TEHRAN - It might not be on everyone’s travel radar, but Iran has a well-worn tourist circuit, famed for its history, magnificent architecture, and its warm, hospitable people.

The country speaks of ancient civilizations and glorious days of the past. With lovely gardens and magnificent ruins, amazing mosques and churches, and thriving bazaars, to name a few.

Moreover, for those wanting to get off the beaten path, the ancient land has a wealth of lesser-known destinations that rival the stunning beauty and historical significance of their more famous counterparts.

It is one of those countries that should be on every traveler’s list. Listed here is a selection of the top Iranian cities to explore.

Ahvaz

Popularly famed as the city of ancient bridges over the Karun River, Ahvaz is rich in ethnic diversity and is known for its warm-hearted hospitable people.

Ahvaz experiences mild and short winters which are very pleasant and also the best time to visit the southwestern city. Moreover, it is a gateway to several ancient sites such as Susa, the ziggurat of Tchogha Zanbil, and the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System.

Tehran

The Iranian capital is a busy metropolis set against the Alborz mountain range. Popular as a tourist destination, it offers visitors to the present or modern-day Iran, featuring both historical monuments and the dazzling skyline making it a melting pot of both the ancient and the present.

It is home to countless museums, art galleries, and historical palaces to explore and a hip cafe scene to chill in the evenings. If you wish to explore places around the city, then two interesting places to take day trips are Tochal and Darband. Adorned with natural beauty, they offer quite an escape from the busy city of Tehran.

If you want to explore natural sights around the city, Tochal and Darband are two interesting places to take day trips. Decorated with natural beauty, they offer a pleasant escape from the busy city of Tehran.

Isfahan

A living museum of traditional culture, Isfahan is filled with many architectural wonders, such as unmatched Islamic buildings, bazaars, museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards. Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque are the biggest attractions along with the historic bazaar which brings visitors to this gem of a city. Do not forget to buy some local handicrafts while in the city.

Shiraz

Celebrated as the heartland of Persian culture for over 2000 years, Shiraz has become synonymous with education, nightingales, poetry, and crafts skills passed down from generation to generation.

Once the Iranian capital, Shiraz was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world and was the Iranian capital during the Zand dynasty from 1751 to 1794.

Yazd

Walk along the winding streets and admire the beauty of the mud-brick houses in the city of Yazd, one of the best places to visit in Iran. The old alleyways holding their centuries of history have their own story to tell. A laid-back city, Yazd invites everyone to explore the maze of its lanes.

It is a living testimony to the intelligent use of limited available resources in the desert for survival. Water is brought to the city by the qanat system. Each district of the city is built on a qanat and has a communal center.

Tabriz

Well-soaked in Azari culture and traditions, Tabriz is known for its ancient mosques, poetic atmosphere, and thriving bazaar. If you are looking for places to shop in Iran, this should be on your list.

Tabriz has a magnificent historical heritage. With excellent transport links, the city is easily accessible and the pleasant weather contributes to a wonderful city experience.

The city is also known for its stunning carpets and tea room hammams.

Kashan

Kashan is often overlooked on a trip from Tehran to Isfahan, but it is one of the most beautiful places in Iran. Archaeological finds indicate that the city is an architectural gem and was founded around eight thousand years ago. The historic houses make it one of the best tourist towns in Iran.

It also has some of the best traditional hotels to enjoy Iranian hospitality. Do you want to visit this city? Get some rose water from one of the bazaar shops too!

Mashhad

The list of cities to visit in Iran is incomplete without mentioning the city of Mashhad. The second-largest metropolis in the country and one of the holiest, Mashhad, is a city worth visiting.

Plan your holiday well because, during Muslim holidays, the city is completely booked months in advance while at other times one can get great deals here! While you’re there, also check out the carpets and saffron at the markets here. Mashhad is known to have the best of them!

AM