Isfahan has a rich and eventful history: formerly the capital of the Persian Empire, this megalopolis of two million inhabitants planted in the middle of the country has become a major economic and political center of modern Iran. But the traveler wandering around this astonishing Persian city will surely be much more interested in the cultural richness and the oriental beauty released by this authentic and sumptuous city: the numerous historic buildings, present on almost every street corner, recall the past of the city, formerly seat of the Safavid dynasty, and from which derives the so recognizable architecture of secular monuments punctuating the wide streets and grandiose squares of this majestic metropolis.
Wondering what to do in Isfahan during your stay? Here is the answer with our 7 essentials to visit Isfahan and enjoy the best of this typically oriental city!
Also Read: 12 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Iran
1. La place Naghsh-e Jahan
Credit photo: Wikimedia Commins - Petr Kraumann
Huge? And for good reason: this place is one of the largest in the world! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the 9 hectares of Naghsh-e Jahan square are a must for anyone who comes to visit Isfahan: its majestic architecture testifies to the power of the Safavid dynasty, ruling over the country between XVI and XVIII, and it also plays a fundamental political role for Iranian unity, the Shah having decided to bring together the three main components of power around this mythical place.
2. The Saint-Sauveur cathedral
Photo credit: Flickr - sunriseOdyssey
Normally called " Vank Cathedral ", it is the most visited Christian building in Iran. Located in the Armenian quarter of Isfahan, it houses a museum with the history of this people very present in Iran, as well as a library housing ancient Armenian historical manuscripts. The interior, covered with frescoes to the glory of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, will dazzle the visitor with its splendid and perfectly preserved gilding: perfect for learning when you come to visit Isfahan!
3. The bird garden
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons - Mostafameraji
Created in the 1970s, this zoological garden is a gigantic aviary comprising over 5000 species of birds, mainly from Iran but also from Asian and African countries; the various spaces are arranged according to the characteristics specific to each species, such as a pond for flamingos or ducks. In addition, the space is home to multicolored parrots that will amaze the little ones and many street vendors will offer visitors to eat inexpensively. For those looking to do what in Isfahan, this is a destination of choice!
4. Mount Soffeh
Photo credit: Flickr - Picolo P
Located south of Isfahan, Mount Soffeh and its 2257 meters offers the opportunity for hardened sportsmen to practice climbing, or hiking enthusiasts to take advantage of the many hiking trails allowing to cross the ruins of ancient castles. , or even a small zoo, restaurants, and a cable car leading directly to the top: the latter is worth the detour because it offers a completely exceptional panorama of the metropolis, so it is a must-see when you come to visit Isfahan.
5. The museum of decorative arts
Founded in 1995, this cultural space shelters more than 3000 works testifying to the cultural richness of the Safavids and the Qajars. This enriching stopover is an opportunity for the visitor to discover the exceptional know-how of the various peoples who ruled ancient Persia, which has become Iran. To finish convincing those who do not know what to do in Isfahan, know that the museum of decorative arts is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Isfahan, the palace of Chaharbagh, built in the early 11th century under the reign of Shah Abbas I.
6. The bazaar
Photo credit: Flickr - youngrobv
This gigantic covered market , specializing in drapery and tapestry typical of the region, is a local institution and it would be a shame to visit Isfahan without entering this majestic place which is reached by passing through the Qeysarié Gate, with typical oriental architecture from the Safavid era.
7. Si-o-se Pol
Photo credit : Flickr - Kamyar Adl
What to do in Isfahan when you want to be amazed in front of a grandiose monument? Pass in front of Si-o-se Pol , one of the eleven bridges in the city. It stands out for its double-level structure that can be surveyed; we especially advise you to admire the nocturnal lighting directed towards the majestic arches which give the building a supernatural aspect after dark! The bridge also serves to regulate the course of the river it spans, and therefore has a dual role, cultural and infrastructural.
How to get to Isfahan?
Isfahan has Shahid Beheshti International Airport, which provides the city with regular connections to all of Asia and the Middle East. From France, allow an average of 10 hours of flight including a stopover in Istanbul. Whatever your departure city, do not hesitate to take a look atSkyscanner which, based on your departure dates and other travel options, will select the cheapest flights for you. Besides, to anticipate your stay, also think of the modalities of this type of trip (visa, itineraries, budget ...): our article " Travel to Iran, everything you need to know before leaving " will be useful for this.
Trains, as well as numerous bus lines, provide a road connection between Isfahan and the various surrounding cities, and affordable taxis will allow you to get around once there: using this means of transport is ideal for those looking to visit Isfahan. while avoiding having to drive yourself in traffic, let's say, rather anarchic and difficult to understand for a western road user! However, you may be able to rent a vehicle from one of the many car rental agencies present, in particular, upon your arrival at Isfahan airport. The advantage? Fuel prices, particularly attractive!
Also Read: 12 Things to Do When Visiting Tehran City
Where to stay in Isfahan?
Visiting Isfahan is like walking a large Iranian city: you will find several types of accommodation to choose from depending on the district of your choice , and your budget. The city is endowed with several hundred hotels and, it will not surprise anyone, it is obviously the most simple and flexible solution for the occasional traveler looking to visit Isfahan.
But you can also immerse yourself in Iranian culture by renting an apartment in the heart of the city, the country gradually opening up to sharing apartments. There is no shortage of options, and the Iranians are, despite everything, a warm people eager to discover the western world.
For backpackers, it is possible to explore this arid and desert country at the wheel of a camper van or a furnished van, and it is no longer rare to come across Westerners driving their wheeled house on the main roads, almost empty, streaking across this immense territory!
Now you know how to get the most out of visiting Isfahan, and the charms of this fascinating region during your stay. But will you be able to choose what to do in Isfahan and .. will you prefer to go there in winter or summer?