Glimpse
Rasht is one of the largest most populated cities in Northern Iran and the capital of Gilan Province. Located 300 kilometers from Tehran, Rasht borders the Caspian Sea in the north, the cities of Amlash and Aastaaneh-ye Ashrafieh in the east and northeast, Siahkal in the southeast, Roudbar in the south, Shaft in the southwest, Sowme’eh-Sara and Fouman in the west and Bandar Anzali in the northwest. The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and cold and wet winters. Rasht is one of the wettest cities in Iran and is known as “Rain City” for its number of rainy days. According to some historical accounts, the city was originally built in the Sassanid era (226-651 CE) but did not find importance until the Safavid era (1501-1736) when it began to flourish under Shah Abbas (1571-1629). Rasht was occupied by Russian and later British forces in WWI when it became the birthplace of the Jonbesh-e Jangal (Forest Movement) (1914-1921) which sought to restore Iranian sovereignty. Some of the city’s historical attractions include the open-air Rasht Bazaar which dates back to the Safavid era, Safi Mosque as the oldest house of prayer in the city, Roudkhan Castle which was originally built in the Sassanid era and later became an Ismaili stronghold, the tiered city of Masouleh which is nearly 1,000 years old, Mirza Kouchak Khan House and Museum, which was the residence of the fierce Jonbesh-e Jangal (forest Movement) leader and nationalist hero and is now a museum, Mirza Koucha Khan’s Mausoleum, Gilan Rural Heritage Museum which was founded by moving and resembling nine villages from across the province to Sarvan Forest Park in order to preserve the traditional architecture and agriculture of Gilan. Saqalaksar Village and Dam with its countless natural attractions, Hajji Bekandeh district where visitors can stay in suites and beach cabins, experience rural life and enjoy beach sports, Sangar Dam Lake with its picturesque view etc.
Rasht on Map
Tripp Plans
- 1st Day in Rasht City: Rural Heritage Museum of Gilan- Saravan Forest Park- Eynak (eyeglasses) Wetland, looks similar to eyeglasses in the aerial photos from the airplane- Boujaq Wetland for Bird-watching- Mohtasham garden-Kolah-Farangi mansion- Rasht Ganjineh (treasury) Museum- Saqalaksar Dam-Lake-Lat Caravansary-Mellat Park-House of Mirza Kouchak khan-e Jangali- Historic Ghadiri House
- 2nd Day in Masuleh: Drive to Masouleh and visit this scenic village- Drive to Fouman and climb Roudkhan mountain to visit its amazing fort- On the way back visit Anzali harbor and its wetland- Go to the Caviar production center and see how they make it.
- 3rd Day in the Roads: Drive through Asalem to Khalkhal road and enjoy its scenic landscapes and do some trekking into the mountain- Almas district in the road- Nav Banned Hunting Area- Asalem forest- Alalan lagoon.
Top Hotels
| Name | Stars | Address | Tel |
| Kadus Grand | Four Star | Manzarieh Blvd., Rasht | +98 13 33365070 |
| Shabestan | Four Star | Beginning of Post St., Golsar Square, Rasht | +98 13 32110066
+98 13 32110033 |
| Pamchal | Three Star | 15th Khordad St., Toshiba Square, Rasht | +98 13 3366 3822 |
Top Restaurants
- Shekam Ol-Molouk Restaurant: Persian, Vegan Dishes
- Moharam Restaurant: Persian, Local Dishes
- Razeghi Restaurant: International, Persian
- Shoore Cooli Restaurant: Persian, Local Dishes, Vegan Dishes
- Paradizo Italian Restaurant: Italian
