Iran Bazzars

best places for shopping in Iran + Photos, Timing

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There is a fact that shopping is good for mental health. So, when you go shopping, don’t hesitate to buy something that you find interesting or beautiful as long as it’s not a waste of money. There are thousands of shops available that you can go shopping in Iran, but there are some shops like grand bazaars or luxurious malls that are waiting for you to visit them and hopefully change your mood to 100% happiness.

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Tehran

Grand Bazaar

Shopping in Grand Bazaar of Tehran feels so alive and old at the same time. The ancient structure along with kind and friendly locals, spread a good feeling through the environment. While taking a flashback through the history of old Tehran, look around the shops to almost find whatever you want. The shops are not the only things that are so popular among Iranians. The restaurants that serve the most delicious traditional meals are so loved by Iranians that they won’t leave the bazaar until they get a good taste of their favorite Persian meals. If you chose to go shopping at Grand Bazaar of Tehran, make sure to check out the famous restaurants like Moslem to have the most fun out of your shopping experience.

Opening hours: 9 am – 6 pm

The ancient structure along with kind and friendly locals, spread a good feeling through the environment of Tehran Grand Bazaar.

Bamland Shopping Mall

Even though Bamland is located in the far western part of the city, but that’s the last thing you need to worry about when it comes to shopping and having fun. What makes shopping much more fun in Bamland is the fact that you can walk along the lake whenever you felt tired or needed something refreshing. Or else if you wanted something more fun to do, you can go for a boat riding in the lake or play some VR games at the virtual reality center. The indoors and outdoors restaurants are the best part of the Bamland. Various types of food and restaurants make it almost too hard to make a choice, but any of them that you choose are amazing in their way and their foods are mouth-watering.

Opening hours: 11 am – 11 pm

Best places for shopping in Iran

Bamland Shopping Mall, Tehran, Iran

Tabriz

Grand Bazaar

If you ever traveled to Tabriz and were looking for souvenirs to buy, Tabriz Grand Bazaar is a great place to start. It’s good to know that Tabriz Grand Bazaar origins back in the Qajar era and is the largest covered bazaar in the world. It is also one of the UNESCO World heritage sites. You can find almost all sorts of things in this particular bazaar. There are a lot of handmade products and delicacies. The carpet market and hand-knotted woolen rugs are the most attractive part of the bazaar. While visiting Tabriz Grand Bazaar, you kill two birds with one stone by wondering around the ancient bazaar and shopping at the same time.

Opening hours: 6:30 am – 9 pm

Tabriz Grand Bazaar

The carpet market and hand-knotted woolen rugs are the most attractive part of Tabriz Grand Bazaar.

Laleh Park Mall

Visiting a brand new huge shopping mall in Tabriz is a great way to spend time with family and friends. There are countless floors of all sorts of brands which you can buy clothes or shoes from with reasonable prices. If you needed a break from the shopping, drinking a hot cup of coffee at cozy cafes or eating at the food court are great choices. At the food court floor, you can find different kinds of food that you desire. There’s also a playground for children to play while you eat or keep on shopping.

Opening hours: 10:30 am – 10:30 pm

Isfahan

Naghshe Jahan Bazaar

This bazaar is located all around the Naghshe Jahan Square, and it’s famous for its handicrafts and souvenirs. All sorts of goods, such as silverware and traditional ceramics, spices, jewelry, or Persian carpets, could be found in these little shops. You can purchase many luxury products much cheaper here than anywhere else. Try some traditional Persian nougat or other delicacies on your way to other stalls of shops. Stroll along the shops and cafes while you search for Persian handicrafts or souvenirs to take home with you as a memorial.

Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm

City Center Mall

If you were looking for a more modern sight to explore or a place to go shopping as well, you could make sure that City Center Mall is the one. Isfahan City Center has so many different attractions to offer as one of the largest shopping malls in Iran. Besides the food court that has various kinds of restaurants to choose, there are cinemas, museums, a spa, and an indoor amusement park for kids. Enjoy your meal at the peaceful VIP restaurant with live piano playing in the background and make a memorable memory with the things you bought.

Opening hours: 10 am – 11 pm

Best places for shopping in Iran : Isfahan city center

Isfahan City Center has so many different attractions to offer as one of the largest shopping malls in Iran.

Shiraz

Vakil Bazaar

When you travel to Shiraz, there’s no way that you miss visiting Vakil Bazaar, which is a great place to look for souvenirs. If you want to buy good quality and original Persian handicrafts, make sure to visit this place. This bazaar is located in the historical region of Shiraz, so while you learn more about Iran’s history and culture, you can shop as well. The shopkeepers and people are so kind and friendly and will help you with your shopping. It would take you a whole day to visit the entire bazaar, but you can take a break in some of the cafes or restaurants around.

Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

If you want to buy good quality and original Persian handicrafts, make sure to visit Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz.

Persian Gulf Complex

If you’re looking for a place to shop and have fun meanwhile in Shiraz, then Persian Gulf Complex is the perfect choice. Being one of the largest shopping malls in Iran, the Persian Gulf Complex has provided so many entertainments for its visitors. A huge bowling center alongside with billiard ones to have fun with your family and friends, after wandering around the shops is one of them.

Shopping in Iran - Shiraz

Being one of the largest shopping malls in Iran, the Persian Gulf Complex has provided so many entertainments for its visitors.

You can also taste the delicious foods at the food court. The shopping mall is modern and luxurious, and it’s in contrast with other attractions you might want to see in Shiraz, but if you felt like shopping, you can count on this one.

Opening hours: 10 am – 11 pm

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Yazd attractions

Yazd attractions infographic

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Yazd, also well-known as the city of windcatchers, is located between the northern Dasht-e Kavir and the southern Dasht-e Lut and is absolutely a city of the desert. The windcatchers and mud-brick houses are well representatives of a typical city of the desert.
Yazd is also well-known for its picturesque rooftops, which is of utmost attraction to many photographers.
Besides, Yazd used to be one of the main places of Zoroastrianism, the ancient monotheistic religion, around 3500 years ago and is still considered the center of Zoroastrianism in Iran. This has caused the city to be the home to several religious sites in Iran. These historic religious sites include the Fire Temple containing a central fire that has allegedly been burning since the 5th century A.D, Chak Chak, Iran’s most significant Zoroastrian pilgrimage site, and Yazd Towers of Silence.
Other attractions in Yazd include Dowlatabad garden embracing the tallest wind tower in the world and the well-preserved, still inhabited Old Town in Yazd with the yellow-brown of the mud-brick buildings.

All these beauties have made the city a delightful destination for tourists traveling to Iran. There is a lot to be visited here in Yazd, incorporate it into your travel list to Iran! we would welcome any inquiry you may have about traveling to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir. We will come back to you soon.

Yazd attraction

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Iranian caviar

Iranian Caviar: Black Pearl of the Caspian Sea

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The Caspian Sea is home to a variety of fish and aquatic creatures, however, it is mostly known for caviar. More than 90% of the world’s caviar is obtained from the Caspian Sea. It is also considered a precious souvenir from Iran. To consult us about traveling o Iran, please do not hesitate to send an email to info@idt.ir. Stay with us here to know more about this valuable source of Protein and energetic food; Iranian Caviar.

Sturgeon fish is one of the rare aquatic species around the world. There are five excellent species of these fish that live in the Caspian Sea including the Beluga sturgeon, the Starry sturgeon, the  Russian sturgeon, the Persian sturgeon, and the golden sturgeon. The value of sturgeon is not for its meat, but because of its eggs, which are known as caviar or “black pearl”. Golden, red, and black caviar are three types of caviar, among which black caviar is the most valuable, although the nutritional value of all is more or less the same. While black caviar is mostly known in Iran and southern Russia, red caviar is most popular in Siberia and East Asia.

How Iranian Caviar is harvested?

In the past, sturgeon were intoxicated with a rubber mallet to protect them from moving their tail. They then emptied the caviar and sold the meat. However, today, due to the dwindling number of these fish, the eggs are removed from the fish belly through the cesarean operation method, and some of the eggs are left in the fish belly for later spawning. The fish are then quarantined in special pools for three months, after which they are marked and returned to the sea. This process can be done up to six times for each fish.

Iranian caviar

Caviar eggs are removed from the fish belly through the cesarean operation method.

How Iranian Caviar is served?

Iranian Caviar is considered the most luxurious breakfast in the world. Many caviar fans eat it raw or with egg yolk or chopped onion. It can be served as a food seasoning, appetizer, or mixed with other foods. Many people prefer it cold without bread. While some people like the pungent smell and taste of Caviar, others may not consider the taste and smell of it as pleasant. And remember you are not allowed to add any kind of spice to it!
Since caviar is prone to being spoiled, salt was added to it right after fishing in the past. Today, with the development of food preservation methods, other methods such as freezing or some preservatives are used to keep caviar. Producing low-salt caviar is the result of these developments and many people tend to consume this type of caviar.

Iranian caviar

Iranian caviar is usually served raw or with egg yolk, or chopped onion.

What is the nutritional value of caviar?

This amazing food has proved to offer health advantages. It helps to prevent depression and cardiovascular disease due to its omega-3 fatty acids and it is so nutritious that it is even preferable to fish meat. It is also believed that Caviar consumption is very effective in nerve cell health. Each tablespoon also provides 11% of the iron and magnesium and 15% of the selenium required by the body.

The main areas of caviar fishing in Iran

The main place for caviar fishing is in the south of the Caspian Sea, particularly Sefidrud. Researchers say that in the past, 500 tons of caviar were harvested from Sefidrud. Other important areas for caviar fishing in Iran include Astara, Kiashahr, and Qarasu, where sturgeon farms were established along the rivers.

sturgeon fish

The main place for caviar fishing is in the south of the Caspian Sea, particularly Sefidrud.

The main reason for the migration of fish to the south of the Caspian Sea was a favorable situation for living and spawning. However, due to the severely cold winters, and the shallow depth in the northern part of the Caspian Sea, this area is not considered a perfect place for sturgeon to live. The construction of huge dams on streams and pollution from factories and ships are considered other significant factors that have caused the migration of sturgeon to the southern parts of Iran.

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Bushehr

Things to do in Bushehr (Photos, info)

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The lovely city of Bushehr is famous for its impressive and peaceful coast, and amazing traditional architecture which has made it a fascinating destination for many visitors. If you have decided to have a tour to Iran, you will witness a combination of architecture, fascinating coast, and tasty local food in Bushehr.  To consult us about tours to Iran, please do not hesitate to send an email to info@idt.ir. Stick with us to know more about Bushehr tourist attractions and the things you can do in this city.

Jashkak Salt Mountain

If you travel to Bushehr and had the opportunity to visit around the port of Bushehr, do not miss visiting the salt dome of Jashkak, particularly as a nature lover. This salt mountain is one of the most attractive sights of Bushehr. Salt domes are large layers of underground salts that have moved toward the surface of the earth and resemble amazing domes.
Jashkak Salt Dome is one of the most beautiful salt domes in the Middle East that is still active. This unique salt mountain is 12 km long and 4.5 km wide. What distinguishes this salt dome from other salt domes is the presence of caves, waterfalls, crystals, and the type of salt on this mountain.

Jashkak salt Mt. - Bushehr

This salt mountain is one of the most attractive sights of Bushehr.

Malek mansion; The house of the richest man in Bushehr

Malek Mansion, which is located six kilometers from Bushehr, is one of the historical monuments of this city, which was built during the Qajar period and dates back to 100 years. The owner of this mansion was a famous and rich merchant of Bushehr named “Mohammad Mehdi Malek Al-Tojjar”.
Built by French architects in the style of old buildings in the Persian Gulf with local materials, this building is actually a complex with different sections such as formal meeting halls downstairs, banquets and private parties upstairs, The fort, the emperor and the various rooms and porches as well as the courtyards are nested. The mansion became a military base in the years following the British occupation.

Malek-Mansion - Bushehr

Dating back to 100 years ago, this beautiful mansion used to be the house of a rich person in Bushehr that attracts many visitors today.

Dehdashti House

Bushehr has many beautiful old houses with fascinating atmospheres and Dehdashti house is one of them. This house is a relic of the Qajar period, with a delightful courtyard, gorgeous exterior, and lovely interior design. In the exterior, coral stones and wood have been used and the walls inside the building are plastered and oil paintings can be seen in the rooms.
Dehdashti house or mansion is located in the old part of the city, where there are neighborhoods with old houses, and in its alleys, you will find beautiful cafes.

Dehdashti House

This house is a relic of the Qajar period, about 100 years ago, with a delightful courtyard, gorgeous exterior, and lovely interior design.

Goor Dokhtar, forgotten tomb

If you are interested in the history of ancient Iran, get a little away from the port during your trip to Bushehr and visit Goor Dokhtar. Dating back to around 600 BC, there are arguments about who the tomb belongs to.
Looking very much like Cyrus the Great Tomb, some attribute Goor Dokhtar to Mandana, Cyrus ‘mother, and some believe that Atossa, Cyrus’ daughter, was buried in this place. There are even legends about the burial of Cyrus I (not Cyrus the Great) in this tomb. The girl’s tomb is made of 24 pieces of stone and its appearance is similar to the tomb of Cyrus the Great.

Goor Dokhtar - Bushehr

Looking very much like Cyrus the Great Tomb, there are many legends about this tomb.

Palm Groves

Palm Groves is like a jewel on the ring of Bushehr province. Dashtestan city and Abpakhsh have the largest number of palms in this region. The lush and tall groves at the entrance to the city of Abpakhsh have created a very spectacular landscape in this area and travelers often do not pass without stopping. The presence of water-filled canals on both sides of the entrance to the city has given a special “freshness” to this area so that travelers during Nowruz (the beginning of the new year in Iran) can enjoy water and nature together. These groves offer a high variety of dates; in addition to dates, citrus fruits, lemons, pomegranates also grow in these areas.

Palm groves

These groves offer a high variety of dates in Bushehr.

The Beach

One of the most beautiful attractions of Bushehr is its unique beach. It lasts about 8 months of the year. This province has the longest coastline in the country and is famous for its amazingly beautiful coast in the country. It is said that years ago, a British politician described Bushehr as a city with a fascinating beach landscape when you look at it from a distance on a ship, it looks like it is half in the water and the shore is not recognizable.

Bushehr-beach

Bushehr has the longest coastline in the country and is famous for its amazingly beautiful and lovely coast.

Bushehr Bazaar

Bushehr Old Bazaar is the main center of trade in the city just like other cities in Iran. The bazaar was established during the Qajar period with the beautiful and spectacular architecture of that time. The most amazing feature about its architecture is that it let the light enters the market, but when it snows and rains, water does not penetrate into the market. If you are planning to buy souvenirs for your loved ones, the old market is the best place to visit.

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Susa attractions

Susa attractions infographic

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Located in the south-west of Iran, on the foothill of Zagros Mountain, 7000 years old Susa is still shining as one of the first places of ancient civilizations in the world. Urbanizations and also the development of early state took place here for the first time in the world’s history.

Having been the capital of Iran during Elamite, Susa embraces several architectural masterpieces which are quite eye-catching to every visitor. And the interesting point is that history has been documented in this city and they were the very first people who invented script, and more surprisingly, this was not their only amazing invention. Elamites earned many achievements in writing, architecture, sculpture, melting glass, and metalwork. And all these achievements along with natural attractions have made Susa a lovely destination worthy of visiting.

Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat, constructed 3200 years ago, is the greatest Ziggurat in the world which is a well-representative of Elamite’s art and architecture. It was a five-floor temple of Elamites with seven gates around and inscriptions with Elamite’s alphabets on its bricks. This great construction has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List and attracts many tourists from around the world every year.

People in Susa and in Khuzestan province are known for being hospitable and the local food here is pretty delicious. Traveling to this city to visit all glorious monuments, and meet warm-hearted people will be one of your life-long experiences you will never forget about.

Susa attractions Infographic

To see and download the high-quality infographic, click here: Susa attractions infografic. We would welcome any inquiry you may have about traveling to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir.

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visit Iran

Best time to visit Iran

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When is the best time to visit Iran? Well, Iran is a four-season country offering a wide range of climatic conditions in every corner of the country. You may hear that generally speaking, spring and fall are the best seasons, however, it mainly depends on the purpose of traveling and types of Iran tours you have chosen. To consult us about tours to Iran, please do not hesitate to send an email to info@idt.ir. Stay with us to know more about Iran weather and the best time to visit Iran.

Lovely and mild Spring

Generally, spring is the best season for traveling to any destination, and traveling to Iran is not an exception. From March until May is considered high season in Iran. Ideal temperature, pleasant fresh weather, and also long day hours make this season a perfect one for traveling. This time of year is especially recommended if you aim to reserve a cultural tour to Iran because most cultural sites are located in the central parts of Iran, Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz are normally included in this type of tour and the best time to visit is spring. Besides that, it is interesting to know that from 21 March to 3 April is Nowruz (Iranian New Year) holiday in Iran and you will experience light crowds and plenty of tourists and cultural activities in Iran. Higher prices are expected during this season as well.

visit Iran

From March until May is considered high season in Iran

Hot scorching summer

Summer days in Iran are quite hot and there are fewer travelers around. Especially in the central parts of Iran, where two of the greatest Iran desert exists. However, summer is the best time to travel to the northwest and west of Iran, where extremely cold winter and cool pleasant summer are normally experienced. You can experience mountain climbing, trekking, and swimming in one of the most relaxing mineral hot springs in the northwest of Iran. Prices are often lower due to the hot weather, but there are regions with cool weather and breathtaking landscapes, so, traveling could still be a lot of fun; these including stunning waterfalls and rivers in Kurdistan province, and Aras Baran forests in Azerbaijan province that let you experience some adventure and camping in nature.

visit Iran-summer

Summer is the best time to travel to the northwest and west of Iran.

Cool and pleasant fall

Cool breezes of fall, call for many tourists to come and visit Iran. There are again many cities all over the corners of the country where traveling will be an opportunity. As the temperature turns cool by September, activities like trekking are normally demanded. Prices will be higher than summer but quite fair compare to the spring season. Fall offers a desirable opportunity for all types of tours to Iran, ranging from cultural tours, mostly in the central parts of Iran to many adventure tours such as trekking, hiking, even birdwatching in some lagoons and biosphere reserves in Iran.

travel to Iran

September to October is an ideal time to travel to Iran.

Cold and chilly winter

Iran enjoys extremely cold winters nearly in all provinces. However, there is still two good news for travelers; first, the southern coastline of the Persian Gulf is almost an exception, by this we mean you can enjoy mild and pleasant water sports or simply spending time in the astonishingly beautiful Persian Gulf islands. Second, winter in Iran offers an exceptional opportunity for ski lovers. Being on a budget destination, high altitudes, and good quality powdery snow are three convincing reasons to choose Iran for your next ski destination. Prices are quite low in winter and there are fewer crowds. Winter in Iran could be like heaven for many adventurers around the world.

ski in Iran

Iran weather: Winter in Iran offers an exceptional opportunity for ski lovers.

The most important thing that travelers should know is that most tours are designed to focus on sites located in the central parts of Iran. Iran weather offers its own advantages in every season and the type of tour they demand largely affects their best time to visit Iran.

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Irandoostan

Irandoostan tour and Travelife Sustainability System

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Irandoostan Tour (IDT) is engaged with the Travelife certification program and it has started the process to work step by step towards complying with its international sustainability standards. Travelife is a fair and affordable system that helps tour operators and travel agencies, accommodations, and destinations to manage and improve social and environmental impacts by complying with sustainability criteria.
The Travelife initiative is based on the central role of tour operators and travel agents in internal management as well as the tourism supply chain. This initiative allows the Irandoostan tour to contribute significantly to sustainable development and environmental and cultural protection while operating.
Travelife is a three-stage certification program for tour operators and travel agents:

  1. Travelife Engaged;
  2. Travelife Partner;
  3. Travelife Certified.

As the best tour operator in Iran IDT is at stage 1 – Travelife Engaged. IDT is working to move forward to stage 2 – Travelife Partner. With Travelife Stage 2 -Travelife Partner award IDT will be able to communicate its commitment to sustainability to its clients and other partners.
After compliance, IDT will receive Travelife Certified status as proof of internationally recognized high sustainability performance and excellence that comply with ISO 14001 and EMAS III standards. The performance requirements include the full set of ISO 26000 and OECD Corporate Social Responsibility guidelines which include labor conditions, human rights, environment, biodiversity, and fair business practices.

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sustainability

Waste Separation at Source: The first step to go green

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Have you ever wondered what will happen to the unseparated wastes? Can it be recycled? Well, the very sad answer is; No! Contaminated waste, paper, or plastic bottles that are smeared by food leftovers or other unsorted waste will cost more to be processed and recycled. So, in many cases, the contamination will not allow the plastic and paper to be recycled and they will, unfortunately, end up in a landfill. Waste separation at source is the key factor to avoid such contamination and maximize the recovery of useful waste. Read more

Vakil museum

Shiraz attractions infographic

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Shiraz, known as the city of flowers, nightingales, and lovers that welcomes visitors with its gorgeous gardens and tall cypress trees. Great Persian poets, Hafez and Saadi have been born and lived in this graceful city and today, their delicate tombs are frequently visited by literature lovers.
However, this is not all about Shiraz; having been the capital of Iran twice in history, the city embraces numerous historical monuments and tourist attractions, some with a worldwide reputation. Many tourists enjoy visiting the 2500-year-old Persepolis city and appreciate its glory. Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus the Great, is still respected by many. The architecture of the complex remaining from the Zandiye dynasty also looks quite eye-catching with is charming colorful interior tilework and exterior brickworks. Many photographers appreciate Shiraz for the famous Pink mosque, which is colorful windows that let the light shine into the mosque. People here are well-known for being warm-hearted and hospitable and there is a lot waiting for you to enjoy here.

shiraz attractions

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Si o Se pol

Isfahan attractions infographic

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Isfahan, known as the city of marvel embraces the finest architectural masterpieces. It doesn’t take much to walk from the round dome Vank cathedral to the 400 years Naghshe Jahan square, where king Abbas I used to watch the live polo matches from the porch of his palace but it does make lots of colorful memories. Isfahan attractions are so outstanding and great that no tourist in Iran would like to miss visiting them.

isfahan attractions

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