Iran Travel Guide — Best Cities, Food & Tips

Good to know

Best time to visit

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring mild temperatures and blooming gardens; summers can be very hot in the interior and deserts, while winters are cold and snowy in the northwest.

Currency

Iranian rial (IRR) — carry cash and use a small amount of widely accepted euros or Turkish lira as emergency backup

Language

Persian (Farsi) is the main language; Azerbaijani, Kurdish, and other regional languages are also spoken.

Getting around

Domestic flights connect Tehran with Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad and Tabriz; intercity trains and long-distance buses are comfortable and affordable. Within cities, taxis, app-based services like Snapp (in major cities), and metro systems in Tehran and Mashhad are practical.

Culture & etiquette

Dress modestly—women must cover hair with a headscarf and wear long sleeves and skirts or trousers; men should avoid shorts in public. Accept offers of tea and hospitality graciously and remove shoes when entering private homes and some religious sites.

Country highlights

Persepolis (near Shiraz)

Explore the ruins of the Achaemenid Empire—grand reliefs and ceremonial terraces dating from 6th century BCE.

Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Admire Safavid-era architecture including Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the historic bazaar.

Yazd and the Zoroastrian heritage

Wander wind‑tower alleys, mud-brick houses, and visit the Towers of Silence and the Fire Temple.

Tehran’s museums and royal palaces

See the National Museum, Golestan Palace, and the treasury at the National Jewelry Museum.

Tabriz and the historic bazaar

One of the oldest covered bazaars in the Middle East with carpets, silk and authentic Azeri cuisine.

Dasht-e Kavir & Dasht-e Lut deserts

Experience salt flats, sand dunes and dramatic desert landscapes—best with guided 4x4 tours or overnight camps.

What to eat

Chelo Kebab

Rice with grilled marinated meat, Iran’s iconic national dish often served with saffron and grilled tomato.

Fesenjan

A rich stew of pomegranate and walnut, typically made with poultry—sweet, sour and deeply aromatic.

Gheimeh / Ghevar

Gheimeh is a split-pea and lamb stew with dried lime; ghevar is a syruped sweet popular at festivals.

Tahdig

The prized crispy rice crust from the bottom of the pot, often flavored with saffron.

Ash-e Reshteh

Hearty noodle and herb soup with beans and kashk (whey), commonly eaten in cooler months.

Insider tips

Carry photocopies of your passport and visa; keep the original secure and a copy with you.
Use a VPN on your own device to access many western websites and apps if needed; mobile data SIMs are easy to buy (passport required).
ATMs rarely accept foreign cards; exchange money at banks or reputable exchange offices and carry enough cash for local expenses.
Women must wear a headscarf in public at all times; avoid tight-fitting or overly bright clothing and respect local dress laws.
Photography: ask permission before photographing people, and avoid photographing military or sensitive government sites.

Cities in Iran

Isfahan🇮🇷 Iran

Timeless beauty on the Zayandeh River

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Shiraz🇮🇷 Iran

Poetry, gardens, and Persian light

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Tehran🇮🇷 Iran

Mountains, bazaars, and Persian grandeur

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Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Iran?

Visa requirements vary by nationality; many travelers must obtain a visa in advance or an e-visa, while some nationalities can get visas on arrival—check current rules with the Iranian consulate before travel.

Is it safe to travel in Iran?

Most travelers report safe visits and friendly interactions with locals; exercise normal travel caution, avoid political demonstrations, and register with your embassy if advised.

Can I use credit cards and withdraw cash?

Due to international sanctions, international credit/debit cards generally do not work in Iran; bring enough cash (euros or USD) to exchange or use local exchange services for rials.

Are there restrictions on alcohol and social behavior?

Alcohol is illegal for Muslims and publicly banned, so do not attempt to buy or consume it; public displays of affection are frowned upon and can attract attention.

Good to know

Country highlights

What to eat

Insider tips

Cities in Iran

Good to know — FAQ

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