Arrival & Erbil’s Ancient Heart
6 activities
TRIP'N'AI
Iraqi Kurdistan, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
This detailed itinerary covers the cultural, historical, culinary, and outdoor adventure highlights of Iraqi Kurdistan, focusing on low-cost options and solo female safety. Accommodations are chosen for proximity to daily activities and budget-consciousness.
Daily Itinerary
Activities
Day Theme: Arrival & Erbil’s Ancient Heart
Arrival at Erbil International Airport (EBL)
Arrive, clear customs, and collect your luggage. Pre-arrange airport pickup if possible for safety and convenience.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free or included with accommodation
Cuisine: Specializes in N/A cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 30–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: N/A
Opening Hours: Open N/A
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Arrival times vary
Popularity Rating: N/A
Ask your accommodation for a female-friendly driver.
If you're wondering what to order, A taxi or hotel pickup can be pre-booked via your hotel or Airbnb.
Here's what you need to know: Start your Kurdistan adventure smoothly.
Arrive, clear customs, and collect your luggage. Pre-arrange airport pickup if possible for safety and convenience.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free or included with accommodation
Cuisine: Specializes in N/A cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 30–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: N/A
Opening Hours: Open N/A
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Arrival times vary
Popularity Rating: N/A
Ask your accommodation for a female-friendly driver.
If you're wondering what to order, A taxi or hotel pickup can be pre-booked via your hotel or Airbnb.
Here's what you need to know: Start your Kurdistan adventure smoothly.
Check-in & Freshen Up
Drop off your luggage, freshen up, and get a local SIM card and some Iraqi dinar.
Price Range: Expect to pay Budget (10–25 USD/night)
Cuisine: Specializes in N/A cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 30–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: N/A
Opening Hours: Open N/A
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of N/A
Popularity Rating: N/A
Local SIM card (AsiaCell or Korek) for cheap data
If you're wondering what to order, You can buy at the airport or nearby shops.
Here's what you need to know: Local connectivity for safety and navigation.
Drop off your luggage, freshen up, and get a local SIM card and some Iraqi dinar.
Price Range: Expect to pay Budget (10–25 USD/night)
Cuisine: Specializes in N/A cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 30–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: N/A
Opening Hours: Open N/A
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of N/A
Popularity Rating: N/A
Local SIM card (AsiaCell or Korek) for cheap data
If you're wondering what to order, You can buy at the airport or nearby shops.
Here's what you need to know: Local connectivity for safety and navigation.
Dine at Qaysari Bazaar Kebab Stall
Try authentic Kurdish kebabs and fresh salads in the bustling Qaysari Bazaar, a UNESCO-listed market.
Price Range: Expect to pay Low (3–8 USD)
Cuisine: Specializes in Kurdish, Grill cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 45–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: N/A
Opening Hours: Open 8:00–20:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Lunchtime (12:00–14:00)
Popularity Rating: High
Kebab, Kubba, Tepsi
If you're wondering what to order, Local favorites cooked fresh to order.
Here's what you need to know: Lively atmosphere and local flavors.
Try authentic Kurdish kebabs and fresh salads in the bustling Qaysari Bazaar, a UNESCO-listed market.
Price Range: Expect to pay Low (3–8 USD)
Cuisine: Specializes in Kurdish, Grill cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 45–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: N/A
Opening Hours: Open 8:00–20:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Lunchtime (12:00–14:00)
Popularity Rating: High
Kebab, Kubba, Tepsi
If you're wondering what to order, Local favorites cooked fresh to order.
Here's what you need to know: Lively atmosphere and local flavors.
Explore Erbil Citadel
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free (entry), small fee (museum)
Cuisine: Specializes in N/A cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1–2 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free entry, small museum fee (1–2 USD)
Opening Hours: Open 8:00–19:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Late afternoon (cooler)
Popularity Rating: Very high
Museum of Kurdish Textiles
If you're wondering what to order, Learn about Kurdistan’s rich textile heritage.
Here's what you need to know: History and panoramic city views.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free (entry), small fee (museum)
Cuisine: Specializes in N/A cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1–2 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free entry, small museum fee (1–2 USD)
Opening Hours: Open 8:00–19:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Late afternoon (cooler)
Popularity Rating: Very high
Museum of Kurdish Textiles
If you're wondering what to order, Learn about Kurdistan’s rich textile heritage.
Here's what you need to know: History and panoramic city views.
Dinner at Al-Quds Middle Eastern Restaurant
Enjoy chicken shawarma, hummus, and fresh juices in a popular local spot.
Price Range: Expect to pay Low (4–10 USD)
Cuisine: Specializes in Middle Eastern, Kurdish cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 45–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: N/A
Opening Hours: Open 12:00–23:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Dinner (19:00–21:00)
Popularity Rating: High
Shawarma, Hummus
If you're wondering what to order, Generous portions, authentic taste.
Here's what you need to know: Relaxed vibe, local hangout.
Enjoy chicken shawarma, hummus, and fresh juices in a popular local spot.
Price Range: Expect to pay Low (4–10 USD)
Cuisine: Specializes in Middle Eastern, Kurdish cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 45–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: N/A
Opening Hours: Open 12:00–23:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Dinner (19:00–21:00)
Popularity Rating: High
Shawarma, Hummus
If you're wondering what to order, Generous portions, authentic taste.
Here's what you need to know: Relaxed vibe, local hangout.
Stroll in Sami Abdurrahman Park
Relaxing evening walk in Erbil’s largest green space, known for safety and family-friendly atmosphere.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Cuisine: Specializes in N/A cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 30–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 6:00–23:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Evening (19:00–22:00)
Popularity Rating: High
Ice cream from park vendors
If you're wondering what to order, Cool off with local ice cream treats.
Here's what you need to know: Safe, beautiful, and lively at night.
Relaxing evening walk in Erbil’s largest green space, known for safety and family-friendly atmosphere.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Cuisine: Specializes in N/A cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 30–60 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 6:00–23:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Evening (19:00–22:00)
Popularity Rating: High
Ice cream from park vendors
If you're wondering what to order, Cool off with local ice cream treats.
Here's what you need to know: Safe, beautiful, and lively at night.
Accommodation
Erbil Budget Guesthouse
Simple, clean, and centrally located guesthouse with female dorm or private rooms available. Secure, helpful staff, and good for solo travelers. Walking distance to the citadel and bazaar. Offers airport pickup for a small fee if arranged in advance via WhatsApp or email. Wifi, kitchen access, and common room available. Female-friendly and recommended by solo female travelers on forums and review sites.
Local Tips
- Erbil is very safe for solo female travelers, but dress modestly in public spaces.
- Always carry small change for market snacks and taxis.
- Qaysari Bazaar is a great spot for souvenirs and people-watching.
- The citadel offers the best sunset views—don’t miss it!
Photo Spots
- Erbil Citadel entrance and upper walls
- Qaysari Bazaar food stalls
- Sami Abdurrahman Park at sunset
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