Erbil, Iraq
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Erbil.
The real Kurdish experience - ancient Citadel, traditional bazaar, local crowds. Very conservative dress required, almost no English. Fine for daytime sightseeing, but not comfortable in the evenings.
The 7,000-year-old Citadel sits in the center with the main square below where locals hang out all day - families, young people, old men in traditional dress. This is where you see actual Kurdish life, not the expat scene. The Qaysari Bazaar under the Citadel has spices, textiles, traditional crafts. You need conservative dress here - long sleeves, pants, headscarf helps. You'll get stares either way. Almost nobody speaks English except at the tourist sites and big hotels. The Downtown Erbil mall is the modern contrast - international brands and air conditioning. Police are around during the day since the Citadel brings tourists. After 9pm things quiet down a lot, though the main square stays somewhat active. It's very different day versus night, so plan your visit accordingly.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
ModerateHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
Very HighHomelessness Visibility
Very HighGetting By in English
ModerateSome mistakes you only make once in Erbil. But you shouldn't have to make them at all. This free checklist reveals the 5 safety pitfalls that catch solo women off guard — so you can avoid them before they happen.
"The Citadel was worth seeing but I felt really out of place"
"Covered everything including headscarf and still got stares"
"Nobody spoke English except at the Citadel entrance"
"Safe during the day but I took a Careem out before evening"
"Even fully covered I stood out and got a lot of looks"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
The nightlife street that stays open until sunrise. Young crowd, restaurants, clubs. Gets uncomfortable late at night when it's mostly men. Go earlier (7-10pm) if you're alone.
The modern dining and entertainment hub with restaurants, bars, and trendy spots. More cosmopolitan than traditional areas, better English, good for solo dining. Still follows Kurdish standards though.
Erbil's big park with lakes and gardens. Safe during the day, family-friendly, government security nearby. Good for getting outside, but still need conservative dress.
Help other women stay safe in Downtown / Citadel Area
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.