The holy city of Karbala, is amongst the holiest cities for Muslims after Mecca and Medina. It is home to the Imam Hussein Shrine and his brother Al Abbas. Karbala is famous as the site of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein Ibn Ali, and commemorations are held by millions annually to remember it.

At the center of the old city is the, the tomb of Hussein Ibn Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Hussein's tomb is a place of pilgrimage for many Muslims, especially on the anniversary of the battle, the Day of Ashura and more other religious events such as Imam Hussain Arbaeen (40 days after the Day of Ashura), the birthday of Imam Mahdi (15 of Shaban), Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.

Another focal point of pilgrimage to Karbala is al-Makhayam, traditionally believed to be the location of Hussein's camp, where the death of Hussein and his followers is publicly commemorated.

To the west of Karbala is the Lake Milh (lake of salt), also known as Lake Razazah. An hour car drive south takes you to Najaf, where the holy shrine of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib is located. A one hour and half car drive to the north-east takes you to Baghdad, where the holy shrine of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim is located. Karbala is also well known city in producing dates.