Rasht, the most populous city in northern Iran, is famously known as the “City of Rain.” One of the key tourist hubs in Iran, Rasht boasts numerous natural and historical attractions. This rainy city not only has a rich history but also a deep-rooted culture that adds to its charm. If you plan to visit Gilan, Rasht is undoubtedly one of the primary tourist destinations. The local cuisine, handicrafts, pristine nature, and ancient history will all beckon you to explore this northern city.
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Climate of Rasht
Rasht is the largest city on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and enjoys a temperate Mediterranean-like climate. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and wet. Due to its geographical location and proximity to the Caspian Sea and the Alborz Mountains, Rasht has the highest rainfall among Iran’s provincial capitals, earning it the nickname “City of Rain.” The least rainfall occurs in summer, with the highest in autumn. The average annual temperature in this region is estimated at 15.9°C.
Essential Information about Rasht
- Area Code: 131
- Distance from Tehran: 326 kilometers
- Travel Time by Car from Tehran: 4 hours
How to Get to Rasht
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Rasht is bordered to the north by the Caspian Sea and Anzali Lagoon, to the west by Somehsara and Fuman, to the south by Rudbar, and to the east by Astaneh Ashrafieh. There are several road routes to this city, the most famous being the old Qazvin-Rasht road.
Rasht has an international airport, a railway station, and a bus terminal for intercity travel. Depending on your travel budget, you can choose the appropriate mode of transportation. Rasht is well-connected by bus to Tehran and nearby cities, with many transportation companies offering services.
Travel Costs in Rasht
Accommodation is undoubtedly one of the major expenses when traveling. In Rasht, numerous hotels offer various amenities and services. From five-star to one-star hotels, you can choose the best accommodation that meets your expectations. Notable hotels include Pamchal, Ghadir, and Ordibehesht, among others.
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Food and Dining in Rasht
Rasht, recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, offers a wide variety of local dishes, soups, sweets, bread, and pickles. Famous restaurants in Rasht include Shour Koli, Hasan Rashti, Ardeshir, and Babak, all serving exquisite Gilani cuisine. Food tasting is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of this region that you should not miss during your visit.
Moreover, street food vendors are scattered throughout the city, offering meals at much lower prices than restaurants. On average, the cost of a meal in Rasht ranges from 5,000 to 50,000 tomans, depending on the restaurant.
Transportation Costs in Rasht
For getting around Rasht, you can use buses or taxis. Bus fares are very low, and taxi stands are plentiful in busy areas like Municipality Square and other tourist spots. However, in less frequented or peripheral areas, public transportation may be scarce, necessitating the use of personal vehicles. Rasht has over 6,000 taxis, offering affordable fares.
Top Attractions in Rasht
Rasht, with its natural attractions such as Sefidrud Lake, Saravan Forest Park, and Anzali Lagoon, along with historical sites like Municipality Square, Grand Bazaar, Sardar Jangal House, museums, and sacred places such as the Holy Mesrop Church and Safi Mosque, is Iran’s third most visited city. Rasht’s attractions draw many tourists each year, increasing the city’s population to over two million during holidays and peak tourism seasons.
Shopping Centers in Rasht
Notable shopping centers in Rasht include Rasht Bazaar, Amir Commercial Complex, Bozorgmehr Passage, Golsar Shopping Center, and the Model Fish Market. Rasht Bazaar, the largest open-air market in Iran, daily attracts thousands of people from various cities and villages of Gilan Province and neighboring provinces for trading.
Souvenirs and Handicrafts of Rasht
Some of the popular souvenirs and handicrafts of Rasht include bread, pickles, and condiments such as Zeytun Parvardeh (seasoned olives), smoked fish, pomegranate paste, and Dalar (a local seasoning), as well as handicrafts like basket weaving, kilim weaving, bamboo crafts, and Rashti embroidery. Popular edible souvenirs include quince jam, orange peel jam, plums, chestnuts, sour apples, pomegranates, green peppers, garlic pickles, Ginjeh Wash, olives, rice, white fish, and Khersh (a local fish dish).
