Shiraz Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 6.5/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring (March–May), when the gardens bloom, and autumn are the most pleasant seasons.
- Population
- 1.9M
Overview
Shiraz is the city of poets, gardens, and nightingales, beloved as the resting place of Hafez and Saadi and a base for visiting nearby Persepolis. Its rose gardens, mirror-tiled shrines, and the famously photogenic Pink Mosque enchant visitors.
Getting around
Taxis and Snapp ride-hailing are cheap and the main way to move around; the city has buses and a growing metro.
Local etiquette
Observe Iran's dress code, with headscarves for women and no shorts for men. Accept offers of tea graciously and engage warmly, as Shirazis are known for their hospitality.
Safety
Shiraz is relaxed and tourist-friendly with low crime, though broader national advisories on Iran apply. Use official taxis and stay clear of any gatherings.