Qazvin Travel Guide

Things to do in Qazvin
Attractions and Activities to enjoy your time in Qazvin

Qazvin Travel Guide

Things to do in Qazvin, Activities, and Attractions

Qazvin is the capital city of a province of the same name. It is located in the northern part of Iran and at the foothills of the Alborz mountain range. Qazvin has long been one of the important cities in Iran and is currently one of the industrial cities in the country. Being the hometown of many artists, Qazvin is known as the city of calligraphy and satirical literature. This city is also famous for its clean air among other major cities in Iran. People of Qazvin are kind and hospitable and speak Persian with Qazvini accent. Qazvin welcomes many visitors every year for its multiple historical attractions and is a popular destination among citizens of Tehran due to its closeness to the capital.

Name	Qazvin
Province	Qazvin
population	400,000
Summer Temperature	22 °C to 35 °C
Winter Temperature	–4°C to 8°C
Significant Attractions	Chehel Sotoun ( Chehel Sotun) – Qazvin museum – Jameh Mosque ( Masjed-e Jameh) – Ali Qapu Gate and Sepah street- Aminiha Hosseiniyeh – Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh ( Sa’d-al Saltaneh Caravanserai) – Alamut Castle
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	–
Airports	Qazvin Airport
Public Transportation (inner-city)	Bus – Taxi – Snapp( Iranian Uber)

Qazvin Weather

Qazvin has a rather cold climate with an annual average temperature of 14 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 318 mm and the humidity rate is 51 percent. The temperature is between 22 and 35 in summer and -4 and 6 in winter. The best time to visit Qazin is between mid-June and September.

What to see in Qazvin: Historic attractions

Qazvin is one of the oldest cities in Iran and has been significant during different eras. The current city dates back to the Sasanian era, however; archeologists estimate that the first civilization in the area existed in7000 B.C. Qazvin was the capital of Iran for 57 years during the Safavid dynasty and thus includes many amazing historical attractions such as the first street built in Iran. This city includes 21 percent of the national heritage sites in Iran making it the first in the country.

Chehel Sotoun ( Chehel Sotun)

Built in the Safavid era, Chehel Sotoun served as the permanent residence of Tahmasp I, the second king of the Safavid dynasty. This amazing pavilion is surrounded by a garden and has two floors. Chehel Sotoun is embellished with stunning Muqranas work; colorful windows, frescos and gold. This magnificent pavilion has inspired the architects to build the famous Hasht Behesht pavilion in Isfahan. Chehel Sotoun was damaged during the Pahlavi era as it was used as a prison. Today this valuable monument is a calligraphy museum.

Chehel Sotoun (Chehel Sotun), Qazvin, Iran Tour

Qazvin museum

Located in Azadi square, Qazvin museum is one of the most interesting museums in Qazvin. The valuable collection displayed in this museum includes objects from different eras with some dating back to 3000 B.C. This museum is a great place for learning about the history of this ancient city.

Qazvin museum, Qazvin

Qazvin Bazaar ( covered bazaar)

Similar to all the other major cities in Iran, Qazvin has a traditional bazaar that has been the trade center of the city for years. Qazvin bazaar was expanded in the Safavid era and the current structure dates back to Qajar and Safavid dynasties. However; the bazaar itself has existed for nearly 1000 years. This bazaar became significant during the Qajar era as it was the gate to trading with Russia. This impressive brick structure is best for window shopping, buying souvenirs, and tasting the local cuisine.

Qazvin Bazaar (covered bazaar), Qazvin

Jameh Mosque ( Masjed-e Jameh)

Muslims have always valued mosques and thus built and decorated them in the best way possible. Mosques comprise a large portion of historical monuments in Iran and the Jame mosque of every city is usually the largest and the most beautifully decorated. Jameh mosque of Qazvin is the oldest Jame mosque in Iran with its oldest part dating back to the 7th century. This mosque was repaired and expanded many times over the decades forming a unique combination of architectural elements from different eras. The epigraphs in this mosque are one of its most important features. Visiting Jameh mosque of Qazvin gives travelers a chance to see the best of Islamic architecture.

Jameh Mosque (Masjed-e Jameh), Qazvin

Nabi Mosque

Located in Qazvin bazaar, the Nabi mosque is another one of historical significant mosques in Qazvin. It is also known as the new Jame mosque due to its importance. This beautiful mosque was built during the Qajar era and is still open for praying on Fridays. The magnificent tile work among other decorations adds to the charm of the Nabi mosque.

Nabi Mosque of Qazvin

Qajar bathhouse ( Anthropology museum)

Qajar bathhouse is one of the largest and oldest traditional bathhouses in Qazvin. This bathhouse was built during Shah Abbas’s reign. The structure is perfectly preserved and the added figures help the visitors understand the use of traditional bathhouses. Today Qajar bathhouse serves as an anthropology museum where travelers can learn about the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the people of Qazvin.

Qajar bathhouse (Anthropology museum) of Qazvin

Ali Qapu Gate and Sepah street

Ali Qapu gate dates back to the Safavid era and was one of the 7th entrances to the citadel, serving as the headquarters of the reign. This historic gate also leads to Sepah Street, the first street built in Iran.

Ali Qapu Gate and Sepah street, Qazvin

Imamzadeh-ye Hossein

The 12 Imams in Islam and their children are very precious to Muslims. They respect them and build glorious shrines to honor their memory. These shrines, called Imamzade, have moral value for Muslims and are visited often. Imamzadeh-ye Hossein is one of the oldest and most beautiful Imamzadehs in Qazvin. This stunning shrine was built during the Safavid era and amazes its visitors with its magnificent mirror work, tile work and other embellishments. Visiting Imamzadeh-ye-Hossein gives travelers the chance to learn about the beliefs of people of Qazvin.

Imamzadeh-ye Hossein, Qazvin

Aminiha Hosseiniyeh

Once belonging to a famous merchant, Aminiha Hosseiniyeh is a historical house dating back to the Qajar era. This house is the epitome of luxuriously decorated historical houses in Iran. This amazing house is emblazoned with paintings, mirrors, and colorful sash windows catching every eye. Today a part of the house is used as a Hosseiniyeh.

Aminiha Hosseiniyeh, Qazvin

Russian Church ( Kantur Church)

Russian Church or Kantur church is one of the few remaining orthodox churches in Iran. This church is famous for its red color. It was built by the Russian soldiers staying in Iran during the WWII and was abandoned after their departure as there were no orthodox Christians in Iran. Today this church is a national heritage a handicraft shop.

Russian Church (Kantur Church), Qazvin

Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh ( Sa’d-al Saltaneh Caravanserai)

Located in Qazvin bazaar, Sa’d-al Saltaneh Caravanserai is one of the most important structures belonging to the Qajar dynasty. This vast caravanserai is also one of the most interesting Qazvin attractions due to its unique brick structure and the tile work on its dome. Sa’d-al Saltaneh caravanserai was the most important trade center in Qazvin back in the Qajar era and now still serves as part of the bazaar.

Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh ( Sa’d-al Saltaneh Caravanserai), Qazvin

Alamut Castle

Alamut is one of the most ancient and mysterious castles in Iran. The origin of this castle is unknown. It’s known as the Castle of Hassan-e Sabbah , the founder of Nizari Ismaili ethnic group. Alamut castle was the official residence of Hassan and his group. This impressive castle was never taken by intruders due to its defensive structure and strategic location. The name Alamut, meaning the nest of the eagle, refers to the high position of the castle on the mountain. Unfortunately, the major part of Alamut castle was destroyed, however; it’s still one of the must-see Iran monuments.

Alamut Castle, Qazvin

Qazvin Natural attractions

Barajin Forest park

Located 2 km away from Qazvin, Barajin forest park is one of the most popular recreational places between the locals and travelers. This vast park includes facilities such as a football field, a biking trail, and an amusement park. A part of Barajin Park is a protected area where multiple animals are kept. This park is also a suitable location for camping and picnics.

Barajin Forest park, Qazvin

Things to do in Qazvin

Qazvin cafes

Although cafes are found almost everywhere, spending a few hours in one of the cafes in Qazvin is a must when travelling to this city. The majority of the cafes have live local music on weekends, offering travelers a chance at listening to the unique music from the south of Iran and learn about their culture.

Qazvin Souvenirs

The local sweets baked in Qazvin attract every traveler with their pleasant aroma. Various types of sweets such as Baqlava and Nan-e Chai can be found all over the town. In addition, Persian handicrafts such as Jajim, colorful Chadors, and carpets can be a great choice as a souvenir. These handicrafts are found in Qazvin bazaar and the Russian church.

Things to do in Qazvin

Qazvin Travel Guide

Qazvin Weather