Shiraz Attractions
Shiraz, located in the southwest of Iran, is one of the major cities of the country and a must-see Iran destination. Also, Shiraz is famous for its numerous historical and natural sites and being the ancient City of Love. Accordingly, rich literature, famous poets, and beautiful gardens form the most prominent Shiraz places to visit. Moreover, the Persian Empire’s old capital and Cyrus The Great tomb and many other symbols of the ancient world royalty stands inside and near Shiraz. Join us to introduce you to the most significant Shiraz attractions.
Shiraz Tourist Attractions List
Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque)
Nasir ol Molk is a Qajarid mosque, also known as the “Pink Mosque”, because of pink flowers in its tiles. In the mornings, the colorful windows capture the light and make a combination of beautiful colors on the floor and walls. Hence, the Rainbow Mosque, Mosque of colors, and the Kaleidoscope Mosque are the other names of this architectural masterpiece. This mosque is one of the must-visit highlights for photographers. To take a beautiful photo of the inside of the mosque, you should be there at 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. Because in this period, the morning light comes through its colorful windows. While if you want to take a photo of the Pearl Arch, you should visit the mosque in the afternoon. Because before sunset, the light directly shines on the arc and makes a perfect view.
Opening Hours
Every day
8:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:30 in spring and summer
8:00 to 11:30 and 15:00 to 16:30 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
3€
Visit duration
1 to 2 hours
Karim Khan Citadel (Arg of Karim Khan)
Karim Khan Citadel, also known as Karim Khan Prison is a part of the Vakil complex and belongs to the Zand Dynasty. It is noteworthy that. all the buildings of the Vakil complex are must-see Shiraz attractions. The Arg of Karim Khan is a high castle resembles medieval fortress that its view takes your attention. Moreover, the edifice includes four brick towers of 14-meter height that are connected by four walls of 12-meter height. Furthermore, there is a charming yard full of sour orange trees inside the walls.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:00 to 21:00
in spring and summer
8:00 to 20:00
in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Vakil Mosque
The Vakil Mosque is One of the most important parts of the Zandiyeh Complex (Vakil Complex) and one of the outstanding Shiraz points of interest. Accordingly, the mosque has a spectacular interior decoration with numerous pillars demonstrate artfully Iranian architecture. Also, the porch and court are decorated with eye-catching multi-color tiles. Moreover, the magnificent altar of the mosque is made of High-quality marble.
Opening Hours
Every Day
9:00 to 18:00 in spring and summer
9:00 to 16:30 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Vakil Bazaar
The beating heart of the Vakil complex is the Traditional Vakil Bazaar. This marketplace used to be the city’s main trading center, built in the 11th century by Karim Khan. Also, the Vakil Bazaar is the trade hub for selling rugs, spices, wood, copper and silver handicrafts, etc. Hence, keeping its traditional atmosphere is a vibrant bazaar where the locals go shopping there. After all, the Vakil Bazaar is one of the most top Shiraz attractions that can entertain you for a couple of hours. Accordingly, you can stroll in the corridors, meet locals, and buy Persian handicrafts as Iran souvenirs. Notably, two of the most famous parts of Vakil Bazaar are Saraye Moshir and Saraye Fil consist of courtyards and souvenir shops.
Opening Hours
Every Day Except Fridays
8:00 to 21:00
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
2 to 4 Hours
Eram Garden
The historical Persian Eram botanical garden is a magnificent paradigm of Persian gardens and one of the best Shiraz places to visit. The garden is full of different plant species such as Sarv-e Naz that is a kind of cypress and the symbol of Shiraz. In this regard, you can find the tallest Sarv-e Naz in this garden. Besides, with its archeological landscape and gorgeous pavilion, Eram has been registered as one of the Iran UNESCO heritage sites.
Opening Hours
Every Day Except Fridays
8:00 to 21:00
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Narenjestan-e Ghavam (Qavam House)
Narenjestan-e Ghavam, a complex of Persian garden and a traditional house belongs to the Qajar era. Its garden is popular for sour orange trees and tall palm trees in the symmetric design. And, the lines of the trees end to a gorgeous palace called Qavam House. Also, the feature that makes this complex one of the best Shiraz attractions is the footprint of seven Persian arts. Accordingly, you will see plastering, Victorian style painting, mirroring, brickwork, stone carving, woodwork (Moarragh and Monabbat) and Muqarnas works in every corner of the complex. Furthermore, there is a museum in this garden where you can see the donations of Professor Pope, an American Iranologist.
Opening Hours
Every Day Except Fridays
8:00 to 21:00
Entrance Fee
4€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Tomb of Hafez (Hafezieh)
In the north of Shiraz, there is a tomb whose name is familiar to all people around the world. This tomb, which is the burial place of Hafez, the most popular Persian poet, is known as Hafezieh. Many believe that in one of his poems he predicted that his tomb would have many visitors from all over the world. Moreover, his famous book called Divan contains numerous poems expressing spirituality and love. Notably, many of the poets like Nietzsche and Goethe have been influenced by this Persian poet.
After multiple constructions and renovations during the time, at last, the current pavilion structure of the tomb was constructed in 1935. The monument stands in the middle of a gorgeous garden and became the symbol of the city and one of the top Shiraz places to visit.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:30 to 23:30 in spring and summer
7:30 to 22:00 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
4€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid)
Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid), located 57 kilometres northeast of Shiraz, was the capital of the Achaemenid empire. The earliest remains of this polis date back to 515 BC. UNESCO declared the ruins of “the Persian city”, Persepolis as World Heritage Site in 1979. Additionally, Takht-e Jamshid is the symbol of one of the most ancient Persian architecture styles. Consequently, all the mentioned features of this legendary monument make it more significant than the other Shiraz sightseeing places.
Persepolis consists of different parts that the most important ones are The Gate of All Nations and Apadana Palace. The Gate of All Nations consists of a grand hall and four columns and connects to the Apadana yard. While the Apadana Palace on the western side of Persepolis has a grand room with seventy-two columns that thirteen of them still stand.
Furthermore, there are some valuable rock reliefs in this site that the oldest one belongs to 1000 BC. Also, Naqsh-e Rajab, a Sassanid relief lays in about three km from Persepolis.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:30 to 19:30 in spring and summer
7:30 to 17:30 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
2 to 4 Hours
Naghshe Rostam
Located about 6 km northwest of Persepolis, the archaeological site of Naghshe Rostam is a complex of valuable monuments; One of the magnificent places to visit near Shiraz where you see an ancient necropolis, rock reliefs, and Cube of Zoroaster (Kaabe-ye Zartosht). Four rock tombs belonging to Achaemenid kings were cut in cross shapes (Chalipa) at the height of about 26 meters above the ground level. Moreover, in the lower part of the graves, there are magnificent rock reliefs of Sassanid kings on the hill. The general theme of these carvings is the kings´ coronations, victories, and battles. Opposite the tomb of Darius II, there is an Achaemenid square-shaped tower called Cube of Zoroaster that dates back to 5th century BC that is the copy of Prison of Solomon in Pasargadae. Some archaeologists believe that the structure could be an ancient fire temple for Zoroastrians.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:30 to 19:30 in spring and summer
7:30 to 17:30 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
1 to 1.5 Hours
Tomb of Saadi (Saadiyeh)
Saadi was one of the 13th-century poets and prose writers living in the medieval period. He is famous for the depth of his moral thoughts reflecting in his poems. His burial place called Saadiyeh or The tomb of Saadi lies in a gorgeous Persian garden and is one of the beautiful Shiraz attractions. The tomb (built-in 18th ) has a square architecture that stands in the middle of a garden full of flowers and cypress trees. The building with a lovely azure blue dome on the top is decorated with mirror, tile works, and the poems of Saadi. Moreover, there is a pond in front of the tomb, where people throw coins to achieve their dreams.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:00 to 22:00 in spring and summer
8:00 to 20:30 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Pasargadae
Pasargadae, located at 134 km north of Shiraz, is the first Achaemenid capital and one of the top Iran attractions. UNESCO registered Pasargadae as the world heritage site in 2004. Cyrus the Great (c.600-530 BC) ordered to construct this complex in a Persian garden (Chahar Bagh). Accordingly, this historical Shiraz attraction includes the tomb of Cyrus, Soleyman Prison, Tale-e Takht fortified platform and archaeological ruins of palaces such as Private and Audience palaces. Notably, the monuments were linked with the garden layout. However, this garden complex, which is known as Pasargadae Campus, Pasargadae Royal Garden, and Cyrus Campus, does not exist today and only a few traces of it remain. After all, the tomb of Cyrus the Great is the most important and famous masterpiece in the Pasargadae complex that after 25 centuries still stand; A tomb with a simple ziggurat structure but very impressive, with an area of 156 square meters and 11 meters in height.
There is also a caravanserai called “Mozafari Caravanserai” near the tomb that is made of white stones stolen from the palaces of Cyrus.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:30 to 19:30 in spring and summer
7:30 to 17:30 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
1 to 4 Hours
Shah Cheragh Shrine (Shah-e-Cheragh Mausoleum)
There are numerous holy shrines and mosques in Iran, which Shah Cheragh Shrine is the third most sacred shrine in this country. The Shah-e Cheragh complex is one of the top Shiraz points of interest and houses the shrines of Ahmad and Muhammad, the brothers of Imam Reza. In addition to its religious significance and soothing atmosphere, this shrine is magnificent in terms of Islamic-Iranian art and architecture. The tomb was built in the 12th century and was renovated during the 14th century. Of course, the monument has experienced several renovations and reconstructions during the time. From the courtyard, you can see the marvelous tile works on the tomb, minarets, and the entrances.
Furthermore, the courtyard is surrounded by two-story rooms with beautiful tile work on their foreheads. Notably, the architecture of Shah Cheragh is somehow similar to the dome of Soltanieh in Zanjan.
Inside the shrine, mirrors and glass cover every inch, and the light manifestation dazzles your eyes. Also, you can see wood decorations and Khatam-works in this monument. Please note that the non-Muslim tourists can visit the courtyard, while entering the mausoleum needs permission. Also, consider that photography in the shrine is forbidden.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
30 Mins to 2 Hours
Afif-Abad Garden
Afif-Abad Garden, originally named Golshan Garden, was a royal recreation complex during Safavid dynasty. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Shiraz with an area of approximately 127,000 square meters that has a gorgeous pavilion at the center. Today, Afif-Abad Garden is a complex that consists of the royal mansion and the museum of the old weapons in a huge Garden. Also, in this Shiraz point of interest, you can rent traditional clothes and take nice photos.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:00 to 19:00 in spring and summer
8:00 to 17:00 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
2 to 3 Hours
Ali Ibn Hamze Shrine
Ali Ibn-e Hamzeh Shrine, built in the 19th century, houses the tomb of Amir Ali, the nephew of Shah Cheragh. This Shrine is one of the most beautiful Shiraz places to visit with scenic design and decoration. From the outside, you can see an impressive dome that stands in a gorgeous courtyard garden. Inside the building, the walls and the dome’s ceiling are decorated with delicate mirror works that dazzle your eyes. Also, In the vicinity of the mausoleum, there is an ancient bridge with the same name (Ali Ibn-e Hamzeh Bridge) that belongs to the 18th century.
Opening Hours
Every ِDay
12:00 to 24:00
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
30 Minutes to 1 Hour
Jame Atigh Mosque
Jame Atigh Mosque is one of the oldest Shiraz attractions and the first mosque of the city that dates back to 9th century. The building of the mosque stands in a marvellous courtyard and includes six doors and several chambers. Also, the hypostyle columns and turquoise tile-worked prayer niche in exterior design and Muqarnas and khatam artworks in inner decoration make this mosque more prominent. Notably, Divar-e Nodbeh and Khodaye Khane (Second Kaaba) are the main parts of this mosque. Finally, in term of location, Jame Atigh Mosque is located in the vicinity of Shah Cheragh Holy Shrine.
Opening Hours
Every ِDay
8:00 to 19:00
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
30 Minutes to 1 Hour
Jahan Nama Garden
Jahan Nama Garden (Bagh-e Jahan Nama), is one of the oldest gardens in Shiraz. This garden is one of the beautiful Shiraz points of interest, located on Hafez street, near Quran Gate. In the middle of the garden, there is an octagonal mansion that is a museum these days. Interestingly, you can find several numbers of “8” in Jahan Nama Garden including eight sections with eight fountains in each and eight cypresses on each path.
Opening Hours
Every day
8:00 to 22:00 in spring and summer
8:00 to 20:00 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
3€
Visit duration
45 Minutes to 1 Hour
Sassanid Archaeological Landscape
Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region, UNESCO World Heritage Site, refers to eight Sassanid archaeological sites in the Fars Province. These sites belong to 224 to 658 AD, include ancient polis, monumental buildings, and inscriptions located in three areas, i.e. Sarvestan, Kazeroon and Firuzabad. The sites are as per below:
- Sarvestan Palace (Sassan Palace): This Palace stands in about 90 km southeast of Shiraz in Sarvestan region. It is also known as Ghasr-e Sasan or Chartaghi (a square-shape structure with four arches and dome) and used to be a residence or a fire temple.
- Bishapur Ancient city: This ancient city lies on the banks of the Shapur river in the vicinity of Tang-e Chogan in Kazerun county. It was built by order of Shapur I, the king of Sassanid Dynasty. There are castles, rock relieves, and numerous structures in this Persian monument.
- Shapur Cave and the Colossal Statue of Shapur I: One of the most impressive monuments of the Sassanid collection of Fars Region is Shahpour cave and the colossal statue of Shapur I inside it. This cave is located in Kazerun County, four kilometres from Tang-e Choogan in the altitudes near the Shapur River. The Shapur I statue is carved on a natural stalactite and is about 6.70 meters high, and its shoulder width is about 2 meters. Also, you can see the details of each part of the body, such as the congresses on the crown and the hair waves.
- The Ancient City of Ardashir-Khwarrah, in Firouzabad: The city of Ardeshir Khwarrah in the middle of the Firoozabad plain is the most important Sassanid monument in this area. The ancient architects dried up part of the swamp to create the city, and by transferring water from the Tangab River, they expanded agriculture around the city. Interestingly, the map of this ancient city is entirely circular, which can be seen well in aerial images.
- Palace of Ardeshir, in Firouzabad: The second important Sassanid monument in Firoozabad plain after Ardeshir Khwarrah is Ardeshir Palace, which is also known as Ardeshir Fire Temple. Ardeshir Palace was, in fact, the official residence of the Sassanid king outside the city of Ardeshir-Khwarrah.
- Qal’eh Dokhtar, known as Ghale Dokhtar (Dokhtar Castel), in Firouzabad: The castle was built as a defensive fortress in 224 AD. Dokhtar Castle stands near the road, and its structure extends on the mountain slopes. In general, Ghale Dokhtar has 2300 square meters of infrastructure and is made of the stone carcass, plaster and mortar.
- Two rock reliefs of Ardeshir in Firouzabad: The first one is the rock relief of Ardeshir Babakan (224 to 241 AD), the founder of the Sassanid Dynasty located one kilometer from Qal’eh Dokhtar. With the order to build this lithograph, Ardeshir established the tradition of carving among the kings of this dynasty.
The second one is the rock relief of Ardeshir I’s victory over Ardavan V, located near the Firoozabad plain.
Opening Hours
Every Day
About 8:00 to sunset
Entrance Fee
Different for each site
Visit duration
Different for each site
Ghalat Village
About 36 km north-west of Shiraz, away from the bustle of the city, you can find pure peacefulness in Qalat Village. This village is heaven for travelers who are interested in rural tourism. Located in a mountainous area, Ghalat village enjoys a pleasant climate and is full of trees, waterfalls, and rivers.
On the other hand, Qalat is an ancient village where you can see old houses made of clay and stone with stair-shape architecture. You can also find some ancient sites, including old churches, watermills, and castles in this village. In short, Ghalat Village is a Perfect touristic site where you can enjoy hiking, meeting locals, eating a Persian meal in a restaurant, and drinking a cup of tea in one of its cozy cafes.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
3€ Per Vehicle
Visit duration
4 Hours to One Day
Delgosha Garden (Bagh-e Delgosha)
Delgosha Garden with an area of 7.5 hectares is one of the historical gardens of Shiraz located beside the Tomb of Saadi. It is one of the oldest gardens in Shiraz belongs to the Sassanid period and renovated during Safavid, Zand and Qajar eras. This garden is full of sour orange trees, and in the spring, the aroma of their blossoms delight every visitor.
In the middle of the garden, there is a small stream of water will some pools on its way. Besides, the garden is sounded with beautiful tall trees.
There is a three-story mansion in Delgosha Garden that has a big porch on its second floor with two columns and wooden ceiling that attracts any visitor. You can see artistic mirror works, gorgeous paintings and decorations in this charming Shiraz attraction.
On the other hand, there is a museum inside the pavilion, where you can visit ancient objects including a collection of coins, a collection of radios that one of the radios functions with oil. Moreover, you can see antique carpets, clothes, containers, bicycles, Iran maps in different eras, and a Seljuk Quran has written on the skin of deer.
Opening Hours
Every day
8:00 to 23:00 in spring and summer
8:00 to 21:00 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
3€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Quran Gate (Darvazeh Quran)
The Quran Gate or Darvazeh Quran situated in the northeastern entrance of Shiraz is one of the oldest gates of Iran belongs to the Zand Dynasty. Its strategic location, in the Allah-o Akbar canyon, between Chehelmagham and Babakoohi mountains, had made it the main entrance gate of the city for many years. Also, there was a Quran book on top of the gate. In this regard, It was believed that travelers would receive the blessing, passing through the gate before starting their trip. These days, Quran gate is one of the prominent Shiraz attractions and symbols.
Moreover, Khwaju Kermani tomb and its park are located on the skirt of the mountain near Quran gate. And in this park, you can enjoy walking, drinking a cup of tea, tasting Faloodeh Shirazi and seeing a fantastic view of Quran Gate and Shiraz City.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
30 Minutes to 1 Hour
Saraye Moshir (Saraye Golshan)
Saraye Moshir or Saraye Golshan located at the southern end of Vakil Bazaar is a different marketplace and one of the must-see Shiraz attractions. This bazaar that belongs to the Qajar period, is a fantastic place to buy colorful Iran souvenirs.
Moshir Bazaar has a wooden door that separates it from Vakil Bazaar, and above this entrance, you can see delicate tilework. As you step into this place, you will find yourself in a distinct area of the Vakil Bazaar. In the middle of the courtyard is a large pond surrounded by flowerbeds and sour orange trees. And the shops are built on two floors around the yard. The shops on the ground floor are connected to the courtyard. On the other hand, the doors of the second-floor shops open to the terrace. The shops have wooden doors that you see beautiful tilework above them.
Today, Moshir Bazaar is very famous among tourists as the Persian handicraft market in Shiraz. Even if you do not want to buy handicrafts, we still suggest you visit Saraye Moshir, enjoy its eye-catching architecture, relax a bit and make yourself a guest of a delicious Faloodeh Shirazi.
Opening Hours
Every Day Except Fridays
9:00 to 20:00
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Where to stay in Shiraz?
(Price, Facilities, Distance from attractions , Map, Photos, Testimonials & ...)