Intercontinental Hotel

Kabul


This venerable institution was Afghanistan’s first international luxury hotel. It’s a 20-minute drive from the centre of town if the traffic allows, but the hilltop location gives great views of Kabul. The recent refit has lifted the rooms considerably. ATO and Ariana have offices here. There’s also a gym, much needed after sampling the fare of the three restaurants. The pool sometimes has water, but don’t bother looking for the bikini-clad swimmers still sunning themselves in the old 1970s adverts.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kabul attractions

1. Kabul Zoo

2.37 MILES

The zoo is a popular place for Kabulis in need of recreation. Western animal lovers might find it more than a little depressing. Visitors are greeted…

2. National Archive

2.45 MILES

Holding over 15,000 documents, the National Archive is housed in a palace built at the end of the 19th century by Abdur Rahman Khan for his son. …

3. European Cemetery

2.79 MILES

This cemetery was built in 1879 by the British army for the dead of the Second Anglo-Afghan War. The cemetery contains around 150 graves. Most are from…

4. Babur's Gardens

2.8 MILES

Laid out by the Mughal ruler Babur in the early 16th century, and the site of his tomb, these gardens are the loveliest spot in Kabul. At 11 hectares,…

5. Shah-e Doh Shamshira Mosque

2.89 MILES

Called the 'Mosque of the King of Two Swords', the Shah-e Doh Shamshira Mosque on Kabul river must be one of the most unusual in Islam. Built in the 1920s…

6. National Gallery

2.89 MILES

The National Gallery contains a mix of historic pictures and paintings by modern Afghan artists. Like Kabul’s other cultural institutions, it didn’t…

7. Sultani Museum

2.9 MILES

This private museum in the same grounds as the National Gallery is something of a curiosity. It was set up in 2004 by Ahmad Shah Sultani, a gold trader…

8. Mausoleum of Abdur Rahman Khan

2.98 MILES

The tomb of the 'Iron Amir' sits in Zarnegar Park. Originally a palace, the building has a bulbous red dome atop a whitewashed drum, and fussy decorative…