No visit to Baghdad is complete without exploring Al-Mutanabbi Street, the vibrant heart of the city. Visit the Qoshla Heritage Gate and the city's traditional bazaar with its narrow lanes overflowing with colourful displays of fresh produce, sweets, and handcrafted local wares. Inside the market, there are some food stalls, where you can try authentic Iraqi street food at affordable prices. Iraqi vendors are known for their warm hospitality, especially towards foreigners. Don’t be shy to accept an invitation to share a cup of sweet Iraqi chai, as it is a key part of socialising in Arab culture.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Birla Mandir is a stunning Hindu temple which dominates Hyderabad's skyline and has attracted visitors for decades. Constructed entirely of pristine white marble, the temple showcases exquisite South Indian architectural styles and offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop perch on Naubath Pahad. Beyond its architectural beauty, the temple’s serene ambience provides a perfect retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

The Iraqi National Museum is dedicated to the rich history of Iraq and its ancient civilisations, including the Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. Its collections feature artefacts that span over 7,000 years of history. Unfortunately, many of these invaluable pieces were lost during the looting that occurred in the early days of the Iraq War in 2003. Since then, efforts have been underway to recover and restore these artefacts, and the museum continues to play a vital role in preserving and showcasing Iraq’s cultural heritage.

Firdos Square may seem like an ordinary roundabout today, featuring a fountain and waving Iraqi flags, but it holds deep historical significance. On April 9th, 2003, the statue of Saddam Hussein was toppled by US forces right here, an event that marked the end of his regime and a turning point in Iraq’s modern history. While there’s no physical trace of the original monument, standing in this square places you where history unfolded. Capture your own photo here and contrast it with the iconic news images that shocked the world back in the day.