Iran is a country where old civilizations speak in the form of 1,000-year-old ruins, where fresh valleys are surrounded by snow-white mountains, and where noisy bazaars are filled with the fragrance of saffron and rosewater. This huge country presents an array of rich history, cultural richness and natural beauty that is awe-inspiring to every traveler.
To experience its essence fully, one must choose the most appropriate destinations to have a complete tour experience. We will reveal the top 10 cities in Iran and the peculiar charm and attractions that must be seen in Iran. Read on further to learn about the top cities to visit in Iran and plan your memorable trip now.
Tehran – The Vibrant Capital
Tehran, the bustling capital of Iran, provides the ideal starting point for an adventure. On our 8 and 12-day tours, discover the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that exemplifies the riches of the Qajar dynasty, as well as the National Museum of Iran, which has artifacts dating back 5,000 years, during the first two days.
Ascend the Milad Tower for a bird’s-eye view or stroll around the Grand Bazaar. This vibrant city unites modernity with tradition, which is why it is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Iran for discovering urban life.
Kashan – Historic City and Traditional Gardens
Located along the way from Tehran to Kashan, the city captivates with its exquisite merchant houses and tranquil Persian gardens. The Fin Garden is another UNESCO World Heritage location which can be visited, with its historical significance, intricate pavilion and peaceful waterways.
Get mesmerized by the Tabatabaei House, a Qajar architecture masterpiece with fabulous stained-glass windows and mirror work. Besides, the rosewater distilleries of Kashan offer a sensory delight.
Thus, it is one of the best cities in Iran to visit for those seeking both architectural beauty and floral heritage.
Abyaneh – The Red Village
Abyaneh, which is situated on the slopes of Karkas Mountain, is an open-air museum representing the life of ancient Persians. The village’s unique red mud-brick houses, which are made of iron-rich earth, shine in the sunlight; thus, the name “The Red Village” has been given to it.
The people dressed in their traditional costumes maintain customs that have existed for hundreds of years; at the same time, the narrow streets lead to the ruins of Harpak Fire Temple. This ethnographic wonder is a must-see for cultural immersion and is ranked among the top 10 cities in Iran.
Isfahan – The Half-World City
There is a Persian saying that goes, “Isfahan is half the world,” and there is a good reason for that. You can be stunned by seeing Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which is not only one of the largest plazas in the world but also a wonderful UNESCO site.
Walk along the famous Si-o-se Pol bridge when the sun is going down, see the beautiful Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque with its peacock-domed interior and take a stroll in the vibrant bazaars.
Our services will offer a tour guide who is at your disposal and hotel bookings near the places of your visits, so that the exploration of this brilliant city, among the cities of Iran to visit, is seamless.
Shiraz – City of Roses and Poets
Shiraz , which is the heart of Persian poetry and ancient grandeur, is a beautiful city with its gardens and literary heritage. Go out and experience Eram Garden, a heavenly place of typical Persian cypress trees and water basins, and afterwards take a look at the tombs of Hafez and Saadi, where literary lines will stir your mind.
It’s also worth noting that Persepolis and the Tomb of Cyrus the Great are significant UNESCO sites that you need to visit. Wander among the ancient ruins and feel the greatness of ancient Persia.
The Vakil Bazaar is ready to offer you handicrafts and spices. On our 12-day journey, Shiraz is a city that poets have compared to a vivid dream and which has a lively spirit, making it one of the most beautiful cities of Iran.
Yazd – The Desert City
Yazd stands as a mirage of clay mastery, nestled in the center of the Dasht-e Kavir desert. Marvel at the windcatchers that are used for cooling the old houses, the magnificent Jameh Mosque whose tiles are skillfully crafted, and the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence that talk about the religion’s past.
Visit the areas where fabrics are woven in the traditional way and where Fire Temples are located. Yazd’s eco-friendly buildings and cultural richness put it among the top 10 cities in Iran. If you’re inspired by the Top 10 Tourist Cities in Iran, you can explore Iran’s rich culture more deeply through our Iran Cultural Tour in 8 Days and Iran Cultural Tour in 12 Days, offering unforgettable experiences across the country’s most iconic destinations.
Qom – Religious and Cultural Center
Qom is the religious center of Iran, and the golden-domed Hazrat Masoumeh Shrine, sister to Imam Reza, attracts pilgrims. Explore its theological seminaries, bustling bazaars full of religious items, and immerse yourself in Islamic culture. The city presents a rare combination of faith and culture, which has been added to the list of the best cities in Iran to visit for those interested in religious legacy. While exploring the top tourist cities in Iran, you may also want to read our detailed guide on iran travel cost per day budget to plan your trip more effectively.
Kerman – Historical and Natural Highlights
Kerman connects past and present as well as natural splendors with its beautiful Ganjali Khan Complex, which consists of a caravanserai, bathhouse and bazaar. Take a trip to the Shazdeh Garden, located in the desert, or visit the Arg-e Bam citadel (which has been reconstructed after the earthquake).
The beautiful pistachio orchards and the devastatingly hot Lut deserts that surround the city contribute to Kerman’s multifaceted character, positioning it as one of the top 10 cities in Iran.
Mashhad – Spiritual Hub
The shrine of Imam Reza, the largest mosque complex in the world, is regarded to be a major pilgrimage site. The beautiful mosaics and courtyards of the shrine are not only for religious purposes but also for tourists, where saffron and turquoise can be found in the nearby bazaars.
Visitors can engage in religious practices and taste local food. This holy city allows one to have a very deep spiritual experience, which is why it is still included in the list of cities in Iran to visit.
also read: Qeshm Island
Tabriz – North-Western Cultural Gateway
One of the most beautiful cities in Iran is Tabriz, which is also a UNESCO Creative City. Apart from that, it is home to the world’s largest covered bazaar, which is a maze of domes and caravanserais.
The Blue Mosque, with its sky-blue tiles, is very attractive and the Azerbaijan Museum is full of regional artifacts. Moreover, as a portal to the snow-capped mountains and sparkling lakes of northwest Iran, Tabriz is the perfect example of a culturally rich city.
Conclusion – Plan Your Iranian Adventure
The top 10 cities of Iran, from the modern vibe of Tehran to the historical bazaars of Tabriz, present a variety of experiences, such as the marvels of the past, gardens that inspired poets, the endurance of man against nature, and places for meditation and prayer. These top cities to visit in Iran are extraordinary places that let you change your perception of life in general.
Book our 8 or 12-day cultural tours from the Irun2Iran website now. Enjoy hassle-free travel with hotel reservations, English-speaking tour guides, rental cars and extensive travel assistance, all available to you!
