From Baghdad & From Basra: Babylon Walking Tour｜Iraq

Your journey begins at the legendary city of Babylon, located near modern Hillah in central Iraq. After meeting your guide at the main entrance, you will step onto the original processional pathways where ancient kings once walked.

The tour starts at the remains of the Ishtar Gate foundations, once one of the most magnificent gates of the ancient world. Your guide will explain how the original blue-glazed bricks decorated with dragons and bulls symbolized divine protection. From there, you will walk along the Sacred Processional Way, imagining the grand religious festivals that took place here over 2,500 years ago.

Next, you will explore the ruins of the Southern Palace, where King Nebuchadnezzar II ruled at the height of Babylon’s power in the 6th century BCE. You will stand inside the royal courtyards and learn about the empire that once stretched across Mesopotamia. Nearby, your guide will point out the area traditionally associated with the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and discuss the archaeological debates surrounding their true location.

You will then visit the massive brick foundations of the ancient city walls and view the remains of temples dedicated to Marduk, Babylon’s chief deity. Throughout the walk, your guide will share lesser-known historical facts, including inscriptions left by ancient rulers and later restoration efforts during the 20th century.

After exploring the archaeological site, the experience continues with a short drive up to the hilltop Saddam Hussein Palace. Built in the late 20th century overlooking the ruins, the palace offers panoramic views of the entire ancient city and the Euphrates River. Inside, you will walk through large halls and balconies, observing the contrast between modern political history and the deep antiquity of Babylon below.

The tour concludes with free time for photos from the palace terrace, where you can capture one of Iraq’s most unique historical contrasts: a modern palace standing above one of the oldest cities in human civilization.