Why visit
Baghdad is a Tigris River capital with Abbasid memory, book markets, shrines, museums, and a complex modern story. It is central to Mesopotamian history even when ordinary travel requires careful planning.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Baghdad is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Iraq. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Baghdad, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Iraq better matches the trip style.
Baghdad at a glance
City population
7.2 million
Elevation
41 m
135 ft
Time zone
UTC+3
Asia/Baghdad
Airport
BGW
Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base
Iraq at a glance
Country center
33.0°, 44.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
438,317 km²
169,235 mi²
Country population
45.5 million
104/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Iraqi dinar (ع.د)
IQD
Dial
+964
Languages
Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani
Demonym
Iraqi
Internet
.iq
UN
Member state
ISO code
IQ / IRQ
Where in the world
33.0° - 44.0°
Iraq
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Baghdad was founded in the 8th century as the Abbasid capital and was once known as the Round City.
- Al-Mutanabbi Street is famous for booksellers and literary culture.
- In the 9th century Baghdad was probably the largest city on earth, and its House of Wisdom anchored the Islamic Golden Age.
- Iraq contains the ancient land of Mesopotamia: the "cradle of civilization" where writing, the wheel, and the city-state were invented.
- Iraq's Marshlands, once drained by Saddam Hussein, have been partially restored and are now a UNESCO site.
Bordering Iraq
Traveler notes
- Al-Mutanabbi Street is famous for books and literary culture
- The Tigris shapes the city's geography
- The Iraq Museum is central to Mesopotamian archaeology
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Baghdad
What currency is used in Baghdad?
Baghdad uses the Iraqi dinar (ع.د), ISO code IQD.
What languages are spoken in Iraq?
The primary languages are Arabic, Aramaic and Sorani.
What is the international calling code for Iraq?
The calling code is +964.
When is the best time to visit Baghdad?
Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Baghdad?
Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base (IATA: BGW).
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