Iran 🇮🇷 | Shiraz Travel Guide

When people think of Iran, Tehran and Isfahan usually come to mind first—and yes, I was the same. But my personal favorite? Shiraz (though my impression wasn’t perfect—more on that later). Fun fact: Shiraz is the namesake of the world-famous Shiraz wine! 🍷 Around the 9th century, Shirazi wine was considered the best in the Middle East before spreading to Europe. Today, Shiraz grape seeds are grown worldwide, especially in Australia. 🚌 Transportation • Tehran to Shiraz: Overnight bus (18:30–07:00) for 3.2M toman (¥45)—comfortable and budget-friendly (saves time + accommodation). ✨ Must-See Attractions 1. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) 🕌 💖 The ultimate Instagram spot! At sunrise, colored glass casts a kaleidoscope of light onto Persian carpets—pure magic. Go by 8 AM or fight the crowds. 2. Shah Cheragh (King of Light Mausoleum) ✨ 📍 8 mins from the Pink Mosque. A dazzling mirror palace—every surface sparkles! Foreigners must join guided tours; no cameras/power banks allowed. 3. Eram Garden (Paradise Garden) 🌹 🌴 A Qajar-era botanical paradise with symmetrical layouts, palm trees, cypresses, and 100+ rose varieties. 4. Persepolis 🏛️ 👑 The ruins of the Achaemenid Empire’s second capital, 52km from Shiraz. Don’t miss Darius the Great’s throne hall and the Hundred-Column Palace! 5. Maharloo Lake (Pink Salt Lake) 💕 🌊 30km from the city (free entry!). Microbes tint the water cotton-candy pink—my personal favorite! Best viewed at the salt flats. Bonus: Quran Gate, Hafez’s Tomb, and the bustling Vakil Bazaar are also worth exploring! ⚠️ Why I Left Early Shiraz deserves 2–3 days, but I bolted after one: All navigation apps failed (stuck showing Tehran!). Imagine being blindfolded—no maps, no directions. Solo travel turned into chaotic wandering. Even locals and other tourists were stuck. 😵‍💫 #IranTravel #Shiraz #PinkMosque #PersianEmpire #SoloTravel #Wanderlust