41 Breathtaking Tourist Places to visit In Iran | How To Reach | Best Time To Visit

Iran is known as one of the oldest civilizations not only in Asia but also in the world. Tourism in Iran is a fascinating blend of Iran's ancient history, diverse landscapes and rich culture. Iran is home to the capital of the Persian Empire, Persepolis, and the beautiful city of Isfahan, famous for its stunning mosques and bridges, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In Iran, the amazing desert experiences of Yazd, the colorful architecture of Shiraz, and the bustling markets of Tehran attract tourists. The natural beauty of Iran extends from the snow-capped Alborz Mountains to the calm shores of the Caspian Sea, and the vast deserts. The warm hospitality of travelers is a symbol of the vibrant tradition of the Iranian people.

In Iran, tourists experience more honest and civilized people than in any other country in the world. Despite Iran's bloody political past, its diverse cultural experiences, historical sites, and breathtaking scenery attract tourists.

Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Iran and how to reach them:

1. Tehran : The Vibrant Capital

Main Attractions :

Golestan Palace

National Museum

Azadi Tower

Milad Tower

Grand Bazaar

How to Reach : Tehran has Imam Khomeini International Airport which is well connected major cities in the world. Well connected network of Train and Buses from Tehran to other major cities like Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad.

2. Isfahan : The City of Persian Splendor

Main Attractions :

Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO site)

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Ali Qapu Palace

Si-o-se-pol Bridge

How to Reach : Isfahan has International Airport which having both Domestic and some limited lnternational flights. Isfahan is about 450 km from Tehran by road and it takes 6 hour to reach by Bus.

3. Shiraz : The City of Poetry and Gardens

Main Attractions :

Persepolis

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque)

Eram Garden

Tomb of Hafez

Shiraz Canyon

Masuleh Village

Demavand Mountain

Tang-e Boraq Canyon

Margoon Waterfalls

How to Reach : Shiraz has International Airport which is well connected to nearby country and major Iranian City. By Road Shiraz is about 680 km from Tehran which take 11 hour by bus to reach.

4. Yazd : The Desert Jewel

Main Attractions :

Jameh Mosque

Amir Chakhmaq Complex

Zoroastrian Fire Temple

Wind Towers

How to Reach : Yazd has Domestic Airport name Shahid Sadooghi Airport which having flights from Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan. Yazd is easily accessible by Train and Bus from all major cities of Iran and it takes 6 hours to reach Tehran to Yazd by train.

5. Tabriz : The Historic Northwestern Hub

Main Attractions :

Tabriz Bazaar (UNESCO site)

Blue Mosque

El Goli Park

How to Reach : Tabriz has International Airport which having both Domestic and International flights. By Road it is 630 km from Tehran which take 8 hours by bus to reach.

6. Kish Island : The Persian Gulf Paradise

Main Attractions :

White Beaches

Dolphin Park

Greek Shipwreck

Water Sports

How to Reach : Kish International Airport has both Domestic and International flights from Tehran, Shiraz and Dubai. By sea route Kish Island is well connected to Bandar Abbas and other Gulf Ports by using Ferries.

7. Kerman : Gateway to the Desert

Main Attractions :

Shahdad Desert

Ganjali Khan Complex

Rayen Citadel

How to Reach : Kerman Airport has Domestic flights from Tehran and Shiraz. By road it takes 10 hour to reach Kerman from Tehran by Bus.

8. Mashhad : The Spiritual Center

Main Attractions :

Imam Reza Shrine

Goharshad Mosque

Bazaar Reza

How to Reach : Mashhad has International Airport which is Iran's second busiest airport. It is well connected by railway and road route to Tehran which take a 10 to 12 hours by train or bus to reach Mashhad from Tehran.

9. Qeshm Island

Main Attractions :

Valley Of Stars

Salt Cave

Tandis Valley

Chahkooh Canyon

Natural Wonder

How to Reach : Qeshm Island has an International Airport with flights coming from cities like Dubai and Istambul as well as other major Iranian cities. Ferries are available from Bandar Abbas and other Gulf ports to Qeshm Island.

Best Time To Visit

March to May (Spring) : This is the time of Nowruz festival which is the start of Persian New Year. Tourist can experiencethe Iranian culture and tradition during the festival. It is spring season there at this time so entire country comes alive with blooming flowers and mild temperature. The city like Shiraz, Isfahan and Tehran are beautiful during the season.

September to November (Autumn) : During this season the weather is comfortable and crowd is fewer. In this season tourist can enjoy stunning landscapes specially in the mountains and desert. It is the Autumn season there in this time which is excellent for traveller to explore the Iran's reach history, architecture and natural beauty.

Main Festivals

1. Nowruz (Persian New Year)

Significance : This festival start 20 or 21 March every year. Nowruz festival marks the beginning of Persian New Year and the arrival of spring. This festival is celebrated around 2 weeks with family gathering together, offers special foods and rituals like cleaning home called as "Khaneh Tekani" and setting the Half Seen table. This is one of the most important festival celebrated in Iran.

2. Chaharshanbe Suri

Significance : This festival is celebrated at the last Wednesday before Nowruz. This festival is the symbol of purification and renewal in which fire jump take place. People leap over bonefires saying that "Give me your redness and take my paleness" to ward of misfortune.

3. Yalda Night (Shab-e Yalda)

Significance : This festival is celebrated at 21st December which is the longest night of the Year. This is one of the ancient Persian festival marking the victory of light over darkness. During this festival families gather together to eat pomegranates, watermelon, nuts and read poetry specially verses of Hafez.

4. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Significance : This festival is Islamic lunar month of Ramzan and every year date veries. During whole month of Ramadan Muslim fast from down to sunset. This festivals mark the ending of fasting with prayers, feasts and charity.

5. Ashura

Significance : This festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the Muharram according to the Islamic calendar. Shia Muslims across the country hold a mourning ceremony to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in Karbala, which includes large processions, prayers, and spirited plays.