Shiraz Travel Guide

Shiraz is known for its pleasant and enjoyable climate throughout the year. However, the best time to visit this magical city is during the spring which is basically around March till May. During the spring, the weather in Shiraz is lovely, the streets and boulevards are green, and the aroma of flowers and citrus is in the air. However, during both summers and winters, the weather gets a little bit harsh, so our second-best option is to explore the city during the autumn (late September to early November) when the weather is dreamy, chill, and pleasant.

If you are a first-time traveler to Shiraz, there are a lot of must-visits on your list. And if you’re in for an all-in experience, meaning exploring both the city of Shiraz as well as having a day trip to the archeological sites of Persepolis, you need at least three days in Shiraz: two for Shiraz, and a one-day trip to Persepolis. However, if you want a more in-depth experience, you could step up your game and explore Shiraz for at least one more extra day.

As one of Iran’s more culturally-rich cities, Shiraz’s dining scene is filled with traditional Persian cuisine alongside exotic international dishes. There are various local restaurants to try traditional food such as Kebab or Tahchin (Iranian rice cake). Haft Khan restaurant is one of the more popular and luxurious places in the city and serves a variety of traditional, international, vegetarian meals. Soufi Restaurant is another great option while you’re in Shiraz to try out traditional Iranian and Middle-Eastern meals alongside live Iranian music.

If you’re thinking of bringing something back home, but you’re not sure what to buy, then head to Vakil Bazaar where you can find a plethora of options including Persian handicrafts such as Kilim, Khatam, carpets, rugs, and many more. You can also explore the traditional confectionaries and opt for traditional snacks and sweets such as Gaz, Sohan, etc. And during your shopping day at Vakil bazaar, you can sit down at one of the Sherbet Houses (traditional cafes) in the bazaar, and enjoy various cold, pleasurable drinks.

When we talk about nightlife in Iran, we are not talking about clubs or bars where you can go drinking on the weekend. No, these are illegal activities in Iran. However, that doesn’t mean the Iranian youth cannot have fun. Shiraz has a vibrant nightlife where you can go out at night to energetic as well as chill cafes throughout the city, eat at places with live music, and if you’re lucky, you might even get invited to a private party where they serve the world-famous Shiraz wine inside closed doors.