Mosul sits on the banks of the Tigris in northern Iraq, a city whose identity is bound up with the river and with the ancient Assyrian ruins of Nineveh on its eastern side. It has long been a crossroads for commerce and travel in the region, and its historic mosques, Christian sites, synagogues and Yazidi temples reflect a place that has always been home to several communities at once.
For a visitor, the city is easiest to understand as two halves: the old city on the western side, known locally as the Right Bank, and the substantial areas that have grown up on the eastern or Left Bank. The two are divided by the Tigris, and the ruins of Nineveh lie on the east side. This guide covers which areas make sense as a base for different kinds of trips, and what standard of accommodation you can expect at each level.
Best areas to stay in Mosul
1. The old city and city centre
The old city on the western bank is the historic core, and staying near the centre puts you within reach of the mosques, churches and other historic sites that draw most visitors. It is the most practical base if your priority is seeing the city's heritage on foot and spending as little time as possible moving between your accommodation and the sights.
Accommodation here is limited. Only a small number of hotels have reopened near the city centre, and major chains have not returned. This area suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be close to the old city rather than commuting in from elsewhere.
2. Along the Tigris
The river runs through the middle of Mosul, and there is accommodation along the Tigris with a resort-style character, set back from the dense streets of the centre. This suits travellers who prefer a quieter setting and are willing to trade a central location for space and a river outlook.
Because the city spreads across both banks, check which side of the river a place sits on before booking, and how you would cross to reach the sights you plan to see. The two sides are connected by bridges, so a riverbank base still leaves the rest of the city accessible.
3. Near the old city, on the edge of the centre
A second option in the central area is accommodation close to the old city but not inside it, offering fairly basic rooms. This suits budget-conscious travellers and independent visitors who do not need much beyond a comfortable bed and a working bathroom.
Expect simple facilities: rooms with small bathrooms, in some cases with a squat toilet and no separate shower. At least some front desk staff may speak English, though not all do, so it helps to have your booking details written down or saved on your phone. Some places can be booked via messaging apps, which is worth checking before you arrive.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Smaller, fairly basic hotels with simple rooms and small bathrooms, some with squat toilets and no separate shower. Comfortable beds, limited English at reception, and booking sometimes handled through messaging apps.
- Mid-range: The handful of established smaller hotels that have reopened, including options near the city centre and near the old city. Expect more conventional rooms and a more straightforward booking process than at the cheapest places.
- Splurge: Very limited. Major international chains have not reopened in Mosul, and the city's landmark large hotel was destroyed in 2017. The closest thing to an upscale stay is resort-style accommodation along the Tigris.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the old city and city centre. It is the one area that puts the historic mosques, Christian sites and other heritage within easy reach, and it is where the small number of reopened hotels is concentrated. For a first trip, being close to the old city saves you from depending on crossings and transport to reach the things you came to see.
Frequently asked questions
Have international hotel chains reopened in Mosul?
No. As of early 2020, major hotel chains had yet to reopen in the city, and the landmark Nineveh International Hotel was completely ruined in 2017. What is available is a limited number of smaller hotels.
Which side of the Tigris should I stay on?
The city has grown from the old city on the western side across both the Left Bank (east) and Right Bank (west). The old city and most central accommodation are on the western side, while the ruins of Nineveh are on the east. Decide based on which sights matter most to you.
Can I book accommodation in Mosul online?
Not always. At least one hotel is bookable via WhatsApp, and smaller places may not have a standard online booking system. It is worth confirming directly before you travel.
Will staff at my accommodation speak English?
It varies. At some smaller hotels at least one front desk staff member speaks English, but others do not. Having your booking details and key requests written down will make things easier.
Compare live prices and availability for your dates using the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.