Sofreh Sara is a traditional Iranian restaurant that's perfect for starting your day with a hearty breakfast. Enjoy a variety of fresh bread, cheese, jam, honey, and tea. You can also try local specialties like Kaleh Joosh (whey soup) or Halim Bademjan (eggplant porridge). The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy, and the staff is super friendly.
Vakil Bazaar is a historical market that dates back to the 11th century. Here you can experience authentic Persian lifestyle and shop for souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts. Make sure to visit the Caravanserais, Saraye Moshir, and Saraye Saadi sections of the bazaar, which offer a variety of shops and cafes that serve traditional Persian sweets like Gaz and Sohan.
ArousFarangi is a unique Iranian restaurant located in the heart of the city. The restaurant's interior design is inspired by Qajar-era Iranian mansions with its elegant and colorful decoration. Their menu is a mix of traditional and modern Persian cuisine, such as Tahchin (a saffron rice cake), Gheymeh Fesenjan (meatballs with pomegranate and walnut stew), or Baghali Polo (dill and fava bean rice). The dishes are well-presented and flavorful, and the staff is accommodating.
Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is a masterpiece of Qajar-era Islamic architecture. The mosque's interior is adorned with colorful stained glass windows that create a kaleidoscope of light and color. The best time to visit is in the morning when the sunlight streams through the windows.
Sharzeh Restaurant is a spacious and stylish Iranian restaurant that offers a variety of traditional Iranian dishes. Their menu includes Ash Reshteh (vegetable and noodle soup), Gheymeh Bademjan (eggplant stew with meatballs), or Kebab Chenjeh (grilled lamb skewers). You can enjoy your meal with live music in the background. The staff is attentive and friendly.
Haft Khan Restaurant is a must-visit Iranian restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their breakfast menu includes eggs with herbs, fresh bread, honey, dates, and tea. The restaurant's ambiance is cozy, and the staff is attentive. You can sit in the beautiful courtyard and relax before starting your day.
Sa'adi Tomb is the tomb of Sa'adi Shirazi, a famous Persian poet of the 13th century. The tomb's beautiful garden is surrounded by tall cypress trees, and the inner building displays the poet's works and manuscripts. The atmosphere is serene, and you can spend some peaceful time here.
Shandiz Restaurant is an upscale Iranian restaurant that specializes in grilled meat. The restaurant's interior is modern and sophisticated, and the view of the city from the balcony is breathtaking. Their menu includes different types of kebab, lamb chops, and chicken wings. The meat is tender and perfectly cooked, and the portions are generous. The staff is professional and friendly.
Persepolis is an ancient city that dates back to 518 BC, during the Achaemenid Empire. The city was the ceremonial capital of the empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the city include palaces, gateways, and other structures that are impressive to see. You can also visit the Persepolis Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts that were found in the site.
Haji Firouz Faloodeh is a famous Iranian dessert shop that serves Faloodeh, a cold dessert made with thin vermicelli noodles and flavored syrup. The dessert is served with a scoop of ice cream and is perfect for the hot weather. The shop's interior is functional, and the service is quick. You can order different sizes, and the price is affordable.
If you have more time, you can visit other historical sites, such as Eram Garden, Hafezieh or Karim Khan Citadel. You can also take a day trip to neighboring towns like Marvdasht or Pasargadae. If you have less time, you can skip either Sa'adi Tomb or Haji Firouz Faloodeh. You can also combine Vakil Bazaar and Nasir Ol Molk Mosque in one visit since they are close to each other. Remember to wear comfortable shoes since some sites require walking. Lastly, negotiate prices in local markets and taxis, and carry some cash since not all shops accept credit cards.