Assur Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Assur with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the historical and cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, accommodations, and transportation options in Northwestern Iraq.


Introduction to Assur

Assur is a city located in Northwestern Iraq, near the Tigris River. It was once the capital of the ancient Assyrian civilization and is considered one of the world’s oldest cities, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. The city has a rich history and culture, with several historical and cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and local cuisine to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Assur

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Assur has a significant number of museums and historical places that showcase the city’s rich history and culture. Here are some of the top attractions:

  • The Assur Archaeological Museum: This museum displays artifacts from the ancient Assyrian civilization, including sculptures, reliefs, jewelry, and weapons.
  • The Temple of Ishtar: Dedicated to the goddess of love and war, this temple is one of the most important religious sites in Assur.
  • The Ziggurat of Nimrud: A massive ancient structure built by the Assyrians, this ziggurat is one of the most well-preserved examples of its kind.
  • The Palace of Ashurnasirpal II: The royal palace of one of the most powerful Assyrian kings, this palace contains impressive frescoes, reliefs, and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Assur: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Assur is also home to several natural attractions that offer outdoor adventures and scenic views. Here are some of the top options:

  • The Tigris River: A popular destination for boating and fishing, the Tigris River offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
  • Mount Qushqaya: Located just outside of Assur, this mountain offers hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the city.
  • The Assur Wildlife Reserve: This reserve is home to several unique species of wildlife, including the Persian gazelle and the goitered gazelle.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Assur

Exploring Assur on foot or by bike is an excellent way to experience the city’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes to try:

  • The Tigris River Trail: This trail follows the banks of the Tigris River and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and city.
  • The Mount Qushqaya Trail: This hiking trail takes you to the top of Mount Qushqaya and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
  • The Assur City Trail: This route takes you through the heart of the city and showcases some of the most important historical and cultural attractions.

Best Things to Do in Assur: Activities and Tours

Assur offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors to experience the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the best things to do in Assur:

  • Take a historical tour of the city: There are several guided tours available that take you to the most important historical and cultural attractions in Assur.
  • Explore the city’s local cuisine: Assur has a rich culinary scene, and there are several food tours available that allow you to sample the city’s traditional dishes.
  • Visit the Assur Wildlife Reserve: A guided tour of the wildlife reserve allows you to see some of the unique and endangered species of wildlife that call Assur home.

Week-Long Itinerary for Assur

To experience everything that Assur has to offer, here is a sample week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Assur and take a historical tour of the city.

Day 2: Explore the Assur Archaeological Museum and the Temple of Ishtar.

Day 3: Hike the Mount Qushqaya Trail.

Day 4: Take a food tour of Assur and sample the city’s traditional cuisine.

Day 5: Visit the Assur Wildlife Reserve and see the Persian gazelle and goitered gazelle.

Day 6: Explore the Ziggurat of Nimrud and the Palace of Ashurnasirpal II.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the Tigris River Trail.

Food and Drink Scene of Assur

Assur has a rich culinary scene, with several traditional dishes and local beverages to try. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Biryani: A traditional rice dish with a variety of spices and meat or vegetables.
  • Dolma: Stuffed vegetables with rice and meat or vegetables.
  • Tepsi Baytinijan: Baked eggplant with tomatoes and garlic.

Local Beverages

  • Sherbet: A sweet, non-alcoholic drink made with fruit and sugar.
  • Arak: An anise-flavored alcoholic drink.

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

Assur has several accommodation options for visitors, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the top options:

  • The Assur Hotel: A luxury hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • The Nimrud Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option located just outside of the city.
  • The Ishtar Hostel: A centrally located hostel for budget travelers.

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

Assur has several unique souvenirs and local products to bring home as a memory of your trip. Here are some of the top options:

  • Assyrian handicrafts: Handmade pottery, rugs, and textiles.
  • Spices: Assur is known for its unique spices and blends.
  • Dates: Assur is home to several date farms, and the dates are a popular local product.

Local Culture and Customs of Assur

Assur has a rich and unique culture, influenced by the city’s ancient past and diverse population. Visitors should be mindful of the following customs and traditions:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Be mindful of cultural differences.

Best Time to Visit Assur

The best time to visit Assur is from March to May and from September to November. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller during these times.

Do’s and Don’ts of Assur

Do:

  • Explore the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Engage with the local community.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress inappropriately when visiting religious sites.
  • Disrespect wildlife in the Assur Wildlife Reserve.

Safety and Health

Safety in Assur

Assur is generally safe for visitors, but travelers should take basic safety precautions such as not carrying large amounts of cash and not walking alone after dark.

Health in Assur

Visitors should be up to date on all routine vaccinations before traveling to Assur. It is also recommended to speak with a healthcare provider about additional vaccinations or precautions.

Getting to Assur: Transportation Options and Logistics

Assur is accessible by several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Assur

  • Erbil International Airport
  • Mosul International Airport

Bus Stations Near Assur

  • Ishtar Bus Station
  • Nimrud Bus Station

Other Options

  • Taxis and rental cars are available for hire.

How to Get Around in Assur

Assur is a walkable city, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis and rental cars are also available for hire.

Where to Go Next from Assur: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Assur is located near several other popular destinations in Iraq, including:

  • Erbil: A vibrant city with a rich history and culture.
  • Mosul: A historic city with several important cultural and religious sites.
  • Kurdish Mountains: A beautiful mountain range with several outdoor activities and stunning views.

Conclusion

Assur is a fascinating city located in Northwestern Iraq and offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip and explore all that the city has to offer. Whether hiking through the mountains, exploring the historical attractions, or sampling the local cuisine, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience in Assur.

Ruins in Assur. Ruins in Assur.