Shiraz
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Iran. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Iran
- Region
- Fars
- Population
- 1.6 million
- Best time to go
- March to May, October to November
- Main airport
- Shiraz International (SYZ)
- Coordinates
- 29.59°N, 52.58°E
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Overview
Shiraz is the city of poets, gardens and nightingales, home to the tombs of Hafez and Saadi and much loved by Iranians for its gentle pace. Orange trees line its streets and scent the air in spring.
It is also the gateway to Persepolis, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings. Travel to Iran is not advised at present, and this guide is written for a future time when visiting is safer.
Things to see
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Photo: Ayyoubsabawiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
The pink mosque, famous for its stained-glass windows that scatter coloured light across the carpets in the early morning.
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Photo: en:User:Amirskip4life (original: I created this work entirel, CC BY-SA 3.0 Tomb of Hafez
A pavilion in a garden where Iranians come to recite and consult the poet's verses, especially at dusk.
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Photo: Hamidhassas, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eram Garden
A classic Persian garden of cypress trees, pools and a Qajar-era pavilion.
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Photo: Mostafameraji, CC BY-SA 4.0 Karim Khan Citadel
A brick fortress in the city centre, built by the Zand dynasty, with a leaning corner tower.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Vakil Bazaar
An 18th-century covered bazaar with a fine bathhouse and mosque alongside.
Things to do
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Photo: Laurens R. Krol, CC BY 4.0 Day trip to Persepolis
The vast ruins of the Achaemenid palaces, with carved processions of tribute-bearers, about an hour away.
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Photo: Maasaak, CC BY-SA 4.0 Naqsh-e Rostam
Royal tombs cut high into a cliff face near Persepolis, usually combined on the same trip.
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Try faloodeh
Shiraz's famous frozen dessert of thin noodles in rosewater syrup, served with lime juice.
Where to stay
Historic centre
Courtyard hotels near the bazaar and the citadel, within walking distance of the main sights.
Hotels in Historic centreNorth Shiraz
Quieter, modern hotels near the gardens and the Hafez tomb.
Hotels in North Shiraz
Getting around
The old centre is walkable, and taxis are inexpensive for longer distances. Hire a driver for Persepolis.
The airport is south-east of the city centre, typically around 20 to 30 minutes by taxi in normal times.
When to go
Spring is the most beautiful season, with orange blossom in the air. Autumn is also mild, while summers are very hot.
Plan your trip to Shiraz
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.