Shiraz Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Shiraz

Shiraz combines refined Persian culture with some of the most important archaeological sites in the region.

• Nasir al-Mulk Mosque — Known as the Pink Mosque, famous for the morning light streaming through its stained-glass windows.
• Tomb of Hafez — A garden memorial to the beloved 14th-century poet, where locals come to recite his verses.
• Tomb of Saadi — The peaceful resting place of another great Persian poet, set in gardens.
• Eram Garden — A classic Persian garden with a historic pavilion, part of the UNESCO-listed Persian Gardens.
• Karim Khan Citadel and Vakil Bazaar — An 18th-century fortress in the centre, next to a vaulted bazaar and the Vakil Mosque.
• Persepolis — The spectacular ruins of the Achaemenid ceremonial capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about an hour’s drive away.
• Naqsh-e Rostam and Pasargadae — Monumental royal tombs cut into a cliff, and the site of the tomb of Cyrus the Great.

Best time to visit Shiraz

Shiraz enjoys a relatively mild climate compared with much of Iran. Spring, from March to May, is the most beautiful season, when gardens are in bloom and orange blossom scents the air; autumn, from October to November, is also very pleasant for sightseeing and visiting Persepolis.

Summer, from June to September, is hot and dry, so plan visits to open-air archaeological sites for early morning. Winters are cool and can be cold at night. Nowruz, the Persian New Year around 21 March, is a very busy travel period, so book accommodation early if you plan to visit then.

Getting from the airport

Shiraz Shahid Dastgheib International Airport is on the south-eastern edge of the city, a relatively short drive from the historic centre, depending on traffic.

Official airport taxis are available outside the terminal, and many hotels arrange pick-ups. Local ride-hailing apps operate in Iranian cities but may require a local phone number. For trips to Persepolis and Pasargadae, hiring a driver or joining a tour is the most practical option.

Where to stay

Staying centrally puts most of the city’s sights within easy reach.

• Historic centre — Near the Karim Khan Citadel, Vakil Bazaar and the Pink Mosque, ideal for first-time visitors.
• Traditional houses in the old quarter — Restored courtyard homes turned guesthouses offer a charming stay.
• Around Hafez and Eram Garden — Quieter areas north of the centre with larger hotels.

Travel tips

• Travel advice: Check your government’s latest travel advice for Iran before planning a trip, as it may change at short notice.
• Money: International bank cards generally do not work in Iran, so bring enough cash and exchange it at official exchange offices.
• Dress and etiquette: Women are required to cover their hair in public; modest, loose clothing is expected for everyone, especially at shrines.
• Timing: Visit the Pink Mosque early in the morning for the best light, and Persepolis early to avoid the heat.
• Language: Persian is spoken everywhere; English is understood in some hotels and tourist sites.