Things To Do
in Kermān
Kerman is a historic desert city in southeastern Iran, known for its sun-baked architecture, pistachios, and warm hospitality. It sits in a high-altitude basin surrounded by rugged mountains and desert landscapes, giving the city a dramatic backdrop. The old town centers around historic caravansaries, vibrant bazaars, and grand mosques that tell stories of trade along ancient routes.
Nearby heritage sites such as Rayen Castle and the Shazdeh Garden add lush contrast to the arid surroundings, making Kerman a gateway to both culture and nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the grand Jameh Mosque of Kerman, an architectural marvel that showcases intricate tile work and stunning domes. After soaking in the beauty of the mosque, stroll through the bustling local bazaar, where you can witness the vibrant life of Kerman and perhaps pick up some unique handicrafts. Don’t forget to enjoy a traditional Persian breakfast at one of the nearby cafés.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the Ganj Ali Khan Complex, where you can marvel at the exquisite art of Persian architecture in the baths and caravanserai. Take a moment to relax in the beautiful garden, surrounded by the sounds of flowing water and chirping birds. As the sun sets, enjoy some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant, where you can savor delicious kebabs and saffron rice.
As night falls, take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit streets of Kerman, soaking up the atmosphere of the city. You might want to stop by a local tea house to enjoy a warm cup of Persian tea, accompanied by some freshly made sweets. Conclude your day by reflecting on the rich history and culture you’ve experienced so far.
Begin your day at the Shahzadeh Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site that epitomizes the Persian garden design with its stunning water features and lush greenery. Spend some time wandering through the pathways, taking in the fragrant flowers and the sounds of nature. Capture beautiful photographs in this serene environment, as the morning light enhances the beauty of the landscape.
After enjoying a peaceful morning, head to the Baghe Golshan garden for a delightful picnic lunch among the trees. This garden, with its historical significance, offers a perfect backdrop to relax and enjoy the meal you’ve packed or purchased locally. Later, visit the nearby Kerman Museum to learn more about the region’s history and culture through fascinating artifacts.
With the evening upon you, explore the local shops around the garden area, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a traditional restaurant, sampling local dishes such as Fesenjan and fresh herbs. End your day by taking in the beauty of the illuminated gardens, a perfect way to unwind and reflect.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant for two | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottled water | $0.5-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride within town | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich heritage and desert landscapes
- Warm hospitality and delicious pistachios
- Extreme summer heat and long travel times between distant sights
- Limited English in some areas and navigation can be challenging
- "سلام" - Hello
- "متشکرم" - Thank you
- "لطفاً" - Please
- "چقدر قیمت دارد؟" - How much does it cost?
- "من گرسنهام" - I am hungry
- "کجا است؟" - Where is it?
- "بله" - Yes
- "نه" - No
- "آیا انگلیسی صحبت میکنید؟" - Do you speak English?
- "من فارسی بلد نیستم" - I don't speak Persian well
Places to Visit in Kermān
Visit one of these nice places.
A photographic hub of iridescent tile work, arches, and wind towers, especially beautiful during early morning or late afternoon light.
A lush Persian garden with terraced paths and a central waterfall; ideal for colorful landscape and symmetry shots.
An imposing adobe fortress perched against the desert horizon—great for dramatic desert-light photography.
Spectacular desert formations with dramatic shadows at sunrise and sunset; a must for surreal, wide-angled desert scenes.
Food in Kermān
Kermān Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting lamb stew simmered with dried lime, herbs, and a touch of saffron; best enjoyed with fluffy steamed rice.
Must-Try!
A fragrant rice dish studded with pistachios and saffron, sometimes finished with a crisp tahdig layer.
A regional pistachio nougat confection, a sweet reminder of Kerman’s famed nut harvest.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market area where you can sample pistachio sweets, fresh herbs, nuts, and local snacks between shopfronts and stalls.
Try fresh-baked flatbreads, fried pastries, saffron ice cream, and savory pastries from small vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Modest clothing is appreciated in public spaces. Women commonly wear headscarves; shoulders and knees should be covered for both genders in religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in more traditional settings.
Remove shoes when entering mosques where required; speak respectfully and avoid loud behavior near sacred sites.
Haggling is common in markets; do so with a smile and a friendly tone.
Safety
Tipping in Kermān
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up or leaving a small tip (about 5–10%) is appreciated but not mandatory. Guides and hotel staff often expect a small tip for good service.
Cash (Iranian Rial or Tomans) is the most widely accepted form of payment. Many small shops and markets prefer cash; credit cards are rarely accepted outside larger hotels and some tourist spots. ATMs are available in Kerman city for cash withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Extremely hot days (often 40–45°C/104–113°F). Carry water, wear a hat, and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Mild to cool days with chilly evenings. Arid nights can drop below 0°C (32°F) in desert areas; pack layers and a warm jacket.
Most comfortable temperatures; ideal for walking tours, desert excursions, and outdoor photography.
Kermān at Night
Hiking in Kermān
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking around the Rayen area with canyon walls and scenic viewpoints near the fortress town.
Desert trails around the Kaluts area; best with a guide for safety and desert etiquette.
Airports
How to reach Kermān by plane.
Domestic flights connect to Tehran and other major cities; located a short drive from the city center with taxi access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority in Kerman city, with families, students, and merchants contributing to a lively city life.
Smaller populations in surrounding towns and villages with agricultural and artisan livelihoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the city, with local clubs and casual pick-up games in parks.
Occasional events and gymnasiums feature traditional wrestling styles in cultural venues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kermān.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy herb-based stews, lentil and chickpea dishes, rice with herbs, and fresh salads. When ordering, ask for khoresh or polo without meat and request butter-free preparations if needed.