Tabriz Bazaar

Tabriz sat on the Silk Road where routes from Anatolia, the Caucasus and Central Asia converged, and its bazaar grew into one of the largest covered market complexes in the world - kilometres of brick-vaulted passages, caravanserais, mosques, schools and bathhouses under one continuous roof, UNESCO-listed as a complete example of the type. Sections specialise: the carpet bazaar is the most famous, since Tabriz has been a centre of Persian carpet weaving for centuries, alongside gold, spices, shoes and household goods. Marco Polo passed through and described it. It remains a working market rather than a heritage attraction.

What you actually see

• The carpet bazaar - the celebrated section of the complex.
• The brick vaulting - domed and arched ceilings throughout.
• The caravanserai courtyards - old trading yards inside the complex.
• Timche Mozaffariyeh - the most elegant of the domed halls.

When to go

Spring and autumn are pleasant; Tabriz has cold winters and hot summers. The bazaar is closed Fridays and quieter during religious holidays. Mornings are the busiest and most atmospheric trading hours.

Honest expectations

It is enormous and easy to get lost in - a guide or at least a rough plan helps, and shopkeepers will happily point you around. Carpet purchases involve extended tea and negotiation; buying without understanding what you are looking at is expensive. Photography inside is generally fine but ask before photographing traders. The usual Iran practicalities apply: cash only, dress rules, visa in advance.

Nearby

The Blue Mosque, El Goli park and the Kandovan cave village outside the city.