The best things to do in Iran

Iran is stuffed with beautiful monuments, cultural treasures and natural wonders. One of the great ancient civilisations in the world, Iranian culture has over 5,000 years of history, and there’s so much to see over such a sizeable nation it can be hard to pin down what to prioritise. Be inspired by this roundup of some of what we think are the best things to do in Iran…

Admire Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan

Iran’s showcase public space is a harmonious ensemble of gardens, fountains, bazaars and elegant monumental facades. It is the second largest public square in the world, and the scale and balance of the space is breathtaking. Naqsh-e Jahan Square is one of the jewels in the Iranian crown, and on each of its four sides are a group of some of the most accomplished examples of Safavid architecture.

The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, which sits on the eastern side of the square, is widely accepted as one of the finest buildings in the world, and as an uncontested masterpiece of Persian Islamic architecture. The decorative detailing is sumptuous, the tile work exquisite and the proportions graceful.

On the western side of the square the Ali Qapu Palace has beautifully ornate interiors including banqueting halls and the famously decorative Music Room. The Southern flank of the square holds the Shah Mosque, another great example of Safavid styling with its gorgeous tones of blue and incredibly detailed representations of flowers, birds, geometric patterns and calligraphy.

Wander through Persepolis

The Achaemenid kings ordered the construction of the city of Persepolis around 500 years BC, and it took two centuries to complete. The ceremonial city today is largely ruined, but elements of the grandeur and beauty of the mighty city are still in evidence.

Fully excavated for the first time less than 100 years ago, the archaeological studies which have followed have revealed that the monumental nature of many of the structures was no accident, as the city was built for celebratory and military events rather than as a living city.

Nowruz – the Iranian new year festivities – would have taken place here, as well as ceremonies presided over by the king and his court. Funerary occasions were also marked at Persepolis, as the many tombs and sepulchres present around the city testify. Notable, identifiable structures were all built on a giant scale, such as the imposing terrace, where palaces once stood; the six metre wide stairways; the immense pillars of 13 metres in height; and the Gate of all Nations, with its five metre high winged bulls keeping guard over the city.

Journey to the Alborz mountains

Easily accessed from Tehran, the soaring peaks of the Alborz mountains are an oasis of tranquillity after the bustle of the capital. In winter, skiers won’t want to miss the chance to hit the slopes at Dizin, one of Iran’s buzzing mountain resorts, so snowsure that the season starts in November and usually runs right through until May. A truly exhilarating destination for anyone who enjoys snowsports and one to note for those seeking a new ski destination.

In summer the mountains are perfect for hikes into the sparkling green meadows, directly connected to Tehran by one of the longest cable car rides in the world. The Alamut Valley is another favourite destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike, known for its beautiful scenery and its fifty or so ruins that are known as the Castles of the Assassins.

Visit the Grand Bazaar, Tehran

Over ten kilometres of labyrinthine lanes weave through Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, one of the most atmospheric and characterful places to visit in the capital. It’s a giant commercial area, buzzing with merchants and shoppers browsing the huge number of small stalls that fill the whole Bazaar – rest assured that almost anything you need can be found here.

The Bazaar has clusters of stalls specialising in certain goods, so if you are on the hunt for a carpet you can compare products across a few shops without traversing the entire Bazaar. Within the Bazaar complex there are also many services such as banks and mosques, giving it the feeling of a separate city in its own right.

Sample Iran’s Cuisine

Undoubtedly among the highlights of any trip to Iran are mealtimes and the food markets. Bazaars are filled to bursting with stalls offering the ripest pomegranates, the most colourful spices and sizzling street food.

Aromatic and appetising, the national cuisine is based on the staples of rice and bread, always accompanied by vibrantly flavoured dishes from juicy skewers of lamb cooked over glowing coals to mirza ghasemi, a dish of aubergine roasted with garlic and served with eggs.

Aubergine is an important component of Iranian cookery, so ubiquitous it has been nicknamed the ‘Iranian potato.’ Pilafs of fragrant spiced rice with nuts and dried fruit are a speciality, as are dishes prepared with yoghurt, pomegranate and nuts. For a sweet treat to round off a meal, look no further than baklava, the sweet, nutty pastries which are served in bite-size portions for a delicate and delicious dessert. On a hot day, the pistachio ice cream is also well worth a try.

Make it happen

Iran is an appealing and surprising jigsaw of landscapes, experiences and rich cultural heritage. There’s so much to see and do you could travel there for months, but if you don’t have that much time to explore, why not let our brilliant local experts take the strain out of planning your ideal trip? All you need to do to is send them some details and they will begin crafting a bespoke itinerary just for you.