Shopping in Baghdad - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

Do you like walking around colorful oriental markets and modern shopping centers? If you do, Baghdad will be a perfect holiday destination for you. The city has many attractive places to go shopping, some of which are iconic. Among these is historic Mutanabbi Street, which is the city's main bookselling site. The very first books in the history of the state were sold here hundreds of years ago, and the most attractive bookstores are located in this street today. Here you can buy beautiful Koran editions, books on the history and culture of the state, as well as colorful booklets describing local attractions. Many shops located in Mutanabbi Street are beautifully decorated in the historic style.

Another outstanding attraction of Baghdad is its old markets, each of which has its own unique features. The largest and liveliest one is Souq Al-Saray Market, presenting the most popular regional products on its counters. Here you can choose beautiful regional-style clothing, hand-woven carpets, and top-quality shoes made by local craftsmen. All kinds of oriental-style interior decorations are especially popular among tourists. You will also find stalls selling unique antiques and inexpensive souvenirs.

Another historic market to visit in Baghdad is Copper Market. Workshops employing professional copper craftsmen have been operating in this area for hundreds of years. Here, they make incredibly beautiful tableware and interior items made of copper. Traditional oriental copper jewelry is also available at the market. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

For the best local delicacies and sweets, head to Shorge Market. This one offers the best regional food products, including fragrant spices, dried fruits and nuts, high-quality tea, and the best coffees. You can also find non-food stalls at this market. Ladies should pay special attention to handmade soaps and organic cosmetics based on essential oils.

The city is home to many hereditary craftsmen who produce beautiful things of very high quality. Particular attention should be paid to shoes and other products made of genuine leather. Locals are really good at leather crafting. Women will love beautiful leather bags and wallets. Many leather products are decorated with hand embroidery. Baghdad has many jewelry stores selling first-class gold and gemstone jewelry. The prices are much more attractive here than in many other countries. And do not forget about wonderful copper jewelry.

Essential oils are a very popular regional product, which is used to produce perfumes and various cosmetics. Fans of original souvenirs should never pass by local antique shops where they sell many interesting antiques. Those who prefer practical souvenirs will love local textiles and pottery. One of the gifts for all times is oriental sweets and spices. Go to the local markets to choose dozens of varieties of baklava, dried fruits and nuts, as well as popular cookies.

If you like walking in modern shopping malls, head to Baghdad Mall. This one is the largest in town and houses dozens of shops of various profiles. Some of them sell amazing clothes in the regional style, as well as typical European clothes and shoes. Ladies will like numerous stores offering inexpensive jewelry and oriental cosmetics, as well as some cute souvenirs. The shopping center also has several shops selling household goods and ceramics. Interesting gastronomic pavilions can be found on the ground floor.

No less attractive is Babylon Mall where customers are offered goods for every taste and budget. Here, tourists might be especially interested in pavilions that specialize in leather goods and various original souvenirs like wonderful ceramics and wood crafts, beautiful copper accessories, and semi-precious stone jewelry. Besides, the mall has many shops selling children’s goods and toys that would be of interest to big families.