Long Read

Shīrāz: where ancient meets modern in a swirl of culture and chaos

@Sofia Lane2/8/2026blog

lowercase seems like a good way to start this, so here we go. shīrāz, a city in iran that's like a rich tapestry - woven from threads of history, culture, and a dash of modernity. i mean, have you seen the stuff they have here? from the *tombs of poets like hafez and saadi to the arg of karim khan, there's no shortage of places to explore. and let's not forget the vakil mosque, which is basically a work of art.

i was walking around the other day, and i stumbled upon this insane bazaar. i mean, the smells, the sounds, the people... it's all just so overwhelming in the best possible way.

shiraz market

as for the weather, it's currently... well, let's just say it's a good thing i brought my sunscreen. but hey, at least it's not as hot as it is in dubai, which is just a short flight away. and if you're looking for some nearby destinations, bahrain and qatar are definitely worth checking out. now, i know what you're thinking - what about safety? from what i've experienced, shīrāz is pretty chill. of course, you've got to take the usual precautions, but i've been walking around at night and haven't had any issues. rent-wise, it's relatively affordable - you can get a one-bedroom apartment for around $200-300 per month. job market's not bad either, especially if you're into tech or teaching english.

shiraz cityscape

i was talking to a local the other day, and they warned me about the traffic. apparently, it can get pretty crazy, especially during rush hour. but hey, at least the food is amazing, right? i mean, have you tried fesenjan*? it's like a party in your mouth. if you're looking for some good restaurants, i'd recommend checking out tripadvisor or yelp. and if you want to connect with other travelers or locals, there's a pretty active community on reddit. oh, and this local forum is also pretty cool. all in all, shīrāz is a city that's got something for everyone. whether you're into history, food, or just want to experience a new culture, this place is definitely worth checking out.


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About the author: Sofia Lane

Collecting ideas and sharing the best ones with you.

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