Isfahan, Iran: travel guide
Tiled domes, arched bridges and Persian squares along the Zayande River
Former Safavid capital renowned for Persian architecture, centered on the UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
About Isfahan
Isfahan was a capital of the Safavid dynasty, and it remains one of the most beautiful cities in Iran. Its centre is built around the great Naqsh-e Jahan Square, ringed by arcades, a palace and two famous mosques with blue-tiled domes.
Things to do in Isfahan include wandering the covered bazaar that leads off the square, crossing the old arched bridges over the Zayande River at dusk, and visiting the Armenian quarter of Jolfa with its cathedral. Tea houses under the bridges and the quiet gardens of the city make good places to rest between sights.
Isfahan suits travellers who love architecture and craft, and it is often paired with Shiraz and Yazd. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Isfahan, with mild days and clear light.
- Country
- Iran
- Currency
- IRR
- Time zone
- Asia/Tehran
- Nearest airport
- IFN
Last updated
Top places to visit in Isfahan
Ali Qapu Palace
Safavid palace with music room · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A grand palace on Naqsh-e Jahan Square with a terrace overlooking the square and an ornate upper music room.
Chehel Sotoun Palace
Safavid pavilion with mirrored hall & gardens · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A Safavid-era pavilion palace set in a Persian garden, part of the UNESCO "Persian Garden" listing, famed for its frescoes.
Birds Garden (Bagh-e Parandegan)
Aviary park · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
An aviary park on the outskirts of Isfahan with a large walk-through dome housing many bird species.
Hakim Mosque
Safavid mosque built on Buyid-era foundations · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A Safavid-era mosque built atop the remains of an earlier Buyid-period mosque, noted for its columned prayer hall.
Atashgah (Zoroastrian fire temple hill)
Sassanid-era hilltop fire temple ruins · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Ruins of a Sassanid-era Zoroastrian fire temple atop a hill on the western edge of Isfahan.
Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square)
UNESCO central square · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the largest city squares in the world (UNESCO World Heritage), ringed by the Shah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque)
Safavid-era congregational mosque · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A masterpiece of Safavid-era Islamic architecture on the south side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, part of the UNESCO listing.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Safavid private mosque famed for its dome · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A private Safavid-era mosque on the square renowned for the cream-colored tilework that shifts hue through the day.
Isfahan Grand Bazaar (Qeysarieh)
Historic covered bazaar · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A centuries-old covered bazaar linked to Naqsh-e Jahan Square, known for miniatures, metalwork and textiles.
Si-o-se-pol Bridge
33-arch Safavid bridge · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A 33-arch Safavid-era bridge over the Zayandeh River, a popular gathering spot at sunset.
Khaju Bridge
Safavid bridge-dam with pavilions · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A Safavid-era bridge that doubles as a dam, with painted pavilions and terraced seating areas.
Vank Cathedral
Armenian cathedral in Jolfa · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A 17th-century Armenian Apostolic cathedral in the Jolfa quarter, decorated with frescoes blending European and Persian styles.
Things to do
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square Guided Walking Tour Cultural · 3 h · from USD 25 per person
- Persian Miniature Painting Workshop Activity · 2 h · from USD 30 per person
- Isfahan Handicraft Bazaar Tour (Qalamkar & Enamel) Cultural · 2 h · from USD 20 per person
- Zayandeh River Bridges Evening Walk Activity · 2 h · from USD 10 per person
- Persian Cooking Class, Isfahan Food · 3 h · from USD 35 per person
- Jolfa Armenian Quarter Guided Tour Cultural · 2 h · from USD 20 per person
- Traditional Hammam Experience, Isfahan Activity · 1.5 h · from USD 25 per person
- Day Trip to Kashan Historic Houses Cultural · 10 h · from USD 50 per person
Where to stay in Isfahan
Hotels
- Abbasi Hotel 5-star
- Parsian Kowsar Hotel Isfahan 5-star
- Piroozy Hotel Isfahan 4-star
Where to eat
- Shahrzad Restaurant persian, iranian · about IRR 15,000,000 per person
- Traditional Restaurant, Abbasi Hotel persian, iranian · about IRR 55,000,000 per person
- Naghshe Jahan Traditional Restaurant persian, iranian · about IRR 15,000,000 per person
Getting to Isfahan
Airport: Isfahan (IFN)
Getting around
- Bus
- Taxi
- Walking