Best things to do in Kabul

Find out more about those top places in Kabul

Things to do in Kabul - Afghanistan

A Travel Guide to Kabul: Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Afghanistan’s Resilient Capital

Afghanistan might not top many travel bucket lists right now—understandably, given its complicated recent history—but for the adventurous soul seeking off-the-beaten-path places to visit, Kabul offers a glimpse into a nation rich in culture, resilience, and breathtaking heritage.

Let’s be real: sightseeing in Kabul isn’t exactly a hop-on-hop-off-bus kind of experience, and safety is still a major consideration. But if you’re already in the region or traveling with proper guidance, Kabul can surprise you with its historical depth, local hospitality, and moments of unexpected beauty.

Kabul: The Beating Heart of Afghanistan

Kabul is Afghanistan’s largest city, with over 5 million residents calling this mountainous, energetic capital home. Once a vital stop on the ancient Silk Road, Kabul has long been a crossroads of cultures and empires. While it’s still on the road to recovery, the city is working hard to reclaim its place as the cultural and economic center of the country.

So, what are the top attractions in Kabul? Let’s dive in.

Gardens of Babur: Where History Meets Chill Vibes

First up on your Kabul travel guide is the Gardens of Babur—a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city and the final resting place of Babur, the first Mughal emperor. The gardens offer a surprisingly serene escape from the city’s buzz, with beautifully landscaped terraces, restored Mughal architecture, and sweeping views of the Kabul skyline. It's the kind of spot where you can reflect, sip tea, and maybe even forget you’re in a city that’s been through a lot.

Darul Aman Palace: A Royal Comeback Story

Next on your list of things to do in Kabul is a visit to the Darul Aman Palace. This majestic, neoclassical palace once symbolized Afghanistan’s dreams of modernization in the early 20th century. After decades of war left it in ruins, it has recently undergone restoration—talk about a glow-up! Today, it's an iconic symbol of the city's enduring spirit.

Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque: A Unique Architectural Gem

Then there’s the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque, a pastel-yellow beauty with Italian baroque flair. Yes, you read that right—Italian baroque in Kabul. This mosque stands out not just for its distinctive architecture, but for its layered history and central location. It’s one of the most photogenic buildings in the city, and a must for any sightseeing itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Kabul, Against All Odds

Sure, Kabul might not be the most obvious tourist magnet, and this isn’t your typical travel guide with beach bars and Instagrammable brunch spots. But for the curious traveler willing to see beyond the headlines, it offers stories, sights, and a kind of beauty that’s both fragile and fiercely proud.

If you do consider visiting, make sure to plan carefully, travel with local guidance, and keep up with current advisories. Kabul is not for the casual tourist—but for the intrepid one, it’s unforgettable.

Gardens of Babur

The imperial Gardens of Babur are one of many historical parks developed by the Mogul Princes, but it is clearly the most significant – it contains the remains of the first Mughal Emperor Babur. According to Babur memoirs “the Baburnama”, the garden was developed around 1529 - wonderfully designed in a charbagh (four gardens) pattern covering over 11 hectares. The garden features a lovely pavilion built by Abdur Rahman Khan and a small marble mosque. Asides the tomb of Babur, the Garden of Babur is also the resting place of other notable members of the Babur family.
National Museum of Afghanistan

Also known as the Kabul museum, it was the most important museum in Central Asia before suffering from numerous cases of lootings, especially during the country’s 1992 civil war - when over 70 percent of the museums items were stolen. Used as a Mujahidin base, it suffered more damaged when rocket attacks struck its top floor. Fast forward to present day the museum is now dedicated to displaying Afghanistan rich heritage, some of its prized collection include sculptures of Afghan deities in its Nuristani galley. It also has a nice garden where visitors can relax.
Royal Durul Aman Palace

Situated close to the National Museum of Afghanistan is the Durul Aman Palace, the structure is mainly currently in ruins with renovation plans ongoing. The palace which means “abode of peace” was built under the orders of King Amanullah Khan, with a neoclassical architectural style it was designed by French and German architect. Not much to see but worth the visit due to its historical significance.
Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque

Kabul being an Islamic city is filled with several mosques of different shapes and sizes, but the most popular of all is the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque. Located on Andarabi Road, just off the Kabul River - the mosque is hard to miss with its bright yellow colored exterior. Built during the reign of Amanullah Khan, the mosque has a striking resemblance with Istanbul’s Ortakoy Mosque. Well revered by the citizens of Afghanistan, it is one of the most visited mosques in the country.
Kabul Zoo

One of the most interesting places in the city – inaugurated in 1967, it was also one of the casualties of the country civil war, losing some of its shine. Currently, it has a wide range of animals including birds, mammals and fish. At the entrance of the zoo is a bronze statue of Marjan the country’s famous Lion that died in 2012, another thing that should catch your eye is “Afghanistan’s only pig” famed to be the only pig in the country due to Islamic beliefs.