This active industrial center in northwestern Iran houses ancient mosques, a historic bazaar, and major manufacturing facilities, including steel and petrochemical plants.
Tabriz, Iran's sixth-largest city, lies in a valley between the Sahand and Eynali mountains in the country's northwest. Walk through the 4,500-year-old streets to discover the world's largest covered bazaar, where merchants sell handwoven carpets in vaulted passageways dating to the 1700s. Visit the Blue Mosque to see its remaining turquoise tiles, explore the cave homes of nearby Kandovan village, or dine at the palace restaurant floating on El Goli lake.
Getting to and Around Tabriz
You can fly to Tabriz International Airport from Tehran, Istanbul, and several Middle Eastern cities. In the city, use the metro line running through the center, catch public buses on major streets, or take shared taxis called "savari."
The Historic Bazaar Complex
The Bazaar of Tabriz covers 27 interconnected sections, each dedicated to specific goods. Walk through brick domes and arched corridors from the 18th century to find spice merchants, jewelers, and the city's renowned carpet sellers. Stop to watch carpet weavers working at their looms and try local sweets like nabat (saffron rock candy) from market vendors.
Local Food
Try koofteh tabrizi, large meatballs stuffed with nuts and dried fruit, or warm up with abgoosht, a mutton soup served with bread. Local confectioners make gaz (nougat), pashmak (candy floss), and baklava. You'll find these specialties in restaurants throughout the city center.
Parks and Urban Spaces
At El Goli Park, walk around the square artificial lake to reach the former royal pavilion, now a restaurant. Follow paths through gardens and past fountains, where local families gather in the evenings. Visit Golestan Park, dating from the early 20th century, for walking trails and traditional tea houses.
Architectural Sites
The Blue Mosque (Masjed-e Kabud) retains sections of its intricate blue tile work, despite damage from an 1800s earthquake. In the city center, you can climb the 14th-century Arg fortress with its thick brick walls. See pre-Islamic and Islamic artifacts at the Azerbaijan Museum near downtown.
Day Trips from Tabriz
Drive 60 kilometers south to Kandovan, where residents live in homes carved into cone-shaped volcanic rocks. The village layout resembles Turkey's Cappadocia region. You can also visit Sarein's mineral hot springs and soak in thermal pools while looking at the surrounding mountains.
Shopping and Crafts
Find leather workshops, jewelry makers, and textile producers throughout the city. Tabriz earned the title of World Carpet Weaving City for its hand-knotted carpets - visit specialized bazaar sections or modern carpet shops to see the craftsmanship.
Practical Information
Plan your visit during spring or fall to avoid hot summers and cold winters. Most shops close on Fridays and during religious holidays. Bring cash to exchange, as international credit cards don't work in Iran. Women must wear headscarves in all public spaces.
