Hatra Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Hatra with this comprehensive travel guide, including top things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and travel logistics.


Introduction to Hatra

Hatra, located in northwestern Iraq, is an ancient city that dates back to the 3rd century BC. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Araba, a wealthy and powerful city-state that was known for its unique blend of Hellenistic and Eastern architectural styles.

Hatra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most well-preserved examples of ancient architecture in the Middle East. It is famous for its massive defensive walls, its grand temples, and its intricate frescoes and carvings.

List of Places to Visit in Hatra

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hatra Archaeological Site: Explore the ancient walls, temples, and buildings of the Kingdom of Araba.
  • Hatra Museum: See artifacts from the ancient city and learn about its history.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Learn about why Hatra is a world-renowned site.

Natural Attractions of Hatra: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hatra Oasis: Take a break from the heat and enjoy the greenery that surrounds the ancient city.
  • Mountains: Hike through the mountains surrounding Hatra for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hatra

  • Hatra Mountains Trail: This trail takes you through the mountains surrounding Hatra and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area. The trail is suitable for hikers of all levels.
  • Hatra Bike Trail: If you prefer biking, this trail is perfect for you. It is a challenging ride through the mountains surrounding Hatra and is suitable for experienced cyclists.

Best Things to Do in Hatra: Activities and Tours

  • Guided Tours: Book a tour of Hatra to learn about its rich history and architecture.
  • Explore the Ancient Walls: Walk around the ancient defensive walls and see the intricate carvings and frescoes.
  • Visit the Temples: Hatra is famous for its grand temples, including the Temple of Shamash and the Temple of Allat. Make sure to visit these structures to see their unique blend of Hellenistic and Eastern architectural styles.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hatra

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive in Hatra and check into your hotel. Explore the city and its famous walls.
Day 2 Take a guided tour of the Hatra Archaeological Site to learn about the city’s history.
Day 3 Visit the Temple of Shamash and the Temple of Allat.
Day 4 Take a break from the heat and visit the Hatra Oasis.
Day 5 Hike the Hatra Mountains Trail for stunning views of the surrounding area.
Day 6 Explore the Hatra Museum to see artifacts from the ancient city.
Day 7 Depart Hatra for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Hatra

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kebabs: Grilled meat and vegetables.
  • Tabbouleh: A salad made with parsley, onions, and bulgur.
  • Falafel: Deep-fried balls of ground chickpeas and beans.

Local Beverages

  • Tea: Enjoy a cup of tea with your meal or as a refreshing beverage on a hot day.
  • Soft Drinks: Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other soft drinks are widely available.

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

  • Hatra Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option located near the archaeological site.
  • Hatra Palace Hotel: A mid-range option with comfortable rooms and a restaurant on-site.
  • Shahrazad Hotel: A luxury hotel with modern rooms and a rooftop restaurant.

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

  • Handmade Jewelry: Visit one of the local markets to find unique pieces of handmade jewelry.
  • Spices: Take home some local spices to add some flavor to your meals back home.
  • Carpets: Buy a beautiful handmade carpet to bring home as a special souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Hatra

  • Respect local customs and dress modestly.
  • Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
  • Remember that alcohol is not widely available and should not be consumed in public.

Best Time to Visit Hatra

The best time to visit Hatra is during the cooler months of October to March. The weather is more comfortable, and the tourist crowds are smaller during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hatra

Do:

  • Dress modestly to respect local customs.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Try some of the local cuisine and flavors.

Don’t:

  • Take photos of people without asking permission first.
  • Bring alcohol or consume it in public.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hatra

Hatra is a relatively safe city, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Health in Hatra

Visitors should be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations and consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. Visitors should also take precautions to avoid mosquito bites to prevent diseases like malaria and dengue fever.

Getting to Hatra: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hatra

The closest airports to Hatra are the Erbil International Airport and the Mosul International Airport. Both airports are approximately a two-hour drive from Hatra.

Bus Stations Near Hatra

Buses run regularly from Erbil and Mosul to Hatra. Visitors can take a bus from either city to Hatra for a low cost.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a private car or take a taxi to Hatra from Erbil or Mosul for a higher cost.

How to Get Around in Hatra

The best way to get around Hatra is on foot. The ancient city is relatively small, and walking allows visitors to take in the intricate details of the architecture and carvings.

Where to Go Next from Hatra: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mosul: Explore the ancient ruins of the city of Mosul, located just a few hours’ drive from Hatra.
  • Erbil: Visit the ancient citadel and bazaars of Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.
  • Zakho: Cross the border into Turkey and explore the ancient city of Zakho, located just a short drive from Hatra.

Conclusion

Hatra is an ancient city with a rich history and a unique blend of Hellenistic and Eastern architectural styles. Visitors can explore the ancient walls, temples, and buildings of the city, hike through the surrounding mountains, and try some of the local cuisine and flavors. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to Hatra with ease and make the most of their time in this historic and beautiful city.

US Forces in Hatra in 2010 US Forces in Hatra in 2010