TravelTips24 : Asia : Middle East : Iraq : Arbil

Arbil

Arbil (Hawlêr in Kurdish) is a city in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq.

Before, Kurdistan had 2 capital cities; but after an agreement on August 1, 2006, Kurdistan now is a whole part, with Arbil as capital.

Travel to Arbil & Visa Requirements

Austrian Airlines launched flights between Vienna and Arbil (Erbil) (Irbil) twice weekly in December 2006. As of July 2007, Austrian is operating four flights a week to/from Vienna. Regular flights to Arbil are also available weekly from Dubai, Amman, Istanbul and very recently, Tehran.

Americans and Citizens of the EU may enter freely and receive a 10 day stamp. After that you must visit the residency office to extend your visa. Other nationalities, as of July 2007, must have an Iraqi visa before arrival. This includes all Arab neighboring countries.

The security situation in the Kurdish area is very safe compared to the area south of the green line (no fly zone). However one should not travel to Iraq unless there is a specific mission or business. In May 2007, a suicide truck bomber detonated his bomb in front of the Interior Ministry. Local people are welcoming all visitors who are investing money or bringing technology to the area.

Tours & Getting around Arbil

Public transportation is available in the form of taxis and some bus routes, however at this point, if you don't know your way around or have a guide with local knowledge it is inadvisable to try it alone. Chances are if you are coming to Erbil you will have your trip pre-arranged with someone at this point in time.

A taxi company operating as Hello Taxi has English speaking drivers, but at highly inflated rates. USD is accepted.

Because security is still a very important issue to consider while traveling to Erbil please be wise and do not come unless you have prior arrangements, this is for your safety and security. Be smart.

Arbil attractions and sightseeing

  • The Kurdish textile museum located at the Citadel.
  • The Minaret , an historic builing located in Minaret park on 30th street.

Arbil city tours

Arbil souvenirs & shopping

  • Arbil has many supermarkets and malls, like Nazamall located on Kirkuk Erbil road, which is the bigger one in the city.
  • NewCity supermarket on 60th road, which is very good but most of the staff are Philippines and Arabs so people can't understand them very well.
  • Reihnmall in the Eskan Neighborhood.
  • Shopping Center Nishtman(national) Mall.

Arbil Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

A good many restaurants exist in Erbil just none with any variety of cuisine. Your choices now is unlimited the food is great and fresh especially at Fairuz Two.

  • At the Erbil International Hotel, an Asian cuisine restaurant serves curry.
  • Saj Al Reef restaurant on Kirkuk Baghdad Road.
  • Erbil Rest on Ankawa Road.
  • Khan al Dejaj.
  • Al Mahar (Sea Food)on 60th Street.
  • Fairuz Lebanese Restaurant Erbil 60th 0750-4804440 Free Delivery.
  • Abu Shahab restaurant on 60th street.

If German food is your liking then in the Erbil suburb of Ainkawa, you'll find a new German restaurant. Also in Ainkawa you will find Happy Time restaurant which serves a version of western style foods including nice pizzas.

Many sandwich shops may be found in the bazaar.

Arbil nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

For German draft try the German restaurant.

Arbil cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

  • Erbil International Hotel aka Sheraton is a great place to stay, if you can afford the rates.

Taxi

For transportation you can call Ahmad Taxi on 0750-4803986 24/7

Toyota corolla 2009

This page was last edited at 15:02, on 7 November 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by David, Amer, JG, Tom Holland and Jacob Appelbaum, Wikitravel user(s) Hot Coffee, Morph and W66LinkBot and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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