Asia
Iran
Ancient Persia — blue-tiled mosques, Zoroastrian fire temples, poetry gardens, and bazaars that have traded for 2,500 years. Complex visa + sanctions reality for Western visitors.
Iran at a glance
IRR
Persian
$80
Apr–May, Sep–Nov
32° / 8°C
75/100
Destinations in Iran
1 guide available
Isfahan
Iran
"Isfahan is half the world" — Safavid-era capital whose Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO 1979) is one of the largest public squares on Earth, ringed by the blue-tiled Shah Mosque, the jewel-like Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Si-o-se-pol and Khaju bridges span the Zayandeh, the Armenian Vank Cathedral marks the Jolfa quarter, and Chehel Sotoun's reflected columns complete the Safavid tour. Visa reality is complicated for US/UK/Canadian passports — guided tours only; sanctions block foreign cards (carry USD/EUR cash).