Babylon Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit in Babylon, its culture, customs, safety, health, food, and outdoor adventures. Create your own week-long itinerary and explore the Cradle of Civilization in Southern Iraq.


Nestled in Southern Iraq, the city of Babylon is known as the cradle of civilization for good reason. Its rich history dates back over 4,000 years, and the area has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or the great outdoors, Babylon has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, hiking/biking routes, the food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, local culture and customs, safety and health, and more!

Introduction to Babylon

Babylon is an ancient city steeped in history and culture. It was once the capital of the Babylonian Empire and one of the most magnificent cities in the ancient world. Today, visitors flock to the area to explore its rich history and experience its warm hospitality. The city is just 85km south of Baghdad, and you can easily make a day trip or spend a week exploring the area.

List of Places to Visit in Babylon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The city of Babylon has a wealth of historically significant sites that are must-sees for anyone interested in ancient civilizations. Some of the highlights include:

  • The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens were a lush, tiered garden that was designed to impress visitors to the city.
  • The Ishtar Gate: This beautifully preserved gate once marked the entrance to the city and still stands as a testament to the engineering skills of the Babylonians.
  • The Ruins of Babylon: The ruins of the city itself are a fascinating place to explore. You can see remnants of the city walls and gates, as well as the foundations of the many buildings that once stood here.
  • The Babylonian Museum: This museum holds an impressive collection of artifacts from the Babylonian Empire, including clay tablets, jewelry, and weapons.

Natural Attractions of Babylon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Babylon is also a fantastic place to explore the great outdoors. Some of the best outdoor adventures and scenic views include:

  • The Euphrates River: This legendary river flows through Babylon, offering fantastic views and opportunities for boating and fishing.
  • The Hill of Amran: For stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, head to the Hill of Amran. This spot is particularly beautiful at sunset.
  • The Mesopotamian Marshes: Just south of Babylon, you’ll find the Mesopotamian Marshes. This wetland area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as local tribes who still live in traditional mud huts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Babylon

For those who love the outdoors, Babylon offers a wealth of hiking and biking routes. Some of the best options include:

  • The Euphrates Trail: This trail follows the path of the Euphrates river and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Babylon Bike Tour: This guided bike tour takes you through the city and surrounding countryside, giving you a chance to see some of the most beautiful spots in the area.

Best Things to Do in Babylon: Activities and Tours

Beyond exploring the city and surroundings, Babylon offers plenty of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Some of the best include:

  • Cooking Classes: Take a cooking class and learn to make traditional Babylonian dishes.
  • Traditional Boat Tours: Take a leisurely boat tour down the Euphrates river and see the city from a different perspective.
  • Cultural Tours: Learn about the local tribes and their customs and traditions with a guided cultural tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Babylon

Day 1: Explore the ruins of Babylon and the Babylonian Museum Day 2: Visit the Ishtar Gate and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon Day 3: Take a cooking class and sample some of the traditional Babylonian dishes Day 4: Hike or bike the Euphrates Trail Day 5: Explore the Mesopotamian Marshes Day 6: Take a guided cultural tour to learn about local customs and traditions Day 7: Relax and enjoy some of the local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Babylon

Babylon’s food and drink scene is a reflection of its rich history and traditions. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tepsi Baytinijan: A delicious dish made with eggplant, ground beef, and rice.
  • Masgouf: A grilled fish dish that is traditionally served with rice.
  • Dolma: Rice and minced meat stuffed grape leaves.

Local Beverages

  • Tea: Tea is a staple in Babylon and is often served with mint, sugar, or cardamom.
  • Amar al-din: This tangy drink is made with ground apricots and sugar.

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

If you’re planning to stay in Babylon overnight, there are several options for accommodations. Some of the best include:

  • Revan Palace Hotel: This luxurious hotel offers spacious rooms and excellent amenities.
  • Babylon hotel: A boutique hotel with a lovely garden and comfortable rooms.
  • Al Hilla Guest House: This charming guest house offers affordable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

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

If you’re looking to bring home a souvenir or two, Babylon has plenty to offer. Some of the best things to buy include:

  • Pottery: Babylon is known for its beautiful pottery, which makes a great souvenir or gift.
  • Handmade Carpets: You’ll find a wide variety of beautiful, handmade carpets in the local markets.
  • Spices: The local spices are a must-try and make a great addition to any home kitchen.

Local Culture and Customs of Babylon

Babylon is a city steeped in tradition and history, and it’s important to be respectful of local customs and culture. Some things to keep in mind include:

  • Dress Code: Women should cover their hair and wear conservative clothing when visiting holy sites.
  • Hospitality: The people of Babylon are known for their hospitality, and it’s common to be invited into someone’s home for tea or a meal.
  • Haggling: Bargaining is common in the local markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.

Best Time to Visit Babylon

The best time to visit Babylon is between October and April when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summers can be swelteringly hot, and the temperatures can soar well above 40°C.

Do’s and Don’ts of Babylon

Do:

  • Dress conservatively
  • Try the local food and drink
  • Stroll around the beautiful, historic city center
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Eat or drink in public during Ramadan
  • Take photographs of people without their permission
  • PDA (public displays of affection) are not allowed in public

Safety and Health

Safety in Babylon

Babylon is generally a safe city, with low levels of crime. As with any city, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Babylon

The local tap water is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring any necessary medications and consult with a doctor before traveling.

Getting to Babylon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Babylon

The closest airport to Babylon is Baghdad International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away.

Bus Stations Near Babylon

The main bus station in Babylon is located in Al Hilla, which is just a short distance from the city.

Other Options

You can also reach Babylon by car or taxi from Baghdad.

How to Get Around in Babylon

The best way to get around Babylon is by taxi or car. Taxis are readily available throughout the city, and many drivers speak English.

Where to Go Next from Babylon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time, there are several nearby destinations that are worth exploring, including:

  • Baghdad: The capital city of Iraq offers plenty of cultural and historical experiences.
  • Karbala: A holy city for Shiite Muslims, Karbala is home to several mausoleums and other sacred sites.
  • Samarra: This ancient city is home to several well-preserved historic buildings and monuments.

Conclusion

Babylon is a city with a rich history and a vibrant present, and it’s well worth a visit for anyone interested in ancient civilizations or the great outdoors. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to create your own week-long itinerary and explore everything the city has to offer. Remember to be respectful of local culture and traditions, and enjoy your time in the cradle of civilization!

View of the site View of the site The replica of the Ishtar Gate. The replica of the Ishtar Gate. Saddam Hussein's palace overlooking the ruins of Babylon. Saddam Hussein's palace overlooking the ruins of Babylon.