Isfahan Travel Guide

Things to do in Isfahan
Attractions and Activities to enjoy your time in Isfahan

Isfahan Travel Guide

Things to do in Isfahan, Activities, and Attractions

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 birth place 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.

Name	Isfahan
Province	Isfahan
population	4 million
Summer Temperature	28 °C-42 °C
Winter Temperature	–6°C – 16°C
Significant Attractions	Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square – Ali Qapu Palace – Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque – Imam (Shah) Mosque – Chehel Sotoun Pavilion (Kakh-e Chehel Sotun) – Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (Masjed-e Jameh) or Atiq Mosque – Vank Cathedral – Si-o-se Bridge – Khaju Bridge – Hasht Behesht
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square – Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (Masjed-e Jameh) or Atiq Mosque – Persian Qanat
Airports	Isfahan International Airport
Public Transportation (inner-city)	Bus – Subway(1 line) – Taxi – Snapp( Iranian Uber)

Weather

Located in the central part of Iran Isfahan has a rather hot climate but more moderate compared to other cities such as Kashan and Yazd. The temperature in summer varies from 25 to 40 and -3 to 16 in winter. The amount of rain and snow is low like other cities in the central part of Iran.

What to see in Isfahan: Historic attractions

Isfahan is known as the cultural capital of Iran. Its other name, Nesf-e Jahan, meaning half of the world refers to the existence of several historical monuments in this city. Isfahan became the capital of Iran during Safavid dynasty and many significant monuments were built in that era.This city impresses every visitor with the magnificent architecture style of its monuments and will become the highlight of your trip in Iran.

Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) square

Naqsh e Jahan is the most famous landmark of Isfahan. Naqsh-e Jahan is the second biggest square in the world. This former polo field was built during the Safavid dynasty and is surrounded by 3 amazing monuments and a traditional Bazaar. Taking photos and riding in carriages are other available activities in this square besides visiting monuments.

Imam (Shah) Mosque, Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan

Ali Qapu palace

This stunning palace was the official residence of the rulers of Safavid dynasty. This lavish palace has 6 stories all of which are emblazoned with frescos, mirrors and stucco. The unique acoustic room on the 6th floor is the most significant part of the palace. The room is meticulously designed for playing music and the stuccos on the walls and the ceiling are shaped especially to improve the quality of the sound.

Aliqapu (Aali Qapu) Palace, Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

The first thing that catches your eye looking at this mosque is its great doe and the lack of minarets. Built for the king and his family during Safavid era, Sheikh Lotfollah mosque is one of the most beautiful and unique mosques in Iran. The stunning tile work and the lights inside evoke every traveler’s sense of admiration. No mistakes have been found in the architecture of this mosque to this day.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan

Imam (Shah) Mosque

Imam mosque is the first thing that catches the eye upon entering Naqsj-e Jahan square. This grand mosque is the most important Islamic monument in Iran. This masterpiece was built by the king in an attempt to make Naqsh-e Jahan square the most important part of the city and shows the importance of religion in the Safavid dynasty. One of the unique features of this mosque is the amplifying effect of the area under the dome used to amplify the call for prayer.

Imam (Shah) Mosque, Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan

Qeysarie Bazaar (Grand Bazaar of Isfahan)

Qeysarie Bazaar is the grand traditional bazaar of Isfahan. This bazaar also belongs to the Safavid era and is located in Naqsh-e Jahan square. You can find all kinds of souvenirs and local products in this bazaar.

Qeysarie Bazaar the (Grand Bazaar of Isfahan)

Chehel Sotoun Pavilion (Kakh-e Chehel Sotun)

Located at the end of a garden, this amazing pavilion is famous for the beautiful reflection of its pillars in the pool in front of it. The name, meaning 40 pillars, refers to the 20 pillars and their reflection is the water. The interior walls of this amazing pavilion are covered with frescos telling tales of wars during the Safavid era.

Painting on the walls of Chehel Sotun Palace, Isfahan

Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (Masjed-e Jameh) or Atiq Mosque

Belongign to the Seljuq dynasty, Jameh mosque of Isfahan is the oldest monument in this city. The amazing tile work and Muqranas work add to the beauty of this mosque.

Jameh mosque of Isfahan (Masjed-e Jameh) or Atiq mosque

Vank Cathedral

Located in Jolfa neighborhood, the home of the Armenian/ Christian minority of Isfahan, Vank cathedral is one of the 13 remaining cathedrals in the town. This cathedral is a fusion of the Italian and Iranian architecture style with the interior embellished with Christian frescos and Islamic tile work. There’s also a memorial in the yard for the genocide of Armenians in Turkey.

Vank Cathedral, Jolfa, Isfahan

Si-o-se Bridge

This bridge was built over Zayandeh River almost 400 years ago. Its name meaning 33 bridges refers to the 33 arches of this bridge. Si–o-se bridge was built over Zayandeh river to connect the two major neighborhoods of Isfahan. At that time it was also used for celebrations such as Norouz (Iranian New Year’s Eve) .

Nowadays these bridges are the favorite hangout place of the locals and tourists at night. You can sit in the lower level of Khaju bridge and 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.

Siosepol Bridge, Isfahan

Atashgah Fire Temple

Standing on a mountain of the same name, Atashagh fire temple dates back to Sasani era. This ancient fire temple was one of the most important fire temples of the time. The archaeologists estimated the material used in construction of this fire temple date back to almost 7000 year ago. Some of the symbols carved on this fire temple belong to after the Arabs attacked Iran raising the possibility of the fire temple being used for other purposes as well.

Atashgah, Isfahan

Pigeon House

Pigeons were the only method of communication in the old times thus there were many pigeon houses sometimes housing more than 25000 pigeons at a time. These pigeon houses are tall towers designed in a way to prevent predator birds such as crows and owls from entering. The cylindrical shape of the tower causes the excretion of the pigeon to be gathered in one place and used in agriculture. As technology developed by time and new methods of communication emerged daily pigeon houses faded into history and now there are only a few of them left.

Pigeon House, Isfahan

Khaju Bridge

Khaju Bridge is another one of the historcial bridges built over Zayandeh River. Khaju Bridge was built by the order of Shah Abbas in order to facilitate crossing the river. This spectacular bridge was also one of the favorite hangout places of the king and his family and served as a dam.

Iranian people chilling around Khaju Bridge, Zayandeh Rud River, Isfahan

Things to do in Isfahan

Nightlife and cozy places: Khaju bridge and si-o-se bridge

Souvenirs

Walking through the Bazaars of Isfahan you can find all types of local sweets such as Gaz, Poolaki, Sohan etc. Isfahan is also the home of Iranian artworks such as Khatam work, Toreutics , different types of hand woven rugs and vitreous enamel that you can buy as a special gift for family and friends.

Things to do in Isfahan

Isfahan Travel Guide

Weather