Top Tourist Attractions in Shiraz
Nasr al-Mulk Mosque
Nasr al-Mulk mosque is possibly the most famous attraction in the city of Shiraz.
The windows are lavishly adorned with colourful glasses. Go early in the morning to really enjoy the splendour of this mosque. You will beat the crowd, and the sun will be in position to radiate colourful rays into the interior of the mosque.
For foreigners, the entrance cost is 100,000 IRR/ 2 EUR/ 3.30 AUD/ 2.40 USD.
Vakil Bazaar
Vakil Bazaar is the main bazaar of Shiraz. It is located in the city’s historical district. It is believed that the Buwayhids founded the market in the 11th century AD.
Vakil Bazaar is one of the most overwhelming bazaars I’ve ever visited. It has lovely courtyards, caravansarais, and baths houses. I enjoy strolling through the ancient shops, which are regarded as some of the best places in Shiraz to buy Persian rugs, spices, copper handicrafts, and antiques. It’s as if I’m making a purchase from a nomadic merchant a few hundred years ago.
There’s so much to see at this bazaar! You can’t turn your head without seeing a carpet. This bazaar also sells spices, clocks, and handbags, among thousands of other items.
There is no entrance fee but the real challenge would be to try to not overspend while walking through the bazaar.
Vakil Bath
Vakil Bath is a magnificent representation of Zand Dynasty architectural advances. It was built in the heart of Shiraz during the reign of Karim Khan Zand. This edifice is famed for its aesthetic flair. Visitors walk with their heads held high because the ceiling is much more impressive. It is also on the list of Iran’s National Heritage.
Statues are placed throughout the bathhouse to demonstrate its functionality which is different from a Turkish Hamam. I highly recommend visiting Vakil bath.
The entrance fee is 150,000IRR/ 3 EUR/ 5 AUD/ 3.50 USD for foreigners.
Tomb of Hafez
Hafez, also known as Hafiz, is an Iranian poet and Gnostic who was born in Shiraz in 726 AH and died 65 years later. Hafiz’s tomb, also known as Hafizieh, is located in the north of Shiraz and consists of two gardens. Many Iranians come to pay their respects to this famed poet. The mauseoleum itself is set in a beautiful landscape and exudes a distinct sense of tranquilly and calm.
At night, the Tomb of Hafez glows magnificently inside an open pavillion surrounded by eight columns and crowned with a mosaic tiled dome. The current pavillion and surrounding memorial structures were built in 1935 to supplement the old memorial that was built in 1773.
The Tomb of Hafez is very common among the locals. It’s a place for the locals to gather in the afternoon to have a chat, to have tea or just to enjoy the serenity of the place. Some say the entrance fee is too expensive for just a simple tomb.
Entrance fee is 200,000IRR/ 4 EUR/ 6.50 AUD/ 4.75 USD for foreigners.
Eram garden
Eram Garden is a stunning, meticulously kept garden. Upon entering, you will be met by two straight lines of massive trees side by side. The Qavam House, the garden’s focal point, shines brightly amidst the foliage with its distinct architectural style.
Entrance ticket is 200,000IRR/ 4 EUR/ 6.50 AUD/ 4.75 USD for foreigners.
Shrine of Imamzadeh-ye Ali Ebn-e Hamze
Imamzadeh-ye Ali Ebn-e Hamze shrine is built in the 19th century over the burial of Emir Ali.
The Shirazi dome, stunning Venetian mirror work, stained-glass windows, and an ornate wooden door are among the highlights.
The shrine is free to visit. You will require a guide during your visit. Every day, the shrine has an assigned guide to guide you through the shrine. You simply need to notify the guard stationed outside the shrine. Before you enter, they will scan your luggage and valuables. We had a very competent guide who could tell us everything there was to know about the shrine.
Visitors are welcome (women’s chadors are available at the entry), and photography is permitted. I seriously recommend it!
Food in Shiraz
Eat around the Bazaar
My Iranian friend told me that food from the bazaar is normally the best. From my perspective, that is unequivocally accurate. I always had the best food around an Iranian bazaar.
I love Golshan Traditional Restaurant. It’s located just a block or two away from Vakil Bazaar.
The menu is only available in Persian. The price is reasonable. You know that you’re in for a local experience when you might be the only foreigner there (just like we were)! They will gladly assist you with your order, so don’t worry if you don’t speak the language.
Amazing Restaurants in Shiraz
Haji Baba Traditional Restaurant deserves a worthy mention. This restaurant was recommended to me by the hotel staff where we were staying. They serve rustic and traditional Iranian cuisine. I don’t remember seeing an English menu there. But don’t worry, the attentive waiter will assist you with your order!
Getting into Shiraz - Shiraz Travel Guide
Shiraz is accessible from most Iranian cities. I took a midnight bus from Yazd to Shiraz, which took approximately 6 hours. The sleeper bus is of excellent quality and costs only 350,000 IRR.
You could also catch a train from Tehran to Shiraz. If you have more time, though, I recommend stopping by other cities along the way because they are all fantastic!
Check out my ultimate 14-day itinerary around Iran!
I flew back to Tehran from Shiraz. Shiraz has an international airport that connects it to the rest of Iran with a few international destinations.
Money in Shiraz - Travel Guide Shiraz
Please keep in mind that you must have enough money before entering Iran. The Iranian banking system is not linked to the rest of the globe. ATMs in this country will not take your international credit or debit card.
We couldn’t get Iranian rial before entering Iran, so we brought in USD and EUR instead. These two currencies are widely accepted.
If you don’t know how much money you should bring, check this blog post in which I break down all my expenses for my entire trip to Iran.
Must-do day trip - Persepolis
The highlight of my trip to Shiraz is my day trip to Persepolis.
I highly recommend hiring a guide for the day when you visit Persepolis. This historical diamond deserves it. Also, because it is a ruin complex, you will need the back narrative to connect all the dots together. This is when a guide comes in handy.
Hiring a guide for the entire day might be expensive so just hire a guide when you arrive at Persepolis.
I had a fantastic tour guide who is extremely educated about Persepolis, Shiraz, and Iran in general. We engaged with her at the entrance of Persepolis at the advertised rate of 500,000 IRR. I seriously recommend it!
We also made time for Naqsh-e Rostam. For the first time, I was able to ride a camel!
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