Iran

Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, dating back to ancient Persia. It is geographically diverse, featuring arid deserts, mountain ranges, and a coastline along the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea.

Iran plays a significant role in international energy markets due to its large reserves of fossil fuels, including the world's fourth-largest oil reserves and the second-largest natural gas reserves.

Key Phrases

Speak like a local

  • "Salam" - Hello
  • "Kheili mamnoon" - Thank you very much
  • "Khodahafez" - Goodbye
  • "Chetori" - How are you
  • "Merci" - Thanks

Day plans

Spend a day exploring around

day 1

Exploring Historical Sites and Local Cuisine

morning:Start your day by visiting the ancient city of Persepolis, marvel at the intricate carvings and grand architecture. Afterwards, head to a local teahouse to enjoy a traditional Persian breakfast.

afternoon:Explore the incredible ruins of Pasargadae, where you can see the tomb of Cyrus the Great and the remnants of the ancient city. For lunch, try the renowned kebabs at a local restaurant.

evening:Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of the Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz. Don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic Persian cuisine at a traditional restaurant.

day 2

Nature and Cultural Immersion

morning:Embark on a journey to the stunning Eram Garden, a paradisiacal Persian garden filled with colorful flowers and serene water features. Stop by a local bakery for a freshly baked pastry to start your day.

afternoon:Venture to the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, renowned for its mesmerizing stained glass windows and picturesque architecture. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby cafe offering Persian delicacies.

evening:Experience an enchanting evening walk by the Zayandeh River in Isfahan, with its mesmerizing bridges and lively atmosphere. For a night-out, head to a cozy local teahouse to enjoy traditional music and storytelling.

day 3

Culinary Delights and Artistic Treasures

morning:Embark on a guided food tour in Tehran, sampling an array of Persian dishes and aromatic spices at bustling local markets. Stop for a delicious breakfast at a traditional Iranian eatery.

afternoon:Visit the National Museum of Iran to explore its fascinating collection of ancient artifacts and historical treasures. Enjoy a satisfying lunch at a contemporary restaurant serving fusion cuisine.

evening:Become immersed in the vibrant artistic scene of Tehran at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. Finish the day with a delightful meal at a modern eatery specializing in Persian fusion dishes.

day 4

Desert Adventure and Stargazing

morning:Embark on an exciting desert safari to explore the mesmerizing sand dunes and rugged terrain. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a traditional desert camp while soaking in the breathtaking desert views.

afternoon:Discover the ancient city of Yazd with its distinctive windcatchers and labyrinthine streets. Sample traditional sweets and treats from local vendors as you wander through the city's alleys.

evening:Experience the bewitching beauty of desert stargazing in Yazd, where the night sky comes alive with twinkling stars and celestial wonders. Head to a rooftop cafe to savor a delightful dinner under the starlit desert sky.

Iran Famous Food

Must-Try local dishes

Chelow Kebab

A popular dish consisting of grilled kebabs served with steamed saffron rice and grilled tomatoes. Must-try at Kababi restaurants like Naderi in Tehran or Akbar Joojeh in Isfahan.

Must-Try!

Ghormeh Sabzi

A fragrant herb stew made with sautéed herbs, dried limes, red kidney beans, and tender chunks of meat. Best enjoyed at traditional Persian restaurants such as Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan.

Fesenjan

A rich and tangy stew made with pomegranate paste and ground walnuts, often paired with poultry. Sample this dish at Sofre Khane Sonnati in Tehran for an authentic taste.

Food Markets & Street Food

A food market and street food guide

Tajrish Bazaar

Located in Tehran, this bustling market offers an array of street food options such as Ash Reshteh (a hearty noodle soup), kebabs, and various sweets like Gaz and Sohan.

Vakil Bazaar

In Shiraz, visitors can explore this historic bazaar and savor local street foods like Kalam Polo (cabbage rice), Faloodeh (rosewater sorbet), and Kebab Barg.

Pet sitters in Iran

Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!

Popular cities in Iran

Tehran, Mashhad, Khowrhesht, Eşfahān, Karaj, Shīrāz, Tabrīz, Qom, Ahvāz, Kermānshāh, Kermān, Orūmīyeh, Pīshbar, Borvāyeh-ye Al Bū ‘Azīz, Rasht, Bahār, Zāhedān, Hamadān, Yazd, Ardabīl, Bandar ‘Abbās, Arāk, Eslāmshahr, Sanandaj, Qazvīn, Zanjān, Khorramābād, Gorgān, Shahrīār, Shahr-e Qods, Kāshān, Malārd, Sartā, Dezfūl, Bābol, Bojnūrd, Qā’em Shahr, Khomeynī Shahr, Sabzevār, Āmol, Pākdasht, Najafābād, Borūjerd, Madan, Qarchak, Varāmīn, Bandar-e Būshehr, Neyshābūr, Sāveh, Bīrjand, Nasīm Shahr, Khowy, Būkān, Shahr-e Kord, Semnān, Fardīs, Marāgheh, Sīrjān, Shāhīn Shahr, Malāyer, Mahābād, Saqqez, Bandar-e Māhshahr, Rafsanjān, Borāzjān, Gonbad-e Kāvūs, Shāhrūd, Marvdasht, Qūchān, Jahrom, Kamālshahr, Torbat-e Ḩeydarīyeh, Marīvān, Andīmeshk, Shahreẕā, Zābol, Khorramshahr, Marand, Jīroft, Salmās, Bam, Behbahān, Dorūd, Naz̧arābād, Moḩammad Shahr, Bandar-e Anzalī, Īrānshahr, Fasā, Bāneh, Yāsūj, Chābahār, Robāţ Karīm, Kāshmar, Shūshtar, Ahar, Masjed Soleymān, Torbat-e Jām, Abhar, Mīāneh, Do Gonbadān, Kāzerūn, Behshahr, Alvand, Pīrānshahr, Eslāmābād-e Gharb, Kūhdasht, Khowrāsgān, Shīrvān, Meybod, Tākestān, Langarūd, Būmahen, Bahārestān, Alīgūdarz, Bandar Emām, Qorveh, Shūsh, Nahāvand, Bonāb, Ardakān, Rāmhormoz, Meshgīn Shahr, Bandar-e Genāveh, Naqadeh, Khomeyn, Omīdīyeh, Ārān Bīdgol, Bāqershahr, Zarand, Māhdāsht, Mobārakeh, Meshkīn Dasht, Nekā, Kangān, Ābyek, Sarāvān, Bābolsar, Esfarāyen, Dāmghān, Borūjen, Dehdasht, Khāsh, Tāybād, Kūt-e ‘Abdollāh, Zarrīn Shahr, Asadābād, Hashtgerd, Tonekābon, Khorramdarreh, Eqbālīyeh, Javānrūd, Hashtpar, Şabbāshahr, Bandar-e Torkaman, Bījār, ‘Alīābād-e Katūl, Kahnūj, Shahr-e Bābak, Sūsangerd, Tūyserkān, Chahār Dangeh, Neyrīz, Nowshahr, Garmsār, Damāvand, Golpāyegān, Aznā, Şowme‘eh Sarā, Sardasht, Bāfq, Āstāneh-ye Ashrafīyeh, Āz̄arshahr, Eqlīd, Sonqor, Harsīn, Āzādshahr, Takāb, Konārak, Maḩallāt, Darcheh, Qā’en, Sarakhs, Sarāb, Shādegān, Dowlatābād, Delījān, Gonābād, Khowrmūj, Qeshm, Lordegān, Kīsh, Oshnavīyeh, Ţabas, Farīmān, Khalkhāl, Fereydūn Kenār, Rūdsar, Falāvarjān, Kahrīzak, Dargaz, Estahbān, Kalāleh, Rāmsar, Şaḩneh, Khodābandeh, Sarpol-e Z̄ahāb, Bāft, Gerāsh, Nāz̧erābād, Shāhīn Dezh, Dīvāndarreh, ‘Ajab Shīr, Aleshtar, Khvāf, Dehlorān, Zarqān, Farrokh Shahr, Kavār, Jam, Eyvān, Fārsān, Bandar-e Lengeh, Mīnūdasht, Qahderījān, Eshtehārd, Bāzeh Kalāgh, Chahchaheh, Bozmargī, Kalāteh-ye Mīr Āb, Sardrūd, Karahrūd, Lāmerd, Hendījān, Germī, Ferdows, Rūdehen, Bardaskan, Fūman, Abarkūh, Malekān, Şafāshahr, Qā’emīyeh, Qarah Ẕīā’ od Dīn, Poldokhtar, Bāgh-e Malek, Semīrom, Dehgolān