Samarra Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, and cultural experiences to have in Samarra, Iraq with this comprehensive travel guide.


Samarra, a city located in Baghdad Belts, in Iraq, in the Middle East, in Asia, is a stunning destination for travelers who love history, culture, and adventure. The city is known for its historical importance, natural beauty, and welcoming people. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll show you the best places to visit, activities to do, and cultural experiences to have while in Samarra.

Introduction to Samarra

Samarra, previously known as Surra Man Ra’a, is a city located on the east bank of the Tigris River, about 125 km north of Baghdad. It is an ancient city that dates back to the third millennium BC, and has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The most significant historical attraction in Samarra is the Great Mosque of Samarra, built during the Abbasid Caliphate in the 9th century, and considered one of the largest mosques in the world.

List of Places to Visit in Samarra

  • Great Mosque of Samarra: This historical mosque features a unique architectural and engineering design, which makes it one of the most significant landmarks in Samarra.
  • Al-Askari Shrine: This is a significant Shia holy site, built in the memory of the 10th and 11th Imams of Shia Islam.
  • Al-Mutawakkil Mosque: Built in the 9th century, this mosque has a marvellous design and contains one of the largest brick domes in the world.
  • Imam Dur Mausoleum: This is the final resting place of Imam Dur, and it is an impressive architectural marvel.
  • Abbasid Palace: The palace was constructed during the time of the Abbasid Caliphate, and it is known for its unique architectural design and lush garden.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Samarra Archaeological Museum: This museum houses ancient artifacts and archaeological findings from the city’s historical era.
  • Al-Malwiya Arch: This is a massive spiral ramp that leads to the Abassid Palace.
  • Al-Radwaniyah Mosque: Constructed during the time of the Fatimid Caliphate, the mosque is renowned for its architectural design, and is a significant historical monument in Samarra.

Natural Attractions of Samarra: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Samarra National Park: This park is a perfect site for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and camping.
  • Lake Tharthar: This vast lake lies on the outskirts of Samarra, and it is famous for its picturesque scenery and wildlife.
  • Tigris River: A boat trip along the river is an excellent way to catch a glimpse of the scenic views of Samarra.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Samarra

  • Al-Qubbat Trail: A perfect route for hikers, this trail passes through the palm groves along the Tigris river, and visitors can witness the daily life of the locals.
  • Al-Mutawakkil Bridge Trail: This is a perfect route for bikers, and it features an excellent view of the Tigris River.

Best Things to Do in Samarra: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: This is an excellent way to witness the stunning views of Samarra.
  • City Tour: An experienced guide will show you around the city and provide insights into its culture and history.
  • Kayaking: Kayaking along the Tigris River is an exciting outdoor activity to experience in Samarra.

Week-Long Itinerary for Samarra

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Great Mosque of Samarra and the Al-Malwiya Arch
Day 2 Explore the archaeological sites at Samarra Archaeological Museum and the Al-Radwaniyah Mosque
Day 3 Visit the Al-Askari Shrine and the Al-Mutawakkil Mosque
Day 4 Enjoy the natural beauty with a visit to Samarra National Park and Lake Tharthar
Day 5 Hiking/Biking along the Al-Qubbat Trail and the Mutawakkil Bridge Trail
Day 6 Take a hot air balloon ride and experience incredible aerial views of Samarra
Day 7 Indulge in local cuisine and buy souvenirs from local markets.

Food and Drink Scene of Samarra

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tabak Maaz: A traditional dish made from lamb ribs and seasoned with aromatic spices.
  • Chelo Kebab: This is an Iranian dish, which is loved by people all over Iraq.
  • Biryani: This is a popular South Asian dish, widely enjoyed in Samarra.

Local Beverages

  • Shabab Laban: A refreshing drink made from yoghurt, sugar, and mint.
  • Qishr: A popular drink made from coffee husks and flavoured with cinnamon and cardamom.
  • Doogh: A traditional drink made from yoghurt, mint, and salt.

Where to Stay in Samarra: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Al-Sarfraz Hotel: This is an affordable and comfortable hotel with a prime location in the city centre.
  • Al-Atheer Hotel: This hotel is known for its excellent service and modern amenities.
  • Al-Jazir Hotel: This hotel is perfect for travelers who are looking for a budget stay but do not want to compromise on quality.

What to Buy in Samarra: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pottery: Samarra has a long history of pottery making, and visitors can purchase handcrafted pottery items as souvenirs.
  • Traditional Iraqi Clothing: Visitors can purchase traditional clothing items such as abayas and kaftans from local markets.
  • Spices and Tea: A wide variety of traditional spices and tea are available for purchase in Samarra’s markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Samarra

Samarra is a culturally rich city, and its people have a deep respect for their traditions and heritage. Visitors should dress modestly in public places and remove their shoes before entering religious sites. It is also essential to respect local customs, such as avoiding public displays of affection.

Best Time to Visit Samarra

The best time to visit Samarra is from October to April when the weather is pleasant, and there is little rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Samarra

Do:

  • Cover your head and dress modestly while visiting religious sites.
  • Try local cuisine and drinks.
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases to communicate with locals.

Don’t:

  • Drink alcohol in public places.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Take photographs of people without their consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Samarra

Samarra is generally a safe city, but visitors should take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and carry a photocopy of their passport at all times.

Health in Samarra

Visitors should ensure they have all necessary vaccinations before traveling to Samarra. It is also essential to drink safe, clean water and be cautious when consuming street food.

Getting to Samarra: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Samarra

The nearest airport to Samarra is Baghdad International Airport, approximately 125 km away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Samarra.

Bus Stations Near Samarra

The city has a central bus station, and visitors can catch buses from nearby cities and towns to reach Samarra.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a car or a taxi from Baghdad to reach Samarra.

How to Get Around in Samarra

The most common mode of transportation in Samarra is taxis. Visitors can also rent a car or a bicycle to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Samarra: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Baghdad: The capital city of Iraq is just 125 km away from Samarra and makes for an excellent day trip.
  • Diyala: An ancient city that is renowned for historical monuments, located just 60 km away from Samarra.

Conclusion

Samarra is a unique destination that offers an incredible mix of history, culture, and adventure. This comprehensive travel guide provides visitors with a list of places to visit, activities to do, and cultural experiences to have while in Samarra. We hope this guide helps you plan your next adventure to this stunning city in Iraq.

Female statuette found in Samarra, dating back to 6000 BCE. Female statuette found in Samarra, dating back to 6000 BCE. The spiralling minaret of the Great Mosque. The spiralling minaret of the Great Mosque.