42 Most Beautiful Places In Iran + 1 to 3-Week Itinerary

Tehran is a city like no other city in the world and one of the must-see places in the Middle East. Many travelers only spend there one day. But I recommend that you take your time and see how life in Tehran is.

1. GOLESTAN PALACE

The Golestan Palace, also called the “Palace of flowers”, is one the oldest and most beautiful of all historic monuments in Tehran and it’s listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

It’s not only a palace but a magnificent palace complex. It incorporates 17 structures including palaces, halls, galleries, and museums. Most of the buildings were constructed by the Qajar dynasty who ruled over from 1789 to 1925.

You will need around 2 – 3 hours to see everything.

The Golestan Palace is right next to the Grand Bazaar of Tehran where you can easily spend a couple of hours shopping, trying Iranian food and drinks, and feel the spirit of Tehran.

The colorful interior design of the Golestan Palace – One of the best places to visit in Iran

2. AZADI TOWER

The Azadi Tower is one of the major landmarks of the capital city of Iran. It was built to mark the foundation of the Persian Empire and its 2,500th anniversary.

You can walk up to the top of the tower and have an awesome view of Tehran.

The Azadi Tower in Tehran summertime – One of the best places to visit in Iran

3. IMAMZADEH SALEH SHRINE

The Imamzadeh Saleh Shrine, also called Tajrish Mosque, is located in the northern part of Tehran. You can get to the mosque walking through the Tajrish Bazaar. This bazaar is super interesting, especially outside. It’s totally different from the Grand Bazaar in central Tehran. 

This part of Tehran feels like being in a small town in the mountains. It’s situated at as high as 1,1612 m.  Therefore, it’s much colder than the south of Tehran.

The shrine itself is an architectural masterpiece. Both the exteriors and interiors are breathtaking. The colorful and detailed tile work outside and the mirror work inside the mosque make this place unforgettable.

When you get to the entrance of the yard of the mosque, you’ll have to cover yourself with a chador. You can get a chador at the entrance.

Wearing a chador is customary almost in all mosques and shrines in Iran. A chador is a big piece of cloth you need to wrap around your head and body.

You can dedicate one and a half-day to the tourist attractions of Kashan. Then, one and a half-day can be assigned to day trips.

I must tell you that I’m in love with Kashan. Actually, I’m in love with all Iranian cities… :-) But somehow, I felt that Kashan was so magical.

Everything is within walking distance from each other. Here, is a map of all the major highlights of Kashan.

Walking on the streets of Kashan – One of the best places to visit in Iran

4. THE HISTORICAL HOUSES IN KASHAN

Kashan is home to sophisticated and big traditional houses with spectacular gardens and courtyards from the 18th and 19th centuries. They are basically ancient Persian homes where rich families lived. Today, they are considered historical houses.

The most famous historical houses in Kashan are the Tabatabaei House, Borujerdi House, Mahinestan Rahib House, Ameri House, Manuchehri House, and Abbasi House.

Each traditional house is a glorious masterpiece of Persian architecture. Both inside and outside, the houses are masterfully decorated and ornated. Especially the colorful stained-glass windows, remarkable mirror works, and stunning frescoes are incredibly beautiful.

Tabatabaei Historical House – One of the best places to visit in Iran

5. SULTAN AMIR AHMAD BATHHOUSE, KASHAN

The Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse is a traditional Iranian public bathhouse built in the 16th century. Public bathing is a prominent feature of Middle Eastern countries since ancient times.

Bathhouses were not only places where people could wash themselves, but they also offered an escape from the stress of everyday life. They were also the place where the locals could relax and socialize.

The roof of the bathhouse, where you can actually walk up, is made of domes with convex glasses through which the light comes into the bathhouse. The interior is ornamented with turquoise and gold tilework, colorful mosaics, and charming paintings.

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathouse from the top – Kashan must see

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathouse inside – Kashan must see

6. AGHA BOZORG MOSQUE, KASHAN

This 18th-century  mosque is very different from all the other famous colorful and ornate mosques in Iran. The charm of the Agha Bozorg Mosque lies in its simplicity.

Aghabozorgh Mosque – Kashan must see

7. KASHAN BAZAAR

The beautiful old bazaar, located in the center of Kashan, has been a trade hub since it was built in the 12th century by the Seljuk Empire.

In the bazaar, you can buy long shirts and colorful headscarves in case you don’t have enough clothes complying with the Iranian dress code. They are around 3 – 4 € per piece. Try also fresh juices and Persian sweets.

What you see in the following picture is the 19th-century Aminoddole Caravanserai (also called Khan Amin Al-dowleh Timche) which is the most beautiful courtyard of this charming traditional bazaar.  What makes the caravanserai truly remarkable is its domed roof with stunning kaleidoscopic decorations and patterns.

Khan Amin Al-dowleh Timche – Kashan must see

8. FIN GARDEN, KASHAN

The beautiful Fin Garden is the oldest Persian garden in Iran built in the 16th century. There are nine Persian gardens registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Fin Garden is one of them.

You’ll find there splendidly decorated architectural masterpieces, sophisticated fountains, pools, beautiful trees, and flowers. They showcase the fusion of architectural techniques of famous Persian dynasties, namely the Safavid, Zand, and Qajar dynasties.

Colorful ceiling decoration in the Fin Gardens, in the city of Kashan, Iran

WHERE TO EAT IN KASHAN

In the Kashan Bazaar, there are a lot of delicious snacks and drinks in beautiful cafés and restaurants. Take your time and try as much you can.

In the bazaar, you can also find the Hamman-e Khan Coffee Shop which is the perfect place to have lunch, tea, and sweets. It’s a traditional dining hall with the traditional serving.

I chose to seat myself on a beautiful Persian carpet and I enjoyed my tea while taking hundreds of selfies. Quite early I learned that taking selfies for hours is the most common thing ever in Iran.

Tea and sweets Iranian style

Abbasi Traditional Restaurant & Tea House in the old town is an absolutely stunning traditional restaurant. Here, I tried a meal called Mossama Bademjan With Camel Meat (Eggplant with Camel Meat), bread called lavash, rose water, and a very sweet Saffran drink that I can highly recommend.

What I’m sitting on here is called takht sonati. It’s a kind of wooden bed covered with Persian carpet and decorated with cushions on the sides.  This is the usual seating arrangement in traditional restaurants.

Lunch Iranian style

9. ARAN AND BIDGOL HOLY SHRINE

Let’s get ready for an unforgettable day trip!

About  12 km from Kashan, you can find the Aran o Bidgol  (or Aran va Bidgol) Holy Shrine, also known as Mohamed Helal Shrine or the Shrine of Hillab Ibn Ali. This breathtaking mosque perfectly represents the beauty of Islamic and Persian architecture. Its majestic and sparkling tiled dome and minarets covered with intricate mosaic tiles can leave you speechless.

Aran o Bidgol is also the name of the city where the shrine is found. It’s an ancient desert city surrounded by the Aran o Bidgol desert.

The mosque itself is not a touristy place. This beautiful mosque is mostly visited by locals.

Women here have to be double covered. Before entering the courtyard you’ll get a chador.

Aran and Bidgol Holy Shrine – Kashan must see

Walls of the Aran and Bidgol Holy Shrine inside and outside – Kashan must see

10. NAMAK LAKE

Namak Lake is a salt lake in Iran. It’s located about 60 km from Kashan. The lake itself is huge but it’s mostly dry. If you visit the lake in winter, it will be less dry as there will be some water coming up to the surface of the salt.

The lake and its surrounding are mind-blowing. Particularly, the sunset from the salt lake is unforgettable.

Sunset over the Namak Salt Lake – Iran Travel Tips

11. ABYANEH

Abyaneh is one of the most astonishing villages and famous landmarks of Iran. It’s also known as the red clay village because its houses are made of red mudbrick.

Due to the high level of iron oxide, the soil in Abyaneh village is kind of reddish which makes the village so picturesque.

It’s one of the oldest villages in Iran where time stopped. The locals preserved their authentic culture, language, architecture, costume, and traditional rituals. It’s a truly marvelous travel destination in beautiful Iran.

Breathtaking view over the red clay village – One of the most beautiful places in Iran

Isfahan is home to some of the most famous and popular tourist spots in Iran.

The most beautiful tourist attractions in Isfahan are indicated with blue, restaurant and café recommendations with red, and hotel recommendations with green color on my Isfahan map.

12. NAQSH-E JAHAN SQUARE, ISFAHAN

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, listed as one of the seven wonders of Iran, is an enthralling massive public space in the center of Isfahan. It’s one of the topmost beautiful places in Iran.

The square hosts the charming Grand Bazaar which is a huge labyrinth from the 11th century with dozens of colorful handicrafts, carpets, clothes, spices and so much more.

Moreover, you can find the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, Shah Mosque, the Qeysarie Gate here. The Qeysarie Gate is the main entrance to the bazaar of Isfahan. Take your time here and immerse yourself in the beauty of Persia.

One of the dreamiest places in Iran, the Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahan

Shopping in the big bazaar of Esfahan, Iran – One of the best places to visit in Iran

Eximining a silky and soft Persian carpet – Iran travel tips

If you want to see and buy nice carpets, visit my friend, Hamid Mirzaei, in the Silk Road shop.

13. SHEIKH LOTFOLLAH MOSQUE

The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque located at one of the seven wonders of Iran, the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, is a genial and magical architectural masterpiece from the 17th century built by the Safavid dynasty. It’s the most beautiful and stunning building in Isfahan.

It was built for Shah Abbas as a private royal mosque. Because it was a private mosque only made for the king and the ladies in his harem, it’s much smaller than other mosques and doesn’t even have a minaret but the tile-work is far superior to the tile-work covering the other mosques at Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

Shah Abbas even built a tunnel connecting the Ali Qapu Palace with his private mosque. By using the tunnel, he and the ladies of his haram could walk between the two places without being seen by the public.

In front of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque – Iran touristic attractions

14. ALI QAPU PALACE, ISFAHAN

The Ali Qapu Palace of Isfahan is another significant heritage of Iran. It was also built by the Safavid Dynasty.

This beautiful palace is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was the residence of the Safavid kings and they also used it for official royal meetings.

One of the most stunning parts of the palace is the terrace on the 4^th floor from which you’ll have an incredible view over the Naqsh-e Jahan Square and two of the most beautiful Iranian mosques: the Sheikh Lotofollah and the Shah Mosque.

What amazed me the most is that each floor has its own distinctive decorations and ornaments such as the yellow and Persian blue tile work on the stairways, the intricate floral motifs, or the exquisite stucco works.

Music Hall in Ali Qapu palace in Isfahan city, Iran

15. SHAH MOSQUE, ISFAHAN

The Shah Mosque is one of the seven wonders of Iran and one of the most famous architectural masterpieces of Persian architecture in the Islamic Era. No wonder why it’s even registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

You can even find this mosque on the Iranian 20,000 rials banknote.

It was built by Safavid Dynasty in the 17^th century. The walls and ceilings are wonderfully ornamented with seven-colored wall tiles that create beautiful mosaic patterns and calligraphy.

The splendor and beauty of the Shah Mosque will make stay there for hours.

The Shah Mosque – Isfahan must-see

16. JAMEH MOSQUE, ISFAHAN

It’s one of the oldest mosques in Iran and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

The construction of the Jameh Mosque was started in the 8^th century by the Umayyad Dynasty and since than it has been restructured and remodelled countless times by different dynasties.

It was built in the four-iwan architectural style. The iwan is a kind of gate with a rectangular space walled on three sides. The four-iwan style refers to having four gates placed face to face.

One of the most splendid elements were added by the Safavids such as the intricate muqarnas (niche-like cells), colourful glazed tileworks and minarets.

The Jameh Mosque with its yard

The wall of the Jameh Mosque outside

One of the iwans of the Jameh Mosque featuring delicate ornamented muqarnas and Islamic calligraphy

17. CHEHEL SOTOUN PALACE, ISFAHAN

On your second day in Isfahan, you should discover this and the following beautiful places.

The Chehel Sotoun Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also and one of Iran’s World Heritage Sites.

This Persian Pavilion was built in a beautiful park at the far end of a long pool by a Safavid king, Shah Abbas II, in the 17^th century. It was used it for entertainment, ceremonies and reception of foreign ambassadors.

Both the exterior and interior of the palace are fascinating.

It’s also called the palace of forty columns for a very interesting reason. The palace’s front porch has 20 wooden columns and the 20 columns are reflected in the front pool’s water. It gives the impression that there are actually 40 columns supporting the building.

Its magnificence; however, is primarily due to the beautiful frescoes and mural paintings on ceramic. The paintings depict famous historical scenes in which remarkable and courageous fighters of the Safavid Empire are featured.

Last but not least, the floral and animal decorations on the ceilings and on the wall between the paintings make the interior of the palace a stunning and complete masterpiece.

Amazing frescoes in Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan, Iran

18. VANK CATHEDRAL, ISFAHAN

The Vank Church, another site which is listed as one of the seven wonders of Iran, is an Armenian church, also called The Holy Savior Cathedral, located in the Armenian quarter of Isfahan called New Julfa.

It was built at the beginning of the 17th century during the Safavid era along with 12 other churches by Armenian immigrants. These Armenian immigrants were actually forced to resettle in Isfahan by Shah Abbas I during the Ottoman War of 1603-1618.

The cathedral is a magnificent combination of Armenian and Persian architecture. The stunning interior featuring colorful frescos depicting biblical stories, the gilded carvings and the Persian-style rich tile work will take your breath away.

The Vank Cathedral is home not only to this beautiful church but a museum and library hosting biblical manuscripts and historic documents.

The historic documents are primarily about the history of the Armenian community in Isfahan and the Armenian Genocide (the systematic cleansing of around 1 million Armenians ordered by the Ottoman Empire).  For this reason, the Vank Cathedral is one of the most well-known Armenian centers in the world.

Interior of the Holy Savior Armenian Cathedral in Isfahan, Iran

19. MOLLABASHI HOUSE, ISFAHAN

The Mollabashi House, also known as Motamedi House, is one of the most mind-blowing architectural masterpieces when it comes to interior design not only in Iran but in the world.

This fascinating historical house was constructed and designed in the Zandieh Era (Era ruled by the Zand dynasty between 1751 – 1779). In the Qajar Era (1789 – 1925), a famous astronomer during Naser al-Din Shah purchased the house, added more rooms and further designed this beautiful mansion. During this era, it also served as a cultural and religious institution.

Later, in 2001, the Motamedi family bought and renovated its building and courtyard.

Today, you can see a stunning house with beautiful rooms decorated with colorful stained-glass windows, mirrored walls, remarkable stuccos and ceilings ornamental with colorful tiles.

Don’t be surprised if you want to spend the whole day there and get lost in the many magnificently designed rooms of this mansion.

20. KHAJU BRIDGE, ISFAHAN

The Khaju Bridge in Isfahan is a beautiful historical bridge on the Zayenderud River which is one of the largest rivers in Iran. In dry seasons, there is no water or just a little bit of water in the river but the bridge is still majestic. Only for a couple of weeks in the winter season, you will find water in the river.

This uniquely designed bridge was built in the late 17th century by Shah Abbas II in the Safavid era. The bridge itself is decorated with charming tilework and paintings. In the center of a bridge, there is a gorgeous octagonal pavilion where the most beautiful tilework of the bridge is displayed.

The most magical part of the day at the Khaju Bridge is the night when it’s lit and the bridge is gorgeously glowing in the darkness. At this time, you will find a lot of young people and families socializing around the bridge.

In Summertime, the locals are also singing traditional songs and dancing underneath the bridge. Surely, you will make a lot of new local friends there. This will definitely be one of your most memorable experiences in Iran.

Khaju Bridge at sunset in winter Isfahan, Iran – One of the best places to visit in Iran

WHERE TO EAT IN ISFAHAN

Café and restaurant hopping in Isfahan are worth the time as it’s a cultural experience on its own. My favorites were the Traditional Banquet Hall, the Namakdan Mansion, and the Abbasi Traditional Teahouse in the Abbasi Hotel. They are indicated on the Isfahan map with red color.

In the Abbasi Teahouse,  you have to try the Saffron ice cream with Faloodeh and rose water. It’s heaven itself. I’ve been there three times and I could go there again and again. I felt there like a little princess from the times of the Persian Empire.

When you are there, look around in this charming hotel. It’s like a palace. They also have a really fancy restaurant inside. The complex was built 400 years ago by a king with the name Sultan Husayn of Safavid.

In the Abbasi Hotel with a saffran ice cream – Iran travel tips

The Traditional Banquet Hall is somewhere at the Naqsh-e Jahan Square. I couldn’t pin it on the map as it’s on Google Maps. But if you ask for directions on the spot, you’ll find it.

I was feasting on a Biryani Kabab with Iranian yogurt, doogh, with herbs. And as I’m in love with such pretty traditional restaurants so much, I stayed for tea as well as changing my location in the restaurant.

Persian feast in Isfahan – Iran travel tips

Namakdan Mansion is very close to the Naqsh-e Jahan Square. I had dinner there which was also absolutely perfect. I had here one of the most beloved Iranian food, Gormeh Shabzi, which is a Persian herb stew. It was served with saffron rice, fresh herbs and salad, and Iranian bread. I drank saffron juice which was heaven itself.

This restaurant also has a really cute museum upstairs.

Further recommendations include the Malek Soltan Jarchi Bashi and Azadegan Cafe
They are also close to the Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

Bahar Narenj Cafe

This restaurant is right next to the Vank Cathedral in the Armenian quarter. Here, you’ll get confused. You’ll wonder if you are in a restaurant or in a museum.

Here, try Ash-e Resteh. It’s an Iranian noodle soup made with uniquely Persian ingredients such as reshteh and kashk. The first one is Iranian noodles and the second one is a kind of drained yogurt. Other main ingredients are herbs and beans.

Try also their sweet Armenian bread and complete this wonderful culinary adventure with a Persian tea mixed with a Nabat, a saffron sugar stick. Nabat is similar to rock candy.

From Isfahan, let me guide you to a desert town, Yazd, the capital of Yazd Province. Like before, the best places to see, restaurant and hotel recommendations are pinned on the Yazd map as well. It’s definitely one of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Iran.

You can walk everywhere if you stay in a hotel close to the old town which I highly recommend.

21. YAZD OLD TOWN

The historic old town of Yazd is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I loved this place so much. Strolling around this ancient city was so surreal. It’s a labyrinth-like place that has buildings made of yellow-brown mud-brick. Take your time and don’t rush around here.

A local woman walking home wearing chador

View from Café Nardoon: A mosque made of clay with a colorful dome

22. JAMEH MOSQUE OF YAZD

The Jameh Mosque of Yazd is one of the most beautiful Iranian mosques and one of the most outstanding masterpieces of Persian architecture. You can even find this grandiose mosque on the Iranian 200,000 Rial banknote.

It was built in the 12th century. The entrance of the Jameh Mosque is featuring a grand iwan and a pair of minarets constructed in the Safavid era. Being 52 meters (170 ft) tall, they are the highest minarets among Persian mosques.

Once you walk through the iwan of the main entrance, you will find yourself in an arcaded courtyard. Then, you can enter the actual mosque which also has an exquisitely decorated entrance with colorful and intricate mosaics made of tiles.

Pay attention to the tall tiled mihrab inside the mosque. The mihrab is a very important part of the mosque as it indicates the qibla which is the direction of the Kaaba in the holy city of Mecca. You know, Muslims have to face the qibla when praying.

The main entrance of the Jameh Mosque of Yazd crowned by a pair of minarets

Arch over the entrance of the building of the Jameh Mosque covered with splendid and delicate tilework

Beautiful muqarnas of a mihrab inside the Jameh Mosque in Yazd

Ceiling artwork in the Jameh Mosque. This is what we call detailed and delicate artwork

23. AMIR CHAKHMAQ COMPLEX

The Amir Chakhmaq Complex among others is hosting the Amir Chakhmaq Mosque, a tekyeh (a place where Shiita Muslims pray), a bathhouse and a caravanserai (a place where travelers can rest) with restaurants and cafés. You could also have a rest here, and imagine that you are a traveler from ancient times.

Look for a restaurant where you can eat traditional grilled lamb’s liver (jigar) with Iranian yogurt drink, doogh. After this delicious meal, you may also want to grab some traditional local sweets such as Ghottab, Soha or Pasmak from Haj Kalifeh Ali Rahbar confectionery.

The Amir Chakhmaq mosque itself as the major highlight of the complex is from the Timurid era and was completed in the 15th century. The most captivating part of this mosque is the three-storey facade with symmetrical sunken arched alcoves.

It’s a fantastic experience both during the day and at night. The square including the mosque and fountains are splendidly lit giving a magical vibe to the entire complex.

Beautiful Iranian girl in abaya taking photo of the Amir Chakhmaq Complex in Yazd

24. ZOROASTRIAN TOWERS OF SILENCE

The Tower of Silence, also known as dakhma, is an important heritage of the ancient Zoroastrian religion. Did you know about the ancient Persian religion, Zoroastrianism? Before the Muslim conquest, the main religion of Persia was Zoroastrianism.

The Tower of Silence was used by Zoroastrians for excarnation which is the practice of removing the flesh and organs of the dead, leaving only the bones, before burial. This tradition dates back over 3,000 years.

This was one of the most fascinating traditions that I learned about in Iran.

Zoroastrians traditionally consider the dead body impure. They believed that the corpse demon would creep into the dead body and contaminate it and everything that the body came into contact with.

In order to prevent the pollution of the holy elements, namely earth, fire and water, and purify the dead body, they placed the dead bodies at the top of the tower exposing them to scavengers such as desert vultures that would eat the flesh and to the sun until it completely bleached the bones.

The bodies were arranged in a very interesting way in three circles. Men were laid in the outer circle, women in the middle and children in the inner one.

This tradition was discontinued only in the early 20th century and they switched to burials and cremation (burning the dead body). Eventually, it was completely stopped after the Islamic Revolution as it had been declared illegal in Iran.

Towers of Silence at sunset in Yazd, one of the magnificent historical sites of ancient Persia

WHERE TO EAT IN YAZD

Cafe Nardoon is a rooftop restaurant with the best view of Yazd in the old town.  I enjoyed the sunset and had one of the most delicious meals ever: stuffed grape leaves (Dolma) with grape syrup and pomegranate juice. You cannot leave Yazd without trying this place.

Marco Polo Rooftop Restaurant is another rooftop restaurant in the old town from which you have also a spectacular view of the ancient city of Yazd.

Leaving Yazd Province, we get to Kerman Province and we head to its capital, Kerman. I recommend at least 3 days here. I spent actually somewhat more than 4 days and I loved every minute of it.

25. THE LOCAL BAZAAR OF KERMAN

The local bazaar is not a touristy place at all. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. This is a local bazaar without tourists.  lf you want to experience how locals go about their daily lives in a small town, this is your place.

If you have some spare time, visit the tourist places as well, such as the Moshtari-ye Moshtaq Ali Shah Mosque, Ganjali Khan Complex, Ganjali Khan Bath, Jame Mosque, and Vakil Bazaar. They are all amazing places and all of them are located in the old center of Kerman. Here is the map of all the attractions in Kerman.

The main bazaar of Kerman

WHERE TO EAT IN KERMAN

Vakil Tea House

It’s one of Kerman’s main cultural and historical structures. It’s also called Hammam-e Vakil. Originally, it was a bathhouse. But today it’s a traditional Persian tea house. I recommend the place for lunch or dinner.

The Vakil Tea House inside

The Vakil Tea House ceiling

What you have to try here is Dizi, also called Abgoosht. The main ingredients are lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, white beans, tomatoes, onion, dried lime, and turmeric.  And look, it’s served in a cool clay pot. It was very tasty! You also get Sangak, whole wheat Iranian flatbread which is considered to be very healthy in Iran.

As a drink, I tried their doogh (Iranian yogurt drink with herbs) which I also really liked.

After dinner, I couldn’t miss some Persian desserts. I had Fallodeh/Faludeh (rice noodles in line and rosewater) with Bastani Sonnati (Iranian ice cream). It was not that delicious as the one in the Abbasi Hotel in Shiraz but it was ok.  The reason for that is that the ice cream here was not homemade like the one in the Abbasi Hotel.

You can also smoke Persian ghelyoon (hookah / shisha) here.

26. THE KALUTS (DASHT-E LUT DESERT)

The Kalouts desert is located in the Shahdad district of Kerman Province. It’s considered to be the world’s hottest desert and the hottest zone in the world. The highest temperature measured was 70.7 Celsius degrees (159.26 Fahrenheit) in the shade.

This scenic desert is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. You will find here gigantic rock formations, incredibly tall sand dunes, salt plains and abandoned castles scattered all around the desert.

I recommend a 2-day trip including the Kaluts (or Kalouts) of Lut desert (or Dasht-e Lut), Mahan including the Shah Nematollah Vali Holy Shrine & Shazdeh Mahan Garden, the adobe castle, Rayen Citadel, Shafi Abad Qanat, Shur river, one night in the desert camp, dinner, stargazing, and exploring the Lut Desert again with desert safari starting before sunrise next day, breakfast, and the largest adobe structure in the worldBam Citadel (Arg-i Bam).

As for the Shur river, know that even in October, it’s totally dry. I guess only in winter you will find water there. In October, you can only see the water if you dig a bit in the ground. :-)

This trip was more than 1,000 km (821 miles) for sure. I don’t know the exact location of everything we visited but here is a map which can give you an approximate idea about the locations, directions, and distances.

A tour can start at 25 € (~ 27 USD) per person if you are at four people in the car. This means that you have a taxi driver driving you around who doesn’t speak English.

When I was there in the second half of October, the weather was just perfect. The best time to go there is from middle of October to the end of November and from the beginning of April to the end of May.

The desert is huge and it has many different faces. If you join a tour, you’ll be taken to see a lot of different rock formations created by the desert during the day, sunset, and sunrise as well.

View in the Kalouts

After our sunrise desert trip, we drove back to our eco-camp, and only then I saw the entire village daylight. It was a very tiny village somewhere close to the city of Shahdad which is the capital city of Shahdad Province.

Houses in a very remote desert village

We also drove to a small desert town. It was an unforgettable experience. We went there to see a fortress which didn’t interest me much. Thus, I decided to explore the town itself. It’s definitely not a place where a lot of foreigners appear.

The locals were very happy to see me. In some shops or beauty parlors, women were all greeting me smiling and waving.

26. COLORFUL MOUNTAINS, KERMAN

I named this place colorful mountains. I just caught sight of this amazing natural phenomenon while driving to the Lut Desert. This place is one of the most beautiful sights I witnessed in Iran.

The colors and hues are so incredible that it made me feel that the mountains are all painted.

I spent hours roaming around the multicolored mountains which are considered to be the result of minerals and sandstone being pressed and oxidized.

If you want to see it, make sure you ask your guide to include it in your tour. I think this is not something they normally do. You can stop at different places on the way to see these fascinating creations of mother nature.

Roaming around the seemingly endless moutain ranges

It was like no man’s land: the only living souls there were us and some flies. You could explore this region around the mountains pretty much the whole day. I believe, the colorful mountains absolutely deserve a full day trip. :-)

Climbing mountains

Simply taking a break admiring the beauty of Iran

Multicolored mountains along the road to Dasht-e Lut Desert

Mesmerizing hiking route

Suitable jeep for your Lut Desert Tour

From Qeshm Island, let’s go to another island of the Hormozgan Province of Iran. I love this Island so much and I have a lot of amazing photos from here. There is no way you go to Iran, and you skip this place.

On Hormuz Island, also called the Rainbow Island of Iran, you will find colorful waters, colorful mountains, colorful caves, and even colorful bread. This place is beyond beautiful. Roaming around Hormuz Island is like discovering another planet.

29. HORMUZ ISLAND RED BEACH

The Red Beach of Hormuz Island is one of the most unusual beaches in the world. It’s because of its red sand that makes not only the beach but the water red.

You might ask: Why are the sand and water red? I’ll tell you. The high concentration of iron oxide in the soil makes the sand red. And the red sand in the sea colors the water also pinkish.

Red Beach on Hormuz Island in Iran

30. RAINBOW MOUNTAINS, HORMUZ ISLAND

The colorful mountains on Hormuz Island are as impressive as the colorful mountains in Kerman Province on the way to the Lut Desert. Here, you will see tons of different shades and hues of minerals.

Rainbow Mountains on Hormuz Island in Iran

31. VALLEY OF STATUES, HORMUZ ISLAND

In the Valley of Statues, you can see stunning rocks with the shape of a bird, dragons and all kinds of mythical shapes. The elements of nature sculpted the valley’s tall rocks into these peculiar shapes. And this is why the place is called the Valley of Statues.

From the rocks of the valley, you have one of the most wonderful views over the Persian Gulf.

Valley of Statues on Hormuz Island in Iran

32. SILENCE VALLEY, HORMUZ ISLAND

The Silence Valley is another incredibly beautiful natural attraction on the land of colors, Hormuz Island. Wandering among the colorful mountains and rocks of the Silence Valley will absolutely blow your mind and will definitely be an unforgettable experience.

Silence Valley on Hormuz Island in Iran

From Hormozgan Province, we are traveling to the Province of Fars, to Shiraz which is the most beautiful city in Iran and one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East.

I recommend at least 48 hours in Shiraz and an extra day for a day trip to Persepolis. The region just like everywhere, it’s full of historic places and there is a lot to learn. So, take it slow.

Get ready, Shiraz is the living definition of what beauty is. Shiraz is one of the best places to experience the beauty of Iran.

The major highlights of Shiraz are pinned on this map: Map of Shiraz highlights

33. NASIR OL MOLK MOSQUE, SHIRAZ

The Nasir Ol Mosque is one of the beautiful traditional mosques in the world and the most popular tourist attraction in Iran.

This stunning mosque, which is also one of the seven wonders of Iran, was built by the Qajar Dynasty in the second half of the 19th century similar to tons of other architectural masterpieces in Iran. It’s also called the Pink Mosque of Shiraz, Rainbow Mosque, Kaleidoscope Mosque, or the Mosque of colors. Soon, you’ll understand why.

The mosque is very well-known for its usage of a high number of pink-colored tiles for both the interior design of the mosque itself and the tilework of its courtyard.

The mosque inside has multicolored stain-glass windows and several traditional elements such as the five concaves which create a spectacular effect of the interior as if you are standing in a kaleidoscope.

When the sunlight hits the stained glass, the entire hall of the mosque is flooded by a sparkling rainbow of colors. This is exactly what makes it one of the most beautiful places in Iran.

The most magical time to experience this colorful mosque is when the sun rises. As the sun rises, the mosque comes to life and the colors start to dance as if hundreds of colorful butterflies would be flying around in the mosque.

At this time, the Persian carpets in the mosque are also illuminated as the sun reflects the stained glass patterns on them. Make sure you get there before the doors open for visitors so that you can be among the first ones to experience this magic.

Early morning inside in the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran

The walls of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran

Beautifully ornamented muqarnas of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran

34. NARANJESTAN GARDEN & QAVAM HOUSE

The Naranjestan Garden and Qavam House were built in the Qajar Era (19th century)and together make up a gorgeous mansion.

The Naranjestan Garden is a lovely Persian garden with gorgeous pathways, streams, fountains and ponds surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees such as date palms and sour orange trees.

The name Naranjestan was given to this gorgeous place because it’s full of orange trees.

When you enter the garden, the picturesque Narenjasten Monument, also called the Qavam House, will immediately catch your eyes. The monument’s walls both inside and outside are embellished with magnificent Persian paintings, stucco, tile work, mirror work, mosaics, stone and wood carvings.

This traditional and historic building is also known as Qavam House because it was built and resided by the Qavam family.

Inside the Qavam House in the Naranjestan Garden in Shiraz, Iran

35. SHAH CHERAGH SHRINE, SHIRAZ

The Shah Cheragh Mosque is, in my opinion, the most beautiful and majestic mosque in Iran. In fact, it’s not only a mosque or mausoleum, but it’s a big complex housing a huge courtyard, a mosque and tombs of important Muslim figures.

Shah-e Cheragh means King of the Lights in Persian. Why did they call the mosque the King of Lights? There are in fact a lot of stories and narratives about the namesake. According to one of the stories, an ayatollah in Shiraz discovered an illuminated grave which turned out to be an important historical figure’s tomb.

To pay respect to him,  he made a monument built around its tomb. Later, in the 14th century, they also built a beautiful mosque there. Thus, the location became a popular pilgrimage destination for Shia Muslims.

Inside Shah Cheragh, the glass hall and the female sections are the most dazzling. Their glamorously shining walls and ceilings covered with astonishing mirrorworks are overwhelmingly impressive.

The beautiful facade of Shah Cheragh in Shiraz, Iran

The beautiful facade from the other side

A close look at the muqarnas of the facade of Shah Cheragh

The main entrance of the Shah Cheragh Mosque from the courtyard

Exquisite tilework on the wall of the Shah Cheragh Mosque featuring Arabic calligraphy

In the shrine, the female visitors must cover the body and head with a chador. If you can get a chador with arms. The regular ones are not so comfortable.

Normally, you cannot hang out on your own there as a non-Muslim visitor and you are supposed to join a group.

For the second time, when I visited the place, it was not so crowded and it was ok to walk around on my own.

There are guides in the mosque whose job is to explain about the mosque. It’s free. In the female section of the mosque inside there are also guards who told me to let them know if I had any questions.

37. VAKIL MOSQUE

You can find the Vakil Mosque right next to the western entrance of the historical Vakil Bazaar which has beautiful courtyards, old shops, and bathhouses.

The Vakil Mosque, one of the seven wonders of Iran,  was built by the Zand dynasty in the 18th century and it was later restored y the Qajar dynasty in the 19th century. What makes this mosque unique is its 48 pillars carved in spirals and the acanthus leaves that decorate the pillars.

Woman in veil passing through the praying hall (Shabestan) of Vakil Mosque in Shiraz

38. SAYYED ALAEDDIN HOSSEIN SHRINE, SHIRAZ

The shrine of Sayyed Alaeddin Hossein built during the Safavid era (1501 – 1736) might look like an ordinary Iranian mosque from the outside but its incredibly spectacular interior will definitely blow your mind.

Inside the mosque, the arches, walls and bulbous dome covered with mosaics of mirror and colorful glass are sparkling and shimmering in different shades and hues of blue, yellow, green and white colors which create a unique combination of light and aesthetic.

Similar to other shrines in Iran, ladies will have to wear the chador.

Intricate and colorful tilework of the mirrored mausoleum of Sayyed Alaeddin Hossein in Shiraz, Iran

38.ERAM GARDEN

Eram Garden is one of the most famous and beautiful Persian gardens in Iran and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first layout of this Persian paradise garden was most probably made in the 11th century by the Seljuk dynasty. The garden since then has been renovated and modified by different dynasties such as the Zand, Safavid and Qajar dynasties.

Eram means heaven in Persian language. Yes, indeed, the place indeed a little piece of heaven. That is also why it’s officially one of the seven wonders of Iran.

In the Eram Garden, you will find a gorgeous pond in the center of the garden, a stunning palace and loads of beautiful flowers and trees surrounding the pond and the palace.

There are super tall majestic cedar trees in the garden, as well as orange, pine, cypress and persimmon trees. The flowers in the garden, such as Jasmine, peach flowers, Japanese blossoms or peacock flowers and the different species of roses are even more fascinating.

Entering the charming Eram Garden in Shiraz

40. TOMB OF HAFEZ

Visiting the Tomb of Hafez is one of the top things to do in Shiraz.

Inside the gorgeous Persian garden of Mossalla located in the northern part of Shiraz, lies a beautiful open pavilion and in the center of it a memorial structure honoring the most famous and celebrated Persian poet and writer, Hafez (1315 – 1390).

The mausoleum dedicated to Hafez has 8 pillars that symbolize the century when he lived and created his masterpieces. The 8 pillars are crowned by a majestic dome. When you are under the dome, look up and you can admire the dome’s colorful and detailed mosaic tiles.

Iranians adore and love the poetry and writings of Hafez a lot. They consider him the prophet of love and the embodiment of beauty.

During important celebrations and feasts of Persian culture, such as Nowrouz and Yalda night, families gather and read poems from Hafiz.

Thr Tomb of Hafez (Aramgah-e Hafez) in Shiraz, Iran

WHERE TO EAT IN SHIRAZ

اقامتگاه و کافه رستوران سلطنت بانو: I don’t know the name of the place, but it’s written like this in Persian. It’s the closest restaurant to the Pink Mosque. It has an awesome ambiance and they serve super tasty traditional Persian dishes.

Here, I had Estamboli Polow, Persian Tomato Rice. The main ingredients are rice, beef, tomato paste, and potatoes. It was served with Mast Khiar(yogurt and cucumber dip) and some veggie sauces.

The Estamboli Polow has also another popular version called  Loobia Polow. This one is made with green beans instead of potatoes.

Somewhere in Shiraz when I was with my friends from the road, we tried these meals. All of them are traditional meals and super tasty. Wherever you eat in Shiraz, you can surely opt for these super delicious meals.

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh: It’s Saffron Rice with Chicken.

Tahchin: The square thing is crispy rice made with saffron, yogurt, and eggs.

Mahiche Polo: It’s lamb shank. You can also order Baghala Polo ba Mahiche which is lamb shank with rice and broad beans.

We got pickles, fresh salad, and Iranian yogurt as side dishes.

A mixture of Persian dishes – Iran Travel Tips

41. PERSEPOLIS

Taking a day trip from Shiraz to Persepolis is one of the top things to do in Iran.

Persepolis is undoubtedly the most famous historic site in Iran. It was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire in around 550 – 330 BC. Due to its historical significance, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of Iran.

Persepolis is believed to have been built during the rule of Darius the Great in about 530 BC. The construction was continued for another 120 years during the rule of other Achaemenid kings. However, it has never been completed, and it was eventually invaded and destroyed by Alexander the Great, the king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon, in 330 BC.

Today, in Persepolis, you will find the ruins of several ancients palaces: the Persepolis Palace, the Glory of Persia, the Apadana Palace, and Hadish Palace. It takes around two hours to walk around Persepolis.

If you have time, you can also visit the most magnificent necropolis, of ancient Persia, Naqsh-e Rustam, “The City of Dead”. It’s only a short distance (12 km / 7.5 mi) from the glorious Persepolis and you will need around one hour to look around there. This stunning ancient site is home to four huge tombs carved into a huge rock face.

Sculptures of griffins in ancient Persepolis

42. MAHARLOO LAKE, SHIRAZ

Maharloo Lake is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Iran. It’s an incredibly stunning seasonal salt lake.

You might be wondering … Why is Maharloo Lake Pink? The lake is rich in different kinds of salts. By mid-summer due to high evaporation rates and salt concentrations, the algae in the lake proliferate and that makes the lake water turns pinkish-red. This phenomenon is called red tide.

If you want to see the lake so pink as in the picture below, you have to travel there in the dry season, between July and September. As for the rest of the year, Maharloo Lake is less pink.

The Maharloo Lake of Iran in August

HOW TO GET TO TEHRAN FROM SHIRAZ

Once, you are in Shiraz, you might want to know the best way to get back to Tehran. Between these two major cities, you have a lot of options.

Taxi to Shiraz airport: 200,000 IRR (~ 1.20 € /~ 1.30 USD)

By Plane

From Shiraz back to Tehran I took a flight. I booked the flight in the travel agency next to the Niayesh Hotel a day before departure. It cost me 20 € / 24 USD with Saha Airlines. Domestic flights are really cheap in Iran.

Prince online: ~ 20 €
Flight duration: 1:30 h – 2 h

Book here and use the code, Globetrotting, to get a 5 % discount.

Shiraz airport is totally new and modern. I really loved it!

By Bus

It’s also a good option.
A single bus ticket cost me 970,000 IRR (5.50 € / 6.70 USD)

Price range online: 5.70 € – 9.80 €,  depending on the bus company and whether you take a classic or VIP bus.
Duration: 12:45 h

Book here and use the discount code, Globetrotting, to get 5 % off.

By Train

As far as I know, there is only an overnight train.
Schedule: 17:25 – 08:10
Duration: 14:45 h
Price: 1,193,000 IRR (6.8 € / 7.40 USD)

You can double-check here. This is a kind of unofficial homepage of the Iranian Railways. Or, there is up-to-date info on Omio, as well.

My Budget

My total budget for 20 days was around 380 € / 414 USD. I had 400 € / 436 USD on me and I still had some money left at the end of my trip. This is a backpacker budget given that I mostly ate in nice restaurants, I stayed in hostels or budget hotels, I used tours without an English-speaking tour guide, bought scarves, shirts and actually quite a lot of souvenirs.

Entrance Fees

The entrance fee for tourist attractions has increased a lot since then. So, that would make you spend more money. It used to be 200,000 IRR (~ 1.20 € / 1.30 USD) almost everywhere and today they cost somewhat more as Indicated above.

Restaurant Meals

The nice meals that you see in my beautiful pictures cost around 400,000 IRR (~ 2.30 € /~ 2.90 USD). The maximum I paid was 600 IRR (~ 3.5 € / 3.8 USD) including drinks. It was in Shiraz next to the Pink Mosque.

Clothes and scarves

The shirts that I was wearing in Iran cost between 250,000 IRR (~ 1.40 € / 1.50 USD) to 600,000 IRR (~ 3.5 € / 3.8 USD).

The scarves that I purchased in Iran were between 200,000 (~ 1.20 € / 1.30 USD) to 500,000 IRR (~ 2.90 € / 3.10 USD).

There is, of course, much fancier and higher quality stuff that costs more.

Your budget for Iran

Your budget in Iran can be also 3000 € provided that you want to stay in nice hotels, use more flights, and join professional English-speaking tours.

It’s up to your own traveling preferences, how much you’ll spend.