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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Shiraz tourist attractions: tomb of Saadi

Things to do in Shiraz: Photos, opening hours, info

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Have you ever thought how would heaven look like? You would probably think of someplace full of flowers and blossoms, with enormous fountains and green gigantic trees. Then you are probably thinking of a place like Shiraz.

This amazing city has embraced many historical and natural attractions that no visitor thinking of a dreamy trip in one of the gorgeous and ancient paradises of Iran, would tend to miss. This article introduces Things to do in Shiraz; some of which have a global reputation.

Persepolis

Persepolis was the capital of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. This monument has so many historical stories to offer; as some locals may say it is “History in front of your eyes”. In 518 BC Darius the Great built Persepolis as a modern city which was impressive due to its luxury and opulence. The architecture of Persepolis shows us how grand and fascinating the place was in 500 BC. Persepolis is one of the historical monuments that is inscribed in UNESCO. So, as a representative of Iran’s history and glory, you wouldn’t want to miss it. To reach Persepolis, taking a taxi seems the best way. There are also mini-buses departing from Karandish terminus in Shiraz every morning.

 Opening hours: 8 am – 5:30

Things to do in Shiraz – The legendary city of Persepolis: the capital of ancient Persia.

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque

At first glance, visitors may not realize the colorful secret hidden inside this mosque. Nasir al-mulk mosque, also as some tourist might like to call it, Pink Mosque turns into a magnificent masterpiece by the reflection of the colorful windows on the Iranian carpets. Due to this incredible artwork of Iran’s culture, a heaven has been created for photographers to take stunning pictures. Today, this mosque which was built by Qajar dynasty is one of the must-see attractions of Shiraz that no visitor would like to miss.

To arrive here, you can take Valiasr-Namazi buses and get off the bus at Chahar Rah Moshir (Moshir Crossroad) Station.

Opening hours: 7 am – 5 pm

Shiraz tourist attractions

Things to do in Shiraz: Nasir-ol Molk or pink mosque

Shah Cheragh shrine

Near pink mosque, you can also visit Shah Cheragh shrine. Shah Cheragh is a tomb of two brothers named Ahmad and Muhammad who are sons of Musa-al-kazim, seventh Shia Imam. This shrine is covered with mirror shards and tilework and welcomes you with an enormous fountain.

If you are going on foot, from Shohada Square, enter Piroozi Street. Then get on Dastgheibi Blvd. and after that get to 9th of Dey Street. And in case of using a car, in Sibooye Blvd. at Shahzade Ghasem Square, turn to the right to Hazrati Street. Then turn to the left to 9th of Dey Street.

Opening hours: 24/7

Vakil Complex

Named after the founder of the Zandiyeh dynasty, Vakil complex was constructed in this period when Shiraz was the capital of Iran. The complex consists of Vakil Bath, Vakil Bazaar, and Vakil mosque, all of which have been built for the public interest.

Vakil Bazaar

Looking to buy a souvenir in Shiraz? Vakil bazaar offers everything you’re looking for. Inside the bazaar you will find yourself surrounded by all Iranians’ handicrafts and spice stalls. You can find all sort of handcrafts; such as rugs and carpets, copper handicrafts and antiques. There is also some type of sweet called Masqati including pistachio, rose and saffron which are mostly known as a famous souvenir from Shiraz. To reach vakil bazaar you can use bus; get off at Shahrdari Station and take a walk southward on Piroozi Street, turn left on Farhang Avenue, go past by Taleqani Street and find Vakil Bazaar on the left side. On the way to Vakil bazaar you can also visit other parts of Vakil complex including the bath and the mosque.

Opening hours: 8 am – 9 pm

Shiraz tourist attractions

Things to do in Shiraz – Vakil Bazaar: An old bazaar in Shiraz where you will find valuable souvenirs.

Vakil bath

Vakil bath was originally a public bath dating back to Zandiyeh dynasty. The arches and the tilework of the bath show the history of Iranian architecture and culture.

Getting to Shohada Square, you can walk an 8-minute distance eastward on Zand underpass and then turn right on Taleqani Street to get to Vakil Bath.

Opening hours: 9 am – 9 pm

Vakil mosque

Vakil mosque is a fascinating mosque near Vakil bath with 48 columns which is an interesting place for photographers to take special photos. A large courtyard and stunning facade, blue tileworks of the arches and porches, the ceiling with its spectacular designs surrounded by well-designed walls are quite impressive and eye-catching. Vakil mosque is named after the founder of the Zandiyeh dynasty just like the bath and bazaar.

Using bus seems to be quite easy to access the mosque, you can get to Shohada Square and walk an 8-minute distance eastward on Zand underpass and then turn right on the first alley to get to Vakil Mosque.

Opening hours: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm

Shiraz tourist attractions

Things to do in Shiraz: Vakil mosque is a peaceful place with stunning tile works.

Karim khan Citadel

Karim khan Citadel known also as Arg of Karim khan, is also a part of Vakil complex but used to be a royal palace for Karim khan, himself who was the founder and the first king of Zandiyeh dynasty. However, during Qajar dynasty the castle turned into a prison and each room turned into a cell. Despite all of the damages occurred to the castle, it is still considered as an intricate and detailed brickwork. Inside of the citadel, is a courtyard with hundreds of citrus trees with great smell of oranges’ blossom in spring. To keep a memory of your trip to Shiraz, you can take a selfie right next to the sign of Shiraz behind the castle.

You may either take a bus or taxi. Use the buses to Shohada Square and get off the bus in the square, you will see the great Karim Khan Citadel.

Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm

Shiraz tourist attractions

Things to do in Shiraz: Karim khan Citadel

Near the citadel, you can also pay a visit to Pars or Nazar museum which is the oldest museum of Fars providence. It is an old house near the citidel, full of amazing and dazzling paintings on its roof. Although It is a small museum but the fact that Karim Khan, one of the of Iran’s most moralistic kings has been buried there, makes it special. You can find precious and valuable objects such as boxes, mirror frames and an ancient hand written Quran with a spectacular font. You will be amazed by the fascinating atmosphere and the vast variety of items which is definitely worth visiting.

To use the bus, Shahrdari Bus Stop in Shohada Square is the closest station, after 5 minutes of walking you will reach the museum.

Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm

Shapouri Pavilion and Garden

Shapouri House was owned by one of the greatest merchants of Shiraz. The idea of its architecture originated from two periods in Iran’s history, Qajar and Achaemenid architecture. Entering the house, you will see a garden full of Mediterranean cypress, plane and maple trees and a huge fountain surrounded by roses and pelargoniums. The first floor is used as a café and the second floor is a restaurant; so, after visiting the garden around the mansion you can sit in the yard or at balcony, order drink or food and enjoy your stay. Photographers will specially be impressed by this elegant house and its beautiful garden.

Accessing the Garden is possible either through walking from Kari Khan Zand Street and also taking a taxi which is quite affordable in shiraz.

Opening hours: Every day at 9 am – 12 am

Shapouri Pavilion

Things to do in Shiraz – Shapouri Pavilion: an old house in Shiraz shining like a piece of gold at night.

Eram Garden

The beautiful and colorful blossoms at Eram Garden especially during the spring has made this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site an attractive place for visitors. Being a botanical garden, different kinds of plants and trees, such as palm and cypress trees are planted and raised here. By just looking at the garden and the beautiful mansion inside designed with traditional tiles and unique architectural patterns, you will truly believe you’re in heaven. Women will appear in traditional colorful costumes, and walk around the pool while people go and visit the building.

To use subway, Find Namazi metro station, after 10 minutes of walking, pass Daneshjoo Square and you will find Eram Garden. Having decided to go by bus, try to find Kolbeh Sq to Eram Sq. or Narenjestan Blvd. to Namadi Sq. buses.

Opening hours: 8 am – 8:30 pm

Tomb of Hafez

Hafez is one of the most prominent poets of Iran, his poems are engraved on Iranians’ heart. Tomb of Hafez is one of the most significant Shiraz tourist attractions that anyone with a sense of love for poetry would like to visit. The garden offers a peaceful atmosphere, with loads of flowers in various colors, there is usually a pleasant music in the background and it’s a wonderful place to relax and read some of Hafez poems.

For centuries, Iranians have widely believed in consulting Hafez when confronting a difficult situation or making challenging decisions. Opening the Hafez Book randomly, the poetry will reveal the answer to your intention and guide you to the right path.

To arrive here, you can either of these buses line: Dastgheib to Narenjestan or Golestan Sq. to Namazi.

Opening hours: 8:30 am – 10 pm

Hafezie-Shiraz

Things to do in Shiraz: Tomb of Hafez, the great Iranian poet.

Tomb of Saadi

Saadi is one of the greatest poets of all time, not only in Iran but to all over the world. Saadi was both a traveler and a poet; having travelled to a lot of countries, he came back to Shiraz and started to write his poems. Tomb of Saadi offers a spiritual atmosphere with a beautiful garden; his poems are written all over the walls around his tomb. In front of the tomb there is a pond that people stop to make a wish and throw coins into it. Don’t forget to drop coins into the pond and make wishes!

To reach the site, take a taxi or a bus by Haft Tanan Boulevard, enter Boostan Boulevard and after walking for 10 minutes you will get to Tomb of Saadi.

Opening hours: 8 am – 10 pm

Shiraz tourist attractions: Saadie

Things to do in Shiraz – Tomb of Saadi: A great poet of all time.

If you are looking forward to pay a visit to Shiraz, spring is the best season to visit this breathtaking paradise because of the blooms and blossoms and also during fall due to the good atmosphere of the city.

Takht e suleyman

The most mysterious places in Iran + Photos

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Where you should go to visit while traveling to Iran? Shiraz and Isfahan are just some parts of this country. stay with us to find the most mysterious places in Iran you should go to.

Takht-e Soleyman Lake

Takht-e Soleyman is a spectacular area with lots of secrets, the most impressive area is Takht-e Soleyman Lake located in the center of the temple which is one of the most mysterious places to in Iran.
There are many myths and beliefs about the origin of this sacred lake, one of which dates back to Soleyman the prophet. According to this story, Prophet Soleyman is said to have kicked his cane in the water and made it boil and after that, he ordered the construction of the buildings around the lake. For this reason, due to the many names given by various groups of people to this site, today it is known only as the name of Takht-e Soleyman or (the throne of Soleyman).

Many believe that a treasure trove of coins and golden plates belonging to Soleyman the prophet has been buried deep at the bottom of the lake which has attracted the attention of many people not only in Iran but around the world; While some Zoroastrians are of the opinion that these golds are the gifts that people used to offer to the goddess of water. The question is why no one has dared to access this valuable treasure so far.

Takht-e-Soleyman-Lake - places to visit in Iran

Takht-e Soleyman Lake in Azerbaijan Province, Iran

Well, there are extraordinary features about the lake; it is said that the lake formation started when the springhead began to boil in the current location of the lake of Soleyman’s tomb, and over a very long time it gradually became the present lake with its calcareous sediments; with a length of 100 meters, a width of 80 meters and depth of approximately 60 meters.
Another astonishing fact about this lake is that despite being located in the cold region of Azerbaijan, the temperature of the lake is stable and does not exceed or lower 21 centigrade during summer and winter!

No living creature lives from a depth of 1 meter down the lake due to the presence of hard water elements. The water is not potable you should not drink water or even touch it! According to Zoroastrianism, whoever touches this water, must hold special fasting for forty days.

Rig-e Jenn

This desert in the central part of Iran, is one of the most mysterious Iran deserts. Many people believe that it could not be crossed since many travelers never returned from this wide emptiness. According to the locals, the region is governed by evil spirits and so, it is cursed.

For many years, no one dared to travel to the region and find out about its mystery! However, the scientific explanation for these strange disappearances is that the desert is full of salt marshes, especially the southern parts, and identifying these marshes is not easy. Tourists should travel with a guide to follow the right direction, otherwise, they will put their life in danger.

A strong whirlwind here causes the sandy hills to move in a way that in some areas driving would almost be impossible on these steep slopes. Special dune riding techniques with optional activities like sandboarding and skiing on dunes will pump adrenalin into the veins which is one of the main reasons why adventurers love to experience this scary zone.

Rige-Jen

Rige-Jen, the Bermuda Triangle of Iran.

 

 

If you are still interested in experiencing some adventure here, do not go alone, you must travel in a group and pack food, water, petrol, and the highest level of equipment for at least 15 days! Do not forget your map. Wish you an awesome adventure (Rig-e Jenn safari tour)

Screaming Forest of Torqabeh

In the northeast of Iran, there is a mysterious forest that produces scary voices like screaming at night. As the locals were frightened, an expert team was deployed to the region to find out the mystery. They reported that the sounds were attributed to a kind of grasshopper that attacks the villages in large numbers, especially during rainy seasons, their lifespan lasts for forty days. However, the locals still relate these strange screams to jinn and supernatural creatures, and their stories have attracted many tourists to the region every year; this streaming forest is among the mysterious places to visit in Iran.

Screaming-forest-Torghabe

Screaming Forest Torghabe

Shahdad Kalout

Kalouts are unique geological formations that have been made by extreme soil and water erosion through centuries. These natural attractions look like a mysterious city in the Lut desert, a captivating beauty that fascinates every visitor and one of the must-see places to visit in Iran.

Here is simply the hottest place on the Earth’s surface that NASA has ever registered; 71ºC! It is absolutely an abiotic zone; no living creature can endure here. So, if creatures like snakes and scorpions deter you from visiting desert areas, Shahdad is the best place to visit.

This legendary city has been caused by the strong winds of Semnan, which blow 120 days of the year, between June to October, and has extended over 11 thousand kilometers. These strong winds are the principal reason for Kalout’s creation, the greatest geological phenomenon.

Given that this desert is one of the hottest places to visit in Iran, the best time to travel to Shahdad is winter. You need legal permission to travel to this natural site and it would be best to travel in a group so as not to get lost.

Shahdad-Kalout

Shahdad Desert, the Hottest Place on Earth

Tallaght Wells

Thousands of years ago people of Qeshm island, one of the thirstiest parts of Iran close to the equator, dug 366 wells in the stone, representing the number of days in a leap year, in order to gather clean water from rainfall.

Each well has a name and people used one for each day. Water has always been the most valuable thing for people of the area, Laft, is more valuable than gold. These wells are located out of the island and next to the historic Naderi Castle in a village called “Laft”. There are some old and huge trees rooted in the stones next to the Tallaght wells, which locals believe are guardians of the Tallaght wells.

The liveliness of these trees shows that water is available in the wells. Since the wells are situated in a deeper area next to a coral hill, the rainwater goes downhill and would be saved in the wells. The bottom of the wells is covered with plaster that helps water to stay clean and cool for a long time.

Tallaght Wells are just 25 kilometers from the airport, so It would be the last attraction on Qeshm island that travelers might visit. The southern region of Iran has numerous historical and natural attractions and the best time of the year to book a tour in Iran to visit these parts is from late September to April (things to do in Qeshm)

Tallaght-Wells

Tallaght-Wells 

Fairy Chimneys (Hoodoo)

These strange geological wonders have been formed over many centuries by various physical and chemical natural forces; erosion through wind and acid rain has caused the formation of these badlands. However, the most powerful process that helps to form these sculptures is frost wedging. They are called fairy chimneys by the locals.

How these amazing geological forms are created? The melting snow, in the form of water, seeps into the cracks and freezes at night during winter. When water freezes it expands by almost 10 percent, little by little prying open cracks, making them ever wider, in the same way a pothole forms in a paved road.

One of the most well-known hoodoo-covered landscapes is Bryce Canyon in the USA, but these formations made of either sedimentary or volcanic rock can be found all around the world such as Cappadocia, Taiwan, New Mexico, New Zealand, Italy, France, and Canada.

Unfortunately, hoodoos don’t last a long time. The same processes that create hoodoos are equally aggressive and intent on their destruction.

Hoodoos: places to visit in Iran

Hoodoos, Fairy Chimneys in Iran

Ghost Canyon (Kul Khersan)

Dezful, an astonishingly beautiful city with a rich history on the hillside of Zagros mountains is considered a heaven for photographers due to the amazing landscapes of Shouy waterfall, Shayoon Lake, Dez River, downside flowers, Dez National Park, and other rivers and sceneries that surprise every visitor.

One of these fascinating places to visit in Iran is Ghost Canyon or Kul Khersan Canyon which is among the unique natural attractions in the world.
Imagine a road that continues for several kilometers between walls with a height of more than 100 meters on either side, in some places the two walls meet each other in a way that allows the sunlight in, only through small holes. At the beginning of the road, you will see beautiful grasslands, there is also a small palm garden and some cedar trees on the way.

Welcome to Kul Khersan, a truly amazing place to visit in Iran; water drops along the tall walls, and in some places, small waterfalls can be seen. The walls have various forms in different parts of the canyon, sometimes straight and sometimes so curved to narrow the way and let only one person pass!

Why do local people have named here the ghost canyon? As you go further along the road, the walls get closer and taller so it gets dark inside, and rarely little sunlight is allowed in.
One of the strange features of this canyon is its temperature; cool during summer and warm in winter.

Kul-Khersan-valley: places to visit in Iran

Kul Khersan Valley

The canyon will end in Dez River, there is about 4 kilometers of walking from the beginning of the road to reach the canyon and the canyon path continues for approximately 10 kilometers. Victors would better not to get close to the end of the road, since the water level rises and Dez River is dangerous to swim unless you are a professional swimmer!

The best time to visit Kul Khersan is in June when the weather is turning warm and it hardly rains.

Last Words

Iran has many unique and mysterious places to visit. Visiting these magical places will be one of the most memorable trips of your life.  If you’re interested let us know, so we can plan the perfect plan for your exciting trip to Iran. Hope you enjoy your tour visiting mysterious places in Iran!

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

Rig zarin desert, Iran

Best Iran deserts: A travel guide for sand lovers + photos

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Many people appreciate the golden sand dune of deserts, some love it for its peace and calmness, some others like it for safari and off-road activities and some for taking amazing photos. The diversity of Iran deserts can fulfill travelers of various tastes; this article is going to introduce some of these naturally dynamic habitats, and the unique features they offer.

Rig-e Jenn

This desert in the central part of Iran is one of the most mysterious Iran deserts. Local people believe that the region is governed by devil spirits and so, it is cursed. In fact, this is a kind of explanation for the strange disappearances that have happened over time. Many travelers never returned from this wide emptiness which has caused great fear among people and made the desert to be called the “Bermuda triangle of Iran”. There are also strange voices that are really horrifying both for the locals and travelers. For many years, no one dared to travel to the region and find out about its mystery!

Strong whirlwind here causes the sandy hills to move in a way that in some areas driving would almost be impossible on these steep slopes. There is also no water in this desert; however, it still attracts many adventurers. You may ask what is really the secret of the place? Well, the scientific explanation of this scary zone is that it is full of salt marshes, especially the southern parts, and identifying these marshes is not easy. Therefore, if the travelers are not familiar with it and take the wrong direction, they might be swallowed! And the voices are actually the sound of the wind blowing to the natural structures which have been created by erosion. These figures are another reason for causing fear due to their unusual forms!  frightening, yes?

If you are still interested in experiencing some adventure here, do not go alone, you must travel in a group and pack food, water, petrol and the highest level of equipment for at least 15 days! Do not forget your map. Wish you an awesome adventure!

To reach Rig-e Jenn, drive through Garmsar road from Kavir National Park to Malek Abad road and then straight to the desert. Check out our RIG-E JENN SAFARI TOUR.

Iran deserts : Rig-e Jenn

Rig-e Jenn desert is famous as the Bermuda Triangle of Iran

Lut Desert

As one of the most captivating Iran deserts, Lut is a UNESCO-listed natural attraction in Iran. Here was once considered the hottest place on the Earth surface that Nasa had ever registered; 71ºC! It is absolutely an abiotic zone; no living creature can endure here. So, if you are afraid of going to the desert because of usual threats such as snake or scorpion, then do not worry! These creatures will not make it here in such a severe condition.

40 Km to the northeast of Lut, you will reach Shahdad or Kalout desert, where resembles one of the Hollywood cities such as the one you have seen in the Star Wars, with its strange geological figures. Believe it or not, these giant structures that have formed due to wind, soil and water erosion sometimes reach a height of 200 meters! When it rains, the flowing water washes the soil and carries it around the rocks and gradually over time, these huge mud sculptures form! These amazing figures are more than 20 thousand years old.

Walking among these structures, you feel like walking on the surface of Mars while if you are lucky enough, you may hear the voice of wind blowing through them. That is the only voice to be heard at the endless silence of the desert!

Since here is one of the hottest places, the best time to travel and visit Shahdad is definitely winter. You need legal permission to travel to this natural site and it would be best to travel in a group to avoid getting lost.

About 100 Kms from Kerman, you will get to the capital of the province to Shahdad and driving another 40 Kms from Shahdad you will reach these Kalouts. Driving would be the best possible option to get here.

Lut deser

Lut desert: This huge salt desert was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2016.

Mesr Desert

Mesr village is an oasis located in the central desert of Iran which has one of the most beautiful sceneries around. Close to the heart of the village, there is a spring that is the only source of water in the area. It is said that one of the villagers named Joseph, once digged a deep well in search of water for the village. Later, people called the village Mesr, meaning Egypt, to remember the story of Joseph the prophet.

Mesr is one of the most attractive Iranian deserts for sand lovers, the peace here is beyond understanding! Walking on the golden sand dunes and feeling its warmth between your toes during the day would probably be one of the most amazing things you can experience here!

Spending a night in Mesr is an interesting story! It is one of the most breathtaking night skies with luminous stars you may have ever seen in your entire life.

This desert is located in Isfahan province, 45 Kms from Jandagh city. You may either drive or travel on a tour to get to this desert.

Iran deserts: Mesr

Mesr is one of the most wonderful deserts in Iran.

Bafgh Desert

Not far from the city of windcatchers, Yazd, there is an amazing peaceful landscape to be discovered, Bafgh desert. The golden sand dunes’ height sometimes reaches 80 meters here. Activities such as Camel riding, sandboarding, and safari are only some of the options that make your trip a lifelong experience. If you plan to stay overnight, there is a famous camp named “Shen va Shaden” which also serves traditional food.

The desert is divided into various parts, including Darre Anjir with no plants, Moghestan with beautiful salt hills and also marshes in some parts and Sadegh Abad with its famous tourist camp. If you are looking for the experience of sleeping under a sky you have never seen before, you can set up your own tent and stay overnight in this desert.

To arrive in Bafgh desert, drive through Naeen road on the north of Yazd or through Anar city in the south and then to Bafgh.

Bafgh desert

Bafgh desert: an amazing peaceful landscape to be discovered

Rig-e Zarin

Right north to the Bafgh, there is another desert with hair-raising landscapes that is divided into the northern and southern parts due to the variation in the desert’s altitude. The softness of sands here is kind of impressive, making a memorable experience of traveling to Iran deserts.

Do not forget to take your camera with you! It’s no secret that photographing during sunrise and sunset provides a wonderfully soft light that can make beautiful landscape images. There are many points of interest at Rig-e Zarin that helps you break the repetition of landscapes; the extreme soft sands are also a subject of detail photography.

Drive through the road Ardakan to Ahmad Abad and then straight to the desert.

Varzane Desert

People love deserts for different reasons; off-road activities, taking astonishing photos, etc. But,

Varzane is famous for its high sand dunes which are above the average height among all deserts in Iran. This feature makes Varzane one of the bests for meditation among Iran deserts. Meditation in the prolonged silence of this isolated place while sitting on the warm sand dunes feels incredible.

Sandboarding and paragliding are other activities to try in Varzane. There is no strong wind here to move the dunes; so, you can enjoy camping even for several nights.

There are also cultural attractions in this region; women still wear white veils just as ancient time and if you are interested in connecting with the locals, you may visit their house and see carpet weaving.

To arrive in Varzane, you should use a 4WD; however, if it is the first time you go there, it would be much better to travel on a tour or travel with a guide.

Iran deserts : varzaneh

Varzene: A heaven for meditation lovers!

Maranjab Desert

The desert is said to be named by “Shah Abbas”, the Iranian King, meaning a place where water is found with difficulties. In ancient times, deep wells must have been digged to access freshwater. It is interesting to know that, the desert is the habitat to various animal species such as wolf, eagle, snake, fox, lizard, and chameleon due to its endemic vegetation.

Depending on what you are looking for in a desert, you can visit Maranjab during different seasons. It is one of the best Iran deserts to watch meteor shower at night, these astronomical events are announced by NASA about a month before it occurs; so, you have got enough time to plan your tour to Iran.

Just looking for a cool peaceful place to meditate, or sitting around the fire at night, or maybe drinking coffee and listen to your friends’ stories? Then fall and winter are the best time to travel to Maranjab and enjoy your camping.

Arriving in Maranjab desert is rather easy, you should drive through the Tehran-Qom and then to Aran va Bidgol country.

Maranjab desert

Maranjab: one of the best Iran deserts to watch meteor shower at night!

It does not matter why you are attracted to the desert, you will come back with tremendous memories and astonishing photos that make you miss this ocean of sand forever!

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

Is Iran safe

Iran Safety and Laws: All You Need to Know

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“One gunshot a day keeps the tourist away” – Oscar Sega

I had decided to travel from Italy to India by land. In taking this decision, the first thing that I thought to check about every country was checking whether it is safe; before checking its average costs, its laws, or…  Among the countries that I had to check, staying right in the middle of my whole travel, was Iran. Is Iran safe?
So I did my research and after a thorough, meticulous examination of news, American movies, and my friends and family’s expert opinions asking if Iran was safe and it emerged that here I would be murdered, kidnapped, beaten, robbed, scammed, killed in a terrorist attack, and finally sold as a sex slave. In this precise order!

Is Iran safe?

Iran Safety: Alex tells you about his experience of traveling to Iran.

But I decided to go, to brave it, and now, from this comfortable, air-conditioned office in Tehran, I can tell you that the news, American movies, and my family’s opinions are hardly truthful! Unbelievable, right? It was never easy to distinguish between propaganda and genuine information. Only now that I’m here, I have an idea about the truth. I will tell you what I found out.

This may come as a surprise to you, but far from the awful, politically motivated media depictions in the West, Iran is a safe country. For example, the two risk assessment institutions “International SOS” and “Risk control” evaluate Iran’s risk to travelers to be comparable to that of most European countries. They have a nice world map, with the levels of risk associated with the country, and if you want to see it for yourself and have more info on how the research was done, go to this web page. It’s very useful for travelers going anywhere.

Iran is the safest country I have encountered during my trip. Yes, safer than southeast Europe, and yes, safer than tourist-ridden Turkey.
Therefore, I will cover a few points, about what you should know and do about your safety while you are traveling to Iran.

Criminality

Crime rates are low! There are a few reasons for this.
One of them is the fact that Iranians are simply a lovely lot, and the combination of social values that they live by is something simply out of this world (visit taarof). Another reason is the law. Whatever law infringement is punished severely, so many would-be criminals simply decide not to risk it. More importantly, all drugs and alcoholic beverages are prohibited, so the risk of meeting some late revelers who can’t hold their liquor is reduced to zero.
Nevertheless, this is what you should know about different types of criminality in the country:
Petty theft: Although uncommon, it still exists. Since the beginning of the international sanctions against Iran, due to the increased economic pressure on the poorer part of the population, more cases of petty theft have been observed, although they are hardly more than what you’d find in Europe. So, watch out for pickpockets.

Kidnapping: It is a Westerner’s worst fear. As for what regards human trafficking, it sadly exists here. In some rural religiously divided communities, family feuds can develop where some kidnapping is involved. Tourist kidnapping is virtually non-existent, though. Try as I might, the last kidnapping of a tourist I found happened 11 years ago, involving a Japanese tourist, and the last one before that is from 2003. You need to have no worries about this matter.

Sex offense: Some rare, uncouth individuals might grope you in a crowded place. Otherwise, Iranian men are very respectful, if not outright gallant.
Violence: Iranians are proud people. I have seen some verbal fights, but never anything physical. In any case, this doesn’t concern you, as they will just let it go as soon as they understand you are a foreigner.

Scams: The most dangerous scammers are those who might claim to be policemen in civilian clothes, and thus take away your passport and some other belongings. Make sure not to give in to such a simple (but sadly sometimes effective) scam.
You might be asked to pay more than the normal prices for purchases. This is quite common in the Middle East. Still, due to the general good values of Iranian society, this is much less likely to happen here than, for example, in Turkey. If you want to be sure just ask a random passerby what would be a reasonable price for what you want to buy. Otherwise, just get yourself an Iranian friend to shop with. Much more fun!

All in all, criminality in Iran shouldn’t worry you. It is nothing out of the ordinary and it is at the same time pretty rare.

safety issues in Iran

Iran Safety: You are less likely to die in a terrorist attack in Iran than you are to die in a terrorist attack in London or Paris.

Terrorism risk

This is one of the main concerns for prospective travelers out there. But the risk of being a victim of a terrorist attack in Iran is ridiculously small. First of all, the targets of such attacks usually are government employees and representatives, not the general population (although of course there are civilian victims too). Second, compared to neighboring countries, rife with social tensions, and France, the USA, and Great Britain, Iran did not have any attacks. Long story short: you are less likely to die in a terrorist attack in Iran than you are to die in a terrorist attack in London or Paris. Yet, that doesn’t dissuade you from going to Paris, does it?

Safety from the Law

Are you a spy, viciously plotting the downfall of the Islamic Republic of Iran? If yes, then prepare to be incarcerated. If not, then respect the law, don’t discuss internal politics, don’t slander Islam, and respect the Iran dress code. And enjoy your stay!

Safety from war

One friend of mine framed this worry in the funny expression “desert, ruins, and AK47”. I must address this. There is no war or conflict zone in Iran.
Moreover, as for what regards the recent tensions with the USA, any serious analyst will explain why war is in the interest of neither country, and that open-armed hostilities are extremely unlikely. The media just loves to spread panic. Don’t listen to them without any critical thinking. Be smart!

Safety from earthquake

Iran is literally a mountainous plateau, and many of its mountains are actually extinct volcanoes. It is not a surprise then that earthquakes are frequent. Make sure to learn what you should do if you find yourself in a building during an earthquake.

Safety in traffic

I left this last because, strangely, it is the most important.
Without a shred of doubt, the most dangerous thing in Iran is the way people drive. Iran has one of the highest rates of car accidents in the world. Road signs are not very well positioned, and in any case, an Iranian driver is not likely to care that much. Crossing the road must be done following an Iranian like you followed your mommy when you were a sweet, sweet child. On the plus side, should you learn to drive in Iran, you’ll be ready for Formula 1.

Iran

Iran Safety: Tourists feel quite safe while they are in Iran.

And finally, the last piece of advice I can give is this. Always take precautions dictated by common sense and trust your instinct. It is a powerful tool! That man that insistently stares at you? Watch him. That dark alley that looks like it comes straight out of your childhood nightmares? Avoid it. Wherever you might be, in your hometown or traveling abroad, safety depends on you!

Of course, while I hope I answered all the most pressing doubts you might have, I understand that it is unlikely that one article will defeat the impression that years and years of media might have convinced you of. So if you still have any queries on the matter of safety feel free to contact us, and we will answer your questions.

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

Beautiful landscape-Iran

Why you should visit Iran?

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Yes, you read it right! You should visit Iran. I won’t spend any words on how safe Iran is, or why the Middle East is not like what you think, or how it is not like you expect. I have already written those articles. The gist of it is that Iran is an ordinary country, like what you could say of France or Spain. 

A trip to Iran can teach you a lot, make a better person out of you and, without much effort, improve the whole world by a tiny bit. So no, I will not write another article or why you shouldn’t be afraid of this or worried about that, where I simply dispel wrong commonly held assumptions about this beautiful country. I will instead concentrate on why you should come from the perspective of what you can take from Iran or give to it, through the lens of my own experience here.

Endless Beauties of Iran

First of all, let me state the obvious: Iran is an amazingly beautiful country. Whether you decide to explore cultures and traditions, history, or landscapes, expect to be stunned. You can climb enormous mountains, such as Mount Damavand. You can walk through the lush forests of northern Iran. You can go alone in the unique Lut desert, and experience a sense of freedom you had not fathomed before. You could get addicted to it. In winter, you can even see small villages at the edge of the sand deserts covered in snow. 

Iran landscapes

An amazingly beautiful country.

You can visit Iran to see the old capitals of the Persian empire, more than two and a half millennia old. You can see mesmerizing ceremonies, such as Ashura. You can walk in the kaleidoscope of colors of the Pink Mosque. And I’d rather not start writing about the food… it would take me pages to describe all the best things.

 

The many different mentalities, traditions, and foods that dot Iran are available for you to experience because this country is unmistakably a multicultural society. No, not a multicultural society as in the United States, where racial segregation has only recently been ended, and subcultures cyclically bring racial tensions to a boiling point. And not multicultural like Europe, where huge political rifts form because of a few desperate refugees and migrants. In Iran, nobody uses buzzwords such as “assimilation” or “integration”. No media, in its own limited powers, promotes divisive discussions on these matters in the hope of obtaining more viewers. Here, such concepts are entirely alien.

Persian food

Persian cuisine is enriched with a special aroma and flavor that you will love!

Iran was the first truly multicultural empire in human history, and it adopted the diversity of its people with open arms. Since the 6th century B.C. laws and arts here were promoting unity through diversity. For example, in the ancient Persepolis city, art styles from different and very far apart regions of the empire can be seen. 

Various Tribes in Iran

Kurds, Armenians and Azeri Turks in the West, Afghan and Baluchi in the East, Central Asian Turks in the North, Arabs in the South, Qashqai nomads, and Baluchs live together in harmony in Iran. 

They speak their language at home and speak Farsi in public. All of them maintain, and sometimes publicly display their ethnic traditions. Many of them still wear their traditional costumes everywhere, be it bazaar, office, or place of work. A person from Tehran going to Tabriz will feel like a foreigner in his/her own country, yet will not feel the impulse of insulting the local Turks. Iraqi soldiers tortured, raped, and murdered Iranians just thirty years ago, yet now Iraqi immigrants in Iran aren’t pilloried because of it.

An interesting personal example of how multiculturalism is at the core of Iranian society is my girlfriend and her family, whose origins are in Tehran only. She has a Turkish-Iranian name. Her sister has a Kurdish name, her father an Arab one, while her mother has a European one. 

Needless to say, visiting Iran is an eye-opening experience of what intercultural tolerance is all about. As did I on many other things. From a simple personal well-being perspective, I can say that traveling here has been quite a boon.

south of Iran

A Kid from the south of Iran

In the West life is frenetic, everybody living in a semi-frenzied state of mind, always thinking two things at a time, running from place to place, and then coping through what now genuinely seems to me perverse psychological mechanisms. But visit Iran, spend here a couple of months, and life will slow down. It’s not that there’s no stress. No, on the contrary, cars run amok and you risk getting hit two times a day, the government is sensitive to the discussion of political topics, so you have to watch what you say, some idiot built something the way only an idiot would build it, and you have to multiply your effort to do what would otherwise be very simple. I don’t even want to get into how frustrating it was to get my Visa prolonged. No, things here are stressful. But people are, on average, calmer, or some could say lazier, or some could say careless. At any rate, you might just get imbued with this general relaxation. And suddenly food tastes better, colors are somehow different, you smile more, and the way you look at the world seems different.

Since I got here, in only two months, I have progressed beyond my wildest dreams. Anxiety is at an all-time low and my self-esteem is up. I remember when I was back in Europe I used to go out for a beer two, three, four times a week. Now I am closer to myself. I won’t need to do that ever again. I stopped needing to numb myself. I stopped trying to outrun stress. Whatever may come, life is good!

Visit Iran- Persepolis

The ancient capital of Persia, Persepolis

Of course, everyone is different, and you might not experience the same things. But I can guarantee you that, if you decide to take it easy and give yourself time, Iran will somehow put you in touch with your spiritual self. I say this even though, just a few months back, I used to scoff at the idea.

Speaking of this, Iran is not without its problems. International sanctions have impoverished the population, there is an ongoing struggle with Tehran’s pollution. And there are many other problems.

Sure, there are many things that the Iranians do better than us. For example, there are fewer beggars, and some social problems, such as alcoholism and compulsive gambling, are virtually non-existent. Nevertheless, in the West living standards are, on average, above the Iranian ones. The generations preceding us have obtained for our enviable prosperity. To any sensible person, this difference will constitute a personal awakening. We must come to the understanding that we should visit Iran and meet what history has gratuitously handed to us in the West, not with pride, but gratefulness. No more nagging and complaining about first-world problems like ungrateful losers; if you are to any degree wise, you will have eyes to see what does work well here and what doesn’t, and who knows, maybe you will be, even passively, a successful agent of change for your community, your family, or even simply yourself.

The Famous Hospitality of Iranians

And you can be sure that you will, unbeknownst to yourself, be an agent of change for Iran. When we went to Yazd my girlfriend pointed out a very interesting thing. She had been to the city only five years before, prior to UNESCO accepting the city on the World Heritage List. She told me that at that time people in Yazd used to be conservative and, not being used to any foreign tourists, they avoided making contact when possible. In short, she had described this as a close-minded city. Yet our experience in Yazd was unforgettable. The people were always willing to chat with us, to give us gifts, they always asked where I am from if I like Iran, and so on, and so forth. The warmest people on Earth. In just five years, the tourism that was bound for Yazd as a World Heritage Site had changed the soul of the city. Its citizens demonstrated lovely, if not sometimes even ridiculous levels of xenophilia.

Yazd

The Fascinating Architecture in Yazd City

Traveling to Iran will make people you meet more open, friendly, curious, and better informed about the rest of the world. They will learn from having you around just like you will learn from them. In some sense, the best way you can help Iranians see through their hardships is to travel and visit Iran.

The best thing you will get from such a journey is that you will finally know what Iran is like. You won’t anymore believe the bunch of lies the media is spreading about this country in the West. You will be able to fight those who stand to gain from the general ignorance that Westerners have of the Middle East, and not fall prey to demagogues. 

You will be free!

But all these are secondary benefits. 

The most important reason to visit Iran? You’ll have a lot of fun! 

Freaky rhyme intended :)

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Miniature by Farshchian

Persian miniature: Everything about Iranian miniature

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Persian miniature is a traditional style of painting that is detailed, colorful and small in size, often representing a mythological or religious theme. Due to its long history, Iran has a rich artistic heritage, and miniature is one of them. In your travel to Iran, there are many places you can see and buy this original work of art.

If you are planning to travel to Iran, here is the link to online Iran visa.

The History of Persian Miniature

Iranians’ taste for art dates back to the cave age, about 8 to 10 thousand years ago where the displays of hunting scenes are still evident on “Lorestan”, “Sialk” and other ancient archaeological sites.
It is believed that Iranian prophet, Mani, who was also a famous artist, was a pioneer in miniature in the 3rd century as his book was designed with tiny figures. However, there are limited documents of Iranian miniature related to pre-Islamic era.
After Invasion of the Moghuls, miniature painting in Iran was influenced by East Asia which is quite obvious in the human figures and their faces. Although, Iranians developed their own techniques and themes. Miniature started to become an outstanding genre from 13th century and reached its zenith in 15th and 16th centuries. And soon, Persian miniature was prevalent among other Islamic miniatures particularly the Ottoman miniature in Turkey, and the Mughal miniature in the Indian sub-continent.
During Islamic period when Persian miniature was significantly flourished, various independent schools came into existence, each representing unique features. Among the most known ones were Tabriz school, Baghdad school, Shiraz school, and Mozaffarian School. Many ancient Iranian stories and poems of Ferdowsi, Saadi, Nezami and Hafez were illustrated in fine miniature by great artists of this period.
The evolution of Iranian miniature stopped by the end of Safavid period in Iran, since the Safavid kings were attracted to the western styles and this art entered a new era.

Iranian miniature by Behzad

Miniature art by Behzad

Iranian Miniature Features

“Miniature” is a French term meaning “tiny replica of nature”, however Iranian miniature has fundamental differences with what is called miniature in the eastern Asia and Europe. Actually, the only similarity between Persian miniature and those of China, Japan and Europe is being small in scale. There are also other unique features about Persian miniature; the first one is its rich delicate details in spite of being small in size, no slight detail has been missed by the artist which catches every viewer’s eyes, some paintings are so delicate that you need a magnifier to see its detailed beauties.
The second feature is that, no perspective technique has been used in Iranian miniature, elements are just overlaid on each other on a flat surface which looks somehow amateurish to those who have got used to Western styles of painting.
Added to these, miniature in Iran is not only about a separate work of art but also refers to some illustrations for Iranian manuscripts, as on the margin of the poetry books, for instance. This kind of art became popular since the beginning of the 14th century, handwritten books were adorned with the scenes from hunting, battle fields and feasts.

Iranian miniature

Famous Iranian miniature

Where to see fine Iranian Miniature?

Persian miniature started by devoting itself to adoring books and papers; however, it later found its way to design the walls of glorious building. During Ashkani and Sassanid empire in pre-Islamic era the walls of kings’ palaces were embellished with miniature art, but unfortunately nothing has been left of these constructions. During Islamic period when miniature art flourished, Safavid kings paid a special attention to miniature art, and that is why many historical buildings of this period has been beautified with colorful astonishing Iranian paintings you can visit while traveling to Iran.

Chehel sotoun - Isfahan

Chehel sotoun – Isfahan

Since Isfahan was the capital of Iran during Safavid, the city is the best place to see Iranian miniature. Chehel Sotoun, Ali Qapu, Hasht Behesht palace, Qeisarie Bazaar in Isfahan; Boroojerdi house in Kashan and Chehel Sotoun in Qazvin represent the finest examples of Iranian miniature in Iran. Isfahan is famous for its Islamic architectural masterpieces and it is included in all tours to Iran.

boroojerdi-house

Miniatures in Boroujerdi house – Kashan

If you are interested in art and especially Iranian miniature, we strongly suggest you visit National Museum of Iran in Tehran where there are various ancient artworks such as pottery, textiles and adobe calligraphy, from Iran’s post-Islamic era.

Can I buy Iranian miniature as a souvenir from Iran?

Iranian miniature has gone a long way to be painted on pictures made of thin layer of bones. There are still artists following miniature schools and create fine arts that deserve to be appreciated. The price is different depending on the artist’s skill, the quality of the work, the size and also theme of the miniature. Most tourists are excited by seeing Iranian artworks in the shops, they carefully gaze at the works of Iranian artists in their workshops to select and buy the best Iran souvenirs. You can buy Iranian miniature works not only as a wall picture but also on different objects such as decorative containers which makes it even more valuable.

Iranian miniature

Miniature painting

There are different traditional and modern bazaars in different cities that are famous for fine handicrafts and artworks. You can ask your tour guide about these bazaars, however they are usually quite close to the visiting places in your tour itinerary.

Inlaid work from Iran

Miniature on inlaid box

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Vank Cathedral

Vank Cathedral in Isfahan: Photos, Opening hours & More

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As a lovely and amazing city, Isfahan has embraced three UNESCO world heritage sites, plenty of cultural and architectural attractions, and friendly hospitable local people. However, walking into Jolfa district would fascinate every visitor in a different way; it feels as if you have traveled back in time and you are in a different period of history. Let’s not forget to mention that there are 13 churches in this district right now but Vank is undoubtedly shining as the most gorgeous one. Vank Cathedral is a things to do in Isfahan, a masterpiece representative of artistic expression of Christians in Iran and Armenian living place in 400 years ago.

The History of Vank Cathedral

About 400 years ago, the Armenians migrated from Azerbaijan to settle in the Jolfa district of Isfahan in search of a haven, due to the Armenian genocide that occurred in Yerevan during Ottoman war. Jolfa is still famous as a quiet area with European setting and architecture.

Vank Cathedral is a historic church dating back to Shah Abbas the second period (1642 – 1666) having the reputation of training high rank priests in the Christian world; that is why Vank is considered as one of the most noticeable churches among Armenians. Besides being an impressive Cathedral, Vank is the largest museum in Isfahan due to possessing an outstanding collection of historic documents during the last 400 years which makes it one of the most well-known Armenian centers in the world.

facts about Iran

 All religions are respected in Iran. Vank Cathedral; Jolfa, Isfahan

Architecture and Design

Displaying a mix of Islamic and Armenian architecture, this church covers an area of approximately 4000 square meters including the main church and its courtyard, monastery, belfry, library, museum, clock tower, Bishops’ room, community halls, and tea house; considering the Vank garden and green spaces around, it is about 9000 square meters.

The height of the walls from the yard to the roof of the second floor is about 11.75 meters. Unlike many other Armenian churches in Iran which are made of stone, the main construction material in Vank Cathedral is clay.

The exterior walls are covered with brick and tiles designed with winged angels can be seen everywhere while the interior walls are covered with plaster and eye-catching paintings which is the most splendid feature of this building. The magnificent artistic decorations in different parts of the church, such as inside the dome, walls and arches are mainly originated from the holy Christian book. These paintings mainly represent stories from the Holy Bible, Jesus Christ from the birth to the ascension, day of resurrection and the judgment, heaven, and hell. A combination of Persian floral ornaments and Armenian national motifs are also evident on the ceilings and walls. The display of frescos on tiles with glorious gold and blue frames has created a pleasant and lovely setting inside the church. The cost of all paintings and decoration of the church was provided by “Avdic Stepanos” which are unique among Armenian churches.

vank_cathedral-Iran

Gorgeous Vank Cathedral

Museum

Vank museum is a not to be missed place in Isfahan. One of the most significant and most  comprehensive collections of biblical manuscripts are kept and displayed here. The museum keeps 700 handwritten books, a variety of objects related to the Armenian community in Isfahan such as Safavid costumes, European paintings brought back by Armenian merchants, tapestries, embroidery, and other ethnological exhibits related to Armenian culture and religion.

Visiting various collections in this museum would be one of the most interesting parts of your tour. The precious paintings related to Safavid period, painted by Armenian and European artists are unexampled. There are stunning collections of porcelain and clay dishes, collections of wooden works consisting of instruments, furniture, clock, etc. and eye-catching metal objects including gold and silver jewelries, belts, frays, etc.

The exhibition of Armenian textiles, traditional handwoven and embroidery are quite appealing to any visitor’s taste.

Vank Cathedral enjoys possessing 170 sheets of crucial historical commands, 22 of which are depicted in this museum today. Belonging to 17th to 19th century, these political orders are mostly related to the emigration of Armenians, offering religious and commercial privileges to them and tax rules for residents of Jolfa district.

And last but not least, the most highlighted object at Vank museum is a piece of hair, belonged to an 18-year-old girl on which a sentence from the old testament has been written with a diamond pen in 1974. You can read the sentence through a microscope kept by the side.

Opening hours

9:00 am till 6:30 pm

Location

Vank Church alley, Jolfa District, Isfahan, Iran

Contact

Phone Number: (+98) 3136243471

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Top 10 Historical Garden Museums in Tehran

Top 10 Garden Museums in Tehran (Photos, Timing)

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Tehran is known as “the city of museums” among people. This bustling metropolis embraces picturesque historical garden museums as well. These amazing attractions combine history narrations with artistic creations to exhibit glorious history as well as man-made artifacts. Though the heavy traffic and crowded streets are sometimes annoying, garden museums in Tehran can provide you a peaceful relaxing atmosphere to escape the city chaos. Let’s explore the top 10 historical garden museums in Tehran you shouldn’t miss for an enjoyable visit and a memorable experience.

Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace Complex is the only UNESCO Heritage Site in the heart of Tehran. It sits in a region initially called Tehran Arg which was the city’s gateway in the Qajar period. The palace was established during the Safavid era. Zand dynasty renovated it. Then, the founder of the Qajar dynasty, Agha Mohammad Khan, selected the palace as the official residence of the Qajar dynasty (1794-1925). Moreover, it became the center of artistic creations. The palace complex is composed of seventeen palaces and halls of different ages surrounding a picturesque garden. Each building is a treasure of architecture, art, and decorative craftsmanship. Golestan Palace has witnessed some significant moments in Iran’s history such as the coronation of the Qajar and Pahlavi kings. Shams-ol Emareh, or the Sun Building, the first recreational tower of Tehran, is one of the valuable features of this palace complex. It enjoys a good view of the Tehran landscape from its rooftop. Takht-e Marmar Terrace (Marble Throne), Talar-e Ayeneh (Mirror Hall), Khalvat-e Karim Khani (Karim Khan Nook), and Emarat-e Badgir (the Wind Catcher) are among the prominent halls that should not be missed.

Opening hours:

Spring and summer: Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

Fall and winter: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 16:30 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

Location: Click Here

Golestan Palace, Iran

Golestan Palace, the only UNESCO Heritage Site in Tehran

Saadabad Palace

Saadabad Palace is a cultural and historical complex located in Shemiran, at the northernmost part of Tehran. Its lavish garden, covering an area of 110 hectares, embraces 18 palaces and galleries dating back to Qajar (19th century) and Pahlavi periods.  The area was used as a summer palace for the Qajar royal family at first and later, as the summer residence of Pahlavi dynasty. It turned into the museum after the revolution in 1972. The Green Palace- the first palace built during Pahlavi period, the White Palace or Mellat Museum that is the largest mansion, the Black Palace (or Fine Arts Museum), the Military Museum, and the Dafine Museum (or Museum of Treasure) are just some of the remarkable palaces and museums for tours to Tehran. There is much more to see in the complex! After your visit, you can make your way to Tajrish Bazaar for shopping or to Darband for relaxing, drinking tea or eating traditional food in the cafes or restaurants settled along the river.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 18:45 p.m. except public mourning holidays (Last entry: 17:00)

Location: Click Here

Niavaran Palace

Niavaran Palace is a historical complex located in a landscaped garden in the north of Tehran. The complex traces its origin to the Qajar dynasty. It was used as the summer residence by the Qajar monarchs. The pavilions were added to the complex during the reign of different Qajar kings. Today, Niavaran Palace consists of five museums including Niavaran Palace (the primary residence of the last royal family), the private library containing about 23000 books, Ahmad Shahi Pavilion (built during the late Qajar era), Sahebqaraniyeh Palace, and Jahan Nama Museum. Some copies of inscriptions from ancient times of Persia are exhibited in the garden as well.

Opening hours:

Spring and summer: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. except public mourning holidays

Fall and winter: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. except public mourning holidays

Location: Click Here

Top 10 Historical Garden Museums in Tehran

Ahmad Shahi Pavilion in Niavaran Palace in Tehran

Moghadam Museum

Moghadam Museum is one of the most precious museums in Tehran. The house dates back to the Qajar period. Mohsen Moghadam- one of the Iranian pioneers of archeology who inherited the house from his father- and his French wife dedicated life to collecting valuable historical objects from around the world. They bequeathed the family house with all its treasure to Tehran University.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 17 p.m. except Saturdays and public mourning holidays

Location: Click Here

Moghadam-museum-Tehran

Moghadam museum, a priceless house in Tehran

Ferdows Garden

Baq-e Ferdows (literally the paradise) is a historical complex, covering 20 thousand square meters, in Tajrish in the north part of Tehran. It was called Ferdows since the beauty of its garden, pools, and fountains, as well as the splendid decorations of the mansion,  replicated the beauty of heaven on earth.  The complex was founded during the reign of Mohammad Shah Qajar (1808-1848). It was also used to be called Mohammadieh at that time. After the king’s death, the complex underwent alterations over the years. The two-floor mansion (the oldest part was completely destroyed) in the middle of the complex is applied as the Cinema Museum of Iran from 2002. It is decorated with patterned pillars and moldings. The museum exhibits photos, posters, and equipment of Iran’s movie industry. In fact, it presents and safeguards Iran’s cinema heritage. It is usually the host of different cultural events such as theater shows. The garden embraces two movie theaters, two cafeterias, and gift shops. Ferdows garden is close to the museums of Time and Music, as well as Imamzadeh Saleh.

Opening hours:

Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. except Fridays and public mourning holidays (Last entry: 18:15)

Location: Click Here

Top 10 Historical Garden Museums in Tehran

Ferdows Garden encompassing Cinema Museum in Tehran

Negarestan Garden

This beautiful garden is located in the central part of Tehran. It was built in 1802 by the order of Fath Ali Shah- the second Qajar king- as a summer residence. The halls are ornamented with mirrors. Since the mansion was decorated by the most prominent painters’ works, it was named Negarestan, literally meaning a place encompassing many pictures. The museum in the garden exhibits the paintings of Kamal-ol Molk (1847-1940) – the leading Iranian artist- and a number of his students. Negarestan garden was turned into the school of fine arts by Kamal-ol Molk in 1911. In 1934, some parts of this historical garden were used by Tehran University to hold educational courses. Today, the garden has been changed into the museum of Tehran University’s history and glory. An open-air café in the garden offers the visitors refreshing drinks and a traditional menu in a pleasant environment. It takes only five minutes to walk from the Baharestan metro station to this beautiful garden. It is also very close to several museums and tourist sites such as the National Jewelry Museum, National Museum of Iran, cafes, and restaurants.

Opening hours:

Museums: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. except Mondays and public mourning holidays

Garden: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

Restaurant: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

Location: Click Here

Negarestan-Garden

Negarestan Garden Museum, Tehran

Masoudieh Palace

The five-hectare Masoudieh Palace (Emarat-e Masoudieh) is one of the most beautiful historic houses in the center of Tehran dating back to the Qajar period. Its beautiful Iranian-European architecture made this place a popular attraction for the residents as well as the tourists and travelers who wish to experience the Tehran city tour. The Divankhaneh palace is decorated with stucco, colored glasses, ceramics, gridded doors and windows, symmetrical floral patterns and geometrical motifs, calligraphy, and murals. The palace was built in 1878 by order of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar for his son Masoud Mirza- the governor of Isfahan. Over time, it was used for different cultural, historical, and political purposes: the main gathering center for the Iranian Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911), the first official library (1926), the national museum of Iran, and Ministry of Education (1967). There are two mansions, a restaurant, and an entrance hall in the complex. The restaurant, with a traditional design, serves traditional food and drinks in a cozy environment. Some cultural classes and galleries are held in this historical mansion on different occasions throughout the year.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. except on public holidays

Location: Click Here

Masoudieh Palace- Iranian garden museums

The five-hectare Masoudieh Palace (Emarat-e Masoudieh) is one of the most beautiful historic houses in the center of Tehran

Time Museum

Time Museum was inaugurated in 1999. The two-story mansion, dating back to the Qajar era, is a mixture of architecture, amazing plaster works, and tile works. Outdoors, the visitors can see some models of old sundials, clepsydras, hourglasses, and the like some going back to 5000 years ago. The first floor exhibits the evolution of clocks from the seventeenth century to the present. Different kinds of clocks- pendulum, wall, floor, mantel and tabletop, bracket, cuckoo, chime shut off, musical, atomic, etc. – ornamented with sculpture, enamel, and mosaic have been presented by other countries to Iran. The first Iranian-made clock is kept here too. The second floor displays the prominent political, historical, and scientific characters’ watches, as well as other kinds of clocks such as marine, and military clocks. The evolution of time measurement tools, mechanical clocks and watches, and some fossils from different geological periods are exhibited on this floor as well. The walls of the museum show the documents on the Iranian calendar. There is a café in the garden where you can relax and refresh. Its breakfast is popular among visitors. It is close to a number of attractions such as Saadabad palace, Niavaran palace, Tajrish traditional bazaar, and Cinema museum in Ferdows garden.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 to 18:30 from Saturdays to Wednesdays and from 10:00 to 18:30 on Thursdays and Fridays except national holidays

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Time museum Iran

The two-story mansion known as Time Museum in Tehran, Iran

Iranian Art Museum Garden

Though the Museum Garden of Iranian Arts (or Bagh-e Honar-e Irani) is not a historical site, it contains replicas of twelve Iranian historical buildings and monuments in miniature size. The small models of prominent tourist sites, made by Italian artists in the Pahlavi period, such as Tehran’s Azadi Tower, Zanjan’s Soltaniyeh Dome, Kashan’s Fin Garden, Shiraz’s Naqsh-e Rustam, Urmia’s St. Thaddeus Monastery, and Isfahan’s Chehel Sotoun are scattered in the beautiful garden surrounded by handicraft shops, a bookstore, a restaurant, and a cafe. Here’s a nice spot for walking, shopping, eating, relaxing, and mingling with locals. Moreover, art exhibitions and workshops are sometimes held here. The garden and its mansion were built in 1932 but opened as a museum in 2008. It covers the nearly one-hectare area in Elahieh near Tajrish square in the north part of Tehran.

Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 21:30 p.m. except for public mourning holidays

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Tehran’s Persian Garden

Persian or Iranian Garden (or Baq-e Irani) is located in an old neighborhood known as Vanak Village (Deh Vanak) in northwest Tehran. Though it is not that much big, you can spend some peaceful moments there in the chaotic city of Tehran. It is also very convenient. This beautiful garden follows the amazing pattern of Persian Gardens’ architecture and design in ancient Persia. The brooks are flowing around and the tiny fountains are scattered along the way in the garden. Due to the beautiful tulips, the garden is scenic, especially in the springs. The building in garden was built in the traditional Persian style. It is decorated with colorful latticed windows.

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