The best hotels in Shiraz
Shiraz has 400+ places to sleep. Most are unremarkable business hotels far from the historic core. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Shiraz
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Anvari Hotel
Anvari Street, City Center, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
Shiraz Tourist Hotel
Zand Boulevard, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
Chamran Grand Hotel
Chamran Boulevard, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
Homa Hotel Shiraz
Meshkinfam Street, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
Eram Hotel Shiraz
Near Eram Garden, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
Aryo Barzan Hotel
Karim Khan Zand Street, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
Golshan Traditional Hotel
Historic Quarter near Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
Shiraz Grand Hotel
Saadi Street, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
Parsian Shiraz Hotel
Pardis Boulevard, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
Zandiyeh Hotel
Zandiyeh District, Near Arg of Karim Khan, Shiraz
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anvari Hotel | Anvari Street, City Center, Shiraz | $45–70/night | 7.2/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Shiraz Tourist Hotel | Zand Boulevard, Shiraz | $60–90/night | 7.5/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Chamran Grand Hotel | Chamran Boulevard, Shiraz | $100–145/night | 7.9/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Homa Hotel Shiraz | Meshkinfam Street, Shiraz | $110–160/night | 8/10 | Business Pick |
| 5 | Eram Hotel Shiraz | Near Eram Garden, Shiraz | $120–170/night | 8.1/10 | Best Location |
| 6 | Aryo Barzan Hotel | Karim Khan Zand Street, Shiraz | $135–185/night | 8.3/10 | Top Rated |
| 7 | Golshan Traditional Hotel | Historic Quarter near Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street, Shiraz | $150–200/night | 8.4/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 8 | Shiraz Grand Hotel | Saadi Street, Shiraz | $160–220/night | 8.2/10 | Family Friendly |
| 9 | Parsian Shiraz Hotel | Pardis Boulevard, Shiraz | $250–340/night | 8.6/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Zandiyeh Hotel | Zandiyeh District, Near Arg of Karim Khan, Shiraz | $270–370/night | 8.8/10 | Romantic Stay |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Anvari Hotel
Anvari Hotel sits right on Anvari Street in the heart of Shiraz, walking distance from the Vakil Bazaar and Vakil Mosque. Rooms are basic but clean, with functional bathrooms and decent air conditioning. The staff are genuinely helpful and speak enough English to assist with directions and tours. Breakfast is included and covers the basics adequately. A solid choice if you want a central location without paying mid-range prices.
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Shiraz Tourist Hotel
This older property on Zand Boulevard puts you within easy reach of the Pars Museum and the main commercial strip. Rooms are dated in decor but kept clean and the beds are comfortable enough. The lobby has a traditional Persian design that gives it more character than the price suggests. Staff are attentive and the in-house restaurant serves reliable Iranian food at fair prices. Good option for budget travelers who want to be central.
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Chamran Grand Hotel
The Chamran Grand is a large established hotel on Chamran Boulevard, one of the main arteries cutting through modern Shiraz. Rooms are spacious with comfortable furnishings and the views from upper floors stretch toward the Zagros foothills. The pool and fitness center are well maintained and the on-site restaurant handles large groups efficiently. It draws a mix of business travelers and domestic tourists. Not the most intimate place but it delivers consistency at a fair price.
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Homa Hotel Shiraz
Homa Hotel is one of the more recognizable mid-range options in Shiraz, located on Meshkinfam Street near the airport road. The rooms are well appointed with proper work desks and reliable WiFi, making it a practical choice for business travelers. The rooftop restaurant offers good views of the city and the Persian menu is well executed. Service is professional and check-in is smooth even during busy periods. Families also use it regularly given the room sizes.
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Eram Hotel Shiraz
The Eram Hotel sits close to the famous Eram Garden on the western side of Shiraz, giving it a quieter setting than the city center properties. Rooms are comfortable and well furnished with traditional Persian decorative touches throughout the property. The garden and courtyard area are pleasant spots in the evenings when temperatures drop. Staff can arrange transport to Persepolis and Pasargadae without hassle. The neighborhood is calm and residential, which suits travelers who prefer less noise.
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Aryo Barzan Hotel
Aryo Barzan is a well-regarded hotel on Karim Khan Zand Street, one of the central avenues named after the famous Zand dynasty ruler whose citadel is nearby. The rooms are large by local standards with good natural light and updated bathrooms. The traditional breakfast spread here is genuinely impressive and worth setting an alarm for. Location makes it easy to walk to the Vakil Complex, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, and the bazaar. One of the stronger all-round choices in its price range.
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Golshan Traditional Hotel
Golshan is a converted traditional Persian house tucked into the historic quarter near Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street, close to the old city gates. The courtyard with its central pool and orange trees is the highlight of the property and a genuinely lovely place to sit in the morning. Rooms are individually decorated with locally made tiles and textiles, each one slightly different. The hotel is small with only a handful of rooms so book early. Staff provide personal service that larger hotels simply cannot match.
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Shiraz Grand Hotel
The Shiraz Grand on Saadi Street is a reliable full-service hotel with spacious rooms that work well for families traveling with children. The indoor pool is a practical bonus given summer heat in Shiraz can be extreme. The hotel is within walking distance of the Saadi Tomb and Hafez Tomb, two of the most visited sites in the city. Dining options on site cover Persian and international dishes without being exceptional at either. The lobby and common areas have an elegant traditional design that makes a good first impression.
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Parsian Shiraz Hotel
The Parsian Shiraz is the most established luxury property in the city, located on Pardis Boulevard with mountain views from the upper floors. Rooms are large and well finished with proper luxury bedding and spacious marble bathrooms. The hotel has multiple restaurants, a full spa, and one of the best pools in Shiraz. Service standards are noticeably higher here than at most local competitors, and the concierge team handles Persepolis day trips efficiently. It is the default choice for visiting officials, international business guests, and travelers who want no compromises.
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Zandiyeh Hotel
Zandiyeh Hotel is a boutique luxury property in the Zandiyeh district, positioned directly near the Arg of Karim Khan citadel in the historic core of Shiraz. The design draws heavily on Zand-era Persian architecture with ornate tilework, vaulted ceilings, and a spectacular central courtyard. Rooms are individually styled and the suites in particular are among the most impressive interiors available in Shiraz. The restaurant focuses on traditional Shirazi cuisine and handles it better than almost anywhere else in the city. For couples or travelers who want architectural beauty alongside genuine luxury, this is the top choice.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Shiraz
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
The Pink Mosque: Planning Your Visit
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is the single most photographed interior in Iran and possibly one of the ten most visually striking interiors anywhere in the world. The stained glass windows on the southern wall create complex colored light patterns on the Persian tile floor in the prayer hall. This effect is most intense from 7:30 to 9:30am on mornings when the sun is strong.
The mosque is in the Gowad-e-Arabha neighborhood, about 800 meters southwest of the Vakil Bazaar. Entry is straightforward. Women need their headscarf in place before entering. The prayer hall where the light show happens is the western-facing winter prayer room; the eastern room has different geometric tiles but less dramatic lighting.
Weekday mornings in spring (April-May) are the best visiting conditions: sunlight, cooler temperatures, and fewer tour groups than weekends. Summer mornings work for the light but the heat builds fast. The mosque is about 15 minutes walk from Zandiyeh Hotel and Aryo Barzan Hotel.
Vakil Bazaar: The Heart of Old Shiraz
The Vakil Bazaar is the best-preserved major bazaar in Iran and one of the architectural highlights of Persian urban design. The main axis runs from the Vakil Mosque at the south end to the Saraye Moshir caravanserai at the north. The brick-vaulted ceilings are spectacular when sunlight enters through the skylights.
The carpet section, the spice market, and the handcraft galleries are the most interesting commercial areas. The Saraye Moshir courtyard at the north end has tea houses and handicraft shops in a beautiful 19th-century caravanserai setting. It is also where several traditional restaurants are located.
Go between 9am and noon for the best light and most activity. The bazaar largely closes from 1 to 4pm. Evening hours (4-8pm) are also busy with local shoppers. Bargaining is standard for most goods.
Zandiyeh Hotel: The Best Stay in Shiraz
Zandiyeh Hotel is the standout accommodation in Shiraz, positioned in the Zandiyeh district adjacent to the Arg of Karim Khan citadel. The building draws on Zand-era Persian architecture: vaulted ceilings, ornate tilework, and a central courtyard that functions as the hotel's social and dining center.
The suites here have some of the most impressive Persian interior design in any hotel in Iran. The restaurant focuses on traditional Shirazi cuisine and is worth reserving for dinner even for non-guests. Breakfast in the courtyard with the historic character of the building is one of the more pleasant hotel mornings available in Iran.
The location is excellent: the Vakil Bazaar is 10 minutes on foot, the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is 15 minutes, and the Arg of Karim Khan is directly visible from the hotel. The hotel fills quickly in March-May and September-October, so book ahead.
Persepolis: What to Know Before You Go
Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, built by Darius the Great starting in 518 BCE. The site is 60 kilometers northeast of Shiraz and contains the ruins of palaces, audience halls, and ceremonial staircases covered with detailed relief carvings of tribute bearers from across the empire.
Allow minimum 3 hours on site, 4-5 hours is better. The main structures to see are the Apadana Palace with its famous staircase reliefs, the Gate of All Nations, and the Throne Hall (Hundred Columns Hall). Bring water and a hat: the site is fully exposed and summer temperatures reach 40+ Celsius.
Combine with Naqsh-e Rostam (4 kilometers north of Persepolis), where four Achaemenid kings are buried in cliff tombs with impressive carvings. The adjacent Naqsh-e Rajab has more rock reliefs from the Sassanid period. A full day trip combining all three sites is feasible from Shiraz.
Hafez and Saadi Tombs
Hafez (14th century) and Saadi (13th century) are the two greatest poets of the Persian language and both are buried in Shiraz. Their tombs are pilgrimage sites for Iranians and culturally important stops for anyone interested in Persian civilization. Locals visit, read poetry aloud, and use the tombs as gathering places in the evenings.
The Hafez Tomb is in the Hafeziyeh garden complex on the northeast side of central Shiraz. The marble tomb pavilion was designed by a French architect in the 1930s. The garden is particularly beautiful in spring. Entry is free. The Saadi Tomb is about 4 kilometers further northeast in a similar garden setting.
Evening visits to both tombs are atmospheric: local visitors sitting on the marble steps, reciting lines of poetry from memory, and the lights on the garden pathways create a calm and intimate atmosphere. The Shiraz Grand Hotel on Saadi Street is the most convenient accommodation for both sites.
Getting Around Shiraz
Central Shiraz around the Vakil Bazaar and Zandiyeh district is walkable if you are comfortable in heat. Distances between the main sights are 1-3 kilometers. The summer heat (June-August) makes walking difficult between 11am and 5pm. Taxis cover any city journey for 50,000-150,000 tomans.
Snapp (Iran's Uber equivalent) operates in Shiraz and provides metered fares without price negotiation. It requires an Iranian SIM card or assistance from your hotel to set up. For day trips to Persepolis, use a hotel-arranged car service or negotiate with taxi drivers on Zand Boulevard.
The Shiraz Metro has a limited 2-line system that covers some suburban routes but is not particularly useful for tourists. Local buses operate for very low fares but routes require local knowledge to navigate.
Shiraz's best neighborhoods
Shiraz organizes itself around the Vakil Bazaar complex and the historic Zandiyeh district in the center. The Karim Khan Zand Street and Zand Boulevard run through the heart of the old city. The Eram Garden area is quieter and more residential. Modern Shiraz extends north toward the airport on Chamran and Pardis boulevards.
Zandiyeh District / City Center 3 vetted hotels Historic heart of Shiraz, closest to Arg citadel and Vakil Bazaar, best boutique hotels
Historic heart of Shiraz, closest to Arg citadel and Vakil Bazaar, best boutique hotels
The Zandiyeh district and the streets radiating from Karim Khan Zand Street form the historic core of Shiraz. Zandiyeh Hotel, Aryo Barzan Hotel, and Golshan Traditional Hotel all operate in this zone. The Arg of Karim Khan, Vakil Mosque, and the Pink Mosque are within 10-20 minutes on foot.
This is the right choice for first-time visitors and anyone prioritizing architectural and historical immersion. Golshan Traditional Hotel is the most intimate option with its courtyard house design. Zandiyeh Hotel is the luxury benchmark for the city.
Zand Boulevard 2 vetted hotels Main commercial strip, Pars Museum access, practical mid-range options
Main commercial strip, Pars Museum access, practical mid-range options
Zand Boulevard is the main commercial artery of central Shiraz. Shiraz Tourist Hotel and the Chamran Grand both operate along this corridor. The boulevard has tour agencies, restaurants, and transport connections that make it a practical base.
Less atmospheric than the Zandiyeh historic district but more connected to the modern city's services. Budget travelers often prefer this zone for its combination of central access and lower prices.
Eram Garden Area 1 vetted hotel Quiet western residential neighborhood, UNESCO garden access, peaceful evenings
Quiet western residential neighborhood, UNESCO garden access, peaceful evenings
The area around the Eram Garden on the western edge of the city is more residential and significantly quieter than the city center. Eram Hotel is the main option here, positioned close to the garden entrance and away from the central tourist density.
Getting to the Vakil Bazaar and central sights requires a taxi (15-20 minutes). The compensation is a genuinely calmer environment and the ability to visit Eram Garden in the early morning before the day-trippers arrive.
Saadi / Hafez Area + Modern North 4 vetted hotels Near poet tombs, family hotels with pools, upscale modern properties on main avenues
Near poet tombs, family hotels with pools, upscale modern properties on main avenues
The northeastern part of Shiraz around Saadi Street and the modern Pardis Boulevard hotels covers a range from family-friendly mid-range to the city's best luxury. Shiraz Grand on Saadi Street is the best family option near the poet tombs. Parsian Shiraz on Pardis Boulevard is the top luxury address.
Homa Hotel on Meshkinfam Street serves business travelers near the airport road. Chamran Grand covers groups and large bookings. This part of the city has the best hotel infrastructure but less historic character.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Shiraz.
Persian Heritage
Zandiyeh Hotel in the historic district uses Zand-era architectural elements throughout: ornate tilework, vaulted ceilings, a courtyard centered on a reflecting pool. Golshan Traditional Hotel is a converted Persian house with orange trees in the courtyard. Both are 10 minutes walk from the Vakil Bazaar and the Pink Mosque.
Historic Romance
Zandiyeh Hotel's courtyard restaurant at night, the Persian architecture, and the immediate access to the Arg of Karim Khan combine into the most romantic accommodation offer in Shiraz. Book a suite and reserve the courtyard dinner. The Pink Mosque at 8am on a clear morning is a separate and extraordinary experience for two people.
Budget Shiraz
Anvari Hotel on Anvari Street starts at $45 with breakfast included and walking distance to the Vakil Bazaar. Shiraz Tourist Hotel on Zand Boulevard does $60-90 with more character than a typical budget option. Both are competitive with budget stays in Istanbul or Marrakech at considerably lower prices.
Family Sightseeing Base
Shiraz Grand Hotel on Saadi Street has an indoor pool (essential in summer), spacious rooms for families, and walking access to the Hafez and Saadi tombs. The Parsian Shiraz has the best full-service family infrastructure with spa and multiple restaurants. Day trips to Persepolis are arranged by both.
Shirazi Cuisine
Haft Khan on Zand Boulevard is the most polished Iranian restaurant in the city, serving traditional dishes across multiple dining halls for 200,000-400,000 tomans per person. The Saraye Moshir caravanserai tea houses in the Vakil Bazaar do the classic lunch of dizi and shirazi salad. The Zandiyeh Hotel restaurant is the best hotel kitchen in Shiraz.
Garden City
Shiraz is called the city of gardens for a reason. Eram Garden (UNESCO listed) has roses, cypress alleys, and a 19th-century pavilion. Afif-Abad Garden has a military museum inside a Qajar palace. Delgosha Garden near the Hafez Tomb is the most intimate. Visit in March-May when the roses are in full bloom.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Shiraz
When to visit Shiraz and what to pay.
Spring (Mar-May)
March to May is the best time to visit Shiraz. The Eram Garden and city parks are in full bloom. Nowruz (Persian New Year) in late March brings domestic tourism and a festive atmosphere. Temperatures are 15-25 Celsius, ideal for walking and temple visits. The Hafeziyeh garden around the Hafez Tomb is particularly beautiful with spring flowers. Book Zandiyeh Hotel 6-8 weeks ahead for this window.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
June through August is extremely hot in Shiraz, with daytime temperatures reaching 38-42 Celsius. Persepolis visits require early starts (before 8am) and the afternoon is not viable for sightseeing. Hotel rates drop significantly as domestic tourism slows. Properties with pools and indoor dining become essential. Only experienced visitors comfortable with serious heat should plan summer trips.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
September and October offer comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds than spring, and the city in its post-summer calm. The Hafeziyeh and city gardens are less lush than spring but still pleasant. Persepolis and Pasargadae day trips are comfortable with morning temperatures in the mid-20s. A solid alternative window if spring travel is not possible.
Winter (Nov-Feb)
Shiraz winters are cold and occasionally rainy. The gardens are bare and Persepolis is windswept in January. The Pink Mosque works well in winter when the sun angle is low and the light effects are strong. Hotel prices are at their lowest. The Vakil Bazaar is quiet and unhurried. For visitors primarily interested in the architecture and bazaars rather than the gardens, winter is fine.
Booking Tips for Shiraz
Insider tips for booking hotels in Shiraz.
Pink Mosque: arrive at 7:30am on a clear morning
The colored light patterns inside Nasir al-Mulk Mosque happen between 7:30 and 9:30am when direct sunlight hits the stained glass windows. On overcast days the effect is minimal. Check the weather forecast the evening before and plan your 7:30am arrival. The mosque is 15 minutes walk from Zandiyeh Hotel.
Bring USD or EUR cash, no international cards work
Western bank cards do not work in Iran due to financial sanctions. Bring enough USD or EUR in cash to cover your entire trip. Exchange rates vary at legal exchange offices (sarafi) on Zand Boulevard. Budget approximately $80-120 per day for mid-range travel including accommodation, food, and taxis. Your hotel can help with currency exchange.
Book Persepolis early morning in summer
In summer, arrive at Persepolis when it opens at 7:30am and leave by 11am before the heat becomes prohibitive. The site is fully exposed with no shade. Bring 2 liters of water per person minimum. Spring and autumn visits are more comfortable. Persepolis closes at 8pm in summer and 5pm in winter.
Vakil Bazaar: respect the midday closure
The Vakil Bazaar largely closes from 1pm to around 4pm for the afternoon rest period. Plan your bazaar visit for 9-11am or 4-7pm. The evening hours are more social with local shoppers. The Saraye Moshir caravanserai at the north end of the bazaar is an exception and often has tea houses open through the afternoon.
Zandiyeh Hotel: book the courtyard suite
The Zandiyeh Hotel fills fast in spring and autumn. The central courtyard suites are the rooms worth booking: they face directly onto the traditional pool and orange tree courtyard and have the highest-quality Persian interior design. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for March-May visits.
Shah Cheragh Shrine: check access for non-Muslims
Shah Cheragh is one of the most important Shia shrines in Iran and a spectacular piece of mirror-work architecture. Non-Muslim visitors are permitted but must follow strict dress codes (women: full chador available to borrow at the entrance) and visit during designated tourist hours. Do not photograph security personnel or restricted areas.
Hotels in Shiraz — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Shiraz.
What is the best area to stay in Shiraz?
The Zandiyeh district near the Arg of Karim Khan citadel is the most atmospheric central location. Zandiyeh Hotel is directly here. The Karim Khan Zand Street area gives walking access to the Vakil Bazaar and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. The Eram Garden neighborhood is quieter and residential. Saadi Street works for families wanting to be near the Hafez and Saadi tombs.
What is Shiraz famous for?
Shiraz is the city of Persian poets and the gateway to Persepolis. Hafez and Saadi, two of the greatest figures in Persian literature, are both buried here and their tombs draw pilgrims and visitors from across Iran. The city is renowned for the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque), the Vakil Bazaar, the Eram Garden, and as the base for day trips to the Achaemenid ruins at Persepolis 60 kilometers northeast.
How do I get to Persepolis from Shiraz?
Persepolis is 60 kilometers northeast of Shiraz, about 1 hour by private taxi or tour van. Taxis from the city center charge approximately 500,000-800,000 Iranian tomans for a round trip with waiting time. Tour agencies on Zand Boulevard offer combined Persepolis-Pasargadae day trips for 1,000,000-1,500,000 tomans per person including guide. Plan a minimum of 3 hours at Persepolis itself.
What is the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque?
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, known as the Pink Mosque, is a 19th-century mosque in the Gowad-e-Arabha neighborhood of Shiraz. The interior stained glass windows create extraordinary colored light patterns on the floor and walls in the hour after sunrise. This effect is most dramatic between 7:30 and 9:30am on sunny mornings. Entry costs roughly 50,000-100,000 tomans. The mosque is genuinely one of the most photogenic interiors in Iran.
Is it safe to visit Iran as a tourist?
Shiraz and the main tourist cities of Iran are generally considered safe for international visitors. Iranians are among the most hospitable people toward tourists in the region. The main practical issue for Western visitors is the banking situation: US, UK, and EU bank cards do not work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring US dollars or euros in cash to exchange locally. Check your government's current travel advisory before booking.
How much do hotels cost in Shiraz?
Budget options like Anvari Hotel start at $45/night. Mid-range hotels like Eram Hotel and Aryo Barzan run $120-185. Luxury properties Parsian Shiraz and Zandiyeh Hotel range from $250-370 per night. Iranian hotel prices are generally lower than equivalent quality in other Middle Eastern cities. Payments are in Iranian tomans or USD cash.
What is the best time to visit Shiraz?
March to May is Shiraz at its best: the gardens and roses are in bloom, temperatures are 18-28 Celsius, and the Nowruz (Persian New Year) festival in March fills the city with domestic tourists. September and October are comfortable at 20-28 Celsius with much smaller crowds. June through August is very hot (38-42 Celsius). November through February is cold but dry and manageable with a coat.
What should I know about the Vakil Bazaar?
The Vakil Bazaar is one of the best-preserved traditional Persian bazaar complexes in Iran, built during the Zand dynasty in the 18th century. The central caravanserai, the spice market, and the carpet and textile sections are all worth exploring. Go in the morning when light enters the brick vaulted ceilings. Most shops close around 1pm for the afternoon rest and reopen at 4pm. Bargaining is expected for everything except food.
What do I need to know about dress code in Shiraz?
Iran requires all women (foreign and domestic) to cover their hair with a headscarf (hijab) in public. Both men and women should avoid shorts in most public areas, though the standards in Shiraz are somewhat more relaxed than in smaller conservative towns. The main tourist sites (mosques, bazaars) require modest dress. Many hotels can provide advice on current local norms.
What is the Eram Garden?
The Eram Garden is a UNESCO-listed Persian garden on the western edge of Shiraz, one of the finest examples of the Persian garden tradition. A 19th-century palace pavilion sits at the center surrounded by cypress trees, rose gardens, and the characteristic reflecting pool. Entry is around 50,000-80,000 tomans. The garden is quietest in early morning and at the end of the day.
What traditional food should I eat in Shiraz?
Shirazi salad (cucumber, tomato, onion, dried mint, lime) is the city's namesake dish and eaten with almost every meal. Dizi (lamb stew in a stone pot, mashed at the table) is a classic Iranian lunch for 150,000-250,000 tomans. The Haft Khan restaurant on Zand Boulevard is the most reliable upscale Iranian dining option. The warungs around the Vakil Bazaar do cheap lunches for 50,000-80,000 tomans.
What areas of Shiraz should I avoid or be cautious about?
Shiraz is a relatively safe Iranian city without specific no-go zones for tourists. The main caution is being aware of restricted photography areas, particularly around government buildings, military installations, and certain religious sites. Ask before photographing in mosques. The Shia religious sites like Shah Cheragh Shrine require modest dress and some sections are restricted to non-Muslims.