From Wikitravel

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.

[edit] Get in

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.

[edit] Get around

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.

[edit][add listing] See

• The Kurdish textile museum located at the Citadel.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

• 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, Reihnmall in the Eskan Niegherhood.
• Shopping Center Neshtman Mall.

[edit][add listing] Eat

A good many restaurants exist in Erbil just none with any variety of cuisine. Your choices are limited but the food is great and fresh especially at Abu Shahab 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.

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.

[edit][add listing] Drink

For German draft try the German restaurant.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

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

[edit] Get out

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