City in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran
Tabriz
Iran's northwest bazaar city, with a UNESCO-listed brick bazaar, Blue Mosque and the road to Turkey. Normally welcoming and cheap; in 2026 the war, blackouts and detention risks make it unsafe. Don't travel now.
At a glance
- Safety1/5Avoid travelDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 35°CDetails
- Air quality20 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · PollutedDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilCity tap water is treated, but strike damage to water systems means bottled water is safer.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel1/5English: limitedDetails
- Getting aroundSnappWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlySanctions block foreign cards.Details
Where to stay in Tabriz
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Bazaar and Old Town | Normal-times stays: walkable bazaar, mosques and historic inns |
| El Goli (Shah Goli) area | Park, lake and mid-range hotels |
Apps that work in Tabriz
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| SnappFood | Iran's main delivery app; needs local payment |
- Maps: Neshan or Balad; Google Maps is patchy
- Messaging: WhatsApp (often needs a VPN)
- Taxis: Foreign cards fail, so apps and taxis need cash or a local card. Agree fares before getting into street taxis.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Iran.
- Cash only Sanctions block foreign cards. Bring euros or dollars in cash and change at licensed exchanges; the rial hit about 1.8 million per USD in 2026. Prices are often quoted in toman.
- Currency: Rial (IRR). US$1 ≈ ﷼776,253.25 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign cards do not work at any ATM; street money changing is illegal.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; leave about 10% in nicer restaurants and tip guides and drivers. Expect polite refusals (taarof) before accepting.
- Paying by phone: Nothing works with foreign accounts; some tour agencies issue prepaid local cards loaded from your cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa required for most, arranged via an agency and the e-visa system. US, UK and Canadian citizens need a guided tour or sponsor.
- Israeli stamps or travel history can mean refusal; dual nationals are treated as Iranian.
- Airspace and land borders close at short notice during the war; plan more than one exit route.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 125
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Irancell and MCI sell tourist SIMs at Tehran Imam Khomeini airport with a passport, but international internet is filtered, throttled and sometimes cut.
More places in Iran
Going to Tabriz solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Tabriz meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Iran e-visa portal (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- UNESCO: Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
- UK FCDO travel advice: Iran
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.