Tabriz

As well as being full of history and culture, Tabriz is a vital modern city, complete with prestigious universities and museums.

Top things to see and do

• A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Bazaar of Tabriz is the world’s largest covered bazaar. Here you can shop for gold, jewellery, carpets and spices. When you need a break, stop for a drink at one of the bazaar’s many teahouses.
• Don’t miss the Blue Mosque with its turquoise mosaic tiling and gold leaf. You can also have a wander in the Khaquani garden outside, which is a popular meeting place.
• Enjoy a meal amongst the marble, pillars and fountains of the Nobar Bath restaurant. This restored building was once one of Tabriz’s historic public baths and is now an atmospheric eating place.
• Explore ancient history at the Azerbaijan Museum. It’s jam-packed with objects from archaeological excavations in Iranian Azerbaijan, as well as more than 2,000 books on history, Iranian culture and art.
• Tabriz isn’t just about history. The Poets’ Tomb is a stunning modernist structure marking the area where more than 400 Persian poets are buried. It’s hugely atmospheric and a great way to get acquainted with the country’s literature.

Tips for travellers

See the amazing cone-shaped homes built into the rocks at Kandovan, 57 kilometers from Tabriz. The houses were originally carved 3,000 years ago and are still lived in today.