- 1. Tehran
- 2. Esfahan
- 3. Chiraz
- 4. Persepolis
- 5. Kashan
- 6. The Maranjab Desert
- 7. The red village of Abyaneh
- 8. Yazd
- 9. Kerman
- 10. Masouleh
- 11. Tabriz
- 12. The island of Qeshm
Discover the 12 most beautiful places to visit in Iran: a fabulous country off the beaten track!
A country steeped in history and with an incredible heritage, Iran is a country often misunderstood and wrongly avoided by many travellers. However, Iran has everything to please: a culture several thousand years old, fantastic monuments and cities, varied landscapes ranging from snow-covered mountains to arid deserts by way of the sea, as well as one of the most welcoming populations in the world!
Wondering what to do in Iran? Know that there are so many wonderful places to discover, that you will probably find it difficult to visit them all during your trip! Fortunately, to help you prepare for your Iranian adventure, we have prepared a list of the 12 most beautiful places to visit in Iran!
Read also: Travel to Iran: all you need to know before you go
1. Tehran
Visiting Iran without discovering its capital is impossible! First because Tehran will be your gateway to this wonderful Persian world, then because it is home to magnificent monuments, such as the Golestan Palace, a masterpiece of the Qadjar era located in the heart of the historic center which houses several museums, or the Niavaran Palace, one of the residences of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, or the National Museum.
And to escape the pollution of the city, why not reach one of the seven ski resorts of the Elbourz mountain range thanks to the gondola lifts north of Tehran? Because yes, if you're wondering what to do in Iran, it's possible to ski there! If you're wondering what to do in Tehran, you can get inspiration from our article "The 12 must-do things to do in Tehran"!
2. Esfahan
For history buffs or the uninitiated, Esfahan is a must-see destination if you plan to visit Iran! Located south of Tehran, in the center of the country, it is the former capital of the Persian Empire and is particularly famous for its architecture dating from this era.
Thanks to its history, Esfahan is home to many of the most beautiful monuments in the country and the Middle East, such as the Imam's Mosque and the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, masterpieces of Iranian architecture from the Safavid period.
In the city, you can also take a walk along the Zayandehrood River next to the old bridges of Esfahan, such as the famous Pol-e Khaju. Also take advantage of your stay to stroll through the city's charming irrigated gardens, the Esfahan bazaar or to discover the sublime Armenian Vank Cathedral!
3. Chiraz
Also spelled Shiraz, it is known as the cultural and artistic capital of Iran, the city of poets and great philosophers of the 13th and 14th century such as Saadi and Hâfez!
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shiraz is home to wonders such as the Persian gardens of Afif-Abad, Eram or Delgosha, which command admiration. A soft and peaceful atmosphere reigns in Shiraz, the Iranians appreciate this city very much.
In addition to the gardens, you can also visit the citadel of Karim Khan, a formidable fortified complex that houses luxurious hammams, gardens, swimming pools, courtyards and halls! Or the fairytale Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque: as you plunge through the stained glass windows, the sun rays form a superb kaleidoscope of light in the prayer hall.
4. Persepolis
70 km north-east of Chiraz, Persepolis is a must-see site in Iran. Because if you are still wondering what to do in Iran, know that visiting this country is also a leap into ancient history!
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this archaeological site was originally a city founded by Darius I in 521 BC. Partially destroyed during the conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great, it is possible today to visit the ruins of the various dwellings, palaces and carved staircases.
5. Kashan
South of Tehran, Kashan is a must if you plan to visit Iran! Before reaching the famous Isfahan or the beautiful Shiraz, it will seduce you with its bazaar which forms a magnificent and sprawling complex with its mosques and madreseh, tombs, caravanserais, arcades and baths!
The Friday Mosque is also a must-see during your stay in Kashan, as well as the Garden of the End, the archetype of the Persian garden.
6. The Maranjab Desert
What to do in Iran? Walking in the desert, of course! Not far from the city of Kashan, the Maranjab desert is a popular place for the Iranians themselves: to get out of the city and enjoy the great outdoors, this place is perfect.
Superb walks in the sand dunes await you in this desert: you can even imagine yourself in a setting of the cartoon Aladdin! It is even possible to sleep in a caravanserai and to stroke free dromedaries during your stay in the desert.
7. The red village of Abyaneh
Not far from Kashan and the Maranjab desert, Abyaneh is a beautiful typical Iranian village.
It will charm you by its picturesque houses made of clay bricks, by its local handicrafts, as well as by the superb walks in the middle of the nearby rivers and mountains that await you! To visit traditional Iran, there is nothing better than to visit Abyaneh.
8. Yazd
An oasis city in central Iran, Yazd lies between the deserts of Dasht-e Kavir in the north and Dasht-e Lut in the south. To immerse yourself in Iranian culture, Yazd is the perfect city. With its typical and calm atmosphere, authentic old town and picturesque mosques, Yazd has a lot to offer. Nothing better than enjoying a beautiful sunset on the roof of a café, a delicious tea in hand, to admire the beautiful Yazd and its warm colors!
In town, you will marvel at the Amir Chakhmaq complex, with its baths, mosque and even its basement bazaar, or at the charming adobe houses. And if you are still wondering what to do in Iran, we can only recommend you to visit the Towers of Silence, vestiges of Zoroastrianism and which are not far from the city!
9. Kerman
The largest city in southeastern Iran, the city was probably founded by the Sassanid king Ardachir I in the 3rd century. The ancient city is known for its production of famous Persian carpets, as well as being home to some of Iran's most beautiful monuments, such as the Great Mosque and the Gandj Ali Khan Bath.
Around the city, the village of Mahan, with its famous mausoleum and Shahzadeh's garden, is to be discovered. But above all, it is the gigantic citadel city of Bam, located on the famous Silk Road, which will attract you to the region!
10. Masouleh
Masouleh has a unique architecture. Built on the mountainside, the buildings are connected to each other so that the courtyards and roofs form pedestrian spaces. Indeed, the roof of a house also serves as a courtyard for the house above!
With its narrow streets, numerous staircases and ochre-coloured clay houses, Masouleh has an unusual charm. On the road to Tabriz in the North-West, it is a village not to be missed in Iran!
11. Tabriz
With a history going back over 4500 years, Tabriz is one of the oldest cities in the world! Thanks to its long history, Tabriz is home to spectacular monuments such as the Blue Mosque, tiled with beautiful blue ceramics, or the Tabriz Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East and the largest covered bazaar in the world!
The latter is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But above all, Tabriz is a small culinary paradise, being at the crossroads of Iranian and Azeri cultures.
12. The island of Qeshm
Still wondering what to do in Iran? Then you must absolutely discover the amazing and enchanting scenery of the largest island in the Persian Gulf! The island of Qeshm hosts a rich and varied natural environment, with impressive geological phenomena, such as salt and sulphur caves, valleys and canyons, which you can discover by visiting the Valleys of Stars and Statues.
Also take advantage of your stay to discover the picturesque little fishing village of Laft or the islands of Naz or Hormoz!
