8 Unbelievable Places To Visit In Iran To Experience Its True Culture

23 Mar 2023

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Famous for its magnificent architecture and warm hospitality of the locals, Iran is known to be one of the friendliest countries. The country speaks of ancient civilisations and glorious days of the past. With lovely gardens and thriving bazaars, it is one of those countries in the Middle East that should be on every traveler’s list. Listed here are the best places to visit in Iran. Have a look.

8 Best Places To Visit In Iran

Iran has some of the most beautiful cities to explore with each of them flaunting their architectural marvels and bazaars selling a speciality good. Read on to know the top places to visit in Iran.

Tehran
Tabriz
Esfahan
Shiraz
Mashhad
Yazd
Kashan
Ahvaz

1. Tehran

One of the top places to visit in Iran, Tehran is a busy metropolis set against the Alborz mountains. This capital city offers one with the present or modern-day Iran. Popular as a tourist destination, the city features both historical monuments as well as the dazzling skyline making it a melting pot of both the ancient and the present. There are a number of museums and palaces for one to explore and a hip cafe scene to chill in the evenings. If you wish to explore places around the city, then two interesting places to take day trips are Tochal and Darband. Adorned with natural beauty they offer quite an escape from the busy city of Tehran.

Tourist Attractions: The Grand Bazaar, National Museum of Iran, Golestan Palace, Sa’dabad Complex
Places to stay: Taj Mahal Hotel, Espinas Palace Hotel, Parsian Evin Hotel

Must Read: 8 Best Places To Visit In Haifa For A Perfect Middle Eastern Trip!

2. Tabriz

Rich in Azeri culture, Tabriz is known for its thriving bazaar and if you are looking for places for shopping in Iran, then this should definitely be on your list. Placed at the gates of paradise by the Bible, Tabriz has a fine historical heritage. With great transport facilities, the city is easily accessible and the pleasant weather adds to one’s wonderful experience of the city. The city is further known for its beautiful carpets and teahouse hammams. So, are you excited to explore this city in Iran?

Tourist Attractions: El Goli (Shah Goli), Blue Mosque, Bazaar of Tabriz, Azerbaijan Museum
Places to stay: Ahrab Hotel, Tabriz Elgoli Pars Hotel, Shahryar International Hotel

3. Esfahan

A living museum of traditional culture, Esfahan is one of the top tourist destinations in Iran. The old Islamic buildings along with the Persian gardens give this city a beautiful appeal. The picture-postcard bridges are the highlight of this place in Iran. Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque are the biggest attractions along with the historic bazaar which brings visitors to this gem of a city. Do not forget to buy some local handicrafts while in the city.

Tourist Attractions: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Imam (Shah) Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Places to stay: Abbasi Hotel, Iran Hotel, Piroozy Hotel, Parsian Kowsar Hotel

4. Shiraz

Once the Iranian capital, Shiraz is known for poetry and wine. It was also famous for its vineyards during the earlier days. If you are a connoisseur of either, you’d love to spend time here. Housing major pilgrimage sites for the Iranians, the city also has lovely gardens and beautiful mosques. A city full of love, Shiraz should definitely be on your list if you are visiting Iran with your partner.

Tourist Attractions: Tomb of Hafez, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, Nazar Garden
Places to stay: Shiraz Grand Hotel, Zandiyeh Hotel, Karim Khan Hotel

5. Mashhad

The list of places to visit in Iran is incomplete without the mention of the city of Mashhad. The second-largest city in the country and one of the holiest, Mashhad is a city worth visiting. Plan your holiday well because, during Muslim holidays, the city is completely booked months in advance while during other times one can get great deals here! Also, if you are in town, do check out the carpets and saffron in the markets here. Mashhad is known to have the best of them!

Tourist Attractions: Imam Reza Shrine, Baba Ghodrat Tourist Complex, Golden Arch
Places to stay: Sinoor Hotel, Ghasr Talaee Hotel, Javad Hotel

6. Yazd

Walk along the winding lanes admiring the beauty of the mud-brick houses in the city of Yazd, one of the best places to visit in Iran. Often missed out as not being the touristy one, the city has a charm of its own. The old alleyways holding within themselves centuries of history have their own story to tell. A laid back city, Yazd invites everyone to explore the maze of its lanes.

Tourist Attractions: Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Jameh Mosque of Yazd, Dowlat Abad Garden, Yazd Atashkadeh
Places to stay: Dad Hotel, Parsian Safaiyeh Hotel, Jungle Hotel

7. Kashan

Journeying from Tehran to Esfahan, Kashan is often overlooked but it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Iran. An architectural gem, the archaeological findings say that the city was founded some eight thousand years ago. The historical houses here make it one of the best tourist towns in Iran. Also, it has some of the best traditional hotels to enjoy Iranian hospitality. Excited to visit this city? Also, do get yourself some rose water from any of the stores in the bazaar!

Tourist Attractions: Fin Gardens, Kashan Bazaar, Historical houses: Borujerdi, Abbasi, and Tabatabaei
Places to stay: Saraye Ameriha Boutique Hotel, Negin Traditional Hotel, Mahinestan Raheb Hotel

8. Ahvaz

Popularly known as the city of bridges, Ahvaz is another one of the best places to visit in Iran. These bridges which have made the city famous are built over the river Karun. The city is rich in ethnic diversity and is known for its kind and warm-hearted people that are very hospitable. The city experiences mild and short winters which are very beautiful and also the best time to visit Ahvaz.

Tourist Attractions: Karun river, Pol-e Siah (Black Bridge), Pol-e Sefid (White Bridge), Ahvaz waterfall, Chahar Shir square
Places to stay: Karun Hotel, Ahvaz Boostan Hotel

Further Read: 13 Cyprus Restaurants Offering The Best Of The Middle Eastern Cuisine

With lovely people and beautiful cities to explore, Iran is one of the best countries to visit in the Middle East. Book a trip to Iran with TravelTriangle and have a hasslefree trip. Add these places to visit in Iran to your list and have an awesome time exploring the ancient cities and the busy bazaars. If you get a chance buy saffron and rose water as souvenirs!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Iran

What are the top attractions in Iran?

Some of the top attractions that you must explore during your visit to Iran are Persepolis, Pasargadae, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, Naqsh-e-Rustam, Hafez Tomb, Eram Garden, Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Sheik Lotfollah Mosque, Chehel Sotoun, Vank Cathedral, and Golestan Palace.

What is there to do outdoors in Iran?

Iran is one of the alluring countries in the world and includes several elegant attractions. Some of the best things you can do outdoors during your visit to Iran include exploring various historical museums and palaces, visiting the ancient mosques, and trying out the appetizing cuisines at various renowned restaurants.

Is it safe to visit Iran during covid times?

Iran is among few of the countries who have imposed strict guidelines regarding covid. A 2 weeks quarantine has been made mandatory and travelers should be fully vaccinated to visit Iran. Basic rules such as wearing a face mask and social distancing should be followed in a public place.

What is Iran known for?

Iran is known for its rich cultural heritage in various forms of art such as literature, architecture, and much more. Iran comprises several spectacular architectures in the form of royal palaces, ancient mosques, and historical museums.

What is there to do in Iran for 3 days?

Some of the best things to do in Iran for 3 days are exploring the ancient architecture, trying various appetizing cuisines of the Iranian culture, and strolling around the beautiful streets of Iran.

What can you do in Iran at night?

Iran has a vibrant nightlife and comprises various astonishing things that you could do at night. The best things to do at night include exploring the historical monuments, visiting renowned eateries and trying out various appetizing cuisines, and strolling around the streets of Iran.

When is the best time to visit Iran?

The best time to visit Iran is from March to May and September to November during the spring season and the fall. Make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly and visit Iran during these months for a hassle-free experience during your tour.

How many days are required to explore Iran?

If you are planning to visit Iran, then at least 4-5 days are required in order to explore the major tourist attractions, indulge in adventurous activities, and experience the appetizing cuisines around this beautiful city.