Traveling to Iran during Ramadan can be a unique and enriching experience, but it’s essential to understand cultural practices and potential changes to daily life. Many businesses may have altered hours during this holy month, and public eating or drinking during daylight hours is restricted. However, tourists can enjoy special Ramadan events, festive meals after sunset, and quieter attractions during the day.
For a trip to Iran, you need to apply for a prompt Iran Visa.
Essential Things to Know About Ramadan Travel:
- Modified Business Hours – Many shops and restaurants will close during the day and re-open after sunset.
- Public Etiquette – Smoking, eating, or drinking in public are strictly forbidden.
- Special Events – From Ramadan festivals and prayers to unique cultural events.
- Less Crowded Attractions — Enjoy popular sights with a smaller daytime crowd.
Are You Allowed to Travel During Ramadan?
Yes, you are allowed to travel during Ramadan. There are no travel restrictions during this holy month. However, keep in mind that certain cultural and practical aspects may change. Many businesses and attractions may have adjusted hours, and some places may be quieter during the day. It’s essential to respect local customs, such as refraining from eating or drinking in public during fasting hours.
Traveling during Ramadan allows for enjoying such exclusive cultural events and celebrations. It is vital to honor local customs — like not eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. Most tourist places during the day are less crowded so that one can enjoy their visit. Adjust the arrangements to the changed times for a seamless travel experience.
Can You Eat While Traveling During Ramadan?
You can eat while you travel during Ramadan, but it depends on your location. In Muslim-majority countries, it’s a common practice to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day while locals fast. But as a traveler, you don’t have to be fast. When you eat, it is respectful to do so in private areas such as your hotel room or non-faster designated areas.
After sunset, local restaurants and special Ramadan-themed gatherings will serve meals featuring many traditional dishes for breaking the fast. In a non-Muslim country, it doesn’t apply but is natural, and one should observe local customs.
Where to Eat in Iran during Ramadan?
Certainly, you will not starve during your stay in Iran! There are so many other people like you who are not required to fast. While many restaurants are not open during Ramadan, yet there are others that serve customers behind covered windows. Moreover, the restaurants in hotels remain open for guests and the cold sandwiches or takeaways are widely available. Don’t forget to indulge in pastries like Zoolbia and Bamieh that are rarely found during other months.
How do Iran cities look during Ramadan?
To begin with, it’s important to note that Iranians are not Arabs and most of the Iranians are not strict Muslims, so you may face people who eat behind the curtains. However, it depends on which city you want to pay a visit. The majority of people in religious cities such as Mashhad and Qom and the smaller cities observe the fast during Ramadan, but the situation is different in cities like Tehran, the capital, Shiraz or Isfahan. In the years that Ramadan coincided with hot seasons, it’s difficult to resist drinking water and eating food during the long summer days, so the number of people who observe the fast decreases.
Time of Ramadan 2025
Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of March 02, 2025, and will last for 30 days, ending on March 31, 2025 with 2 days Eid al-Fitr. The exact start and end dates may vary based on moon sightings, so it’s advisable to check local announcements closer to the date.
Read also: Nowruz Persian New Year, All to Know
Visiting Iran During Ramadan
Visiting Iran during Ramadan offers a unique cultural experience, but travelers should be prepared for some changes. Restaurants and cafés are generally closed during daylight hours, and public eating or drinking is discouraged. However, major tourist sites remain open, and evenings become lively with iftar gatherings, night markets, and special Ramadan events.
Plan meals and be mindful of local customs to get the most out of your trip. Streets are quieter in the daytime, but there’s a lively social life after dark. Public transport is subject to change, and business hours can also vary significantly, so it’s a good idea to plan for your transit needs.
Museums and Historical Sites in Iran During Ramadan
When visiting Iran during Ramadan, museums and historical sites are all working as normal timing as rest of the year, usually from 9 am to 6 pm. However, their schedules may vary on a few certain days called the Qadr nights and ceremonies when people stay awake until after midnight. It’s recommended to check with the monuments for their adjusted hours.
Does Ramadan affect my tourist visits?
Ramadan is traditionally not a peak time for travel among Iranians. As a result, during this period, roads and hotels are not crowded, and attractions are less busy. With fewer crowds, visitors can enjoy a more immersive and authentic experience of Iranian culture and traditions. With fewer people at popular attractions and landmarks such as Persepolis, visitors can avoid long lines and wait times, and have more time to fully explore and appreciate the sites.
Read also: Dress code in Iran: Unveil or not?
Ramadan Sweets & Desserts in Iran
During Ramadan, many traditional sweets and desserts take center stage. Many people break their fast with hot water and these sweets then enjoy a meal. Here are some of the most popular Ramadan sweets and desserts to taste in Iran:
Zoolbia and Bamieh: These two sweets are deep-fried dough, usually in a spiral or pretzel shape, dipped in sugar syrup. They are crunchy on the outside and syrupy on the inside, making for a deliciously sweet treat.
Sholeh Zard: This saffron-infused rice pudding is a popular dessert in Iran, especially during Ramadan. It’s typically made with rice, sugar, saffron, and rosewater, and topped with cinnamon and chopped pistachios.
Sheer Berenj: This is a creamy and sweet rice pudding that is flavored with saffron, cardamom, and rosewater. It’s a popular dessert in Iran and is often served during special occasions, including Ramadan.
Halva: Halva is a sweet and dense confection made from sesame paste, and sugar, and sometimes flavored with rosewater or saffron. It’s a popular dessert in Iran and is often served with tea or coffee.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious sweets and desserts that are popular during Ramadan in Iran. Visitors to Iran during this month should not miss the opportunity to try these traditional treats and experience the rich culinary traditions of this beautiful country. Take part in our Family Dinner tour to taste these Persian desserts.
Read also: Is it safe to travel to Iran? An Ultimate Guide
Travel Tips for Visiting Iran During Ramadan
If you plan visiting Iran during Ramadan, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:
- Plan Your Itinerary: tourist sites may adjust their hours, so it’s important to plan your itinerary accordingly and be prepared for changes in operating hours. Check and select an Iran tour for your next trip.
- Dress Conservatively: it’s important to dress modestly, it is especially important if you plan on visiting religious sites or attending evening prayer gatherings.
- Public Eating and Drinking: as a rule in the country, non-fasting travelers should avoid eating or drinking in public during day hours to respect those who are fasting.
Last Word
Traveling to Iran during Ramadan can be a unique and rewarding experience in less crowded monuments. The only thing you are expected to do is to avoid eating and drinking in public during the day, but don’t worry about finding suitable places to eat. You can have a normal and memorable trip during Ramadan in Iran.
frequently asked questions about travel to Iran during Ramadan
Are everyone allowed to travel to Iran during Ramadan?
Certainly yes, nothing is forbidden in Iran except eating, drinking and smoking in public. People are allowed to travel and do the other normal activities.
Are restaurants open during Ramadan in Iran?
Not all but most of them serve customers discreetly. The restaurant in the hotels and almost all the takeaways are also active during Ramadan.
Where to Go in Iran During Ramadan?
Visiting Iran During Ramadan can normally and properly happen. The monuments such as Persepolis, palaces, museums and mosques in main tourist cities of Shiraz, Tehran, Isfahan and Yazd are all available for a daily visit. It is the same with the religious cities such as Mashhad. So, plan your travel itinerary based on your interest and hit the road according.
Let us know your experiences on a trip to Iran during Ramadan or any questions you may have in the below comment box 🙂
