CityBuddy
English
Things to Do in Shiraz, Iran
Photo made by Micha Höfer on Pexels.com
When to visit
Plan your perfect trip to Shiraz, Iran
Get a complete travel plan built just for you in under 30 seconds, with daily routes, local food tips, budget estimates and more.
Are any of these especially important to you?
Select all that apply
Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Shiraz, Iran
Among the best things to do in Shiraz, Iran is discovering ancient Persepolis, which lies 60 km northeast of the city. Do not forget to visit the tomb of the poet Hafez with its beautiful pavilion and the Nasir al-Mulk mosque, famous for its colorful stained glass windows that create a magical light show every morning.
1. Persepolis
A place where kings met gods 2500 years ago. You will walk down the staircase that Persian rulers once walked and touch the stone that remembers the times of the greatest empire of antiquity.
Quick facts: Over 500,000 visitors come here every year to admire the monumental staircase with 111 steps. A massive 125,000 stone blocks were used in the construction of this ceremonial complex, some of which weigh up to 40 tons.
Highlights: Did you know that Persian kings used to receive gifts from all nations of the empire here during the New Year, and 23 different delegations are depicted on the reliefs? At sunset, the rays fall precisely on the Gate of All Nations, creating a theatrical play of light and shadow on the thousand-year-old stone reliefs.
2. Hafez Tomb
Enter the world of Persian poetry and peace. Under a dome decorated with mosaics, you will experience a place where the past meets the present in a melody of verses.
Quick facts: Hafez's tomb is surrounded by a beautiful garden with orange trees and cedars, creating a peaceful atmosphere already at the entrance. Locals regularly come here to recite his poetry and seek inspiration, making it a living cultural center, not just a tourist attraction.
Highlights: Under the dome decorated with mosaics lies an alabaster tombstone engraved with verses from Hafez's poems. During warmer evenings, you can see locals sitting in the shade of cypress trees reciting his poetry to each other, creating a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
3. Saadi Tomb
You will enter the world of Persian poetry and rest in the shade of cedars. You will smell orange blossoms and hear the sound of water in traditional fountains.
Quick facts: Up to 50 members of the Saadi family are buried here, including his grandson and great-grandson, making it a family mausoleum. More than 800,000 visitors come here each year to pay tribute to the memory of the Persian poet.
Highlights: A river pearl crystal chandelier hangs above the poet's grave, over 200 years old and dating back to the Qajar dynasty. On the walls of the mausoleum, you will find verses carved directly into the stone, some of which are written in gold ink and reflect light like a mirror.
4. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
A mosque where light turns into art. You will experience a colorful symphony of stained glass that will transport you into a fairy tale.
Quick facts: The colored glass windows of the mosque create a rainbow show in the morning that lasts only about 90 minutes. Locals call it the "Pink Mosque" thanks to the pink tiles that cover its facade.
Highlights: When the morning sun penetrates through 12 colorful stained-glass windows, the entire prayer hall transforms into a sea of shimmering rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Persian carpets on the floor reflect these colors, creating an effect as if you were standing inside a kaleidoscope.
5. Eram Garden
A Persian fairy tale coming to life before your eyes. Walk along an alley of tall cypresses, taste sweet oranges straight from the tree, and let yourself be carried away by the scent of thousands of flowers.
Quick facts: Approximately 11,000 tiles cover the facade of this magnificent residence, each with a unique floral pattern. A cypress tree over 700 years old grows on the grounds, considered one of the oldest trees in all of Iran.
Highlights: While strolling through the garden, you may come across a small pavilion where the Qajars once held private musical performances right in the middle of the orange trees. The garden is designed so that the central pool reflects the palace facade almost perfectly, creating the illusion of a floating structure.
6. Vakil Bazaar
A vaulted labyrinth where trade has flourished for 250 years. Walk past fragrant spices, hand-woven carpets, and silver jewelry.
Quick facts: Under one roof it combines up to four different bazaars, covering an area of 10,000 square meters. During the summer heat, thanks to its clay walls and high vaulted ceiling, it stays pleasantly cool, about 10 degrees less than outside.
Highlights: In one of the side alleys you can try traditional tea at Hareme e Shiraz, a small tea house hidden behind heavy wooden doors. Locals consider its tea the best in the entire city, and they have been brewing it over charcoal for over 50 years.
7. Vakil Bathhouse
A place where the whole city once gathered for stories and tea. You will go through a narrow passage that will surprisingly lead you into a spacious, richly decorated hall with a marble fountain in the middle.
Quick facts: Beneath the dome, 18 meters high, lies a brilliant ventilation system. Thanks to it, the inside stays pleasantly cool even in summer when outside temperatures reach forty degrees.
Highlights: Under your feet there is a heated floor made of natural stone, which warms your feet even in winter. Notice the small vaults and skylights in the ceiling; they are designed so that light falls exactly onto the spots where people used to relax.
8. Shah Cheragh Holy Shrine
A place where the sky is reflected in millions of mirrors. You will enter a hall sparkling like a starry sky and feel the peace that surrounds you.
Quick facts: Inside the shrine, more than 7 million pieces of mirrored glass shine, hand-placed into mosaics. Over 5 million pilgrims come here every year, making it one of the most visited sacred sites in Iran.
Highlights: Beneath the dome there is a mirror room where thousands of sparkling shards create the illusion of an endless starry sky. After sunset, the shrine turns into a sea of light, glowing in shades of blue, green, and gold reflected in every single piece of glass.
9. Arg of Karim Khan
The only fortress in Iran with circular towers and a secret underground system. You will walk along the walls, smell the orange trees, and peek into the royal bathhouse with original frescoes.
Quick facts: Its thick brick walls reach up to 3 meters at the base and have withstood several devastating earthquakes, including the one in 1824. Of the original four towers, only two have survived to this day, one of which leans by 3 degrees and is called by locals the "Iranian Pisa."
Highlights: At the back of the courtyard you will discover a secret room with a direct view of the onion-shaped domes of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, which turn purple in the light. During humid evenings, the brick walls literally breathe out the water they absorbed during the day, and the courtyard smells of wet clay and orange trees.
10. Quran Gate
A symbolic entrance to the city of poets and gardens. Walk under the giant hands holding the Quran and let yourself be enchanted by the play of light on the stone book.
Quick facts: Two giant hands holding an open Quran have been welcoming everyone arriving in Shiraz since 2005. This 32-meter-high gate is a replica of the original 10th-century gate, built by the ruler Adud al-Dawla.
Highlights: Every night, the gate lights up with hundreds of LED lights that highlight the calligraphy on the stone book. On clear evenings, locals believe that the light reflecting off the glass mosaic creates the illusion of sparkling stars on the surrounding trees.
Where to Stay in Shiraz, Iran
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in Shiraz, IranPowered by agoda
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Faludeh Shirazi
Faludeh Shirazi is one of the oldest known frozen desserts in the world, dating back over 400 years. It is made with thin rice starch noodles, semi-frozen rosewater syrup, and a squeeze of lemon or sour cherry juice.
Bastani-e Shirazi
Also known as Persian ice cream, Bastani-e Shirazi is a fragrant frozen treat made with saffron, rosewater, and chunks of frozen clotted cream. It is believed to have originated in Shiraz and is often served with Faludeh for a classic duo.
Kolucheh Shirazi
Kolucheh Shirazi is a delicate, buttery shortbread cookie filled with cinnamon, cardamom, and ground dates or walnuts. These cookies are a beloved souvenir from Shiraz and are often served with tea during family gatherings.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Kalam Polo
Kalam Polo is a signature Shirazi dish made with rice, cabbage, herbs, and tender chunks of lamb or beef. It is uniquely flavored with cinnamon, turmeric, and dried lime, giving it a warm and slightly tangy taste that is distinct to the region.
Dopiazeh Aloo
Dopiazeh Aloo is a traditional Shiraz stew made with lamb, prunes, and split peas cooked in a rich tomato and onion base. The name "Dopiazeh" means "two onions," referring to the generous amount of caramelized onions that give the dish its deep, sweet flavor.
Yatimcheh
Yatimcheh literally means "little orphan" in Persian, named for its simplicity as it contains no meat. This hearty Shirazi dish features a stewed blend of eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, and garlic, often served with warm bread or rice.
Traditional Beverages
Sharbat-e Sekanjebin
Sharbat-e Sekanjebin is a refreshing Shirazi drink made from a slow-simmered syrup of vinegar, honey or sugar, and mint. It is traditionally enjoyed in the hot summer months and is believed to help cool the body and aid digestion.
Sharbat-e Golab
Sharbat-e Golab is a fragrant rosewater concentrate mixed with sugar and chilled water, creating a floral and soothing drink. Shiraz is famous for its roses, and this beverage directly reflects the city's longstanding tradition of rose cultivation and distillation.
Doogh-e Shirazi
Doogh-e Shirazi is a savory, tangy yogurt drink blended with sparkling water, dried mint, and a pinch of salt. Unlike other variations, the Shirazi style is often carbonated and served ice-cold, making it the perfect accompaniment to the city's hearty rice dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shiraz, Iran
Is Shiraz in Iran safe for tourists?
How many days do I need to visit Shiraz?
When is the best time to visit Shiraz in Iran?
Is Shiraz in Iran expensive for tourists?
How to get around Shiraz in Iran?
Get a PDF with the most popular attractions sent to your email
Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips. Perfect for offline use.
Most popular day trips
Persepolis
Ancient ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Pasargadae
Tomb of Cyrus the Great and ruins of the first Achaemenid capital
Naqsh-e Rostam
Ancient necropolis with rock reliefs of Achaemenid and Sassanid kings
Maharloo Lake
Pink salt lake with striking colors, popular for photography
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Tehran to Shiraz line, connecting via Isfahan and Yazd
From Shiraz International Airport, taxis and ride-hailing apps take 20-30 minutes to the city center. The metro also connects the airport.
Find flights to Shiraz, Iran
Click to get eSim for Shiraz, Iran
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Comments (7)
Bring small bills for the bazaar. Most shopkeepers never have change and youll get stuck overpaying or walking away empty handed.
Weather was perfect in late October. Not too hot, comfortable for walking everywhere. Definitely the best time to go.
Dont bother with the tourist cafes on the main streets. Walk into the alleys around Hafez's tomb area for real Persian tea at half the price.
Mixed feelings. Some beautiful corners but also a lot of trash in the streets and pushy vendors near the bazaar. Not my favorite Iranian city.
The mosque architecture in Shiraz is unreal. Nasir al-Mulk at sunrise is worth the early wake up, no question about it.