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Things to Do in Iran
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Iran
The top things to do in Iran include exploring the ancient city of Persepolis, located about 60 km from Shiraz, and admiring the impressive architecture of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, with its 89,000 square meters full of history. Also worth visiting is Golestan Palace, a spectacular example of Qajar art in Tehran.
1. Persepolis
Shiraz
Travel through time feeling the power of an imposing empire. Explore living sculptures that tell stories in every stone.
Quick facts: The complex houses magnificent ruins of palaces and portals that showcase the grandeur of an ancient empire. The architecture tells stories through reliefs depicting Persians and other peoples bringing gifts to the king.
Highlights: The Nations Portal impresses with its sculptures over 2,500 years old, where each character has detailed clothing and expressive features. The morning light reveals colors and shadows that make the reliefs practically come to life.
2. Golestan Palace
Tehran
Stunning architecture and art reflected in every detail. Explore rooms that shine with incredible mosaics and mirrors.
Quick facts: The palace enchants with its impressive mix of Persian and European styles, displaying mosaics that shine under the sunlight. Many rooms are decorated with tiny mirrors, creating an almost magical visual effect.
Highlights: In the great halls, mirrored surfaces capture and reflect light into thousands of small facets, creating an atmosphere that seems to float between reality and dream. The hand-carved marble throne, detailed and ornate, is a surprising historical gem, with fascinating stories of its use in royal ceremonies.
3. Azadi Tower
Tehran
Worth seeing for the iconic architecture and incredible photos. Experience the change of light and shadow on the stones that tell stories of the city.
Quick facts: This tower was originally called the "Freedom Tower" and combines Islamic and modern architectural styles in an impressive way. It stands 45 meters tall and is one of the most photographed spots in Tehran.
Highlights: The texture of the stone used in the construction creates patterns that change according to the daylight, making the visual experience unique at every moment. During the night, the monument comes to life with lighting that highlights its complex arches and geometric forms.
4. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
Shiraz
Worth visiting to see colors and lights dancing in unique patterns. Unforgettable visual experience that awakens all the senses.
Quick facts: The colorful stained glass creates an incredible light show inside, which changes as the sun progresses. The Persian architecture is rich in floral and geometric details, impressing with its delicacy.
Highlights: The magic happens in the early hours of the morning, when the light passes through the stained glass and paints the floor with a vibrant rainbow. Few know that the facade pattern is a symbolic design representing prosperity.
5. Imam Mosque
Isfahan
Worth it for the impressive blue architecture that enchants the eyes. An experience to feel the serenity and reverence of the sacred space.
Quick facts: The blue and turquoise tiles create a hypnotizing effect under the sunlight. The interior acoustics allow a clear conversation to be heard from 30 meters away.
Highlights: The portal with its detailed calligraphic inscriptions in gold shines intensely at dusk, creating a unique visual spectacle. The northern minaret is over 48 meters tall and is one of the tallest in Iran.
6. Yazd Old Town
Yazd
A place where time seems to stand still, full of impressive architecture. Experience the serenity of mud streets and refreshing wind towers.
Quick facts: Over 5,000 adobe houses form a fascinating labyrinth where the wind creates melodies as it passes through the wind towers. The desert climate helps preserve this unique architecture with no equal in the world.
Highlights: The wind towers function as natural air conditioning systems, keeping houses cool even in the scorching summer of the Iranian deserts. Walking through the narrow alleys is like stepping into an old movie, where the silence and the smell of wet earth tell ancestral stories.
7. Tomb of Hafez
Shiraz
Explore the serenity of a poetic garden full of Persian art. Feel the spiritual atmosphere and the stories on the decorated walls.
Quick facts: The tomb attracts admirers of the Persian poet Hafez, revered for his lyrical and mystical poetry. It is located in the heart of the city, with gardens that offer a peaceful refuge for reading and reflection.
Highlights: The site features Persian architecture richly decorated with colorful tiles and elaborate calligraphy that tell stories from Hafez's works. At dusk, visitors pray and leave flowers near the tomb, a ritual full of reverence and emotion.
8. Tabiat Bridge
Tehran
Walk among the treetops and feel nature in the heart of the city. Experience incredible views and architectural design that enchants at every step.
Quick facts: The bridge stretches for 270 meters and connects two parks, serving as an important green corridor in the middle of the city. It has three interconnected levels that allow different perspectives and experiences while crossing.
Highlights: The various levels of the bridge offer panoramic views of the park and the surrounding city, creating a unique sensation of walking among the treetops. At night, the bridge is illuminated with lights that highlight its intertwined steel structure, making it an unmissable visual spectacle.
9. Sa'dabad Complex
Tehran
Worth visiting to explore historic palaces amidst enchanting gardens. You will feel transported to different eras as you walk through marble hallways and colorful stained glass.
Quick facts: The complex houses over 18 palaces, each with unique architecture combining Iranian and European styles. Ancient trees and lush gardens create a green refuge in the middle of the bustling city.
Highlights: Among the palaces, the Marble Palace stands out with its pink marble details and colorful stained glass that shine under the sun. Some of the buildings served as residences for former rulers and display authentic furniture and artworks from the period.
Where to Stay in Iran
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Faloodeh
Faloodeh is one of the oldest frozen desserts in the world, made with thin vermicelli noodles and rose water syrup, often served with lime juice and ground pistachios.
Sohan
Sohan is a saffron brittle toffee with a delicate crunch, often enriched with rose water and cardamom, and is especially famous in the city of Qom.
Sholeh Zard
Sholeh Zard is a fragrant saffron rice pudding, sweetened with sugar and rose water and garnished with cinnamon and slivered almonds or pistachios.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Chelo Kebab
Chelo Kebab is the national dish of Iran, featuring perfectly grilled skewers of marinated meat served with fluffy saffron-infused rice.
Ghormeh Sabzi
Ghormeh Sabzi is a deeply aromatic herb stew made from a mixture of fresh herbs, kidney beans, and tender lamb, simmered slowly to develop rich flavors.
Fesenjan
Fesenjan is a luxurious stew from northern Iran, combining ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses to create a sweet and tangy sauce over poultry or meat.
Traditional Beverages
Doogh
Doogh is a refreshing yogurt-based drink mixed with mint and sometimes carbonated water, commonly served alongside meals to aid digestion.
Sharbat-e Sekanjabin
Sharbat-e Sekanjabin is a traditional sweet and sour syrup made from vinegar and honey or sugar, often diluted and served with grated cucumber.
Chai (Persian tea)
Persian tea is an essential part of Iranian culture, usually brewed strong and served with sugar cubes or sweets to balance its robust flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Iran
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Most popular day trips
Isfahan
Known for its Persian architecture and beautiful bridges.
Shiraz
Famous for its gardens, poets, and nearby Persepolis.
Getting there
Train stations
Tehran - Mashhad, Tehran - Tabriz, Tehran - Isfahan
The metro and taxis provide convenient access from airports to Tehran city center.
Click to get eSim for Iran
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Visa & entry
Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Venezuela, Bolivia, Malaysia, and several others
Most Western countries, US, Canada, Australia, UK
Apply for a visa on arrival if eligible, and carry all required documents.
Comments (9)
If you use the Tehran metro, buy a rechargeable card, it's cheaper than single tickets and super convenient.
Definitely check the opening times for museums, some have free admissions on certain days or late evenings that most tourists miss.
Spent 10 days exploring and still felt like I missed so much. The bazaar in Isfahan is magical but super crowded mid-day.
The culture shock was real but in a good way. People are incredibly friendly, but sometimes the language barrier can get frustrating.
Food in Iran is a total delight, especially the saffron rice and fresh bread. Expect warm hospitality but be ready for some long waits. A week is just right to soak it all in.