Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan, a mountain-ringed city of roughly 4.6 million at 1,790 m. This guide records its historic sites, markets and food while stating plainly that every government advises against travel there.
Kabul has been a Silk Road crossroads, a Mughal base and a modern capital shaped by empire, invasion and rebuilding.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Kabul.
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1
Early settlement
Kabul valley settled along trade routes.
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2
Babur takes Kabul
Babur conquers Kabul and makes it his base before founding the Mughal empire.
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3
Capital of the Durrani empire
Timur Shah moves the capital from Kandahar to Kabul.
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4
First Anglo-Afghan War
British forces occupy and retreat from Kabul.
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5
Independence
Afghanistan gains full independence under Amanullah Khan.
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6
Soviet occupation
Soviet forces occupy Kabul.
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7
First Taliban government
Taliban rule from Kabul until the US-led intervention.
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8
Taliban return
The Taliban retake Kabul on 15 August.
Historical eras
The chapters of Kabul's past.
Historical sites
Places where Kabul's past comes alive.
National Museum of Afghanistan
Holds Bactrian, Gandharan and Islamic artefacts and the repaired Buddhist sculptures.
Where: Darulaman Road
Admission: About 200 AFN ($3)
Gardens of Babur
Burial place of Emperor Babur, founder of the Mughal dynasty.
Where: Southwest of the Old City
Admission: About 100-300 AFN ($1.50-4.50)
Bala Hissar Fortress
Hilltop citadel above the Old City and former royal seat.
Where: Koh-e Sher Darwaza
Admission: Permission required
Darul Aman Palace
Palace built for Amanullah Khan and restored after damage.
Where: Darulaman Road
Admission: Free from the road
Mausoleum of Timur Shah
Octagonal tomb of Timur Shah Durrani who made Kabul the capital.
Where: Old City
Admission: Free
Tapa Maranjan
Hill with the remains of a Buddhist monastery and the tomb of King Nadir Shah.
Where: West Kabul
Admission: Free
Murad Khani Old Quarter
Restored quarter of historic wooden-balconied houses.
Where: Old City
Admission: Free
Museums
Curated collections that tell Kabul's story.
National Museum of Afghanistan
Main national collections.
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.
Self-guided old city walk
Pul-e Khishti, Timur Shah mausoleum and Murad Khani on foot.