Destination Guide: Shiraz, Iran

Destination Guide: Shiraz, Iran

• center of Persian culture
• city of poets – home to tombs of Hafez and Sadi
• situated in southern Iran near the Zagros Mountains
• famous for its gardens and the Vakil bazaar
• the Shiraz grape originates from the region
• altitude 1491m
• population over 1,200,000

My wife and I traveled with a small group to Shiraz.

We stay at Niayesh Boutique Hotel

 

Interesting way to transport our baggage!

 

The Hotel is really boutique, it is hidden in a small passage!

Our rooms have 2 single and 1 large bed. It is like a hostel but it is very clean.

 

 

Tea house in the middle of the courtyard.

 

 

Our first visit is to the famous “Pink Mosque”, Nasir ol Molk Mosque

 

 

Amazing ceiling of one of the arches.

 

The mosque includes extensive colored glass in its facade. The best lighting for photography is morning.

It is the most colourful mosque I’ve ever visited. This is easily one of the top attraction!

 

 

 

 

It provides ample opportunity for photos. Every angle works!

 

 

 

 

 

An old Iranian Paykan car roam around the alleyway of Shiraz. How nostalgic!

 

 

In the afternoon, our group visited the famous Persepolis site and Eram Garden

 

 

 

In the evening, we visited Shah Cheragh,  is Persian for “King of the Light”

It is one of the holy shrine in Iran and was built in 14th century. 

It is absolutely splendid and one can feel the powerful influence of religion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With our very nice tour guide, Mr Vahid

 

The mausoleum

 

At the end of the evening, we’ve visited a young Iranian couple’s flat in the city. Aliye and Amin.

 

Shiraz is a fantastic city to visit in Iran. It is arguably one of the best city to visit Iran as a tourist. It is a must on everyone’s itinerary when visiting Iran. There are plenty of historic sights and gardens. I suggest to reserve at least 2-3 days to enjoy what the city to offer. Shirazi people are very warm and friendly.  I found Shiraz to be a perfect city to get into the Iranian pace and to observe how life goes by there.

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