Yazd Travel Guide

Due to its unique culture, delightful architecture, and beautiful nature, Yazd is one of the top tourist destinations in Iran. Yazd was the center of the Atabegs dynasty for almost two centuries during which its culture progressed significantly. This progress has made Yazd one of the main stops on Iran cultural tours today. The city’s architecture has been developing under the influence of its dry climate for many centuries, with the windcatcher as its most recognizable symbol. This development is manifest in the many magnificent structures around the city, which have made Yazd a great destination for Iran sightseeing tours. The deserts around Yazd provide some of the most beautiful scenery for nature-lovers, especially at night when the sky is illuminated by thousands of stars. This desert scenery grants those on Iran photography tours many opportunities for taking great shots. Furthermore, these deserts have become some of the most popular destinations for Iran safari tours. You can find all the information you need about the city’s tourist attractions in your Yazd travel guide.

Depending on your favorite types of activities, there are many things to do in Yazd. If you want to visit some historical buildings, your main destination should be The Old City of Yazd, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some other options are Water Reservoirs (Ab Anbar) of Six Wind Catchers, Masjed-e Jameh Yazd, and Amir Chakhmakh Complex. If you want to do some shopping, especially if you are looking for a souvenir of Iran, Yazd’s five-hundred-year-old bazaar is your best option. If you want some relaxing time in nature, the deserts around the city are great for Iran safari tours. You will also find many opportunities for photography in these deserts, especially during the night. For a comprehensive list of recommended activities, refer to your Yazd travel guide.

Once you have decided what kind of place you want to go to, you can choose one of the many tourist destinations in Yazd. There are many historical sites in the city. A great number of shopping centers, both modern and traditional, are available in case you are in a shopping mood. You can also familiarize yourself with Iranian food culture in a traditional restaurant. If you want to get more information about what to see in Yazd, you should refer to your Yazd travel guide.

The Old City of Yazd

The Old City of Yazd is a neighborhood in Yazd where the houses and alleyways have preserved in their original traditional form. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Clay is the most prominent construction material you can see in this neighborhood. The traditional architecture of buildings and the light brown color which can be seen everywhere have created a unique atmosphere, which reminds visitors of the One Thousand and One Nights stories. It is one of the best spots in the city for those on Iran photography tours.

Water Reservoirs (Ab Anbar ) of Six Wind Catchers

Water Reservoirs of Six Wind Catchers were built during the Qajar Dynasty. The reason behind its naming is that the building includes six windcatcher structures. Windcatchers are tower-like structures that can generate cool air without using any kind of fuel. These windcatchers were used to keep the water stored in the reservoirs cool.

Yazd Water Museum

Yazd has one of the driest climates in Iran. Water has played an important role throughout the ages in this city. Yazd Water Museum is where you can see the importance of water supply management and how it has shaped the history of the region. The 2000-year-old qanat which runs under the museum’s grounds is still active and can be considered the museum’s most important historical curiosity.

Amir Chakhmakh complex

Amir Chakhmakh Complex is actually a vast square in Yazd’s city center consisting of a tekyeh, a bazaar, a mosque, and two water reservoirs, which date back to the Timurid Empire era. Tekyeh Amir Chakhmakh is the most important construction in this complex. Its beautiful architecture and imposing minarets have made it one of the icons of Yazd City. Each year, it is the scene of a famous gathering of mourners during the month of Muharram.

Zoroastrian Dakhmeh Yaz ( Tower of  Silence Yazd )

Located fifteen kilometers outside the city of Yazd, you will find Zoroastrian Dakhmeh Yazd (Tower of Silence Yazd). In this archeological site, which dates back to the Safavid era, you can see two stone towers with empty inner spaces. These spaces were the place of sky burial ceremonies. It was a funeral practice in which human corpses were placed on the mountaintops to be decomposed and eaten by birds. After a while, these spaces would be cleaned and disinfected to be used for the next series of burials.

Chak Chak (Zoroastrian Shiraz)

Chak Chak (Zoroastrian Yazd) is a Zoroastrian temple near the city of Yazd. It is one of the most important places of worship for Zoroastrians of Iran where they spend fourteen days each year for religious activities. Fires, as the symbol of purity in the Zoroastrian religion, are kept burning in this place all the time. Chak Chak is also known as the “Pir-e Sabz” among Zoroastrians.

Caesar Restaurant

One of the best restaurants in Yazd with a modern atmosphere, Caesar Restaurant serves traditional Iranian and Italian food. It is located on the southern part of Yazd on Kashani Street. You can listen to live piano while eating at this restaurant.

Malek-o Tojjar Restaurant

If you are looking for a restaurant with a traditional Iranian atmosphere, Malek-o Tojjar Restaurant is an easy recommendation. It is close to important tourist destinations in the city, such as Amir Chakhmakh square and Masjid-e Jameh. Today, the old clay building where this restaurant is located has been renovated to house a 4-star hotel. The atmosphere is sure to satisfy your thirst for the exotic. The menu entirely consists of traditional Iranian food.

Marco-Polo Rooftop Restaurant

Marco Polo Rooftop Restaurant Yazd is located in the old part of the city and in close proximity to many of the popular tourist attractions in the city. You can choose one of the traditional Iranian dishes from the restaurant’s menu which is available in both Farsi and English. It is located on a rooftop with a great view of many historical buildings.

There are many shopping malls in Yazd and you will not have any trouble finding one for your needs. If you want to buy a souvenir of Iran , the old bazaar is your best option. Here, you will be able to enjoy the bazaar’s traditional atmosphere and mingle with people while looking for the perfect memento of your time in Iran. There are many modern shopping centers in the city as well. Aria Shopping Mall, Shaqhayegh Shopping Mall, Kowitiha Shopping Mall, and Shahab Complex are some of the better-known shopping centers in the city.

When choosing hotels in Yazd City, you will have the option to pick one with a historical background which has preserved its traditional atmosphere. When you are staying in these hotels, you will have the chance to experience what life would have been like when these historical buildings were in use every day by the people who lived centuries ago. Some of these hotels in Yazd City are Dad Hotel, Moshir Garden Hotel, and Fahadan Museum hotel. Parsian Safaiyeh Hotel, whose architecture is a mixture of traditional and modern elements, can be a great option as well. You can find the contact information of these and many other hotels in your Yazd travel guide.

Located ten kilometers from Yazd’s city center, Shahid Sadooghi Airport was opened around fifty years ago. While it is not considered an international airport, there are flights to some of the neighboring countries to and from this airport. Over four million passengers use the services of Shahid Sadooghi Airport every year.