Things To Do
in Zanjān

Zanjān is a historic city in northwestern Iran, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. It serves as a gateway to the Alborz Mountains, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The city is famous for its unique handicrafts, particularly its traditional rugs and metalwork.

With its ancient architecture and vibrant bazaars, Zanjān provides an authentic experience of Iranian culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Explore the City
morning
:

Start your day at the Zanjān Bazaar, where you can browse local handicrafts, spices, and traditional sweets. Don't forget to try some morning pastries at a local bakery.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Soltaniyeh Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its stunning architecture and surrounding gardens.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Persian cuisine, followed by a stroll through the city park to experience the local nightlife.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Head to the nearby Alborz Mountains for a morning hike, taking in the fresh air and scenic views.

afternoon
:

Return to the city and visit the Zanjān Museum of History and Ethnography to learn about the region's culture and history.

evening
:

Dine at a rooftop restaurant to enjoy a panoramic view of the city as the sun sets.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a mid-range restaurant$10
🚌Public transport ticket$0.50
🛍️Handicraft souvenirs$5-$20
🏨Hotel night stay$30
Coffee at a café$2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and historical sites
  • Delicious local cuisine
  • Stunning natural landscapes
  • Limited nightlife options
  • Language barrier for non-Farsi speakers
  • Less tourist infrastructure compared to larger cities
  • "سلام" - Hello
  • "خداحافظ" - Goodbye
  • "لطفا" - Please
  • "متشکرم" - Thank you
  • "بله" - Yes

Places to Visit in Zanjān

Visit one of these nice places.

Soltaniyeh Dome

An architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for capturing intricate tile work.

Zanjān Bazaar

The bustling market atmosphere offers vibrant scenes of daily life.

Alborz Mountains

Stunning landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop for nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Zanjān

Zanjān offers a delightful culinary experience with its rich flavors and traditional dishes that reflect the region's heritage.

Zanjān Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Zanjān Pomegranate Stew

A flavorful stew made with pomegranate paste, meat, and spices, served over rice.

Must-Try!

Kebab

Juicy skewers of marinated meat, grilled to perfection and served with saffron rice.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Zanjān Street Food Stalls

Vibrant stalls offering local snacks such as 'samosa' and 'kaleh pacheh'.

Climate Guide

Weather

Zanjān experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant. Summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F), while winter can drop to -10°C (14°F) at night. Rainfall is minimal, mostly occurring in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress Modestly

Visitors should dress conservatively, especially in religious sites.

Respect Local Customs

Greeting locals with a handshake or smile is appreciated.

Dining Etiquette

It is polite to wait for the host to start eating before you begin.

Safety Guide

Safety

Zanjān is generally safe for travelers. However, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas at night. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places like bazaars.

Tipping in Zanjān

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Culture

It is customary to tip around 10% in restaurants if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash is preferred as credit cards are not widely accepted; ATMs are available in the city.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it an ideal time for outdoor activities.

Summer

Hot and dry weather, suitable for exploring early in the morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage create beautiful landscapes.

Winter

Cold weather with possible snowfall in the mountains, great for skiing and winter photography.

Nightlife Guide

Zanjān at Night

Zanjān's nightlife is relatively quiet compared to larger cities. However, many locals enjoy evening strolls in parks and cafés. Some restaurants offer live traditional music, adding to the cultural experience. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a nice place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Hiking in Zanjān

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Gilan

A popular hiking destination with trails suitable for all levels, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Khanek Mountains

Known for their rugged terrain and stunning scenery, these mountains provide challenging hikes for adventure seekers.

Airports

How to reach Zanjān by plane.

Zanjān Airport

Located approximately 20 km from the city center, it offers domestic flights with connections to Tehran.

Getting Around

Walkability

Zanjān is quite walkable, especially in the city center where major attractions are located close to each other. Sidewalks are generally available, but some streets can be busy, so caution is advised. Exploring the bazaar on foot is a great way to soak in the local atmosphere.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Persians

The majority ethnic group in Zanjān, with a rich cultural heritage.

Kurdish People

A significant minority in the region, contributing to the cultural diversity of Zanjān.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is immensely popular in Zanjān, with local teams and matches drawing significant crowds.

Wrestling

Traditional Persian wrestling, known as 'Koshti', has deep cultural roots in the region and is often celebrated.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Zanjān can be moderate, particularly during peak hours. Public transportation includes buses and shared taxis, which are affordable and widely used by locals. Walking is also a popular way to get around the city center.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Zanjān.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to confirm with staff.

Halal Food

All food in Zanjān is halal, making it suitable for Muslim travelers.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare services in Zanjān are adequate, with several hospitals and clinics available. Pharmacies are also commonplace, but it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. For serious medical needs, larger cities like Tabriz may offer more advanced facilities.

Discover Iran

Read more in our Iran 2025 Travel Guide.

Iran Travel Guide