Shiraz is the city of poetry and bitter orange in Iran. It is one of the liveliest cities in Iran with cheerful citizens. Visiting Shiraz, the city has a lot of things to do.

As one of the cities of ancient Persia, Shiraz dates back to 2000 BCE. Therefore, there is a lot of historical monuments that you can visit in Shiraz or near the city.  Besides, stunning Persian gardens and buoyant bazaar, delicious foods, and desserts are other experiences you can have while visiting Shiraz.

Shiraz is also home to the tomb of two renowned Persian poets Hafez (1315-1390) and Sa’di (1210-1291). Visiting Shiraz, do not miss spending time at their mausoleums, both located in beautiful gardens with great architectural styles.

In this article, we recommend you not to miss shiraz attractions, beauties, places, and activities while visiting the beautiful city of Shiraz!

Read also: Some 15 Best Things to Do in Iran

Don’t miss archaeological sites visiting Shiraz

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Persepolis, Shiraz

Sightseeing is one of the must-to-do things in Shiraz. Visiting Shiraz, the most famous historical sites are Persepolis and Pasargadae located 45 km from the city. They are the remnants of the capital of the Achaemenid era (522-486 BCE), which are the UNESCO world heritage sites, located near Shiraz.

The magnificent ruins of the Persepolis are the symbols of urban planning, construction technology, and art of Iranians and were the seat of the government of the Achaemenid Empire.

The other historical site, Pasargadae was founded by Cyrus II in 6th BCE as the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire.

The majestic column, staircases decorated with bas reliefs, and its greatness astonish you. Its beauty and delicate ornaments amaze you. Strolling in these historical sites makes you feel the ancient civilization and architecture of the land you choose as your destination.

Find beauty in the gardens of Shiraz

Eram-Garden-Shiraz
The Persian Garden, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran – Exotigo

Shiraz is a city of gardens and bitter orange trees. Visiting Shiraz in May, you would be enthralled with the fragrance of bitter orange blossom. You would see flowers everywhere.

Eram Garden, Narenjestan Qavam Garden, Delgosha Garden, and Afifabad Garden are some of the shiraz attractions.

You can spend time and enjoy Iranian architecture and art of gardening. With water flowing in the middle surrounded by trees and adorned by flowersEram and Narenjestan gardens are true examples of Persian gardens. Persian garden is on UNESCO cultural heritage list.

Strolling in Vakil Bazaar while visiting Shiraz

Vakil Bazaar, Shiraz

Vakil Bazaar is one of the finest places that you can spend time while visiting Shiraz. The bazaar was built during the Zand dynasty (1751–1794). Walking in the Bazaar, the beauty of architecture and history surrounds you.

You can also visit its courtyard and bathhouse. Don’t forget to bargain. At the shops selling rugs, spices, and sweets as most prices are negotiable in Iran. It is a great idea to drink tea at a teahouse in the heart of the bazaar.

Mind-blowing play of color and light at Nasir al-Molk Mosque

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque Shiraz - Pink Mosque - Exotigo
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque Shiraz – Pink Mosque – Exotigo

Visiting Shiraz, don’t forget to visit the Nasir al-Molk Mosque in the morning. But why in the morning? To watch the playing of lights through stained windows on the carpets at the praying hall of the mosque.

It is better to be there early morning. Since tourists flock into the place before 11 a.m. to watch the colorful play of light and color.

In this way, you have more time to watch the mosque’s beauty and take several photos. Also known as the Pink Mosque, Nasir al-Molk was constructed between 1876 and 1888 during the Qajar era.

Staying with nomad while visiting Shiraz

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Bakhtiari nomad women cook during a wedding ceremony

Visiting Shiraz is a great experience for you to stay with nomads near the city. Fortunately, there are several tours (from one day to one month) during which you can live the nomadic lifestyle and distance from everyday modern life. During this sojourn, you can learn how our ancestors befriend with nature and the environment.

In this way, you have the chance to be with renowned Iranian nomad tribes like Bakhtiari or Qashqai. You experience a real-life attending their ceremonies, their daily routines including cooking, making bread, and milking with nomad families.

About two to three percent of Iran’s population are nomads, and they mostly live in the Zagros mountain region.

Don’t forget Maharloo Lake

Maharloo-lake-shiraz
Maharloo Lake

Have you ever seen the photos that are shot near pink lakes? Have you ever been to a lake with a color other than blue? Do not miss Maharloo Lake, as one of the natural wonders, while visiting Shiraz.

If you visit Shiraz from autumn to mid-spring, remember to go to this seasonal-salt lake in the highlands near Shiraz.

It is known as the Pink Lake of Shiraz due to its high salt concentrations.

There are several kinds of migrant and local birds living at the lake. Maharloo village near the lake is also another attraction that you should not miss while visiting Shiraz. The village has pomegranate, almond and fig trees, and a good mineral water spring.

Read also: Find Some World Natural Wonders in Iran

Derak zip line, adrenaline-fueled Shiraz attraction

Derak zipline, Shiraz

Visiting Shiraz, if you like adventure may be Derak zip line is the best choice for you!

The zipline is located in a big park with the same name and you can spend a memorable day at the place.

It is one of the longest zip lines in Iran located at the Derak Park of Shiraz.

The 1200-meter-long zip line is located at a 200-meter height. Two people can zip together on Derak line.

Walking beauty at Ghasr Dasht

Ghasr Dasht, Shiraz

Strolling in Shiraz streets is a wise thing that you can do while visiting Shiraz.

Stepping in the alleys of the Ghasr Dasht neighborhood, you can experience life in the old Shiraz.

You can walk the green alleys amid gardens and constructions with clay walls that remind the past time.

Shiraz is a dynamic city. Don’t miss the chance for walking in the street and socializing with people. In this way, you have a memorable stay in this beautiful city.

Don’t leave Shiraz before eating Faloodeh

faloodeh
Faloodeh Shirazi

Visiting Shiraz, don’t forget to taste Faloodeh Shirazi as one of the tasty desserts that make you calm down especially in summer.

Faloodeh is a semi-frozen vermicelli noodle in rosewater. It is called Faloodi Shiraz as people believe that the best Faloodeh is based in Shiraz.

It is flavored with a sour taste like lime juice or cherry syrup for serving.

Last but not the least

Shiraz is one of the famous and tourist spot cities of Iran. However, the city has many attractions beyond the historical sites to offer. Shiraz offers a variety of entertainment and places for tourists with different tastes.

So it is worth staying in the city for days and explore its beauties and new places in Shiraz and near the city of bitter orange and poetry!

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