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After Tehran and Isfahan, let’s keep discovering this incredible country, Iran, with my visit to Shiraz, in the south of the country. I heard before that Shiraz is the city in Iran known for its poets, its literature, its gardens… And its wine! Known for its wine!? In a country where importing, selling and consuming alcohol is strictly forbidden??? Yep, it’s an old tradition in the country, actually a 5000 years old tradition that is still here today. Needless to say, wine growers keep a low profile, otherwise they might go to jail and be whipped. But I had Iranian wine and I can tell, it’s good! In fact, wine in Iran is not hard to find if you know a few locals…
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Description of Shiraz
Anyway, Iranians stay true to themselves, still very smiling, kind and welcoming. I’m just having a walk in the street and a small group of Iranians spots me. They fling themselves at me, invite me to go to their café, and they offer me tea. Once again, they’re happy to see that a tourist decides to visit their country. During my stay in Shiraz, the “Hello!“, kept going, the “Salam!” too and I still hear quite often “Welcome to Shiraz! Welcome to Iran!“.
Just like Tehran, the traffic is very dense and it’s very complicated to cross the street. Cars never stop even when you’re already engaged crossing the street. And since they never turn on their turn signal, it’s hard to anticipate the cars’ trajectory. I saw a 12-year-old kid riding a bike, passing super fast in front of cops who didn’t even react… Since it seemed like drivers had fun brushing past me, several times, in small streets, I stopped walking in the middle of the street in order to force them to stop the car. I know I irritated a lot of drivers but at least I could cross the street not worried after that. Still, before my trip, I thought about getting a travel insurance, you never know what could happen.
The city of Shiraz is organized a bit differently than the other cities I’ve visited so far. You want to buy a bike? In one particular street, about 20 different shops next to one another are just selling bikes. You want a new smartphone? Same here, in one street, dozens of shops just sell smartphones. There’s also a street if you want a new car, a street for electrical appliances…
Things to do in Shiraz
As I said in my article about Tehran, I almost spent the entirety of my stay in Iran at various Iranians’ places, and not at the hostel. Therefore I lived just like a regular Iranian guy, and I followed my hosts wherever they took me. Consequently my stay was less touristic than usual, but more authentic. Hence I didn’t see all the major touristic spots of the city.
The Shah Cheragh shrine
The Shah Cheragh shrine, which is a mosque and a mausoleum of the brothers Ahmad and Muhammad. It’s the most important place of pilgrimage in Shiraz. It’s not possible for the tourists to get inside the mosque, because we’re going to disturb those who are praying. Pilgrims and those who come to pray are the only ones allowed to get in. But the courtyard is wonderful, a must see! You can only take your smartphone with you to get in the courtyard. All the other stuff (bags…) has to be put in the lockers room.
For your information, as a tourist, you’re systematically escorted by a guide. In my case, it was a woman. When I first met her, I naturally said “Hi!“, holding out my hand. She said “Sorry” with a smile. No physical contacts between men and women… While she was showing us the building, we bumped into an Iranian guy who was smoking a cigarette. She started yelling at him, and she made him throw away his cigarette. And she also asked a Dutch guy to completely cover his legs. He was wearing pants but we could partly see his skin around his ankles. I was wearing a T shirt, so I asked her if it was annoying her, because most people in the shrine had long sleeves under 38°C/100°F… She said “That’s fine“.
The tomb of Hafez
The tomb of Hafez and its memorial hall, in memory of the Persian poet Hafez. One of the major tourist attraction in Shiraz, although I didn’t find anything special about this place (I must be weird). But this is the place where rests Hafez, a well-known poet all over the country. Most of the visitors are locals and poet lovers, who come to pay homage to the poet, visiting his mausoleum. Beautiful gardens surround the place. The entrance fee is 200000 rials (a little bit more than 4 euros).
The tomb of Saadi
The tomb of Saadi, another Persian poet. Once again, this place is mainly popular among locals, since they probably know pretty well the poet’s works. I have to admit I didn’t know him before… Once again, beautiful gardens surround the tomb of Hafez. The entrance fee is 200000 rials as well (a little bit more than 4 euros).
Other things to do in Shiraz
But also the Nasir Ol Molk mosque, apparently a must see. I made a mistake going there on a Friday, therefore they didn’t let me get in (prayers day). I heard inside the mosque is a-maaaz-ing! Moreover, I heard the Nasir Ol Molk light show is wonderful! I was with Iranian guys, and I didn’t get a chance to go back there. The Qavam house, which belonged to the Qavam family, influential merchants. And the Vakil Mosque (didn’t go there, again I was with my hosts). If you have the opportunity to taste Iran wine, do it (but be careful!). Shiraz wine is the most popular in Iran. Last but not least, Persepolis and Necropolis, a must see in Iran!
How to get to Shiraz
If you’re coming from abroad, there’s an airport in Shiraz. Click here to check the latest flight prices. From Isfahan, it was a 7 hour bus ride to go Shiraz, and I paid 360000 rials (8 euros). Knowing they put me in a VIP seat. I found out later, I kept telling myself “Damn, those iranian buses are really comfortable!“. Anyway, that means it’s possible to pay less. From Tehran, you can take a flight (90 minutes flight) or the bus (12 hours ride).
How to get around in Shiraz
The city’s not huge, you van get around by foot.
Where to stay in Shiraz
A lot of the tourists I met were staying at the Seven Hostel, and were satisfied. I guess you can go there not worried. I was staying with locals during my stay in Shiraz.
Shiraz travel tips
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
- I wrote an article with a lot of travel tips before going to Iran (money, visa, safety…). Check it out!
- Do not leave home without a travel insurance! You never know what could happen. Anyway, before going through customs, they’ll ask you to show a document proving you’re insured… Here’s why buy travel insurance.
- Want a tailor-made trip to Iran? Get a free quote here!
- Here’s another article about things to do in Shiraz.
- Check the latest flight prices to go to Iran.
- Many websites are blocked in Iran. To use the internet freely, you need a VPN. I use ExpressVPN, fast and efficient. I really recommend it! It allowed me to surf the net freely. Here’s why you should use a VPN when traveling.
- Don’t forget, headscarf to cover your head mandatory for the ladies. Gentlemen, no shorts!
Now I know where my Sula Shiraz wine gets its name from! Kudos for posting an honest write up on the place. Would love to read more posts about India (you’re welcome to come visit anytime)
Thank you!!! I was in India the last three weeks, just left the country… I’ll write about it soon. Keep checking the blog, and you’ll see my posts about India 😉
PS : I checked your blog, I like your articles! 🙂