The long history and the vast area of Iran have led to amazingly variant climatic conditions, cultural attractions, and natural landscapes. That is why Iran is famous as a destination for all four seasons, a land that offers loads of opportunities for all nature and adventure lovers who dream of various thrilling experiences such as climbing, canyoning, skiing, marine activities, and safari.

What is famous in Iran? Well, the best of Iran includes 24 UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites and two UNESCO Natural Site as well as 13 Intangible Cultural Heritage registered on UNESCO and many more registered on Iran National Heritage List, that has made this country resemble like a live museum for all avid culture lovers, too. And surprisingly there are still more places you can visit!

Iran’s top attractions appeal to many international tourists from all around the world. Most itineraries offer 7 days to a 14-day tour to Iran, and yet they miss many tourist attractions in Iran! As long as you stay here, there is no shortage of Iran tourist attractions and there are places worth visiting.

If you have decided to visit historical places in Iran or Iran’s fascinating sceneries you can trust Iran Doostan Tours Co. We have a good three decades of experience in operating incoming tours to Iran and our professional experts would offer you the best Iran tourist map with reliable itineraries and high-quality services. Regarding a great deal of Iran attractions, we offer a diversity of package tours to Iran ranging from exciting adventure tours such as climbing and bird watching to awesome cultural tours to world heritage sites. MICE tours, safari tours, religious tours, and medical tours to Iran is also among the variety of services we offer.

All you have to do is to get in touch with us through info@idt.ir.

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Bushehr

Things to do in Bushehr (Photos, info)

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The lovely city of Bushehr is famous for its impressive and peaceful coast, and amazing traditional architecture which has made it a fascinating destination for many visitors. If you have decided to have a tour to Iran, you will witness a combination of architecture, fascinating coast, and tasty local food in Bushehr.  To consult us about tours to Iran, please do not hesitate to send an email to info@idt.ir. Stick with us to know more about Bushehr tourist attractions and the things you can do in this city.

Jashkak Salt Mountain

If you travel to Bushehr and had the opportunity to visit around the port of Bushehr, do not miss visiting the salt dome of Jashkak, particularly as a nature lover. This salt mountain is one of the most attractive sights of Bushehr. Salt domes are large layers of underground salts that have moved toward the surface of the earth and resemble amazing domes.
Jashkak Salt Dome is one of the most beautiful salt domes in the Middle East that is still active. This unique salt mountain is 12 km long and 4.5 km wide. What distinguishes this salt dome from other salt domes is the presence of caves, waterfalls, crystals, and the type of salt on this mountain.

Jashkak salt Mt. - Bushehr

This salt mountain is one of the most attractive sights of Bushehr.

Malek mansion; The house of the richest man in Bushehr

Malek Mansion, which is located six kilometers from Bushehr, is one of the historical monuments of this city, which was built during the Qajar period and dates back to 100 years. The owner of this mansion was a famous and rich merchant of Bushehr named “Mohammad Mehdi Malek Al-Tojjar”.
Built by French architects in the style of old buildings in the Persian Gulf with local materials, this building is actually a complex with different sections such as formal meeting halls downstairs, banquets and private parties upstairs, The fort, the emperor and the various rooms and porches as well as the courtyards are nested. The mansion became a military base in the years following the British occupation.

Malek-Mansion - Bushehr

Dating back to 100 years ago, this beautiful mansion used to be the house of a rich person in Bushehr that attracts many visitors today.

Dehdashti House

Bushehr has many beautiful old houses with fascinating atmospheres and Dehdashti house is one of them. This house is a relic of the Qajar period, with a delightful courtyard, gorgeous exterior, and lovely interior design. In the exterior, coral stones and wood have been used and the walls inside the building are plastered and oil paintings can be seen in the rooms.
Dehdashti house or mansion is located in the old part of the city, where there are neighborhoods with old houses, and in its alleys, you will find beautiful cafes.

Dehdashti House

This house is a relic of the Qajar period, about 100 years ago, with a delightful courtyard, gorgeous exterior, and lovely interior design.

Goor Dokhtar, forgotten tomb

If you are interested in the history of ancient Iran, get a little away from the port during your trip to Bushehr and visit Goor Dokhtar. Dating back to around 600 BC, there are arguments about who the tomb belongs to.
Looking very much like Cyrus the Great Tomb, some attribute Goor Dokhtar to Mandana, Cyrus ‘mother, and some believe that Atossa, Cyrus’ daughter, was buried in this place. There are even legends about the burial of Cyrus I (not Cyrus the Great) in this tomb. The girl’s tomb is made of 24 pieces of stone and its appearance is similar to the tomb of Cyrus the Great.

Goor Dokhtar - Bushehr

Looking very much like Cyrus the Great Tomb, there are many legends about this tomb.

Palm Groves

Palm Groves is like a jewel on the ring of Bushehr province. Dashtestan city and Abpakhsh have the largest number of palms in this region. The lush and tall groves at the entrance to the city of Abpakhsh have created a very spectacular landscape in this area and travelers often do not pass without stopping. The presence of water-filled canals on both sides of the entrance to the city has given a special “freshness” to this area so that travelers during Nowruz (the beginning of the new year in Iran) can enjoy water and nature together. These groves offer a high variety of dates; in addition to dates, citrus fruits, lemons, pomegranates also grow in these areas.

Palm groves

These groves offer a high variety of dates in Bushehr.

The Beach

One of the most beautiful attractions of Bushehr is its unique beach. It lasts about 8 months of the year. This province has the longest coastline in the country and is famous for its amazingly beautiful coast in the country. It is said that years ago, a British politician described Bushehr as a city with a fascinating beach landscape when you look at it from a distance on a ship, it looks like it is half in the water and the shore is not recognizable.

Bushehr-beach

Bushehr has the longest coastline in the country and is famous for its amazingly beautiful and lovely coast.

Bushehr Bazaar

Bushehr Old Bazaar is the main center of trade in the city just like other cities in Iran. The bazaar was established during the Qajar period with the beautiful and spectacular architecture of that time. The most amazing feature about its architecture is that it let the light enters the market, but when it snows and rains, water does not penetrate into the market. If you are planning to buy souvenirs for your loved ones, the old market is the best place to visit.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Susa attractions

Susa attractions infographic

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Located in the south-west of Iran, on the foothill of Zagros Mountain, 7000 years old Susa is still shining as one of the first places of ancient civilizations in the world. Urbanizations and also the development of early state took place here for the first time in the world’s history.

Having been the capital of Iran during Elamite, Susa embraces several architectural masterpieces which are quite eye-catching to every visitor. And the interesting point is that history has been documented in this city and they were the very first people who invented script, and more surprisingly, this was not their only amazing invention. Elamites earned many achievements in writing, architecture, sculpture, melting glass, and metalwork. And all these achievements along with natural attractions have made Susa a lovely destination worthy of visiting.

Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat, constructed 3200 years ago, is the greatest Ziggurat in the world which is a well-representative of Elamite’s art and architecture. It was a five-floor temple of Elamites with seven gates around and inscriptions with Elamite’s alphabets on its bricks. This great construction has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List and attracts many tourists from around the world every year.

People in Susa and in Khuzestan province are known for being hospitable and the local food here is pretty delicious. Traveling to this city to visit all glorious monuments, and meet warm-hearted people will be one of your life-long experiences you will never forget about.

Susa attractions Infographic

To see and download the high-quality infographic, click here: Susa attractions infografic. We would welcome any inquiry you may have about traveling to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

solar eclipse

solar eclipse 2020 in Iran – See the photos; how it looked like

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Today, on June 21, 2020, Iran observed an annual solar eclipse starting at 9:05 and finished at 11:37 in the morning.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, and the moon casts a shadow over Earth which fully or partially blocks sunlight.
In a total eclipse, the disk of the Sun is fully obscured by the Moon. In partial and annular eclipses, only part of the Sun is obscured.

Today’s eclipse was a kind of ring eclipse that make it partially invisible for most people around the world. Unlike, lunar eclipse, it is important where you are standing on Earth when a solar eclipse occurs.

solar eclipse

Solar eclipse in Iran- 21 June 2020. Photo by: Mehr News Agency

The eclipse starts from central Africa, passes through Yemen and southern Iran, and moves toward Pakistan, India, China, and the Pacific Ocean. In Iran, the eclipse was mostly visible in Chabahar, a city in the far southeast of the country.

This was the last solar eclipse of the century in Iran, happening on the first day of summer.

A solar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon, which is considered a natural tourist attraction. Since it looks different in various parts of Earth, many astronomy lovers travel around the world, often to the spots where the eclipse is most observable, not to miss this phenomenon. However, the present lockdown situation barely let people travel to see this event.

Qeshm Island

Top 4 Iran Less-known Places to Visit

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There are hundreds of wonderful places, some of which are well-known to all visiting tourists, but there are a few rather less-known places to visit in Iran. I will introduce four of these off-the-beaten-path places I have loved visiting in Iran.

Qeshm Island

The largest Persian Gulf island does not make part of the standard Iran tour most tourists follow – but nevertheless is among the most interesting places for those who can stay for more than one week in the country. Located in the Hormuz Strait, close to Bandar Abbas port, the island offers several unique amazing spots as well as the possibility of practicing sports, snorkeling, diving, watching turtles and dolphins – or simply relaxing on its warm beaches.

Its main wonders include the unique geological natural wonder Stars Valley, Mangrove Forest to visit by small boat and a huge colorful salt cave. You can stay in traditional Hormuzi guesthouses, try local fish-based food and you definitely will meet many lovely camels, a frequent sight on this island, and in some parts of the Deep South of Iran.

In the main city, also called Qeshm, is located an old Portuguese fort – in fact, Portugal controlled the Strait of Hormuz for more than 100 years and a couple of their castles survived until our days.

Curiously Qeshm, as well as the smaller and more luxury-oriented Island of Kish island, enjoys a kind of tax-free regime, hence it is a destination of shopping trips for many Iranians.
Definitely not a place to go during very hot summers, Qeshm will charm you from early fall to late spring. You can arrive by fast ferries or by place. Once there, you can visit nearby Hormuz and Hendan islands, too.

places to visit in Iran

Iran’s less-known places

Khararanagh Adobe Ghost Town

Situated not far away from Yazd, this incredible place consists of hundreds of small adobe houses, usually connected between them, slowly degrading with each year passing…Hundreds of years old dwellings, still bustling with life some 30 years ago, were left by its inhabitants for modern homes with gas and water. Others left for big cities… It is a strange sensation, walking around and inside these domes, so small for our standards, aware of generations that passed their lives just there.

Kharanagh has situated some 80 km from Yazd, usually, you can visit it on “3 in 1 tour”, together with Chak Chak Zoroastrian holy place and the ancient city of Meybod. Iran, Yazd province, the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir desert, Kharanaq old village with its mud bricks (adobe) houses overlooking the Andjir valley. Khararanagh, this abandoned village, made entirely of adobe, invites visitors to step back in time and imagine life as it once was. Wandering through crumbling structures is an unforgettable adventure.

places to visit in Iran

Yazd, Khararanagh Adobe Ghost Town 

Makhunik Liliput Village

For some factors, during a couple of centuries, like lack of green land to feed animals, that forced people to a rather poor vegetable diet for all their life, and near-total isolation of the small population – when “discovered” about 100 years ago, the Makhunik villagers became quite famous for their small stature – having in average about 130 cm. For that reason, you can imagine their adobe houses were also very low, often round, and usually only one small window –  to keep warm and save heating during harsh winters.

Actually, with a road finally open, a changed diet, and mixed marriages, more and more inhabitants are average tall, but while visiting Makhunik you will surely meet older people proud of their unique look and living in those picturesque little houses. Makhunik is a fascinating destination with a unique history. The mystery and charm of Makhunik make it a must-visit for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
The village is located in South Khorasan province, best to visit in spring or fall time.

Ray, Ancient City in Tehran Metropolitan Area

While for most tourists Tehran is the point of entry to Iran and the place they stay first few days visiting its museums and landmarks – it is very easy to miss a much older city, that actually makes up part of the huge and growing Tehran metropolis. Fortunately, Shahr e Ray (City of Ray) is now easily connected thanks to the metro network, and it takes less than half an hour to reach it from the center of the capital. While Tehran itself was a small town until becoming Persia’s capital in 1795, Ray located south of it was a thriving big city for over 2000 years.

Toghrol Tower Rey City

Toghrol Tower in Rey City

Although destroyed heavily during Mongol invasions, Rey offers several interesting landmarks, as wonderful Emamzadeh Abdol-Azim shrine (place of prayer and pilgrimage, but open to anyone), Rashkan Castle on the hill, Chesmeh Ali rock reliefs and famous Seljuk period Tughrul Tower.

The simplest way to reach this ancient city is by metro Red Line direction south, station Shahr e Rey. To stations further south there is a really huge, beautiful, recently built shrine (some decoration works inside and outside are still ongoing) of Emam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran (also open for everyone).

Last Words

Iran is home to many extraordinary and lesser-known destinations that are absolutely worth exploring. Among these remarkable places are Makhunik Liliput Village, Khararanagh Adobe Ghost Town, and Qeshm Island. These remarkable destinations showcase Iran’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. Travelers seeking a truly unforgettable experience should definitely consider visiting Makhunik Liliput Village, Khararanagh Adobe Ghost Town, and Qeshm Island at least once in their lifetime.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours. Maybe the best places to visit in Iran are also interesting for you.

Vakil museum

Shiraz attractions infographic

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Shiraz, known as the city of flowers, nightingales, and lovers that welcomes visitors with its gorgeous gardens and tall cypress trees. Great Persian poets, Hafez and Saadi have been born and lived in this graceful city and today, their delicate tombs are frequently visited by literature lovers.
However, this is not all about Shiraz; having been the capital of Iran twice in history, the city embraces numerous historical monuments and tourist attractions, some with a worldwide reputation. Many tourists enjoy visiting the 2500-year-old Persepolis city and appreciate its glory. Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus the Great, is still respected by many. The architecture of the complex remaining from the Zandiye dynasty also looks quite eye-catching with is charming colorful interior tilework and exterior brickworks. Many photographers appreciate Shiraz for the famous Pink mosque, which is colorful windows that let the light shine into the mosque. People here are well-known for being warm-hearted and hospitable and there is a lot waiting for you to enjoy here.

shiraz attractions

To see and download the high-quality infographic, click here: Shiraz attractions infografic.

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Si o Se pol

Isfahan attractions infographic

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Isfahan, known as the city of marvel embraces the finest architectural masterpieces. It doesn’t take much to walk from the round dome Vank cathedral to the 400 years Naghshe Jahan square, where king Abbas I used to watch the live polo matches from the porch of his palace but it does make lots of colorful memories. Isfahan attractions are so outstanding and great that no tourist in Iran would like to miss visiting them.

isfahan attractions

To see and download the high-quality infographic, click here: Isfahan attractions infografic.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Hamadan attractions

Things to do in Hamedan (opening hours, photos, & more)

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History, poetry, knowledge, and art, they all could be found in the old city of Hamedan. Hamadan is a small province, with enormous history, owning one of the largest water cave in the world. It’s a great opportunity for learning more about Iran and its history and culture, so, his city must be included in your list while traveling to Iran. Meeting hospitable and kind locals, watching them bake special sweets, traditional meals, and handicrafts like leather, ceramics, and carpets which are reasons for the fame that Hamadan has received over the years, is a delight. Visit the city of Baba Tahir’s childhood and Avicenna’s burial place, to see part of Iran’s glory.

Ali Sadr Cave

There are no caves that could be compared to Ali Sadr Cave in Hamadan. This is the best tourist spot in the city. The large natural cave, dates back to the Jurassic era, around 150 million years ago. When you look at the entrance of the cave from outside, it is impossible to think that such a massive underground lake could be there, due to the surroundings of the cave which are as dry as the rest of the Hamadan region. In order to enter the cave, you will need to wait in lines at the boat station. A beautiful park is prepared for visitors to have a more pleasant time waiting outside. You will be guided into a chain of boats in which you will ride your way deep into the cave. After wearing the safety jacket and finding your seat, your trip to the Ali Sadr Cave will be officially started. As you enter the cave, you will be welcomed by a cold breeze. Usually inside the cave is colder than outside of it, even in hot summers. So make sure to bring warm clothes with you. The boat ride usually takes 2 hours. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the beauty of the cave; the million years old stalactites and stalagmites, fresh air and clean water. The colorful lightings at the corners add up to the cave’s beauty and make so many amazing photo opportunities. After leaving the boat you may walk up a few stairs to get a closer look at the walls and other natural formations of the cave, so make sure to wear sports shoes. There are no shops in the cave obviously, so it’s better to have water and snacks with yourself. There are a few shops back around the cave. Also a few restaurants and many other Iranian shops, such as a bazaar with lots of pots lying around. Walking in the cave besides pedaling boats makes the few kilometers underground journey, an experience to remember. The visit is well-organized and the guides will share all their information with you to make you always remember this wonderful cave.
Ali Sadr Cave is located outside the city. So you need to take Hamadan Road and drive along to get to the Lalejin city and then take Bijar Road to finally reach Ali Sadr Cave.
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Hamadan - Alisadr cave

Alisadr cave is the best tourist spot in Hamadan.

Tomb of Avicenna

Avicenna, the great Persian scientist, and philosopher who had laid the foundation stones for modern medicine is buried in Hamadan. The first thing that would probably catch your eyes is the architecture of the tomb. The tomb is located in Bu Ali Sina in the city center. On the first floor beside the mausoleum of Avicenna, there is also a small museum beneath the statue which includes collections of ancient medical equipment that were used before by Avicenna. There are also old handwritten books along with his famous book “The Canon of Medicine” which you can take a close look at it. His achievements and a part of his library are also accessible for visitors to see and learn more about him. As you exit the museum you need to climb the stairs, on top of the museum, in order to get a closer view of the monument which is surrounded by a lovely garden and a fountain.
For getting to the Tomb of Avicenna take a taxi or drive to Bu Ali Sina square.
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm

Hamadan - Avicenna tomb

Avicenna, the great Persian scientist, and philosopher who had laid the foundation stones for modern medicine is buried in Hamadan.

Tomb of Baba Tahir

If you’re fond of Persian literature and architecture, then you might like to visit Baba Tahir’s Tomb as well. Baba Tahir was an Iranian poet who is still well-known for its romantic poems. A legendary poet whose Iranian adore his poems. The tomb has a unique design which its nice calligraphy and complex tile works with the famous poems on the walls, makes it a meaningful place. The interior of the tomb is splendid just like Baba Tahir was. If you compare his tomb with himself, they have a lot in common; simple appearance but beautiful spiritually.

In the evenings there are usually poetry reading and music playing in the tomb. On special occasions, groups of people gather around the tomb and sing out loud and play traditional instruments. Local poets and artists will also appear in the lovely garden and they would read some of Baba Tahir’s poets or their own poets, so you can enjoy listening to them while enjoying the calm and friendly atmosphere by also observing artistic elements of Persian architecture and art. Around the garden, there are many places to have meals or snacks. You can also buy some nice souvenirs from the handicraft and workshops around or a little symbol of Hamadan to keep in your memory.
Opening hours: 9 am – 6 pm

Hamadan

Baba Tahir was an Iranian poet who is still well-known for its romantic poems. 

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Qeshm island

Persian Gulf islands: Qeshm, Hormoz, Hengam (video)

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This short memory of the amazing southern islands of Iran would remind of science fiction scenes. It takes only 2 minutes to explore the mars and moon-like valleys of Qeshm island to the red soil beaches of nature-oriented Hormoz island, stopping by playful dolphins of Hengam island and get dazzled by the shiny handicrafts of Hormozgan local women. Hormozgan province embraces scenic islands among which Kish, Hormoz, Hengam, and Qeshm are the most beautiful ones. Any of which is a wonderful world to be discovered. Qeshm, the island of the Seven Wonders of Iran, has the most beautiful and unique natural phenomena such as Chahkuh valley which is formed by the erosion of sedimentary rocks of the earth. From the mysterious Star Valley to the Chahkuh Strait, Qeshm will amaze with its beauty.

The mangrove forests are also on Qeshm’s list of seven wonders. Also known as Qeshm Green Gold, the forest is home to trees that are rooted in water and are called the great Iranian scientist َ” Avesina Marina”. Not so far from Qeshm, the Hormoz island with the red and silver shore wich enchants the viators. The red sand of Hormoz is not only beautiful but also edible and the local people make the delicious fish sauce with it named “Sooragh”. Even the Portuguese made one of a kind, red castle during the onslaught to the Persian Gulf with that. It doesn’t matter where you came from, being in the southern islands of Iran feels like home, and that’s because of the intimacy and the affection Afro-Iranian people. During the travels with Irandoostan, our guests feel this intimacy and have the opportunity to sing local songs with fishermen on the beach and draw Henna on their bodies with the native women.

The background music you hear in the video is one of the most famous music of South Iranian folk music called “Haleh Mahi” by the Rastak group.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Qeshm island tour.

Nasirolmolk mosque

Shiraz tourist attractions video

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You may have heard Shiraz’s name in case of talking about drinks. However, this wonderful city is a lot more than that. Shiraz is a city that is easy to travel to and very difficult to return from, visitors miss it even before the end of the trip. Shiraz is known as the city of love and poetry in which some great poets such as Hafez, Saadi, Biddle, and many others were born and grew.

Some Iranians believe that the mild and unique climate of Shiraz makes people fall in love. Everything is more pleasing and vivid in Shiraz, even mosques that are places of worship and are usually decorated with a few meaningful colors such as turquoise and azure in other Iranian cities, are decorated with the most vivid colors in Shiraz.

The first few seconds of the video demonstrating the lovemaking of light and colorful glass is filmed in Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, which is made with a lot of genius and artistic taste. This pink mosque is where Instagrammers and photographers rave about. it seems that it’s not only us, the man of the contemporary generation who has discovered all the beauty and delight of living in Shiraz. But also Zandian, Safavian, and even Syrus the great! Yes, you’re right, this city has been a civilized one for thousands of years! The magnificent parts of the unique and rocky city of Persepolis including Stone solid pillars and the delicate stone-carved sphinx (protectors of the palace); well remained throughout the three millennia, surviving despite floods and earthquakes, brings up the question of whether this precise and engineered work could have been the work of terrestrial humans of thousands of years ago, or whether there was another secret behind it.

All short and simple this one-minute video gives a perspective of historic Shiraz city: from the astonishing pink mosque with all those colorful glassworks to the well-constructed Persian gardens. I’m afraid you’ll miss the scent of heaps of orangery blossom in Shiraz’s garden which is preventable by making the reservation for tours on the Irandoostan website.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

kermanshah, Iran

Things to do in Kermanshah (with photos)

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Known as one of the oldest settlements of the world, there are so many cultural and historical sites in Kermanshah that you can delve into and be able to touch this rich culture and civilization. The pleasant weather, eye-catching landscapes, marvelous sites, delicious souvenirs, and hospitable people are some reasons why you must visit Kermanshah. For more information on cultural tours to Iran, please contact us at info@idt.ir.
Kermanshah is the capital of Kermanshah Province located in the west of Iran at the foot of the Zagros Mountain Ranges. There are so many astounding attractions in Kermanshah for tourists. Not only are there beautiful sites in the city, but also you can find staggering landscapes and historical attractions outside of Kermanshah. In 2006, Bisotun Inscription in Kermanshah was registered as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. Besides, Taq-e Boustan, Temple of Anahita, Moaveon-ol Molk Tekieh, Dokan-e Davood Rock Temple, Parau Cave, and Niloofar Lagoon are some of the must-see attractions of Kermanshah.

Attractions in Kermanshah City

Ancient Bazaar of Kermanshah

This is the capital hub for trade in Kermanshah and has an age of more than 150 years. This covered bazaar has different stuff that you might find interesting. Do not miss out on visiting the local lifestyle of people in the bazaar.
You can find the bazaar on Modarres Street close to Azadi Square.

Jameh Mosque of Shafei (Shafi’i Mosque)

Dating back to 1945, the staggering Shafeii Mosque has been built like the Turkish mosques. You will undoubtedly like the tall minarets of the mosque. Note that this mosque is built for Sunni Muslims and not Shia.
Close to the junction of Motahari Boulevards and Javaدrshir Boulevard, you can see this mosque.

Dowlat Shah Mosque

Being built in the Qajar Dynasty, the mosque possesses a portal, courtyard, and a Shabestan. It is a beautiful mosque in Feizabad County and has been recently renovated. Right on Javanshir Square, you can see the Dolatshah Mosque.

Emad-ol Dowleh Mosque is another beautiful architectural site that dates back to the Qajar era as well.

Biglar Beigi Takieh

In Persian rituals, Tekieh is a place where Shia Muslims commemorate Imam Hossein’s death (the third Shia Imams). Ornate mirror tiles in the dome room, decorated hall, and inscriptions belonging to King Mozaffar are some of the features of Biglar Beygi Takieh. This is also another architectural masterpiece in Kermanshah that goes back to the Qajar Dynasty. In Feizabad County, on Modares Street, you can go to the Biglar Beig Tekieh.

Moaven-Ol Molk Takieh

If you are so into the monuments belonging to the Qajar period, you must visit the Tekyeh of Moavenol Molk. Religious leaders’ funerals and religious ceremonies were used to be held in this monument. Admittedly, it used to function as a center for solving ethnic conflicts. This Takieh has been built 100 years ago and contains carved illustrations on tiles depicting the battles of Muslim prophets and Imams. On Shariati Street close to Vaziri Square, you can visit this Takieh.

Moaven-Ol Molk Takieh

This Takieh has been built 100 years ago and contains carved illustrations on tiles depicting the battles of Muslim prophets and Imams.

Museum of Anthropology

This museum started its work in 1990 including thirty halls showing various significant agricultural and anthropological items. Musical instruments, equipment for writing, gears of hunting, and traditional customs are some of the items exhibited in the Kermanshah Museum of Anthropology. A few meters away from Vaziri Square, on Shariati Street, you will find the museum.

Khaje Barouk House

During the Qajar Era, this eye-catching monument was possessed by a Jewish merchant. If you want to get acquainted with ancient Persian houses architecture, this house is a well-rounded representative. You can find this house in Faizabad County as well.

Magnificent Attractions Outside of Kermanshah

While visiting Kermanshah, do not miss out on the wonderful attractions outside of the city since they carry a marvelous history and architecture behind their facade. Besides, if you are more of a nature lover, here are some amazing places which you should not miss.

Taq-e Bostan

Meaning the “Arch of the Garden”, is located in the northeast of Kermanshah within five kilometers of Kermanshah. Taq-e Bostan holds a great treasure of Sassanid Empire rock reliefs. These relics depict the ceremonies of kings Ardeshir II, Shapour II, Shapour III, and Khosrow II. This is the cornerstone of Kermanshah tourist attractions. Bear in mind that this complex has a National Park where you can enjoy resting for a while.

Taq-e-Bostan - Kermanshah

Taq-e Bostan holds a great treasure of Sassanid Empire rock reliefs which are considered the cornerstone of Kermanshah tourist attractions.

Bisotun World Heritage Site

Another remarkable site in Kermanshah Province is the Bisotun complex which has been registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s List. The complex includes monuments, rock reliefs, caravansaries, and bridges. Bear in mind that it holds one of the most famous yet tragic Persian love stories. The story of Farhad and Shirin belongs to this place. Farhad – a well-known artist and craftsman- was famous for carving rock and fell in love with Shirin -Armenia Queen-. Khosro -the King of Iran- assigned him an impossible task to carve a tunnel through Mount Bisotun -the current Bisotun Inscription- in order to dissuade him from his love. Farhad succeeds in his job but again got deceived by King Khosrow that told him that Shirin has passed away, so he committed suicide.
Additionally, in Mount Behistun, you will find the Shekarchian Cave which dates back to the Paleolithic Era. This inscription has been written in three languages namely Elamite, Babylonian, and ancient Persian. Bisotun inscription has an autobiography of Darius the Great. You can see the Farvahar symbol, the last vestiges of Sassanid Palaces, Ilkhanid and Safavid Carvansaries, and Temury clay ovens in this complex.

Bisotun - Kermanshah

Bisotun, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents one of the greatest Iranian love stories.

Temple of Anahita

Within a 100- kilometer distance to Kermanshah, you can reach the temple in Kangavar. Anahita was a Persian goddess of fertility, water, health, healing, and wisdom. Anahita Temple has an area of about 2.5 hectares and was built during the Sassanid Period. That is why you can see various Sasanid symbols and words engraved all over the place. If you are into Parthian Style, note that the temple has this style as well.

Dokan-e Davood Catatomb (Goordakhmeh Dokan-e Davoud)

If you wonder what a catacomb is, well it is an area dug into the mountains to bury a dead person. This masterpiece goes back to the Achaemenids Era and is located right across the Pol-e Zahab City.

Ghoori Ghaleh Cave (Quri Qal’eh Cave)

Salt deposits and rocky mountains are magnificent remarks of this site which makes it to be an exceptional attraction. It is located on Shahou Mountain within a 90- kilometer distance to Kermanshah. It is said that Quri Qale Cave is 65 million years old. Nature has formed so many astounding halls in the cave.

Ghoori Ghaleh Cave - Iran

Ghoori Ghaleh Cave: Nature has formed so many astounding halls in this 65 million-year-old cave.

Parau Cave

Known as one of the world’s most famous caves, which is both vertical and large. It is located in Mount Parau.
If you like visiting caves, you might take a tour of Do- Ashkaft Cave.

Niloofar Lagoon (Sarabe Niloofar)

This is a wetland only a 25-kilometer away from the city. This is an untouched natural site that you would enjoy visiting.

Hashilan Wetland

In the northwest of Kermanshah, within a 36-kilometer distance, you can see this wetland. The Hashilan Wetland possesses an area of 450 hectares. The number of small islands in the area reaches more than 100. Each island has an area from 100 square meters to one hectare.

hashilan-wetland- Kermanshah

Hashilan Wetland: Kermanshah, Iran

Kermanshah Flower Garden

The garden has about 4000 different species and demonstrates different plants belonging to Japan, France, and Italy.

We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any experience visiting Kermanshah or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. We would be glad to help.

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