Erbil is the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and its cultural and economic hub, with a history of settlement stretching back millennia. At its heart sits the ancient Citadel, a World Heritage Site, surrounded by the bazaars and government offices of the old city.
For a visitor, the city divides fairly clearly. The historic core holds most of the sights; the neighbourhoods immediately south of it hold the parks; and the newer districts to the north and east, including the Christian suburb of Ankawa, hold most of the hotels, restaurants and nightlife. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation to expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Erbil
1. Old Erbil
The historic and geographic centre of the city, and home to most major tourist sights, including the Citadel, the Qayseri Bazaar and the museums, as well as many government offices. If your priority is walking to the sights, this is the most practical base.
It also holds the cheapest places to stay in town: hotels below the main gate to the Citadel, with numerous other hotels in the same area or just west of it. Expect basic rooms and some noise; this is a busy, central district rather than a quiet one.
2. South Erbil
The neighbourhoods immediately south of the old city, including Minaret Park, Shanadar Park and Iskan Street. This puts you within easy reach of the old city's sights while staying near green space and a main commercial street.
It suits visitors who want to be close to the centre without sleeping right beside the Citadel gate, and it works well for a short stay of a few days.
3. Ankawa
A Christian suburb to the north of the city and close to the airport. It is home to most of the city's bars, many hotels, and a large expatriate community, so it is the obvious choice if nightlife, or an easy arrival and departure, matters to you.
Ankawa is also where several mid-range and business-oriented places are found, and it connects conveniently to the airport road.
4. Northwest Erbil
Brand-new developments between Kurdistan Street and Peshawa Qazi Street, west of Ankawa. The area includes many of the city's restaurants and hotels, as well as Sami Park and many upscale villa and apartment communities.
This suits travellers who prefer newer, quieter surroundings and are happy to rely on taxis to reach the old city. It is a good base if dining out is a priority.
5. Northeast Erbil
Developments east of Ankawa and outside Kurdistan Street, including Erbil's three major shopping malls, hotels and restaurants, plus sprawling new villas and apartment towers.
Choose this area if shopping and modern amenities matter more to you than proximity to the historic centre. It is car-oriented and further from the Citadel.
6. American Village
On the northeastern outskirts of Erbil, this community contains a large number of foreign companies and workers as well as a popular bar. It suits longer-staying business travellers and those who want to be among other expatriates, though it is well outside the centre.
7. Komari
The area where the stadium is located. It is a straightforward option if you have business at the stadium or an event there, but it is not a central sightseeing base.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Basic hotels clustered below the main gate to the Citadel and just west of it, with beds on terraces among the cheapest options in town. Rooms are simple, not all have windows, and air conditioning is the main comfort you can count on. There is also an active couchsurfing community in Erbil, which offers a low-cost alternative if you only plan to stay a few days.
- Mid-range: Centrally located hotels and business-oriented places, particularly in Ankawa and along Peshawa Qazi Street. Expect helpful staff, on-site restaurants and a location convenient for both the airport and the city.
- Splurge: Major luxury hotels on Gulan Street, near Sami Park, with several restaurants, bars and lounges, spas, pools and gyms. These are the centre of the city's high-society social scene and have tighter security than other hotels.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Old Erbil. It puts the Citadel, the Qayseri Bazaar and the museums within walking distance, and it has the widest spread of accommodation, from the cheapest rooms in town to centrally located mid-range hotels. If you would rather have bars and restaurants on your doorstep, Ankawa is the practical alternative, with the airport close by.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is closest to the airport?
Ankawa, the Christian suburb to the north of the city, is close to the airport and has many hotels, which makes it convenient for a short stay or an early flight.
Where should I stay if I want nightlife?
Ankawa is home to most of the city's bars, and American Village has a popular bar of its own. The luxury hotels on Gulan Street also have popular bars and lounges.
Where are the cheapest places to stay?
The hotels below the main gate to the Citadel, and the numerous other hotels in that area or just west of it, are the cheapest options in town. Couchsurfing is also active in Erbil if you are staying only a few days.
Do I need to be near the sights, or is it better to stay in the newer districts?
Old Erbil holds most major tourist sights and is the most practical base for sightseeing. The newer districts to the northwest and northeast have more of the city's restaurants, malls and upscale communities, but you will depend on transport to reach the historic centre.
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