Persian gardens, mosques with intricate tiles, and historic bazaars line the streets of this cultural center. Try local kebabs and saffron ice cream at traditional restaurants.
Shiraz sits in southwestern Iran, where you'll walk past fragrant orange trees each spring and see light dancing through the stained glass windows of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. You can wander through the 19th-century Eram Garden with its historic mansion and 3,000-year-old cypress tree, or explore the massive Vakil Bazaar with its carpet workshops and spice merchants. Just outside the city, the stone ruins of Persepolis rise from the desert plain, marking what was once the ceremonial heart of ancient Persia.
Getting to Shiraz
Shiraz Shahid Dastgheib International Airport connects with Istanbul (daily Turkish Airlines flights), Dubai, and Doha (four weekly Qatar Airways flights). From within Iran, buses run regularly from Yazd (6 hours) and Isfahan (7 hours).
Climate and When to Visit
Winters are mild with afternoon temperatures around 12°C (53°F), while summer days heat up to 36-38°C (97-100°F). Orange trees bloom in May, when temperatures stay between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Plan your visit between March and May for the most comfortable walking weather.
Main Religious Sites
The mirrored walls and silver doors of Shah Cheragh shrine mark the tomb of Sayyid Ahmad, son of Imam Musa al-Kazim. Visit the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in the morning, when sunlight streams through its colored glass windows, creating rainbow patterns across the prayer hall floor.
Persian Gardens
Walk through Eram Garden's symmetrical pathways lined with cypress trees and roses. Water flows through stone channels past a three-story mansion decorated with 19th-century tiles. The garden's centerpiece, a 3,000-year-old cypress tree, stands near the main entrance.
Shopping and Markets
In the 18th-century Vakil Bazaar, you'll find carpet weavers working on traditional patterns, metalworkers hammering copper into shape, and spice sellers measuring out saffron and cardamom. The Persian Gulf Complex in northern Shiraz has more shops than any other mall in the world.
Local Food
Try Kalam Polow, a rice dish cooked with shredded cabbage, or Do Piaze Aloo, a sweet-sour stew made with plums and onions. The local Shirazi Salad combines diced cucumber, tomato, and onion with lime juice. Cool down with Shirazi Faloode - rice noodles in semi-frozen rosewater syrup.
Transportation in the City
The metro runs from Shahid Dastgheyb station (near the airport) to Ehsan station. City buses connect major sites, neighborhoods, and shopping areas. For taxis, negotiate your fare before starting the trip - drivers rarely use meters.
