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.

Things to do in Isfahan

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.

How to get around Isfahan

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Isfahan Bus Map

There are many bus stations around the city, and if you look at an Isfahan bus map, you can see that almost all tourist attractions in the city are located close to bus stations. Getting around the city on the bus should be no problem for visitors.

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Isfahan Metro Map

As one of the major metropolises in Iran, Isfahan features an extensive metro network. An Isfahan metro map, which can be found in any metro station throughout the city, will help you find the nearest station to your destination.

iran transportationTaxi Service icon

Taxi Service in Isfahan

You should have no problem finding the right taxi service in Isfahan for your needs. Taxi stations are scattered all around the city and all kinds of private and government-run taxi services are available, which you can call for around the clock.

iran transportationTaxi App icon

Taxi App in Isfahan

You can use different taxi apps in Isfahan, like Snapp in Isfahan and TAP30, to have comfortable access to different parts of the city. For getting more information you can demand your Isfahan travel guide.

What to See Around 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.

si-o-se pol bridge isfahan
siosepol bridge information
Address:SioSe Pol Bridge, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Enghelab Sq Chahar Bagh e Abbasi St، Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Atashkadeh Esfahan

Atashkadeh Esfahan, whose name can be translated to Fire Temple of Isfahan, is a remnant of ancient Iran, where fire was worshipped by the populace. It is one of the oldest remaining clay constructions in the country.

The whole complex consists of a citadel, a number of small buildings with four arches each, where sacred fires were housed, and a tower-like structure on top of a hill where the most sacred fire was worshipped.

Address:SioSe Pol Bridge, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Enghelab Sq Chahar Bagh e Abbasi St، Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

naghsh-e jahan square isfahan

Naghsh e Jahan square

Located in the heart of the historical part of Isfahan is Naghsh e Jahan Square, which is recognized as the biggest square in the world. The construction of the entire complex was completed over four centuries ago during the Safavid Dynasty. Each side of this grand structure houses a masterpiece of Islamic architecture: Ali Qapu, Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Qeysarie Gate. Naghsh e Jahan Square is the central part of any Isfahan travel guide.

Address:Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, نقش جهان، Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ali Qapu palace

Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu Palace, located on the western side of Naghsh e Jahan Square, was the entrance to Safavid palaces over four hundred years ago. Ali Qapu Palace owes its reputation to the magnificent miniatures painted on its walls and the beautiful stuccos used to decorate its interior.  It is one of the popular tourist destinations in Iran, and is a stop on Iran cultural tours for tourists who travel Iran. You will definitely find it in your Isfahan travel guide as well.

Address:Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

hasht behesht palace

Hasht Behesht Palace

Hasht Behesht Palace is a magnificent two-story building located in the middle of a beautiful garden. The palace and its garden were built over four centuries ago during the Safavid Dynasty’s reign. The building is decorated with woodwork, mirrors, tilework, and plasterwork. The main building consists of a main hall with eight beautifully decorated rooms surrounding it.

Address:Hasht Behesht Palace, Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Chehel Sotun Palace Pavilion Isfahan

Chehel Sotun Palace Isfahan

Chehel Sotun Palace Isfahan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The name Chehel Sotun, meaning forty columns, can be misleading actually because the palace only has twenty columns. The reason this name was chosen for the complex is that the image of these twenty columns is reflected in the pool located in front of the palace, creating the illusion of forty columns in total. The Chehel Sotun Palace Pavilion Isfahan was constructed in the middle of a beautiful garden in the reign of Shah Abbas II around four centuries ago.

Address:Chehel Sotoon Palace, استان اصفهان اصفهان دروازه دولت) خیابان سپه، Imam Hossein Square، Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

menar jonban isfahan

Menar Jonban Isfahan

Menar Jonban Isfahan is best known for its architectural features, the most important of which is the fact that if one of the two minarets of the building is shaken the other will shake as well. The building itself was built to house the remains of Amu Abdullah, a famous mystic who passed over seven centuries ago.

Address:Isfahan Province, Isfahan, منارجنبان، Atashgah Blvd, Monar Jonban, Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

mardavij pigeon tower

Mardavij Pigeon Tower

Mardavij Pigeon Tower consists of eight exterior shafts surrounding an internal cylinder in the middle of the building. Its height reaches eighteen meters, and it could house over fifteen thousand pigeons. The tower itself dates back to the Safavid Dynasty, when such towers were built around the cities to collect feces from pigeons, which were then used as fertilizer.

Address:Mardavij Pigeon Tower, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Mardavij St, Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

sarban minaret

Sarban Minaret

Sarban minaret is a historical minaret in Isfahan dating back to Seljuk Empire over eight hundred years ago. It is located on the north side of the Jewish sector in the city, and with its height of over fifty meters, it can be used to get a wide view of the city. It features many beautiful brick masterworks.

Address:Sarban Minaret, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Kamal Street، Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

music museum isfahan

Music Museum Isfahan

Music museum Isfahan houses a unique collection of over three hundred musical instruments, many of which are native to Iran. The museum consists of two main exhibitions, one for national instruments and the other for regional ones. In addition to studying the museum’s wonderful collection, visitors can also enjoy the live tradition Iranian music that is performed in the museum during the visiting hours.

Address:Isfahan Music Museum, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, No 74, Mehrdad Street, Tohid St, Mehrdad St, 81738 86161, Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

hakim mosque isfahan

Hakim Mosque Isfahan

Hakim Mosque Isfahan is the name of a beautiful mosque located in the old part of the city of Isfahan. The name Hakim, which can be translated to “physician,” was chosen for this mosque because it was built by Shah Abbas II’s private physician around four hundred years ago. The building owes its fame to its many beautiful tiles and the masterworks of calligraphy that decorate its walls.

Address:Hakim Mosque, Isfahan انتهای رنگرزان، Hakim Nezami St, Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is located on the eastern side of Naghsh e Jahan Square. Dating back to four centuries ago, it is recognized as one of the masterpieces of the Safavid era architecture. The structure is famous for its beautiful tilework and the fact that, despite being a mosque, it does not have a minaret, which is unusual for the Islamic architecture of the era. The unique dome of this mosque is famous for its roundness and its tiles, which change color depending on the time of day.

Address:Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, میدان مسجد شیخ لطف الله، Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

masjed shah isfahan

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.

Address:Abbasi Great Mosque, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, ضلع جنوبی میدان, امام، Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

masjid-e jameh of isfahan

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.

Address:Atiq Comprehensive Mosque of Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Majlesi St, Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

vank cathedral frescoes
vank cathedral
vank cathedral history

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.

Address:Vank Cathedral, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Vank Church Alley, Iran
contemporary arts museum isfahan

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.

Address:موزه هنرهای معاصر اصفهان, Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

natural history museum of isfahan

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.

khaju bridge

Khajou Bridge

One of the most beautiful bridges constructed on Zayandeh-Rud River, Khajou Bridge is a great example of Iranian bridge architecture. The bridge was considered among the most beautiful in the world during the Safavid era. Today, it is one of the most popular promenades in the city of Isfahan and is a lively gathering place after sunset.

Address:Khaju Bridge, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, پل خواجو، Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Shahrestan Bridge

Shahrestan Bridge

The oldest bridge constructed on Zayandeh-Rud River, Shahrestan Bridge was built during the Sasanid Empire in late antiquity. It was mainly used for military purposes when first constructed, and has been built upon during different eras, especially by Seljuks and Daylamites. Al-Rashid Mausoleum, remnants of Kohandej, and Jay Jameh Mosque are among the historical sites that can be found near Shahrestan Bridge.

Address:Shahrestan Bridge, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Shahrestan Bridge, Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Isfahan Aquarium

Isfahan Aquarium

Isfahan aquarium, featuring the first aquarium tunnel in Iran, is located near the Isfahan Birds Garden. The aquarium is home to many different sea species in over thirty tanks. Iran sightseeing tours in Isfahan will most likely include a trip to this natural treasure.

Address:isfahan aquarium, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Nazhvan, Olfat St, پارک، Iran
 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

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.

Address:Saint Bethlehem Church, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Middli Nazar St.-Tohid St., Tohid St, No. Middli Nazar St., Iran
bethlehem church isfahan
naghshe rostam necropolis xerxes temple sunny day near shiraz
Unique Cultural and Historical Experience in 15 Days Tour in Iran

Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd and Kerman

456 $

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AliQapu Palace in naqshe jahan square in spring at the day light
Private Tour in Isfahan Historical Center and Most Highlighted Ones

Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Royal Mosque, Lotfollah Mosque, Ali-qapoo Palace, Chehel Sotoon Palace, Hasht Behesht Palace, Jame Mosque, Shaking Minarets, Fire Temple

34 $

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naghshe rostam necropolis xerxes temple sunny day near shiraz
Discover Iran Main Cities and Culture in 8 Days

Persepolis & Passagadae, Shiraz, Isfahan's Highlights, Kashan's Highlights, Tehran

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Best Restaurants in Isfahan

Many international guests visit the best restaurants in Isfahan every day, so these establishments try to cater to different tastes by having both traditional Iranian food and international food on their menus. Hermes, Arc a, Shahrzad, and Azam Beryani are among the most popular restaurants in the city, where you can enjoy Iranian food culture or choose an international dish should the fancy strike you.

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  • Hermes Cafe Restaurant Isfahan Province Isfahan
  • Arc a Restaurant
  • Shahrzad Restaurant Isfahan
  • Azam Beryani Isfahan Province Isfahan
  • Traditional Banquet Hall Isfahan
  • Arabo Sandwich Isfahan
  • Toranj Food Complex Isfahan
  • khan Gostar Restaurant Isfahan
  • Zagros Restaurant Isfahan
  • Sofreh Khaneh Sonnati Isfahan
  • Sofreh Khaneh Sonati Esfahan
  • Naghshe Jahan Traditional Restaurant
  • Shab Neshin Isfahan Province Isfahan
  • Kertas Restaurant Isfahan
  • Arshia Traditional Restaurant Isfahan
  • Partikan Restaurant Isfahan
  • Reyhoon Restaurant Isfahan Province Isfahan
  • Haj Mahmood Beryani Isfahan

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.

Malek Soltan Jarchibashi Restaurant
Malek Soltan Jarchibashi Restaurant
pouring tea Malek Soltan Jarchi Bashi

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.

shahrzad restaurant isfahan
interior view khanegostar

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.

khan gostar restaurant isfahan

Shopping Malls in Isfahan

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.

  • Isfahan City Center Mall
  • Bazaar of Isfahan
  • Mesgarha Bazaar
  • Bazar Honar Esfahan
Isfahan City Center

Isfahan City Center

Isfahan City Center is a seven-storey modern shopping center located at the heart of the city. In addition to many stores, this shopping mall includes a two-storey parking lot with the capacity for over five thousand vehicles, a food court, a number of gyms, and also the biggest indoor amusement park in the Middle East.

Bazar Honar Isfahan

Bazar Honar Isfahan

One of the masterpieces of the Safavid era architecture, Bazar Honar Isfahan is a four-hundred-year-old complex consisting of a caravanserai, a school, and a great number of stores most of which are dedicated to selling jewelry and many kinds of handicraft. It is one of the best locations in the city for buying a souvenir of Iran.

Mesgarha Bazaar

Mesgarha Bazaar

Located on the western side of Naghsh e Jahan Square, Megarha Bazaar is dedicated to coppersmiths. The bazaar is famous for the constant noise coming from its many workshops. You can observe the masters of the craft at their work in this bazaar, and also buy a souvenir of Iran if you want.

Grand Bazar of Isfahan

Grand Bazar of Isfahan

 Built during the Safavid era, the Grand Bazar of Isfahan is among the oldest and biggest bazaars in the Middle East. The grandeur of this bazaar is unique among its counterparts in the country, and indeed, anywhere in the world. The entire complex consists of many different sections each dedicated to a particular kind of goods or craft. The most famous part of the complex is the Qeysarie Bazaar which houses many shops for selling exquisite carpets.

Hotels in Isfahan City

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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.

  • Howzak House
  • Mahbibi Hotel Isfahan
  • Tak-Taku Guesthouse Isfahan
  • Viana Hotel Isfahan
  • Iran Hotel Isfahan
  • Hasht Behesht Apart. Hotel Isfahan
  • Ghasr Monshi Hotel Isfahan Iran
  • Narcis B&B Isfahan
  • Abbasi Hotel Isfahan
  • Setareh Hotel Isfahan
  • Kianpour’s Historical Residence
  • Bekhradi Historical House Isfahan
  • Parsian Kowsar Hotel Isfahan
  • Atigh Traditional Hotel Isfahan
  • Dibai House Isfahan
  • Safavi Hotel Isfahan
  • Esfahan Tourist Hotel
  • Pars Hotel Isfahan
  • Tooba Apartment Hotel Isfahan
  • Hotel Khajoo Isfahan
  • Chehel Panjereh Apartment Hotel Isfahan Iran
  • Safir Hotel Isfahan
  • Nargol Guest House Isfahan
  • Piroozy Hotel Isfahan
  • Totia Hotel Isfahan
  • Matinabad Desert Eco-Camp
  • Isfahan Traditional Hotel
  • Aseman Hotel Isfahan
  • Bali Desert hotel
  • Hakhamaneshian Partak Apart Hotel
  • Parsian Kowsar Isfahan Hotel
  • Part Hotel Isfahan
  • Sepahan Hotel Isfahan
  • Hotel Ebne Sina Isfahan
  • Hotel Saraye Ordibehesht Esfahan
  • Partikan Hotel Isfahan
  • Ali Qapu Hotel Isfahan
  • Meraji Hotel Isfahan
  • Julfa Hotel Isfahan
  • Nik Guest House Isfahan
  • Saadi Hotel Isfahan
  • Pardis Hotel Isfahan
  • Khatoon Hotel Isfahan
  • Sadaf Hotel Isfahan
  • Seven Hostels in Isfahan
  • Hotel Azadi Isfahan
  • Malek Hotel Isfahan
  • Isfahan Hotel Iran
  • Keryaas Hotel Isfahan
  • Karoon Hotel Isfahan
  • Ghasr Hotel Isfahan
  • Naghshe Jahan Hotel Isfahan
  • Avin Hotel Isfahan
  • Jey Negin Hotel Isfahan
  • Isfahan Jamshid Hotel
  • Pol & Park Hotel Isfahan
  • Jaam Firoozeh Hotel Isfahan
  • Hotel Espadana Isfahan
  • Zohreh Hotel Isfahan

Isfahan Air ports

Isfahan International Airports

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.

Isfahan International Airports

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