10 Best Things To Do In Rasht, Iran

1. View documents and exhibits at Rasht Museum of Anthropology

The main reason to visit Iran is its rich history. If you’re in Rasht, then you should head over to the Rasht Museum of Anthropology to gain an understanding of what life was like in this city 3,000 years ago. The size of this museum is diminutive, yet it houses many mannequins depicting the Gilaki people, their clothing, and several drinking horns. The latter is shaped after animals such as bulls, deer, or rams because it was believed that the drinker would gain the abilities and powers of that particular animal.

Rasht Museum of Anthropology

Address: Rasht, Gilan Province, Iran

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

2. Marvel at the outstanding architecture of Shahrdari

Sharhrdari Square or Rasht Municipality Square is a very beautiful and vibrant part of the city. Be sure to bring along your smartphone or camera, as you’re bound to take many photos. Here, you’ll find a number of notable public buildings that surround the square, and they all feature a European neoclassical style that harkens back to a bygone era. Don’t forget to stop by the nearby statue of a local revolutionary, Mirza Kuchik Khan, who fought against the Russians back in 1914.

Shahrdari Square

Address: Gilan Province, Rasht, Iran

3. Visit the historic Qal'eh Rudkhan fortress

Qal'eh Rudkhan, also known as Rudkhan Castle, was a military fortress that was primarily used to defend against Arab invaders. It was built around 224 AD during the height of the Sasanian Empire and underwent restorations between 1037 - 1194 AD during the Seljuk Era. The castle has been constructed predominantly with brick and stone, making it incredibly sturdy. Visitors that feel a bit energetic can take the steep path up the mountain, which will take them about an hour or two to ascend.

Rudkhan Castle

Address: Qaleh Rudkhan, Gilan Province, Iran

Opening hours: 8am - 5:30pm (daily)

4. Discover the Kuchuk Khan Horseman Statue

Take the time to enjoy long walks around the streets of Rasht, as you’re bound to discover a few historical gems. If you head over to Shohoda Square, you’ll come across an impressive statue of Kuchuk Khan. This statue faces Sa'di Street Mall and depicts the heroic leader of the Jangali, which was a nationalist and reformist movement that played a major role in the early part of the twentieth century in northwestern Iran.

Kuchuk Khan Horseman Statue

Address: Gilan Province, Shohoda Square, Rasht, Iran

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Soak in the tranquility of nature at Mellat Park

If you get tired of exploring Rasht, then head over to Mellat Park for a bit of rest and relaxation. The serene grounds of this park should be just what the doctor ordered, and there’s much to enjoy here. There are a couple of neat features that you can look forward to, including an aquarium, camping site, basketball court, football field, tennis court, volleyball court, musical fountain, and two kids’ playgrounds.

Mellat Park

Address: Gilan Province, Rasht, Shahid Ansari, Iran

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Explore the oldest neighborhood in the city, Saghari Sazan

While much of Rasht features streets and neighborhoods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Europe, this is only one aspect of the city. If you want to experience one of its more historic areas, then you should head over to Saghari Sazan. It’s the city’s oldest neighborhood and it still retains the old architecture. It also features a bustling food bazaar where you can purchase cheese, fruit, fish, olives, olive oil, pickles, and pomegranate molasses, to name a few.

Saghari Sazan

Address: Gilan Province, Saghari Sazan, Rasht, Iran

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

7. Pamper your taste buds with authentic Iranian cuisine at Kourosh restaurant

There’s no point in visiting Rasht without trying the tasty Gilani cuisine. One of the best restaurants where you can sample these delicacies is at the centrally located Kourosh restaurant. So, what can you order here? We recommend starting out with Zeitun Parvardeh, which is a walnut paste with olives. Then, try out the Mirza Ghasemi, which consists of eggplant, garlic, and tomato. And finally, don’t forget to order the mouthwatering Torche Kebab, made with chicken or lamb and covered with sour marinade.

Kourosh

Address: Gilan Province, Gilantur Lane, Rasht, Iran

Opening hours: 11am - 4pm, 7:30pm - 11pm (daily)

8. Shop for foods and handicrafts from the local market in Rasht

You’ll likely spend plenty of time hanging around Shahrdari Square while enjoying the hustle and bustle of the city. But sooner or later, you’ll want a change of pace and do a bit of shopping. Fortunately, there’s an excellent local market nearby where you can purchase a wide variety of foods and handicrafts. The stalls here are owner-operated, and they each specialize in a specific product. You can purchase anything here from cherries to pomegranate molasses.

Rasht Market

Address: Gilan Province, Rasht, Shahrdari Square, Iran

9. Discover the local lifestyle at Gilan Rural Heritage Museum

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It’s time to get up close and personal with the culture, heritage, and historic artifacts found in the region of Gilan. What better way to experience all this than by visiting Gilan Rural Heritage Museum? They feature about 85 structures that include rural dwellings, a blacksmith workshop, cafes, charcoal-making furnace, a mosque, and a school. Some of the handicrafts found here include hand-made weaves, mat weaves, and pottery. The museum also holds summer and winter festivals that showcase musical performances and traditional wedding ceremonies.

Gilan Rural Heritage Museum

Address: Gilan Province, Rasht, Fuman - Saravan Rd, Iran

Website: Gilan Rural Heritage Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 6:30pm (daily)

10. Savour the best kebabs at Moharram

If you can’t get enough of Rasht’s culinary delights, then you should check out one of the city’s oldest restaurants, Moharram Restaurant. They have been in business for half a century and boast experienced and well-trained staff. Moreover, it’s renowned for its delicious and high-quality Iranian cuisine. You’ll want to try out their kebab, which is widely regarded as the best in town. A good way to start your meal here is with an appetizer such as Mirza Ghassemi, a tasty eggplant dip.

Moharram Restaurant

Address: Next to Pardis Hotel, Emam Khomeyni Blvd, Rasht 41634, Iran

Website: Moharram Restaurant

Opening hours: 11am - 11:30pm (daily)

Culture and history in one place

Rasht is a fascinating destination that is still somewhat a hidden gem. It’s not one of the most popular tourist destinations, but don’t let that put you off of visiting, as they have a rich culture and heritage that few cities around the world can rival.