Hey everyone!I hope you had an amazing day! ❤️
Today, I was thinking about what I could share with all of you about Iran. So, I decided to talk about some of the cities here that hold both historical and touristic significance. I’ve picked 10 well-known cities and included some pros and cons for each of them, just to give you a better idea of what to expect if you ever decide to visit.
Image Source | Iran - Isfahan
I have to say, this isn’t all of Iran. If I wanted to cover every part, this article would be way longer. But this should give a good idea for anyone who doesn’t know much about life in Iran, its history, and its culture. also, many of these cities will have different views in different seasons.
1. Tehran
https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/6124643cc9e624849c7a44bd/16:9/w_1920,c_limit/LICENSE_Mehrdad-Mzadeh-Tehran_(c)-Getty-Images_CNT-UK_Sophie-Knight.jpg
Image Source | Iran - Tehran
Tehran is the big and busy capital of Iran. It is a mix of modern life and old history. There are many museums, beautiful palaces, and traditional bazaars to visit. You can see how kings lived in places like Golestan Palace or explore the past in the National Museum. If you like nature, there are mountains very close to the city, like Tochal, where people go for hiking and skiing. Tehran is also full of cafés, parks, and big shopping malls. It is a great city to see both the old and new face of Iran!
Pros:
Good City services with an extensive metro system, making it easy to reach different parts of the city.
Historical places with palaces and museums like Golestan Palace
Lively mix of modern and traditional culture
Great for shopping, with bazaars and malls, Many cafés and parks for relaxation
Beautiful nature spots nearby, like Tochal or Darakeh for hiking and skiing
Cons:
Heavy traffic and air pollution
Can feel overwhelming due to its size and crowds
Golestan Palace:
Darakeh Valley:
2. Isfahan
Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cities in Iran. People say, "Isfahan is half the world," because it has so many amazing places! The most famous spot is Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a huge and beautiful place with old mosques, a palace, and a bazaar around it. The Shah Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque have colorful tiles that look like a dream. Isfahan also has old bridges like Si-o-se Pol and Khaju Bridge, where people sit, talk, and sometimes sing under the arches. Walking in Isfahan feels like traveling to the past!
Pros:
The city’s gorgeous bridges, squares, and palaces make it a photographer’s paradise.
Cons:
It can get very hot in the summer, making it uncomfortable to explore outdoors.
The city services are not as advanced as those in other major Iranian cities.
A Video of beautiful places of Isfahan such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Si-o-se Pol, and more.
3. Shiraz
Shiraz is a city full of poetry, flowers, and history. It is the city of Hafez and Saadi, two famous Persian poets. People visit their tombs to read poetry and relax in the peaceful gardens. Shiraz is also home to Persepolis, the great ancient city of the Persian Empire—its huge stone pillars and carvings still tell the stories of old kings. Another beautiful place is Eram Garden, a perfect spot with tall trees, colorful flowers, and a small palace in the middle. Walking in Shiraz feels like a dream of old Persia!
Pros: The poetic vibe and beautiful gardens like Eram Garden and rich history (Persepolis/Pasargade) are a highlight.
Cons: Summers can be incredibly hot, and some of the historical sites are a bit far from the city center.
The city services in Shiraz are not as advanced as those in other major Iranian cities.
Tomb of Hafez
Ancient Persia: Persepolis, Pasargadae and Naqsh-e Rustam
4. Yazd
Yazd is a special city in the desert, with old mudbrick houses that make it look like a movie scene from ancient times. The city is famous for its windcatchers (badgirs), which are like natural air conditioners that keep houses cool. Yazd is also an important place for Zoroastrians, one of the world’s oldest religions. You can visit the Fire Temple, where a fire has been burning for more than 1,500 years! The Amir Chakhmaq Complex is another beautiful place, especially at night when the lights make it shine. Yazd is peaceful, warm, and full of history!
Pros: The historical desert charm and peaceful atmosphere are unforgettable.
Cons: Being a desert city, the heat can be harsh, especially in the summer.
Yazd's Windcatchers:
Zoroastrians Temple:
5. Tabriz
Tabriz is a city with a deep history and a strong Azeri culture. It was an important city on the Silk Road, where traders from all over the world came to buy and sell goods. The Grand Bazaar of Tabriz is one of the oldest and biggest covered bazaars in the world—walking inside feels like going back in time! Not far from Tabriz, there is Kandovan village, a magical place where people live inside stone houses carved into the mountains, like a real-life fairy tale. Tabriz is also famous for its delicious food, like Kufteh Tabrizi (a giant meatball). It's a city full of history, culture, and great food!
Pros: The bazaar is one of the oldest in the world, and Kandovan village is fascinating.
Cons: Winters can be very cold, and the city can feel a bit industrial compared to other cities.
Historical Bazar of Tabriz
Kandovan Village:
6. Kashan
Kashan is a small but very beautiful city, perfect for history and nature lovers. It is famous for its traditional Persian houses, like Tabatabaei House and Borujerdi House, which have amazing carvings, stained glass windows, and peaceful courtyards. Another must-visit place is Fin Garden, a beautiful Persian garden with tall trees, blue pools. If you love adventure, the Maranjab Desert is nearby, with golden sand dunes and an old caravanserai where travelers once rested. Kashan is like a hidden treasure in Iran!
Pros: The city has a more relaxed pace, with plenty of history and beauty to explore.
Cons: It’s quite small, so if you’re looking for a bustling city experience, it might feel too quiet.
Tabatabaei House
Maranjab Desert
7. Kerman
Kerman is such a great city, full of history and adventure, especially if you're into deserts! It's known as the gateway to the Lut Desert, one of the hottest places on Earth, with crazy salt flats and stunning desert views. If you’ve seen deserts like Death Valley in the U.S., you’ll notice some similarities—the Lut Desert has vast, dry landscapes, unique rock formations, and extreme heat, just like parts of California and Nevada. One of the coolest spots to check out is the Bam Citadel—this ancient mudbrick fortress has been around for thousands of years. Even though it was damaged by an earthquake, it's still super impressive. Kerman also has these amazing old caravanserais, inns where travelers used to rest along the Silk Road. The city has the perfect mix of desert vibes, rich history, and local culture!
Image Source | Iran - Lut Desert
Pros: The city has a unique desert vibe, and the Bam Citadel is a must-see.
Cons: The heat in the desert areas can be intense, and some sites are a bit far from the city center.
Lut Desert:
The Bam Citadel:
8. Mashhad
Mashhad is widely known as a holy city for Shia Muslims, mainly because of the magnificent Imam Reza Shrine, where millions of people come to pay their respects. The shrine is huge, with stunning golden tiles and intricate designs that create a unique atmosphere. As someone who isn’t religious, I can still appreciate the rich history and impressive architecture. Beyond its religious significance, Mashhad also offers natural attractions and places where locals go to relax. You can visit the Torghabeh Valley or Shandiz Valley, both of which are great spots for picnics, hiking, and enjoying nature. Additionally, Mashhad is home to some beautiful parks like Vakilabad Park and Park Mellat, where people go to unwind and enjoy some greenery. The city has a peaceful vibe, and the food is amazing, making it a great destination for both spiritual and leisurely experiences.
Pros:
Efficient city services and a reliable metro system, providing good access to key areas.
Beautiful natural spots like Torghabeh and Shandiz Valleys
Stunning Imam Reza Shrine with breathtaking architecture
Relaxing parks and green spaces, Delicious local food
Cons:
Crowded, especially during religious events
Some areas may feel too focused on pilgrimage for non-religious visitors
Imam Reza Shrine
Mellat Park
9. Rasht
Rasht is the lively capital of Gilan province, known for its tasty local food like Mirza Ghasemi and Fesenjan. It’s a city full of local culture, with charming streets and markets. For history lovers, the Rasht Museum and Gilan Rural Heritage Museum showcase the area’s past. Not far from Rasht, you can visit Masuleh, a unique mountain village where houses are built on the mountainside, and Rudkhan Castle, an ancient fort on a hill surrounded by lush forest, offering great hikes and scenic views.
Pros:
Located near the Caspian Sea, Rasht enjoys a mild, European-like climate.
Rich in culture, history, and delicious local cuisine.
Close to beautiful nature spots and historical places like Masuleh and Rudkhan Castle.
Cons:
Rainy and humid weather can be off-putting for some, Less touristy compared to other major cities in Iran.
Rasht:
Masuleh:
10. Ahvaz & Shushtar
Ahvaz and Shushtar are great spots for history lovers. Shushtar is home to the incredible Shushtar Hydraulic System, an ancient engineering marvel built by the Persians over 2,000 years ago to manage water in the region. It’s still standing strong today and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, you’ll also find the ancient ruins of Susa, one of the oldest cities in the world with a rich history from the Elamite and Persian empires. These places are perfect for anyone interested in ancient history and Persian ingenuity!
Pros: The Shushtar Hydraulic System is a UNESCO site and offers a glimpse into ancient Persian engineering.
Cons: The hot climate and air pollution can be uncomfortable for some, especially in the summer months.
Shushtar Hydraulic System
Ruins of Susa
If you're into nature tourism, places like Ramsar, Chalus, Masal, and Kandovan are must-visit. Also, the Persian Gulf islands like Kish and Qeshm are great for beaches and unique landscapes!
The weather in northern Iran is similar to that of Europe, with cooler temperatures and lush landscapes, while in the south, it's more like a place such as Dubai, with hot, dry, and desert-like conditions.
This video gives you a complete overview of Iran, from the north to the south, so you can experience the entire diversity of the country in just one video.
Thanks for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed it.
Peace & Love