It’s true that theocratic juntas, a passion for all things nuclear, and stories of authoritarian shahs from decades past don’t make for the most appealing of travel cocktails, but it shouldn’t put you off visiting Iran. Iran, however, is unlike any other Middle Eastern nation.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Iran
The modern nation is built on the ruins of millennia of soaring and plunging cultures, including the Persians, the Parthians, and the Safavids, all of whom contributed to the country’s current level of pride and stability (even if their neighbours won’t accept it).
This means that modern-day Iran is simultaneously rushing furiously into the future while clutching stubbornly to its glittering past.
Tehran is filled with hip cafes and cutting-edge galleries, while Esfahan and Yazd are home to magnificent madrassahs. Dizin’s pistes can be carved, and Persepolis’s paths can be followed in the footsteps of Xerxes and Darius.
1. Esfahan
There is little doubt that Esfahan is one of the most magnificent cities in all of Iran, having been lavished with the wealth of numerous kings, sultans, and Muslim caliphs.
In its core lies UNESCO World Heritage Site Naqsh-e Jahan Plaza, which is surrounded by ceramic-fronted mosques and beautiful Safavid palaces.
Away from the trickling fountains, you’ll find tree-lined boulevards, the appearance of famed madrassahs, and the explosion of colour in the arabesque souks selling spices and tassel-fringed carpets from the east.
2. Shiraz
Shiraz is a city rich in history and culture, having been the birthplace of the great Persian poets Hafez and Sa’di and the subject of countless eulogies by romantic poets and tourists.
Among the palm-studded, flowering gardens of Afif abad and Eram, and the exquisite Arabesque interiors of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque and the 1,000-year-old Qor’an Gate, visitors will find the enormous tombs of those writers.
Surprisingly, the city is also associated with a well-known wine variety; and, although the once-flowing vineyards of the Fars Province have long since dried up, it is believed that some of the world’s earliest white tipples were produced here about seven millennia ago!
3. Tehran
There’s no denying that Tehran lacks the aesthetic appeal of other Iranian capitals like Shiraz and Esfahan. The Alborz Mountains, which rise like a phalanx to the north of the city, are the only major natural feature here; otherwise, the area is covered in concrete and choked with smog-inducing traffic congestion.
This huge metropolis may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is the political and economic centre of the country, so that has to count for something, right? Really, quite a bit.
The Azadi Tower is just one of several impressive structures built here, and tourists can also marvel at the Treasury of the National Jewels and the National Museum of Iran’s collection of royal mummies.
When you factor in the city’s abundance of hip cafes, bustling markets, and vibrant student spirit, you could find that Tehran isn’t that awful after all.
4. Dizin
The tiny hill station of Dizin has become one of Iran’s most popular winter sports destinations thanks to its location over 3,000 metres above sea level in the icy heights of the Alborz Mountains, where the European Caucuses crash into the Asian highlands.
The soaring resort is a great spot to put on your skis and salopettes, as it features a variety of cableways and chairlifts, some of which date back to the 1960s, and a slew of well-groomed pistes that range in complexity from easy to severe.
Hotels in the alpine style can be found there, as can breathtaking views of the huge cone of Mount Damavand.
5. Yazd
The old town of Yazd is a maze of adobe buildings, like something out of the Arabian Nights. Here and there, mosque domes are topped by gilded turrets adorned with beautiful geometric motifs, and the aroma of incense and mint tea winds its way through the air from nearby cafes.
However, the Amir Chakhmakh complex, a Shia hussainia, stands out in the city centre with its spiked minarets and intriguing Zoroastrian fire temples.
The souks are also a sight to behold, with dust devils whirling between the cotton and silk shops while the smoke of shisha pipes fills the air. It’s the kind of area you’d expect to follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps, that’s for sure!
6. Persepolis
Once upon a time, the great kings Cyrus, Darius, and Xerxes walked the sun-baked alleys of Persepolis.
From the fifth century to the third century BC, the Persian Empire called this area home, nestled between the dry, former vineyards of Shiraz and the bubbling Pulvar River.
Among the rising hills of Rahmet Mountain, only a few of towering marble columns and a couple of stele identify the site of this once-dreaded eastern power.
7. Tabriz
Evidence suggests Tabriz has been continuously inhabited for more than 4,500 years, making it one of the world’s oldest towns.
The city’s long history can be seen in the intricate designs of its landmark buildings, including as the enormous Blue Mosque from 1465, which is lined inside and out with gleaming ceramics in a cobalt blue shade.
The enormous Bazaar of Tabriz, one of the main Silk Road commerce centres, is another must-see. Even still, the nooks and crannies of this historic marketplace are filled with the aroma of freshly baked Turkish pastries seasoned with Eastern spices, and sparkling gold jewellery.
8. Mashhad
For many Iranians, Mashhad is a sacred site. Ali al-Ridha, the seventh Imam of Shia Islam, is buried there (or Imam Reza).
The massive Imam Reza shrine, located in the heart of the city, covers nearly 600,000 square metres and is appropriately marked by gold-clad minarets that soar more than 30 metres into the sky and great domes inlaid with precious metal; it is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking pieces of architecture in the country.
Aside from the must-see, Mashhad also offers clean streets, intriguing sculpture art, and saffron-infused dishes that will make your taste buds dance.
9. Kerman
Although being surrounded on all sides by the vast deserts of southern Iran, the once-thriving commercial centre of Kerman has managed to maintain much of its old-world charm.
Explore the city’s massive, under-the-arches bazaar, where chilli and coriander powder are sold alongside the five spices. You can take a dip in a traditional Turkish hamam and get lost in a maze of mud-brick alleyways.
Once you’ve finished exploring the city, put on your hiking boots and head out into the ochre-colored hills of Kerman Province.
10. Qom
Qom is widely recognised as one of Iran’s holiest cities. The skyline is dotted with the towering minaret spires and turquoise domes of iconic mosques (especially the incredibly attractive Ahlulbayt Mosque). Several of the best madrassahs in the country may be found in this city, which also serves as a major pilgrimage destination year-round.
The majority of visitors to the Shrine of Fatima-al-Massumeh come to pay their respects and marvel at the intricate designs honouring the sister of Shia Islam’s eighth Imam.
