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Budgeting for Erbil in 6 months
One thing people don't always mention is that a lot of the big sights outside the city, like the ancient citadel in Shaqlawa or the waterfalls in Bekhal, will cost you transport and sometimes a small entry fee. A shared minibus from the main garage to Shaqlawa is about 3k each way, and a taxi for the day to a few spots can run 50-70k if you're splitting with friends. If you're solo and want to see those, budget an extra 20-30k on days you head out, or join a group tour from one of the hostels near Citadel Road to keep it lower.
honestly depends on your style. if you eat at local spots like the shawarma places near the citadel or grab dolma from the bazaar, meals are like 5-10k iqd total per day. a sit-down restaurant in anarkali or ainkawa might run you 20-30k per meal. transport is cheap, a taxi across town is like 5-10k, and the citadel entrance is free last i checked. i'd ballpark 40-60k iqd a day if you're not splurging, and that's about 30-45 usd at current rates.
yeah that estimate is pretty solid but depends on where you base yourself. if you stay in a hotel near the bazaar or citadel you can walk most places, saves taxi fare. the citadel is free but the Kurdish Textile Museum inside is 5k iqd and worth it for an hour. for a splurge day, try the Turkish place on 60 Meter Road, mixed grill is 25k and fills two people. also factor in a few thousand for water and snacks, teh heat gets you.
Best Food in Erbil (2026)
Begin your culinary journey in the historic Citadel area, where traditional Kurdish restaurants line the narrow alleys. For an authentic introduction, try Nishtiman Restaurant ne… 🍽️ Where to Start
Begin your culinary journey in the historic Citadel area, where traditional Kurdish restaurants line the narrow alleys. For an authentic introduction, try Nishtiman Restaurant near the Citadel's main gate, serving lamb kebab and dolma for around 15,000 IQD per dish.
🥟 Must-Try Dishes
Kurdish cuisine shines with dishes like kubba (stuffed bulgur balls) and biryani, a spiced rice dish with lamb or chicken. Head to Shanyan Restaurant on Gulan Street for excellent kubba, priced at 8,000 IQD for a plate.
🌯 Street Food Favorites
Don't miss the shawarma and kebab stalls along 100 Meter Road near the Family Mall. A chicken shawarma wrap costs about 3,000 IQD, while a lamb kebab sandwich is around 4,000 IQD. These stalls are busiest from 6 PM to midnight.
🍰 Sweet Treats
For dessert, visit Baklava House on Kirkuk Road, known for its fresh baklava and kunafa. A box of mixed pastries starts at 10,000 IQD. Pair it with a cup of strong Kurdish tea served at nearby tea houses.
🏘️ Hidden Neighborhood Gems
Explore the Ankawa district, a Christian quarter with excellent Middle Eastern bakeries and casual eateries. Try Abu Shahab Restaurant on Ankawa Main Street for grilled meats and mezze, with mains averaging 12,000 IQD.
💰 Local Prices
Dining in Erbil is affordable: a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs 10,000 to 20,000 IQD per person, while street food is 2,000 to 5,000 IQD. Fine dining at places like Dara Restaurant in the Empire World complex runs 30,000 IQD or more.
🚕 Getting Around for Food
Taxis are the easiest way to reach food spots, with fares starting at 3,000 IQD within the city. Use ride-hailing apps like Careem for fixed prices. Most restaurants are open from 10 AM to 11 PM, but street food stalls often stay open later.
🌙 Best Evening Spots
For a lively dinner scene, head to the Ainkawa district, where outdoor cafes and grills stay open until midnight. The area around Shanadar Park has several rooftop restaurants offering views of the city lights, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.
i've lived here for a few years and your guide is solid. one thing i'd add is that the kubba at shanyan is good but the kubba hamuth (the soup version) at khanzad restaurant on 60 meter road is even better. it's a sour broth with those stuffed bulgur balls and they serve it with fresh bread for 6,000 iqd. also, if you're after street food, skip the stalls near family mall and walk a bit further down 100 meter road toward the bazaar - there's a guy with a cart near the gold market who does lamb liver sandwiches for 3,000 iqd and they're honestly the best in the city. he's there from 7 pm until he runs out, usually around 10 pm.
the guide nails the main spots but skips the breakfast scene which is honestly erbil's best kept secret. head to qaysari bazaar early, like 7 am, and find the little shops near the textile section serving kahi - it's layers of flaky pastry with cream and date syrup, costs about 4,000 iqd. they do it fresh all morning and it beats any bakery you'll find elsewhere. also worth mentioning is the fish at samak al-iraq on 100 meter road near the zain tower, they grill it whole with tamarind and serve it with rice and salad for 18,000 iqd, the place is packed with locals on fridays
oh man, the guide is great but totally missed the tea culture. head to the chaikhanas near the citadel, like the one tucked behind the main gate, and get a glass of their smoky tea with cardamom for like 1,000 iqd. it's not on menus, just a guy with a samovar and plastic stools, best part of any meal there tbh