Things To Do
in Rafsanjān

Shelled and roasted pistachios, pistachio brittle, and pistachio-studded pastries are everywhere; buy fresh local pistachios from the bazaar or processing workshops.

Must-Try!

Grilled meats served with saffron rice; a common and reliable choice in local restaurants.

Seasonal vegetable and meat stews served with rice—local variations may include herbs and dried fruits typical of the region.

Confectionery made with saffron, rosewater, and nuts; available in bazaars and sweet shops.

The central market is the best place to sample and buy pistachios, dried fruits, spices, and sweets; small vendors sell savory snacks and tea.

Evening teahouses and kebab stands near parks and the bazaar offer inexpensive, local flavors—try the freshly grilled kebab and flatbread.

Dress conservatively: women should wear a headscarf and modest clothing covering arms and legs; men should avoid sleeveless shirts in public. This applies throughout public spaces.

Remove shoes where required, speak quietly, and follow signage or local instructions at mosques and shrines. Photography may be restricted in some areas—ask first.

Greetings are warm and formal—use 'Salam' and a slight nod; avoid public displays of affection. Handshakes are common between same-gender individuals; refrain from initiating physical contact with the opposite gender unless they do first.

If invited to a home, it’s polite to bring a small gift (sweets or fruit) and remove shoes at the entrance. Accepting offered tea or snacks is customary.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants a small tip (rounding up the bill or 5–10% for good service) is common; give small change to porters, taxi drivers and guides. For tea houses and small vendors tipping is casual—leave small coins or round up.

Cash (Iranian rial) is the dominant payment method in Rafsanjān—carry enough cash for markets and small purchases. Credit/debit cards from foreign banks are generally not accepted; ATMs in town dispense rials but withdraw limits and card compatibility can vary. Exchange currency in major cities or use authorized exchangers; contactless payments are rare.

Mild temperatures and blooming orchards make spring one of the best times to visit; days are pleasant for walking and outdoor photography, though occasional dusty winds can occur.

Hot and dry—daytime temperatures can be high, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous midday exertion.

Harvest season for pistachios and dates; cooler weather and active agricultural scenes offer unique cultural experiences and excellent photography opportunities.

Chilly nights and cool days, with the possibility of frost—pleasant daytime weather for exploration but bring warm layers for evenings.

The most popular sport nationwide and widely followed locally with amateur matches and community teams.

Iranian wrestling and traditional athletic activities have local interest, especially in rural communities and schools.

Vegetarian options exist (rice dishes, vegetable stews, salads and egg-based dishes) but are less varied than in big cities—ask for dishes without meat and verify use of animal stocks.

More challenging: many dishes use dairy or animal broth; specify 'bî-goosht' (without meat) and ask about butter/yogurt in stews and rice.

Iran is an Islamic country; alcohol is not legally served. Food is prepared according to local halal norms, which most visitors expect.

Pistachios and other nuts are common—always mention nut allergies; helpful to have an allergy phrase in Persian and carry allergy medication.