Turkey. It’s not on the Western news, nobody talks about it, but it’s real.

In any case, on your way to Aleppo, despite being so close to Idlib, the situation is safe because the road is controlled by the Government, and they don’t even allow cars to stop.

Is Raqa safe?

The former capital of ISIS is absolutely off-limits to tourists.

While in Syria, I tried to figure out the current situation of Raqa but never managed to get a convincing response. Apparently, part of Raqa province is under the Government’s control, while the rest is under that of the Kurdish forces. Some people claim, nevertheless, that it’s still a dangerous place because ISIS sleeping cells are still a thing there.

Is Rojava safe?

Rojava – officially named the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria – is a region of Syria that could be essentially understood as Syrian Kurdistan. It gained its autonomy as a result of several battles during the war, and here you can read a fantastic explanation of it.

Rojava is still a turbulent region with on and off conflict. For example, in February 2022, ISIS committed an attack on al-Sina Prison, located in a city within Rojava.

In any case, Rojava is absolutely off-limits to tourists now.


is Bosra safe?
A tank from the Syrian army in Bosra

Tips: How to stay safe in Syria

Travel with a guide and a group

Traveling with a group and a local guide who knows the latest security updates will make your Syria trip much safer.

In any case, in order to get a visa for Syria, you must travel with a group and for that, Against the Compass has several scheduled groups per year.

Our upcoming Syria EXPEDITIONS

May 29th to Jun 5th, 2024 (8 days). SOLD OUTAug 11th to 17th, 2024 (7 days, Marmarita Carnival). APPLY NOWSep 15th to 27th, 2024 (13 days). APPLY NOWOct 13th to 20th, 2024 (8 days). APPLY NOWDec 23rd to 30th, 2024 (8 days). APPLY NOWLEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SYRIA TOURS
is Syria safe for tourists
Damascus with the group

Use travel insurance that covers Syria

In a country like Syria, where safety is the #1 priority, traveling with proper insurance is a must.

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Syria + COVID-19.

5% discount if purchasing via this link

Don’t talk about politics

Locals are not allowed to say anything bad about the Government, and neither are foreigners.

According to many Syrians, walls in Syria have ears, so I recommend staying away from political conversations.

Don’t venture into sensitive areas

In the unlikely event that you are wandering around Syria on your own, don’t go to sensitive areas, and not only for your safety, but also because you risk getting arrested, as happened to a certain backpacker who I prefer not to name.

Basically, he managed to reach the front between the Government and I don’t know which other group, a foolish act that got him arrested for a week.

Is Syria safe to visit for solo female travelers?

Is Syria a safe country for women travelers?

Similar to neighboring Lebanon, Syria is an ethnically, religiously, and culturally diverse country, also home to a large secular population and a lot of Christians.

What I want to say is that Syrians are used to dealing with all sorts of people, meaning that bumping into a bunch of liberal women strolling down the streets of Damascus isn’t a rare thing to see so, unless you are visiting pretty conservative areas, you can dress up as you please, relatively speaking, of course.

Moreover, while it’s true that many people do fast during Ramadan, many Muslims don’t, plus a lot of restaurants keep their doors open, and the reason is that the relatively secular population in Syria is quite large.

Traveling as a woman in Syria is, obviously, more challenging than if you are a man – like in any other country – but what I can tell you is that popular destinations such as Morocco, Egypt or even Jordan are way more challenging than Syria, from a solo woman perspective.

In any case, solo travel isn’t really allowed in Syria, but you must be with a local guide.

Is traveling to Syria safe for Americans?

Syrians are generally kind-hearted people who don’t make judgments based on nationalities.

While it’s true that many Syrians blame – partly – the USA for what happened in the country recently, they also know that American tourists have nothing to do with the US Government and that they visit Syria just to learn about the conflict, meet beautiful Syrians and visit all their historical gems.

If you want to know how to travel to Syria as an American, check our visa guide.

Conclusion: Is Syria safe for tourists?

It’s important to keep in mind that the situation in the areas controlled by the Syrian Government are not entirely safe, but relatively safe, so always pay attention to your surroundings and do your own research before going there. Against the Compass is not responsible for any potential, unfortunate event related to the current crisis.

More information for traveling safely in Syria


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In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Remember to check our upcoming tours: Syria Tours run by Against the Compass

ll our guides to SyriaSyria Travel GuideTravel Guide to AleppoSyria Itinerary

Check more safety guides

Is Afghanistan Safe?Is Iran Safe?Is Iraq Safe?Is Lebanon Safe?Is Mali Safe?Is Mauritania Safe?Is Middle East Safe?Is Oman Safe?Is Pakistan Safe?Is Sudan Safe?Is Tunisia Safe?
Is Syria safe to travel

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By: Joan Torres
Title: Is Syria safe to visit in 2024?
Sourced From: againstthecompass.com/en/syria-safety/
Published Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:53:00 +0000

Monday, July 29, 2024

Things to do in Iraq in a 10-day itinerary

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Things to do in Iraq in a 10-day itinerary>
places to visit in Iraq

Wanna travel to Iraq with Against the Compass?



Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Iraq, where we’ll visit Baghdad, Babylon, Karbala, Mosul, and more

October 23rd to November 3rd, 2024

learn more

Despite being the cradle of civilization, home to ancient, historical places like Ur and Babylon, Iraq has always been the Middle East’s most well-kept secret.

Back during Saddam’s time, unless you were a soldier or on a diplomatic mission, chances that you went to Iraq were pretty scarce.

Then, came the American invasion, unleashing a nearly 20-year conflict that evolved into civil war between several parties, the Islamic State attracting most of the media attention.

Today, the country has finally gained a certain stability and, with the introduction of a visa on arrival regime, intrepid travelers can finally discover the unknown – and absolutely epic – treasures Iraq has been hiding.

This is a compelling 10-day itinerary containing the things to do in Iraq, and the itinerary we always follow during our expeditions.

Remember that this post refers to Federal Iraq, not Kurdistan.

For places to visit in Kurdistan, refer to our Iraq Kurdistan itinerary.


things to do in Iraq

In this Iraq itinerary, you’ll find:

Table of Contents

Independent travel vs tourItineraryMapDay 1 & 2 – BaghdadDay 3 – BabylonDay 4 – KarbalaDay 5 – Mesopotamian MarshesDay 6 – Nasiriya, City of Ur & back to BaghdadDay 7 – Samarra, Hatra & MosulDay 8 – Full day in MosulDay 9 – Bakhdida & ErbilDay 10 – Start your Kurdistan tripMore information

our recommended travel insurance for Iraq

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Iraq.

GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE

Iraq travel itinerary: independently or on a tour

Iraq isn’t the easiest country to travel to, but independent travel is doable.

During my first visit, I backpacked around Iraq solo for 3 weeks.

It did present its own challenges, especially at certain checkpoints but overall, experienced travelers will find it relatively easy and highly rewarding.

Going on a tour, however, can also present many advantages.

As you may know, in Against the Compass, we run several expeditions into Iraq per year:

Sep 30th to Oct 10th, 2024. SOLD OUTOct 23rd to Nov 3rd, 2024. APPLY NOWDec 6th to 16th, 2024. (SpanishAPPLY NOWFeb 18th to 28th, 2025. APPLY NOWApr 4th to 14th, 2025. APPLY NOWlearn more about our iraq tours
tours in Iraq
With our group in Samarra, during the Iraq expedition from March 2022

Places to visit in Iraq in a 10-day itinerary

Map of the things to do in Iraq

What to do in Iraq on Day 1 & 2 – Baghdad

Wanna travel to Iraq with Against the Compass?

Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Iraq, where we’ll visit Baghdad, Babylon, Karbala, Mosul, and more

October 23rd to November 3rd, 2024APPLY NOW

Formerly known as the City of Peace – Madinat Al-Salam – Baghdad is a bustling, chaotic, lively, and welcoming city, all at the same time.

I like Baghdad.

It’s a cool city to walk around and hang out with open-minded Iraqis but to be very honest with you, it’s not my favorite place to visit in Iraq, probably because it’s too difficult to get around – traffic is insane and there’s no metro.


visit Baghdad
Baghdad is chaotic as it sounds, but strolling its bazaars is one of the best things to do in Iraq

Still, strolling the streets of Baghdad is epic because come on, we are talking about Baghdad here.

Between bazaars, monuments, and cool areas to hang out in, Baghdad could keep you busy for several days.

Things to do in Baghdad (Highlights)

National Museum (The Iraq Museum). It contains endless treasures that belong to many of the places you will be visiting in Iraq. Apparently, it’s been finally reopened after years of being closed, making it one of the most desired places to visit in Iraq for history lovers.

Al-Mutanabbi street. Al-Mutanabbi (10th century) is the greatest poet in the Arab world, and the famous book market was named after him.

Al Rasheed street. The main market street, packed with interesting Ottoman buildings and people.

Shabandar café. One of the oldest tea houses in Iraq, Shabandar café is the Iraq seen in the romantic movies, a hub for intellectuals for more than 100 years, and the best place to visit in Iraq for a cup of tea.

Martyr’s Monument. As a single attraction, Al-Shaheed Monument is the most jaw dropping place to visit in Baghdad. Composed of two absolutely massive turquoise half domes, it’s a memorial to those who died – both Iraqis and Iranians – during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988).

Tahrir Square & the Freedom Monument. Tahrir is the main square in Baghdad, which is dominated by the Freedom Monument, a mural that depicts the 1958 Revolution. You’ll also see a lot of police, and that’s because Tahrir Square witnessed a pretty big demonstration against the Government back in 2021.

Copper market (Safafeer). In my opinion, this is the most interesting bazaar to visit in Iraq, where you’ll find all sorts of artefacts handmade by local Iraqis.


best places to visit in Iraq
The copper market in Baghdad is an unmissable part of your Iraq itinerary

Where to stay in Baghdad

In terms of value-for-money, accommodation in Baghdad is really expensive.

BackpackerBudget – Royal Garden Hotel – I haven’t personally stayed here but budget backpackers say it’s decent. They have rooms for around $20-$25, but the price may vary. This is the location.

BudgetLife Palace Hotel – Located in Karada, this is a good value-for-money option with the best location, relatively comfortable for what you pay.

Check on Booking.comMid-range – Andalus Hotel – Located along Sadoun street, this place is brand-new and absolutely perfect for those with a slightly higher budget.

Check on Booking.com5-star HotelBaghdad Hotel – One of the oldest and most emblematic hotels in Baghdad, located by the Tigris River. The hotel also features a bar where they serve beer.

Check on Booking.comTop-endBabylon Rotana Hotel – By far, the best and most luxurious hotel in Baghdad.

Check on Booking.com
cool places to visit in Iraq
The Martyr’s Monument is the best modern monument to visit in Iraq

Things to do in Iraq on Day 3 – Ancient Babylon & Saddam Hussein Palace (overnight in Karbala)

Read: Places to visit in Syria – 1-week itinerary

After exploring Baghdad, your Iraq itinerary should lead to Ancient Babylon, located 2-3 hours south of Baghdad, depending on traffic.

Visit Babylon

Today, Babylon is an archaeological site close to a small, uninteresting town named Hillah.

In fact, most independent travelers prefer to visit Babylon on a day trip (either from Baghdad or Karbala), since the few hotels available in Hillah are expensive, plus nothing is going on.

Contrary to what most people believe, Babylon isn’t the oldest city in the world. Dating back to 2350 BCE, Babylon used to be a mere village attached to the older and greater City of Ur, and it wasn’t until several centuries later that it began to prosper, becoming the first large and great city in the world.

The Hanging Gardens, one of the 7 Ancient World Wonders, and the Tower of Babel used to stand within these walls, even though there’s nothing left of them.


Visit Babylon
Experiencing Babylon is one of the best things to do in Iraq

How to visit Ancient Babylon

Today, Babylon is a pretty big archaeological complex, which can be visited in 2 to 5 hours, depending on how passionate about archaeology and ancient history you are.

Entrance fee is 25,000 dinars.

The site itself has 1 or 2 accredited guides who speak OK English.

While they give a very basic understanding about the generic history of Babylon, they do know about many secrets hidden among those stones, plus they get you access to areas under restoration. During our visit, the price wasn’t fixed, but our guide expected something around at least 20,000IQD for the visit.


Babylon, Iraq
Babylon Dragons

Things to see in Babylon

Ishtar Gate – Today the most Instagrammeable place to visit in Iraq – if there has to be one – Ishtar was one of the several gates that gave access to Babylon (500BCE).

What you see today, however, is a replica made by Saddam. The original one can be seen at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

Lion of Babylon – This 2600-year-old statue representing a Mesopotamian lion standing above a human.

Babylon dragons – Dragon-shaped divine creatures associated with Marduk, the god of the city. They can be seen on many walls.


Lion of Babylon, Iraq
The Lion of BabylonIshtar Gate and the eternal debate The original Ishtar was actually smuggled – yes, smuggled – out by German archaeologists at the beginning of the 20th century, with the help of local Sheikhs in a time when Iraq was under Ottoman rule. During the 21st century, Iraq has unsuccessfully attempted its repatriation on different occasions, Germans claiming that the gate is safer in Berlin. As a war-torn country ruled by some of the most corrupt politicians in the world, many people believe that, if it weren’t for the Germans, this gate wouldn’t exist today, while others claim that its fate should have been decided by the Iraqis themselves. Do all these artefacts belong to all humanity, or just to the country where they have been found? Personally, I don’t really know.

How to get to Babylon from Baghdad

To go to Babylon, you must first get a shared taxi to the city of Hillah.

For that, shared taxis leave from Allawi South Garage, and cost around 10,000IQD.

Babylon is located 10km from Hillah city center. You’ll have to take a private taxi, which should cost a maximum of 5,000IQD.


Ishtar gate in Babylon
For many, Ishtar Gate is the best place to go in Iraq

Visit Saddam Hussein Palace

Overlooking the Euphrates River, Saddam Hussein built a massive, luxurious palace for himself with the best views of Ancient Babylon, making it the most bizarre place to visit in Iraq.

Today abandoned, this palace still features a pretty impressive painting on the ceiling of the main hall, as well as a Communist-like mural at the main entrance.

This is one of the more than 60 palaces that Saddam Hussein had across Iraq. If you are interested, there’s another one you can visit is in Gara Mountain, near Amedi in Kurdistan. While the palace itself is not as impressive, it has great views, plus it’s been turned into a Peshmerga base. For more information, check my Kurdistan Itinerary.

How to get to Saddam Hussein Palace from Babylon

The palace can be seen from the archaeological site, located 2 kilometers away.

After visiting the palace, I recommend going to Karbala, and the reason is that evenings in Karbala are absolutely lively, something one must experience.

How to get to Karbala from Babylon

In Hillah, ask for Karbala garage. A shared taxi should cost no more than 2,000IQD.


Saddam Hussein palace in Babylon
Saddam Hussein palace main hall

Places to visit in Iraq on Day 4: Karbala (overnight in Nasiriyah)

Let me tell you a story concerning Islam, from a non-Muslim perspective, meaning that it will probably be pretty basic.

When the Prophet Mohammed passed away in 632 CE, there was a huge disagreement over who should be his successor.

Some people claimed that the successor had to be chosen by the Islamic elite, while others believed he had to be someone from the Prophet’s family, Imam Ali, the prophet’s son-in-law.

This last group of people became known as the Shiat Ali, the followers of Ali or just Shia.

That’s when the great divide between Shia and Sunni started.


things to do in Karbala
The shrines in Karbala are the most beautiful places to go in Iraq

Karbala is one of the holiest cities in the world for Shia Muslims, and the reason is that here you find two shrines with the tombs of Imam Hussain (Ali’s son) and Abbas (Hussain’s half-brother).

Every year, millions of Shia pilgrims from all over the world, especially from Saudi ArabiaIranAzerbaijan, and Bahrain, come to Karbala to pray in those shrines.

Arba’een pilgrimage Similar to Hajj in Mecca (Saudi Arabia), Arba’een is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, taking place forty days after Ashura, and commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. During this pilgrimage, millions of Shia pilgrims visit Karbala within a period of 2-3 days.

How to visit the shrines in Karbala

The center of Karbala – where you find the two main shrines as well as most restaurants and hotels – is surrounded by a security perimeter, where they check your bags and all that stuff.

Be aware that Karbala is as holy as Mecca, hence people are very sensitive to any sort of non-Muslim behavior.

In one of our expeditions, one of our participants had a bottle of vodka in his bag (don’t ask me why) which they found when x-raying it upon entering the pilgrim area. He was held for a few hours, while our local guide expected the worse but, other than taking his fingerprints, nothing happened to him eventually.

On the other hand, women visiting Karbala must wear a chador – or an abaya with a hijab – that covers from head to toe, and it’s recommended to buy one in Baghdad.

Read our female travel in Iraq for more info.

The two shrines are located one next to other and they are open 24/7. Entrance is free and remember that DSLR cameras are not allowed, but you can leave them near the entrance, where they keep your shoes.


visit Karbala
The interior of the shrines

Where to stay in Karbala

As one of the top pilgrimage destinations in the world, Karbala has hotels for all budgets.

Backpacking budget – Next to the shrines, there are many hotels priced at $10-$15 for a private room. Don’t expect much, but they are good enough for budget backpackers. I stayed at Hotel Rawan.

BudgetHotel Al-Eshaiker – Nothing fancy, but better than most cheap options around the shrines.

Check on Booking.comMid-rangeDur Kassir AlkadhimiyaHotel – A slightly better option located next to the shrines.

Check on Booking.comBest hotel – The Baron Hotel The best 5-star hotel in Karbala, relatively well-priced for what you get.

Check on Booking.com

How to get to Nasiriyah from Karbala

After lunch, I recommend going to Nasiriyah. Direct shared taxis depart from the garage in Karbala. It’s a 300-kilometer ride.

The checkpoint upon entering Nasiriyah used to be a very tough one, but not anymore.

For more information, read the checkpoint section of my Iraq travel guide.

Should you visit Najaf? Najaf is the other super holy place to go in Iraq, another top pilgrimage place. The reason I didn’t add it to this Iraq itinerary is that we don’t include it in our Iraq expeditions and that is because I didn’t personally love it. I mean, it’s an interesting city with a nice bazaar and a beautiful shrine but it can’t compete with Karbala. If you have the time, do visit it but, if you have to choose one, stick with Karbala.


visit najaf
Najaf main bazaar

Cool things to do in Iraq on Day 5 – Day trip to the Mesopotamian Marshes (overnight in Nasiriya)

On day 5, I recommend going straight to the Marshes from Nasiriyah, and leave your Nasiriyah visit for the following day.

For many, the Mesopotamian Marshes, or Arab Marshes, are the best place to visit in Iraq, a wetland ecosystem in south Iraq, an aquatic landscape in the middle of the desert, home to a distinct cultural group named the Marsh Arabs.

Occupying an area of 10,000km2, the Marshes house many different species of animals and plants, including a large population of water buffalos, which you will certainly cross into during your boat trip.

The Marshes are also dotted with hundreds of islands, many of them inhabited by the Marsh Arabs, who traditionally live in sarifas, a peculiar house entirely made of reed.


traditional houses Arab Marshes
The traditional houses in the Marshes are one of the fun things to visit in Iraq

Marsh Arabs living in the islands are particularly conservative, so be careful when taking pictures, or walking around their settlements.

How to visit the Marshes (independently)

The best way to experience the Marshes is on a local canoe, sailing across the entangled, natural pathways formed by the vegetation.

For that, the easiest is to be on an organized tour, but you could but you can do it independently too, that’s what I did during my first time.

For that, wake up extra early in the morning and take a shared taxi from Nasiriyah to Chibayish, the main town in the Marshes.

The taxi will drop you at the main bazaar, which is around 6km from the point where boats depart from, so you’ll need to get a private taxi. The boat departure area is right next to the floating mosque and the Monument of Martyrs, just here.

lso, check Eva’s video on the Marshes

The Marshes receive a significant number of domestic tourists, so don’t be surprised by the large number of locals offering you a boat ride. Most of those boat owners are young Iraqis in their twenties wearing normal clothes but, for a true experience, choose one of the older, bearded men with traditional clothes.

If there aren’t any, ask for Abu Hayder, an authentic Marsh Arab who has become quite a celebrity in the area, not only because he is a charismatic singer, but because he has hosted quite a few YouTubers with a large audience.

The boat ride costs around $20-$25 for 2-3 hours.


How to visit Mesopotamian Marshes
Abu Hayder is the man you need to meet up with during your Iraq itinerary

Where to stay in the Marshes

If you have the time, staying in a traditional house in the Marshes is quite an experience.

During my first visit, Abu Hayder offered to let me stay at his house for $30, including dinner, breakfast, and his lovely hospitality.

When I came with the group expedition back in March 2022, we stayed on one of the local islands with a local family. For intrepid travelers, it was a unique experience, but be aware that they still don’t understand the concept of tourism, so there was no kind of facility; it was just as they lived.

In any case, staying on an island is something you must arrange in advance with a travel agency.


Islands in Arab Marshes
Local island in the Marshes
Mesopotamian Marshes
Local people in the Marshes

Things to do in Iraq on Day 6 – Nasiriya, the City of Ur and back to Baghdad

Nasiriya is one of the largest cities in Iraq, popular among tourists for being the getaway to the Mesopotamian Marshes.

It’s also known for being a high-security city, home to the American-built Al-Hoot prison, a maximum-security prison today filled with ISIS fighters.

Honestly, there’s not a lot to do in Nasiriyah, but it’s more like a transit town for going to other places so, unless you know local people to hang out with, I don’t recommend staying here for very long.

Visit Ziggurat of Ur

Archaeology fans agree that experiencing Ur is the best single thing to do in Iraq.


city of Ur, Irak
Ur, with some local friendsUr is perhaps one of the oldest cities in the world (3800 BCE) – even older than Babylon – and believed to be the birthplace of Abraham.

It is located around 20km from Nasiriya, making it the perfect few-hour trip from Nasiriya. There is no public transportation, but you can easily go there in a private taxi.

Entrance fee is 25,000IQD.

After visiting Ur, go back to Nasiriyah and take a local shared taxi to Baghdad, located 5 hours away, a bit more if there’s traffic upon arriving in Baghdad.

Spend the night in Baghdad.

CLICK HERE TO LOOK FOR ACCOMMODATION IN BAGHDAD
visit Ur in Iraq
They claim that this is the oldest standing arch in the world

What to do in Iraq on Day 7 – Samarra & Hatra (overnight in Mosul)

Travelers moving around by public transportation will find it difficult to visit Samarra and then go to Mosul on the same day, since there’s no direct transportation from Samarra to Mosul. To make it even more complicated, know that it’s not allowed to stay overnight in Samarra. Therefore, independent travelers should visit Samarra on a day trip from Baghdad, go back to Baghdad and then take a shared taxi to Mosul on the following day. Hatra can be visited on a day trip from Mosul.

Visit Samarra


interesting places to visit in Iraq
Climbing this minaret is the coolest thing to do in Iraq

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Samarra was the capital of the Abbasid caliphate, the third caliphate to succeed the Prophet Muhammad.

Independent travelers will notice that there are a lot of checkpoints in Samarra.

Back in 2006, the city of Samarra was affected by a suicide bombing targeting Al-Askari mosque, one of the holiest shrines in the world for Shia Muslims.

Since then, the armed group and Shia militia Sarayat Al Salam has taken control of Samarra, establishing checkpoints all over the city. They are a paranoid group, suspicious of everyone, especially foreigners but with the slow normalization of tourism, they aren’t giving too much trouble anymore.


minaret of Malwiya in Samarra
Local people in the minaret

Things to do in Samarra

The iconic minaret of Malwiya: The reason why many travelers come here, a jaw-dropping 52-meter-tall spiraling minaret that is part of the Grand Mosque of Samarra. The mosque was built in 851 and at that time, it was the largest mosque in the world. Entrance fee for the minaret is 25,000IQD

Al-Askari mosque: The third holiest mosque in Iraq after the shrines in Najaf and Karbala, a very important pilgrimage place for Shia Muslims.

Dar al-Khalifa (Palace of the Caliph): he Governmental palace during a significant period of the Abbasid Caliphate, today in excellent condition. Independent travelers will have a hard time getting in – I was not allowed to enter during my first visit, even though I went there with two locals from Samarra – but join one of our Iraq expeditions and you won’t experience any problems.

Where to stay in Samarra

Staying in Samarra is not allowed.

How to get to Samarra from Baghdad

Local shared taxis leave from the North Allawi Garage and cost 15,000IQD, 130km.


Al-Askari mosque, Samarra
Al-Askari mosque

Visit Hatra

Hatra is the one place you can’t miss in your Iraq travel itinerary, outstanding.

Hatra is one of the most amazing places to visit in Iraq, an extremely well-preserved 2,000-year-old fortress located in the middle of the desert.

The cherry on top is that Hatra was used by ISIS as a base or training camp, the heritage of which is still visible in the many graffiti painted on its walls.

The fortress used to be a caravan city located between the Roman and Parthian empires, famed for its fusion of Greek, Mesopotamian, and Roman architecture. At first, it does look like a Roman temple, with many similarities to Palmyra, but it’s not.

Interesting to mention is that Hatra was the first place in Iraq to be listed as a UNESCO Heritage site.


visit Hatra
The Iraqi guard

How to visit Hatra

As a former ISIS training camp, Hatra is located in a sensitive area, a place that witnessed a pretty fierce battle during the liberation from ISIS.

There are tanks and the few buildings that used to stand here are just rubble.

This is the reason why there’s no public transportation for going to Hatra but you can easily get there by taxi.

Visit Hatra by joining our upcoming Federal Iraq EXPEDITION.







Places to visit in Iraq on Day 8 – Mosul

Mosul is the most outstanding city to visit in Iraq.

Infamous for becoming the capital of ISIS from 2014 to 2017, the history of Mosul is rather long, one of the longest in the world in fact, dating back to 6000 BCE, and the area where the city of Nineveh was founded in 1800 BCE.

Mosul was liberated from ISIS in 2017, but that came with the high price of leaving an old city completely destroyed, once an open-air museum filled with architectural delights, an Outstanding Universal Value, according to UNESCO.

Today, life is coming back to Mosul, Iraqis are returning and a big UNESCO team is restoring and rebuilding many of its treasures.

With all the reconstruction, Mosul is living history, and experiencing it is the best thing to do in Iraq

For more information (safety, personal experience, etc.) read my Mosul travel guide.


historical places to visit in Iraq
Rebuilding Al Noori Mosque

Things to do in Mosul

Al Noori Mosque. The mosque where historical ISIS leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, self-declared the ISIS caliphate, the first and only time he ever appeared in public.

Mosul synagogue. It’s undamaged. Apparently, this is where ISIS used to hide all their weapons.

Mosul Museum. I managed to enter thanks to a local friend, but it’s currently closed to the public. The interior of the museum was destroyed by ISIS and today, there’s a team of European archaeologists trying to sort out all pieces.

Churches of Hosh Al Baya square. This area comprises 3-4 very old churches, from different Christian branches, all of them heavily destroyed, but they are being rebuilt by UNESCO. Pope Francis celebrated mass in the middle of the square.

Ummayyad Mosque. The oldest mosque in Mosul. It has received very little damage.

Bash Tapia castle. A 12th-century castle overlooking the Tigris River.

For more information, read my Mosul travel guide.

Note: The archaeological site of Nineveh is currently closed


Ummayyad mosque in Mosul
This is Ummayyad Mosque, the oldest in Mosul

Where to stay in Mosul

Budget – Alsfer Hotel – Basic but pretty good and located in the old city. Best value-for-money option in Iraq, for which I paid less than 15€ a night.

Modern Palace HotelMore expensive but nicer. They typically charge 30-40IQD per night.

How to get to Mosul from Baghdad

Shared taxis leave from North Allawi Garage and cost 20,000IQD.


restoration Mosul
Experiencing living history, one of the best things to do in Iraq

What to visit in Iraq on Day 9 – Bakhdida

Bakhdida, or Karakosh, is revealing, and a place which not many include in their Iraq itinerary.

Home to 300,000 people, Bakhdida is the largest Christian city in Iraq and perhaps in the entire Middle East, the reason why Pope Francis had a special interest in visiting it back in March 2021.

The whole city was also occupied by ISIS but fortunately, all they found was an empty town, since the vast majority of people had left as soon as ISIS made it to Mosul, mostly seeking refuge in the Christian district of Ankawa, near Erbil

Nowadays, however, life is coming back in Bakhdida, and it does feel very Christian, visible in the abundance of churches, beer shops, and the relatively large presence of women.

In Bakhdida, you must visit the Catholic Church, the largest one in Iraq, and where Pope Francis celebrated mass. In our visit, we were lucky to be received by the main priest an extremely well-educated man who spoke good English and impeccable Italian, since he lived in the Vatican for quite a while.


Bakhdida, Iraq
The priest, friend of the Pope

He is a personal friend of the Pope too and showed us around the church, putting a strong focus on the recent history of ISIS.

The interior is fully restored because ISIS burnt it down, and the church’s courtyard was used by them as a training area. Heavy damage can still be seen, and bullets can still be found all over the place.

Near Bakhdida, there’s one Orthodox monastery named Mar Behnam, which shares many similarities with the recent history of Bakhdida.


Karakosh, Baghdad
This was used as a training camp by ISIS

How to get to Bakhdida from Mosul

I am sure there must be shared taxis going to those villages, but there are also quite a few checkpoints operated by different groups, and I don’t know what’s going to be like for independent travelers.

Interesting to mention is that one of the checkpoints is run by a Christian militia.

After Bakhdida, you can either go back to Mosul, or go to Kurdistan to start with your Kurdistan Itinerary.


Mar Behnam, Iraq
Mar Benham

What to visit in Iraq on Day 10 – Start your Kurdistan Itinerary

Highlights, places I recommend:

ErbilMar MattaiDuhokSaddam Hussein Palace (Gara Mountain)AmediSulaimaniyahHalabjaByaraAnd more

Check our ultimate Iraqi Kurdistan Itinerary


nice places to visit in iraq

More information to complement your Iraq travel itinerary


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In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

ll guides and articles for traveling in Iraq destinationA City Guide to MosulVisiting Syrian Refugee CampIs Iraq Safe?Solo Female Travel Guide to IraqIraq Travel GuideTravel Guide to AmediErbil Travel GuideTales of Backpacking in Iraqi KurdistanSolo Female Travel Guide to Iraqi KurdistanIraqi Kurdistan ItineraryIraqi Kurdistan Travel Guide

Travel Itineraries to other countries in the Middle East

Iran ItinerarySaudi Arabia ItineraryTravel Guide to OmanTravel Guide to LebanonSyria Itinerary

You will also like our Libya travel guide and Haiti Itinerary

You will also be interested in: Where in the Middle East is safe? and The most beautiful places in the Middle East.


Iraq itinerary

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By: Joan Torres
Title: Things to do in Iraq in a 10-day itinerary
Sourced From: againstthecompass.com/en/iraq-itinerary/
Published Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 07:51:00 +0000