IRAN

Iran, a land of ancient empires and captivating beauty, spans vast deserts, majestic mountains, and a rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant bazaars of Isfahan to the ancient ruins of Persepolis, it offers a journey through millennia of history and art.

Region: Middle East

Capital: Tehran

Official Language: Persian (Farsi)

Level of Travel Safety: The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and arbitrary detention of U.S. citizens. Consular assistance is extremely limited.

A map of the Middle East with Iran highlighted in green.

Why Visit Iran?

Ancient History: Explore the ruins of Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Persian Empire.

Breathtaking Architecture: Iran’s mosques, palaces, and bridges showcase some of the world’s most intricate and beautiful designs.

Cultural Richness: Iran offers a fascinating cultural experience with its festivals, music, and traditional crafts.

An intricately tiled entrance or facade of a mosque or traditional building, with two minarets reaching towards the sky.

Friendly Locals: Iranians are known for their hospitality, and visitors often find themselves welcomed with open arms and open hearts.

Natural Beauty: From the Alborz mountains to the Lut Desert, Iran’s landscapes provide endless opportunities for trekking, skiing, and desert exploration.

Cuisine: Enjoy Iran’s flavorful food, including dishes like kebabs, stews, and aromatic rice.

An interior view of a vibrant and colorful space with richly decorated arches, columns, and stained glass windows.

Essential Trip Information

Most travelers need a visa. Apply via an Iranian embassy/consulate or use the e-visa portal (official website).

Passports must be valid for 6+ months.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is available at major airports (e.g., Tehran Imam Khomeini) for eligible nationalities (check MFA list).

Tourist visas require an invitation letter (book through a licensed tour operator).

US/UK/Canadian citizens must travel with a guided tour.

Iran uses the Iranian Rial (IRR). Prices are often quoted in Tomans (1 Toman = 10 Rials).

Exchange rates fluctuate wildly due to sanctions. Official vs. black-market rates differ significantly (e.g., ~US$1 = 42,000 IRR official vs. ~500,000 IRR unofficial).

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Bring cash (US$/EUR) in small, clean bills (no stamps or tears). Exchange at bazaar money changers (better rates than banks).

  • Avoid ATMs/credit cards (international cards don’t work due to sanctions).

  • Carry a calculator to convert Toman/Rial prices.

The official language is Persian (Farsi), but Arabic is spoken in some regions.

Helpful phrases: “Salaam” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), “Kahjasti…?” (Where is…?)

Iran is generally safe, but it’s important to respect local customs and laws.

Women are required to wear a headscarf and modest clothing in public.

Watch out for pickpockets in crowded markets or public transportation.

Emergency number: 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance).

No special vaccinations are required for most travelers.

Travel insurance is recommended, as healthcare services for foreigners may not be readily available in some areas.

Tap water is generally safe in larger cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.

Metro: Tehran has an efficient metro system that is cheap and easy to use.

Buses: Extensive bus networks are available in most cities.

Taxis/Ride-sharing: Taxis are abundant, but it’s advisable to agree on the fare before the ride. Apps like Snapp offer ride-sharing options similar to Uber.

Iran is generally affordable for travelers, especially for food and accommodation.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hostels or budget hotels (US$30–60/night)
  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (US$80–150/night)
  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels (US$200+/night)

Food:

  • Street food: Kebabs, sandwiches, and local snacks (US$3–7)
  • Casual dining: Traditional restaurants (US$10–25/person)
  • Fine dining: Higher-end options (US$30+/person)

Transportation:

  • Public transport: Metro and buses are cheap, typically US$0.30–0.60 per ride.
  • Taxis: Local taxis (US$2–5 for short trips)
  • Domestic flights: Low-cost carriers for internal travel (US$40–100 per flight)

Money-Saving Tips

  • Stay in local guesthouses or hostels for a budget-friendly experience.
  • Use public transportation to save on taxis.
  • Visit free historical sites like the ruins of Persepolis and natural parks.

Explore Iran

Often called “Half of the World” for its grandeur, this central Iranian city is a jewel of Islamic architecture, featuring stunning mosques, palaces, and a magnificent central square.

Known as the city of poets, gardens, and nightingales, located in southwestern Iran, it boasts beautiful historical gardens, the tombs of famous poets like Hafez and Sa’di, and the vibrant Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.

The awe-inspiring ancient ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing grand ruins and intricate carvings, located northeast of Shiraz.

A unique desert city in central Iran, famous for its ancient Zoroastrian heritage, traditional mud-brick architecture, windcatchers (badgirs), and a charming old town.

The bustling capital of Iran, situated at the foot of the Alborz Mountains, offering a mix of modern life, historical palaces like Golestan, and diverse museums.

An enchanting oasis city between Isfahan and Tehran, renowned for its exquisite traditional Persian houses, historical gardens like Fin Garden, and a vibrant bazaar.

One of Iran’s oldest cities in the northwest, known for its historic bazaar complex (a UNESCO site), the Blue Mosque, and as a gateway to the Armenian Monastic Ensembles.

An ancient Elamite ziggurat, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Susa in southwestern Iran, representing one of the few existing ziggurats outside Mesopotamia.

A majestic mountain range stretching across northern Iran, offering scenic landscapes, ski resorts like Dizin and Shemshak, and opportunities for hiking and mountaineering.

A vast and arid desert in southeastern Iran, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique kaluts (yardangs) – massive natural rock formations carved by wind erosion.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Indoor Attractions are Focus
  • Good for Mountainous Regions
  • Unique Summer Experiences

Main Drawbacks:

  • Extremely Hot Temperatures (average 86-95ºF / 30-35ºC, often exceeding 104ºF / 40ºC in central and southern regions)
  • Dry Climate (inland)
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-mountain)
  • Risk of Sandstorms
  • Some closures

Key Regions:

  • Northern Iran (Alborz Mountains): Offers cooler temperatures and opportunities for hiking and escaping the heat.
  • Coastal areas (Caspian Sea): Experience a different, more humid climate with some respite from the intense heat.
  • Major Cities (Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz): Focus on indoor museums, historical sites, and air-conditioned attractions.
  • Tabriz: Generally milder than central Iran, good for exploring historical bazaars and blue mosque.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (average 60-77ºF / 15-25ºC)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events (e.g., Nowruz in Spring)
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Prices can still be higher around Nowruz (Iranian New Year, late March)
  • Unpredictable weather in transitional periods
  • Popular sites can still get busy, especially during holidays

Key Regions:

  • Isfahan: Perfect for exploring stunning Islamic architecture and vibrant squares.
  • Shiraz: Ideal for visiting historical gardens, tombs of poets, and nearby Persepolis.
  • Yazd: Experience unique desert architecture and Zoroastrian heritage in comfortable conditions.
  • Kashan: Explore traditional houses and beautiful gardens.
  • Lut Desert (Dasht-e Lut): Enjoy desert excursions without extreme heat or cold.
  • Nowruz (Iranian New Year, typically late March)
  • Major religious holidays and pilgrimage periods
  • Public holidays

Planning Your Trip

Dress Code: Modesty is key; women should wear a headscarf and long sleeves, while men should avoid shorts in public.

Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory, but appreciated. Around 10% in restaurants; small tips for hotel staff (US$1–2).

Politics: Avoid political discussions or controversial topics, as they can be sensitive.

Museum Behavior: Iran’s museums often have a more formal atmosphere, so keep conversations at a low volume.

Accommodation: Budget hostels (US$10–30), mid-range hotels (US$40–100), luxury hotels (US$150+).

Food: Street food (US$2–5), casual meals (US$10–20), fine dining (US$30+).

Transport: Public transport (US$0.50–2), taxis (US$2–5 within cities).

Activities: Entrance fees for attractions like Persepolis (~US$10), guided tours (~US$30–50).

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$30–50 (hostels, street food, public transport).

  • Mid-range: US$80–150 (3-star hotels, meals at mid-range restaurants).

  • Luxury: US$200+ (5-star hotels, private tours).

Free Wi-Fi: Available in most cafes, hotels, and public spaces in major cities.

SIM Cards: Local SIM cards (IranCell, MCI) are available for US$5–15 for a prepaid data plan (10GB+).

eSIMs: Available from local providers or international services like Airalo.

Recommended for: Medical coverage, as healthcare for tourists can be costly. Ensure coverage for emergencies.

Adventure Activities: Ensure your policy covers activities like trekking, desert tours, or mountaineering, as some standard plans might exclude these.

Iran offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

Luxury:

  • Tehran: Espinas Palace Hotel, a 5-star luxury hotel.
  • Shiraz: Zandiyeh Hotel, offering luxury with traditional Persian architecture.

Mid-range:

  • Isfahan: Abbasi Hotel (historic hotel with beautiful architecture).
  • Yazd: Moshir al-Mamalek Garden Hotel (traditional with modern amenities).

Budget:

  • Hostels: US$10–30/night (available in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan).
  • Guesthouses: US$20–50/night (Shiraz, Yazd).

Unique Stays:

  • Traditional Houses: Stay in historical houses converted to boutique hotels, such as the Khan-e-Mehr in Kashan.

Tip: Accommodation in major cities like Tehran and Isfahan can be booked easily in advance, but it’s a good idea to book in smaller cities like Yazd earlier.

Transportation in Iran is diverse, with options ranging from buses to private cars.

Trains:

  • Comfortable and scenic routes, especially between Tehran and Isfahan, Shiraz, or Yazd.
  • Classes: 1st (more comfortable, air-conditioned), 2nd (cheaper, but basic), and Sleeper trains for long distances.
  • Book early for popular routes like Tehran to Shiraz.

Buses:

  • Public buses: Cheap (US$5–20), but may be crowded.
  • Private AC buses: Comfortable for long trips (Tehran–Shiraz or Isfahan).

Taxis:

  • Standard taxis: Available in most cities, fares generally range from US$2–5 for short trips.
  • Ride-hailing apps: Snapp and Tap30 are popular in larger cities.

Car Rentals:

  • Available but driving in Iran can be challenging due to chaotic traffic. It’s recommended to hire a driver-guide (~US$50–80/day).

Domestic Flights:

  • Available for long distances (Tehran–Shiraz, Tehran–Mashhad), with prices around US$50–100 for one-way tickets.

Bold Recommendation: For longer trips, consider trains for comfort and book a driver for more flexibility.

Handy Tips

Iran uses the Iranian Rial (IRR), but the Toman (1 Toman = 10 Rials) is often used in daily transactions.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas, as the rates are not favorable. Use local exchange offices (Sarafi) or ATMs for better rates.

  • Using Cards: International credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are not widely accepted due to sanctions. Carry cash for most transactions.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

    • Restaurants/Bars: 5-10% of the bill is typical, though not expected in smaller, local spots.

    • Taxis/Rideshares: Round up to the nearest 10,000 Rial.

    • Hotel Staff: 20,000–50,000 Rial per day for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: 100,000–200,000 Rial per day for private tours.

Persian (Farsi) is the official language of Iran, and English is spoken in major cities but less commonly in rural areas. Helpful phrases:

  • “Where is the nearest metro station?” = “Istgah-e metro kodom jaye?”

  • “How much is this?” = “In chand?”

  • “Can I get a receipt?” = “Mitoonam fatora begiram?”
    Pro Tip: While Persian is the language of choice, many Iranians appreciate any effort to speak their language, even a few words.

Iran is generally safe for travelers, though it’s important to respect local customs and laws. Be cautious in crowds and avoid sensitive political discussions.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 110: Police
  • 125: Fire Department
  • 115: Emergency Medical Services
  • Your Embassy: Note the location of your embassy (e.g., in Tehran).

Iran uses 220V/50Hz with Type C/F plugs (two round pins). Visitors from countries with different voltage may need a plug adapter or converter for certain electronics.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas. Always check local advice, especially in smaller towns.

Public holidays in Iran can vary depending on the Islamic calendar. Major holidays include:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day (International holiday)

  • Nowruz: Iranian New Year (Spring equinox, around 21 March)

  • 13th of Farvardin: Nature Day (holiday during Nowruz)

  • 10 Muharram: Ashura (religious observance)

  • 20 March: National Day

  • Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: Islamic holidays with dates based on the lunar calendar.

Note: Many businesses close during the major holidays like Nowruz, and the cities can be quite empty, so plan accordingly.

Stores: Typically open from 9:00–19:00, closed on Fridays (the Islamic holy day).

Pharmacies: Many operate 24/7 in major cities.

Markets: Traditional bazaars open from 9:00–20:00, with some closing for a mid-day break.

Malls: Typically 10:00–22:00, with extended hours on weekends.

Kebab Koobideh: Ground lamb/beef skewers with saffron rice and grilled tomato.

Tahchin: Savory baked saffron rice cake layered with chicken or lamb—crispy bottom is key.

Fesenjan: Pomegranate and walnut stew with chicken—tangy, rich, and celebratory.

Ghormeh Sabzi: Fragrant herb stew with kidney beans and lamb, often called Iran’s national dish.

Baghali Polo ba Mahicheh: Dill rice with fava beans and slow-cooked lamb shank.

Zereshk Polo: Rice with barberries, saffron, and chicken—colorful and tart.

Ash Reshteh: Thick herb-and-noodle soup topped with fried onions and kashk (fermented whey).

Mirza Ghasemi: Smoky eggplant, garlic, and tomato dip—best with northern bread.

Sabzi Khordan: Fresh herb platter with cheese and walnuts, often served with bread.

Kuku Sabzi: Herb-loaded frittata with barberries and walnuts—great cold or hot.

Gaz: Persian nougat from Isfahan made with pistachios and rosewater.

Baklava (Iranian style): Less syrupy than Turkish—often flavored with cardamom and rose.

Zoolbia Bamieh: Syrup-soaked sweets—crispy and chewy, perfect during Ramadan.

Sholeh Zard: Saffron rice pudding topped with cinnamon and slivered almonds.

Halva: Dense, rich sweet made from flour, rosewater, and butter.

Alcoholic:
(Note: Alcohol is officially banned for Muslims in Iran, but available privately among some non-Muslim communities and travelers may hear of traditional styles.)

  • Shiraz Wine (Historical): Once globally known; the city of Shiraz was a winemaking hub in pre-1979 Iran.

  • Aragh Sagi: Homemade distilled alcohol, often grape-based—available on black market (not legal).

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Doogh: Tangy yogurt drink with mint—served chilled, often carbonated.

  • Saffron Sherbet (Sharbat-e Zaferan): Floral and golden—served at weddings and summer gatherings.

  • Khakshir Drink: Cooling herbal seed drink—especially popular in Shiraz.

  • Gol Gavzaban Tea: Blue borage flower tea—relaxing and traditionally medicinal.

  • Chai (Persian Tea): Strong black tea served in glass cups, usually with a sugar cube.

  • Sekanjabin: Ancient drink made from vinegar and honey, mixed with mint and cucumber.

  • Paloodeh Drink: Melted version of the famous icy dessert from Shiraz—lime and rosewater.

  • Rosewater Lemonade: Citrusy and floral—cooling and traditional in Yazd.

  • Carrot Juice with Ice Cream (Ab-Havij Bastani): A quirky but beloved treat.

Persepolis: The awe-inspiring ruins of Darius the Great’s ceremonial capital.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square: Isfahan’s UNESCO-listed plaza—home to mosques, palaces, and bazaars.

Golestan Palace: Tehran’s Qajar-era marvel of mirrored halls and royal gardens.

Zoroastrian Fire Temples: Sacred eternal flames still burning in Yazd.

Imam Reza Shrine: Monumental religious complex in Mashhad—stunning and sacred.

Qanat System: Ingenious ancient underground water channels—still in use.

Carpet Weaving: Each region boasts distinct styles—from Tabriz knots to Qom silk rugs.

Traditional Music: Setar, santur, and daf drum form the soundscape of Persian classical music.

Miniature Painting: Intricate, vibrant art still taught in workshops across Iran.

Nowruz: Persian New Year—celebrated on spring equinox with fire-jumping, haft-sin tables, and feasts.

Tehran Museums: The National Museum, Treasury of National Jewels, and Museum of Contemporary Art.

Historic Houses: Kashan’s restored merchant homes like Tabatabaei and Borujerdi.

Café Culture: Trendy and intellectual cafes across Tehran and Isfahan—great for people-watching.

Nomadic Stays: Experience life with the Qashqai or Bakhtiari tribes in the Zagros Mountains.

Persian Gardens: From Shiraz’s Eram Garden to Kashan’s Fin Garden—UNESCO treasures.

Traditional Teahouses (Chaikhaneh): Listen to live poetry or sip tea in tiled courtyards.

Lake Urmia & Salt Flats: Haunting pink lake (seasonal) and desolate landscapes in the northwest.

Mountain Treks: Climb Mount Damavand—the highest peak in the Middle East.

Art Galleries: Thriving in Tehran’s northern districts—often mixing traditional and modern styles.

Silk Road Sites: Caravanserais, desert oases, and ancient trading routes come alive around Yazd.

(Public bars with alcohol are banned in Iran; nightlife and socializing happen in more private or traditional ways.)

Roof Cafés in Isfahan: Overlooking mosques and squares—atmospheric spots for tea and music.

Private Parties (Mehmooni): Iran’s real nightlife happens indoors—with music, food, and sometimes illicit drinks.

Live Music Cafés: Especially in Tehran—indie bands and Persian fusion groups play unplugged.

Night Walks in Yazd or Shiraz: Lit bazaars and traditional houses open late for visitors.

Chaikhaneh Hangouts: Enjoy live storytelling, backgammon, and thick tea with locals.

Traditional Bathhouse-turned-Cafés: Hammams like Sultan Amir Ahmad in Kashan offer a chill vibe.

Bazaar Strolls at Night: Especially in Tabriz and Isfahan—atmospheric and alive with local chatter.

Seasonal Events: Open-air film nights or Nowruz concerts in major city parks.

Ice Cream and Faludeh Stands: Open late and buzzing—especially in Shiraz and Tehran.

Hookah Lounges: Often in garden cafés—enjoy a puff of “ghalyoon” with apple or mint tobacco.