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.
Accommodation overview
Kabul's accommodation is small and concentrated in Shahr-e Naw and Wazir Akbar Khan, with walled, guarded hotels such as the Kabul Serena at the top and simple guesthouses near Chicken Street at the bottom. Most properties are booked directly by phone or email, charge in US dollars and run their own generators because mains power is unreliable. Security screening at the gate is standard, and many hotels arrange airport pickup and internal transport for guests.
- Budget
- 1,400-3,500 AFN ($20-50) per night for guesthouses and basic hotels
- Mid-range
- 4,200-7,000 AFN ($60-100) per night for mid-range hotels
- Luxury
- 8,500-21,000 AFN ($120-300) per night for the Serena and InterContinental
- Where to stay
- Shahr-e Naw, central and close to Chicken Street, embassies and restaurants.
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
Hotel Mustafa
Long-running budget hotel on Chicken Street popular with backpackers and small groups, with basic rooms and a restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range
Safi Landmark Hotel
Business hotel inside the Safi Landmark complex, with a glass-fronted lobby, restaurants and shopping on the lower floors.
Check rates on Booking.comGandamack Lodge
Small, long-established lodge in Shahr-e Naw with a garden, popular with journalists and aid workers and run in a guesthouse style.
Check rates on Booking.comKabul Star Hotel
Mid-range city hotel in the Wazir Akbar Khan area used by business travellers and visiting delegations.
Check rates on Booking.comKabul Lodge
Guesthouse-style hotel in the Shahr-e Naw area with an on-site restaurant open to non-guests from 6 PM.
Check rates on Booking.comHeetal Plaza Hotel
Mid-sized hotel in central Shahr-e Naw with an on-site restaurant, within walking distance of Chicken Street.
Check rates on Booking.comSpozhmai Hotel
Hotel and restaurant on the shore of Qargha Lake, mainly a weekend retreat for Kabul families and a quieter overnight option outside the city.
Check rates on Booking.comPark Palace Hotel
Mid-range Shahr-e Naw hotel with restaurant and meeting rooms, reopened after earlier damage.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury
Kabul Serena Hotel
Aga Khan-owned five-star hotel and Kabul's longest-running international-standard property; walled and guarded, with garden, pool and health club.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Kabul
Hilltop landmark hotel opened in 1969 with sweeping views of the city, large grounds and conference facilities.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Shahr-e Naw
Central commercial district with Chicken Street, restaurants and several hotels.
Best for: All travelers
Wazir Akbar Khan
Quieter embassy-era district with villas, mosques and mid-range hotels.
Best for: All travelers
Qargha Lake
Lakeside outskirts for a weekend retreat, 10 km west of the city.
Best for: All travelers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Kabul Serena Hotel
Aga Khan-owned five-star hotel and Kabul's longest-running international-standard property; walled and guarded, with garden, pool and health club.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Kabul
Hilltop landmark hotel opened in 1969 with sweeping views of the city, large grounds and conference facilities.
Check rates on Booking.comSafi Landmark Hotel
Business hotel inside the Safi Landmark complex, with a glass-fronted lobby, restaurants and shopping on the lower floors.
Check rates on Booking.comGandamack Lodge
Small, long-established lodge in Shahr-e Naw with a garden, popular with journalists and aid workers and run in a guesthouse style.
Check rates on Booking.comKabul Star Hotel
Mid-range city hotel in the Wazir Akbar Khan area used by business travellers and visiting delegations.
Check rates on Booking.comKabul Lodge
Guesthouse-style hotel in the Shahr-e Naw area with an on-site restaurant open to non-guests from 6 PM.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book directly by phone or email with the hotel; online platforms list few Kabul properties.
Confirm airport pickup in writing: independent taxi arrival at night is not advised.
Ask whether the hotel runs a generator; mains power cuts are frequent.
Larger hotels charge in USD and prefer cash; carry clean, undamaged USD notes.
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.