Things to Do in Erbil, Iraq
Erbil (Hawler) is the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, with a history stretching back over 6,000 years. Despite being in Iraq, Erbil feels surprisingly modern, safe, and cosmopolitan — with a restaurant scene, nightlife, and café culture that rivals cities across the Middle East. Here is everything you need to know.
🍽️ Food & Restaurants
Eating is central to life in Erbil. The city has an extraordinary range of food — from traditional Kurdish and Iraqi dishes such as slow-cooked lamb, dolma, and fresh bread from the bazaar, to Lebanese, Indian, Italian and international cuisine. Iskan Street and the Ankawa district are the main dining hubs, packed with restaurants open late into the night. Whatever you are in the mood for, Erbil almost certainly has it.
Best restaurants in Erbil →🎵 Nightlife & Bars
Erbil has a nightlife scene that surprises most visitors. Alcohol is freely available in the Ankawa district (home to Erbil's Christian community), where you'll find rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, live music venues, and clubs. Rooftop bars with views over the city are particularly popular, and Iskan Street comes alive after dark with a mix of restaurants and entertainment. Most venues stay open until 2–3am, especially on Thursday and Friday nights.
Nightlife in Erbil →☕ Coffee Shops & Cafés
Café culture is huge in Erbil. Themed concept cafés — including the famous Bus Café, Plane Café, and Car Café — are a uniquely Erbil experience. Specialty coffee shops are increasingly common across Gulan Street and Ankawa, most staying open until midnight or later. Going to a café for an evening out is as normal here as going to a restaurant, making them a great low-key option at any time of day.
Best cafés in Erbil →💨 Hookah & Shisha
Nargilah (hookah or shisha) is an integral part of social life in Erbil. Almost every café offers it, and dedicated nargilah lounges are among the most popular gathering places for locals and visitors alike. You will find hookah available across Iskan Street, Ankawa, and the Nishtiman Bazaar area. It is one of the most authentic and relaxed things you can do in Erbil, and usually very affordable.
Hookah & shisha in Erbil →🏛️ Sightseeing & Outdoors
Erbil's Citadel (Qellat Hewlêr) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city's unmissable landmark — a mound continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years with a commanding view over the modern city. At its base, Qaysari Bazaar is a maze of traditional shops selling spices, textiles, gold, and local produce. Sami Abdulrahman Park is the city's largest green space, ideal for an evening walk. From Erbil, the Kurdistan mountains — including Rawanduz gorge and Bekhal waterfall — are an easy and spectacular day trip.
Outdoor activities in Erbil →👨👩👧 Family & Kids
Erbil is genuinely family-friendly. Parks, indoor play areas, family restaurants and cultural sites make it easy to visit with children. Weekend evenings along Ghazali Street are lively with families out shopping, eating, and socialising. The Ankawa area is particularly relaxed and comfortable for families.
Family activities in Erbil →