Qazvin Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Qazvin is a city in the Qazvin Province.
Contents |
Understand
Qazvin was an ancient capital in the Persian Empire and today continues to be a vibrant city. Qazvin can perhaps be said to be a moderate city, in relation to its adherence to Islamic religious and cultural values. Many people, women in particular, dress modestly but are not limited to the a black hejab, and many women can be seen wearing thin, brightly coloured scarves to cover their hair. However, many women wear an enveloping headress, designed to completely cover all hair. It is advised to dress respectfully in this context, by all means express yourself through a nature of hejab materials and colours, but be mindful of social and religious values at play.
Get in
Qazvin is an easily accessible city, and can be accessed via a number of means.
By plane
The nearest international airport is located in Tehran. Arriving at this airport you can easily hire a taxi to take you to Qazvin. Make sure to accept travel terms and payment before you actually set off.
By train
By car
Qazvin is linked to Tehran and other major cities via a series of motorways, These are not usually too busy, though attempt to avoid times where workers are communting to and from work. Cars can be hired at Tehran International Airport. Taxi's are usually the most easiest means of travelling to Qazvin by car. You have a choice of private taxi's, or travelling via offical taxi ranks. The main difference between the two is the state of the actual cars, however do not be put off by the sight of an elderly, slightly unconventioanl car, these are usually perfectly safe to travel in.
By bus
By boat
Get around
The easiest way to get around in Qazvin, and indeed Iran is by taxi. There are plenty driving around, rates are ususally reasonable though it is advised you haggle before your journey and at your arrival to your destination. You may find that taxi's will pick up other people along the journey. This is commonplace, so don't be alarmed. If you simply wish to browse the city, then the best way to take soak up the atmosphere and sample the delights of the city, is to walk. The pavements are fairly wide, but often crowded. By aware of the water runways running alongside the pavement, and be aware of sudden dips in the pavement.
See
Do
Learn
Try to learn Persian Farsi, and use it while in Iran. Iranians are noted for their hospitality, and would greatly appreciate a tourist's attempts to communicate via Farsi. Qazvin is an historical city, try and broaden your historical knowldege by sampling the historical sites.
Work
Buy
Take a visit to the bazaar in Qazvin. It is huge and you will be able to find all sorts on display. Jewellery in Iran is of high quality, and cheap by Western standards. The same can be said for electronical goods, which arrive in Iran via Japan, sometimes before the products can be bought in Europe and America.
Eat
Food in Iran is a delicacy, and is made up of a whole range of Middle Eastern influences. Do eat chelo kebab in one of the many restaurants in Qazvin. This meal is pretty much a standard dish in Iran, however Qazvin does have its own regional variations on the dish. Try to sample as many different foods as possible while in Qazvin, the diversity of flavours and influences makes for delicious food. Avoid salads which have probably been washed in tap water. Resturants are usually very hospitable, so asking for a variation in the dish, or asking for vegetarian options or about food allergies will not be a problem.
Budget
Iran, to most foreigners is cheap due to a reasonable exhange rate. Goods, and living costs such as food are generally, very reasonable. Like many other countries in the Middle East, haggling is a way of life, it is advised that you barter as much as possible for a reasonable price. However, be warned that some outlets charge higher prices for foreigners, this is a fixed price and cannot be haggled over. Such pricing methods are especially true of tourist attractions. The diference between prices is not too great, but definately noticeable. This issue is being considered by the Iranian Government, and will hopefully be abolished in the near future.
Mid-range
Splurge
Not only on goods, but to charity. Giving to charity is a cultural and Islamic practice, so perhaps think about making a generous donation to the blue boxes you can find in the street. All donated money in these boxes goes to charity.
Drink
International health agencies advise drinking bottled water in Iran. This is cheap and therefore not a concern. Alcohol is illegal in Iran, partaking in or producing alcohol is illegal and punishments can be very severe.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Contact
In need of help or advice, contact your national embassy, located in the capital city Tehran.
Stay safe
Iran is generally a safe country. It is advised however, that being an obvious tourist may attract some unwanted attention from interested Iranians, but do not be alrmed or react negatively. Standard advice to keep your bag secured and safe, and to leave personal and valuable belongings in your hotel room or hotel safe should be regarded. Iranians are generally a peaceful, hospitable people, but it is advised to act with caution when alone or when approached by strangers to the same degree that you would in your native country.
Cope
Iran, centred in the Middle East gets extremely hot in the summer months, and it is advised that you avoid visiting Qazvin during the summertime. Better times to go are in the Spring, when the climate is warm and breezy, or in the Autumn, where again it is warm and breezy.
Get out
| This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow! |
