Tabriz travel guide unveils the capital of Iran in the Safavid era and one of the most significant silk road markets in the Sassanian empire, Tabriz is among the biggest and most beautiful cities of Iran. This city is blessed with lush forests in the north and pristine heights in the south and west. Tabriz is filled with skilled artisans and craftsmen, making this city’s markets full of prized Toreutics (metalwork) engravings on copper, gold, and silver; fine enamels, delicate pottery, and treasured carpets. Tabriz travel guide is designed to help travelers get a real taste of Iran’s traditions and divine cultural heritage. Tabriz city itself is one of Iran’s top cities any visitor must-see while traveling to Iran as well!
–5.2°C to 10°C / 24 °C to 30 °C
Arasbaran Forests
The Blue Mosque
Babak Fort
The Great Bazaar of Tabriz
Tabriz Grand Bazaar
Tabriz International Airport
Rental Car
Taxi – Snapp ( Iranian Uber)
Bus
The Arasbaran forests to Tabriz’s north are among the most beautiful and rich natural treasures of Iran. These forests are thriving with wildlife and pristine and dense vegetation, and are home to more than 300 animal species including the Brown Bear, Caracal, Grouse, and Eurasian vipers. These beautiful forests’ refreshing air and mesmerizingly untouched nature have made this place one of the loveliest sights in Iran.
One of the highlights of the city we included on our Tabriz travel guide is the architectural wonder of the Blue mosque (Kabood mosque). This mesmerizing structure was built about 600 years ago, and its impressive tile design and mosaic art have remained unique and exquisite to this day. The Blue mosque finely represents traditional Iranian architecture and Muqarnas art practiced in Islamic structures and domes. The beauty of this monument is doubled by the artful use of gold, cyan, and azure in this dome’s adornment.
Babak fort is a national heritage site which is named after Babak Khorramdin; a Zoroastrian revolution fighter who led a local freedom movement in Azarbaijan. Babak fort was built around 700 years ago, and not much is left from this fort’s exterior walls. Yet, its historical importance is too great to not have a place on our Tabriz travel guide. The climb to this fort’s 2300 meters high peak is popular among tourists for the beautiful nature and the amazingly fresh air hikers get to experience during the climb. Babak fort remains rather mysterious and unexplored, as ancient coins were discovered in this fort by archeologists not many years ago.
The great bazaar of Tabriz is the only historical and cultural UNESCO heritage site in Tabriz, and is the largest covered Bazaar in the world. This Bazaar was one of the main markets in the silk road and for this reason, most of Tabriz rulers tried to keep expanding and renovating this bazaar. Naturally, the grand bazaar of Tabriz now has a collection of different architectural styles and designs within its arches and brick walls.
Each quarter of this grand bazaar has something unique to offer. Tabriz handicrafts (pottery, metalwork on plates, accessories and jewelry), Tabriz delicious souvenirs (Ris and Noqa, Baqlava), and Tabrizi Persian rugs are just some of the prized items found in this bazaar.
Tabriz is famous for its delicious Koofte (kind of meat balls) and tasty Kebabs, not only among travelers and tourists from other countries but also among people from other cities of Iran. Tabriz traditional foods are many, each deliciously seasoned and flavored with unexpected ingredients. And yet they taste so good that even Iranians favor Tabriz foods over many other cities’ cuisines. Tabriz Aush (like fruit aush, yogurt aush, tomato aush, Omaj aush) are also some of the popular dishes cooked traditionally by Tabriz locals, and are vegan-friendly as well. Tabriz Aush is recommended to be put on every traveler’s must-try cuisine list.
Tabriz Baqlava is famous for its heavenly juicy texture, and Ris and Nuqa are Tabriz sweets everyone must try at least once in their lives!
Carrot and plum stew, Tare Shoorba, and Tabriz Akuri (called Qiqanakh in Tabriz local tongue) are also included in the lengthy list of Tabriz flavorful traditional dishes.
3-star youth hostels or 5-star grand hotels can be found in different parts of Tabriz. Travelers can choose to book rooms in the holiday accommodation of their choice before visiting this city. Overnight stays at local houses are also one of the options some tourists may prefer over modernized quarters.
It may bemuse you to know that Tabriz is named so because of its cold weather, originally meaning fever-dropper in Persian tongue. Because of its geographical location (like other cities in North-west) and the mountains and forests that surround this city, Tabriz is pleasantly cool from mid spring to late summer (late April to August) and very cold during winter and fall. Do take Tabriz travel guide’s advice to heart and visit Tabriz city in late spring and summer, when the forests are green with young shoots and gardens are colorful with budding blossoms.
1.Rent your own private vehicle and relax as your driver takes you to Tabriz city’s tourist spots. You can choose to have a guide with you or tour the Tabriz on your own.
2. Navigate your way through the city using taxis and public buses and make your job easier with navigation applications (like google maps).
3. Tabriz city guide’s tip: Use the international-friendly on-demand taxi apps (Snap, Tap30) if you don’t wish to rent your car in Iran. These apps are designed for the drivers to drive you to your desired location and drive off afterward.