Things to do in Gilan Province
Discover the best attractions and experiences Gilan Province has to offer
Historic Monuments
Guilan’s history is written in its stone fortresses, hillside villages, and bustling traditional markets along the Caspian coast.
Rudkhan Castle
A medieval brick fortress hidden among lush forests, reached by a scenic hill hike.
Masuleh Historic Village
A centuries‑old hillside village with tiered wooden houses and winding stairways.
Rasht Grand Bazaar
Historic trading hub where you can wander between shops selling crafts, spices and local produce.
Museums
Museums in Guilan showcase the region’s culture, crafts and coastal heritage.
Gilan Province Museum
Regional history and culture exhibits from Guilan, highlighting local life and industry.
Lahijan Tea Museum
Tea heritage displays and stories from Guilan’s famous tea region.
Rasht City Museum
Local history and traditional crafts that shaped Rasht and its surrounding areas.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites reflect Guilan’s ancient spirituality and local architectural flair.
Jameh Mosque of Rasht
One of the region’s oldest mosques, showcasing traditional Guilan architectural style.
Imamzadeh Ali Akbar Rasht
A revered shrine area representing local religious heritage and spiritual practice.
National & Theme Parks
Natural sanctuaries along the Caspian coast offer lush escapes and wildlife viewing.
Hyrcanian Forests Reserve
Ancient broadleaf forests that run along the Guilan coast, ideal for forest walks and wildlife spotting.
Bandar-e Anzali Lagoon
Extensive coastal wetland famous for its birds, boats and scenic shorelines.
Lahijan Tea Plantations Park
Green hills and tea fields around Lahijan, great for strolls and photo-worthy vistas.
Neighborhoods
Vibrant street life and traditional neighborhoods show Guilan’s everyday charm.
Rasht Old Town District
Historic lanes, courtyards and markets that echo the city’s past.
Bandar-e Anzali Waterfront Quarter
Colorful coastal streets, fishing boats and a relaxed riverside vibe.
Masuleh Village Quarter
Pedestrian lanes and wooden stairways weaving through the hillside homes.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy Guilan’s outdoor spaces, markets, and scenic viewpoints without spending a dime.
Stroll Rasht Grand Bazaar
Lose yourself among stalls, sights and local aromas in a lively traditional market.
Walk along Bandar-e Anzali coastline
Relax by the water, watch boats and soak in sea air at the shore.
Hike in the Hyrcanian Forests
Gentle forest trails offer refreshing shade and wildlife sightings.
Gastronomy
Guilan’s food is famed for seafood, herbs and rice cooked with regional flair.
Mirza Ghasemi
Smoky eggplant and tomato dish often served with rice or bread, a Guilan staple.
Baghala Ghateh (Baghala Ghateh)
Persian broad bean stew with dill and garlic, a regional comfort dish.
Rice with fish from the Caspian
Fragrant Guilan rice paired with fresh river or sea fish for a coastal taste.
Nightlife
Evenings in Guilan revolve around cafes, seaside strolls and relaxed social spots.
Rasht cafe culture stroll
Evening coffee and tea at neighborhood cafes, with casual live music sometimes available.
Bandar-e Anzali waterfront evenings
Casual strolls along the promenade with views of boats and the moonlit harbor.
Lahijan village tea houses after dusk
Quiet tea houses offering local sweets and warm drinks late into the evening.
Entertainment
Local performances and cultural events showcase Guilan’s artistry.
Gilan traditional theatre events
Occasional stage performances featuring regional stories and music.
Caspian music nights
Small concerts or gatherings celebrating local musicians.
Cultural festivals in Rasht or Anzali
Seasonal festivals with food, crafts and performances reflecting Guilan culture.
Sports
From forest trails to sea activities, Guilan offers diverse outdoor sport options.
Hiking Hyrcanian forests
Seasonal treks through ancient forests with lush scenery.
Birdwatching at Anzali Lagoon
Spot wading birds and migratory species around the wetlands.
Water sports on the Caspian Sea
Casual sailing, kayaking or boating along the coast.
Off the Track
Delve into Guilan’s hidden corners with authentic local experiences.
Tea plantation tour in Lahijan
Visit tea fields, learn about tea processing & enjoy panoramic views.
Village life in a Guilan rural community
Spend time with locals, observe traditional crafts and daily routines.
Boat ride through coastal channels near Anzali
Calm journey through water channels and nearby islets.