Top 10 Things to Do in Shiraz

Shiraz is one of the most romantic and soulful cities in Iran. Known as the city of love, literature, and gardens, Shiraz welcomes visitors with warm hospitality, rich history, and a relaxed atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home.

From ancient Persian empires and UNESCO World Heritage sites to colorful mosques, poetic tombs, and delicious local food, Shiraz offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

If you’re planning a trip to southern Iran, here is a curated list of the top things to do in Shiraz β€” perfect for first-time visitors and culture lovers.

Zand (Vakil) Complex

The City of Literature

Nasir-ol Molk MosqueΒ 

The City of Persian Gardens

Takht-e Jamshid (Persepolis)

Ghalat

Pasargadae

Outstanding Mirror Work

Sassanid Archaeological Landscape

Shiraz Bon Appetite

  1. Explore the Zand (Vakil) Complex – The Heart of Old Shiraz

The Zand Complex, also known as the Vakil Complex, is one of the most important historical areas in Shiraz. Built during the Zand Dynasty in the 18th century, it reflects the power and artistic taste of Karim Khan Zand.

Karim Khan Citadel (Arg-e Karim Khan)

This impressive citadel looks like a medieval fortress from the outside, but inside it follows traditional Iranian courtyard architecture. In spring, the scent of orange blossom trees fills the air, creating a magical atmosphere. Inside the rooms, life-sized statues tell stories of daily life during the Zand era.

Vakil Bath

Once a traditional Persian bath, today this beautifully preserved building functions as a museum. Through sculptures and architectural details, it introduces visitors to Iranian lifestyle, customs, and social life in the past.

Vakil Mosque

Vakil Mosque is famous for its elegant design and Haft Rang (seven-color) tiles, a signature style of Shiraz. Its peaceful courtyard and artistic interior make it one of the most photographed mosques in the city.

Vakil Bazaar

Walking through Vakil Bazaar feels like stepping back in time. This historic market is still alive with shops selling Persian carpets, spices, copper handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs. It’s one of the best places to experience local life in Shiraz.

NasΔ«r al-Mulk Mosque aka "Pink Mosque" | Shiraz

  1. The City of Literature: Hafez and Saadi

Shiraz is the birthplace of two of Iran’s greatest poets: Hafez and Saadi. Their words shape Persian culture to this day.

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Tomb of Hafez

Hafez is the most beloved poet in Iran. His poems about love, spirituality, and life are quoted daily by Iranians. Writers like Goethe and Nietzsche were inspired by his work.

Hafez’s tomb is not just a historical site β€” it’s a spiritual gathering place where locals come to read poetry, reflect, and connect with Persian literature.

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Tomb of Saadi

Saadi, a master of moral and social wisdom, is internationally known and frequently quoted in Western literature. His mausoleum is surrounded by a beautiful Persian garden, mirror work, and tile decorations that create a calm and thoughtful atmosphere.

  1. Nasir-ol Molk Mosque – The Pink Mosque of Shiraz

Known as the Pink Mosque, Nasir-ol Molk Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Shiraz.

In the early morning, sunlight passes through its stained-glass windows and paints the floor with colorful reflections. This magical play of light has earned it names like Rainbow Mosque and Kaleidoscope Mosque.

It’s a dream location for photographers and one of the most visually stunning mosques in Iran.

  1. Discover the Persian Gardens of Shiraz (UNESCO Heritage)

Shiraz is often called the city of Persian gardens, and for good reason. These gardens combine water, trees, architecture, and symmetry to create peaceful green spaces.

Eram Garden (UNESCO)

A historic botanical garden with tall cypress trees, a beautiful Qajar palace, and a long reflective pool. Eram Garden is one of the finest examples of Persian garden design.

Narenjestan-e Ghavam

A charming Qajar-era Garden filled with sour orange trees. The mansion features mirror halls, colorful tiles, muqarnas ceilings, and exquisite paintings.

Afif-Abad Garden

Once a royal residence during the Safavid era, today it houses a military museum. The architecture blends Achaemenid, Sassanid, Zand, and Qajar styles.

Nazar Garden (Pars Museum)

Built before the Zand dynasty and later expanded by Karim Khan, this garden features the octagonal Kolah Farangi pavilion and beautiful greenery.

Other lovely gardens include Jahan Nama Garden and Delgosha Garden.

  1. Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid) – Glory of the Achaemenid Empire

Located about 57 km north of Shiraz, Persepolis is one of Iran’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built by the Achaemenid kings, it was used for royal ceremonies such as Nowruz (Persian New Year). The massive columns, reliefs, and staircases still show the power of ancient Persia.

Nearby sites include:

  • Naqsh-e Rostam (royal tombs of Achaemenid kings)
  • Naqsh-e Rajab (ancient rock reliefs)
  1. Ghalat (Qalat) Village – Nature Escape Near Shiraz

Located about 36 km northwest of Shiraz, Ghalat is a mountain village with cool weather, stone alleys, waterfalls, and stair-shaped houses hidden among trees.

Visitors can explore old churches, water mills, and local handicrafts such as basket weaving and traditional shoes (Giveh). Cozy cafΓ©s and traditional restaurants make it a perfect day trip from Shiraz.

  1. Pasargadae – Tomb of Cyrus the Great (UNESCO)

Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire, was built by Cyrus the Great. Located 140 km north of Shiraz, it includes:

  • Tomb of Cyrus the Great
  • Remains of palaces
  • Ancient garden layout (Chahar Bagh)
  • Caravanserai ruins

It represents the early development of royal Persian architecture.

  1. Outstanding Mirror Work in Shiraz

Mirror work (Ayeneh Kari) is a unique Iranian art, and Shiraz has some of the finest examples.

Shah-e Cheragh Shrine

The third holiest shrine in Iran, famous for its breathtaking mirror-covered interior that reflects light in all directions.

Ali Ibn Hamze Shrine

A peaceful shrine with beautiful mirror decorations and a lovely courtyard garden.

Ghavam House

Located inside Narenjestan Garden, this Qajar-era mansion showcases stunning mirror halls, tile work, plaster art, and symmetrical design.

  1. Sassanid Archaeological Landscape (UNESCO)

Added to the UNESCO list in 2018, this landscape includes eight Sassanid sites in Firuzabad, Bishapur, and Sarvestan.

You can explore ancient cities, palaces, and reliefs from the Sassanid era, enjoy scenic routes, and even visit nomad camps depending on the season.

  1. Shiraz Bon AppΓ©tit – Taste the City

Shiraz is also famous for its food. Don’t leave without trying these local specialties:

Shirazi Salad

A fresh mix of cucumber, tomato, onion, dried mint, and verjuice β€” light, juicy, and perfect as an appetizer.

Kalam Polo

A traditional Shirazi rice dish made with cabbage, herbs, rice, and small meatballs. Simple, local, and delicious.

Faloodeh Shirazi

A famous cold dessert made with thin rice noodles, rose water syrup, and lime juice. The best faloodeh is found near Karim Khan Citadel.

Final Tip

Shiraz is best explored slowly β€” walking through gardens, listening to poetry, and enjoying long evenings with tea and conversation. Two to four days is ideal to truly feel the spirit of this beautiful city.

Iran Fritillaria

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Fritillaria: The upside down tulip has either stooped before Iran
Fritillaria flower which comes in red, yellow, and sometimes orange spreads over Iran’s lands after winter, and makes the lands beautiful at springs. Its life span is short and flowers at the end of Farvardin (April) and cease flowering at early Ordibehesht(May) as rain falls begin. Fritillaria has an ancient trace in Iran and its role could be seen on the top of Sasanid pillars and Taghe Bostan museum next to the Sasanid king. This flower owns a specific position in Iranian literature. In one of the Iranian old stories named β€œSiavash” this flower becomes upside down in order to grieve on the heroes innocence and never stands up again. Therefore, because of this story it is also called the tears of Siavash. People from antiquity believed that its upside down position and frost falling down is because of this catastrophe. This plant is in the category of poisonous plants while it is still utilized as a tranquilizer for rheumatic and joint aches. It is also used in purgative process of liver and traditional remedies. For the first time this plant was taken to Austria by European tourists who has visited Iran. It was then planted in royal families’ gardens, and from 19th century became common in Netherlands plant growing industry. As it was globalized it influenced many of the great artists and their works like Goethe. Therefore its beauty was granted to all mankind.
This generous plant which only lives for three weeks is magnificently beautiful and grants its beauty to every one.Β It is some how like seeing heaven when you open your eyes and see thousands and thousands of this flowers and silence knowing that no human being has ever planted them. This plant grows in mountainous regions of Iran and spreads wildly over Iran’s west part of Iran and dyes Zargros Mountains. You can see that this plant is most of all dense in Fritillaria lands of Chelgard region located in Chehar Mahal Bakhtiari province.
The Fritillaria grows and slowly cries at springs after is has passed the hibernation, and gives you spirit with its beauty. Its generosity grant you the medical benefits and the only think it asks for is to stay next to its own kind in the mountainous lands because it doesn’t survive more that 2 hours in any where else. It looks as if this plant, which is the symbol of its region, has upside down position before great creations and magnificence of its land.

Please check it out the tour of this blog in our website.

http://friendlyiran.com/st_tour/iran-fritillaria-tour/

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Iran nuclear deal and the future of tourism

Β You may have heard a lot of news about the nuclear negotiation between Iran and the 5+1 assembly. The result of this negotiation and the decisions that are made by political heads will take care of Iranians’ fortune and perhaps the future of many countries all around the world. Presumably, history will judge the final decision!!! However, this decision will have a strong influence on the economy, political relationships, cultural, and touristic aspects of the whole world.

Let’s accept this truth that without boundaries that make countries of different names and people with different originalities, whatever exists in the world belong to Him, and we are all a big family. Iran is a country willing to be friendly, however, these days some of his brothers and sisters are cruel to her. History and civilization have included all of us. Perhaps our ancestors were thinking about bringing peace and equality in the world while they were building Persepolis 2500 years ago. Perhaps they were trying to keep human dignity safe and establish a world without slavery with their art and intelligence. These people would have never thought of being forgotten by the rest of their families. It is not hard to follow if we say that apart from all around the world is included in Iran. A country that is the source of primary civilizations and natural attractions will for sure be a good target for the tourism industry. This industry will remind us that whenever we are tired of routine life, we can travel around the world and without any distortion help our minds find their peace in nature. We can perceive the glory of our ancestors in monuments and fragments. We can also have a smile from our brothers and sisters of long distances in our pictures. By doing so, we will find family everywhere and the most relaxing place ever.

Nowadays, there is a wrong image made about Iran outside of its geographical boundaries. You can find any reason and excuse in Iran that will make you willing to go to a country. If you are interested in nature, you will find the four seasons in this country. Considering herbal and animal species and all of the geological and biological sections, Iran is a rich valuable country. In this country, you will experience great forests on the north side, vast islands on the south side, mountains covered with snow on the west, and great desserts in its center. Whatever city and province you choose to visit in this country, you may not miss visiting monuments with thousands of years of history with a special architecture that you will see nowhere else in the world. Even if you can not stay for long, visiting cities like Shiraz, Tehran, Isfahan, and Yazd will suffice to see my words. You will experience ethnic food, clothing, architecture, music, and artificial man-made crafts in every city of this country so numerous that you will be truly excited. Unfortunately, having these privileges, Iran couldn’t have the chance to be the house of many members of the great family, however, those who have tried visiting this country have changed completely positively toward it. Eventually, Iran has not been justly presented to the ears all around the world.

Maybe if there weren’t any political trends around the world, people could have experienced a better significance of the word β€œfamily”. β€œRick Steves” the American adventurous movie director, has changed his view about Iran after his travel to this country. In the story he wrote about the time he had traveled to Iran, we will read that he was waiting for men with knives and guns in the plane, while he saw calm civilized people sitting next to each other. Tehran, the capital city of Iran, was just like other capitals around the world. He said that he could see the culture and magnificent architecture in Isfahan, and feel the glory of ancient civilization in Persepolis. He mentioned people who were smiling and were eager to start a conversation with you. He says that statesmen will come and go but people will always stay. We hope that whatever decision is made after these negotiations, there comes a time when all the brothers and sisters around the world will gather together in our country just the way it has once carved on Persepolis walls. We hope people will see Iran as part of their own history that is waiting for its family.

Take a break, sit back and relax, while we take care of your travel arrangements. Choose from a range of our tour packages, whether with inclusive flight tickets or without. Our custom-tailored packages guarantee an unforgettable experience with memories to cherish.

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