Experiences in Iran

Persepolis
Persepolis is easily on top of the list of places to visit in Iran. It’s probably the most famous attraction in Iran that’s known around the world. And it’s also the reason many come to Iran in the first place. Located around 60km from Shiraz, and dating back to 520 BC, Persepolis was once the glorious ceremonial capital of the Persian empire.

Persepolis was built and ruled by various Achaemenian kings during 150 years. But it’s most thriving period was at the time of Darius the Great. Although sacked and set on fire by Alexandre, you’d be surprised to see how well Persepolis has been preserved. Today you need a good 2 hours at least to discover the sight. We’d highly suggest getting there early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square
There’s a reason they call this place a pattern of the world. European travelers such as Chardin have praised Esfahan and Naqsh-e Jahan Square in all sorts of ways. When the Safavid court chose Esfahan as its capital in the 15th-16th century, Naqsh-e Jahan was planned to be the centerpiece. Surrounded by two mosques, a palace, and the bazaar, the second largest square in the world is home to the jewels of the Safavid empire. Go to the square on a summer evening and you’ll witness how it has become a popular picnic spot for local Esfahanis. Grab yourself a saffron ice cream and join the crowds.

Yazd old town
The old town of Yazd is surely the most famous place in Iran to go for a stroll. Give yourself a break from guide books and get lost in the finest adobe town of Iran. There are mud-brick buildings with stunning courtyards, cozy rooftop cafes, roofed alleyways, and ancient wooden doors to be discovered.

Golestan Palace in Tehran
Golestan palace in central Tehran is the best example of Qajar architecture in Iran. When the first Qajar king finally named Tehran as his capital in the 18th century, the construction of a residential palace took place. The architecture of Golestan palace was very much inspired by the travels of Qajar kings to Europe, specifically Naser-o-Din Shah. The Shams-Al Emarat palace was considered Iran’s tallest building at the time. Today the palace is a combination of different monuments and tickets are sold separately for each. The colorful tile work in the garden and the stunning mirror work of the Hall of mirrors are a top highlight.

Imam mosque of Esfahan
Shah Abbas I, gathered the finest architects and calligraphers to build this stunning royal mosque during his 25 years of reign. However, he never lived long enough to see it complete. The Imam Mosque of Esfahan is the finest example of Safavid architecture. The exquisite tile work of its entrance draw visitors inside and then I promise it’s hard to leave.

Jameh Mosque of Yazd
Located right in the heart of the oldtown of Yazd, the tall blue and turquoise minarets of the Jameh Mosque are almost visible from every rooftop. The Jameh Mosque of Yazd is home to the tallest minarets of all of the country and its tile work is one of the most famous in Iran.

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse
Bathhouses in Iran were not only a place for one to clean his/her body but very much a social gathering. Men and women would spend hours in separate bathhouses interacting with one another. Today many of these old bathhouses in Iran have been turned into museums or restaurants. While the Ganj Ali Khan bathhouse of Kerman is the most complete form of an Iranian bathhouse, we find the Sultan Amir Ahmaad bathhouse in Kashan to be the most beautiful. Make sure you head up to the roof for a great view of Kashan after your visit.

Necropolis or Naqsh-e Rostam, Shiraz
On your way to Persepolis, it’s a must to make a stop at Naqsh-e Rostam to see the Sassanid relief cuts and the huge tombs of 4 Achaemenian kings. Carved into the rock are 4 chambers that are believed to be the tombs of Darius I, Darius II, Xerxes I and Artaxerxes I.

Sheikh Lotfollah mosque, Esfahan
Located in Naqsh-e Jahan square and in front of Ali Qapoo palace is Sheikh Lotfollah mosque. This mosque was designed for the women of Shah Abbas’s Harem and was not accessible to the public. Today the interior of its double-shelled golden dome is one of the most photographed attractions of Iran. Interestingly, the mosque does not come with any minarets.

Nasir-ol Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque), Shiraz
This is the most intagrammable place in Iran without a doubt. Head over to the mosque early in the morning and you’ll witness the colorful morning light dancing on the Persian carpets. The mosque is well known for its striking pink dominant tile work, hence why it’s also called the Pink Mosque. Make sure you check out the fine example of Muqqarnas in the outer portal.

Tower of Silence, Yazd
Yazd is home to the biggest population of Zoroastrians in Iran and you’re ought to add at least one Zoroastrian attraction to your list of places to visit in Iran. Soil is considered sacred according to Zoroastrian beliefs. So it was not to be contaminated with dead bodies. Ancient Zoroastrians took dead bodies to mountain tops where they would be exposed to the sun and scavenging birds. Today the practice is forgotten but you can witness its location on the Tower of Silence in Yazd. The tower also gives a great view of the city.

Shazdeh Garden of Kerman
The true meaning of an oasis resembles in the Shazdeh garden of Kerman. Located right in the middle of a barren desert is this beautiful garden with fountains and flowing qanat water. Many locals come here for a picnic but the garden and its small Qajar palace are well worth a visit.

Khajoo Bridge, Esfahan
Among Esfahan’s top attractions are a few bridges. The Khajoo bridge built in about 1650 is the finest of them all. Apart from the gorgeous architecture, the bridge is a gathering point for many of the locals. It’s common to find old men singing underneath the bridge around sunset.Unfortunately, it’s been years since water has been flowing under the bridge all throughout the year. Due to the drought, a dam was built and the water of the river is collected for drinking. If you get lucky, you might see it flowing around springtime.

Tabatabai House, Kashan
Built around 1860, the historic house of Tabatabai is one of the most beautiful mansions in Kashan. This 5,000 square meters house well known for its stone reliefs, stucco designs, and stained window glasses.

1. Religious sites in Mashhad
Mashhad is the second-most populous city in Iran. Located in North-East Iran, Razavi Khorasan Province, it is also called the holy city of Iran. It was as the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2017. Due to its unique tourist attractions, each year, several million people visit Mashhad. The majority of visitors are religious travelers. It is the first and foremost home of Iran’s “pilgrimage tourism” city. Mashhad hosts the tomb and shrine to the eighth Shia Muslims, Imam Reza. He is buried in Razavi Khorasan, Mashhad, which every year millions of people visit his tomb in spiritual trip called Ziyarat which means visiting.

The Imam Reza Shrine is the largest mosque in the world by dimension and size. There are three religious sites in Mashhad: Imam Reza Holy Shrine, Goharshad Mosque, and Khaje Aba Salt Shrine. Goharshad Mosque is one of the famous mosques in Iran; it is a sample of Iranian art and traditional architecture. It was built by the wife of Shah Rukh of the Timurid dynasty. This mosque has eight yards one of them named “Maghsure lawn” is the most glorious yard. In the Maghsure lwan’s walls, there are great inscriptions which have been built by Goharshad’s Son. On the walls, you can see the structure date of the mosque. Khaje Aba salt Shrine, the third religious site in Mashhad, is the tomb of Abasalt Haravi, a disciple of Imam Reza. You could enter this shrine from four different doors to see the various decoration of the monument with seven-colored tiles.

2. Religious sites in Qom
Ghom (Qom), the capital of Qom Province, is the seventh most populous city in Iran inhabited by more than 1 million people. It is holy since it hosts the Holy Shrine of Masuma-e-Qom, Fatimah Bint Musa, the sister to the eighth Shia Muslims Imam, in Mashhad. Qom is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iran. The population has doubled since the revolution in Iran. Qom is also famous for its many prestigious Islamic schools for Shia Islam. Other sites in the city frequented by Pilgrims visits include Bait-un-Noor, where Masuma-e-Qom passed away and Ayatollah Marashi library which houses ancient Islamic Manuscripts and works. Chehel-E- Akhtataraan is another site in Qom where forty Imamzadas have been buried here. Another touristic site in Qom is Bibi Shakeesa Tomb, a lady who devoted herself to serve the holy Imam.

3. Religious sites in Shiraz
Shiraz, located in the southwest of Iran and Northwest of Kerman, is capital of Fars province. It is the fifth most populous city in Iran with about 2 million inhabitants. Shiraz is one of the most cultural and political cities in Iran. As a result, it is the home of religious sites. The top five most beautiful religious sites in Shiraz are Nasir ol-Molk Mosque, Atigh Jame Mosque, Imamzadeh-ye Ali Ebn-e Hamze, Shah-e Cheragh Mausoleum, and Armenian Church. Nasir ol-Molk Mosque is known as the Pink Mosque, which this color is a mixture of Stained-glass windows, colorful tiles, and carpeted floors. Atigh Jame Mosque is known as Friday Mosque, attracts many visitors each year. It has a large courtyard with a central cubic structure. Imamzadeh-ye Ali Ebn-e Hamze is the tomb of the Shah Cheragh’s nephew Emir Ali who also died here while helping Imam Reza. Shah-e Cheragh Mausoleum is the tomb of sons of Musa al-Kadhim (Ahmad and Muhammad). Shiraz has the most religious sites in Iran.

4. Religious sites in Yazd
Yazd is located in the middle of the country, 270km southeast of Esfahan. It is the fifteenth largest city in Iran with more than 1 million inhabitants. Yazd is also on the Silkroad. The top holy places for Zoroastrians are near Yazd, Ardakan (60 kilometers away from Yazd), and Mehriz. Hundreds of Zoroastrians from different parts of the world every year visit these holy places. Yazd is the birthplace for Zoroastrian religion and is known for its religious conservation.

The Nine most beautiful sights and landmarks in Yazd Province are Old Town, Jameh Mosque, Towers of Silence, Amir Chakhmagh, Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Hazireh Mosque, and Seyed Rokn Addin Mausoleum. The Old Town is known for yellow-brown mud-brick buildings which show the dryness of the city. The Jameh Mosque is the first built under the Al-e Bouyeh dynasty. The Jame Mosque is the sample of Islamic architecture with its blue-mosaic tile work. Towers of Silence is known for the dead bodies of Zoroastrians that were left in the towers. The Amir Chakhmagh is one of the largest “hosseiniehs” in Iran and is used in the commemorative ceremonies for Imam Hossein’s death. Zoroastrian Fire Temple is the first Zoroastrians temple which they made fire and performed their religious services in this temple. Another famous Mausoleum in Yazd which is notable for its dome, is Seyed Rokn Addin. It has the largest beautiful dome in Iran. The glorious blue-tiled dome of the tomb of Seyed Rokn Addin is visible from any elevated point in Yazd.

5. Religious sites in Isfahan
Isfahan, located in the center of Iran, 406 kilometers south of Tehran, is the third-most populous city in Iran after Tehran and Mashhad. It’s home to more than 2 million population, also a holy place in Iran. Its fame is mostly due to the Persian architecture, found in bridges, palaces, tiled mosques, minarets, and grand boulevards. It also has so many historic buildings, artifacts, and monuments. There are so many religious places in Isfahan which hundreds of people from different parts of the world visit them every year. Naqshe Jahan Square (Shah Square) known as Meidan Emam, is located in the center of Isfahan. It is also one of the famous historical sites in Iran. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of the architectural masterpieces of Iran which, built during the Safavid Empire. Shah Mosque stands in the eastern part of Naqsh-e Jahan Square which is located in the center of Isfahan. Jameh Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Isfahan, and it is also one of the grand and congregation mosques of Isfahan. Royal Mosque (Masjid-I-Shah) is also one of the masterpieces of Persian architecture. This mosque is on the south side of Naqsh- e Jahan Square. Atashgah – Zoroastrian Fire Temple is another religious site in Isfahan. It is located on a hill about eight kilometers west of the city center of Isfahan. Atashgah was inspired by the Zoroastrianism, which was the main religion of the two great dynasties of ancient Persia, the Achaemenids, and Sassanids. Hakim Mosque is another older mosque in Isfahan which it is named after Mohammad-Davud Khan Hakim.

6. Religious sites in Tehran
Tehran, the capital Iran, one of the largest and popular cities, is in north-central Iran. Tehran has an abundance of historical and religious places. The seven most beautiful sacred sites in Tehran are Imamzadeh Saleh, Mosalla Mosque Complex, Shah Abdul Azim Shrine, Zoroastrian Ateshkadeh, St Sarkis Cathedral, and Zurkhaneh-ye Ayatollah Taleghani. Imamzadeh Saleh is in northern Tajrish, sites of Imamzadeh Saleh, son of Musa al-khadhim, was someday the resting place of Saleh. Mosalla Mosque Complex is a place of striking manifestation of the Islamic Republic’s program. Shah Abdul Azim Shrine is in Shahr-e Rey, South of Tehran, and a critical political center before the rise of Tehran as Iran’s bustling capital. In Zoroastrian Ateshkadeh center they burned an eternal flame, which is never allowed to go out.

7. Religious sites ChakChak
Chak Chak is a small village in central Iran near, Kharanaq in Yazd. The village hosts sacred mountain shrines of Zoroastrianism, the oldest religions of monotheistic faith. Due to its importance and high value, there are special days in the year that they attend in this city. To Zoroastrians, this holy place is visited by pilgrims every 14th to 18th June. Zoroastrianism was the state religion of the Persian Empire 600 BCE to 650 BCE. In their belief, Nikbanou, last princess of pre-Islamic Persian Ruler Yazdegerd III, was chased by Arabs. Nikbanou prayed to Ahura Mazda (Mighty Lord) the Creator and Sole God of Zoroastrianism, to protect her from the invaders. The Lord answered and a miraculous mountain, now the shrine, appeared and covered her. Chak Chak means “drip drip,” which is tears that Nikbanou sheds inside the mountain upon losing her family and home. Chak Chak is sparsely populated, but tourists frequently visit it due to the holy sites and beauty of the temple.

Iran Deserts
Although Iran is one of the most mountainous countries, more than one-third of Iran’s area is covered with deserts. Lut Desert and the Dasht-e Kavir are two main deserts of Iran that mostly cover the central and eastern parts of the country. Huge sand dunes, polygon-shaped salt lakes, wonderful kalutes, and the starry night sky is the main characteristics of Iran Deserts.

Some people like to stay one or two nights in the heart of the desert and enjoy its relaxing and calming silence. If you don’t want to camp in the desert but looking for a place nearby, Matinabad Desert Eco-Camp, Bali Desert Hotel, Khorshid Ardehal Hotel, Koupa Carvanserai, Nargol House, Zein-o-Din Carvanserai, Ahmad Eco Camp, Negaar Varzaneh Traditional Guesthouse and Chapaker Guesthouse are some of the accommodations that you can choose.

Besides these beautiful and eye-catching attractions, you can also enjoy activities such as desert safari, which enables you to explore some of the most remote places in the desert. Never travel to deserts on your own, it is extremely dangerous. ATV motorcycle riding and jumping off the dunes, dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding are other fun things to do while taking a trip to the deserts.

You can do all the mentioned activities in Varzaneh Desert, Maranjab Desert, Mesr Desert, or other deserts on Iran. Don’t forget to visit the unique Shahdad Kaluts if you choose Kerman as your destination.

Kish Island
It is not exaggerating to say Kish has the most beautiful beaches in the world. The clean and clear blue waters, the lovely coral beaches, the fantastic horizon views, and the fascinating underwater creatures are some of the reasons why you should consider Kish Island as your next adventurous vacation destination.

You can try a lot of water sports activities in Kish. You can do scuba diving, (don’t worry, Kish coast does not have any sharks), jet ski, banana riding, parasailing, fly board, and shuttle. If you are lucky, you can see oysters, snails, sea anemone, and jellyfish. Just be careful with the delicate mosses and corals.

Kish has a wide range of hotels that you can choose between. If you are looking for a luxury hotel to stay in, visit our article on TOP 5 Luxury Hotels in Kish. If you wish to save your money and stay in a budget hotel take look at our TOP 5 CHEAPEST Hotels in Kish.

Tehran Ski Resorts
Skiing is another adventurous activity that you can try if you visit Iran, especially during winter. One of the destinations that ski lovers choose for skiing in Tehran is Dizin Ski Resort. Other people also go there during the summer holidays for other purposes like jogging and enjoying the cool weather. There are two international ski resorts in Iran; the first one is Dizin Ski Resort and the second one is Shemshak Ski Resort. Therefore, you can use the world-class standard equipment of the resort. Experience one memorable memory in these resorts!

Dizin Ski Resort welcomes professional winter sports athletes for a long time. It is the largest and most equipped ski resort in the Middle East and the first one in Iran. This resort is ready to provide services in both winter and summer. As a result, the many services of Dizin Ski Resort meets almost all your sportive needs on your checklist. Enjoy the time with all the equipment and create one of your unforgettable memories. The most professional Ski Resort of Tehran is located in an 80-kilometer ride from Chalous Road. The location is approximately somewhere between Tehran and Mazandaran Province. The only possible way to get to this resort is by car as there is no public transportation accessibility.

Shemshak is located in the northeastern part of Tehran and in proximity to Fasham or Meigun. The best way to get to this region is by car. There is no public transportation available and that makes its accessibility a bit hard. But if you hire a car or use a private taxi service, it is way too easy. The point that needs attention is that the time it takes to get to Shemshak in winter is rather long due to the traffic jam.

One of the other places that you can enjoy skiing is Tochal Complex. There are several entertaining activities everyone can enjoy. Each station of this complex has a lot to offer. It kindly welcomes joggers, bikers, climbers, and generally all people with different age ranges. There are also comfort facilities and various other services to make a much more unforgettable memory. In addition, the weather is really cool in spring and summer. Hence, it has a refreshing nature that reinvigorates your soul. The spectacular snow on this mountaintop in winter makes it a perfect place for winter sports.

The attractions nearby these ski resorts are Sa’ad Abad Complex, Niavaran Palace Complex, Time Museum, and Tajrish Traditional Bazaar.

Cycling
Are you the type of person who loves to spend a lovely evening cycling? Well, if your answer is yes, then you are welcome to visit Chitgar Forest Park. Chitgar Forest Park is an area of about 14.5 square kilometers and is located on the west side of the capital city, right next to Karaj-Tehran highway. As the park is equipped with ramps and various facilities, it is a really suitable place for those who enjoy sports such as skating, hiking, and especially cycling. The forest areas of the park (with pine, ash, cedar, … trees) are irrigated by Kan Creek and Vardavard River.

One of the main advantages of Chitgar Forest Park is its convenient cycling route. The route is five kilometers long and due to its steepness in some parts, it is better not to be used by children and amateurs. Not bringing any bicycle with you to Iran? Well, don’t worry about that. You can easily rent one inside the park.

Alimestan is the name of a village and also its surrounding forest near Amol in Mazandaran province. As the name indicates, this forest is the germination place of a plan named Alima. In summer, the beautiful nature of this village is a perfect destination for foreign tourists and also locals. If you are into cycling, Alimestan can be a good choice. Just remember, there is no rental bike there and you have to bring your bike with you.

The most highlighted Iranian Handicrafts
Among pile of Persian handicrafts through different parts of Iran, some of them are not just considered as a handicraft which belongs to a specific region; these ones have formed the whole concept of Iranian Handicrafts and are so reputable all around the world.

The below mentioned items are from the most highlighted Iranian Handicrafts which can be provided to you by Iran Negin Travel, by the greatest possible quality.

Hand woven carpet (Handmade Carpets)
Persian rugs also known as Iranian carpet is an important floor covering that is used here and in most places in the world. It is hand made here in Iran from high-quality wool and silk. The motifs used in Iranian rugs are derived from the cultures and lifestyle of its weavers from anywhere in Iran. It is often said that every Persian rug is a beautiful piece of Iranian culture and nature, and not just an item of house decor.

Although carpet weaving in Iran is a national art, it is not limited to a city or a specific place in the country. Some of the cities that are famous for making Iranian rugs are Tabriz, Kashan and Isfahan.

Khatam Kari (Marquetry)
The Persian marquetry (also known as Persian inlaid work) is another important Persian handicraft. Khatam is basically the art of decorating the surface of wooden objects in the form of mosaics with wooden, bone and metal geometric shapes.

From about 400 years ago, it has spread to various parts of Iran, especially in the cities of Shiraz and Isfahan. Delicate and meticulous marquetry has been produced since the period of Safavid dynasty rule in Iran.

The more smaller pieces, the more will be the value of Khatam marquetry.

Persian Miniatures
Miniature is a kind of painting which has a long history that dates back to the scribes of the medieval ages. It is a traditional Iranian style of painting that is very detailed. Except for Iran, it is seen in Japan, the Far East and China. In Iran, one of the most beautiful miniature designs are flowers and birds designs.

Persian enameling (Mina Kari)
Next is Persian enameling or Mina Kari, which dates back to over 5000 years of history. Mina Kari is basically an art of decorating metals with colored materials. Today, this art is mostly made on copper, but it can also be done on gold and silver. Isfahan is a major centers of Persian enameling.

Persian Pottery and Ceramics
Prominent archaeologist Roman Ghirshman said, “The taste and talent of these people, Persians, can be seen through the designs of their earthenware.”

Among thousands of archaeological sites and historical ruins of Iran, almost every one of them can be found to have been filled, at some point, with earthenware of exceptional quality. Thousands of unique vessels alone were found in Sialk and Jiroft sites. The occupation of the potter (kouzehgar) has a special respect in Persian literature.