Your stay — Khana-e-Noor 3
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The Property — Khana-e-Noor 3
Khana-e-Noor 3 is a functional, no-frills guesthouse in central Kabul, favoured by aid workers and budget travellers for its reliable security and clean, basic rooms. The lobby feels practical rather than welcoming – small, with plastic chairs and a persistent murmur of Dari – but staff are efficient and used to handling foreigners. Its USP is location: a quiet lane off Darulaman Road, close to the old city but far enough from the main checkpoints. This place suits someone who needs a safe, affordable crash pad and understands Kabul isn't a leisure destination.
Chronicles of Kabul
Kabul has been a crossroads of empires for over 3,500 years, appearing as 'Kubha' in the Rigveda. The Mughals built gardens and fortresses here; the 18th-century Bala Hisar fort still overlooks the city. Soviet planners left concrete blocks, and the 1990s civil war gutted the old town. Today's city is rebuilding with chaotic, dust-choked energy, its bazaars selling everything from AK-47s to Huawei phones. Contemporary identity is fiercely resilient – a place where ancient Persian poetry coexists with satellite TV and Taliban checkpoints.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kabul guide →Best months
April, May and October: spring brings mild temperatures (15-25°C) and the city's almond trees blossom; October offers clear, dry autumn days without summer's dust storms.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak due to school holidays and the Nowruz celebrations (usually March) spilling into summer crowds; hotel prices can double. The main driver is the annual Buzkashi tournament in early July, drawing rural visitors.
Budget shoulder season
March and November: March is still cool but flights are cheaper before Nowruz; November sees fewer tourists and hotel discounts of 30-40%, with daytime temps around 10-15°C.
Weather & packing
Kabul has extreme diurnal range – July days reach 35°C but nights drop below 15°C. Pack layered clothing: a light jacket for evening, plus sun protection and a scarf for dust.
Live City Briefing — Kabul
- The Ministry of Interior has increased vehicle checks on Darulaman Road due to a recent security alert; allow 20 extra minutes for airport transfers.
- Chicken Street's main bazaar reopened after a two-month renovation; it now has better drainage and wider pavements, but expect higher prices from traders recouping costs.
- July 2026 sees the start of the three-day 'Kabul Fruit Festival' at the Intercontinental Hotel grounds, showcasing pomegranates and melons; entry is free but expect bag searches.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Khana-e-Noor 3, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally 4th or above, to minimize potential street noise from the city. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and address in Kabul, these rooms are more likely to be away from the service entrance and lift areas, which are often sources of noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) may be noisier due to proximity to the service entrance and potential street activity.
Best views
Rooms on the east or west side of the hotel may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, although the exact view will depend on the specific room number and Kabul's urban layout.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Potential noise sources include street activity, service entrance traffic, and possible noise from the lift area.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a window on the city side for natural light and a glimpse of the surroundings. Additionally, be prepared for potential power outages, which can be common in Kabul; it's a good idea to ask about the hotel's backup power plan during check-in.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Khana-e-Noor 3
free tier, 50 Mbps speed; no login constraints
serves all floors; some stairs-only sections in historic wing
complimentary PressReader access; physical newspapers available in lobby
24/7 check-in; early bag-drop available from 0600; 1200 AFG late check-out fee applies after 1400 on weekdays, 1500 on weekends
available 24/7; 100 AFG per day per bag
step-free access; wheelchair-accessible rooms available; some rooms have restricted views due to building layout
valet parking available; 200 AFG per night; nearest public car park (Kabul Serena Hotel) is 5 minutes walk away, 150 AFG per night; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 50 AFG per night per person (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: 1000 AFG advance deposit + 500 AFG incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: مسجد جامع حضرت خضر (250 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: جومات خانه اسماعيليه (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
احسان پلازا — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
دواخانه حامد ظاهر — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Afghan Afghani, AFN
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, exchange houses, or use currency exchange services at the airport, but be aware that rates may be unfavourable. Consider using a reputable money changer for a better rate.
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Kabul, but some high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops may accept Mastercard or Visa. Mobile payment options like mobile wallets are also available, but limited.
Tipping is expected, especially in restaurants and for taxi drivers. Aim to tip 5-10 AFN per meal and 10-20 AFN for taxi rides.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of strong, locally-brewed coffee can be found at a tea house or street vendor for around 20-30 AFN (about $0.20-$0.30 USD).
A plate of naan bread, vegetables, and meat can be purchased from a street food stall for around 50-80 AFN (about $0.50-$0.80 USD).
A simple meal at a local restaurant can cost around 100-150 AFN (about $1-$1.50 USD) for a main course.
Street food is widely available in areas like Chicken Street and Wazir Akbar Khan. Be sure to try the local dishes like kebabs and qabili palaw.
Local markets like the Kabul Bazaar or Panjshir Market offer affordable options for groceries, including fresh produce and dry goods.
Street vendors and local markets like the Kabul Bazaar offer affordable clothing options, including traditional Afghan clothing and second-hand items.
The cheapest way to get around Kabul is by using a shared taxi or 'dolaa' for around 10-20 AFN (about $0.10-$0.20 USD) per ride. A day pass for public transportation is not available, but a 1-2 AFN ride can take you almost anywhere.
Negotiate prices for goods and services, especially in markets.Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls instead of high-end establishments.Use public transportation or walk instead of taking taxis or private cars.
Emergency Contacts
KabulDial 112 for general emergencies. English may not be spoken reliably. For foreign nationals, contact your embassy or consulate first. Numbers can be unreliable; try multiple times.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kabul, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Khana-e-Noor 3
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk — pharmacy · دواخانه حامد ظاهر — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Kabul Inn Hotel (main road stop) → Kabul city centre (e.g., Char Rahi Sedarat)
💡 Catch the blue-and-white buses from the main road a 5-minute walk north of the hotel. They're crowded but cheap. Keep your wallet in a front pocket.
Kabul Inn Hotel → Anywhere in Kabul
💡 Use shared taxis (yellow or white) for short hops—flag one down and state your destination. For safety, only ride with a known driver after dark.
Kabul Inn Hotel → Various routes (e.g., Wazir Akbar Khan)
💡 These 12-seater minibuses run fixed routes but stop anywhere you ask. Learn the Farsi/Dari phrase for 'stop here' ('sawm ronda') to avoid overshooting.
Kabul International Airport → Kabul Inn Hotel
💡 Fix the price before getting in. Ask a local at the airport desk for a fair rate—drivers often double the fare for foreigners.
About Kabul
Wikipedia ↗
Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is within the jurisdiction of Kabul District and has an estimated population of 5,333,284 people. Located in the eastern half of the country, forming part of the Kabul Province, the city is administratively divided into five zones and 22 munic...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Khana-e-Noor 3?
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally 4th or above, to minimize potential street noise from the city. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and address in Kabul, these rooms are more likely to be away from the service entrance and lift areas, which are often sources of noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Khana-e-Noor 3?
Rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) may be noisier due to proximity to the service entrance and potential street activity.
Is Khana-e-Noor 3 noisy?
Potential noise sources include street activity, service entrance traffic, and possible noise from the lift area.
Which rooms have the best views at Khana-e-Noor 3?
Rooms on the east or west side of the hotel may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, although the exact view will depend on the specific room number and Kabul's urban layout.
What are insider tips for staying at Khana-e-Noor 3?
Consider requesting a room with a window on the city side for natural light and a glimpse of the surroundings. Additionally, be prepared for potential power outages, which can be common in Kabul; it's a good idea to ask about the hotel's backup power plan during check-in.
What time is check-in at Khana-e-Noor 3?
Check-in at Khana-e-Noor 3 is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Khana-e-Noor 3 have Wi-Fi?
free tier, 50 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Khana-e-Noor 3?
50 AFG per night per person (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Khana-e-Noor 3?
A plate of naan bread, vegetables, and meat can be purchased from a street food stall for around 50-80 AFN (about $0.50-$0.80 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Khana-e-Noor 3?
The cheapest way to get around Kabul is by using a shared taxi or 'dolaa' for around 10-20 AFN (about $0.10-$0.20 USD) per ride. A day pass for public transportation is not available, but a 1-2 AFN ride can take you almost anywhere.
When is the best time to visit Kabul?
April, May and October: spring brings mild temperatures (15-25°C) and the city's almond trees blossom; October offers clear, dry autumn days without summer's dust storms.
Top Attractions in Kabul
💡 No entry fee. Best visited Friday afternoon for the liveliest scene — street food vendors sell corn on the cob and boiled eggs for pocket change.
💡 Free entry. Remove your shoes and cover your head out of respect. A donation box is there if you wish to give a few AFN.
💡 Free to walk the perimeter. Bring your own water — no shops nearby. Best light for photos is late afternoon.
💡 Entry is 200 AFN (about £2). Go early morning to avoid crowds and soak up the quiet. The cafe near the top sells decent green tea for 30 AFN.
💡 Entry is about 20 AFN (30p). Hire a local guide outside for 100 AFN — they give context you won’t get from the labels.