Iran has long been known as a center of fabulous civilization, culture, and architecture. In ancient times, the region was known as Persia, one of the largest empires in ancient history, stretching from North Africa and Anatolia to the Middle East and the borders of India. For those who can visit Iran, the country offers tremendous landscapes, natural beauty, history, and architecture. Here is a list of 10 great cities, towns, and best places to visit in Iran.
The 10 Best Places to Visit in Iran:
1. Tehran
Tehran, the capital of Iran, is the first and most obvious place to visit. Located near the ancient city of Rayy, Tehran is a large and sprawling city of concrete buildings and traffic. That said, Tehran is also set against the backdrop of the beautiful Alborz Mountains. Which are great places for skiing or hiking. The proximity of the city to the mountains means that it is easy to escape the chaos and confusion of the city and clear our minds while enjoying the beautiful view and the snow-capped peaks of Alborz.
Tehran has a population of around 11 million and accounts for more than 40% of the country’s economic activities. The city is home to several parks, such as Park-e-Jamshidieh, Park-e-Mellat, and Park-e-Shahr. It also houses the Golestan and Niavaran palaces; The famous Azadi Tower, the Tehran Zoological Garden, and the Malik National Museum of Iran. Other features include the Imamzadeh Saleh shrine and the famous and historic Tehran Grand Bazaar (called Bāzār-e Bozorg).
2. Isfahan
The great city and province of Esfahan (also spelled Isfahan, from Middle Persian Spahān) is one of the most important and historical cities in Iran. Located about 420 km south of Tehran, it is the third-largest city in the country. And it had a population of 1.4 million (in 2004). The city has several Safavid palaces, as well as beautiful mosques, squares, and other architectural features, which make Esfahan the jewel of Iran.
These splendid monuments to Islamic and Persian architecture include; Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Shah Mosque, Esfahan Jameh Mosque, Khaju Bridge. And also the Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Chehel Sotoun, Si-o-she pol, Hasht Behesht, and the Ali Gholi Agha Hammam. In addition, there are several non-Islamic religious buildings, such as the Vank Cathedral and the Esfahan Fire Temple.
3. Shiraz
Shiraz, located in the ancient province of Fārs (originally called Pārs, hence the word “Persia”). It is a city of poets, philosophers, and religious reformers. Shiraz is also home to the Arg-e-Karīm, the citadel of Karīm Khān, as well as the tombs of the famous poets Hafez and Saadi. It is also located near the ancient site of Persepolis, which can be easily visited by bus from the city. Persepolis, once the capital of the emperors Darius and Xerxes from about 550 BC. All that remains are large imposing columns, sphinxes, and a fantastic staircase, which has friezes representing the diverse population of the Persian Empire.
The Persian king Karīm Khān Zand, made the city his capital in 1766 CE until the Qajar dynasty took over the city in 1791 CE. Shiraz has a number of beautiful places to visit such as Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Vakil Mosque, Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine, Vakil Bazaar, Eram Garden, Afif-Abad Garden, Bagh-e-Jahan Nama, Qavam House, Vakil Bath, Koran Gate, and Pars Museum.
4. Sari
It is not well known outside of Iran. Sari is a small town in the lush, green province of Mazandaran on the Caspian Sea. Sari is the provincial capital and is located between the Alborz Mountains and the Caspian coast. The city is known for its natural beauty and its orange groves and the natural spring of Badab Court. Sari has a number of attractions, such as its Clock Tower, located in the “Clock Square” (Meidān-e-Sā‘at), and several historical tombs.
While not particularly notable, the city is a good springboard to visit other surrounding towns and villages in Mazandaran, such as; Nur, which is located on the Caspian coast, Babol (formerly known as Bārforoush), which is called the “city of orange blossoms”, and Amol. The region is definitely worth visiting, if only for its green landscape and pleasant climate. It is fourth on our list of the best places to visit in Iran.
5. Yazd
Unlike previous cities in climate and geography, Yazd is an ancient desert city in the heart of Iran. Known as the “city of wind towers”, Yazd is famous for its traditional brocade, silk weaving, and unique architecture. Located about 270 km southeast of Esfahan province, Yazd is hot and dry. Being situated between two deserts: Dasht-e-Kavīr and Kavīr-e-Lūt.
Important sites to visit include; The Bagh-e-Dolat Abad, the Jameh Mosque, the Bogheh-ye-Sayyed Roknaddin, Khan-e-Lari, the Alexander Prison, the Amir Chakmaq Complex. And the Dakhmeh-ye-Zartosh (an ancient “tower of silence” from Zoroaster), and the Ateshkadeh (an ancient “temple of fire” from Zoroaster).
6. Tabriz
Tabriz is located in the northwestern region of Iran. Known as the province of East Azerbaijan (it is not the actual country called Azerbaijan, although they share a common border in the north). Called the “City of Compassion”, Tabriz is one of the most historic and important cities in Iran. It also has several beautiful and historic sites; Like the Blue Mosque in Tabriz and the ruins of the Rab’-e-Rashidi University (which is 700 years old). Other things to see in the city include the Bazaar of Tabriz, the House of the Constitution, the Museum of the Koran, the Arg-e-Tabriz, and the Anglican Church.
The city was also historically important as it included the country’s first post office, as well as the first fire station and the first public library. Famous poets who came or lived in the city include Rumi and Shams-e-Tabrizi. Also sixth on our list of the best places to visit in Iran.
7. Kandovan
In reality, Kandovan is more of a town than a city. Depending on your definition of what a city is, of course, but it deserves to be mentioned here due to its amazing stone structures. Kandovan, which is located 50 km south of Tabriz, is still within the province of East Azerbaijan. It is famous for its beautiful houses that are carved into the rocks of a hill. Some of the houses are over 700 years old and are still used as dwellings today. These old buildings, some of which have been whitewashed to give a more modern look, are decorated with rugs and fabrics and support communities of approximately 170 families.
8. Kerman
Kerman is a desert commercial city located in southeastern Iran. It is located southwest of the Kavīr-e-Lūt desert. Kerman Province, of which Kerman City is the capital, is located in the arid and semi-arid areas that border the desert. The core of the city is built with adobe buildings along with an old and historical bazaar. The city is a melting pot of different ethnicities, including the East Baluchis. Important tourist sites in the city include; The Arg-e-Bam, Ganjali Khan’s bathhouse, Shah Nematollah Vali’s tomb, and Shazdeh’s garden.
9. Qom
Qom is a historical religious center in the Shiite Islamic world; As is the burial place of Fātema Ma’suma, the sister of Imām ‘Alī Rezā. Her tomb was transformed into a beautiful golden-domed shrine that is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. Qom is located in north-central Iran, on the banks of the Rūd-e-Qom (river) and Dasht-e-Kavīr (salt desert), 147 km south of Tehran. Besides being a place of pilgrimage, the city was also important in the Islamic Revolution of 1979; As Ayatollah Khomeini made the city his seat. Ten kings and approximately 400 saints are buried in the area. So there are many tombs that can be visited.
10. Mashhad
Finally, we pass to Mashhad, the holiest city in Iran according to Shiite Muslims; Since it is the burial place and location of the Imām Rezā Shrine. Located in the Khorāsān-e-Razavī province in northeastern Iran, in the valley of the Kashaf River; Mashhad has the second largest population in Iran, after Tehran. The city is largely circular in shape, with religious buildings located in the center of the city and avenues that run from the center to approximately 12 neighborhoods.
As Mashhad is a holy city, the Imām Rezā shrine is the center of city life. Approximately 1.5 million foreign tourists visit Mashhad each year, 23% of whom come from Iraq. However, there are other sites to visit as well, including; The Mehdi Gholibek Hamam, the Nader Shah mausoleum, and the bazaar, called Bāzār-e-Rezā. This is one of the best places to visit in Iran.
