A complete guide to traveling to Shiraz: top historical and cultural sights, the best times to visit, the airport and getting around, plus practical tips for Iraqi travelers.
🔍 Search & book your flightShiraz, the city of poetry and civilization in southern Iran, is a must for anyone who loves Persian history and culture. In this guide we take you through the ancient ruins of Persepolis, the gardens of Hafez and Saadi, and the colors of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, along with everything you need to know about the airport, getting around and the best times to visit before you book your trip with RideFly.
About an hour's drive northeast of Shiraz stand the ruins of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire built by Darius I. Its soaring columns and stone reliefs depicting processions of ancient nations are breathtaking, and the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby lies Naqsh-e Rostam, where the tombs of Persian kings are carved into the cliff face.
No visit to Shiraz is complete without stopping at the tombs of Hafez and Saadi, Persia's most beloved poets. The shrines are surrounded by peaceful gardens where Iranians come to reflect and read poetry, a reflection of Shiraz's centuries-old status as the cradle of Persian literature.
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is known as the Pink Mosque for the canvas of colors that sunlight casts through its stained glass in the early morning. Don't miss Eram Garden, the historic Persian garden listed by UNESCO for its cypress trees and water channels.
Vakil Bazaar sits in the heart of the old city, a venerable traditional market where carpet, spice and handicraft shops cluster beside the historic Vakil Mosque and bathhouse. It is the perfect place to taste Shirazi life, shop and pick up gifts.
You arrive in Shiraz through its Shahid Dastgheib International Airport (SYZ), close to the city center, from where taxis and ride-hailing apps take you to your hotel. The best seasons to visit are spring around Nowruz and autumn for their mild weather. Remember that Iraqi travelers need an Iran visa, so check the Iran visa requirements before booking your trip.
Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid) is about an hour's drive northeast of Shiraz and can be visited on a day trip together with nearby Naqsh-e Rostam.
Spring (around Nowruz) and autumn are best for their mild weather and beautiful gardens; summers in southern Iran can be hot.
Yes, Iraqi travelers need a visa or entry arrangement for Iran. Check the Iran visa requirements page before you travel.
Shiraz Shahid Dastgheib International Airport, code SYZ, is the city's main airport, located a short distance from the center.
