Best Places to Visit in Iran - Fantastic Travellers

1. Tehran, Iran

Panoramic view of Tehran's cityscape at sunset, Iran, with mountains and contrasting architecture.

Tehran is the Capital Of Iran. Tehran has almost eight million inhabitants and is the largest city in Iran. It lies just south of the mighty Elborz mountain range, where you can go both for hiking and skiing. There are only a few major tourist attractions in the city itself, such as Golestan Palace and Azadi Square.

2. Yazd

Friday Mosque in Yazd, Iran, with towering minarets and geometric façade patterns.

There many amazing places to visit in Iran. The ancient city of Yazd (1215m asl) is located on the border of two giant Iranian deserts surrounded by high mountains. The city served as an oasis for caravans and its historic center is listed in UNESCO.

3. Damavand

Sunrise over Mount Damavand, Iran, with golden light and colorful clouds.

Damavnad (5,610m) is not only the highest mountain in Iran, but also the highest volcano in Asia. Therefore, it is counted in the Volcanic seven summits list. Thanks to its relative proximity to Tehran’s capital city, it is also very well accessible. The ascent itself is difficult mainly due to altitude and unstable weather.

4. Abyaneh

The historic Jameh Mosque of Abyaneh, Iran, with intricate brickwork and a towering minaret.

Abyaneh (2,220m asl) is a very picturesque town lost in the middle of a mountain at the end of a long valley. Thanks to its higher altitude there is also a pleasant climate in the summer. There are slightly different habits and culture than in the rest of the country.

5. Esfahan

Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahan, Iran, with turquoise domes and crowds.

Esfahan is the third largest city in Iran, and it is one of the most visited places in the country. In the center is the famous Naqsh-e Jahan Square with the adjacent magnificent Immam mosque. There is also a large bazaar and several historic bridges.

6. Persepolis

A short distance from the large city of Shiraz lies the former center of the mighty Persian Empire and the seat of Persian kings. It is probably the most significant Iranian monument. Unfortunately, it was largely destroyed by the famous commander Alexander of Macedon.

7. Kashan

Fin Garden in Kashan, Iran, a traditional Persian garden with a central pool and lush greenery.

Kashan has roughly a quarter million inhabitants. There is a large bazaar and a lots of beautiful sights such as Tabātabāei and Borujerdi palaces and the beautiful Agha Bozorg Mosque.

8. Kharanaq

Panoramic view of Kharanaq village, Iran, nestled in arid landscape with mountains.

Khanaraq (1,765m asl) lies 80km away from Yazd and you can easily get there during a one-day trip. These are basically large, freely accessible ruins that you can crawl freely. After exploring the city, head to the adjacent green oasis where pomegranates are grown, to the aqueduct and to the prospect, from which you will have a nice panoramic view of the city.

9. Naqsh-e Rustam Tombs

The impressive tombs of the most prominent Persian kings, along with rock reliefs, are definitely worth seeing. In addition, their visit can be combined with a tour of the nearby Persepolis.

10. Lar Lake

Lar Lake, Iran, with colorful boats, people kayaking and enjoying water activities.

The lake, or the Lar dam (2,475m above sea level), lies directly under the monumental volcano Damavand. Most visitors come here for weekend excursions but it is possible to take a number of hikes to the surrounding mountains from the lake. However, the lake falls into the national park, and the restriction and admission for the foreigner is unfortunately changed every year.