Bagdad Apr 2026

Visitors note the contrast in a single afternoon: passing through the historic old quarter with its crumbling Ottoman-era buildings and narrow alleys, and then finding modern, thriving shopping malls in the Al-Jadriya district.

Note: For the best experience, travellers often seek out local guides to navigate the blend of old and new cultural sites. bagdad

Nowhere is Baghdad's soul more visible than on Mutanabbi Street . After being crippled by a car bombing in 2007, the historic book market has been fully restored, with outdoor stalls, ancient bookstores, and the iconic Shahbandar Café , where intellectuals discuss politics and poetry over cardamom tea. Visitors note the contrast in a single afternoon: