Travel Guide to Zanjan, Iran

About Zanjan

Zanjan is a historical and culturally rich city in northwestern Iran, and the capital of Zanjan Province. It’s known for its beautiful handicrafts, traditional knives, turquoise mining, historical landmarks, and proximity to famous attractions like Soltaniyeh Dome.

Weather in Zanjan

• Summer: Mild and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing

• Winter: Cold and snowy

• Spring & Autumn: Cool and refreshing, ideal for travel

Best time to visit:

April to June and September to October — when the weather is mild and the landscapes are beautiful.

Transportation & Getting There

• By Air: Zanjan Airport has limited flights, mainly domestic

• By Train: Well-connected to Tehran, Tabriz, and other major cities

• By Bus/Car: A major highway links Zanjan to Tehran (around 3-4 hours drive)

• Inside the City: Taxis, buses, and online ride-hailing apps like Snapp

Accommodation Options

Zanjan offers a variety of places to stay for different budgets:

1. Grand Hotel Zanjan: Modern and centrally located

2. Park Hotel: Mid-range with comfortable amenities

3. Sepehr Hotel: Affordable and clean

4. Traditional guesthouses: For a local and cultural experience

5. Soltaniyeh Boutique Hotels: Near the Soltaniyeh Dome

Top Tourist Attractions

1. Soltaniyeh Dome: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s largest brick dome

2. Rakhtshooy Khaneh Museum: A unique traditional laundry house turned museum

3. Salt Men of Zanjan: 1700-year-old mummified miners at the Zolfaghari Museum

4. Katale Khor Cave: One of the most beautiful limestone caves in Iran

5. Jameh Mosque of Zanjan

6. Behestan Castle: Ancient rock castle in Mahneshan

7. Traditional Zanjan Bazaar: A lively, historic market

8. Angooran Protected Area: Natural reserve with diverse wildlife

Best Shopping Places

• Zanjan Traditional Bazaar: Known for knives, copperware, and local crafts

• Knife Shops: Famous for hand-forged Zanjani knives

• Soltaniyeh Market: For local souvenirs

• Handicraft Centers: For turquoise, copper, and enamel work

Traditional Foods of Zanjan

Zanjani cuisine is rich and flavorful, with Turkish and Persian influences:

1. Dizi (Abgoosht): Traditional meat and chickpea stew

2. Kabab Torsh: Sour, marinated grilled meat

3. Zanjani Qeimeh Nesar: Saffron rice with lamb and barberries

4. Ash Reshteh: Thick Persian noodle soup

5. Koofteh Zanjani: Large herb and meatballs

6. Shevid Polo: Dill rice with fish or chicken

7. Local pickles, bread, and yogurt dishes

Famous Souvenirs

• Zanjan Knives: Handmade with intricate designs

• Copperware: Pots, trays, and decorative pieces

• Turquoise Jewelry: Locally mined and crafted

• Giveh: Traditional handwoven shoes

• Hand-embroidered textiles