Isfahan Travel Guide

Isfahan is the number one tourist destination in Iran. It is the most important destination in Iran cultural tours. Its magnificent historical buildings, its significance as a cultural center, and its unique souvenirs have made visiting it an unforgettable experience for countless tourists throughout the years. In fact, any Iran travel guide you look at would have Isfahan as its top recommendation for cities to visit in Iran. Numerous world-famous historical sites, excellent urban services, and modern infrastructure have made Isfahan one of the most convenient places to visit when you go Iran. No matter which one of the many Iran tours you pick, an Isfahan travel guide will be on hand to help you navigate your way around the city’s countless tourist attractions. As for your means of travel, you can use the city’s international airport, travel by bus in Iran, go for one of Iran train tours , or even rent car in Iran.

Isfahan is home to some of the best examples of Islamic architecture dating back to the days of its role as the capital of the Safavid Dynasty, when Islamic art was at its highest point. Naghsh-e Jahan Square, The Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, and Ali Qapu Palace are the most famous buildings of this era, which any traveler to the city must visit. The city’s local cuisine and pastries are also famous throughout the country. Make sure to enjoy the local candy, Gaz, while you are in the city. If you are looking for a souvenir of Iran , Isfahan is one of the best places in the country to find one. Many master craftsmen live and work in the city, creating exquisite pieces of metalwork, glasswork, and pottery with unique designs. There is no end to things to do in Isfahan.

If you want to know what to see around Isfahan, your best option is to ask an Iran travel guide . There is no shortage of places to visit in the city. Depending on your preferences, you can pick one of the dozens of historical buildings and archeological sites in the city, or go on one of the Iran desert tours , which usually include places around Isfahan like Mesr Desert. You can also go to The Grand Bazaar of Isfahan to mingle with the hospitable people of the city and do some shopping while enjoying the Bazaar’s breathtaking architecture.

The Bridge of 33 Arches

The Bridge of 33 Arches is a four-century-old bridge located on Zayandeh-rud river which flows through the city of Isfahan. The name of the bridge is derived from the thirty-three arches that form its structure. It is one of the most iconic constructions in Iran. The elegance of the bridge’s Islamic architecture has attracted many admirers since its opening during the Safavid Dynasty. Your Isfahan travel guide will provide you with plenty of information on this famous bridge.

Shah Mosque (Royal Mosque Isfahan)

Located on the southern side of Naghsh e Jahan Square, Shah Mosque (Royal Mosque Isfahan) represents the quintessential Islamic architecture of the Safavid era and is recognized as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran. The techniques used by the architects and engineers for building this magnificent edifice have paved the way for many advancements in the field since. The beauty of tilework and calligraphy masterworks decorating the building is truly breathtaking.

Jameh Mosque of Isfahan

Jameh Mosque of Isfahan is one of the most important buildings in the city due to its role in showing the progress made in Iranian architecture throughout different eras. The current building is built upon the remains of an older mosque dating back to twelve centuries ago, and that mosque itself had been built upon the remains of another building dating back to the last days of the Sasanid Empire in late antiquity. Given the current structure’s importance, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vank Cathedral

Vank Cathedral is the center of the Armenian community in the city of Isfahan. The building dates back to the reign of Shah Abbas II of the Safavid Dynasty. Today, the cathedral consists of a museum, a library, a printing house, and an office building. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with many fine frescos representing scenes from the Bible.

Contemporary Arts Museum Isfahan

A beautiful building located in the central part of the city and dating back to the Safavid era houses the Contemporary Art Museum Isfahan. In addition to exhibitions dedicated to contemporary artists, more than three thousand artworks from Safavid and Qajar eras are kept in the collection of the museum.

Natural History Museum of Isfahan

Housed in a five-hundred-year-old building dating back to the Timurid Empire, Natural History Museum of Isfahan boasts a great collection of natural history artifacts. Different sections of the museum include exhibitions on invertebrates, botany, geology, natural geography and maps, and vertebrates.

Bedkhem Church Isfahan

Bedkhem Church Isfahan is one of the biggest churches of the city that was built around four hundred years ago by an Armenian merchant who used to live in Isfahan. The church boasts a magnificent two-layered dome, the interior of which is gilded. There are dozens of beautiful paintings painted by Armenian artists on the walls of this church, which depict the life of Jesus.

Malek Sultan Jarchi Bashi

Malek Soltan Jarchi Bashi is located in a renovated bathhouse dating back to the Safavid era. Many tourists choose this restaurant to enjoy its traditional atmosphere. Many kinds of kebab, seafood, and traditional Iranian dishes are available on the restaurant’s menu. Breakfast is not served in this restaurant.

shahrzad restaurant isfahan

One of the oldest restaurants in the city, Shahrzad Restaurant Isfahan is famous for the quality of its food. Both traditional Iranian dishes and international foods are served in this restaurant. The restaurant’s interior design features exquisite woodwork and prismatic mirrors which has given the restaurant a unique atmosphere.

khan gostar restaurant isfahan

Khan Gostar Restaurant Isfahan is one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city. The menu includes both traditional and international food, but the restaurant is famous for the quality of its traditional food offerings which include many kinds of kebab and other traditional Iranian dishes.

Whether you are looking for a traditional atmosphere or something more modern, shopping malls in Isfahan have you covered. The first choice for a traditional shopping center is, of course, Naghshe e Jahan Square. If you are looking for something more modern, City Center Shopping Mall is your best bet.

Since it is one of the main tourist destinations in Iran, there are all kinds of hotels in Isfahan city. From luxurious five-star hotels like Abbasi Hotel to more modest establishments like Sheikh Bahaei Hotel, your options for finding a comfortable hotel suitable for your budget are virtually limitless.

The metropolis of Isfahan is the top tourist destination in Iran, and also, one of the main industrial centers in the country. As such, the city’s international airport is one of the busiest in Iran. Over 2.5 million passengers use the airport’s services each year.