The 12 most beautiful places to visit in Iran

Discover the 12 most beautiful places to visit in Iran: a fabulous country far from the beaten paths!

A country full of history and incredible heritage, Iran is a country often unknown and wrongly avoided by many travellers. Yet, Iran has everything to please: a multi-year culture, fantastic monuments and cities, varied landscapes ranging from snowy mountains to desert arids to the sea, as well as one of the most welcoming people in the world!

Are you wondering what to do in Iran? Know that there are so many wonderful places to discover, that you will probably have trouble visiting them all during your trip! Fortunately, to help you prepare your Iranian adventure, we have prepared a list of the 12 most beautiful places to visit in Iran!

1. Tehran

Visiting Iran without discovering its capital is impossible! Already because Tehran will be your gateway to this wonderful Persian world, then because it houses magnificent monuments, like the Golestan Palace , a masterpiece of the Qadjar era located in the heart of the historic centre that houses several museums, or Niavaran Palace one of the houses of the 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 in the north of Tehran? Because yes, if you ask that you do in Iran, know that it is possible to ski there! If you ask that to do in Tehran, you can inspire yourself to our article " The 12 things to do in Tehran "!

2. Ispahan

For history lovers or profanes, Ispahan is a must-see destination if you have planned to visit Iran! Located in the South of Tehran, in the centre of the country, it is the former capital of the Persian Empire and is renowned for its architecture dating from that time.

Thanks to its history, Ispahan brings together a multitude of monuments among the most beautiful in the country and the Middle East, such as Mosque of Imam and the Mosque Cheikh Lotf Allah, masterpieces of the Iranian architecture of the Safavide period.

In the city you can also walk along the Zayandehrood River next to the old bridges of Ispahan, like the famous Pol-e Khaju. Also enjoy your stay to stroll around the charming irrigated gardens of the city, in the Ispahan bazar or to discover the sublime Armenian Cathedral Vank!

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 as Saadi And swell!

Located in UNESCO World Heritage, Chiraz is home to wonders, such as the Persian gardens of Afif-Abad, Eram or Delgosha, which force admiration. A gentle and peaceful atmosphere reigns in Chiraz, the Iranians greatly appreciate this city.

In addition to the gardens, you can also visit the Karim Khan citadel , a formidable fortified complex that houses luxurious hammams, gardens, swimming pools, courses and rooms! Or even the fairy Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque : by diving through the windows, the sun rays form a superb luminous kaleidoscope in the prayer room.

4. Persepolis

70 km northeast of Chiraz, Persepolis is a must-see site in Iran. For if you still ask what to do in Iran, know that visiting this country is also a leap in ancient history!

Inscribed to UNESCO World Heritage, this archaeological site is originally a city founded by Darius 1 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 houses, palaces and sculpted staircases.

5. Kashan

South Tehran, Kashan is a must-see if you have planned to visit Iran! Before joining the famous Ispahan or the beautiful Chiraz, it will seduce you with its bazaar which forms a magnificent and tentacular complex with its mosques and madreseh, its tombs, caravanserails, arcades and baths!

The Friday Mosque is also worth visiting during your stay in Kashan, as well as the Garden of Fin , archetype of Persian garden.

6. The 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 of the Iranians themselves: to get out of town and enjoy the great air, this place is perfect.

Beautiful walks in the sand dunes await you in this desert: you can even imagine yourself in a scenery of the Aladin cartoon! It is even possible to sleep in a caravanserail and to caress for dromedaries while staying 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 craftsmanship, as well as by the superb walks in the middle of the nearby rivers and mountains that await you! To visit traditional Iran, nothing better than visiting Abyaneh.

8. Yazd

An oasis town in central Iran, Yazd lies between the deserts of the Dasht-e Kavir in the north and the Dasht-e Lut in the south. To imbue with Iranian culture, Yazd is the perfect city. Typical and quiet atmosphere, authentic old town and picturesque mosques, Yazd only has good moments. Nothing better than enjoying a beautiful sunset on the roof of a café, a delicious tea by hand, to admire the beautiful Yazd and its warm colours!

In the city, you will marvel at the Amir Chakhmaq complex, with its baths, mosque and even its bazaar in the basement, or in front of the charming stone houses. And if you still wonder what to do in Iran, we can only recommend you to visit the Towers of Silence, vestiges of zoroastrism and which are not far from the city!

9. Kerman

The largest city in south-eastern Iran, the city was probably founded by the Sssanide king Ardachi 3rd century. The ancient city is known for its production of famous Persian carpets, as well as to house some of Iran’s most beautiful monuments, 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 to be discovered. But above all, it is the gigantic city of Bam, located on the famous Silk Road, which will attract you to the region!

10. Masouleh

Masouleh presents a unique architecture of its kind. Built on the mountain side, the buildings are connected to each other so that the courses and roofs form pedestrian areas. Indeed, the roof of a house also serves as a courtyard at the top house!

With its narrow streets, numerous stairs and ochre-colored clay houses, Masouleh has an unusual charm. On the road to Tabriz in the northwest, it is a must-see village to visit in Iran!

11. Tabriz

With a story going back to over 4500 years, Tabriz is one of the oldest cities in the world! Thanks to its long history, Tabriz houses spectacular monuments such as Blue Mosque , tiled with beautiful blue ceramics, or Bazar de Tabriz , one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East and the largest bazaar covered in the world!

The latter is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage. But above all, Tabriz is a small culinary paradise, being at the crossroads of Iranian and Azeri cultures.

12. The island of Qeshm

Are you still wondering what to do in Iran? So you must absolutely discover the amazing and enchanting scenery of the largest island of the Persian Gulf! L’ island of Qeshm welcomes a rich and varied natural environment, with impressive geological phenomena, such as caves of salt and sulphur, valleys and canyons, which you can discover by visiting the Valleys of the stars and statues.

Also enjoy your stay to discover the picturesque little fishing village of Laft or the islands of Naz or Hormoz!