Things to do in Ahvaz (Photos, info)

Speaking of Things to do in Ahvaz may remind you of the great Karoun River and the hot days of summer. But it is not where it ends, Ahvaz offers so many ancient historical attractions as well as natural sites. It is located in the southwest of Iran in the oil-rich Khuzestan Province. There have been forty historical sites registered in Ahwaz. Monument of Moei-al- Tojar and Ali Ibn Mahzyar Ahwazi Shrine are some of the astounding historical sites of Ahwaz. The arid climate of Ahwaz may nettle you, so the perfect time to visit there is during January and February. Bear in mind that, if you have respiratory problems like asthma, visiting Ahvaz may not be the perfect option, since there are so many industrial air pollutants.

Shrine of Ali Ibn Mahzyar Ahvazi

Being located in the old section of the city, it is one of the main historical sites of Ahwaz dating back to the eighteenth century. Ali Ibn Mahzyar was a renowned Shia scholar and a prominent follower of Imam Reza (who was the 8th Imam for Shia Muslims). Mahziar Tomb functions as a religious place where Shia Muslims hold their rituals.
It is right across the intersection of Saheli Boulevard and Nahjolbalaghe Road.

Monument of Moein- al Tojar

This historical site of Ahwaz dates back to the Qajar Dynasty and is located right across the Pol-e Sefid. It is actually a caravanserai belonging to the noted merchant, Haj Mohammad Taqi Moein al- Tojar.
On the north side of Shohada Square, you can see the Moein- al Tojat Caravanserai.

Moein-al Tojar: A caravanserai belonging to a noted merchant in Ahvaz.

Christians Catholic Church

This magnificent church has been built during the Pahlavi Dynasty. It is located on the Naderi Street close to Abdol Hamid Bazaar. The beautiful white facet of the church is just eye-catching.
In the junction of Salman-e Farsi Street and Dr. Shariati Street, the Christian Catholic Church is located.

Pol-e Siah (Black Bridge)

It is called the Black Bridge because of its black color. This bridge is the first bridge built in Ahwaz in 1929. The 1050- meter- bridge is built right on the Karun River with a 6- meter width.

Pol-e Sefid (White Bridge)

Known as the symbol of Ahwaz, the white bridge was built in 1936, a few years after the construction of Black Bridge.

Ahvaz tourist attractions: Pol-e Sefid or the White Bridge

Saray-e Ajam (Ajam Historical Building)

Saraye Ajam is well- known for its magnificent architectural features. Carved Columns, beautiful cellars, and stunning wooden windows of this brick structure results in the remarkable beauties of the building. Unfortunately, this ancient house has been recently destroyed by the owner.

Eye-catching Houses

Ahvaz has beautiful houses in different parts of the city dating back to Qajar and Pahlavi Dynasties. Dadras House in the downtown dates back to the Qajar Era. Mapar House has beautiful break ornaments and wooden doors dating back to the Pahlavi Dynasty. Nafisi House is another beautiful house which is also registered in the national heritage site list.

Abdol Hamid Bazaar

Known as the oldest bazaar of Ahvaz, it used to be the capital center for trade. Note that Sheikh Khazal Caravanserai is also located in this bazaar. If you are looking to buy cheap stuff, it is the right place to go on Saadi Street.

Kaveh Bazaar

If you are a food tourist or you are looking for a place to buy original local souvenirs, you should visit Kaveh Bazaar. You can find delicious dates, Ardeh, shrimps, and fishes in this bazaar.
On the southeast of Shohada Square, you can visit the Kaveh Market.

Lashkar Abad

What about the famous falafel of Ahvaz? Well, Lashkarabar is the main hub for the spicy Ahvazi falafels. Do not miss out on the Lashkar Abad to taste the real local Ahvazi falafels. It is easy to find this place, just find the Lashkar Abad District and go to the Lashkar Abad Square.

The Contemporary Museum of Art

If you are more of an artistic person, you may find this museum amazing. It is close to Naderi Street and they keep seventy art masterpieces in the museums, among which sixty of them belong to Ahwaz artists. The museum was built in 1959 and entails five galleries.

Ahvaz Tourist Attractions: Natural Landmarks

In case you are more of an adventure seeker searching for beautiful natural sites, you might love visiting these places:

Karun River

Starting from Zagros Ranges and moving toward the Khuzestan Province, Karun is the longest river in Iran. Karun River is in the middle of the city and has divided it into two parts. One side is allocated for governmental buildings, while the other side is specified for industrial and residential functions.

Ahvaz tourist attractions: Karun, the largest river in Iran.

Kianpars Nature Bridge

First and foremost, do not miss visiting Kianpars Street at night which is full of shops so that you will enjoy walking with your friends and spending some time at it. This bridge connects two magnificent parks of Ahvaz -Laleh Park and Riverside Park- and is located right on the Karun River.

Seventh Bridge Waterfall

The largest artificial waterfall in the Middle East is built on the Seventh Bridge of Ahvaz. The staggering lightning and spectacular waterfall catch every visitor’s eye, especially at night.

The largest artificial waterfall in the Middle East: Seventh Bridge Waterfall in Ahvaz

Island Park

Locating right across the Karoun River, Island Park offers facilities for entertaining kids and bikes for adults as well. You will definitely enjoy its pleasant weather at night.

Bamdej Wetland

You can find so many swamps and wetlands close to Ahwaz. In the forty kilometer northwest of Ahvaz, you will see the freshwater source known as Bamdej Wetlands with an area of 4000 hectares.

There are also two archaeological sites out of the Ahvaz near Izeh for those who are interested in archaeology. There have been two rock reliefs found in Khung Azhdar. One is an Elamite carving that goes back to more than 4000 years ago; another one is a Parthian carving which is 1800 years old.
In the south of Izeh, you can also visit Eshkaft-e Salman which is an Elamite temple with four rock reliefs.
Besides, the astounding Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System and Chogha Zanbil are two great historical sites in 100-kilometers distance to Ahvaz.
If you are more of a food traveler, note that Ahvaz has some delicious spicy foods which you must not miss. Ghalie Mahi, Ardeh Ash, and Roasted Fish are some to mention.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.