At one time Iran's capital, Shiraz is home to the tombs of the greatest Iranian poets, Hafez and Saadi, and was once famous for the wine formerly produced here from the well-known grape variety that today shares the city's name.

Middle East

Iran

Shiraz

Here lies the capital of the Safavid empire, in the country's centre. Magnificent monuments from the 16th and 18th centuries, arranged like a huge garden. The stop not to miss in order to discover all Iran's splendour.

Isfahan

Capital of the Achaemenid empire, stretching between the coasts of Greece and Afghanistan, before going up in flames after having been conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 AD,  Persepolis gives you an idea of Iran's ancient grandeur. 

Persepolis

One of the largest towns in the country and the capital of the Azeris (a Turkish speaking ethnicity), the largest minority in Iran, Tabriz has been an important gateway town for centuries, at the crossroads of Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran.

Tabriz

A metropolis with 15 million inhabitants, Tehran is an essential destination while on holiday in Iran. With the variety of its museums, its many bazaars, and its hiking trails that wind around the 3,900 metre tall Mount Tochal which overlooks the city, you won't get bored there.

Tehran

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Oceania

Located 1,000 and 1,900 metres above sea level, Tehran is divided into its dry and populous neighbourhoods in the south, and its greener and richer neighbourhoods in the north. You can visit dozens of museums and ancient castles in Tehran. I especially liked Golestan Palace near Grand Bazaar, the Abbasi Museum of Miniatures, and the Sad Abad Palace complex.
So that you can better understand the role of carpet in Iranian society, head to the National Carpet Museum. If you love jewellery and precious stones, you'll need to go to the basement of the Central Bank so you can admire the crown jewels. And finally, if you love contemporary art, make sure you go and see the collection of works by Andy Warhol in the Vasarely Museum of Contemporary Art.
Alongside its museums and its fast pace of life, Tehran also provided me with some peaceful opportunities thanks to its many green parks and its hiking trails in Darband and in Darakeh. For those travelling in winter, you can get to the top of Mount Tochal in a gondola and ski down some of its slopes.
The country's greatest culinary diversity is probably found in Tehran. It ranges from traditional Iranian dishes to sushi as well as from Italian to Indian restaurants. It's basically an ideal place to stop off at while on holiday in Iran.

Tehran Vacations

Tehran: How to get there?

Tehran: When to go?

Tehran: For how long?

Tehran: What to see in the surroundings?