If you are heading to Iran next and have already booked your flight to visit this mesmerizing country but need to figure out where to go, this article is for you.
It is no secret that Iran tourist attractions offer diversity and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to anyone who comes to this country. Yet, any first-time visitor will need help choosing specific tourist attractions.
Iran is a popular destination for many tourists who want to have unique experiences, having a combination of history, culture and natural beauty. Iran provides a wide range of activities, starting with lush forests in the northern areas to vibrant islands in the south, ancient Iran historical sites in the west and architectural wonders in the center. Iran is the land of adventure with the possibility of UNESCO World Heritage Site exploration, nature attraction hiking and immersive local traditions.
If you are wondering about the best place to visit in Iran, you will love what we have prepared for you below!
Things to do in Iran
Since packing all of these locations into one trip seems near impossible, the best approach is to categorize your plan according to your purpose of visit. Luckily, we have all of this explained for you next!
If you are an adrenaline junkie and enjoy being in the outdoors, a trip to some of the most beautiful mountains in Iran will do wonders for you. Besides Mt. Damavand, you can visit.
These mountains are famous for their high peaks and containing active volcanos in the old days. Beside Damavand, which is the highest mountain in Iran with a height of 5,609 meters, there is,
For anyone looking for a different experience in nature that includes caves, the following list is to die for!
- The Qaleh Kurd cave
- Dehsheikh cave
- Katale Khor Cave
- Chama Ice Cave
- Yakh Morad Cave
- Namakdan Salt Cave
- Daniel Cave
- Zingan Cave
- Parau Cave
- Amjak Cave
Now that we have reviewed some of the top places to visit in Iran, precisely the country’s nature, it is time to seal the deal with the names of Iran’s most beautiful waterfalls. Let’s soak in!
- Shalmash Falls
- Margoon Waterfall
- Bisheh Waterfall
- Kaboudwal waterfall
- Semirom Waterfall
- Asiabkharabe Waterfall
- Laton Barzav Waterfall
- Yakhi Waterfall
- Atashgah Waterfall
- Zarlimeh Waterfall
These lists can go on forever because Iran best places to visit are endless, but here’s a catch: if you are targeting only top tourist attractions in Iran, what’s a better way than starting with the country’s major cities?
If this is the answer you are looking for, the following category is for you!
Best Cities in Iran to Visit
Considering that Iran top tourist attractions are primarily located in its capital cities, one piece of advice we’d like to give to our visitors is this: choose the city, then decide which part of that city you want to visit.
To make it easier, start with the big cities and go down from there! But since we want to make your trip planning as effortless as possible, we listed the best Iran cities to visit below.
To avoid crowded buses and long waits, it’s highly recommended to rent a car in Iran, especially during national holidays and busy seasons.
Northern Iran Travel Highlights
The north of Iran is a green paradise at the point where the Caspian Sea ends and the ancient forests begin, and it provides some of the most beautiful natural attractions. This is an ideal destination for those who want to know where to travel in Iran as a destination. This is because it offers relaxation in the coastal region and fun adventures in the outdoors. Thus, It is an ideal Iran tourist destination for all nature buffs.
Caspian Sea Coast & Hyrcanian Forests
Stretching along the northern border of Iran is the Caspian Sea Coast, which is one of the most famous Iran tourist attractions that provides tranquil beaches and rich greenery. The Hyrcanian Forests are primeval forests, and one of the most remarkable Iran nature attractions, which are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the most popular activities in Iran is boating on the Caspian Sea, that has small waves and beautiful landscape, offering a peaceful retreat. To the tourists looking for adventure, hiking through the forest and seeing the rare flora and fauna including the Persian leopard offers them a great chance to explore the area and that is why it is among the best places to visit in Iran when it comes to ecotourism.
In such towns as Ramsar and Bandar-e Anzali, one can find beautiful hubs of Iran travel highlights, being complemented with the local seafood and colorful markets. This area is the pillar of the Iran tourist attractions whether it is kayaking or trekking.
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Best Places in Tehran
Almost every visitor’s trip to Iran starts with its capital city, Tehran, and what’s better than starting with your first landing place?
As one of the best cities to visit in Iran, Tehran is known for,
- Azadi Tower
- Milad Tower
- Treasury of National Jewels
- Tabiat Bridge
- Niavaran Palace Historical-Cultural Complex
- Golestan Palace
- Tajrish Traditional Bazaar
- Tehran Book Garden
- Saadabad Cultural and Historical Complex
- Chitgar Lake
Many of Tehran’s historical sites and museums retell the story of how the government ruled the country during the Shah’s reigns, and if you are a fan of history, you’re in for a treat!
Central Iran Tourist Destinations
Central Iran can be regarded as the heart of the country, having many important Iran historical sites. Isfahan is a city of magnificent architecture with vibrant bazaars. It is a city that should be visited by people who want the best things to do in Iran in a region that features the rich history of Persia.
Best Places in Isfahan
There is no denying that Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cities in Iran, and it is one location you wouldn’t want to miss on your visit to this country.
Alongside Si-o-Se Pol Bridge, Chehel Sotoon Palace, Aali Qapu Palace, and Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan is the land of
- Khajoo Bridge
- Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
- Hasht Behesht Palace
- Ali Qoli Aqa Historical Bath
- Manar Jonban
- Mollabashi Historical House
- Fire Temple of Isfahan
- Isfahan Birds Garden
- Flowers Garden
- Holy Bethlehem Church
- Chahar Bagh Theological School
- Mount Soffeh
- Jolfa Square
- Isfahan Aquarium
With Isfahan, you get the whole package, meaning you can glimpse the culture, history, and entertainment in one place!
Naqsh-e Jahan: Hasht Behesht Palace – A Hidden Gem
The Hasht Behesht Palace is a very beautiful palace situated in the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Iran. The small palace is also known as the “Eight Paradises,” and it is decorated with elaborate frescoes, colorful tiles and stucco designs, which makes it one of the places to visit in Iran.
It has beautiful gardens, which are one of the characteristics of the Iran nature attractions, and has fountains and flower beds, which promote a calm atmosphere, ideal to take a photo or to relax.
The octagonal shape of the palace and the cool pavilions provide a quiet relief to the busy square where larger Iran historical sites are located, such as the Imam Mosque. A visit to Hasht Behesht is one of the best things to see in Iran to sense the beauty of the Persian design in a less crowded place that depicts the skillful art of Iranians.
Armenian Quarter & Churches of Isfahan
Jolfa district, the so-called Armenian Quarter in Isfahan, is a bustling Iranian tourist attraction that stands out due to its multicultural heritage of the country. Founded in the 17th century, Jolfa is the place of the Vank Cathedral, one of the most beautiful historical places in Iran, where the interior is decorated with colorful frescoes in Persian and Armenian styles. The connected museum contains artifacts, such as manuscripts and relics, which give a notion of a long-standing legacy of the Armenian community. This neighborhood is filled with cozy cafes, specialty stores and historical churches such as the Bethlehem Church, and is quite a unique area to visit in Iran.
Visiting Jolfa is one of the most rewarding activities in Iran as it provides a mixture of the East and the West that attracts tourists and highlights the Iran travel experiences due to the friendly hospitality and depth in culture.
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Best Places in Shiraz
If you are looking for a beautiful place in Iran, specifically a city filled with a love for literature and history, Shiraz is the one for you.
Shiraz is the city where you will witness the beauty of the past architecture and how much effort was put into creating captivating sights.
This city is known for,
- Tomb of Hafez
- Vakil Bazaar
- Shah Cheragh Holy Shrine
- Saadi Tomb
- Qavam House
- Vakil Mosque
- Vakil Historical Bath
- Zinat Al-Molk Historical House
- Quran Gate
- Arg Karim Khan Zand
- Jameh Atigh Mosque
- Khwaju Kermani Tomb
- Afif Abad Garden
- DShapouri House
- Delgosha Garden
As you walk through each of these sites, you will also enjoy the sight of unique plants and flowers beautifying their surroundings.
Best Places in Yazd
Yazd is known for its unique architecture, which feels like a trip back in time. Many historical sites in this city have been remarkably well-preserved to this day, making their sight pleasing to the eye.
Among Yazd’s most favorite places, there is,
- Amir Chaghmagh Complex
- Dowlat Abad Garden
- Zoroastrian Fire Temple of Yazd
- Yazd Water Museum, kolahdoozha home
- Zoroastrians History and Culture Museum
- Saryazd Castle
- House Of Sigari
- Pahlavanpur Garden
- Shah Abbasi Caravanserai
- Zein-o-din Caravanserai
Among the places above, Zein-odin Caravanserai is one of many locations that is not only open to visitors but also allows you to book a room during your stay. If you’re looking for a traditional experience, this city is what you need.
Best Places in Hamedan
Formerly known as Hegmataneh, Hamedan was once Iran’s capital, and today, it is a reminder of that past.
If you come across this city on your visit to Iran, make sure to include,
- Ganjnameh Ancient Inscriptions
- Cultural Heritage and Tourism Base of Hegmataneh
- Tomb of Esther and Mordekhai
- Alaviyan Dome
- Hamadan Ganjnameh Waterfall
- Nushijan Hill
- Saint Stepanos Monastery
- Stephen Gregory Church
- Angeli Church
- Imam Khomeini Square
The final location on this list is where old churches—or what is left of them—have been turned into shops. During the night, you can enjoy the place coming into life as it gets crowded with people of all ages.
Best Places in Mashhad
Mashhad is the city where religious beliefs come to life as people from around the globe gather to visit Imam Reza Holy Shrine.
In this city, you can witness people performing religious rituals and paying their respects through offerings. Yet, Mashhad goes beyond that for people who seek more than one attraction.
By going to this city, you can visit,
- Saint Mesrop Armenian Church
- Daroogheh Historical House
- Goharshad Mosque
- Koohsangi Park
- Tomb of Nader Shah
- KhajeMellat Amusement Park
- Aba Salt Shrine
- Tomb of Ferdowsi
For a more immersive experience, visit the Chalidarreh Tourist Complex, Torghabe, and Shandiz.
Best Places in Kerman
Similar to Yazd, Kerman also pumps with history. And if you are adding this city to your visit list, here’s where you need to go,
- Ganjali Khan Mosque
- Jabaliyeh Dome
- Bam Citadel
- Shahzadeh Mahan Historical Garden
- Fat’h Abad Garden
- Zoroastrian Fire Temple
- Ganjali Khan Bathhouse
- Rageh Canyon
- Haj Mohammad Taghi Cistern
- Jame Mosque of Kerman
If there’s one thing you need to know about Kerman, it is also the motherland of the Lut Desert—the hottest location on Earth!
Best Places in Kashan
Another place to visit in Iran is Kashan. Located in Isfahan Province, this city is captivating and has rare sites.
In Kahshan, you will find,
- Fin Garden
- Noushabad Underground City
- Maranjaab Caravanserai
- Saraye Ameriha Hotel
- Mausoleum of Shah Abbas I
- Abbasian Historical House
- Borujerdi House
- Sialk Archeological Hills
- Tabatabaei Historical House
- Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse
With trusted Iran Tour Packages, you can visit top destinations like Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd without worrying about logistics.
If any of the locations on the previous lists don’t work for you and you’re looking for a more inclusive list, keep reading!
Southern Iran Nature Attractions
The Persian Gulf coast of Southern Iran will provide visitors with the best Iran tourist attractions, because it is a world of surreal landscapes and sun-drenched islands. This area is ideal for those travelers who want an adventure, a relaxing moment and a sense of the culture when they visit Iran tourist destinations that are otherworldly.
Qeshm Island & Geopark Wonders
Qeshm Island is easily one of the most outstanding Iran nature attractions. It is proudly part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, adding a layer of importance to the Island. One of the destinations in Iran that is worth visiting is the Valley of Stars, which is a place that creates surrealistic scenery because of the artistic rock formations that are shaped by wind and water.
The most popular thing to do in Iran is to go on a boat tour to see the playful dolphins in the turquoise waters, and the traditional market of the island, full of local crafts, spices and fresh seafood, providing a feel of the culture of southern Iran.
Visiting the mangrove forests and salt caves adds more value to Qeshm as a leading tourist attraction in Iran. Be it the geology of Qeshm, the rich culture of the locals or the exploration of the island, Qeshm is a pillar of Iran tourist destinations for lovers of nature and adventure. Looking for a coastal escape among Iran’s attractions? Discover everything about Kish Island before you go.
Hormuz Island – Vivid Rainbow Beaches
Hormuz Island, otherwise known as “Rainbow Island,” is another island that can also be considered one of the most spectacular natural destinations in Iran. Among the Iranian tourist attractions is its Rainbow Beach, which is painted in bright colors of red, gold and silver by mineral deposits.
There are also Iranian historical sites on the island, such as the Portuguese Castle, which was a fort built in the 16th century, overlooking the sea. The best thing to do in Hormuz is to go on a hiking or biking tour of the colored hills of the island or meet with local artisans who practice the art of using colorful local soil to create their beautiful art.
The combination of natural beauty, archaeology and creativity of Hormuz makes it an outstanding destination in Iran to explore and experience a distinctive experience in Iran tourist attractions.
Western Iran Historical Sites
Western Iran is a museum of old history and mountainous beauty where Iran nature attractions and Iran historical sites come hand in hand. It is the best place to be in case you are interested in real cultural experiences and archaeological marvels.
Kermanshah and Taq-e Bostan
Taq-e Bostan is one of the most important historical sites in Iran, located in Kermanshah, which is located in the middle of the Zagros Mountains. One of Iran’s tourist attractions is the Sassanid-era rock reliefs, which date back to the 3rd century CE and include scenes of royalty.
The natural spring, where the site is located, is very calm, making it one of the best places to visit in Iran. The local dishes, such as dandeh kebab, and the bazaars of Kermanshah complete the experience as one of the main Iran tourist attractions for history enthusiasts.
If this sounds like your kind of destination, make sure your Iran visa application is ready before planning your trip.
Kurdish Villages and Nature Trails
Kurdish villages of Western Iran, e.g., Palangan and Uraman, are the most authentic Iran tourist destinations. The villages are famous for their stone constructions and welcoming nature, and are the best places to experience the richness of Kurdish culture, which is one of the highlights of Iran travel.
The nearby nature trail, which goes through the oak woodland and the rocky mountains, is ideal for hiking. Visiting these villages is one of the best things to do in Iran. This is thanks to its setting being suitable for anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in culture and go on an exciting outdoor adventure.
Tourist Destinations of Adventure & Ecotourism in Iran
Iran tourist attractions go as far as its adventure and ecotourism offerings and the Alborz and Zagros mountains offer world-class mountaineering. Mountains such as Mount Damavand are some of the best tourist destinations in Iran for climbers. Some ski resorts, such as Dizin and Tochal, are some of Iran’s natural attractions that powdery slopes attract winter sports lovers.
Other things to do in Iran, which show the ecotourism potential of the country, are desert camping in the Dasht-e Kavir and birdwatching in the Anzali Lagoon. These experiences are made much easier through local guides, whose tips make Iran travel highlights more open and eye-opening.
Cultural Attractions in Iran
There are numerous places in Iran to visit, but if your schedule is tight and you want to make the most of your trip, here are the top tourist attractions of Iran,
- Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
- Persepolis
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square
- Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
- ChoghaZanbil Ziggurat
- Vank Cathedral
- Eram Garden
- Chehel Sotoon Palace
- Si-o-Se Pol Bridge
- Aali Qapu Palace
These locations, spread across some of Iran’s major cities, epitomize the country’s profound history. However, a sole location does not define Iran’s beauty, and whether you are seeking comfort in nature or it is a wild ride in the desert, Iran has all of this and more!
Before taking a trip to Iran, you might have to tinker with your list, but if you have no time limit on your schedule, who says you can’t visit all of these sites?
Top places to visit in Iran
Since we discovered most of Iran’s famous sites, it is time to look at some of the best places in Iran that involve something more than history and culture.
If you are up for a hike in nature or getting on a boat to row through some of the best places to visit in Iran, remember to include the following locations in your list,
- Ali-Sadr Cave
- Lut Desert
- Maharloo Lake
- Chahkooh Canyon
- Tochal
- Badab Surt Springs
- Miankaleh Peninsula
- Mount Damavand
- Masal Village
- Qeshm Island
In Iran, you can experience everything from extreme heat to freezing cold, clashing sea waves to soaring dunes. The choices are endless. All you have to do is take a leap of faith and book your ticket!
