Baghdad, Iraq's capital on the Tigris River, blends nearly 1,300 years of Mesopotamian and Islamic history with a still-difficult current security environment; travel here in 2026 requires real preparation and current advisory awareness.
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Shorja Market
Spices, dried goods, textiles, household goods, wholesale trade
Where: Rusafa, off Rasheed Street
Hours: Daily approximately 8:00 AM-7:00 PM; closed or reduced on Fridays
Souq al-Safafeer (Coppersmith Market)
Handcrafted copper and brass items
Where: Rusafa, off Rasheed Street
Hours: Daily approximately 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; closed Fridays
Al-Mutanabbi Street Book Market
New and secondhand books, prints, stationery
Where: Rusafa
Hours: Daily approximately 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; busiest and fullest on Friday
Baghdad Mall
International and local retail brands, restaurants, cafes, cinema
Where: Harthiya, Karkh
Hours: Daily approximately 10:00 AM-11:00 PM
Al Mansour Mall
One of Iraq's first modern shopping malls; retail, dining, entertainment
Where: Mansour
Hours: Daily approximately 10:00 AM-11:00 PM