1. WAZIR AKBAR KHAN HILL
Wazir Akbar Khan Hill is a peaceful park located on a hill in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. From the top of the hill, visitors can enjoy wide and beautiful views of the city. Because of its calm environment and scenic landscape, it is a popular place where people go to relax, walk, and spend time with friends and family.
After the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, a very large white flag was raised in the park. The flag measures about 40 meters wide and 26 meters high, making it one of the largest flags in the country. Written on the flag in black letters is the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith. The flag is presented as a symbol of independence, peace, brotherhood, and the values of the Islamic system.
In addition, a beautiful mosque has been built on Wazir Akbar Khan Hill. The mosque is named after Mullah Muhammad Omar. It was constructed based on a proposal from the Ministry of Interior and financially supported by the Turkish Islamic organization IDDEF. The architectural design of the mosque was inspired by the famous Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, giving it a distinctive and impressive appearance.
2. KA FEROSHI BIRD MARKET
The Ka Feroshi Bird Market, also known as the Alley of Straw Sellers, is a lively and charming spot in the heart of Kabul. Here, local people sell a variety of colorful birds, such as canaries and parrots, in small cages. Walking among the cages, hearing the birds’ songs, and seeing their bright colors offers visitors a unique glimpse into the culture and daily life of Kabul. The market is not only a place for buying and selling but also a space to experience the traditions, history, and natural beauty of Afghanistan.
3. DARUL AMAN PALACE
Darul Aman Palace is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Kabul. It was built in the 1920s by Amanullah Khan as part of his plan to modernize the country. The palace has three floors and about 150 rooms and was designed in a European-style architecture. It was heavily damaged during the civil war in the 1990s but was fully restored in 2019. Today, it is an important national monument and a popular place for tourists to visit.
4. MOHAMMAD NADIR SHAH HILL
Mohammad Nader Shah Hill is a well-known historical hill in Kabul. It is named after Mohammad Nadir Shah, who ruled Afghanistan from 1929 to 1933.
The hill is famous because the tomb of King Mohammad Nadir Shah is located there. The area has beautiful views of Kabul city and is surrounded by green spaces and walking paths. Because of its peaceful environment and historical importance, many people visit this place for sightseeing, relaxation, and learning about Afghanistan’s history.
Today, it is considered one of the cultural and historical places in Kabul that both locals and visitors like to explore.
5. BABUR GARDEN (BAGH-E BABUR)
The Gardens of Babur, or Bagh-e Babur, is one of Kabul’s most historic and scenic sites, dating back to the early 16th century. The garden is beautifully designed with terraced landscapes, flowing water channels, and lush greenery, offering a peaceful place to stroll and enjoy nature.
Within the gardens lies the tomb of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, as well as a small mosque and the nearby Queen’s Palace (Tajbeg Palace). Visitors can also explore a few souvenir shops where traditional clothes and artifacts, especially for women, are sold. The combination of history, architecture, and natural beauty makes Babur Garden a must-visit destination in Kabul.
Entrance fee for tourists: 350 Afghanis
6. SAKHI SHAH E-MARDAN SHRINE
The Sakhi Shah-e-Mardan Shrine, also known as the Sakhi Shrine, is one of Kabul’s most important religious and cultural landmarks. It is located in the Karte-Ye-Sakhi neighborhood in the northern part of the city, it is especially visited during Nowruz (Persian New Year), when thousands of people gather to pay respects and celebrate.
The shrine is beautifully decorated with glazed tiles in a neo-Safavid Persian style, creating a stunning visual display that reflects Afghanistan’s rich architectural and artistic heritage. Surrounded by open spaces and gardens, it is a place where people come to pray, reflect, and experience the spiritual and cultural traditions of Kabul.
7. OMAR MINE MUSEUM
The Omar Mine Museum in Kabul is a unique and educational destination dedicated to raising awareness about landmines and unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan. The museum is run by OMAR, the Organization for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation, which works to educate the public and promote safety.
The exhibits include a wide variety of landmines, unexploded artillery, cluster bombs, airdrop bombs, surface-to-air missiles, and even a collection of Soviet military aircraft from past conflicts. Visitors can also see vintage cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, adding a historical touch to the displays.
A key focus of the museum is education, especially for children, teaching them how to detect and avoid dangerous unexploded ordnance. Through its combination of history, military artifacts, and safety awareness, the Omar Mine Museum offers both a fascinating and meaningful experience for all visitors.
Entrance fee for tourists: 500 Afghanis
8. HAJI MIRZAMAN – KABUL’S LAST BOX CAMERA PHOTOGRAPHER
If you want a truly unique experience in Kabul, you can have your portrait taken with Mir Zaman Khan’s wooden box camera.
This historic box camera has survived decades of war, invasions, and even the Taliban’s ban on photography, making it the last of its kind in Afghanistan. While many of the original materials and photo papers have been replaced over time, the camera still offers a glimpse into the manual techniques of traditional photography.
In the past, photos were developed entirely inside the box camera, and the negatives were used to create the final prints. Although the process has changed today, visiting Mir Zaman Khan gives you a rare opportunity to experience Afghanistan’s photographic heritage firsthand.
Price for a portrait: 2000 Afghanis
9. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFGHANISTAN
The National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul is a small but fascinating museum showcasing the country’s rich history and culture. Visitors can see a variety of interesting artifacts, including ancient coins, pottery, manuscripts, and sculptures from different eras of Afghan history.
Entrance fee for foreigners: 100 Afghanis
Photography fee: 200 Afghanis, even for phone cameras.
Despite its size, the museum offers a valuable glimpse into Afghanistan’s heritage and artistic achievements, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Kabul.
10. MUJAHIDEEN BAZAAR IN KABUL
The Mujahideen Market, formerly known as Bush Bazaar after the U.S. president, is a bustling and historic market in Kabul. After the U.S. withdrawal, the Islamic Emirate renamed it to honor the Mujahideen.
During the U.S. invasion, military equipment from bases was sold here, and even today, the market has stalls selling military clothing and gear, alongside everyday items, fabrics, and traditional Afghan goods.
In the parking area next to the market, there’s a spot where guns are repaired, though photography is not allowed there.
Visiting Mujahideen Market offers a glimpse into Kabul’s vibrant trade, history, and unique local culture, making it a fascinating destination for curious travelers.
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