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3 Days in Qazvin: Itinerary 2026
🗺️ Orientation and Transport
Qazvin is a compact city, and most sights cluster in the historic center around the Chehel Sotoun garden and the bazaar. Walking between the main attractions takes 10… 🗺️ Orientation and Transport
Qazvin is a compact city, and most sights cluster in the historic center around the Chehel Sotoun garden and the bazaar. Walking between the main attractions takes 10 to 20 minutes, but you'll want to use the cheap local taxis (snapp or shared) for longer hops, with fares around 50,000 to 100,000 rials. The main bus terminal is about 3 km from the center, and a taxi to the bazaar area costs roughly 150,000 rials and takes 10 minutes. For day trips, the minibus terminal for Alamut is on the eastern edge of town, about 15 minutes by taxi from the center.
🏛️ Day 1 Morning: Historic Core
Start at 9:00 at the Chehel Sotoun Palace (open 8:00 to 18:00, entry 200,000 rials), a Safavid pavilion with a small museum and a peaceful garden. From there, walk 5 minutes to the Grand Bazaar, where the covered lanes are busiest between 10:00 and 13:00. Don't miss the 17th-century Masjed-e Jameh (Friday Mosque) just off the bazaar's main axis, and the nearby Aminiha Hosseiniyeh, a beautifully tiled Qajar-era mourning house open to visitors for a small donation.
🍽️ Day 1 Afternoon and Evening
For lunch, head to the traditional restaurant in the bazaar area, like the popular Sofreh Khaneh, where a hearty stew with rice costs about 300,000 rials. After lunch, visit the Qazvin Museum of Calligraphy (open 9:00 to 17:00, closed Fridays, entry 150,000 rials) on the eastern side of the bazaar. In the evening, stroll through the pedestrianized Sepah Street, which comes alive after 18:00 with families and food stalls selling fresh bread and sweets.
🏞️ Day 2: Alamut Valley Day Trip
Leave Qazvin at 7:30 by shared taxi or minibus from the eastern terminal to Gazor Khan (about 2 hours, 200,000 rials per person). From the village, it's a 30-minute uphill walk to the Alamut Castle (entry 250,000 rials), the legendary stronghold of the Assassins. Spend 2 hours exploring the ruins and the museum, then descend for a late lunch at one of the local guesthouses in Gazor Khan. Return to Qazvin by 17:00, and if you have energy, visit the nearby Ovan Lake (20 minutes by taxi from the terminal) for sunset.
🏺 Day 3 Morning: North Qazvin
Begin at 9:00 at the Qajar-era Sardar Cistern (open 9:00 to 17:00, entry 150,000 rials), a stunning underground water reservoir now used as a teahouse. Walk 10 minutes north to the Russian Church (open 10:00 to 16:00, closed Mondays, free entry), a charming 19th-century church with a small museum. Then continue 15 minutes on foot to the Peighambariyeh Mausoleum, a Seljuk-era tomb with intricate brickwork, open daily from 8:00 to 18:00.
🛍️ Day 3 Afternoon: Bazaar and Crafts
After lunch, explore the bazaar's craft workshops, especially the coppersmiths' section near the Saray-e Razavi caravanserai, where you can watch artisans at work between 14:00 and 17:00. Pick up local souvenirs like baklava from the famous Baklava-ye Qazvin shop on Khayyam Street (a box costs 250,000 rials). For a unique experience, visit the Qazvin Traditional Bazaar's spice and dried fruit stalls, which are less crowded in the afternoon.
🌙 Evening: Food and Views
On your final evening, dine at the rooftop restaurant of the Naderi Hotel (open 19:00 to 23:00, mains around 400,000 rials), which offers views over the city and the Alborz mountains. Alternatively, try the local specialty, baghali polo with lamb, at the cozy Shahrzad Restaurant on Ferdowsi Street. End the night with a walk along the Khayyam Street promenade, where ice cream shops stay open until midnight.
💡 Practical Tips for 2026
Book accommodation in advance, especially during Nowruz (March 20 to April 2), when hotels fill up quickly; expect to pay 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 rials per night for a mid-range double room. The currency is the rial, but prices are often quoted in tomans (1 toman equals 10 rials), so always clarify which unit is being used. Carry cash, as international cards don't work, and download a VPN before you arrive if you need access to foreign apps. Most museums are closed on Fridays, so plan your indoor visits for other days.
Qazvin is a compact city, and most sights cluster in the historic center around the Chehel Sotoun garden and the bazaar. Walking between the main attractions takes 10… 🗺️ Orientation and Transport
Qazvin is a compact city, and most sights cluster in the historic center around the Chehel Sotoun garden and the bazaar. Walking between the main attractions takes 10 to 20 minutes, but you'll want to use the cheap local taxis (snapp or shared) for longer hops, with fares around 50,000 to 100,000 rials. The main bus terminal is about 3 km from the center, and a taxi to the bazaar area costs roughly 150,000 rials and takes 10 minutes. For day trips, the minibus terminal for Alamut is on the eastern edge of town, about 15 minutes by taxi from the center.
🏛️ Day 1 Morning: Historic Core
Start at 9:00 at the Chehel Sotoun Palace (open 8:00 to 18:00, entry 200,000 rials), a Safavid pavilion with a small museum and a peaceful garden. From there, walk 5 minutes to the Grand Bazaar, where the covered lanes are busiest between 10:00 and 13:00. Don't miss the 17th-century Masjed-e Jameh (Friday Mosque) just off the bazaar's main axis, and the nearby Aminiha Hosseiniyeh, a beautifully tiled Qajar-era mourning house open to visitors for a small donation.
🍽️ Day 1 Afternoon and Evening
For lunch, head to the traditional restaurant in the bazaar area, like the popular Sofreh Khaneh, where a hearty stew with rice costs about 300,000 rials. After lunch, visit the Qazvin Museum of Calligraphy (open 9:00 to 17:00, closed Fridays, entry 150,000 rials) on the eastern side of the bazaar. In the evening, stroll through the pedestrianized Sepah Street, which comes alive after 18:00 with families and food stalls selling fresh bread and sweets.
🏞️ Day 2: Alamut Valley Day Trip
Leave Qazvin at 7:30 by shared taxi or minibus from the eastern terminal to Gazor Khan (about 2 hours, 200,000 rials per person). From the village, it's a 30-minute uphill walk to the Alamut Castle (entry 250,000 rials), the legendary stronghold of the Assassins. Spend 2 hours exploring the ruins and the museum, then descend for a late lunch at one of the local guesthouses in Gazor Khan. Return to Qazvin by 17:00, and if you have energy, visit the nearby Ovan Lake (20 minutes by taxi from the terminal) for sunset.
🏺 Day 3 Morning: North Qazvin
Begin at 9:00 at the Qajar-era Sardar Cistern (open 9:00 to 17:00, entry 150,000 rials), a stunning underground water reservoir now used as a teahouse. Walk 10 minutes north to the Russian Church (open 10:00 to 16:00, closed Mondays, free entry), a charming 19th-century church with a small museum. Then continue 15 minutes on foot to the Peighambariyeh Mausoleum, a Seljuk-era tomb with intricate brickwork, open daily from 8:00 to 18:00.
🛍️ Day 3 Afternoon: Bazaar and Crafts
After lunch, explore the bazaar's craft workshops, especially the coppersmiths' section near the Saray-e Razavi caravanserai, where you can watch artisans at work between 14:00 and 17:00. Pick up local souvenirs like baklava from the famous Baklava-ye Qazvin shop on Khayyam Street (a box costs 250,000 rials). For a unique experience, visit the Qazvin Traditional Bazaar's spice and dried fruit stalls, which are less crowded in the afternoon.
🌙 Evening: Food and Views
On your final evening, dine at the rooftop restaurant of the Naderi Hotel (open 19:00 to 23:00, mains around 400,000 rials), which offers views over the city and the Alborz mountains. Alternatively, try the local specialty, baghali polo with lamb, at the cozy Shahrzad Restaurant on Ferdowsi Street. End the night with a walk along the Khayyam Street promenade, where ice cream shops stay open until midnight.
💡 Practical Tips for 2026
Book accommodation in advance, especially during Nowruz (March 20 to April 2), when hotels fill up quickly; expect to pay 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 rials per night for a mid-range double room. The currency is the rial, but prices are often quoted in tomans (1 toman equals 10 rials), so always clarify which unit is being used. Carry cash, as international cards don't work, and download a VPN before you arrive if you need access to foreign apps. Most museums are closed on Fridays, so plan your indoor visits for other days.
Become a Local Guide
in Qazvin to earn up to $50.00/hour by helping travelers that are interested in Qazvin and want to connect to learn about the current climate, discover hidden gems, or get help planning their itinerary.
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Chehel Sotoun garden, weekday mornings before the tour buses.
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Been to Qazvin twice and honestly the Shrine of Shahzadeh Hossein just outside town deserves a spot, quiet and gorgeous tiling, way less crowded than central sights.
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The itinerary is thorough, but I'd add that the Qajar-era Haj Kazem caravanserai behind Khayyam Street has quieter craft stalls than the main bazaar lanes.
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Things to Do in Qazvin (2026)
🏛️ Walk Through History
Start at the Chehel Sotoun Palace, a 16th-century pavilion built under Shah Tahmasp I, now housing the Calligraphy Museum. It's open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (until 18:00 i… 🏛️ Walk Through History
Start at the Chehel Sotoun Palace, a 16th-century pavilion built under Shah Tahmasp I, now housing the Calligraphy Museum. It's open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in summer), and entry costs about 200,000 rials for foreign visitors. The surrounding garden is a peaceful spot to begin your day.
🕌 Jameh Mosque Insights
The Jameh Mosque of Qazvin is one of the oldest in Iran, with foundations dating back to the 9th century. Don't miss the stunning mihrab and the ancient wooden minbar. It's located on Shohada Street, and entry is free, though donations are welcome. Visit in the morning to avoid crowds.
🍇 Bazaar and Local Life
Qazvin's covered bazaar is a labyrinth of alleys selling everything from spices to copperware. The best time to explore is late morning when the shops are fully open. Look for the traditional bakery near the entrance of the bazaar, where you can try freshly baked sangak bread. Bargaining is expected, so brush up on your Persian numbers.
🏞️ Escape to the Countryside
Just outside the city, the Alamut Valley offers dramatic mountain scenery and the legendary Assassins' castles. A day trip to Alamut Castle (about 2 hours by car) is a must for history buffs. The road is winding but well-maintained; hire a driver or join a tour from Qazvin. Bring a jacket, as it's cooler in the mountains.
🍽️ Taste Qazvini Cuisine
Qazvin is famous for its unique dishes like baghali polo (rice with fava beans and dill) and gheymeh nesar (a sweet and sour stew with barberries). Head to Shahrzad Restaurant on Khayyam Street for an authentic taste; expect to pay around 500,000 rials per person. For a quick snack, try the local bakeries' freshly baked pastries.
🚶 Stroll the Streets
The Sepah Street, known as the first modern street in Iran, is lined with historic buildings and shops. Take a leisurely walk from the Chehel Sotoun Palace to the Aminiha Hosseiniyeh, a beautifully restored Qajar-era mansion. The area is especially lively in the evenings when locals come out to shop and socialize.
🎭 Cultural Evenings
Check out the Qazvin City Theater on Felestin Street for performances, though they are mostly in Persian. For a more accessible experience, visit the Qazvin Museum of Anthropology, housed in a former bathhouse, open from 9:00 to 17:00 (closed Mondays). It offers a fascinating glimpse into local traditions and crafts.
🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs
Pick up traditional Qazvini textiles, such as hand-printed fabrics, at the Bazaar's textile section. The nearby Vaziri Brothers' shop on Khayyam Street is known for high-quality copperware. Prices are negotiable, and a small copper plate might cost around 300,000 rials. Remember to carry cash, as many small shops don't accept cards.
Start at the Chehel Sotoun Palace, a 16th-century pavilion built under Shah Tahmasp I, now housing the Calligraphy Museum. It's open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (until 18:00 i… 🏛️ Walk Through History
Start at the Chehel Sotoun Palace, a 16th-century pavilion built under Shah Tahmasp I, now housing the Calligraphy Museum. It's open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in summer), and entry costs about 200,000 rials for foreign visitors. The surrounding garden is a peaceful spot to begin your day.
🕌 Jameh Mosque Insights
The Jameh Mosque of Qazvin is one of the oldest in Iran, with foundations dating back to the 9th century. Don't miss the stunning mihrab and the ancient wooden minbar. It's located on Shohada Street, and entry is free, though donations are welcome. Visit in the morning to avoid crowds.
🍇 Bazaar and Local Life
Qazvin's covered bazaar is a labyrinth of alleys selling everything from spices to copperware. The best time to explore is late morning when the shops are fully open. Look for the traditional bakery near the entrance of the bazaar, where you can try freshly baked sangak bread. Bargaining is expected, so brush up on your Persian numbers.
🏞️ Escape to the Countryside
Just outside the city, the Alamut Valley offers dramatic mountain scenery and the legendary Assassins' castles. A day trip to Alamut Castle (about 2 hours by car) is a must for history buffs. The road is winding but well-maintained; hire a driver or join a tour from Qazvin. Bring a jacket, as it's cooler in the mountains.
🍽️ Taste Qazvini Cuisine
Qazvin is famous for its unique dishes like baghali polo (rice with fava beans and dill) and gheymeh nesar (a sweet and sour stew with barberries). Head to Shahrzad Restaurant on Khayyam Street for an authentic taste; expect to pay around 500,000 rials per person. For a quick snack, try the local bakeries' freshly baked pastries.
🚶 Stroll the Streets
The Sepah Street, known as the first modern street in Iran, is lined with historic buildings and shops. Take a leisurely walk from the Chehel Sotoun Palace to the Aminiha Hosseiniyeh, a beautifully restored Qajar-era mansion. The area is especially lively in the evenings when locals come out to shop and socialize.
🎭 Cultural Evenings
Check out the Qazvin City Theater on Felestin Street for performances, though they are mostly in Persian. For a more accessible experience, visit the Qazvin Museum of Anthropology, housed in a former bathhouse, open from 9:00 to 17:00 (closed Mondays). It offers a fascinating glimpse into local traditions and crafts.
🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs
Pick up traditional Qazvini textiles, such as hand-printed fabrics, at the Bazaar's textile section. The nearby Vaziri Brothers' shop on Khayyam Street is known for high-quality copperware. Prices are negotiable, and a small copper plate might cost around 300,000 rials. Remember to carry cash, as many small shops don't accept cards.
Become a Local Guide
in Qazvin to earn up to $50.00/hour by helping travelers that are interested in Qazvin and want to connect to learn about the current climate, discover hidden gems, or get help planning their itinerary.
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chehel sotoun closes mondays, caught me out in april
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solid writeup. i'd add the traditional hammam near the bazaar, there's a restored one you can actually bathe in with a private room booked ahead. worth it after a long day walking sepah street
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nice work pulling this together. one thing missing: khan madrasa near the bazaar, the tilework in that little courtyard is quieter than the main sites & free. also baghali polo is better in spring when the beans are fresh, off season it's just ok
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