Introduction to the most important must-see places in Iran
According to world tourism organization(UNWTO), Iran is
Iran Top Cities
Cultural sites:
Natural
Iran also lists more than 50 properties on the UNESCO world heritage tentative list [Source].
Iran Desert: Dasht-e Lut, Hottest spot on earth
Iran Desert Dasht-e Kavir or the central desert of Iran
Damavand Mountain (5610m), The Highest Volcano in Asia
Alamkuh, AKA The Alps of Iran
Visiting the capital of any country is a must when travelling. Tehran, the dynamic beating heart of Iran is no exception. The population of Tehran is almost 15 million people which is more than the population of most European countries. The grandeur and crowdedness of this metropolis may overwhelm you at first but once you get around you’ll see it’s much more than traffic jams and tall buildings. This city gives you the opportunity to get a taste of diverse cultures and lifestyles of the people in Iran alongside visiting historic palaces and museums. The cozy cafes of the capital are great for relaxing in the evenings and enjoying a cup of coffee whilst learning about the lifestyle of young Iranians.
Tehran is the doorway to learning about the last 250 years of history of Iran. Dating back to more than 200 years ago, Golestan Palace and Sa’d Abad complex fascinate every visitor with their grandeur and beauty. Inspired by grand palaces in Saint Petersburg and Paris Golestan palace was the official residence of Qajar rulers and the summer home of Pahlavi kings. Sa’d Abad complex, located in the north of Tehran, was the official residence of Pahlavi rulers. This impressive complex satisfies every traveler with its ever-green trees, interesting museums and beautiful palaces .Tehran also has several museums such as Treasury of the National Jewels in which the dazzling Daria-i Noor diamond is kept. Tehran has so many other museums and monuments worth visiting.
Furthermore, this city, embraced by mountains in the Alborz mountain range, offers travelers the chance to spice up their vacation with a little taste of adventure such as skiing in the highest ski resort in the Middle East, conquering the high Tochal summit or enjoying the beautiful scenery whilst sitting in a cable car.
Tabiat( nature) bridge, a pedestrian bridge connecting two parks, is a great place to spend the night and enjoy the dazzling scenery that the lights create. Bam-e Tehran is a recreational complex located at the foothills of Mount Tochal and at the end of Velenjak Street in Tehran and is one of the locals’ favorite places to spend their evenings. This complex offers activities like Archery, Tennis, Zip line, Bungee jumping etc. You can also enjoy the night by taking a walk ,looking at the amazing scenery of Tehran at night and having dinner or snacks at the restaurants located in Bam-e Tehran.
Kashan, the jewel of Dasht-e Kavir, is one of the most architecturally beautiful cities in Iran. Many travelers choose to visit Kashan on their way to Isfahan. This oasis city is surrounded by Maranjab,Abouzeidabad,Matinabad and other deserts. Many caravanserais were built in the deserts near Kashan for the travelers and merchants to rest. Kashan is known as the city of roses for its famous rose water. Kashan is also a popular holiday destination between Iranians due to its closeness to Tehran. Many citizens of Tehran choose to spend their weekend exploring Abiyaneh village, the deserts around Kashan and the city itself.
Being the favorite holiday destination of nobleman and merchants in the past, this city has lavish traditional houses with stunning architecture that take your breath away. Among these traditional houses, Tabatabai house (Khane-e Tabatabaei) and Abbasi house ( Khane-e Abbasi) are the most impressive . Although the outside facade might not seem special, the interior is emblazoned with fine arts such as the famous stucco work of Kashan. It’s possible to experience staying at a similar magnificent house by spending a night at one of the boutique hotels available. Sialk hills are another significant historical attraction of this city. These 7000-year-old historical hills can be very interesting for those interested in archeology.
In addition to the unique architecture, Kashan has ever-green gardens with great atmosphere such as Fin garden. Built in an oasis city, these gardens have become the visitors’ favorite place in the hot mornings. Fin garden is one of the most famous destinations in Iran. The Hammam inside is a great example of traditional Iranian Hammams and the figures inside portray different roles in a Hammam.
Isfahan is the first city that comes to mind when speaking of Iran. Isfahan is the third largest city in Iran after Tehran and Mashhad and will give you a taste of modern life and the history of the country. Known as Nesf-e Jahan (meaning half of the world) by locals, Isfahan is the cultural capital of Iran. Isfahan is the birthplace of many Iranian artworks and handicrafts as well. This city is surrounded by deserts such as Mesr desert and Varzaneh desert. The various types of activities available in Isfahan have made it one of the most popular destinations in Iran and many tourists’ favorite city.
This former capital now houses many historical attractions dating back to the Safavid era. Isfahan is the city of beautiful handicrafts and spectacular monuments. The main square of the city Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) square is surrounded by magnificent monuments. The so called name of Isfahan, Nesf e Jahan (meaning half of the world) refers to the wonders of the buildings in this city. The unique architecture style of these monuments catches every eye and the history behind them interests every visitor. The meticulously designed acoustic room in the Ali Qapu palace, the unique design of the Sheikh Lotfollah mosque and the beautiful tile work in the Shah mosque will imprint an unforgettable memory on your mind.
Chehel Sotoun pavilion (Kakh-e Chehel Sotun) is another must-see monument in Isfahan. This pavilion is known for the beautiful reflection of its pillars in the pool in front of it and the beautiful frescos on the wall telling tales of wars. Isfahan is one of the best cities in Iran to witness the peaceful co-existence of different religions. For instance, Jolfa quarter is the Armenian/Christian neighborhood of Isfahan and is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city. Vank Cathedral is one of the 13 remaining cathedrals in Isfahan and is open to public. The combination of Christian frescos and Islamic tile work in this cathedral make it one of the unique attractions of this city.
Come the night, you can visit Khaju and si- o-se pol bridges. Dating back to more than 300 years ago, these bridges over Zayandeh River are the best place to experience the nightlife of Isfahan. Sitting on the first floor of Khaju Bridge, you also get the chance to listen to people playing traditional instruments such as Tonbak, Tar, Oud and Santoor and singing. The sound of music is amplified due to the special arcades of the bridge.
Located between Dasht-e Kavir desert and Dasht-e Lut desert, Yazd amazes every traveler with its beauty. Yazd is one of the most religious cities in Iran where Islamic ceremonies such as Muharram Mourning Ceremony are celebrated in the best way possible. Yazd is also the birthplace of the Zoroastrian religion therefore it’s very famous for its fire temples. This city is known as the city of wind towers and Qanats and is the epitome of brilliant architecture in the middle of the desert. With its kind people and atmospheric alleyways and cafes, Yazd will steal your heart from the start.
This UNESCO world heritage site fascinates every visitor interested in history. Jame mosque of Yazd is one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Iran, built during over 100 years. This magnificent mosque has some of the highest minarets in the world with almost 53 meters of height. The stunning blue tile work of this mosque adds up to its beauty. Walking around the Jame mosque you reach Fahadan neighborhood. This labyrinth-like ancient neighborhood with its narrow alleys, cool atmosphere and cob-made houses is the best place to wander around and get to know the historic city of Yazd. In addition to Yazd itself, Kharanq village is another historic spot worth visiting. This 4000 year old village is still home to 140 families, most of whom are Zoroastrian.
Despite being built in the middle of the desert, Yazd has amazing gardens with cool atmosphere due to the wind towers. The most famous one is the Dowlat Abad garden (Bagh-e Dolat Abad). This garden includes the tallest wind tower in the world. The cool atmosphere, the running water and the pomegranate trees have created a great resting place in this sunny city.
Yazd is also the birthplace of one of the ancient Iranian sports. You can witness the amazing Pahlevani ritual in one of the Zoorkhanehs located in Yazd.The origin of this sport goes way back in the history of Iran.
Shiraz is one of the most ancient cities in Iran and is located near Persepolis the capital of ancient Persia. Shiraz is known as the city of poetry and wine. This beautiful city will satisfy every traveler with its amazing gardens, historical attractions and the friendly atmosphere of its people. Many choose Shiraz as the most memorable city they’ve visited in Iran.
Perhaps the first name that comes to mind when hearing of Iran is Persepolis ( Takht- e Jamshid). The ruins of Persepolis located near Shiraz are the remains of the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid dynasty. For those interested in history, there is no better place than this 3000 years old site to get to know this ancient civilization. Persepolis enchants every traveler with its grandeur, magnificent capitals, symbols and meaningful epigraphs. Visiting Pasargadae and the tomb of Cyrus the Great is a must for getting to know the history of Iran. The tomb of this great ruler is visited by many Iranians daily.
Getting into the city you can visit the stunning Zand complex, including Arg of Karim Khan (Arg-e Karim Khan) and the Vakil complex. Home to Karim Khan ,the founder of the Zand Dynasty, Arg of Karim Khan is an impressive citadel near the Vakil complex. This amazing citadel was built for Karim Khan and his family and served as a prison during Pahlavi dynasty. The Vakil complex, built for people by the order of Karim Khan consists of a traditional Iranian Hammam, a mosque and a Bazaar where souvenirs and local products can be found. Not far from Vakil complex shines the stunning Nasir ol Molk mosque (Masjed-e Nasir Al Molk) or better known as Pink mosque. The spectacular scenery that the sun shining on the colorful windows of the praying room creates has turned this mosque into one of the most popular destinations of Shiraz. Nasir ol Molk mosque is the travelers’ favorite spot for photography.
Shiraz is the origin of the delightful Persian Garden. Among the Persian Gardens located in Shiraz Eram Garden and Naranjestan Garden ( Bagh-e Naranjestan) are the most famous. Naranjestan Garden is one of the 9 gardens considered a world heritage site by UNESCO. This gorgeous garden with its delightful atmosphere and the great smell of the orange trees in the air is one of the favorite destinations in Shiraz. The magnificent pavilion at the end of the garden belonged to the Ghavam family and is embellished with seven Iranian arts.
Shiraz, the city of poets, was the hometown of two of the most famous Iranian poets, Saadi and Hafez. Saadi is known as the master of speech for his poems talking about humanity and Hafez is known as the master of love for his unique romantic poems. The tombs of these beloved poets are filled with people at night and are great for experiencing the nightlife of Shiraz.
Located in the south-eastern part of Iran Kerman province is the largest province in the country. This vast province includes a major part of Lut desert ( Dasht-e Lut) and the hottest known spot in the world. The largest city and capital city of this province is also named Kerman. Kerman province includes the largest number of UNESCO world heritage sites in the country. This historical province also has amazing nature such as the beautiful Lut desert and Jupar mountain range. The people of Kerman are the most warm-hearted, hospitable and ambitious people in Iran and will make your trip more memorable.
Kerman includes a large number of historical attractions with some dating back to thousands of years ago . Shahzadeh Mahan garden and Fath abad garden introduce the visitors to the world famous Persian gardens and make a memorable day for them with their delightful atmosphere. It’s also possible to rent a room in the hotels located inside these gardens. Much like other cities in central Iran Kerman also includes a pedestrian square surrounded by several historical monuments that once was the most important part of the city. The bazaar, traditional bathhouse, the mosque surrounding Ganjali Khan square all have historical significance and are a great example of the Safavid architecture style. Going a little further back into history, attractions such as Bam and Rayan citadels and Maymand village are the most significant monuments in Kerman with more than 5000 years of history. Bam and Rayan citadels are the first and second largest mudbrick structures in the world. After years of protecting rulers and keeping invaders out, today these impressive citadels are open to public and among the must-see Kerman attractions. The fascination Maymand village is one of the two hand-carved villages that are still residential .This ancient village is one of the most unique villages in Iran.
In addition to the impressive historical monuments, Kerman also has multiple natural attractions that can add a sense of adventure to your trip. Covering 11000 square meters of the Lut desert, the famous Kalouts near Shahdad village are the most popular natural Kerman attraction. These naturally shaped gigantic bumps on the surface of the earth are one of the most stunning phenomena in the world. It’s also recommended to do other adventurous activities such as camel riding, ATV riding and safari whilst spending time in the desert. Kerman province also offers several options for mountain climbing enthusiasts. A variety of activities such as skiing and mountain climbing can be done in Jupar mountain range and Mount Hezar(4501m), the highest peak in Central Iran).
Furthermore, there are several options available for those looking to spend some time in local popular spots. Strolling around in Ganjali khan square and the grand bazaar of Kerman gives travelers a chance to get to know the culture of Kerman whilst shopping. The traditional Vakil bathhouse now serving as a teahouse is another favorite hangout place to spend the evening .In addition, San’ati museum, the second largest museum of contemporary arts in Iran, is a great choice for art enthusiasts and the best place to observe some of the beautiful artworks in Iran.
Tabriz is the capital city of the East Azerbaijan Province and the third largest city in Iran. This city has been the capital of Iran in different eras and was the 5th largest city in the world during the Safavid era. Tabriz is one of the most historically and economically significant cities in Iran and is the second industrial city of the country. This magnificent city is known for its friendly atmosphere and cleanliness. Tabriz is also called the city of firsts as it has been the pioneer in the emergence of many technologies and facilities. This city is one of the top travel destinations in Iran and was named the tourism capital of Islamic countries in 2018. People of Tabriz speak Azerbaijani Turkish. They have their own unique culture, traditions, arts, etc. that make this city a must-visit in Iran.
Tabriz has been a significant city in many eras, from being the capital in Safavid era to the residence of the heir to the throne. This city has many impressive historical attractions belonging to different eras. Blue mosque.,Arg of Tabriz and Tabriz bazaar are some of the most important historical structures of the city. Built during Kara Koyunlu monarchy, Blue mosque is one of the most unique mosques in Iran. This magnificent mosque is one of the four blue mosques in the world and was named the Turquoise of Islam due to its stunning blue tiles. Other decorations such as golden patterns have added to the beauty of this mosque. Tabriz bazaar is another significant monument in this city. This grand bazaar is the largest roofed bazaar in the world including 29 mosques, 24 caravanserais and several bathhouses, schools and other structures in addition to the shops. Tabriz bazaar was built in the 10th century and has long been an important trade center in Iran and Asia. During its years of glory, this UNESCO world heritage site was on the Silk Road and was considered one of the main trade centers in the world. Today this magnificent bazaar is a great place for buying souvenirs. Tabriz also has 17 museums all of which are interesting in its own way. Among them Qajar museum, Azerbaijan museum and constitutional house are the most visited. Visiting these museums takes travelers back into the history of Iran and introduces them to the culture of this country and Azerbaijan province in particular. Counting the best of Tabriz attractions, it’s impossible to exclude the mausoleum of poets. Tabriz has been home to many Iranian poets through history, many of whom have passed away in this city. Therefore, a mausoleum was built in Sorkhab graveyard to honor their memory. The mausoleum of poets is the eternal home of more than 300 poets such as the famous Khaqani and Shahryar.
Including spectacular mountains and forests, Azerbaijan province is one of the most beautiful provinces in Iran. It’s possible to have an adventure and appreciate the beautiful nature by getting a little further away from Tabriz. Arasbaran is a protected region located at the northern part of Azerbaijan Province. It is one of the most beautiful Hyrcanian forests in Iran. Arasbaran forest is considered a UNESCO world heritage site due to its amazing wildlife. Tabriz is also close to many beautiful mountains, attracting mountain climbing enthusiast yearly.Sahand mountain range is the most popular among them. Sahand mountain range is known as the pearl of the mountains in Iran for its green foothills. This mountain range is located south of Tabriz and includes 17 summits with more than 3000 meters of altitude. While spending time in the Sahand mountain range it’s recommended to visit Kandovan village,located nearby. Kandovan village is one of the most unique historical villages in Iran.This 3000 year old village is famous for the houses carved into rocks formed by solidified magma and shaped by nature. Kandovan is one of the two hand-carved villages in the world that are still residential. The uniqueness of the lifestyle of the inhabitants and the stunning houses of this village amaze every visitor.
Getting back into the city, there are several recreational spots available for those who wish to spend some time among the locals. Shahryar Street is a pedestrian street full of shops, restaurants and cafes .This so called Champs-Élysées of Tabriz is a popular hangout place among the locals. Furthermore, Elgoli Park and Mount Eynali are two other popular recreational spots in Tabriz. They offer locals and travelers a chance to enjoy activities such as going to the amusement park, boat riding, cable car riding and playing mini golf besides spending quality time in nature.
Rasht is the capital city of Gilan province and the largest and most populated city located on the coast of Caspian Sea. Known as the city of silver rain, this city is one of the most important rice and vegetables producers in the country due to its humid and rainy climate. Similar to rest of Gilan province, Rasht has a lush and beautiful nature. Rasht is named one of the UNESCO creative cities for its delicious and various local foods. The people of Rasht are among the most energetic and kind people in Iran and their language is Gilaki. Rasht welcomes between 12 and 15 million visitors every year and is one of the most popular holiday destinations among Iranians.
Despite being underrated, Rasht has plenty of historical sites worth visiting. This city was expanded and modernized during Safavid and Qajar dynasties thus; today includes many historical monuments dating back to these eras.Shahrdari square is one of the most famous Rasht attractions and perhaps the most popular one. Shahrdari square is known for the historic city hall in it which is the first one in Iran. The architecture of this grand square is inspired by Saint Petersburg .Shahrdari square is still considered the main square of Rasht and is an ideal spot for taking a walk and spending the evening. Going through the history of Rasht and Gilan it’s impossible not to hear about Mirza Kuchuk Khan, the famous activist of the Iranian constitutional revolution that occured during the Qajar dynasty. Today his home and mausoleum are open to the public, especially those willing to learn about the history and culture of Rasht. In addition to the historical attractions located inside Rasht there are a few others near the city that have recently become popular. The most famous one is Rudkhan Castle ( Qal’eh Rukhan).This impressive castle is one of the most visited attractions on the coast of Caspian Sea. Visiting Rudkhan castle can turn into a great day of adventure as it is located inside a beautiful jungle and on top of the mountain. Further exploring the rest of Gilan province, Masuleh village is another famous attraction found near Rasht. Masuleh village is one of the unique villages in Iran. This village is famous for the special structure of its houses with the roof of each house being the yard of the one above it. The spectacular scenery, created by the waterfalls and the verdurous mountain, adds to the charm of this village.
Rasht is located near the Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world. The coast of the Caspian Sea has always been a popular destination among travelers, especially those living in Tehran. Visiting the Caspian Sea and spending some time on the beach is a must when travelling to Rasht. The major part of Gilan Province is covered by beautiful forests due to its humid weather. In addition to these lush jungles other options such as multiple lakes and lagoons are available for those looking to spend a while in nature rather than staying in the city, Anzali lagoon is one of the most famous lagoons in Iran. It is well-known for its unique Indian lotuses that can be seen during spring. The fascinating Anzali lagoon is also the natural habitat of many bird species and fish .Furthermore, Eynak lagoon, Saqalaksar lake and the forests near Talesh can be suitable options for spending a delightful day absorbing the natural beauties of Gilan Province.
Many consider visiting the popular hangout places in a city and spending time among the locals to be an important part of a trip. Saravan forest park is one of the best locations to fulfill that purpose. This vast forest park offers visitors great recreational options such as paintball and boat riding. It also includes Gilan rural heritage museum where you can learn about the culture of people living in Gilan. Each part of this interesting museum is organized like a separate village with rural houses, mosques, schools and other structures preserved in their original form. Moreover, roaming around in Rasht grand bazaar is another popular thing to do in this city. This traditional bazaar is one of the few open-air traditional bazaars in Iran and is the best place to buy souvenirs and special local food products. It’s also possible to stop by Golsar or Takhti streets afterwards to have coffee or a delicious meal.
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Cheetah-Adventures is an Iran tour operator & Iran travel agency aiming to provide services for travelers from around the globe who aim to visit Iran. Cheetah-Adventures is named after the Iranian Cheetah, a critically endangered cheetah subspecies surviving today only in Iran.
