The Complete Guide to Visiting the City of Flowers and Rosewater, and the Carpet Capital of the World + Photos.

This city is the birthplace of one of the oldest civilizations in the world, known as "Silk," which dates back more than seven thousand years. Landmarks like the Borujerdi House, the Tabatabai House, the Abbasi House, mosques, and the old market, along with the overall stunning architecture of the city, are considered some of its tourist attractions. For this reason, many people are eager to visit. If you plan to travel to Kashan during the remaining days of Nowruz and need to organize your trip, keep reading.

Traveling to Kashan by Car The distance from Tehran to Kashan is about 250 kilometers. If you're departing from Tehran, you can take the Qom-Kashan road. The journey takes about three hours, making it both the most cost-effective and comfortable way to reach the city of flowers and rosewater.

Traveling to Kashan by Bus and Train If you prefer traveling by bus or train, you can easily access ticket sales websites with a simple search. A bus ticket from Tehran to Kashan costs around 100,000 to 150,000 Toman. A train ticket costs approximately 90,000 to 200,000 Toman, depending on the type of service and train amenities.

Accommodations and Hotels in Kashan Kashan has many accommodations, hotels, and caravanserais available for travelers. You can book a hotel online or choose the most suitable one upon arrival. The architecture of the hotels and accommodations in Kashan is typically inspired by the beautiful local style. Modern hotels and guesthouses are also available, and you can stay in any of them based on your budget. Staying in guesthouses and inns is the most affordable option. For a night’s stay, expect to spend around 700,000 to 1 million Toman. Hotel rates start from 1.2 million Toman per night, with the higher-end hotels costing up to 7 million Toman per night. Accommodations in traditional guesthouses typically range from 900,000 Toman to 2 million Toman per night.

Food in Kashan Trying local dishes is one of the best memories of traveling. If you want to try some famous Kashan dishes, you can enjoy foods like "Goosht-e-Lobiya" (bean meat), "Gheymé Rizeh" (minced meat stew), "Shofteh" (meatballs), "Kufteh Choghandar" (beet meatballs), "Goosht-e-Adas Bademjan" (lentil and eggplant stew), "Goosht-e-Lobiya-e-Sirke Shireh" (vinegar meat beans), and "Goosht-e-Kalām and Kadoo" (meat with cabbage and pumpkin). You can try these in local restaurants, but if you prefer regular dishes like kebab or stews, they are also available.

Shopping and Souvenirs in Kashan The main market of Kashan is a must-visit for anyone looking to buy souvenirs. This market is a remarkable example of Safavid-era architecture. Over 40 historical landmarks, including small marketplaces (Timchehs), a water reservoir, mosques, schools, shrines, caravanserais, and baths, are found in the traditional Kashan market. The market has two main entrances, one from Baba Afzal Street and the other from Darvazeh-Dowlat Street. This market is smaller than others in Iran, making it easy to visit multiple times.

Sweets of Kashan Kashan is known for its sweets, including "Koloocheh Kashan" (a traditional cookie), "Haji Badam" (a round sweet), "Baqlawa Kashan" (Kashan-style baklava), "Pashmak" (cotton candy), and "Qatab" (a fried pastry). "Koloocheh Kashan" is made with whole wheat flour and is often enjoyed during Nowruz celebrations. "Haji Badam" is a round pastry, popular in Kashan, Yazd, and Shiraz, but the Kashan version is slightly larger. "Baqlawa Kashan" comes in various types, such as walnut, almond, pistachio, and cashew, depending on the filling. "Pashmak" is a popular treat, especially around Nowruz. "Qatab" is similar to the ones in Yazd but is made from coconut, sugar, almonds, and is decorated with powdered sugar.

Other food souvenirs include rosewater, dried rose petals, and herbal waters like mint, bitter orange, and cinnamon.

Handicrafts of Kashan Kashan is famous for its handicrafts, such as carpets, pottery, and woven fabrics. Kashan is known as the capital of world carpets, and carpet weaving here has a long history. Around one-third of Kashan’s population knows how to weave carpets, which are part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. Pottery has a history of over 7,000 years in Kashan, and many consider it the birthplace of pottery in the world. You can find a variety of pottery items and decorations as souvenirs. The "Giyeh Nashlaji," a type of shoe made in a village with the same name, is another local craft you can buy. Other famous crafts include felt-making, copper work, and wood carving, which you can find in the local market.

Historical Attractions in Kashan If you're visiting this beautiful city, be sure to see its historical attractions. Some of the most notable sites include Fin Garden (the most important historical site in Kashan), historical houses like the Tabatabai House, Abbasi House, Borujerdi House, and the Agha Bozorg Mosque, a magnificent structure combining a mosque and school. The Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, one of Iran’s unique bathhouses, and the 7,000-year-old Silk Hill, which holds remains of ancient Kashan civilization, are also worth visiting.

In total, a rough estimate for a one-week family trip for four people, considering a minimum of 1 million Toman per day for food and without including souvenirs, would cost between 10 to 15 million Toman, which is more affordable than traveling to farther cities. However, it offers a sweet experience with delightful local foods, pleasant spring weather, and stunning historical and cultural attractions.

A piece of paradise awaits in this corner of Iran.