Basra, Iraq-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Basra International Airport (BSR)
  • Take a taxi or private car to your hotel in the city center (~ $10-15)
  • Check-in at Hotel Basra Palace or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the Basra Museum (entry fee: IQD 5,000 ~ $4) to learn about the city’s history and culture
  • Explore the nearby Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient architecture and bustling souks (markets)

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Iraqi cuisine at Al-Mansour Restaurant
  • Take a stroll along the Shatt Al-Arab waterfront, offering stunning views of the city

Things to Know

  • Basra is a conservative city; dress modestly and respect local customs
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the Old City
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak summer months (June-August) due to extreme heat

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

Morning

  • Visit the Abadan Refinery, one of the largest oil refineries in the world ( guided tours available)
  • Stop by the British Consulate, a historic building with stunning architecture

Afternoon

  • Explore the Corniche, a scenic waterfront area with beautiful views of the Shatt Al-Arab
  • Visit the Sayyid Ali al-Musawi Mosque, an important Shia shrine (dress modestly and remove shoes)

Evening

  • Dine at Al-Fayha Restaurant, serving delicious local dishes
  • Take a taxi or private car back to your hotel (~ $5-10)

Day 3: Day Trip to Zubair

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Zubair, an ancient city located ~30 km south of Basra (private car and driver ~ $50-70)
  • Explore the Zubair Fort, a historic castle with stunning views of the surrounding area

Afternoon

  • Visit the Zubair Oil Field, one of the largest oil fields in Iraq (guided tours available)
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many parks and gardens in Zubair

Evening

  • Return to Basra and enjoy dinner at Al-Khalifa Restaurant
  • Relax at your hotel or take a stroll around the city center

Day 4: Markets and Shopping

Morning

  • Explore the Basra Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in Iraq (be prepared for crowds and haggling)
  • Visit the nearby Al-Ashar Market, offering a variety of local products and souvenirs

Afternoon

  • Take a break from shopping and enjoy lunch at Café Arabica
  • Visit the Basra Gold Market, offering stunning gold jewelry and ornaments

Evening

  • Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise on the Shatt Al-Arab (private boat ~ $50-70)
  • Dine at Al-Mawal Restaurant, serving delicious seafood dishes

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and take a taxi or private car to Basra International Airport (~ $10-15)

Transportation Tips

  • Taxis are widely available, but agree on the fare beforehand
  • Private cars and drivers can be hired for day trips or longer periods
  • Be prepared for chaotic traffic and occasional road closures

Other Tips

  • Respect local customs and dress modestly
  • Try to learn some basic Arabic phrases to show appreciation for the culture
  • Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen, as the summer sun can be intense
  • Be prepared for occasional power outages and internet connectivity issues