| 5 mins read
When it comes to visiting the Middle East, Iran may not be the first country that pops into your mind. However, despite its bad rap on western media channels, tumultuous history and strict religious observations, Iran is actually quite a welcoming country for foreigners to visit. Keep an open mind, travel smart and leave behind all preconceived notions about the people and places in the country, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience traveling this vibrant country. Here’s a list of our top places to go, sites to see and things to do in Iran.
Touring the Capital City
If you are entering Iran by air, there’s a good chance you will be arriving into Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. Before heading out into the country, plan to spend at least a few days in the capital. Surrounded by the beautiful Alborz mountain range, Tehran is home to some stunning parks, museums, cultural attractions and hospitable, friendly locals (some visitors say that the people are the most enjoyable aspect of the trip!). A modern, cosmopolitan city, you can easily make your way around to the sites via taxi, public buses or the cheap and efficient metro system.
What all should you do in Tehran? From the iconic Azadi Tower and Milad Tower (the world’s fourth largest) to the city’s gorgeous parks (Niavaran, Mellat and Jamshidieh) and stunning natural surroundings, visitors will be charmed and surprised at Tehran’s outdoor attractions. Tehran is home to a plethora of interesting museums and galleries too, from the Golestan Palace (the oldest monument in the city) and National Museum of Iran to the Treasury of the National Jewels, Sa'd Abad Gallery of Fine Arts, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art and Iran’s National Rug Gallery. Another must do for all visitors is touring Tehran’s restaurant and shopping scene-try and visit Tehran’s main bazaar- a great place to do it all in one! Remember though that Iran works on a cash system, so don’t expect your international debit and credit cards to work!
Heading Outside the Capital
The south-central area of the country is home to one of the biggest attractions in Iran: Persepolis. Dating back to 515 B.C., this UNECSO World Heritage Site was the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire and boasts some amazing palaces, pillars, reliefs, gates and tombs that are still standing today. A colossal, sprawling city of ruins, a visit to this Iranian historical gem is an absolute must.
Close by, sits the “City of Poets” Shiraz, home to two of Iran’s greatest poets. While a visit to their tombs is warranted, so are tours of the Atigh Jame' & Nasīr al-Mulk Mosques, Qur'an Gate and the strikingly beautiful Eram Garden. Shopaholics can look forward to splurging at any of its numerous local bazaars, (including the Vakil Bazaar, one of the oldest in the world) or its modern malls including the Persian Gulf Complex, the biggest shopping mall in the world!
Isfahan the Persian culture capital of the country is unarguably Iran’s biggest draw. Home to amazing city squares, mosques, palaces and cathedrals, some of the top sites in Isfahan are Naqsh-e Jahan (one of the largest city squares in the world), Mosque of the Shah/Imam, Mosque of the Shaykh Lotfollah (one of the most beautiful in the world) and the palaces Ali Qapu & Chehel Sotoun. The beautiful bridges on the Zayandeh River make for a lovely stroll in the evenings, with many a teahouse beckoning for a stopover nearby.
Yazd is the oldest Iranian City, famous for its “bagdirs” or wind towers that effectively channel any breeze that ripples through the city. While the Jameh Mosque is its most famous attraction, the Chakmaq complex and Ateshkadeh Fire Temple, famous for it’s flame that has been burning continuously since 470 AD, give an insight into the Zoroastrian roots in this city.
Away from it all, Kish Island’s coral coasts and turquoise waters beckon for a round of snorkelling and brilliant sunsets. A free trade zone, this area has a unique ambience from the rest of the country, with shopping malls and resorts aplenty, though the tourist attractions of Kariz-e-Kish and Harireh add to the cultural yarn of Iran.
Along with the religious, historic and cultural, Iran is a country ripe with naturally stunning attractions and so much more, as you will pleasantly discover. While it is necessary for United States citizens to be accompanied by official Iran tour guides as well as have their travel itineraries approved in advance, garnering the services of a knowledgeable Iranian tourism guide well versed in the cultures and customs of the country may augur well for other travellers too, in making the most out of your unforgettable visit!