Najaf, Iraq: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]
Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.
Ready to pack for Najaf, Iraq? If you're planning to go to Najaf, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Najaf
- Important essentials for Najaf
- Activities for Najaf
- Najaf in January: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in February: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in March: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in April: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in May: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in June: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in July: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in August: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in September: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in October: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in November: weather and what to pack
- Najaf in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Najaf, Iraq
Based on the climate and weather in Najaf, Iraq, the best time to go is November. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for Najaf, Iraq
Already know when you're traveling?
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Najaf, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
What to wear/what to pack for Najaf, Iraq by month
January
January in Najaf can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Extra socks
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Dresses
You can find some great options here
Light jacket or fleece
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Light and heavy skirts
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel neck support pillow
What we like is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.
February
February in Najaf is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Extra socks
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck support pillow
Our fave is this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
March
If you vacation in Najaf during March, you might notice that it is warm and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent choice.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Ensure that you find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel pillow
A versatile choice is this one
April
If you go to Najaf in April, you will notice that it is really hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
thisCool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck support pillow
A great choice is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.
May
Traveling to Najaf in May, you will notice that it can be excruciatingly hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Insulated water bottle
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
Sunglasses
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure pack extra, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
- this
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered for cooling and include UV protection.
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. It's important that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel pillow
A great choice is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
June
If you are traveling to Najaf in June, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the 100s F (low 40s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Thin tank or crop tops
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
- our recommendation
Waterproof sandals
- like this one
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Insulated water bottle
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck support pillow
An excellent option is this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
July
If you vacation in Najaf during July, you might find that it can be blisteringly hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 80s F (high 20s C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Thin tank or crop tops
Insulated water bottle
Waterproof sandals
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
- like this one
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
- our recommendation
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel pillow
A great choice is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
August
August for Najaf is unbearably hot and very dry. Temperatures average in the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Insulated water bottle
- our recommendation
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
Waterproof sandals
- like this one
Thin tank or crop tops
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel neck pillow
A great choice is this one
September
If you vacation in Najaf during September, you will probably see that it is sizzling and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 80s F (high 20s C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
- like this one
Waterproof sandals
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Thin tank or crop tops
- our recommendation
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Insulated water bottle
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.
Travel pillow
A top rated pillow is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
October
If you vacation in Najaf during October, you might see that it can be sweltering and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally around 20 during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Skirts
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes contaminants:
thisBreatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
Loose-fit shorts
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck support pillow
A top rated pillow is this one
November
If you go to Najaf in November, you will notice that it is warm and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Breathable footwear or sandals
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Sandals
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel neck pillow
Our fave is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.
December
December in Najaf can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Extra socks
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Najaf. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel neck support pillow
What we like is this one
What to do in Najaf, Iraq
Though often overlooked by many travelers, the city of Najaf in Iraq features a wealth of attractions and a rich cultural history. As one of the holiest cities of Islam and a major religious center, it offers unique opportunities for cultural exchange and exploration. Here are the top tourist attractions in Najaf, Iraq.
1. Imam Ali Shrine
The Imam Ali Shrine, located in the heart of Najaf, is considered one of the most holy sites for Shia Muslims. The shrine serves as the final resting place for Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammed and the fourth caliph of Islam. The shrine, built in the 10th century, is a stunning display of Islamic architecture and features ornate mosaics and intricate calligraphy.
2. Wadi-us-Salaam Cemetery
Wadi-us-Salaam Cemetery, or the Valley of Peace, is the world's largest cemetery, with over five million graves. It is revered as one of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam and is believed to be the burial place of several prophets and a number of Shia scholars. The cemetery spans over 1,400 acres and is an important site for pilgrimage and reflection.
3. Abu Hanifa Mosque
Abu Hanifa Mosque is a historic and iconic mosque located in the middle of the old town of Najaf. It is believed to be named after Abu Hanifa, one of the most prominent scholars of Islamic law. The mosque was built in the 11th century and is known for its beautiful blue tiles and intricate designs.
4. The Gold Market
The Gold Market, located in the heart of Najaf's old town, is a bustling marketplace which showcases some of the best of Iraq's traditional crafts. The market features products ranging from gold to leather goods and even traditional foods. It is a great place for tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture and take home some unique souvenirs.
5. Harat Al-Jamia Neighborhood
Harat Al-Jamia is a historic neighborhood which features a number of mosques, shrines and historic buildings. Many of the buildings in the neighborhood date back to the Ottoman Empire and feature stunning architecture and traditional design elements. The area is great for walking and immersing oneself in Najaf's rich cultural heritage.
6. Al Mansur Mall
While perhaps not as historic or religiously significant as some of Najaf's other attractions, Al Mansur Mall is a modern shopping center which offers visitors a chance to relax and unwind. It features a variety of shops, restaurants and cinemas, making it an ideal place to spend a day or evening out.
In conclusion, Najaf, Iraq is a city filled with history, culture and fascinating attractions. From its world-renowned religious sites to its bustling markets and ancient neighborhoods, there is something here for every type of traveler. So the next time you're planning a trip to the Middle East, be sure to put Najaf on your itinerary.
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Argentan, France, Barkly Tableland, Northern Territory, Australia, Panarea, Italy, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Brazil, Estremadura, Portugal, Saimaa, Finland, Valle de Bravo, Mexico, Mexico, Pampanga, Philippines, Murten, Switzerland, Dangriga, Belize, and Äkäslompolo, Finland.