Visit Ispahan: What are the best things to do and see in the third city of Iran?
Ispahan has a rich and enlivened history: once 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 centre of modern Iran. But the traveler surveying this amazing Persian city will surely be much more interested in the cultural richness and eastern beauty of this authentic and sumptuous city: the many historical buildings, present at every corner of the street or almost, recall the past of the city, formerly the seat of the dynasty of the Safavides, and of which the architecture so recognizable of the centuries-old monuments jalonating the wide streets
Are you wondering what to do in Ispahan during your stay? Here is the answer with our 7 must-sees to visit Ispahan and enjoy the best of this typical Eastern city!
1. Naghsh-e Jahan square
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commins – Petr Kraumann
Immense? And for cause: this place is one of the largest in the world! Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage in 1979, the 9 hectares of the place Naghsh-e Jahan is a must for anyone who has come to visit Ispahan: its masterly architecture is a testament to the power of the Safavide dynasty, reigning over the country between the sixteenth and eighteenth, and it also has a fundamental political role for the Iranian unity, the Chah having decided to bring together the three main components of power around this mythical place.
2. Saint-Sauveur Cathedral
Photo credit: Flickr – sunriseOdyssey
Normally named " Vank Cathedral “This is Iran’s most visited Christian building. Located in the Armenian district of Ispahan, it houses a museum in the history of this very present people in Iran, as well as a library containing historical Armenian manuscripts. The interior, covered with frescoes to the glory of St Gregory the Illuminator, will dazzle the visitor with its splendid and perfectly preserved gildings: parfais to grow when you come to visit Ispahan!
3. The garden with birds
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Mostafameraji
Created in the 1970s, Zoological garden is a gigantic bird with more than 5000 bird species, mainly from Iran but also from Asian and African countries; the various spaces are arranged according to the characteristics of each species, such as a pond for pink flamingos or ducks. In addition, the space is home to multi-colored parrots that will amaze the smallest and many street vendors will offer visitors a lesser time to eat. For who wants to do in Ispahan, this is a destination of choice!
4. Mount Soffeh
Photo credit: Flickr – Picolo P
Located south of Ispahan, the Mont Soffeh and its 2257 meters offers the opportunity for hardened athletes to practice climbing, or for hiking enthusiasts to enjoy the many hiking trails that allow you to cross the ruins of ancient castles, even a small zoo, restaurants, and a cable car that leads directly to the summit: the latter is worth the detour because it offers a very exceptional panorama on the metropolis, so it is an immanquable one when you come to visit
5. The Decorative Arts Museum
Founded in 1995, this cultural space houses more than 3,000 works testifying to the cultural richness of the Safavide and Qajars. This enriching stop is the opportunity for the visitor to discover the exceptional know-how of the various peoples who ruled the ancient Persia, which became Iran. To finish convincing those who don't know what to do in Ispahan, know that Decorative Arts Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Ispahan, the Palace of Chaharbagh, built in the early 11th century under the reign of Chah Abbas I.
6. The mess.
Photo credit: Flickr – youngrobv
That gigantic. market covered , specialized in the typical linen and tapestry of the region, is a local institution and it would be a shame to visit Ispahan without entering this majestic place to which you reach through the Qeysarié Gate, to the oriental architecture typical of the Safavide period.
7. Si-o-se Pol
Photo credit: Flickr – Kamyar Adl
What to do in Ispahan when we try to get down in front of a grandiose monument? Go ahead. Si-o-se Pol , one of the eleven bridges that counts the city. It stands out by its double-level structure that can be surveyed; We advise you to admire the night lighting oriented towards the majestic arches that give the building a supernatural aspect once the night falls! The bridge is also used to regulate the course of the river that it engrosss, and therefore has a double cultural and infrastructure role.
How do I go to Ispahan?
Ispahan has Shahid Beheshti International Airport, which provides the city with regular connections to all Asia and the Middle East. Departure from France, there is an average of 10 flight hours including a stopover in Istanbul. Whatever your city of departure, don’t hesitate to take a look at it Ulysses which, depending on your departure dates and other travel options, will select the cheapest flights. Also to anticipate your stay, think about the modalities of this type of trip (visa, routes, budget...): our article “ Travel to Iran, everything you need to know before leaving You will be useful for that.
Trains, as well as many bus lines provide the road connection between Ispahan and the surrounding cities, and affordable taxis will allow you to move once on site: using this means of travel is ideal for those who seek to visit Ispahan while avoiding having to drive yourself within a traffic, let’s say it, rather anarchical and difficult to apprehend for a traffic user! However, it will be possible for you to rent a vehicle in one of the many car rental agencies present, especially as soon as you arrive at Ispahan airport. The advantage? Fuel prices are particularly attractive!
Where to stay in Ispahan?
Visiting Ispahan is walking around a large Iranian city: you will find several types of accommodation to choose from according to the neighbourhood of your choice and your budget. The city has several hundred hotels and, it will not surprise anyone, it is obviously the simplest and flexible solution for the occasional traveler who is looking to visit Ispahan.
But it is also possible to plunge you into Iranian culture by renting an apartment in the heart of the city, the country gradually opening up to the sharing of apartments. The options are not missing, and the Iranians are, in spite of all, a warm people wishing to discover the Western world.
For the backpackers, it is possible to survey this barren and deserted country by the wheel of a motorhome or a fitted van, and it is no longer rare to cross Westerners moving at the wheel of their house on wheel on the main roads, almost empty, zebrating this immense territory!
Now you know how to best enjoy when you come to visit Ispahan, and the charms of this region with so fascinating character during your stay. But will you manage to choose what to do in Ispahan and.. will you prefer to go there winter, or summer?
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