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IranπΈ Photo album Β· 9 photos Β· Ultra-HD
Iranπ History of Iran
The story of Iran
Iran is one of the world's oldest continuous civilisations. Early cities such as Susa and the Elamite kingdom flourished on the plains of the southwest thousands of years ago, and the ziggurat at Chogha Zanbil still rises from the landscape. In the sixth century BC Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which under Darius stretched from Egypt to the Indus. Its ceremonial capital, Persepolis, with its carved staircases of tribute bearers, remains one of the ancient world's great sights.
Alexander the Great conquered Persia in the fourth century BC, but Persian dynasties returned with the Parthians and then the Sasanians, who rivalled Rome and Byzantium. The Arab conquest in the seventh century brought Islam, yet Persian language and culture endured and flourished. Poets such as Ferdowsi, Hafez, Saadi and Rumi, along with scientists and philosophers, made Persian a language of high culture across much of Asia, even through Seljuk and Mongol rule.
Read the full history
The Safavid dynasty, from 1501, made Shia Islam the state religion and adorned Isfahan with grand mosques, palaces and the vast Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Later dynasties, including the Qajars, faced pressure from Russia and Britain, and the discovery of oil in the early twentieth century increased foreign interest. The Pahlavi monarchs pursued rapid modernisation until the 1979 revolution established the Islamic Republic, followed by a long war with Iraq in the 1980s.
Iran today is a country of complex politics and international tensions, but also of remarkable hospitality, poetry and craftsmanship. For travellers able to visit, it offers some of the richest heritage on earth, with more than two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tiled mosques, Persian gardens, desert caravanserais and bazaars, and a tea-house culture where conversations with curious locals are part of the experience.
Timeline
- c. 1250 BCElamite ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil built
- 550 BCCyrus the Great founds the Achaemenid Empire
- 330 BCAlexander the Great captures Persepolis
- 224 ADSasanian Empire founded
- 651Arab conquest completes the fall of the Sasanians
- 1501Safavid dynasty founded
- 1979Revolution establishes the Islamic Republic
Iran
π Visa & entry
Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.
Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:
- Visa policy of Iran (Wikipedia) β
- IATA Travel Centre β passport, visa & health rules β
- U.S. passport holders β State Department country pages β
- UK passport holders β GOV.UK travel advice β
The latest visa and entry news for Iran appears below as soon as publishers report it.
Travel and Tour WorldβοΈ Flights & Airlines
Iranian Airlines Return to Iraq as Najaf Flights Resume Under New US Exemption Iranian airlines are back in Iraq now. Flights, to Najaf have started again. This is because of an US rule. The rule lets most Iranian airlines flyβ¦
#Iraq#Iran#Flights & Airlines
US Travel Advisoriesπ Visas & Entry Rules
Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans , and local laws regarding social media activity . Some areas have increased risk.β¦
#Saudi Arabia#Iran#Visas & Entry RulesIran⨠10 best things to do in Iran
Things to do in Iran
- Stand in Naqsh-e Jahan SquareTake in Isfahan's immense square framed by turquoise domes, a royal palace and a bustling bazaar.
- Explore PersepolisWalk among the columns and reliefs of the Achaemenid kings' ceremonial capital near Shiraz.
- See the Pink Mosque at sunriseWatch morning light pour through stained glass onto Persian carpets in Shiraz's Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.
- Wander Yazd's old townGet lost in mud-brick lanes topped by wind-catchers, one of the world's oldest inhabited cities.
- Cross Isfahan's historic bridgesJoin locals strolling and singing beneath the arches of Si-o-se Pol and Khaju Bridge in the evening.
- Sleep in the desertSpend a night in a caravanserai or village near the Dasht-e Lut or Varzaneh dunes under starry skies.
- Visit Hafez's tombJoin Iranians reciting poetry in the gardens around the mausoleum of the beloved poet in Shiraz.
- Hike the Alborz mountainsEscape Tehran's heat with walks in the mountains or a view of Mount Damavand.
- Explore Kashan's mansionsTour ornate merchant houses and the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden.
- Drink tea in a bazaarRest in a traditional teahouse with sweet saffron rock candy and a qalyan.
Paddle Your Own KanooβοΈ Flights & Airlines
If you asked me my opinion on the impact that the Iran War will have on the fortunes of neighboring Dubai, I would confidently state that the futuristic desert city will undoubtedly bounce back. Itβs sure taken a beating (bothβ¦
#United Arab Emirates#Iran#Dubai#Emirates
Paddle Your Own KanooβοΈ Flights & Airlines
Qatar Airwaysβ remaining fleet of aging Airbus A330s has finally been retired for good, four years later than planned, after they were pressed back into action due to production delays with next-generation aircraft that were dueβ¦
#Iran#Qatar#Qatar Airways#Airbus
IranπΊοΈ Where to visit in Iran
Where to go in Iran
- IsfahanCentral Β· Safavid capitalA city of grand mosques, palaces, bridges and gardens often called 'half the world'.
- ShirazSouth Β· city of poetsGardens, poets' tombs and the base for visiting Persepolis.
- YazdCentral Β· desert cityWind-catchers, Zoroastrian heritage and atmospheric adobe lanes.
- PersepolisFars Β· ancient siteThe grand Achaemenid complex with stunning relief carvings, plus nearby royal tombs at Naqsh-e Rostam.
- KashanCentral Β· oasis townHistoric houses, a beautiful Persian garden and a traditional bazaar.
- TehranNorth Β· capitalA sprawling capital with Golestan Palace, excellent museums and mountain views.
- πTabrizNorthwest Β· bazaar cityHome to one of the largest covered bazaars in the world, a UNESCO site.
- πAbyanehCentral Β· mountain villageA red-earth village where residents still wear traditional dress.
Paddle Your Own KanooβοΈ Flights & Airlines
Dubai has a pretty complicated relationship with neighbouring Iran. Despite being targeted by Tehran with wave after wave of ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones throughout March and April, Iranian airlines have been allowed toβ¦
#United Arab Emirates#Iran#Dubai#Flights & Airlines
The Air CurrentβοΈ Flights & Airlines
After losing more than a quarter of the U.S. fleet of General Atomics-built MQ-9 Reapers in the ongoing conflict with Iran, the U.S. Air Force is rushing to acquire a smaller, cheaper aircraft for intelligence and reconnaissanceβ¦
#United States#Iran#Flights & Airlines
Iran⨠Must-do experiences
- Walk around Naqsh-e Jahan Square at dusk
- Explore Persepolis
- Drink tea in a traditional teahouse
- Sleep in a historic courtyard house in Yazd
Iranπ½οΈ Taste of Iran
- Chelo kebab β grilled kebab with saffron rice
- Ghormeh sabzi β herb stew with beans and meat
- Fesenjan β walnut and pomegranate stew
- Tahdig β crispy golden rice from the bottom of the pot
Iranπ¦οΈ Weather & best time to visit Iran
Best time to visit Iran
Iran's climate varies widely, from cold snowy mountains in the north and west to scorching deserts in the centre and humid coasts on the Caspian and Gulf. Spring and autumn are pleasant almost everywhere.
BestApril to May and late September to November β mild temperatures ideal for cities, gardens and ancient sites.
ShoulderMarch and early December β cooler weather, fewer visitors, and the Nowruz holidays in March bring busy roads and festive atmosphere.
AvoidJune to August in central and southern cities β temperatures soar, making sightseeing exhausting.
8Β°π§Jan
11Β°π§Feb
17Β°π§Mar
23Β°π§Apr
29Β°βοΈMay
35Β°βοΈJun
37Β°βοΈJul
36Β°βοΈAug
32Β°βοΈSep
25Β°βοΈOct
16Β°π§Nov
10Β°π§Dec
Typical daytime highs and rain in Tehran (approximate averages).
Iranπ Festivals & events in Iran
- Around 20β21 MarchNowruzThe Persian New Year marks the spring equinox with family visits, symbolic tables and a two-week holiday.
- March (last Tuesday evening before Nowruz)Chaharshanbe SuriPeople jump over bonfires to welcome the new year and leave the old one's troubles behind.
- Around 21 DecemberYalda NightFamilies stay up on the longest night of the year eating pomegranates and reading Hafez.
- Early AprilSizdah BedarOn the 13th day of the new year, families picnic outdoors to ward off bad luck.
Iranπ§ Iran itinerary ideas
How many days in Iran?
7 daysClassic Persia
Day 1 Tehran's Golestan Palace and museums. Day 2 Kashan. Day 3-4 Isfahan. Day 5 Yazd. Day 6-7 Shiraz and Persepolis.
14 daysIran in depth
Day 1-2 Tehran and the Alborz foothills. Day 3 Kashan and Abyaneh. Day 4-6 Isfahan. Day 7 a desert village stay. Day 8-9 Yazd. Day 10-12 Shiraz, Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam. Day 13-14 Tabriz or a return to Tehran.
Iranπ Backpacking Iran β tips & hacks
Backpacker budget: about $25β40 a day
- Traditional guesthouses and hostels in old courtyard houses are common in Yazd, Isfahan, Kashan and Shiraz.
- Intercity buses and overnight trains are comfortable and inexpensive ways to cover long distances.
- Eat cheaply with dizi stew, kebabs and street snacks, and lunch is often the main meal.
- Local ride-hailing apps are widely used but may need a local phone number; ask your guesthouse to help.
- International cards do not work, so budget carefully and bring enough cash for your whole trip.
Iranπ‘οΈ Safety & money in Iran
Stay safe
- Many governments advise against travel to Iran, and foreign nationals, especially dual nationals, have faced arbitrary detention β check your government's latest travel advice before planning a trip.
- Avoid political discussions, demonstrations and photographing government or military sites.
- Follow the dress code in public, including head coverings for women, and respect religious customs.
- Road traffic is chaotic, so take great care crossing streets.
Money
- The currency is the rial, though prices are often quoted in toman (ten rials) β always confirm which one is meant.
- Foreign credit and debit cards do not work because of sanctions, so bring cash in euros or dollars to exchange at official exchange offices.
- Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for guides; politely offered payments may first be refused out of courtesy (taarof), so offer again.
Emergency: 110 police Β· 125 fire Β· 115 ambulance
Iran㪠Getting to Iran
Imam Khomeini International Airport near Tehran is the main gateway, with other international flights to Shiraz, Isfahan and Mashhad. Land borders connect with Turkey, Armenia and other neighbours, but check current conditions and travel advice.
βοΈ Cheap flights to Iran: airports, flight times & best time to fly β
Iranπ‘ Did you know? 5 facts about Iran
- Iran has more than two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Nowruz, the Persian New Year, has been celebrated for thousands of years and is recognised by UNESCO.
- Iran produces most of the world's saffron.
- Ancient qanat tunnels still carry water underground to towns and farms in the desert.
- The Persian garden design, with water channels and four quadrants, influenced gardens from Spain to India.
Iranβ Iran travel FAQ
Iran travel questions
Is Iran safe for tourists?
Everyday crime against visitors is low and Iranians are known for hospitality, but many governments advise against travel because of the risk of arbitrary detention and regional tensions. Always check your government's latest travel advice before planning a visit.
What is the best time to visit Iran?
Spring (April to May) and autumn (late September to November) are ideal. Summer is very hot in central and southern cities, while winter brings snow to the mountains.
How many days do you need in Iran?
A week covers Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz at a quick pace. Two weeks allows desert stays and lesser-known towns.
Do I need a visa for Iran?
It depends on your passport β check the official Iranian foreign ministry site or your nearest embassy before you travel, as rules can differ greatly by nationality.
Can I use my bank card in Iran?
No, international bank cards do not work in Iran. Visitors need to bring enough cash for their whole trip.
Iranπ° What a trip costs
$price level
$25β40backpacker / day
$60β120mid-range / day
Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).
Iranπ Getting around
Domestic flights, comfortable long-distance buses and trains link the main cities. In cities, use the metro or app-based taxis.
Iranπ Sacred & spiritual places
- Imam Reza Shrine, Mashhad β One of the largest mosque complexes in the world and a major pilgrimage site
- Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz β The Pink Mosque, famous for stained-glass morning light
- Fatima Masumeh Shrine, Qom β Important shrine with golden dome and mirrored halls
Iranπ€ Local etiquette
- Dress modestly; women are required to cover their hair in public
- Taarof is a polite custom β offers may be refused once before being accepted
- Remove shoes when entering homes
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