This ancient Afghan capital reflects decades of change, from traditional bazaars to modern buildings, with daily calls to prayer echoing across its busy streets and 4 million residents.
Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city, lies 5,900 feet above sea level between the Āsamāʾī and Sherdawaza mountain ranges. You can walk through the 16th-century Gardens of Babur, explore the marble halls of Darul Aman Palace, or browse handmade carpets in the bazaars along the Kabul River. The city played a significant role in the 1960s and 70s as a stop on the hippie trail between Europe and South Asia.
Location and Climate
The Kabul River cuts through the city center, with the Āsamāʾī mountains rising to the west and Sherdawaza range to the east. Winter temperatures drop to 20°F (-5°C) with regular snowfall from December to February. Summer days reach 90°F (32°C). The heaviest rainfall occurs during March and April, with occasional monsoon showers in early August.
Getting Around Kabul
The city covers 1,023 square kilometers. You can travel by taxi or private car for longer distances. Public buses connect major neighborhoods, while shared minibuses run set routes between the center and suburbs. Hamid Karzai International Airport lies 25 kilometers from downtown, with flights by Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air to regional and international destinations.
Gardens and Historical Sites
The Gardens of Babur contain terraced flowerbeds and water channels following the original 16th-century Mughal design. The garden's Queen's Palace hosts art exhibitions and performances. The white marble Darul Aman Palace rises at the end of a tree-lined avenue, while the Arg (Presidential Palace) complex includes buildings from different periods of Afghan architecture.
Markets and Shopping Areas
The bridges of Pul-e Shah-Do Shamshira and Pul-e Khishti connect the bazaars on both banks of the Kabul River. You'll find carpet weavers, metalworkers, and spice merchants in these traditional market areas. The modern Kabul City Center mall contrasts with the old-world atmosphere of Flower Street and Chicken Street, where local artisans sell handicrafts and antiques.
Cultural Venues
The National Museum of Afghanistan displays Buddhist sculptures, Islamic manuscripts, and pre-Islamic artifacts in its Dārulāmān location. The French Cultural Centre and Goethe Institute organize contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events. Kabul University's tree-lined campus dates from 1932 and remains an active center of education.
Accommodation and Safety
The Shahr-e Naw and Wazir Akbar Khan districts, part of the Green Zone, contain the main concentration of international hotels and guest houses. These neighborhoods maintain higher security standards and cater to foreign visitors and business travelers.
