A day-by-day 4-day Rasht and northern Iran plan for Iraqi travelers: the bazaar, Masuleh, Bandar Anzali and the Caspian, and Lahijan's tea hills, via RideFly.
🔍 Book your Rasht tripRasht, the capital of Gilan province, is the gateway to Iran's green north on the Caspian Sea, known for its rain, lush landscapes and local cuisine. Four days are enough to get to know the city and take day trips to the mountain village of Masuleh, Bandar Anzali and its lagoon, and the tea hills of Lahijan, all from a single hotel. Here is a day-by-day plan with tips on getting around, travelling with family and booking flights and hotels via RideFly.
Base yourself in central Rasht and make day trips from there: day one for Municipality Square and the Rasht bazaar, day two for the mountain village of Masuleh via Fuman, day three for Bandar Anzali, a boat trip on its lagoon and the Caspian shore, and day four for the tea hills of Lahijan before heading to the airport. Use taxis or a car with driver for the day trips, pack an umbrella and an extra layer since rain is typical in Gilan, and compare live flight and hotel prices on RideFly.
Rasht's Sardar-e Jangal Airport is close to the city, so a short taxi ride brings you to a hotel in the centre. After resting, walk to Municipality Square (Meydan-e Shahrdari), Rasht's pedestrianised heart, with the historic municipality building and its clock tower and older buildings around it. A short walk away is the Rasht bazaar, a traditional market whose stalls are piled with fresh fish, herbs, vegetables and Gilan's local produce, and one of the best places to see everyday life in the north. In the evening, try well-known Gilani dishes such as mirza ghasemi (smoky aubergine with garlic and egg); Rasht is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for gastronomy. Tip: the bazaar is liveliest in the morning and many shops close on Fridays, so if you arrive late, save the shopping for another morning.
Head out in the morning by car with driver or taxi to Masuleh, in the mountains south-west of Rasht; the drive takes roughly an hour to an hour and a half and passes through Fuman, famous for its koloocheh cookies, which make a good stop. Masuleh is a village stepped up the mountainside, with yellow-fronted houses whose roofs serve as paths and courtyards for the homes above, and it is explored on foot along stairs and alleys. Climb to the top of the village for views over the valley, sit in one of its tea houses, and browse the handicraft shops. Tip: Masuleh is cooler than Rasht and fog is common, so bring a light jacket and non-slip shoes, and head back before dark.
Drive north-west to Bandar Anzali, under an hour from Rasht. Start with a boat trip on the Anzali Lagoon, a wide wetland of reeds and water plants that is home to many birds, with boats leaving from piers in the town. Then walk along the seafront and pier for views over the Caspian Sea and wander through the town's market. Stay on the shore for sunset before returning to Rasht in the evening. Tip: the sea can be changeable, so follow beach instructions, swim only in designated safe areas, and make sure children wear life jackets on the boat.
In the morning, drive east to Lahijan, under an hour from Rasht, to see tea gardens terraced across green hills; Lahijan is one of Iran's best-known tea-growing areas. Go up Sheytan Kuh hill by cable car or by road for views over the town, its small lake and the tea fields, and visit the tomb of Kashef al-Saltaneh, credited with bringing tea cultivation to Iran, whose complex houses a tea museum. Buy some local tea as a gift before returning to Rasht, and head to the airport with enough time for check-in. Tip: if your flight home leaves in the morning, visit Lahijan on an earlier day or add a night to the plan.
Using one hotel in Rasht as a base for every day trip saves packing up each day, and because distances are fairly short, hiring a car with driver for a full day is comfortable for families; agree on the route, duration and fare with the driver before setting off. Pack umbrellas, light layers and comfortable shoes, as rain and humidity are typical in Gilan and Masuleh is cooler than the coast. Masuleh's many stairs make strollers impractical, so a baby carrier is easier, while the Anzali seafront and the lagoon boat trip are a hit with children. The north is a favourite holiday spot for Iranians during Nowruz and the summer, so roads and hotels get busy, and international bank cards generally do not work in Iran, so carry enough cash. Check live prices on RideFly before fixing your dates.
Flights to Rasht run from Baghdad and Najaf, direct or with a connection depending on the season and airline, and you can also travel via Tehran and continue by road. Compare options and live prices on RideFly and book your hotel in the same place. Where to stay: central Rasht near Municipality Square is best for walking to the bazaar and setting off on day trips; if you want the sea, spend a night in Bandar Anzali, and some visitors stay in guesthouses in Masuleh to see the village quiet after the day visitors leave. Before booking, check the current official conditions on the Iran visa page, and check current official travel advisories, as conditions in the region can change.
Late spring and summer are best for mild coastal weather and lush scenery, though summer is humid. Autumn is beautiful with its colours but is usually the rainiest season, and winter is cool and wet, with snow possible in the mountains. The north gets crowded during Nowruz and the summer holidays, so book early.
Yes for a first visit covering Rasht, Masuleh, Anzali and Lahijan. Add a day or two to relax on the coast, stay overnight in Masuleh or explore more of the northern forests.
Central Rasht near Municipality Square is the most practical base for the bazaar and the day trips. Bandar Anzali suits those who want the sea, and Masuleh's guesthouses suit a quiet night in the mountains.
Rasht Airport (Sardar-e Jangal) is close to the city, a short taxi ride away. In Rasht there are taxis, local ride-hailing apps and buses; for Masuleh, Anzali and Lahijan a car with driver or a taxi is easiest, and intercity buses and shared taxis also run. The Rasht airport page has more details.
