Shiraz is often known as the city of love and literature with one of a kind houses and gardens in Iran . You won’t believe how different kinds of landmarks come together to make the identity and soul of the city.
There’s a concern that you may never get to see everything that is meant to be seen. So, in order to make the most of your time, you need to have a general idea about the city. Take a look at our list of the best attractions of Shiraz, in order to get an idea of what the city has to offer.

Hafeziyeh

Hafez is the name of one of the famous Iranian poets who lived and wrote in the 14th century. People believe that his poems have prophetic abilities. That’s why many recite them and consult them to make a decision or do something. When visiting his tomb at Hafeziyeh, you will find people who read poems for you if you ask them. It is better to make a wish and see how the poet guides you.
Hafez’s tomb is called Hafeziyeh. The famous French architect, Andre Godard sketched and created the tomb’s current structure. Everything about the place is so symbolic that you are likely to find yourself mesmerized. Jump into the world of Hafez and make sure to learn all that is to know about the place and the poet.

Bazar-e Vakil

The bazaars are an inevitable part of every historical city in Iran. They have functioned not only as trade centers, but also as places for socializing and communicating the news of the day. An example is Bazar-e Vakil in Shiraz, the commercial heart of the city. Karim Khan Zand, the regent of Iran during the 18th century, ordered the construction of the bazaar.

The bazaar’s structure consists of two roofed archways which cross each other perpendicularly. Every wing of this cross is called a rasteh. Do you want to know how this structure helped commerce? Each rasteh was dedicated to a special kind of trade and was named accordingly. For example, if a trader wanted a hat, he knew he could find it in the Kolah Doozan Rasteh. However, this has been changed and you will find a variety of shops and workshops everywhere. Also, it shouldn’t be surprising that the bazaar holds interesting surprises.

Vakil Mosque (Masjed-e Vakil)

One of the other top attractions in Shiraz is the Vakil Mosque. The mosque was built in the 18th century, as a part of a complex. Vakil Bazaar and Vakil Bathhouse are located nearby, while the three of them functioned as the important pillars of society. You will experience an immediate detachment from the everyday buzz of the outside world by stepping into its grounds.

The mosque’s building encompasses an impressive area of 8660 square meters. You will be greeted by an array of Iranian arts and architectural techniques right at the entrance. Elaborately designed tiles and exquisite pieces of calligraphy are among the arts incorporated inside. The abundance of minakari in yellow, azure, and red colors on the walls adds to the mosque’s heavenly ambience.

Nasir Al Molk Mosque (Masjed-e Nasir Al Molk)

Images of Nasir Al Molk Mosque are the most frequently appearing images on google searches of Iran’s mosques. The 19th-century mosque is also called the Rainbow Mosque and the Pink Mosque. The colorful windows and tiles of the mosque, make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Shiraz.
If you’re looking for an amazing place to take pictures, then here’s the place to be. But there’s a reason why you can’t always get the best pictures possible, have a look at Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque.

Narenjestan Qavam (Bagh-e Naranjestan)

One of the top attractions in Shiraz is Narenjestan Qavam House. Wondering why? The house was constructed and owned by Qavam family, one of the most powerful families in the history of Shiraz. Also, the citrus trees in the garden, which are iconic to Shiraz, abound the house’s garden, hence the name Narenjestan.
The house was built in the 19th century for Qavam family. This was also a meeting venue for the city’s nobles and dignitaries. Wondering to what purpose the mansion served in the years that followed? Check it out here.

Saadieh (Aramgah-e Sa’di)

Any list of famous places in Shiraz definitely includes the tomb of Saadi, also called Saadieh. Saadi was a 12th-century Iranian poet. His poems, which usually contain moral lessons, are not only frequently recited by people, but they’re also used as aphorisms in Persian language.

The original mausoleum was destroyed and reconstructed many times during the years. The current structure was built in the late 20th, inspired by Chehel Sotun Palace of Isfahan. The entire structure is a mixture of modern and traditional Iranian architecture. Verses of Saadi’s poems have been carved out inside the building. Another reason why this is one of Shiraz’s popular attractions is the meaningful symbolism making the details of the place. Truth is, the place holds much more meaningful details than you could imagine.

Arg-e Karim Khan

Karim Khan’s Citadel, locally known as Arg-e Karim Khan, is one of the interesting tourist sites of Shiraz. The citadel was constructed in the 17th century, by Karim Khan Zand as his place of residence. Later, the structure was used as a prison. Bricks were used as the main material for building the structure.

If you like to take picture with the Pizza Tower of Iran, then this is your place. One of the citadel’s towers is slightly leaning off-center, because of the underground waters at this site.

Vakil Bathhouse (Hammam-e Vakil)

The 18th century Vakil complex is completed with the Vakil Bathhouse. In addition to places for maintaining personal hygiene, bathhouses were great places for socializing as well as holding special ceremonies.
The several chambers together with the angles of the halls connecting them to one another illustrate how they managed to keep the heat inside. Whoever visited the bathhouse, knows how each chamber served a different purpose.

Eram Garden (Bagh-e Eram)

One of the best places to visit in Shiraz is the Eram Garden. The 19th-century garden is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The story goes that the garden dates back to older times than the 19th century. The majestic garden feels like a heaven on the earth. Here you will find some of the most interesting plants of Iran and the world. But the mansion located in the garden is not of small significance either.

Darvazeh-ye Quran

Architecture meets culture in Quran Gate and makes it one of the interesting historical landmarks of Shiraz. According to an Iranian tradition, a Quran is held above a traveler’s head before they start their trip. This is to ensure a safe trip for the traveler. According to the same tradition, two copies of handwritten Quran were kept in two chambers of the gate to wish a safe trip for the travelers of Shiraz.

The city used to have more gates in different parts. Quran Gate is the only one that’s remained standing until today. The gate has been renovated several times over the years, causing several changes in its structure.

Afif Abad Garden

Do you fancy exploring one of the royal abodes of Shiraz? Then you should check out Afif Abad Garden. Did you know that the mansion housed Safavid Kings around 400 years ago? You shouldn’t miss the place as every corner here has a story to tell.

As the garden became a property of Iran’s army lately, it is now home to a museum of weapons as well. Explore and experience the lush gardens around the mansion and feel the beauty of a typical garden of Shiraz.

Pars Museum

One of the amazing historical landmarks of Shiraz is Pars Museum. The museum is located in Nazar Garden, where Karim Khan Zand’s tomb is located. The regent built an octagonal garden pavilion here to host celebrations and guests. The decorations you will see here are definitely some of the most exquisite examples of Iranian miniature and tilework. Before visiting the garden, make sure you know about its story told in terms of symmetries and harmonies.

In addition to the building, the objects put on display are also of historical importance. Objects dating back to the 4th century BC, precious paintings and books are among the items displayed here.

Khan-e Zinat ol-Molk

Another famous tourist attraction in Shiraz is Khan-e Zinat ol-Molk. Let’s go back to the late 19th century in Shiraz, to the time when Qavam family enjoyed a considerable trust and power in the royal court. They built this house as a place they would reside in. Its construction took more than a decade and included some of the most delicate art and architecture techniques of the time. During the later years, this was Zinat ol-Molook Qavami’s house, the daughter of fourth Qavam ol-Molk.

You won’t believe how the house’s architecture has made it a must-visit destination. Everything about the house, from the pool in the courtyard to the mirrorwork display elaborate techniques of Iranian arts. Also, an Iranian version of Madame Tussauds Museum is waiting for you downstairs. The house is connected to the Narenjestan Qavam house through an underground passage.

This was only a short list of the beautiful places in Shiraz. Take this guide, walk through the city, and discover its hidden gems. See for yourself and write for us if this was not worth the visit.

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