Shiraz, the city of history, flower, and poetry is one of the most tourist attractions cities of Iran. You probably read everywhere that Shiraz is a city of Poetry, Gardens, and Love. Well, that’s cliche, but I’ll show you that it’s not groundless. This city earned its reputation from those who are nowadays among the most famous Persian poets, Hafez and Sadi and still vibrates to their rhythm.
1) Read the Masters
The mausoleum of Hafez in Shiraz
As it constitutes the essence of the city, I would recommend you to begin your stay by visiting the tombs of these famous poets, the Hafezieh and the Sadieh.
Enjoy the shadow of a pine tree and read some ghazal, the Persian poetic form consisting of rhyming couplets and a refrain being carefull that each line has the same meter. Don’t forget to buy your English translation that can be found all around the place. Touch the mausoleum with your hand while you hold the book of Hafez with the other.
Don’t miss the mausoleum of Sadi out of the city. Built-in 1952 by the French architect André Godard, this charming place is a perfect spot to have lunch in the grass or meet Iranians. Don’t even try to fish or annoy the fishes that are under the mausoleum or you would be on pain of death! if you are looking for a luxury accomadation in Shiraz, check out this article: Best Shiraz hotels
2) Get on the track of the Zand Dynasty
A traditional shop in the Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz
The Zand dynasty ruled South and Central Iran during the 18th century and expanded its territories to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and parts of Iraq. Its leader, Amir Khan Zand established its capital in Shiraz and played a decisive role in constructing the wonderful city that we still enjoy today. you can arrive at Vakil Bazaar after a 16-minute walk from Eram hotel.
To discover the richness of the dynasty, go to the Vakil Bazar and admire the fabulous Sarâ-ye Moshir, a two-floors courtyard ornamented of ceramics. Don’t miss the Hamam Vakil with its mannequins playing traditional scenes of life and the Arge (citadel) Karim Khan. if you are looking for cheap accommodation in Shiraz, check out this article: cheap hotels in shiraz
3) Get on the track of the Achaemenids
The historical site of Persepolis- Photo by Hasan Almasi on Unsplash
That’s a must. Allow one of your days to visit the ancient capital of the Aechemenids. Get a taxi from anywhere in Shiraz and head first to Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid). Try to leave early in the morning so you have time to visit the other nearby historical attractions. Head next to Naqsh-e Rostam to admire the impressive tombs of the Aechemenids kings and the Elamites bas-relief. Last but not least, get a ride to the old capital of Cyrus the Great: Pasargadae. Count one day for this.
4) Get on the track of the Sassanid’s Heritage
Naqsh-e-Rajab, Shiraz, Iran
Don’t miss the historical site of Naqsh-e Radjab, only 1 km away from Naqsh-e Rostam and the Sarvestan Palace that has been built in the 5th century AD and was an important center for Zoroastrian.
5) Refresh yourself
The traditional Faloodeh ice cream of Shiraz
There are many special foods to Shiraz, but the Faloodeh is certainly the most emblematic. This delicious ice cream made of thin vermicelli noodles served with rose water syrup and lemon is the food incarnation of the essence of Shiraz. I would advise you to visit all monuments of Shiraz handling your camera in the left hand and a Faloodeh in the other.
6) The Gardens of paradise
The Eram Garden in Shiraz
Poetry goes hand in hand with gardens. Don’t miss the stunning gardens of the city. I would advise you to keep one garden for each day of your stay in Shiraz. As soon as you get tired of walking under the blazing sun of Shiraz, head to a park. As most of the gardens of the city surround museums, try to allow a few hours for each of them. Start by the most idyllic of them, the Eram Garden, built by a rich man.
If there are many gardens in the city, the most famous are the Afif-Abad Garden, the Eram Garden, and the Nazar Garden because of the Pars Museum standing that can be found in its middle and the small garden of the Zinat ol Molk House.
7) Food gardens
Shapouri Traditional Garden Restaurant in Shiraz
One can read everywhere that Shiraz is the city of the gardens but most of the people limit their experience to the Eram Garden. Enjoy a traditional lunch or dinner in one of the numerous food gardens of the city. Shiraz city is famous in Iran for the lifestyle of its people who are identified as relax and a little lazy. Experience Shiraz’s way of life by shooting the breeze with your friends for a couple of hours in one of these numerous food gardens. The most famous of them is certainly the Shapouri Garden Traditional Restaurant, the Nakhlestan Garden, the Darband Garden, and the Silvia Garden.
8) Canyoning and waterfalls
Canyoning in Raqez next to Shiraz
As every city of Iran, there is always something to do for those who like nature and adventure. Head to the impressive Margoon waterfalls. I have to admit that it is usually crowded, but you can enjoy a walk in the park and climb rocks, etc.
On the opposite direction from Shiraz is the Ragez Canyon that boasts more than 60 waterfalls and is a heaven for adventurous spirits. Please note that you need professional equipment to
9) Feel the religious atmosphere of the city
Nasir al Mulk Mosque- Photo by Steven Su on Unsplash
If Shiraz is the last city that you visit in Iran and you think you saw enough mosques for this trip, you are wrong. You have to visit the Nasir al-Mulk mosque built from 1876 to 1886. Don’t miss the Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine where the brothers of the 8th Imam of the Shiites are buried and the Vakil Mosque at the entrance of the Bazaar.
10) Delight your palate!
The traditional Kalam Polo of Shiraz
To understand Shiraz you must try its food. Start your day with the Ash Shirazi, a sort of soup accompanied with meat. Wake up early as it is served till 10 am. For lunch or dinner, as I’m sure you want more meat, with the traditional Kalam Polov, accompanied by a famous salad Shirazi that nuances with the heavy taste of meat. (You’ll easily find this salad in all restaurants in Iran).For your snack, fill your pockets of Nokhod cookies.
11) Meet the tribes: the Qashqai people
Qashqai women during a traditional celebration
Does it sound familiar? That’s where the name of the famous 4-wheels car of Nissan comes from. The Qashqai is one of these tribes that tirelessly cross the arid deserts following the rhythm of the seasons and fully represent what to be nomad means. Some of them settled down around the city of Shiraz and you’ll easily find them.
For more information about Shiraz city in Iran and visiting hotels located in the city, you can look: Shiraz Hotels
Don’t forget to walk under the Quran’s door before leaving Shiraz. People use to do this before leaving on a journey to get benediction and be protected.
Furthermore, as you know, the first step of traveling to every country is acquiring a visa, we have provided a really easy system and structure to help you get your visa in few minutes(actually filling the form would take no longer than 2-3 minutes),
So if you want to get your visa you can order from Iran visa page.
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By: Antoine Molliere