Adventurous things to do in Iran

Are you wondering what adventures things you can do in Iran? In this article we are going to list some fun things you can do in the most famous cities of Iran and tell where you can go shopping, so read the rest!
Iranians love to go on picnics, feast and go shopping any time! There are plenty of malls in big cities and many special things that locals do.

Tehran

Tehran is the capital of Iran and a populated area, a city full of differences, stories and colors. Tehran is full of cafes, restaurants, museums, art galleries, malls and beautiful streets where you can have a lot of fun there.
The most popular spots in Tehran are “Tajrish square”, “Vali-easr junction”, “Tabiat bridge“, “Tehran grand bazaar” and “Chitgar lake”.
Follow the article and make up your “Tehran To Do List“.

Tajrish

Tajrish neighborhood, is located in the northern edge of Tehran and it is one the oldest neighborhoods in Tehran. The most famous part of this region is “Tajrish bazaar”, consisted of fruit bazaar, malls and restaurants.  As the bazaar is next to “Imam zadeh Saleh mosque” there are some shops where you can find stuff like colorful rosaries and different kind of stones, specially a traditional Iranian stone called “Cheshm nazar”. Tajrish bazaar strats from “Qods square” and it finishes at “Tajrish square”.

In addition to the beautiful bazaar, there is a big mall, called “Arg” in the northern side of Tajrish square, where you can buy clothes, eat in the food court or if you are travelling with child, there is a funfair in the mall.
If you want to go sightseeing don’t forget to visit the magnificent Saadabad Palace. You can see cafes and sandwich sellers on every corner of the square and the south side of the square, is the place where the longest street in the Middle East. Vali-easr, starts.

Vali-easr street

Vali-easr street starts from “Tajrish square” and ends in “Rah Ahan square”, It connects the north part of Tehran to it’s south part. The street was built in 1921, and it is so famous for it’s plane – trees which were planted in 1939, a number for every two meters.
If you are a fan of taking long long walks, you can plan a day to walk all the street long and have fun. In this case you will be able to see the culture changing district by district! and enjoy the differences and the view of plane – trees every time you look up to the sky.
The most popular parts of the street are “Ferdows garden” at the beginning of the street, “Saei Park”, “Vali-easr junction” and “Monirieh square”.

Ferdows Garden

Ferdows garden is located at the beginning of Vali-easr street, and it is one of the popular places for teenagers in Tehran, cinema museum is located in this garden and there are some restaurants located in it too. People come and sell jewelries, scarfs and aloes there from afternoon till midnight and if you are a fan of hippie style, you can find interesting thing there. If you visit the garden at night you can see people, playing instruments and singing songs.

Vali-easr junction

Vali-easr junction is the intersection of Enqelab street with Vali-esar street, located in the center of Tehran, and the most populated part of Tehran.
The junction is full of cafes, restaurants and sandwich sellers, the most popular cafe is called “Lamiz” where you can find different kinds of drinks and cakes in eat. Next to the cafe, there is an ice cream seller and teenagers are usually standing outside on the pavement, talking, drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes and having fun.
There are peddlers on the sides of pavements, selling socks, jewelries, hats, even food. The city theater is located on the south side of the junction and next to it is “Daneshjoo park” where you can chill and eat food.
The “City theater” subway station which is located in the junction is also another world, there are plenty of shops in the passageways of the station and you can also people sitting on the platforms of the station, talking together and eating confections or food.

Tabiat bridge

Tabiat bridge is a two floor bridge built in 2009 which connects “Taleqani park” to “Ab o Atash park“. The bridge is one of Tehran signs and it is a structure with an organic design inspired by tree design and combined with traditional Iranian architecture.
It is more crowded at night and there are some restaurants and cafes on the second floor of it and you can go there and eat while you’re enjoying the spectacular view.

Tehran grand bazaar

You can find everything in Tehran grand bazaar, it is located between “Molavi – Khayyam – 15^th Khordad – Sirus” streets. The important parts of bazaar are: “Charsough”, ”Sabzeh Meydan” and “Timche Mahdieh”.
The other reason that the grand bazaar is so famous and important is because of the buildings and places around it. “Shah mosque” and “Golestan palace” are the most famous buildings, located in 15^th Khordad street on the North side of bazaar.
There are also some famous restaurants in the street too, where you can enjoy the delicious Iranian food. If you walk Naser Khosrow street to the North, you can see beautiful old buildings and different shops and “Marvi bazaar”, where you can buy cosmetics. There are some sellers, selling “Faloodeh Shirazi”, an Iranian dessert – black cherry and barberry juice in Summer and hot beetroot – turnip and broad bean in Winter on the side of the street.
When you arrive at Imam Khomeini square, if you walk a little to the North West, you will arrive to “30th Tir street” which is known as the food street too! So it is strongly recommended to go there if you are a foodie!

Chitgar Lake

Chitgar lake is an artificial lake, located on the north side of Chitgar park. The lake was built in 2012 and you can go boat riding on it, the lake has got a beautiful view at night and there is a shopping and recreational complex near the lake called “Bam Land”. The complex is divided to three zones and it is built in four floors. You can all kind of shops and restaurants in this complex.

Tabriz

Tabriz is one of the important cities of Iran, located in Azerbaijan province. The city goes back to Parthians and have played an important role during the history.
There are many monuments left from different eras in this city, such as “Arg-e Alishah“, “Blue mosque of Tabriz“, “El Golu building” and “Bazaar of Tabriz“.
If you are willing to see a world of culture and history, Tabriz is strongly recommended. Keep reading to see where you can go shopping and have fun.

Bazaar of Tabriz

Tabriz grand bazaar is the largest covered bazaar in the world and one of the Unesco heritage sites. The bazaar is located at the center of Tabriz city and you can buy rugs, shoes, crystals and etc. from this bazaar. Shops are usually built in three floors in here, first floor is used as warehouse, the second floor for market and the salespeople go to rest at the third floor.
The most beautiful architecture in the whole bazaar belongs to “Muzzafarieh Timche”, the colorful Persian rugs are glowing under the streaks of sunlight. You have to go there, drink tea and enjoy watching glorious rugs, even if you don’t want to buy one.
There is a “Jamia mosque” located at the right side of “Muzzaffarieh Timche” which you can go and visit it, you will enjoy walking in it.

The city is vast and probably superior to Tehran in this case. Its markets are far more beautiful and larger than Tehran’s. Although located in the northwestern corner of the country, it has widespread influence throughout Iran.

“General Sir Albert Houtum-Schindler”

El Golu park

El Golu park (means: People’s park) is the most famous park of Tabriz. El Golu lake, with 12m depth is a place for people to go boating, there is a mansion in the center of the lake which goes back to Safavid era, and nowadays it is used as a reception hall. The mansion was built in two floors with an octagonal plan and has a magnificent architecture.
There are many restaurants and cafes in the park and also an amusement park, so if you are traveling with children, they can put this park on their to do list.

Isfahan

Isfahan, this azure city that is unique in the world, is the third large city of Iran. Many famous European and American figure have been buried in Isfahan, such as Howard Baskerville, Phyllis Ackerman and Arthour Upham Pope who wished to be buried in Isfahan because of his love to Iran and specially Isfahan. A city full of culture, color, magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens; maybe that’s the reason people call it “HALF OF THE WORLD”.
Isfahan is mostly known for it’s river, “Zayandeh Roud” and “Naghsh-e Jahan”, the biggest square in the world. There is also some other spectacular places in Isfahan which visiting the should be on your “IRAN TO DO LIST”. Places such as “Mardavij region”, “Jolfa region” and “Chaharbagh Abbasi street”.

Naghsh-e Jahan square

Naghsh-e Jahan is one of the most popular attractions in Isfahan and the most important architectural complex left from the Safavid period. Naghsh-e Jahan is also known as “polo square” because people used to play polo in the square.
It surrounded by four famous buildings, “Qeysarie gate” on the north side, “Sheykh Lotfollah mosque” on the east side, “Ali Qapu building” on the west side and “Shah mosque” on the south side of the square.
People can go for a ride on carriage around the square or seat in cafes located around it and enjoy the beautiful view. You can also visit amazing buildings or go shopping in Qeysarieh bazaar and have the most famous and exquisite souvenir of Iran with you when you go back to your country.
If you travel in summer, you can see children in the pond in the middle of the square, laughing out loud, while they’re sprinkling water to each other!

Zayandeh roud

Zayandeh roud is one of the most famous rivers of Iran, it starts from “Zardkouh” mountain in “Zagros” mountain chain and flows with a little bend along Isfahan and it finally ends at “Gavkhooni” swamp.
In the past, the river was more water-filled and people used to go swimming in different parts of it, but nowadays that action is almost impossible. Though in some weeks that the river water rises, people put on their suit and go for a swim.
There are some bridges on it, which all are some of the finest architectures in Isfahan. The most popular ones are “Khajou bridge” and “Si-o-se pol“.
If you visit there at night, you’ll hear people laughing. Some are standing near the river and some are walking on the bridge or sitting on the carters of the bridges.
There is always a person who sings on the bridge and the combination of the sound of the bridge, laughter and the tune will make you smile and enjoy.

Si-o-Se Pol

Si-o-se pol is a bridge with 33 carters and 295 long built in 16^th century on Zayandeh roud. The bridge was a place to feast splashing ceremony! You may wonder at first but the ceremony was all about splashing water and rose-water to each other on the bridge! The cause goes back to an Iranian myth, which goes back to Jamshid’s time and the purpose is getting read of sins by doing the act of ablution.

When Armenians migrated from Aras rivers to Isfahan, they started to have the ceremony of “Khaj Shouyan” on the river and this two ceremonies were the most important things attributed to Si-o-se pol.
Today you can still see people going for a walk on the bridge or in warm nights, children playing on the bridge and people singing and laughing together. Si-o-se pol is one of the most important signs of Isfahan after Naghsh-e Jahan and Jean Chardin, French jeweler and adventurer, have called it the masterpiece of Iranian architecture.

Jolfa region

“Jolfa” is a christian neighborhood going back to 1606 AD. You’ll see beautiful cafes, tall trees, magnificent houses with Armenian architecture in Jolfa.
If you visit there in Winter, it is impossible not to go inside one of the cafes located around Jolfa square. Small cafes, full of people with small round tables near each other will remind you Paris cafes.
You can’t see many cars in Jolfa and if you see, all the drivers are driving them so slow that you may not even notice. Maybe they are enjoying driving on the paved streets!
Jolfa is well known for the “Vank cathedral“. A church established in 1606 by Armenians.

Vank Cathedral

The interior is decorated with delicate frescoes, gold carvings and includes a  rich tile work  wainscot. The central dome colored in delicate blue and gold shows the Biblical story  of world’s creation and the expulsion  and of man from Eden.
Pendants are painted throughout the church with a distinctly Armenian motif of the head    of a cherub surrounded by  folded wings. The ceiling above the entrance is painted with delicate floral motifs in the style of Persian miniature. There are two sections around the interior walls: The top section depicts events from  Jesus ‘ life, while the bottom section depicts torture inflicted by the Ottaman Empire on Armenian martyrs.

Chaharbagh Street

Chaharbagh is one of the historical streets of Isfahan which divides into two parts: Chaharbagh Safavi and Chaharbagh Abbasi.
The street was built by the order of Shah Abbas |, but the second part of the street which starts form Takhti junction and ends at Dowlat gate was built in Pahlavi dynasty. Si-o-se pol divides the street into two parts, in the past there was some rivers flowing in the upper street to the Zayandeh roud.
Chaharbagh is also well-known for it’s beautiful trees and gardens around it and if you want to take beautiful pictures and enjoy walking on the stone-pavements and look at ancient colorful buildings in your way, it’s strongly recommended to put it on your to do list.

Mardavij region

If you are a foodie, you have to visit Mardaij. The region is located in the Southern part of Isfahan and it’s full of different restaurants which yo can taste all kinds of Iranian food at them. Now that we are talking about food, don’t forget to go to Persian tea rooms in Isfahan, eat the delicious “Beryouni” and keep in mind to try “Doogh and Gusfil” for at least once.

Shiraz

There’s no place more beautiful as Shiraz, hospitable people, years and years of history and beautiful gardens all are the reasons you shouldn’t pass this city.

In the East, no city can reach Damascus in terms of the beauty of markets and gardens and the beauty of its people, except Shiraz.

“Jean Chardin”

Shiraz was the resistance of many poets and philosophers during the history, in addition to their tombs, heavenly gardens and historical monuments you can visit in the city; there are some fun things you can do in this city.
So, in order to complete your to do list, keep reading.

Parks

Shiraz is full of gardens and parks, such as Delgosha garden, Afif Abad garden, Eram garden, Ghal’e Bandar Park ,which is located on a mountain which the park is named after, Shiraz birds garden and Bamu park.

Bamu National Park

Bamu national park was established in 1962 by the hunting center as the hunting area prohibited. The park is located at the Northern side of Shiraz city and has gotten it’s name from Bamu mountain. It is one of the quadruple natural areas of Fars province.
The National Park has 112 animal species – including boar, king owl, leopard, golden eagle, hyena, deer and etc.- , 69 species of birds and 21 species of mammals, 19 species of reptiles and 3 species of bio-species as well as various plant species.

Pooladkaf ski resort

Pooladkaf ski resort is located in Zagros mountains and the mountain peak is 3400 meters high. It has a moderate mountain climate in Summer and heavy and semi heavy snowfall from Autumn to Spring.
Pooladkaf is the second international ski resort of Iran, It was established in 2002 and it is available all year long.
A gondola lift runs 2100 m and surface lifts support skiers. As of 2012 a hotel restaurant was under construction. It has a small guest house and one restaurant with traditional foods and fastfoods and a coffee shop at the top station of the gondola.
Snowmobiles and ATVs are available along with Segways, bikes, horses and pedalo boats. All resort facilities are open to the public in non-skiing seasons as well.

Seven bromines promenade

It has stunning views of the hills and numerous bromines. The climate is cold and dry in winter and temperate in summer. The proximity of this area to Shiraz, the variety of landscapes and its pleasant climate are the reasons that people love to go visit this place at the most seasons of the year.

Shiraz bazaars

Many people know Shiraz by the name of the famous “Vakil bazaar“, the sign of Shiraz architecture and a beautiful place for shopping, but there are more for you in this pleasant city.

Vakil Bazaar

Vakil Bazaar was originally built in the 11th century to make Shiraz a prominent trading center for tourists and merchants as well as locals. The bazaar is a roofed bazaar with a gorgeous vaulted brick ceiling that regulates its temperature in different seasons. Currently, a wide range of shops is available at the bazaar, selling different types of spices, hand-woven carpets, silver works, high-quality leather, and so many other handicrafts. Vakil bazaar is the best place for you to buy souvenirs with high quality.
One of the most interesting section of the bazaar is Saraye Moshir at the center of Vakil Bazaar which is comprised of a series of stores selling handmade jewelry and silverware.

Saraye Moshir

Are you a jewelry lover? So don’t forget to visit “Saraye Moshir”. Saraye Moshir (or: Saraye Golshan) is one of the oldest bazaars in Shiraz which was built under the order of government general of Fars province in Shiraz named Mirza Abolhassan MoshirolMolk in Qajar dynasty.
It is located on the Southern side of Vakil bazaar and the best place to by silver jewelries and Shiraz handicrafts.

Haji Shiraz bazaar

This is the oldest bazaar of Shiraz, where you can find everything from delicious foods of Shiraz to handicrafts and clothes. If you are a lover of the traditional clothes of Shiraz you can find them here.

Source: Wikipedia