Iran may not seem like a typical tourist destination, due to the many political and economic problems the country is going through. 10 Breathtaking Tourist Places in Iran
Iran has gone through thousands of years of rising and falling civilizations – the Persians andParthians andThe Safavids - Before the modern nation. Their glory and wealth did something to instill pride and stability in this country.
This means that Iran is rushing headlong into the future while still clinging firmly to its glorious past.
Iran has some of the most beautiful cities to explore, each boasting its own architectural marvels and diverse and huge bazaars.
Let's explore 10 Breathtaking Tourist Destinations in Iran:
1. Isfahan
The glorious city of Isfahan, gilded with the wealth of Muslim kings, sultans and caliphs, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in all of Iran.
Its heart is dominated by the massive Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by terracotta-fronted mosques and magnificent Safavid palaces.
On the other hand, the bubbling fountains give way to tree-lined avenues, the legendary madrasas appear on the streets, and the arabesque markets are crowded with multi-coloured piles of spices and tasselled carpets from the East.
In short: Isfahan is an Iran you really have to see.
Isfahan
Isfahan Bazaar
2. Shiraz
Shiraz is a city steeped in heritage and culture.
Visitors will be able to discover the great tombs of these writers set among the palm- and flower-filled gardens of Afif Abad and Eram, along with the intricate arabesque interiors of the 1,000-year-old Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.
Surprisingly, the city also lends its name to a famous wine dynasty, though the vineyards of Fars Province have long since dried up.
Some of the world's oldest white legumes are believed to have been produced here nearly seven thousand years ago.
Aram Garden in Shiraz
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz
3. Tehran
One thing is for sure: Tehran is certainly not as picturesque as Shiraz or Isfahan.
Aside from the rugged wall of snow-capped Alborz Mountains that rise like a battalion on the northern edge of the city, the place is largely dominated by concrete and filled with smog-inducing traffic jams.
However, whether it is or not, this sprawling city is the center of politics and economics of the country.
Great monuments such as the Azadi Tower were raised here, while the glittering wonders of the National Jewel Treasury and the mummified princes of the National Museum of Iran are just some of the magnificent relics to be seen.
Add to that a host of chic cafes, coffee shops, bustling bazaars and the energy of young students, and Tehran really isn't that bad!
Read also: Best Capitals of Islamic Culture in the Middle East
Tehran from above
4. Design
Perched at an altitude of 3,000 meters in the snowy heights of the Alborz Mountains, where European mountains collide with Asian ranges, the small Dizin resort has established itself as one of Iran's top winter sports destinations.
With a range of good pistes ranging from moderate to challenging difficulty, and a selection of cables and lifts first installed in the 1960s.
Also, the high-altitude resort is one of the best places to wear skis and snowboards here.
There are also some alpine-style hotels, with great views of the massive cone of Mount Damavand in the distance.
Dizin, Iran
5. Tabriz
With a history of over 4,500 years, there is evidence to prove that Tabriz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the entire world.
This deep past now reveals itself in the layers of architectural majesty for which the place is famous.
In places like the massive Blue Mosque of 1465, which is decorated with shimmering ceramics in a deep cobalt blue.
Moreover, another must-see is the sprawling Tabriz Bazaar, which is known as one of the great trading hubs on the ancient Silk Road.
Tabriz
Tabriz Bazaar
6. Scene
Mashhad is considered a holy land for many Iranians.
It houses the revered tomb of the eighth Imam of Shia Islam: Ali al-Rida (or Imam Reza).
It is a very holy place, and is appropriately marked by the massive Imam Reza Shrine, which spans nearly 600,000 square metres in the centre of the city.
It is a glittering mass of gold-clad minarets extending more than 30 metres into the ski area and magnificent domes inlaid with precious metals.
Apart from this must-see place, Mashhad also has clean streets and curious sculpture art.
Not to mention some saffron-infused curries that are sure to give your taste buds a tingle!
10 Breathtaking Tourist Places in Iran
Mashhad city
Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad
7. Yazd
You can walk along the winding lanes to enjoy the beauty of the adobe houses in Yazd.
It is one of Breathtaking tourist places in Iran, Often overlooked as not touristy.
The city has its own charm. The old alleys that carry centuries of history have their own story to tell. The quiet city of Yazd invites everyone to explore its maze of alleys.
Read also: Top 10 Places in the Middle East
Yazd city
Amir Shakhmaq Complex in Yazd
8. Kashan
Kashan grows out of the deserts of northern Iran, halfway between Isfahan and the capital, Tehran.
It is an oasis city filled with flowering pockets of palm trees and green gardens fed by scattered irrigation channels.
The buildings are of adobe and brown, with the exception of – of course – the elegant palaces of the Tabatabai residence, the Amiri house and the domes of Aqabuzurg.
There is also a vibrant bazaar and beautiful views of the mountains on the horizon.
10 Breathtaking Tourist Places in Iran
Sultan Amir Ahmad Bath in Kashan
Agha Bozorg Mosque in Kashan
9. Qom city
Qom is one of the holiest cities in Iran.
It is filled with soaring minaret towers and the turquoise domes of totemic mosques.
One of the country's cultural and religious centers, it also contains some famous religious schools, and attracts huge crowds of pilgrims throughout the year.
Qom city
Qom city
10. Ahvaz
Ahvaz is known as the city of bridges, and it is one of the Breathtaking tourist places in Iran .
These bridges that made the city famous were built over the Karun River.
In addition, the city is rich in ethnic diversity and is known for its kind, warm-hearted and very hospitable people.
Moreover, the city experiences mild and short winters which are very beautiful and also the best time to visit Ahvaz.
Read also: The most magical natural wonders in the Middle East
Ahvaz city
Follow
RwayAlkwn
on