Shiraz
Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is a dark-skinned grape variety grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce red wine. So, you might wonder why the city is called by this name while in the country currently dry law is in place and alcohol is strictly forbidden. The thing is that this wonderful country until the Islamic revolution had a tradition of wine making which stretched back centuries. It centered on the ancient city of Shiraz. Some says it still has and we could not agree more!
City was a heartland of Persian culture for over 2000 years. Shiraz has become a synonymous to many things including education, poetry, nightingales and of course wine. It was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world and was the Iranian capital during the rule of Zand dynasty between 1747 and 1779. This was a golden age for the city when many of its most beautiful buildings were built or restored.
Some says it is a city of poets. Also, it is home to the graves of Hafez and Sa’di, both major pilgrimage sites for Iranians. Worth your while to visit if you are in town. On top of that city has splendid gardens, exquisite mosques and even pink lake nearby.
Even though inside the city there are quite irritating Iranian traffic issues, the city’s agreeable climate, set in a fertile valley once famed for its vineyards, makes it a pleasant place to visit.
Helpful tips
Restaurants. Shiraz has plenty of bars and restaurants located in the city center. However, we always look for a place with great price and quality ratio to try local food.
So, we stumbled upon Balo Persian Cuisine restaurant. A cozy restaurant placed in a scenery area, where locals come to eat. We loved it, the service is fast and nice, relatively cheap and delicious food. There you can try many local dishes according to your taste. However, take into consideration that breakfast, lunch and dinner only served at certain time. For instance, you can get dinner only from 7 PM.
Qavam Café & Restaurant, a small restaurant which was the type of a cafeteria where locals come to eat. We had a lovely chicken kebab there, however, we would rank it quite pricey in terms of price and quality comparison.
Byrwn br Shyrazy is the place name written on our map (if you need coordinates, please let us know), located in city’s north near Persian Gulf Complex. We were taken to the place by our local host, with which we had extraordinary dinner for four persons while there were only three of. The food was so good that we almost finished everything even though only two of us were eating.
Lavia Burgers – a place of fantastic, with love made and not so “fast” food. A place where our second Shiraz hosts took us. Lovely restaurant situated near the so called “round street” where people are searching for a partner. Therefore, always full and lively, with professional staff and relatively high prices.
Markets. In Shiraz as in every other location on the world enjoyed by tourists you will have a chance to buy overpriced souvenirs. However, prices in grocery shops are similar as in all country.
Transportation. To get to Shiraz you can use car, bus, train or plane which ever you think is more convenient for you. We hitchhiked and it was super easy as it is quite a tourist attracting city and main country roads are passing this city, there is a lot of traffic.
To get around the city is best on foot or with a car, sometimes taxi might be a quick option as well. However, if you live near center it is best to do it on foot!
Best of luck planning your holidays in Iran!
Is there anything else you would like to visit while in Iran?
If you have anything in mind, please let us know and let’s discuss it.
For more traveling tips subscribe to our newsletter!