Kerman

Kerman Travel Guide (2025) | Top Attractions, Hotels & Things to Do


Kerman, a historic city in the southeast of Iran, offers a rich cultural heritage with modern amenities. Surrounded by desert landscapes, it is known for its Persian gardens, historical sites, and vibrant bazaars. Kerman is well-connected to major cities in Iran by road, train, and air.

Distance from Kerman:

  • Tehran:
    • By road: 1,100 km (approximately 12-14 hours).
    • By train: Around 12 hours, depending on the service.
    • By flight: Approximately 1.5 hours.
  • Isfahan:
    • By road: 580 km (approximately 7-8 hours).
    • By train: Around 7-8 hours, depending on the service.
    • By flight: Approximately 1 hour.
  • Yazd:
    • By road: 320 km (approximately 4-5 hours).
    • By train: Around 4-5 hours, depending on the service.
    • By flight: Not available (train or road is the best option).
  • Shiraz:
    • By road: 540 km (approximately 7-8 hours).
    • By train: Around 8-9 hours, depending on the service.
    • By flight: Approximately 1 hour.

Key Attractions:

  • Ganjali Khan Complex: A UNESCO-listed historical complex featuring a bazaar, caravanserai, and a beautiful mosque.
  • Kerman Bazaar: A bustling marketplace where visitors can find local crafts, spices, and traditional Persian goods.
  • Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine: A significant spiritual site with stunning Persian architecture and gardens.
  • Rayen Castle: An ancient mud-brick fortress offering a glimpse into Kerman’s past.

Kerman Transfer Options:

  • Available 24/7 at various points in the city.
  • Fixed fares to major destinations in Kerman, including downtown (approximately 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic).
  • You can also book taxis from official taxi stands around the city.
  • Taxi drivers usually charge based on fixed price, *Make sure you double confirm the destination and fare!
  • *Never accept a ride from random people offering you cheap fares as taxi drivers.
Metro
  • Kerman does not have a metro system as of now. However, taxis and ride-sharing apps are the most popular means of transportation within the city.
Shuttle Buses:
  • There is no regular shuttle bus service in Kerman. However, buses are available for intercity travel, including services to nearby cities like Shiraz and Yazd.
Car Rental:
  • Car rental services are available in Kerman for those who prefer self-driving.
  • Booking in advance is recommended for better rates and availability.
Ride-Sharing Apps:

Kerman International Airport (KER) Transfer Options:

Taxis:
  • Available outside the airport terminals, with fares depending on the distance to your destination.
  • Taxi drivers usually charge based on fixed price, Make sure you double confirm the destination and fare!
Public Buses:
  • Public buses operate between Kerman International Airport and the city center. They are a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Distance to the City Center:
  • The Kerman International Airport is located approximately 7 km (15 minutes by taxi or car) from the city center.
Ride-Sharing Apps:

Kerman Train Station:

  • Kerman has a major train station, offering connections to various cities in Iran, including Shiraz, Isfahan, and Tehran.
  • Trains are a popular option for long-distance travel within Iran, providing a comfortable and scenic journey.
  • Ticket booking is available at the station or online via official Iranian railway websites.

Kerman Bus Station:

  • The Kerman Bus Terminal (known as the Kerman Bus Station) offers frequent bus services to various parts of Iran, including cities like Shiraz, Yazd, and Tehran.
  • Public buses are a budget-friendly option, while private companies offer more comfortable services with air conditioning.


Hotel Suggestions for Kerman

1. Luxury Hotels in Kerman
1.1. Pars Hotel Kerman
  • Location: Ghaem St, Kerman, Iran.
  • Facilities: A 5-star hotel with a variety of services, including a luxurious restaurant, fitness center, conference facilities, and an elegant atmosphere.
  • Distance to Kerman Airport: 8 km (approximately 15 minutes by car)

1.2. Kerman Traditional Hotel
  • Location: Imam Khomeini Blvd, Kerman, Iran.
  • Facilities: A beautiful traditional-style hotel offering comfortable rooms, a lovely courtyard, and Persian-style decor.
  • Distance to Kerman Airport: 7 km (approximately 12 minutes by car)
2. Mid-Range Hotels in Kerman
2.1. Ariana Hotel
  • Location: Shahid Beheshti Blvd, Kerman, Iran.
  • Facilities: Offers comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant serving Iranian cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Distance to Kerman Airport: 9 km (approximately 15 minutes by car)
2.2. Saba Hotel
  • Location: Valiasr St, Kerman, Iran.
  • Facilities: A well-located mid-range hotel offering modern rooms with basic amenities, a restaurant, and friendly service.
  • Distance to Kerman Airport: 10 km (approximately 18 minutes by car)
3. Budget Hotels in Kerman
3.1. Kerman International Hotel
  • Location: Zeynab St, Kerman, Iran.
  • Facilities: Offers affordable rooms, a traditional Iranian restaurant, and good access to local attractions.
  • Distance to Kerman Airport: 7 km (approximately 12 minutes by car)
3.2. Kerman Guesthouse
  • Location: Imam Khomeini Blvd, Kerman, Iran.
  • Facilities: A budget-friendly guesthouse offering shared and private rooms with basic amenities at a great price.
  • Distance to Kerman Airport: 8 km (approximately 15 minutes by car)
3.3. Sangtarash Hotel
  • Location: Kerman, Iran.
  • Facilities: A simple and affordable hotel providing clean rooms and basic facilities, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Distance to Kerman Airport: 7 km (approximately 15 minutes by car)

Cafe suggestion in Kerman

1. Café Shayan
  • Location: Located in the central area of Kerman, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere perfect for coffee lovers.
  • Facilities: A charming café with comfortable seating, serving a variety of coffee options, fresh juices, and desserts.
  • Specialty: Known for its Turkish coffee and rich selection of Persian sweets.
2. Kerman Café
  • Location: Situated near Kerman’s main streets, this café offers a relaxed environment with a mix of traditional and modern elements.
  • Facilities: Features cozy seating and an assortment of drinks, snacks, and Persian sweets.
  • Specialty: Famous for its hot and iced lattes and a variety of Iranian pastries.
3. Café Javan
  • Location: Located in the northern part of Kerman, offering a calm environment for coffee lovers.
  • Facilities: A trendy café with modern décor, offering a selection of coffee blends, light snacks, and fresh desserts.
  • Specialty: Known for its cappuccinos and specialty cakes, including date cake and saffron-flavored desserts.
4. Tiz Café
  • Location: Situated in the heart of Kerman, it provides a quiet and stylish space to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
  • Facilities: Offers a mix of seating arrangements, including cozy indoor and outdoor spots, along with a variety of coffee drinks and light snacks.
  • Specialty: Famous for its iced coffees and Persian-style iced tea.
5. Café Eshgh
  • Location: Located near Kerman’s bustling areas, this café combines contemporary and Persian design elements.
  • Facilities: A spacious café offering premium coffee, juices, and a variety of freshly baked pastries.
  • Specialty: Known for its specialty espresso blends and saffron-infused sweets.

Restaurant suggestion in Kerman

1. Shater Abbas Restaurant
  • Location: Situated in the heart of Kerman, Shater Abbas is a traditional Persian restaurant with a long-standing reputation.
  • Facilities: Known for its spacious dining area, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, it provides an authentic Iranian dining experience with live music on some evenings.
  • Specialty: Famous for its kebabs, especially Koobideh and Joojeh kebab, served with rice or flatbread, as well as their stews and tahchin (Persian rice cake).
2. Kerman Traditional Restaurant
  • Location: A well-known spot in the city offering traditional Persian dishes in a charming, rustic setting.
  • Facilities: The restaurant features a beautiful traditional décor, with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a cozy meal.
  • Specialty: Renowned for its traditional Persian stews (Ghormeh Sabzi and Fesenjan), as well as its freshly made flatbread and Persian rice dishes.
3. Divan Restaurant
  • Location: A high-end restaurant located in the city center of Kerman, offering an elegant setting for dining.
  • Facilities: Divan features an upscale ambiance with contemporary Persian décor and offers excellent service in a refined atmosphere.
  • Specialty: Known for its fusion of Iranian and international dishes, such as saffron chicken, lamb chops, and a variety of Persian appetizers.
4. Ganj Ali Khan Restaurant
  • Location: Situated near the historical Ganj Ali Khan complex, this restaurant offers a peaceful setting for enjoying traditional Iranian meals.
  • Facilities: The restaurant is beautifully designed, with traditional Persian architecture and a relaxed atmosphere for dining.
  • Specialty: Famous for its Kermani-style stews, rice dishes, and Persian kebabs, particularly their lamb kebabs and grilled fish.
5. Golezar Restaurant
  • Location: A popular family-friendly restaurant located in the western part of Kerman.
  • Facilities: Offers a comfortable environment with spacious seating, ideal for families and groups, and serves a wide variety of traditional Persian dishes.
  • Specialty: Known for its delicious Kebabs, local Kermani rice dishes, and fresh seasonal vegetables.

Top Sightseeing Locations in Kerman

1. Ganjali Khan Complex
  • Location: Ganjali Khan Square, Kerman, Iran. Situated in the heart of Kerman’s historic center.
  • Facilities: Includes a caravanserai, a bathhouse, a mosque, and a bazaar, all part of the complex.
  • Specialty: Known for its stunning Safavid-era architecture, the complex is a prime example of Persian urban planning and design.
2. Shazdeh Garden
  • Location: Mahan, Kerman, Iran. About 35 km southeast of Kerman city center.
  • Facilities: A large, historical Persian garden, with fountains, flowing water, and lush greenery, surrounded by desert landscapes.
  • Specialty: Known for its perfect design, including water features that run through the garden and its beauty in the desert surroundings.
3. Kerman Grand Bazaar
  • Location: Kerman, Iran. Located in the city center, near Ganjali Khan Square.
  • Facilities: A bustling market filled with shops selling Persian carpets, spices, and traditional handicrafts.
  • Specialty: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance, this bazaar is one of the largest in Iran.
4. Jameh Mosque of Kerman
  • Location: Ganjali Khan Square, Kerman, Iran.
  • Facilities: A large mosque with impressive tile work, a stunning mihrab, and a beautiful courtyard.
  • Specialty: Known for its historical and architectural significance, this mosque is one of the oldest in Kerman.
5. Kerman Museum
  • Location: Arg-e Bam, Kerman, Iran. Located in the heart of the city.
  • Facilities: The museum features collections of ancient artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and tools from Iran's historical periods.
  • Specialty: Known for its rich collection of artifacts that showcase the cultural and historical heritage of Kerman and the broader region.
6. Arg-e Bam (Bam Citadel)
  • Location: Bam, Kerman Province, Iran. About 200 km southeast of Kerman city center.
  • Facilities: A large mudbrick fortress, one of the largest of its kind, offering a glimpse into Iran’s ancient architecture and history.
  • Specialty: Known for its vast size and the historical role it played in the region, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
7. Mahan Shrine and Mausoleum
  • Location: Mahan, Kerman, Iran. Located in the village of Mahan, about 35 km southeast of Kerman.
  • Facilities: A beautiful garden complex with a mausoleum, offering a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
  • Specialty: Known for the tomb of the Sufi saint Shah Ne'matollah Vali, this site is a spiritual and cultural landmark.
8. Persians Carpet Museum of Kerman
  • Location: Kerman, Iran.
  • Facilities: The museum features a vast collection of Persian carpets, showcasing the rich textile tradition of Kerman.
  • Specialty: Known for its outstanding carpet collection and the importance of Kerman’s carpet industry in Iran.
9. Bagh-e Shazdeh
  • Location: Mahan, Kerman, Iran. Located in the Mahan region, 35 km southeast of Kerman.
  • Facilities: A historical Persian garden with a palace, fountains, and lush greenery surrounded by desert.
  • Specialty: Known for its impressive water systems, the garden is considered one of the finest in Iran.
10. Kaluts of the Lut Desert
  • Location: Lut Desert, Kerman Province, Iran. Located about 100 km east of Kerman.
  • Facilities: The desert offers unique natural formations like the Kaluts (sandstone formations), and it is a popular spot for desert tourism.
  • Specialty: Known for its stunning and surreal landscapes, this desert is one of the hottest places on Earth and offers extraordinary views, especially at sunset.

Dress Code in Iran

Dress Code for Women

Women must cover their hair with a headscarf (hijab) and wear long sleeves, pants, or skirts that cover their legs.

It is important to follow the dress code, as it is strictly enforced in public spaces and government buildings.

Dress Code for Men

Men should wear modest clothing. While there's no strict requirement for head coverings, they must avoid wearing shorts in public.

It is recommended to wear long pants and avoid sleeveless tops in public spaces.


Safety in Iran

General Safety

Iran is generally safe for tourists, with low levels of violent crime. The streets in major cities are well-patrolled.

It's important to stay cautious in crowded places to avoid petty theft like pickpocketing.

Political Safety

Avoid discussing politics, religion, or the government as these topics can be sensitive.

It's best to stay away from public demonstrations or protests to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

Road Safety

Road conditions vary, and driving can be challenging due to heavy traffic and erratic driving styles.

Public transportation is widely available, and taxis are generally safe to use. Always agree on the fare in advance.


Exchange Shops in Kerman

Important Note: While there are exchange shops in Kerman, it is advisable to exchange currency at established shops and avoid dealing with individuals offering rates on the street. Always ensure you are using a legitimate exchange service for security and reliable transactions.

Exchange Rate Note: The exchange rate for the Iranian Rial (IRR) fluctuates daily in the local market and can differ significantly from the rate seen online. It is advised to check with trusted exchange shops for the latest rates.

1. Kerman Exchange
  • Location: Ganjali Khan Square, Kerman, Iran
  • Best for: Known for offering competitive rates for various currencies, making it ideal for both locals and tourists.
2. Melli Exchange Kerman
  • Location: Imam Khomeini St., Kerman, Iran
  • Best for: A reliable option for exchanging USD, Euro, and regional currencies.
3. Kerman Ferdowsi Exchange
  • Location: Ferdowsi Square, Kerman, Iran
  • Best for: Popular for exchanging both local and foreign currencies at favorable rates.
4. Parsian Exchange Kerman
  • Location: Taleqani Street, Kerman, Iran
  • Best for: Offering good exchange rates for multiple currencies including the US Dollar and Euro.
5. Rahavard Exchange Kerman
  • Location: Bahonar St., Kerman, Iran
  • Best for: Excellent for exchanging a wide range of currencies, catering to both business and travel needs.