Iran is a huge country, almost three times the size of France, covering an area of 636,000 square miles. It is the 18th-largest country in the world.
The country shares its border with Azerbaijan and Armenia in the north-west; the Caspian Sea in the north; Turkmenistan in the north-east; Pakistan and Afghanistan in the east; Turkey and Iraq in the west; and with the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in the south.
Iran boasts 31 provinces and 400 cities, differing from one another in many ways, be it culture, history, language, climate or architecture. Many Iranian cities have a long history, with stunning attractions and great potential to attract international visitors. If you visit Iran, be sure not to miss these top travel destinations.
According to backpacker Jonny Bailar from Northern Ireland, backpacking in Iran "is easily one of the most enjoyable experiences" for a traveler. "These are the friendliest and nicest people imaginable. It’s no wonder Iran is one of the safest countries in the world."
1.Tehran
Tehran, the largest city in western Asia, has a population of around 8.3 million people and more than 12 million people live in the wider metropolitan area. People began settling in Tehran thousands of years ago, and it has been the country’s capital since 1796, ruled by a total of three dynasties prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Tourists can visit some of Iran’s most famous and impressive palaces in Tehran, including the Golestan and Niavaran complexes from the Qajar dynasty and the Saadabad Palace, built during the Pahlavi dynasty.
The city is located between the Alborz mountains to the north and Iran’s central desert to the south. Visitors wanting to take a break from the city center can enjoy excursions to the Alborz mountains, good for hiking and experiencing the magic of the traditional cafes and restaurants scattered along the foothills in the capital.
Work on Azadi Tower, designed to be the modern symbol of Iran, began in 1969. It was opened to the public in 1971 and is arguably Tehran’s most famous landmark. For many outside Iran, Azadi Tower and Azadi Square are strong visual reminders of the Green Movement, and the protests that followed the disputed presidential election of 2009.
Another imposing modern landmark in the capital is Milad Tower, one of the tallest telecommunication towers in the world. But more impressively, the restaurant in the tower is, or at least claims to be, the largest revolving restaurant in the world, at a height of 276 meters.
Read more about the history, culture and sights of Tehran, including visitors' tips.
2. Isfahan
Isfahan, the third largest city in Iran, is a beautiful city that is known for its glorious architecture and historic significance. It is located about 200 miles south of Tehran.
The city is known as Nesfe-e Jahan, which means “Isfahan is half of the world” — a nod to its incredible beauty and rich culture.
Visitors will not be disappointed with Isfahan, and there is a lot to see. The main square in the city, Naqsh-e Jahan (also known as Imam Square) — which translates as “pattern of the world” — was built in the 17th century and is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. The square is surrounded by outstanding monumental buildings, including Sheikh Lotollah Mosque and the Imam Mosque (Masjid-e Jam 'e Abbasi), which was known as the Masjid-e Shah (or Royal Mosque) prior to the Islamic Revolution.
The 17th-century Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, located in the northern end of the Imam Square, is the best place to buy souvenir such as handmade Persian handicrafts, tablecloths, enameled copper plates, mosaic tile and rugs.
Read more about the history, culture and sights of Isfahan, including visitors' tips.
3. Shiraz
Shiraz is popular with tourists, and has plenty of hotels and restaurants. During the Zand dynasty (1757-1794), Shiraz was the capital of Persia and considered to be the heartland of Persian culture.
Shiraz is famous for poetry, the arts, roses, education, gardens, nightingales — and wine. Shiraz produced and exported wine from the 17th century, a practice that came to an end with the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The tombs of famous Persian poets Hafez and Saadi are in Shiraz.
But by far, the most popular and magnificent attraction in Shiraz are the ruins of Persepolis, once the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded in 518 B.C. and ransacked by Alexander the Great in 330 B.C. Persepolis is rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Read more about the history, culture and sights of Shiraz, including visitors' tips.
4. Yazd
Yazd, an important center for the Zoroastrian religion, has a long history that goes back over 3000 years. Unlike other old cities in Iran, including Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran, Yazd was not built alongside riverbanks and it is located in the middle of the desert. As a result, the city’s architecture is unique, featuring adobe wind catcher towers — a traditional feature of Persian architecture that acts as a natural cooling system. Yazd is on the Silk Road, the ancient network of trade routes that connected Eastern Asia with the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. The city is famous for carpets, delicious sweets and silk products.
Read more about the history, culture and sights of Yazd, including visitors' tips.
5. Kerman
Kerman, the most important city in southeastern Iran, was founded in the third century A.D By Ardeshir I.
Popular attractions in the city include the Kerman Grand Bazaar, the Great Jameh Mosque, Ganj-Ali-Khan Hamam and Museum, Jabalia Domes and the Tomb of the great Sufi leader Shah Nematollah Vali. Arg-e Bam (Citadel of Bam), a fortified medieval town, is not far from the city, and is a key destination for day-trippers.
Read more about the history, culture and sights of Kerman, including visitors' tips.
6. Kermanshah
Kermanshah, one the oldest cities in Iran, is situated in the west of the country between two very different climates. As a result, this important archaeological site has moderate temperatures throughout the year.
The Carvings of Bisotun, created around 521 B.C. and Taq-e- Bostan, an ancient village, are must-see destinations.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Kermanshah has more than 4,000 monuments, 260 of them have been listed in Iran’s national heritage list, and one of them features on the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Read more about the history, culture and sights of Kermanshah, including visitors' tips.
7. Tabriz
Tabriz, in the northwest of Iran and near the Turkish border, was built in the third century. The city is home to the Azeri people, the second largest ethnic group in Iran.
Tabriz Bazaar, the largest covered bazaar complex in the world, and one of the oldest bazaar in the middle East, has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tabriz has plenty to offer visitors, including the 13th-century Blue Mosque and the 14th-century Ali Shah Mosque, known as Arg-e Ali Shah, with 85-feet-high walls. The Saat Tower is the symbol of Tabriz, and is also known as Tabriz Municipality Palace.
Read more about the history and culture of Tabriz, including about the famous bazaar.
8. Kashan
Kashan is famous for its traditional Iranian houses, once home to wealthy merchants. The homes, now museums open to the public, boast exquisite stained glass windows, cheerful wall paintings, long corridors and stunning décor. The gem of the museum complex is the Fin Garden, a majestic historical Persian garden.
Read more about the history and culture of Kashan, including about the famous traditional houses.
9. Qeshm
In the late 1200s, Marco Polo visited the island of Qeshm, located three miles from the southern coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf. Qeshm, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, is a free trade zone — which means it has its own bylaws and excluded from many of the economic laws of mainland Iran. The island boasts dramatic natural beauty and a beautiful fishing village.
Read more about the history and culture of Qesham, including about the famous bazaar.
10. Ramsar
Ramsar, a northern coastal city in Iran, is surrounded by the Caspian Sea in the north and the Alborz mountains in the south. The city is known “as Aroos-e Iran” (“the bride of Iranian cities”) because of its magnificent scenery and natural spas and waterfalls.The Ramsar cable car connects the beach to the mountain forest, providing spectacular views of the city and its surrounding areas.
Read more about the Ramsar and the impressive ecological initiatives to save its unique ecosystem.
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