Yazd, Iran: travel guide
Wind-catchers, mud-brick alleys and Zoroastrian heritage on the desert's edge
Desert city of wind-catchers and mudbrick architecture, centre of Zoroastrian heritage in Iran.
About Yazd
Yazd is a desert city in central Iran, famous for its old quarter of sun-baked mud-brick houses, narrow lanes and tall wind-catchers that cool homes without machines. It sits between two deserts, and its isolation has helped preserve the look of the old town.
Walk the alleys of the historic district, climb to a rooftop at sunset to see the domes and wind-towers, and visit the Jameh Mosque with its tall tiled portal. Yazd is also an important centre of Zoroastrian heritage, with a fire temple and the Towers of Silence outside the city. Sweet shops here sell local pastries that are popular as gifts.
It suits those who enjoy quiet exploration on foot. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, as summers are very hot.
- Country
- Iran
- Currency
- IRR
- Time zone
- Asia/Tehran
- Nearest airport
- AZD
Last updated
Top places to visit in Yazd
Amir Chakhmaq Complex
Timurid-era symmetrical facade complex · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A multi-story sunken facade complex including a mosque, bathhouse, and bazaar, an iconic Yazd landmark.
Dowlat Abad Garden
UNESCO Persian garden with tallest windcatcher · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A UNESCO-listed Persian garden featuring the tallest badgir (windcatcher) in Iran.
Alexander's Prison (Zendan-e Eskandar)
Historic domed structure, likely a former madrasa · 4.0 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A domed brick structure traditionally (though not historically confirmed) linked to Alexander the Great.
Fahadan Historical District
Oldest residential quarter of Yazd · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the oldest neighborhoods of Yazd, with well-preserved traditional houses and alleyways.
Jameh Mosque of Yazd
UNESCO mosque with Iran's tallest minarets · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A 14th-century congregational mosque, part of the UNESCO listing, famed for having the tallest minaret portal in Iran.
Towers of Silence (Dakhmeh)
Former Zoroastrian excarnation towers · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Twin hilltop towers historically used by Zoroastrians for sky burial rituals, now open as a heritage site with panoramic desert views.
Yazd Water Museum
Museum of qanat (underground aqueduct) technology · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Housed in a historic house, explaining Yazd's ancient qanat underground water-channel system.
Zoroastrian Fire Temple (Atash Behram)
Active Zoroastrian fire temple · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the few active Atash Behram (highest-grade) Zoroastrian fire temples in the world, said to hold a flame burning since around 470 CE.
Yazd Old City
Historic mudbrick old town · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A UNESCO-listed historic urban fabric of mudbrick houses, windcatchers and narrow lanes, one of the oldest in the world.
Yazd Bazaar (Khan Bazaar)
Historic covered bazaar · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A historic covered bazaar in the heart of Yazd selling textiles, sweets and handicrafts.
Kharanaq Village
Abandoned mudbrick hill village · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A centuries-old abandoned mudbrick village around 80 km north of Yazd, often paired with Chak Chak on a day trip.
Chak Chak
Sacred Zoroastrian mountain shrine · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A Zoroastrian pilgrimage shrine built into a cliff face, around 70 km northeast of Yazd.
Things to do
- Yazd Old City Guided Walking Tour Cultural · 2.5 h · from USD 20 per person
- Zoroastrian Heritage Tour (Towers of Silence & Fire Temple) Cultural · 3 h · from USD 25 per person
- Traditional Zurkhaneh Show Cultural · 1 h · from USD 10 per person
- Desert Safari to Kharanaq & Chak Chak Adventure · 8 h · from USD 50 per person
- Meybod Day Trip (Narin Castle & Ice House) Cultural · 5 h · from USD 35 per person
- Yazd Rooftop Windcatcher Photography Walk Activity · 1.5 h · from USD 15 per person
Where to stay in Yazd
Hotels
- Silk Road Hotel Yazd 3-star
- Moshir al-Mamalek Garden Hotel 4-star
Where to eat
- Traditional Restaurant, Moshir al-Mamalek Garden Hotel persian, iranian · about IRR 15,000,000 per person
- Silk Road Hotel Traditional Restaurant persian, iranian · about IRR 15,000,000 per person
Getting to Yazd
Airport: Yazd (AZD)
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Taxi
- Walking