Travel Guide to Ahvaz

About Ahvaz

Ahvaz is a major city in the southwest of Iran, and the capital of Khuzestan Province. It’s known for its rich cultural diversity, ancient history, oil industry, and the Karun River — the only navigable river in Iran, running right through the city.

Weather in Ahvaz

• Summer: Extremely hot and dry, temperatures often above 45°C

• Winter: Mild and pleasant

• Spring and Autumn: Warm and suitable for travel

Best time to visit:

November to March, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.

Transportation & How to Get There

• By Air: Ahvaz International Airport has regular flights from major Iranian cities

• By Train: Connected to Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad by rail

• By Road: Well-connected highways from cities like Shiraz, Isfahan, and Tehran

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

Accommodation Options

Ahvaz offers hotels, inns, and apartment hotels for different budgets:

1. Pars Hotel Ahvaz: 4-star hotel near the Karun River

2. Oxin Hotel: Modern facilities with a central location

3. Naderi Hotel: Popular mid-range option

4. Apartment Hotels: Good for families and long stays

5. Traditional Guesthouses: For local-style experiences

Top Tourist Attractions

Ahvaz is a gateway to Khuzestan’s historical and natural wonders:

1. Karun River Bridges: Especially White Bridge (Pol-e Sefid)

2. Moin-ol-Tojar Caravanserai: Historic trade center

3. Abadan & Shadegan Wetlands: Rich in birdlife and natural beauty

4. Susangerd Palm Groves: Iconic southern landscape

5. Pol-e Seyyed Khalaf: Ancient bridge with unique architecture

6. Shush (Susa) Ancient City: Historical capital of Elamites

7. Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat: UNESCO World Heritage Site

8. Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System: Ingenious ancient water structures

9. Dezful Old Bridge: One of the oldest functioning bridges in the world

Best Shopping Spots

• Naderi Street Market: For local goods and food

• Kianpars District: Modern shopping centers and cafés

• Traditional Bazaars: Great for handicrafts, spices, and local textiles

Traditional Foods of Ahvaz

Ahvaz’s cuisine is bold, spicy, and heavily influenced by Arabic and southern Iranian flavors:

1. Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea balls, street food favorite

2. Samak Mashwi: Grilled fish with southern spices

3. Ghalieh Mahi: Spicy fish stew with tamarind and herbs

4. Ghalieh Meygoo: Spicy shrimp stew

5. Mofattah Rice: Rice with lamb, vegetables, and aromatic spices

6. Khuzestani Dates & Date Desserts: Fresh and sweet

7. Ashe Elam (Elamite Soup): A local herb and lentil soup

Famous Souvenirs

• Handwoven baskets and mats

• Date products (syrup, sweets, dried dates)

• Arabic-style embroidered clothes

• Traditional southern spices

• Handcrafted pottery and copperware