A country steeped in history and with an incredible heritage, Iran is a country that is often overlooked and wrongly avoided by many travelers. However, Iran has everything to please: a culture several thousand years old, fantastic monuments and cities, varied landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to arid deserts passing by the sea, as well as one of the most welcoming populations of world!
Wondering what to do in Iran? Be aware that there are so many wonderful places to discover, that you will probably find it difficult to visit all of them 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!
1. Tehran
Photo credit: Flickr - hoochie740
Visiting Iran without discovering its capital is impossible! Already because Tehran will be your gateway to this wonderful Persian world, then because it shelters magnificent monuments, like the Golestan Palace , a masterpiece of the Qadjar era located in the heart of the historic center which shelters several museums, or the Palace of Niavaran , 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 in the Elbourz chain thanks to the cable cars north of Tehran? Because yes, if you are wondering what to do in Iran, know that it is possible to ski there! 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 buffs or laymen, Isfahan is a must-see destination if you plan to visit Iran! Located south of Tehran, right in the center of the country, it is the ancient capital of the Persian Empire and is particularly renowned for its architecture dating from that time.
ThanFoks to its history, Isfahan brings together a multitude of the most beautiful monuments in the country and the Middle East, such as the Imam Mosque and the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, masterpieces of Iranian architecture of the period Safavid.
In town, 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 charming irrigated gardens of the city, in the bazaar of Isfahan or to discover the sublime Armenian Vank Cathedral!
For more, read our article on Things to Do and See When Visiting Isfahan City.
3. Chiraz
Photo credit: Flickr - Teseum
Also spelled Shiraz , it is known as the cultural and artistic capital of Iran, city of poets and great philosophers of the 13th and 14th century like Saadi and Hâfez!
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shiraz is home to marvels, such as the Persian gardens of Afif-Abad, Eram and Delgosha, which command admiration. A soft and peaceful atmosphere reigns in Shiraz, the Iranians very much appreciate this city.
In addition to the gardens, you can also visit the citadel of Karim Khan , a formidable fortified complex which shelters luxurious hammams, gardens, swimming pools, courtyards and rooms! Or the magical Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque : by plunging through the stained glass, the sun's rays form a superb luminous kaleidoscope in the prayer hall. Discover more about Shiraz City in Iran.
4. Persépolis
Photo credit: Flickr - Andrea Moroni
70 km northeast of Shiraz, Persepolis is an unmissable site to visit in Iran. Because if you are still wondering what to do in Iran, know that visiting this country is also a leap in ancient history!
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this archaeological site was originally a city founded by Darius 1st in 521 BC. AD Partly 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
Photo credit : Flickr - Kamyar Adl
In the South of Tehran, Kashan is an essential stopover if you plan to visit Iran! Before joining 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, its tombs, caravanserais, arcades and baths!
The Friday Mosque is also a must to visit during your stay in Kashan, as well as the End Garden , archetype of the Persian garden.
6. The Maranjab Desert
Photo credit: Flickr - harveypekar84
What to do in Iran? Walking in the desert, of course! Not far from the city of Kashan, the Maranjab desert is a popular spot for 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 Aladin! It is even possible to sleep in a caravanserai and to caress free-ranging camels during your stay in the desert.
7. The Red Village of Abyaneh
Crédit photo: Flickr - Jurriaan Persyn
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! To visit traditional Iran, nothing better than taking a tour in Abyaneh.
8. Yazd
An oasis town in central Iran, Yazd is located between the deserts of Dasht-e Kavir to the north and that of Dasht-e Lut to the south. To soak up Iranian culture, Yazd is the perfect city. Typical and calm atmosphere, authentic old town and picturesque mosques, Yazd has only good times in store for you. Nothing better than enjoying a magnificent sunset on the roof of a cafe, 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, its mosque and even its bazaar in the basement, or even in front of the charming adobe houses. And if you are still wondering what to do in Iran, we can only recommend that you visit the Towers of Silence, vestiges of Zoroastrianism and which are not far from the city!
9. Kerman
Largest city in south-eastern 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 for housing some of the most beautiful monuments in Iran, such as the Great Mosque or the Gandj Ali Khan bath.
Around the city, the village of Mahan, with its famous mausoleum and the garden of Shahzadeh , is worth discovering. 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
Photo credit: Flickr - Michael Wong
Masouleh presents a unique architecture of its kind. Built on the mountainside, the buildings are interconnected 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, its many staircases and its ocher-colored clay houses, Masouleh has an extraordinary charm. On the road to Tabriz in the North West, it is an essential village to visit in Iran!
11. Tabriz
Photo credit: Flickr - Alan Cordova
With a history dating back over 4,500 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 superb blue ceramics, or even 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 Unesco World Heritage. But above all, Tabriz is a small culinary paradise, being at the crossroads of Iranian and Azeri cultures.
12. L'ile de Qeshm
Photo credit: Flickr - Ninara
Still wondering what to do in Iran? Then you must absolutely discover the amazing and enchanting decorations of the largest island in the Persian Gulf! The island of Qeshm 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 Valleys of stars and statues.
Also take advantage of your stay to discover the picturesque small fishing village of Laft or the islands of Naz or Hormoz!