Kermanshah
Introduction
Located in the western part of the country, Kermanshah serves as the capital of its namesake province, county, and district. You can find this city situated in the Central District of the region.
Before you go
You should be aware that the Kurdish language and various dialects of Kurdish are widely used throughout the city. To ensure your safety while traveling, you can contact local emergency services by dialing specific numbers for the police, fire department, and medical assistance.
Getting there
You can reach Kermanshah by air via its international airport, which hosts regular flights from several Iranian cities, including Tehran and Mashhad, as well as flights from Istanbul. If you prefer traveling by land, the city is accessible by bus from Tehran and other major cities. For those traveling from Iraq, bus groups depart daily toward Karbala through Baghdad, though you should visit a travel agency first to arrange these trips.
For rail travel, you can take one of the weekly direct trains connecting Kermanshah to Tehran or Mashhad. If you choose to travel by car, hiring a taxi is the most convenient option; you can use mobile applications like Snapp and Tapsi to book your ride.
Getting around
Information regarding transportation and local transit within the city is not currently available.
Where to stay
You can find budget accommodations in the heart of traditional Kermanshah, where you can choose between dormitories featuring private curtains and individual lockers or more private rooms. This area provides easy access to the old bazaar and other local sights.
For a more upscale experience, you can stay at hotels located near Taq Bostan Boulevard or Taq Bostan Square, which offer on-site dining options.
Food & drink
The provided information does not contain details regarding local food or drink options for your visit.
What to see and do
Explore the historical depth of the region by visiting several museums housed in Qajar-period houses, including the Museum of Ethnography at Tekyeh Moavenalmolk and the Museum of Epigraphy and Qajar Hand Writings at Tekieh Biglar Baigi. You can also visit the Zagros Paleolithic Museum to view extensive collections of stone tools and animal fossil bones, or explore the Museum of Traditional Martial Art to see wax models of traditional wrestlers. For a different perspective on history, visit the Mo'avenalmolk Mosque, which features unique tilings depicting Islamic era warriors, the Battle of Karbala, and Achaemenid kings.
Experience the natural wonders of the province by visiting the Talab-e Hashilan marsh, where you can see floating islands and diverse bird species. You can also explore the deep caves of the region, such as the massive Qoori Qal'eh cave featuring an ever-flowing stream and chambers with icicles, or the nearby Prav Cave in the mountains. For significant archaeological sites, witness the multi-lingual Behistun Inscription on a limestone cliff, which features a life-sized bas-relief of Darius, or visit Taq-e Bostan to see the impressive equestrian relief of Sassanid king Khosrau II. If you prefer a scenic viewpoint, Kouhestan Park offers a beautiful view of the city.
When to go
You can experience a wide variety of climates in Kermanshah depending on the season. During the spring and fall, you should prepare for frequent rainfall as the city's proximity to the Zagros mountains and exposure to westerly winds bring significant precipitation. The winter months are characterized by cold temperatures that drop well below freezing, often accompanied by snow cover that lasts for several weeks.
If you visit during the summer, you will experience a hot climate with virtually no rain. However, because of the city's high altitude and exposed location, you should expect extreme daily temperature swings, resulting in nights that are considerably cooler than the intense heat of the day.
Three days in Kermanshah
Day one, you can begin your journey in the Central District to experience the local culture. You can visit Taq Bostan Square and walk along Taq Bostan Boulevard to see historical sites.
Day two, explore the cultural heritage of the region by visiting the Museum of Ethnography or the Zagros Paleolithic Museum. You can also find traditional martial art demonstrations.
Day three, you can visit the Tekyeh Moavenalmolk and the Tekieh Biglar Baigi to see Islamic architecture and Qajar Hand Writings in a museum setting.