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16 Beautiful Cities in Iran You Should Explore on Your Trip

Stunning Cities in Iran You Should Explore on Your Trip

Planning a trip to Iran? Discover 16 of the most beautiful cities in Iran across the country, each offering a unique glimpse into Iran’s rich culture, history, and architecture. From the ancient city of Isfahan to the desert landscapes of Yazd, these destinations showcase the best of what Iran has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to the historical wonders of Shiraz or the vibrant markets of Tehran, these cities are must-see stops for any traveler. Get ready to explore Iran’s most iconic cities and create unforgettable experiences along the way.

1. Isfahan: Travel to Half of the World

Isfahan City (Naqsh e Jahan Square)
Isfahan, Iran

The name of Isfahan appears in the list of the main and most popular tourist cities of Iran. Watching the historical and scenic attractions of Isfahan, each a memento from different historical periods, is astonishing. Traveling to Isfahan in any season has its own attractions, but one cannot overlook the beauty of this city in autumn. The cool and gentle weather, strolling in streets filled with trees adorned with yellow and orange leaves, and the movement of happy tourists have turned autumn into the best season to travel to beautiful Isfahan.

Since Isfahan was the capital during the Safavid era, you will visit magnificent historical buildings and palaces and many lush gardens among Isfahan’s attractions. If you plan to spend your holidays in the historical and amazing city of Isfahan, do not forget to include Isfahan Bazaar, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Si-o-Se Pol (33 Bridge), Khaju Bridge, Isfahan Fire Temple, and Vank Cathedral in your sightseeing list.

How to Get to Isfahan?

Various ways exist to go to Isfahan, such as traveling by personal car, bus, airplane, and train, which you can choose according to your budget, mood, and conditions. But if you’re looking for comfort and experiencing a worry-free trip with excellent facilities, you can proceed to book a SURFIRAN Isfahan tour. The good news is that due to the significant reception of tourists, many recreational tours are held to this unique tourist destination.

SURFIRAN Tours

Where to Stay in Isfahan?

For booking a hotel in Isfahan, you have numerous options. From cheap and ordinary hotels and accommodations to luxurious and expensive ones, all are ready to host tourists. Also, in some of the historical buildings of Isfahan, traditional hotels and accommodations have been established, which give you the opportunity to experience a different and unique stay.

2. Shiraz: City of Love and Literature

Shiraz in Spring ()
Shiraz, Iran

Shiraz is considered the most beautiful city in Iran for travel, where you get acquainted with aspects of Iran’s history, culture, and literature. Traveling to Shiraz is attractive and pleasant in all seasons, but one cannot ignore the beauty of this city in spring with the scent of orange blossoms. Especially during the Nowruz holidays, Shiraz hosts many domestic and foreign tourists who have chosen the most beautiful city in Iran for fun and enjoyment.

For visiting Shiraz’s attractions, you can choose various options such as Shah Cheragh Shrine, Jahan Nama Garden, Vakil Mosque and Bazaar, Tombs of Hafez and Saadi, Narenjestan Ghavam, Afif-Abad Garden, Persepolis, Pasargadae, and more. Everything you will experience in the city of poetry and literature will be accompanied by wonder and good memories.

How to Get to Shiraz?

For traveling to the beautiful and spectacular city of Shiraz, you can consider accompanying tourist tours. The SURFIRAN Shiraz tour is held with excellent facilities and services so that those looking for a safe and comfortable trip can experience the best journey of their lives. Of course, it should be noted that from anywhere in the country, you can travel to Shiraz by personal car or public intercity transportation.

Where to Stay in Shiraz?

Book Shiraz Hotels

Book Shiraz Hotels

To book the best hotel in Shiraz, you need a little time and patience because you will encounter numerous and diverse options. To experience a pleasant and lovable stay in the most beautiful and historical city of Iran, first specify your priorities and then look for an ideal hotel.

3. Tabriz: City of Kindness and Affection

Best Time to Visit Tabriz, Iran
Tabriz, Iran

Tabriz, with a history of over 5,000 years, is considered the most beautiful city in Iran for travel. Traveling to Tabriz means traveling to the cultural and scientific hub and the carpet capital of Iran, which also holds amazing natural attractions. Interestingly, the Tabriz Traditional Bazaar is registered as the world’s largest roofed bazaar in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Tabriz’s attractions are as diverse and colorful as the patterns and weaves of its carpets. Visiting Arg of Tabriz, Blue Mosque, Qajar Museum, Saint Stepanos Monastery, Tabriz Bazaar, Pottery House, Asiab Kharabe Waterfall, and more will bring you a happy and memorable trip.

If you intend to spend your holidays in Tabriz, it’s better to dismiss the idea of traveling in the winter and autumn because the city is very cold and rainy in these seasons. Tabriz offers the best and most attractive hospitality to its guests in the last months of spring and during the summer season.

How to Get to Tabriz?

Since traveling to Tabriz is met with great attention and reception, you can choose any method such as traveling with a SURFIRAN Tabriz tour, personal car, bus, airplane, or train, according to what you prefer.

Where to Stay in Tabriz?

Staying in Tabriz includes booking from ordinary to luxury hotels and various suite apartments. To choose a hotel in Tabriz, you should first check your budget, the number of people, and your priorities, and then experience a pleasant and ideal stay according to your desired conditions.

4. Qeshm Island: Land of Wonders and Natural Marvels

Best Activities in Qeshm Island ()
Qeshm Island, Iran

Qeshm Island is the most beautiful city in Iran, housing astonishing natural phenomena. Everything you will experience when traveling to Qeshm will be special and mysterious. Harra Forests, watching migratory birds, visiting Star Valley and Namakdan Cave are among the most attractive Qeshm attractions.

By traveling to this dreamy and beautiful island in spring, the second half of September, and late November, in addition to enjoying gentle and pleasant weather, you can participate in events and festivals such as the Shrimp Festival, Palm and Date Festival, and Nowruz Sayad Festival.

The history of the spectacular island of Qeshm dates back to the Sassanid era, and the people of this region speak with a Bandari accent. Alongside Qeshm’s tourist attractions, dedicate some time to walking on its rocky and sandy beaches and enjoy the magnificent views of the Persian Gulf.

How to Get to Qeshm?

Traveling to Qeshm by personal car is a bit difficult and long. Therefore, most tourists travel to this beautiful and tourist area by accompanying a SURFIRAN Qeshm tour. Generally, air travel is considered the most convenient, fastest, and hassle-free option for going to the beautiful island of Qeshm.

Where to Stay in Qeshm?

For booking a hotel in Qeshm, there are many options ranging from expensive to economical, and depending on the purpose of your trip and the budget you have in mind, you can experience a suitable stay. One of the most attractive and special accommodation options on Qeshm Island is eco-lodges, which have a special atmosphere consistent with the texture of this region.

5. Rasht: Land of Forests and Wetlands

Rasht Travel Guide
Rasht, Iran

Rasht is considered the most beautiful and lush city in Iran, showcasing spectacular views before your eyes. The moderate climate, seasonal rains, dense and green forests, numerous wetlands and waterfalls have made traveling to Rasht full of attractions and wonders. This green area of the north, alongside its breathtaking nature, also offers the opportunity to visit Mirza Kuchak Khan Museum to get acquainted with aspects of Iran’s rich history and culture.

To see Rasht’s attractions such as Mohtasham Garden, untouched forests, Einak Lagoon, and Abrishami House, it’s better to choose the autumn season because Rasht’s beauty doubles in this season.

How to Get to Rasht?

Going to Rasht is possible by any method. Whether you want to go to Rasht by personal car or intercity transportation like a bus, in any case, you are going to have a memorable and happy trip. But if you’re looking to experience an exciting and carefree trip, we recommend booking a SURFIRAN Rasht tour. Accompanying cheerful and lively companions and receiving excellent services from tour operators will give you unforgettable moments.

Where to Stay in Rasht?

For booking a hotel in Rasht, you can choose from a long list of various hotels, eco-lodges, suite apartments, and luxury villas.

6. Kish Island: Pearl of the Persian Gulf

Best Time to Visit Kish Island, Persian Gulf, Iran
Kish Island, Iran

Kish Island is considered the most beautiful city in Iran from a tourism perspective, hosting many tourists every year. Traveling to Kish and strolling on coral beaches, visiting luxury shopping centers, and enjoying its recreational attractions will give you joyful and pleasant moments. For traveling to the most beautiful island in Iran, it’s better to plan between early December to the end of April to enjoy pleasant and gentle weather. It should be noted that Kish has hot and humid summers that are somewhat difficult and exhausting to endure.

Engaging in beach activities and water sports, participating in festivals and concerts, night entertainment shows, nighttime cruises, diving, visiting the Dolphin Park, and other Kish attractions are accompanied by exciting and enjoyable experiences.

How to Get to Kish?

Most tourists travel to Kish by air since going to this island by personal car is very difficult and time-consuming. In the meantime, traveling with a SURFIRAN Kish tour is very popular and common due to its many advantages, which is considered the most common method of traveling to Kish.

Where to Stay in Kish?

The best option for staying on this beautiful and spectacular island is booking a hotel in Kish. It’s possible to book suite apartments and other accommodations as well, but given the excellent facilities and city tours of Kish hotels, it’s better to stay in a suitable and ideal hotel.

7. Ramsar: Paradise of Mazandaran

Ramsar, Mazandaran Province, Iran
Ramsar, Iran

It’s impossible to introduce the most beautiful city in Iran without mentioning the attractions and wonders of Ramsar. This lush and spectacular city hosts many foreign and domestic tourists throughout the year and provides various recreational and tourism facilities to its guests. By traveling to Ramsar, you can enjoy watching any kind of natural attraction and spend calm and pleasant days.

Since this city from Mazandaran province is close to the sea and forest, you will have the opportunity for forest hiking and beach strolling. Ramsar’s attractions are beautiful and spectacular throughout the year, but its spring and autumn have a different charm. Summers in this area are hot and humid, and winters are mild and rainy.

How to Get to Ramsar?

Ramsar’s geographical location is such that you can travel to it by any method you like. Among these, traveling with a SURFIRAN Ramsar tour is very popular and attractive due to its benefits and attractions.

Where to Stay in Ramsar?

Choosing a hotel in Ramsar is very important for experiencing a memorable stay. Some hotels offer excellent facilities and spectacular views of nature to their guests, while others host tourists with ordinary facilities and affordable prices.

8. Tehran: Historical Capital of Iran

Tehran City, Iran ()
Tehran, Iran

If you are among those who, in response to the question of what is the most beautiful city in Iran, only think of some northern cities, you need to get acquainted with the tourist attractions of Tehran. Tehran’s history dates back to the Neolithic period; therefore, it’s not surprising to encounter numerous historical places and buildings in this area of the country.

You can witness parts of the attractions of the capital of Iran in all seasons of the year, but the best time to travel to Tehran is during the Nowruz holidays. Determining the best Tehran attractions depends on your taste and mood because whatever you imagine in terms of entertainment and fun can be found in this historical city.

National Museum of Iran, Sa’dabad Palace, Milad Tower, Niavaran Palace, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Golestan Palace are among the most popular and famous tourist attractions of the capital.

How to Get to Tehran?

All rail, air, and road lines exist in Tehran, and it’s possible to travel by train, airplane, bus, intercity taxi, and personal car. You can also consider booking a SURFIRAN Tehran tour to experience an attractive trip with fun city tours.

Where to Stay in Tehran?

In Tehran, from the most luxurious hotels in the country to cheap and ordinary accommodations are ready to host travelers. One of the most important factors to consider when booking a hotel in Tehran is the location and accessibility to your intended places.

9. Fuman: Heavenly Land

Fuman, Iran
Fuman, Iran (photo by Wikipedia)

The name of Fuman appears in the list of the most beautiful cities in Iran for travel because it houses unparalleled natural attractions. By traveling to Fuman, you will witness charming views of nature’s allure that are showcased everywhere. The tourism and natural areas of Fuman are so diverse and unique that it has ranked third among the tourist attractions of Gilan province.

Lar Cheshmeh Waterfall, Masuleh Village, Rudkhan Castle, Zudel Highland, and many other Fuman attractions await tourists who love nature and watching its landscapes.

How to Get to Fuman?

To go to Fuman, you can choose among various options, but you should not overlook the attractions and benefits of the SURFIRAN Fuman tour. If you want to spend an exciting and carefree trip, prioritize booking Fuman tourist tours.

Where to Stay in Fuman?

To stay in the beautiful and spectacular city of Fuman, you need to choose from a long list of hotels in Fuman. In this way, you can experience accommodation that suits your taste, budget, and priorities.

10. Yazd: City of Windcatchers

Yazd Old City, Iran
Yazd Old City, Iran

One of the most beautiful cities in Iran for travel, known as the first mud-brick city in the world, is Yazd. The city of Yazd, with its historical alleys, houses with tall windcatchers, and warm-hearted and friendly people, hosts tourists. Since the history of this city dates back to the Sassanid era, some of Yazd’s attractions like the Atashkadeh (Fire Temple) are remnants from that historical period.

Walking in alleys with traditional textures and desert trekking in beautiful nature are among the tourist attractions of Yazd. If you plan to travel to Yazd, you should schedule for the cool days of the year because this city has hot and scorching summers. Dolat Abad Garden, Lari House, Alexander’s Prison, Jameh Mosque, and Amir Chakhmaq Complex are the main places to see in Yazd.

How to Get to Yazd?

Traveling to the historical and spectacular city of Yazd is possible by any vehicle and method, but if you want to spend happy and carefree moments and benefit from attractive city tours and desert trekking programs, prioritize traveling with a SURFIRAN Yazd tour.

Where to Stay in Yazd?

Like any other tourist destination, there are many hotels and accommodations in Yazd. However, those tourists who love new experiences and want to have a different stay, look for options in booking a hotel in Yazd that have been established in historical houses and have a traditional atmosphere.

11. Kerman: Watching the Lut Desert’s Nature

Kerman City (Fath Abad Garden), Iran ()
Kerman, Iran

In introducing the most beautiful and spectacular cities in Iran, we should not overlook the attractions of the historical and desert city of Kerman. The long history of Kerman and its proximity to the Lut Desert have made this city the best option for those who love desert trekking.

Traveling to Kerman and visiting the ancient and historical monuments of this city comes with new and different experiences. Alongside visiting Kerman’s attractions, be sure to spend some time in the desert and enjoy walking on the soft sands of the desert and activities like off-road driving and camel riding.

Of course, you should consider scheduling your trip for the cool days of the year because Kerman has hot and exhausting summers.

How to Get to Kerman?

Traveling to the city of Kerman by personal car, bus, or other intercity transportation is possible, but it’s better not to miss the attractions of the SURFIRAN Kerman tour. Group visits to sightseeing places and group entertainment in the magnificent desert are the main programs of Kerman tours.

Where to Stay in Kerman?

In Kerman, to host tourists, many hotels and accommodations have been established. Besides booking a hotel in Kerman, you can spend a night in the traditional and native accommodations of this tourist city.

12. Mashhad: Spiritual Capital of Iran

Mashhad City (Imam Reza Shrine), Iran
Mashhad, Iran

As you can see, there are many options to answer the question of what is the most beautiful city in Iran. Among these, it’s time to introduce the city of Mashhad as the spiritual capital of the country, which houses many religious and tourist attractions.

Traveling to Mashhad for the pilgrimage of the holy shrine of Imam Reza and sightseeing in this city has been met with great reception among domestic and foreign tourists. Vakil Abad Park, Tomb of Ferdowsi, Green Spring Lake, Kuhsangi Complex, Botanical Garden, Tomb of Nader Shah Afshar, and Haft Hoz Natural Park are only part of Mashhad’s attractions that have many fans.

The best season to travel to this tourist city is the spring months, which come with mild and gentle weather and the greenery of nature. It should be noted that Mashhad is very cold and rainy in the autumn and winter seasons.

How to Get to Mashhad?

The existence of railway lines and an airport in Mashhad has made rail and air travel to this city easy. Also, other options such as the SURFIRAN Mashhad tour, traveling by personal car, or traveling by taxi and bus are available to tourists and pilgrims.

Where to Stay in Mashhad?

Booking a hotel in Mashhad with the numerous and endless accommodation options that exist is relatively easy; you just need to look in the list of hotels in this city for accommodation that best matches your budget and needs.

13. Ahvaz: City of Bridges

Image
Ahvaz, Iran

Ahvaz is among the most beautiful cities in Iran, famous for having numerous bridges. One of Iran’s most water-rich and famous rivers, the Karun River, passes through Ahvaz city. Traveling to Ahvaz is especially recommended for those who love nightlife and nighttime activities.

Since the climate of this city is hot and scorching throughout the year, it’s better to schedule your trip for the Nowruz holidays and generally early spring. For sightseeing in Ahvaz’s attractions, you can go to the Karun River at sunset, cross its beautiful bridge, and then go to the Lashkar Abad area to enjoy authentic Ahvazi falafel.

How to Get to Ahvaz?

Traveling to Ahvaz by personal car and road vehicles is a bit difficult and time-consuming because this city is located in the southernmost part of Iran. Traveling with a SURFIRAN Ahvaz tour, especially air tours, is the best option you can consider.

Where to Stay in Ahvaz?

Before traveling to the most beautiful and special city in Iran, it’s better to book a hotel in Ahvaz. This helps with your comfort and time management during your trip.

14. Kashan: City of Rose and Rosewater

Kashan, Iran
Kashan, Iran

In the list of Iran tours and traveling to the most beautiful city in Iran according to UNESCO, we should go to the city of rose and rosewater, Kashan. The city of Kashan is famous for having numerous historical houses with magnificent architecture.

To see the peak beauty of this city, it is recommended to consider May for traveling to Kashan so as not to miss the rosewater distillation season. Kashan is one of Iran’s tourist cities where in one part of it we witness desert climate and in another part, we see mountainous and green landscapes.

Kashan’s attractions indicate a 7,500-year history that tells many stories of the past to this day. The architecture of the streets, numerous historical houses, ancient monuments, and beautiful traditional alleys all host tourists who have traveled to this city for their holidays.

In your trip to Kashan, do not forget to visit Fin Garden and Bath, Boroujerdi House, Tabatabaei House, Agha Bozorg Mosque, Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, and Khan Amir al-Dowleh Caravanserai.

How to Get to Kashan?

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Traveling with a SURFIRAN Kashan tour, especially in the spring and the month of May, has been met with great reception. In this way, you can benefit from the advantages of traveling with tour operators and enjoy an attractive city tour program.

Where to Stay in Kashan?

For booking a hotel in Kashan, there are numerous options, but if you love new and unique experiences, do not miss staying in the luxurious boutique hotels of Kashan. These hotels have been established in historical houses and magnificent buildings of Kashan.

15. Kermanshah: Land of Bisotun

Taq-e Bostan, Kermanshah
Kermanshah, Iran

It’s impossible to talk about the most beautiful cities in Iran and overlook the land of Bisotun, which holds the memory of Farhad’s love. The city of Kermanshah is considered the most beautiful city in Iran in terms of nature, where you can also smell the scent of legendary loves.

Traveling to Kermanshah takes you into the heart of Iran’s authentic history, whose people have not forgotten their historical mission to this day. For visiting Kermanshah’s attractions, be sure to go to Azadi Square, see the tiled streets, then go to the Islamic Bazaar and enjoy the smell, color, and taste of the spices of this region.

Kuhestan Park, Tagh-e Bostan Mountain, and the nature of this city are attractive and memorable for tourists. Be careful not to miss tasting a portion of delicious and authentic Kermanshahi Dandeh Kebab.

How to Get to Kermanshah?

Traveling to the beautiful and spectacular city of Kermanshah by personal car is easy and accessible. But if you want to be comfortable and carefree during your trip, it’s better to proceed to book a SURFIRAN Kermanshah tour.

Where to Stay in Kermanshah?

In the historical city of Kermanshah, there are many hotels and accommodations to host tourists. Therefore, to book a hotel in Kermanshah, you should look at your conditions and priorities. It should be noted that some hotels in this city are located in historical buildings and caravanserais, offering you a different stay experience.

16. Chabahar: Iran’s Hidden Paradise

Bioluminescence Lighting in Darak beach Chabahar
Chabahar, Iran

At the end of the list of the most beautiful cities in Iran, it’s time to introduce Iran’s hidden paradise, the city of Chabahar. The astonishing nature of this area has made traveling to Chabahar mysterious and adventurous.

In this port city, especially in the spring season, which comes with a moderate and pleasant climate, we witness unique natural phenomena that can be seen in few places in the world. Chabahar’s attractions, whose peak beauty and grandeur you can see in the delightful spring season, include the phenomenon of Mud Volcanoes, Bahukalat River, Pink Lipar Lagoon, and a port that leads to the Indian Ocean and the Oman Sea.

How to Get to Chabahar?

The best way to go to the port of Chabahar is by air travel and accompanying tourist tours. The SURFIRAN Chabahar tour is held by professional and numerous travel agencies due to the high reception of tourists.

Where to Stay in Chabahar?

To stay in a hotel in Chabahar, you can choose among various options from luxury to ordinary hotels and eco-lodges.

Conclusion

In this article, we introduced the most beautiful cities in Iran and their tourist attractions. For spending your holidays, you can travel to different cities of the country, each hosting you with special features and unique natural and sightseeing attractions.

Every corner of the country, from north to south and from east to west, holds beauties and wonders that indicate the diversity in history, culture, art, and the spectacular nature of Iran. If you intend to spend your upcoming holidays in one of Iran’s tourist destinations, this article serves as an ideal guide for choosing your travel destination.

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SURFIRAN Editorial Team

SURFIRAN is an Iranian tour operator and travel agency offering tour packages to those interested in Iran. It provides the tourists with services needed to travel to Iran, offers tours across the country, and assists the tourists in obtaining Iranian visas.

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