The Old Market of Bandar Abbas, also known as the Traditional Bazaar, is one of the oldest and busiest markets in southern Iran. Located on Taleghani Boulevard in the heart of the city, it has earned the nickname of the most colourful part of town, and for good reason. The stalls overflow with spices from the Persian Gulf islands, handwoven textiles, tropical fruits, freshly caught fish, and handicrafts made by the diverse communities of Hormozgan Province. For anyone visiting Bandar Abbas, the market is not just a place to shop; it is the living centre of the city, where the culture and economy of the Persian Gulf coast come together in a single, vibrant space.
A market with deep roots
Bandar Abbas has been a major trading port on the Persian Gulf since the Safavid period, and markets have stood in or near the current location for centuries. The city's position at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz made it a natural hub for goods moving between the Iranian plateau, the Arabian Peninsula, India, and East Africa. The old bazaar grew up at the intersection of these trade routes, serving as the commercial heart of a port that handled everything from Persian carpets and Kermani spices to Indian textiles and Zanzibari cloves.
Despite the proliferation of modern shopping centres in Bandar Abbas, the old market has retained its energy and relevance. It remains one of the busiest commercial areas in the city, drawing both local residents looking for everyday goods and visitors drawn by its reputation as the most atmospheric place in town.
What you will find in the bazaar
The Old Market of Bandar Abbas is known for its extraordinary variety. Stalls and shops sell a wide range of goods, from locally made handicrafts and woven mats to inexpensive second-hand items. The market is particularly famous for its spice stalls, where the scents of the Persian Gulf trading tradition are still very much alive. Turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, dried lime, and mixed baharat blends are piled in cones and sacks, their colours ranging from deep saffron yellows to earthy reds and greens.
Textile vendors offer everything from traditional southern Iranian garments to printed cottons and synthetic fabrics. The market is also one of the best places in the city to find local handicrafts, including woven palm-leaf baskets, shell jewellery, and pottery from the Gulf islands. Prices are generally low, and bargaining is expected, as it is in most traditional bazaars across Iran.
The fish market next door
One of the most famous sections associated with the old market area is the fish market, located along Taleghani Boulevard in the Posht-e Shahr neighbourhood. This is one of the largest fish markets in Iran, reflecting the extraordinary diversity of marine life in the Persian Gulf. The market operates in a large covered space of about 11,000 square metres, with a two-storey car park attached for the convenience of buyers and visitors.
Before even reaching the covered section, you will encounter fishermen setting up under shade structures in the open air, baskets of freshly caught fish spread before them. Inside, the range of species on display is remarkable: shrimp, squid, octopus, shark, various types of tuna, the prized white halva fish, and the famous Gulf prawns, some of which are large enough to be sold individually. The air is thick with the smell of the sea, mixed with the scent of dates, garlic, and tamarind from nearby stalls.
The fish market operates from early morning until late at night, closing only on Fridays. Many locals and visitors make a morning of it, selecting fresh fish and then having it prepared at one of the small restaurants in the vicinity. The experienced recommend the local sheem fish, a firm white fish that is excellent grilled or fried and widely considered the best catch the Gulf has to offer.
The rhythm of daily life
The Old Market is more than a commercial space; it is a social institution. In the early morning, the market is at its freshest, with fishermen delivering their catch and produce sellers laying out tropical fruits brought from the inland farms of Hormozgan and the island gardens of Qeshm. By mid-morning, the crowds build, and the narrow alleys between the stalls become a river of shoppers, porters, and casual browsers.
The language you hear in the market reflects the diversity of the city itself. Persian, of course, is dominant, but the local Bandari dialect, with its borrowed Arabic, Hindi, and African words, gives the market its distinctive linguistic texture. On any given day, you might also hear Arabic, Baluchi, or Urdu spoken between traders who have come from other parts of the Gulf coast or from across the water.
Food and refreshments nearby
No visit to the Old Market area is complete without sampling the local food. The streets around the bazaar and the fish market are home to small restaurants and food stalls serving southern Iranian specialties. Grilled fish, shrimp biryani, and spicy Gulf-style stews are available at modest prices. Fresh date syrup, tropical fruit juices, and the local Bandari bread are among the simpler pleasures that complement a morning spent browsing the stalls. For those who want a more leisurely meal, several restaurants in the vicinity prepare traditional southern dishes using the same spices and seafood sold just metres away.
Practical information for visitors
The Old Market is located on Taleghani Boulevard in central Bandar Abbas and is open daily. Entry is free, and most visitors spend between two and three hours exploring the main stalls, the fish market, and the surrounding streets. The market is at its most atmospheric in the morning, when the fish arrive and the spice stalls are fully stocked.
The best time of year to visit Bandar Abbas and its market is from November through March, when temperatures are mild and the humidity is manageable. During the summer months, the heat and humidity can be intense, though the covered sections of the bazaar offer some relief.
Mehyar Taxi can take you directly to the market from any hotel or from the airport. The market is also within walking distance of several other historical sites in Bandar Abbas, including the Kolah Farangi building and the Hindu Temple, making it a natural centrepiece for a walking tour of the city's cultural landmarks.