Iran
If you believe that travel is most rewarded when it surprises, then Iran could be the most rewarding tourist attraction in the world. On the contrary, if you make your travel decisions based on what your friends or family has to say, believe me folks, you’ll never make it to Iran. It is one country whose politics is simply impossible to escape. For almost every traveller, the country will mean a little more than few pre departure questions dealing with sanity. Getting a visa to the country can also be a major challenge sometimes. Except for the Americans who ought to be accompanied once in Iran Independent and via the people you meet is usally rewarding and often sobering. However, when you actually plan a holiday to Iran, be assured that this journey will completely transform the way you look at this part of the world.
If you like people, you’ll love Iran. People of Iran or the Iranians is basically a nation which is composed of different ethnic groups that is influenced over thousands of years by Mongol, Greek, Turkic and Arab occupiers and are incredibly welcoming. So, break the stereotypes and plan a beautiful vacation to this Middle Eastern country.
Iran FAQ's
Travel Advice
Keep the touts at bay.
Do not entertain the beggars.
Make sure you do not travel alone in the night hours.
Ensure that you have had sufficient research before going to any new place.
Nudity is strictly prohibited.
If you are visiting a temple or a religious place, make sure you dress accordingly.
Do not flaunt your cash or valuables in the public place.
Always ensure that you book a room in an area that is known to you.
Avoid booking a hotel in any shady region.
Beware of thefts. Make sure you have kept all your cash and valuables safely.
Enquire about the room safe before booking a hotel.
Do not leave any of your valuables in the hotel room.
Do not get involved in any fight with anyone.
Make sure you double check the seal of the water bottle before buying.
Check the quality of the street food before ordering for it.
Do not let anyone deceive you.
Girls make sure you do not get over friendly with the locals here.
Learn some words from the local language prevalent in the region.
Do not book any cab or taxi without negotiating the fare for the same.
Drinking Law
Alcohol laws are strict and rigid in Iran. It is said to be completely prohibited for consumption amongst the Muslim citizens. However, there is no such ban on alcohol in bars, restaurants and pubs.
Our Recommendations: What You Can't Afford to Miss?
Masuleh village is a mysterious fogy village that is concealed high in the northern forests. Given its ocra houses which stand on each other along with the occasional people who can be seen here in the narrow lanes and staircase amidst the buildings. It is advisable for you to visit during off season so as to avoid huge crowds of tourists. Coming here means a guarantee of a magical experience.
Traditional houses in Kashan
This beautiful city is a great tourist attraction which is lost in the deserts. This will remind you of the all time childhood favourite, Alladyn. It is a true jewel here. A number of traditional houses of the wealthy merchants who resided here have now been converted into the public museums. The houses here have elegant stained windows adorned with delightful wall paintings, stunning décor and long corridors. You can get stunning views of the city from the rooftop of the houses.
Tabriz bazaar
Tabriz bazaar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the oldest bazaars and is located in the Middle East. This is the largest covered bazaar complex of the world given the incredible complex of domes and the stunning décor inside. This is an important place to see and a place of cultural exchange. In the past, the bazaar was also a place of political significance. During the Islamic and Constitutional revolutions, the bazaar has been an important spot.
Abyaneh village
The Abyaneh village is a charming red colored village that is lost in time. Taking a stroll around this village will help you learn massive things about the culture, tradition and the architecture of Iran. Moreover, when you walk around the village you’ll barely spot anyone. Amongst the abandoned buildings all you can hope to spot is an occasional glimpse of someone hiding in the narrow alleys. Despite all this, the feeling of being in the part just doesn’t seem to go away. For several years now, people of Iran have not changed their lifestyle. They still wear the same clothes, follow the same traditions and practice the same religion, Zoroastrian.
Esfahan bridges
Architecture that you’ll notice at the Esfahan is way more superior than anything you may have possibly seen before. Bridges here are no exception. The 300 meter artwork very well challenges the imagination. It is a favourite meeting spot amongst the locals. These bridges are more like the small cities. Here you can be present for the hours and observe the life that passes through the multiple passages.
Wind catchers in Yazd
The Desert City of Yazd is largely popular for its archaic wind catchers. Its traditional architecture elements have helped in the creation of natural ventilation in the buildings. The invention was so phenomenal that it spread all across the Middle East and became one of the principal refrigerating device in local architecture.
Persepolis
Persepolis is a beautiful city of Iran. It was built as a palace which was worthy of the Empire. This Majestic capital of Persia is also known as “The city of the Persians”. It was destroyed to the ground by Alexander the Great however the history still continues to live here amongst the remains of columns, bricks and walls here.
US Den of Espionage
US Den of Espionage is a former US embassy. It is today one of the best places to see in Tehran. You cannot ignore the historical significance of the place. A number of events take place here which have had a dramatic and profound influence on Iran. You can find paintings at the wall located around the embassy which are believed to be very interesting. The paintings here portray Israeli and US as big evils. There is also one where it is rendered as a skull.
Kandovan village
Kandovan village is a settlement that is massively swamped in comparison to the Turkey’s Cappadocia that is way less touristy than this. It is arguably more charming too. Homes dug in the volcanic rocks will remind you of the Smurfs village or Hobbitland, making it a great choice for a day tour from Tabriz.
Esfahan city center
The beauty of the magnificent Imam Square cannot be admired enough. You really need to see it to believe its magnificence. Around the square, there are palaces and mosques as well as the oldest and the largest bazaars of the Middle East which have been in existence ever since the 17th century. You can spend several hours here shopping for the traditional rose water sweets as well as the copper plates. When you are tired, unwind with a meal in kalyan at Azadegan teahouse or the Bastani Traditional Restaurant.
What You Will Like There?
For most of you, Iran and safe are largely antonyms. However, believe us when we say this, Iran of today is relatively very safe. Be it a woman or a man, an adult or a child, a day time travel or a night time travel, Iran is today a very safe country. So, cut your worries about safety, and add Iran in your places to see bucket list, right away.
It’s hitting the headlines all over the world
Let’s just admit it now. In the moment, Iran is just everywhere. The country has found a spot in several lists stating it as one of the most popular tourist attraction of the year. There is so much to see and so many things to do here that you’ll not bored with the never ending flow of tourist of the west Asian country.
Hospitality
Iran is a country of warmth and hospitality. The hospitality you’ll experience here is one of a kind. Here welcome is not just a word in English but rather an essential feature of the culture of Iran. Right from the Tabriz to Tehran, people across the country are warm, welcoming and hospitable.
A long history
One of the most renowned ancient site of Iran is Persepolis. It simply doesn’t need any introduction. Be it modern Iran or ancient Persia; the Sasanian era or the Achaemenid Empire; Qajar dynasty or the Safavid period; Islamic Revolution or the Pahlavi family, Iran really has a long standing history for you to explore.
Architecture
Be it the Iranian buildings, a palace, mosque or a bazaar, everything here is finely decorated and glistening with ornamental elegance. The pastel colors here gracefully interact with the bright hues, seemingly ubiquitous domes which outline the landscape and the tapering minarets. Both inside and outside the building, an elaborate architecture is indeed something which tourists coming here can marvel at each time of their visit.
Handicraft
Each city, province or village of Iran has a handicraft of its own. In Yazd you can purchase the wool fabric, beautiful termeh and the hand woven silk in blue decorations and Isfahan tiles. On the other hand, in Tabriz as well as the other parts of Iran you can come across carpets of all colours, patterns and sizes. So, when you travel to Iran, you can be assured of taking back home some of the loveliest of the gifts.
Food
From kebab to saffron, black tea to pistachio, Ghormeh Sabzi to Mirza Ghasemi, the food of Iran is widely relished across the globe. The very presence of the aromatic herbs in the food makes the Iranian cuisine addictive and appetizing especially when it comes to there baklava and pistachio. Of course, there are national dishes that can be found everywhere like the herb stew Ghormeh Sabzi however there are few others that are exclusive or simply typical to a particular region such as the eggplant-based Mirza Ghasemi which is majorly a highlight of the Gilan province or Dizi which is typical from Ardebil.
You will have a truly authentic experience
Majorly due to the sanctions, Iran allows little commercial exchange with countries especially in the West. It majorly boasts of its own products on an array of manufacturing areas right from ceramics to textiles. Besides, the goods on sale, Iranians are also proud of their traditions and cultures. You will never miss a chance of eating, drinking, seeing and listening to and so forth. So, anyone who comes to visit Iran can be assures of a genuine local experience.
Recommended Reads For Destination (Govt. Websites, Travel Forum Articles)?
Website: Iran Tourism
Forum: TripAdvisor Forum