A country full of history and incredible heritage, Iran is a country that is often overlooked and wrongly avoided by many travelers. However, Iran has everything to please: a culture that is several thousand years old, fantastic monuments and cities, varied landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to arid deserts and the sea, as well as one of the most welcoming populations in the world!
Wondering what to do in Iran? There are so many wonderful places to discover that you will probably have a hard time visiting them all during your trip! Luckily, to help you prepare for your Iranian adventure, we have prepared a list of the 12 best places to visit in Iran!
Table of Contents
1. Tehran
Visiting Iran without discovering its capital is impossible! Firstly 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 Qajar 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 join one of the seven ski resorts of the Elbourz range thanks to the cable cars north of Tehran? If you are wondering what to do in Tehran, you can take inspiration from our article “The 12 essential things to do in Tehran“!
2. Isfahan
For history lovers or not, Isfahan is a must-see destination if you are planning to visit Iran! Located south of Tehran, in the very center of the country, it is the ancient capital of the Persian Empire and is particularly renowned for its architecture dating from that period.
Thanks to its history, Isfahan brings together a multitude of monuments among the most beautiful in the country and the Middle East, such as the Imam Mosque and the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, masterpieces of Iranian architecture from the Safavid period.
In the city, you can also stroll along the Zayandehrood River next to the old bridges of Isfahan, such as the famous Pol-e Khaju. Also take advantage of your stay to stroll through the city’s charming irrigated gardens, the Isfahan Bazaar or to discover the sublime Armenian Vank Cathedral!
3. Shiraz
Also spelled Shiraz, it is known as the cultural and artistic capital of Iran, a city of poets and great philosophers of the 13th and 14th centuries such as Saadi and Hafez!
Classified 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 gentle and peaceful atmosphere reigns in Shiraz, Iranians appreciate this city very much.
In addition to the gardens, you can also visit the Karim Khan Citadel , a formidable fortified complex that houses luxurious hammams, gardens, swimming pools, courtyards, and rooms! Or the magical Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque : diving through the stained glass windows, the sun’s rays form a superb luminous kaleidoscope in the prayer hall.
4. Persepolis
70 km northeast of Shiraz, Persepolis is a must-see site to visit in Iran. If you are still wondering what to do in Iran, know that visiting this country is also leaping 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 now possible to visit the ruins of the various dwellings, palaces, and sculpted staircases.
5. Kashan
South of Tehran, Kashan is a must-see stop 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 madrasah, tombs, caravanserais, arcades, and baths!
The Jameh Mosque is also a must-see during your stay in Kashan, as well as the Fin Garden , the archetype of the Persian garden.
6. Maranjab Desert
What to do in Iran? Walk in the desert, of course! Not far from the city of Kashan, the Maranjab desert is a popular place among Iranians themselves: to get out of the city and enjoy the fresh air, this place is perfect.
Great walks in the dunes await you in this desert: you can even imagine yourself in a setting from the cartoon Aladdin! It is even possible to sleep in a caravanserai and pet dromedaries in the wild during your stay in the desert.
7. The red village of Abyaneh
Not far from Kashan and the Maranjab desert, Abyaneh is a superb typical Iranian village.
It will charm you with its picturesque houses made of clay bricks, its local crafts, as well as the superb walks in the middle of the nearby rivers and mountains that await you there! To discover traditional Iran, nothing better than taking a tour of Abyaneh.
8. Yazd
An oasis city in central Iran, Yazd lies between the Dasht-e Kavir desert in the north and the Dasht-e Lut desert 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 nothing but good times in store for you. There’s nothing better than enjoying a magnificent sunset on the roof of a café, a delicious tea in hand, to admire the beautiful Yazd and its warm colors!
In the city, you will marvel at the Amir Chakhmaq complex, with its baths, mosque, and even its underground bazaar, or at the charming adobe houses. And if you are still wondering what to do in Iran, we can only recommend that you visit the ChamTower of Silence, vestiges of Zoroastrianism which are not far from the city!
9. Kerman
The largest city in southeastern Iran, the city was probably founded by the Sassanid king Ardashir I in the 3rd century. The ancient city is known for its production of famous Persian carpets, as well as for housing some of the most beautiful monuments in Iran, such as the Great Mosque or the Ganjali Khan bath.
Around the city, the village of Mahan, with its famous mausoleum and the Shahzadeh garden , is worth discovering. But above all, it is the gigantic citadel of Bam city, 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 so that the courtyards and roofs form pedestrian spaces. The roof of a house also serves as a courtyard for the house above!
With its narrow streets, numerous staircases, and ochre-colored clay houses, Masouleh has an extraordinary charm. On the road to Tabriz in the northwest, it is a must-see village to visit in Iran!
11. Tabriz
With a history dating 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. Qeshm Island
You must discover the amazing and enchanting scenery of the largest island in the Persian Gulf! Qeshm Island is home to a rich and varied natural environment, with impressive geological phenomena, such as salt and sulfur caves, valleys, and canyons, which you can discover by visiting the Stars Valley.
Also, take advantage of your stay to discover the picturesque little fishing village of Laft or the islands of Naz or Hormoz!
