Things To Do
in Borūjerd

Borūjerd is a historic city in Lorestan Province set against the Zagros Mountains. It serves as a gateway to western Iran with a lively bazaar, ancient architecture, and welcoming locals. The city blends centuries-old heritage with a modern urban rhythm, bustling markets, and hillside neighborhoods.

Surrounding landscapes—forests, rivers, and olive groves—make it a scenic stop for nature lovers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Historic Bazaar and Friday Mosque
morning
:

Start your day wandering the winding alleys of Borūjerd’s historic bazaar as merchants display vibrant textiles and spices. Admire the intricate timbered roofs and stained glass windows that filter sunlight onto Persian rugs underfoot. Sample freshly baked sangak bread from a corner bakery to fuel your exploration.

afternoon
:

Cross the square to the majestic Friday Mosque with its soaring domes and turquoise tile work that dates back to the 10th century. Join a guided tour to learn about the mosque’s architectural evolution and cultural significance. Pause on the courtyard terrace with a cup of doogh while watching worshippers and locals gather.

evening
:

Return to the bazaar district as lanterns illuminate the streets in a warm glow, inviting you to shop for handicrafts and traditional sweets. Sip hot tea in a historic caravanserai turned teahouse, soaking in the ambiance of centuries-old brick arches. Listen to the gentle murmur of locals sharing stories under the stars before retiring for the night.

day 2
Tivoli Gardens and Traditional Tea Houses
morning
:

Begin at the leafy Tivoli Gardens, where elm and plane trees create a serene canopy over winding pathways. Photograph the ornamental fountains and the vintage pavilion that recall Borūjerd’s Qajar-era leisure culture. Find a quiet bench to enjoy the morning breeze and the soft chirping of songbirds.

afternoon
:

Stroll to the nearby Qajar water tower museum and trace the ingenious hydraulic engineering of the old city. Learn how gravity-fed aqueducts once supplied water to Borūjerd’s households and gardens. Admire artifacts and blueprints that illustrate centuries of local innovation.

evening
:

As dusk falls, settle into a traditional teahouse tucked behind a fragrant courtyard. Sip aromatic black tea served in hand-painted porcelain under rustling vines. Share stories with fellow travelers and locals as the lantern light casts gentle shadows on the tiled walls.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
🧃Bottle of water (1.5L)$0.20-0.50
🚕Taxi ride (short trip)$2-6
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$25-60
🧭Local souvenirs$5-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich history and culture
  • Scenic mountain scenery and fresh air
  • Friendly locals
  • Affordable travel costs
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Seasonal travel considerations (snow in winter)
  • "سلام" - Hello
  • "متشکرم" - Thank you
  • "لطفاً" - Please
  • "آیا انگلیسی صحبت می‌کنید؟" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Borūjerd

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Bazaar Archways

Morning light through centuries-old arches creates warm tones and lively market scenes ideal for candid photography.

Jameh Mosque Exterior

An impressive facade with minarets; capture symmetry and intricate tile work during the golden hour.

City Viewpoint from the Hillside

Elevated neighborhoods offer sweeping views over Borūjerd and the surrounding Zagros foothills.

Oshtor Mountain Sunset

Dramatic silhouettes of the mountain range against a colorful desert sky at dusk.

Culinary Guide

Food in Borūjerd

Lorestan cuisine combines hearty meat stews, dairy products, herbs, and fresh bread; you’ll find robust flavors and generous portions across Borūjerd.

Borūjerd Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ash-e Doogh

A yogurt-based soup with herbs and sometimes lentils; creamy, tangy, and comforting, widely available at local eateries.

Must-Try!

Kashk-e Bademjan

A creamy eggplant dip enriched with whey and garlic, often served with warm flatbread as an appetizer.

Kebab (Koobideh or Joojeh) with Rice

Classic Iranian kebabs served with saffron-tinted rice; look for family-run grills in the city center.

Dizi (Abgoosht)

A slow-cooked lamb and chickpea stew served in a bowl with bread; a traditional meal to share.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Borūjerd Grand Bazaar

A mingling of spice stalls, dried fruits, nuts, and fresh bread; look for sweet treats and grilled items outside.

Climate Guide

Weather

Borūjerd experiences a four-season climate with hot summers and cold winters. Springs are mild and green, while autumn brings crisper air and clear skies. Rainfall is modest but can occur in spring and winter, especially in the mountains.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Polite greetings with 'Salam' are standard; a courteous conversation helps build trust.

Dress Code

Modest clothing is appreciated; shoulders and knees should be covered, especially in religious sites.

Photography

Ask permission when photographing people; avoid sensitive areas and religious sites without consent.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should practice general safety: keep valuables secure in busy markets, be cautious on rural roads at night, and respect local customs. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas; use a reputable taxi, and avoid isolated areas after dark.

Tipping in Borūjerd

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and cafes, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated; taxis and hotel staff may expect rounding up.

Payment Methods

Cash is the dominant method; many places accept domestic cards in larger towns, but carry cash in Iranian rial/toman for most transactions.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for strolls in markets and nearby trails.

Summer

Warm to hot days; carry water and seek shade in the afternoons; evenings are pleasant.

Autumn

Cooler air and clear skies; great for photography and long walks.

Winter

Cold with potential snowfall; some high passes may close; pack warm layers.

Nightlife Guide

Borūjerd at Night

The nightlife in Borūjerd is modest by international standards. Social life centers on tea houses, cafes, and family-friendly venues; alcohol is not publicly available, and late-night entertainment focuses on music, conversation, and cultural events when permitted.

Hiking in Borūjerd

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Oshtor Mountain Trail

Popular hiking route with panoramic views and pine forests near Borūjerd.

Rural Village Trails

Gentle walking paths through farmland and orchards surrounding the city.

Airports

How to reach Borūjerd by plane.

Khorramabad Airport

Nearest airport with domestic flights; drive about 1.5-2 hours from Borūjerd.

Kermanshah Airport

Regional airport with domestic connections; drive about 2.5-3.5 hours.

Isfahan International Airport

Major international gateway; longer drive but useful for wider connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center is walkable with narrow lanes and a compact central bazaar; some attractions are farther from the core requiring a short drive or taxi.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Lur people

The dominant ethnic group in Lorestan; Farsi is widely spoken alongside Luri dialects.

Other communities

Smaller populations of Persians, Kurds, and Arabs; many locals bilingual in Persian and local dialects.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the region; local clubs and matches draw crowds.

Wrestling (Traditional and Modern)

Wrestling events and gym culture are part of the local sports scene.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate; main roads can get busy during peak hours. Taxis and public buses are the most convenient ways to move around the city; road quality is good in the city center but rural roads may vary.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Borūjerd.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many stews and dairy-based dishes are vegetarian-friendly; Kashk-e Bademjan and Ash-e Doogh are good options. Tell staff about food restrictions and look for dairy-based meals.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Borūjerd includes public hospitals and clinics; for major services, residents may travel to Khorramabad or Isfahan. Carry travel insurance and keep essential medications.

Discover Iran

Read more in our Iran 2025 Travel Guide.

Iran Travel Guide