Travel landscape in Iran
Iran flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Iran

Iran, steeped in millennia of history, presents a unique blend of cultural sites, diverse natural landscapes, and warm hospitality. From imperial cities to mysterious deserts, explore a captivating destination at the crossroads of civilizations.

Photo by SYDE Yvi · Pexels

Currency converter

Indicative IRR → EUR rate

Rate temporarily unavailable

Two ways to explore

01 / 02

CREATE YOUR IDEAL TRIP

Plan custom city trips for the whole family, in Paris or anywhere else.

YOUR CITY ROUTE

A day in Paris

3 stops
A lovely walk · 3 stops
SERVICESStaysActivities
Start Trip Generator
02 / 02

CREATE YOUR GPX CYCLING ROUTE

Routes tailored to your riding style, with useful roadside services.

THE ROUTE

68 km · Loop route

GPX · 68 km

ELEVATION PROFILE

Altitude 580 m

RentalsRepairs
Discover Bike Generator

Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Persian (Farsi)
Time zones
UTC+3:30, UTC+4:30 during daylight saving time
Electrical outlets
220 V - 50 Hz, plugs type C and F
Climate
Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, varying by region: desert, mountainous and coastal areas.

Health

Medical facilities are better in major cities. Traveling with adequate health insurance is advised.

Travel health advice

  • Drink bottled or filtered water
  • Avoid raw or undercooked food
  • Respect local laws regarding medications and medical treatments

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A; Typhoid; Tetanus; Yellow fever (if arriving from risk area)

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)

International credit cards rarely accepted; carry cash or exchange at official bureaus.

Limited ATM availability; bring convertible currencies in cash.

Safety

Iran is generally safe for tourists who respect local laws. Increased caution advised near border areas.

  • Respect local customs, including dress codes
  • Avoid political demonstrations and gatherings
  • Be vigilant with belongings in tourist areas
  • Check updates with authorities and embassies before travel

Areas to check before travel: Border areas with Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan

Regions

Tehran and Surroundings — travel guide
Region

Tehran and Surroundings

Political and economic center with museums, palaces, and dynamic urban life.

Central Iranian Plateau — travel guide
Region

Central Iranian Plateau

Desert region with historic cities and the Caspian Sea to the north.

South and Persian Gulf — travel guide
Region

South and Persian Gulf

Coastal zones with warm climate, oil industries, and natural sites.

Khuzestan Province — travel guide
Region

Khuzestan Province

Region rich in ancient history and archaeology.

Iranian Caucasus — travel guide
Region

Iranian Caucasus

Mountains, forests, and cooler climates in west and northwest.

Khorasan Region — travel guide
Region

Khorasan Region

Arid northeast with cultural cities and spiritual sites.

Cities

Tehran — city guide
City guide

Tehran

A dynamic capital city blending modernity with historic museums.

  • National Museum of Iran
  • Golestan Palace
  • Milad Tower
Isfahan — city guide
City guide

Isfahan

City of art and architecture with iconic squares and bridges.

  • Naqsh-e Jahan Square
  • Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
  • Si-o-se Pol Bridge
Shiraz — city guide
City guide

Shiraz

Poetic garden city, birthplace of Persian poetry.

  • Hafez Mausoleum
  • Eram Garden
  • Persepolis ruins
Yazd — city guide
City guide

Yazd

Desert city with unique adobe architecture.

  • Zoroastrian Fire Temple
  • Old Bazaar
  • Windcatchers
Mashhad — city guide
City guide

Mashhad

Holy city and pilgrimage site for millions.

  • Imam Reza Shrine
  • Mellat Park
  • Astan Quds Museum
Kermanshah — city guide
City guide

Kermanshah

Mountainous region with ancient historical sites.

  • Bisotun Relief
  • Taq-e Bostan Temple
Tabriz — city guide
City guide

Tabriz

Industrial and cultural city with famed bazaar.

  • Tabriz Bazaar
  • Blue Mosque
  • Azerbaijan Museum

Highlights

Persepolis — travel guide
Must-see

Persepolis

Ancient Achaemenid capital with grand ruins.

Chehel Sotoun Palace — travel guide
Must-see

Chehel Sotoun Palace

Safavid-era palace and gardens in Isfahan.

Chahar Bagh Boulevard — travel guide
Must-see

Chahar Bagh Boulevard

Historic avenue and district in Isfahan.

Tabriz Bazaar — travel guide
Must-see

Tabriz Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest bazaars in the world.

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque — travel guide
Must-see

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque

Colorful mosque known for stunning stained glass windows.

Shiraz Gardens — travel guide
Must-see

Shiraz Gardens

Symbols of Persian poetry and beauty.

Nature & other places

Lut Desert — travel guide
Desert

Lut Desert

Vast hot desert listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mount Damavand — travel guide
Mountain

Mount Damavand

Iran's highest peak, a volcano and hiking destination.

Caspian Sea Forests — travel guide
Forest

Caspian Sea Forests

Lush humid forests in northern Iran.

Lake Urmia — travel guide
Lake

Lake Urmia

Major salt lake in decline, site for nature observation.

Zagros Mountains — travel guide
Mountain

Zagros Mountains

Mountain range with varied landscapes and traditional villages.

Persian Gulf Islands — travel guide
Island

Persian Gulf Islands

Islands with beaches, reefs, and abundant marine life.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

Found this useful?

Share it with your travel companions.