A short history of Kabul

Kabul has stood on the routes between Central Asia, Persia and India for thousands of years. It was ruled by Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic dynasties before Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire, made it his base in the early 1500s. Babur loved the city so much that he asked to be buried here, and his garden tomb still overlooks Kabul. In 1776 Timur Shah Durrani moved the capital from Kandahar to Kabul, and it has been the capital of Afghanistan ever since. The 20th century brought modernising kings, decades of war and, today, a city rebuilding fast.

Top things to see in Kabul

  • Babur's Garden (Bagh-e Babur). Terraced Mughal gardens on the hillside, with Babur's tomb, a small marble mosque and views across the city.
  • National Museum of Afghanistan. Treasures from across the country's history, from Buddhist sculpture to Islamic art.
  • Darul Aman Palace. The grand palace built in the 1920s for King Amanullah Khan, damaged in the civil war and since restored.
  • Murad Khani and the old city. Restored old-town houses and courtyards, home to traditional crafts: woodcarving, calligraphy and ceramics.
  • The bazaars. The bird market (Ka Faroshi), the money changers' market and the lanes along the Kabul River.
  • Shah-e Doh Shamshira Mosque. The yellow "King of Two Swords" mosque on the riverbank, one of Kabul's most photographed buildings.
  • Chicken Street. Carpets, lapis lazuli, antiques and handicrafts, a favourite with visitors since the 1960s.
  • Views over Kabul. Bibi Mahru hill and Wazir Akbar Khan hill give the best panoramas at sunset.

Day trips from Kabul

  • Panjshir Valley: a river valley in the mountains north of the city.
  • Istalif: a hillside village known for its blue-glazed pottery.
  • Paghman: the old royal summer gardens in the hills west of Kabul.

Travel outside the city needs provincial permit letters: see traveller permit letters.

Arriving in Kabul

Most visitors fly into Kabul International Airport, usually via Dubai or Istanbul. If you're on the e-Visa, Kabul airport is the only entry point. We meet guests at arrivals: see airport transfers.

Where to stay

Most visitors stay in the central districts, close to the old city and an easy drive from the airport. See hotels and guesthouses.

How long to spend in Kabul

Two full days covers the main sights at a relaxed pace. Add a day for Panjshir or Istalif. Our 3-day Kabul group tour is the shortest way to see the city with a guide.

Good to know

  • Dress modestly; women cover their hair. See the dress code guide.
  • Don't photograph checkpoints, officials or government buildings.
  • Carry cash in US dollars or afghanis; cards are rarely accepted.
  • Read our safety guide before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kabul worth visiting?

Yes. Kabul has Mughal gardens, palaces, museums, shrines and some of the most lively bazaars in Central Asia, and it is the starting point for almost every trip in Afghanistan.

How many days do you need in Kabul?

Two full days for the main sights, three if you add a day trip to Panjshir or Istalif.

Since when has Kabul been the capital of Afghanistan?

Since 1776, when Timur Shah Durrani moved the capital from Kandahar to Kabul.

Who is buried in Babur's Garden?

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, who died in 1530. His tomb is in the garden he laid out on the hillside.

Do I need a permit to visit Kabul?

Not usually for the city itself. You need provincial permit letters to travel beyond Kabul.

Sources

This guide is written and checked by the HAMIDI TMC travel team. Rules change often in Afghanistan: message us before you book anything that depends on them.