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Things to Do in Kabul (2026)
The National Museum of Afghanistan on Darulaman Road is a must for understanding the country's rich history. It houses artifacts from the Bronze Age to the Islamicβ¦ ποΈ Start at the National Museum
The National Museum of Afghanistan on Darulaman Road is a must for understanding the country's rich history. It houses artifacts from the Bronze Age to the Islamic period, though some galleries remain closed for restoration. Entry is about 100 AFN, and you should allow at least two hours.
ποΈ Explore Chicken Street
Chicken Street in the Wazir Akbar Khan district is the go-to spot for souvenirs like carpets, lapis lazuli jewelry, and traditional Afghan coats. Haggling is expected, so start at half the asking price. Most shops are open from 9 AM to 8 PM, but many close for Friday prayers.
π³ Relax at Babur's Gardens
Babur's Gardens (Bagh-e Babur) on the slopes of Kuh-e Sher Darwaza offer a peaceful escape with terraced flower beds and a 16th-century tomb. Entry is 50 AFN for locals, 100 AFN for foreigners. Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset views over the city.
π Eat at Kabul's Best Restaurants
For authentic Afghan cuisine, head to Sufi Restaurant on Street 10 in Taimani, where a full meal costs around 500 AFN. For a more upscale experience, try The Grill at the Kabul Serena Hotel, offering grilled kebabs and a buffer dinner for about 1,500 AFN. Reservations are recommended on weekends.
ποΈ Hike the TV Hill
TV Hill (Koh-e Asamai) is a popular hiking spot with panoramic views of Kabul. The trail starts near the Asamayi Mosque and takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, and bring water as there are no vendors on the trail.
π Visit the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque (Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque) in the city center is known for its striking blue tiles and twin minarets. Non-Muslims can enter outside prayer times, but dress modestly and remove shoes. It's best to visit between 10 AM and 12 PM to avoid the midday heat.
π Getting Around Safely
Taxis are the most practical way to get around Kabul, with fares starting at 50 AFN for short trips. Use ride-hailing apps like Snapp or Kabul Taxi for safer, metered rides. Avoid walking alone after dark, and always keep your phone charged with local emergency numbers saved.
π Catch a Performance at the French Institute
The French Institute of Afghanistan (IFA) on Street 13 in Wazir Akbar Khan hosts regular concerts, film screenings, and art exhibitions. Check their Facebook page for events, which are often free or cost around 200 AFN. It's a great place to meet locals and expats in a cultural setting.
The National Museum is worth the visit, but check ahead because the opening hours can be spotty. I went on a Tuesday last spring and found a locked gate, so call first or ask your hotel to confirm.
For a less touristy dinner spot than the Serena, try Kabul Restaurant near the Park Cinema in Shar-e Naw. Their mantu and kabuli pulao are solid, and a full meal with tea runs about 300 AFN. The place is no-frills but always packed with locals.
If you're at Babur's Gardens, walk up to the upper terraces for a quieter spot away from the crowds near the entrance. The view of the snow-capped mountains from there is better than what you get from the main courtyard.
for a real taste of kabul life, hit the flower market near the Pul-e Khishti mosque on friday morning. it's not in most guides, but the energy is incredible with vendors selling tulips and roses from the back of trucks. you can grab a bunch for 50 AFN and the mosque itself is worth a look too, one of the oldest in the city with beautiful tilework that's less polished than the Blue Mosque but more authentic imo
if you're at the French Institute, check if they have a film night in the courtyard. i caught a documentary there last year and they served chai and cookies after, it was a nice low-key way to spend an evening. just get there early because the seats fill up fast with expats and students
the National Museum tip about calling ahead is key, i showed up on a thursday once and they were closed for cleaning without any notice. the guards outside told me to try again sunday lol. also the garden cafe inside is decent for a rest but bring cash, they don't take cards
honestly the hiking tip for TV Hill is solid but if you want a better view with half the tourists, go up the ridge behind the British Cemetery in Shahr-e Naw instead. it's a shorter climb, maybe 20 minutes, and you get a killer view of the entire city bowl without the crowd at the antenna. bring a headlamp if you go late, the trail gets sketchy after sunset.
also worth adding that Chicken Street is fun but the real carpet deals are in the old city near the Mandawi market. the shopkeepers there are less aggressive about haggling and you'll see actual weavers working on looms, not just sales guys pushing machine-made stuff. just be ready for narrow alleys and no parking nearby.
Nightlife in Kabul, what should I expect?
honestly evenings here are mostly indoors and early. guesthouse dinners are your best bet, lots of them in Wazir Akbar Khan serve a decent set meal around 7 and then everyone kind of disappears. if you want tea out, the chaikhana side of things near Chicken Street shuts pretty early, like before dark in winter, so plan for late afternoon instead of night.
one thing people dont mention is the curfew factor. most guesthouses lock the gate by 9 or 10 and you dont really want to be the person arguing with the guard. so build your evenings around that, a slow dinner, some tea, maybe cards with other guests. its not boring exactly, just quiet and you get used to it fast tbh.
The thing that surprised me most is how much of the evening social life happens inside the guesthouse compound rather than out in the city. Many places in Shar-e-Naw have a courtyard or rooftop where guests end up sitting around after dinner, and that's where you actually meet people, NGO staff, journalists, Afghans back for a visit. If you're choosing where to stay, ask whether they have that kind of common space, it matters more than the room.
For an actual outing, the Kabul City Center area has a couple of restaurants that stay open a bit later than the guesthouse kitchens, mostly places serving Afghan or Turkish food, and they're used to foreigners. I'd go with someone local or someone from your guesthouse the first few times rather than solo, not because anything specific happens but because you don't know the streets yet and it's just easier. Fridays are quieter than you'd expect, the weekend rhythm here is different.
Bring a book and don't count on much wifi after 8.