Iran stands out as one of the most intriguing countries in the Middle East, with a correspondingly high tourism potential. In fact, many people who are curious about Iran have concerns about the region’s safety or the strictness of its rules. However, once you set foot on Iranian soil and witness this geography, you’ll start counting down the days until you can return. If you’re planning your first trip to Iran, it’s important to know the best cities to visit in Iran. This way, you can quickly get to know this region as best as possible. In this article, you can find Must-See Cities to Explore in Iran!

While rules in Iran are strict and generally applied uniformly, I must mention that the situation is somewhat more moderate for the 5 cities in Iran that I will mention shortly as must-see destinations. Yes, the rules regarding attire and behavior are fixed, but due to the influence of tourism, tourists might find these cities more comfortable compared to other places in Iran. The topic of things to be aware of in Iran is quite extensive, and I have addressed these details in the article “Iran Travel Tips: Iran Travel Guide for Tourists”

Before delving into the discussion of the 5 important cities to visit in Iran and the beauties that await you there, if you are curious about how to get to Iran or if you haven’t yet decided how to travel there, take a look at this article where I provide information about both air and bus transportation: “How to Get to Iran from Turkey?“

Tehran

Of course, Tehran is at the top of the list of cities to visit in Iran due to being the capital, one of the largest cities in the Middle East, and the largest city in the country, along with its high tourism potential. You can reach Tehran by bus, private vehicle, or plane. So, what are the places to visit in Tehran? In the region, you can find numerous points of interest such as the Golestan Palace, the Royal Jewelry Museum, the Azadi Tower, the Tehran Bazaar, and the National Museum of Iran. In addition to these, you can also visit various ethnic and art museums such as the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art or the Carpet Museum of Iran.

For Tehran, you can prepare a short travel plan of at least 2 days. The metro network within the city is extensive, making it easy to travel around. Taxi fares are reasonable, but like Istanbul, Tehran is known for its traffic. Be sure to pay attention to traffic during rush hours. For more detailed information about Tehran, click here: “Tehran Travel Guide.“

Tabriz

Located in the northwest part of Iran and known as the fourth largest city in the country, Tabriz is one of the cities with a significant Turkish population. In this unique city where the population is mainly composed of Iranian Turks, you can communicate in Turkish. (Of course, many words are different, and pronunciation varies greatly, but with a little effort, you can understand people quite comfortably and express yourself.) When it comes to places to visit in Tabriz; there are many historical and tourist sites that you should explore.

By spending around 3-4 days in this region, you can experience numerous routes to your heart’s content, from Tabriz Castle to Lake Urmia, from the Qajar Museum to the Kandovan Village, from the Monastery of Saint Stephanos to the Poets’ Cemetery. Since most of the recommended places are located in the city center and close to each other, you can easily reach many of them by walking. If you have more time, I recommend visiting Kandovan Village as well. For more detailed information about Tabriz, click here: “Tabriz Travel Guide.“

Please refer to the article ‘What to Wear When Traveling to Iran?‘ for details on how women should dress in Iran.

Yazd

Now, let’s take a journey to the heart of Iran. With a history of over 5000 years and recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s oldest cities, Yazd offers unforgettable routes with its mudbrick houses, museums, and unique landscapes. Although it might not have shone as brightly as Shiraz or Isfahan, it can still be a delightful alternative for those visiting the region. Especially for those traveling between two cities, Yazd’s central location and the opportunity to take a break along this long route can make it quite enjoyable. So, what should you see in Yazd?

In the historic city center of Yazd, you can enjoy pleasant moments among adobe houses adorned with windcatchers. There are many places to visit, including the Water Museum, the City of the Dead, and the Tower of Silence. While there is no direct flight from Turkey to Yazd, keep in mind that there are at least two planned flights from Tehran daily, and you can reach the region in about 1 hour and 10 minutes by plane. Similarly, if you’re comfortable with traveling by bus, you can reach Yazd from other cities at a more economical cost, albeit with a slightly longer journey. For more detailed information about Yazd, click here: “Yazd Travel Guide.“

Isfahan

It is said, “Isfahan is half the world.” It dominates both Asia, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia, and has been the realm of many civilizations. Perhaps that’s why a significant majority of those who say they are going to Iran include Isfahan in their travel plans. And in my opinion, Isfahan is undoubtedly among the top three cities to explore in Iran. (It could even be considered the first) Personally, Isfahan is a city I fell in love with, and it’s likely a place where I will never be able to get enough, no matter how much I explore. Isfahan is one of Iran’s most populous cities and ranks as the third-largest. Viewing the majority of historical relics from ancient civilizations still standing, rather than in ruins, is truly a great pleasure. Now, let’s talk about the places to see in Isfahan.

Allocate a few days to this region, greet the Zayandeh Rud River from the Urgan Bridge (even though the river may not exist anymore), take a stroll in the garden of the Eight Paradises Palace to experience history, watch the swaying minarets in Monar Jonban, enjoy the beautiful view from the Chehel Sotoun Palace, have a cup of tea in Julfa in the evenings, and observe the city from the top of Sofe Mountain after nightfall. Vank Cathedral, Atashgah, Si-o-se-pol Bridge, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Bazaar-e Bozorg are also must-visit places. There’s no end to my praise for Isfahan, so I invite you to read more detailed information about it here: “Isfahan Travel Guide.“

Shiraz

As the former capital of the Zand Dynasty and one of the most cherished cities of the Persian Empire, Shiraz is a special city where you can experience history up close. Naturally, it should definitely be on your list of cities to visit in Iran. So, what are the places to see in Shiraz? The most famous and tourist-attracting route in the city is Persepolis, also known as the Persian City. Although it has suffered considerable damage and looting, the standing historical columns, palace ruins, and mausoleums are worth seeing. There are numerous historical and natural attractions to explore in this region and its surroundings.

If you have a car or are comfortable traveling by taxi, you can visit most of these places in two or three days. In addition to Persepolis, about 130 kilometers away from the city, you’ll find the ancient city of Pasargadae, which is even older than Persepolis. In the city center, be sure to visit Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, famous for its colorful mosaics, and Eram Garden. Shiraz is also known as the birthplace of famous Iranian carpets. By combining a bit of shopping and sightseeing, you can make your time in Shiraz enjoyable and leave a pleasant memory in your diary amid the verses of Iran’s renowned poets. For more detailed information about Shiraz, click here: “Shiraz Travel Guide.“

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like more information about traveling in Iran.