Shopping in Iran - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Absolutely all tourists spend at least some time shopping when traveling. Naturally, they may need souvenirs that will remind of the vacation, gifts to friends and family, and souvenirs for colleagues and boss. Besides that, it is hard to resist buying something interesting and authentic when traveling abroad. Many tourists do not need reasons to buy some trifle or clothing they like. Iran is no exception. Just like in most countries, there are all kinds of souvenirs for tourists, but it is also possible to find other unique goods for sale.

In Isfahan, tourists can find some of the most beautiful, original, and unusual souvenirs on Imam Square, one of the city’s landmarks. The choice of items for sale is so amazing that unprepared tourists may easily want to buy everything. Forged items, handmade metal items with intricate decorations, ceramics, items made from camel bone, leather goods, and beautiful jewelry with precious and semiprecious stones – these are just some of the goods that visitors can buy from vendors on this square.

Souvenirs are usually expensive. Of course, tourists can and need to bargain, but they are likely to get a small discount. Souvenirs are the main source of income for local people during the tourist season, so they are unlikely to work with minimal profit. Moreover, merchants know that tourists will need to buy at least something, so there is no use in lowering the price when they can sell that item to someone else at a full price. Anyway, it is hard to find a better choice of souvenirs in Iran, so tourists have to accept local prices. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If your aim is to purchase an authentic Persian carpet, then markets are a bad choice because local markets rarely offer genuine goods. A branded carpet shop is a much better place to visit. If you want to buy a carpet but do not know anything about them, here is one hint: take a look at Nain rugs. These are rugs made in the city of Naein (Nain). As a rule, they have a white-blue pattern, the wool base, and silk ornament details. Nain is the capital of the Nain Country not far from Isfahan. Of course, tourists need to spend some time to reach the city (the distance is roughly 100 kilometers), but buying rugs directly from the manufacturer is always cheaper. The price is usually between US$200 and US$1000 depending on the size of an item. Don’t expect to get a discount as it is uncommon to bargain with carpet manufacturers.

If you are interested in buying leather goods, clothing, and accessories, the capital of Iran, Tehran, has the widest choice of items for sale at affordable rates. There is Ferdowsi Street in Tehran that has many shops specializing in leather goods. Local shops have one more advantage for foreign tourists – merchants can usually speak at least some English here.

There are shopping centers and bazaars in all large cities and smaller towns in Iran. It is up to tourists to choose where they want to shop. Of course, if local culture and authentic lifestyle are the priority, local bazaars are the best destination. They offer that inimitable atmosphere of the Middle East that so many tourists crave for. If malls and shopping centers are your primary choice, there will be no problem with these as well. In Tehran, pay your attention to such a shopping center as Palladium Mall, in Isfahan – to Isfahan City Center, and to Damoon shopping center in Kish. Naturally, bargaining is not accepted in shops and larger shopping centers – it is useless even trying to bargain. In bazaars, tourists can test their negotiation skills and try to get a discount.

Besides souvenirs, rugs, and leather goods, tourists should pay their attention to natural henna. This is an incredibly strong, naturally grown colorant that is suitable for coloring hair and temporary tattoos. The quality of henna brought from Iran is usually higher than the henna sold in home countries of travelers. Spices are also worth attention. Authentic and fragrant local spices are an excellent souvenir for chefs and gourmets. They will also be a wonderful reminder of your vacation in Iran when you return home and decide to cook anything, even most common and usual dishes, with amazing Iranian spices.

Oriental sweets are traditionally popular with tourists. It is possible to buy them virtually everywhere in the country. Of course, when choosing suitable sweets as souvenirs to friends and family, the package and design are very important. That is why confectionery shops are the best place to shop for delicious local sweets. To try different tastes and flavors, tourists can always buy sweets at local bazaars. Moreover, sweets sold at bazaars are always fresh and incredibly delicious.