The capital
Tehran is where most journeys begin. It is a vast, modern city under the Alborz mountains, with Golestan Palace, the Grand Bazaar, excellent museums and the leafy northern districts where cafés and parks fill up in the evening. Two or three days is enough for a first look.
The classic route south
The line from Tehran south is the heart of a first trip. Kashan, a short drive from the capital, has merchant houses and the Fin Garden. Isfahan follows with Naqsh-e Jahan Square, among the grandest public spaces in the world, and the old bridges over the Zayandeh River. Yazd sits in the desert with mud brick lanes, windcatchers and a living Zoroastrian heritage. Shiraz is the city of poets and gardens, and the base for Persepolis.
The north west
Tabriz is the main city of Iranian Azerbaijan, with one of the largest covered bazaars on earth, a cooler climate and easy trips to the cliff village of Kandovan. It suits travellers arriving overland from Turkey or Armenia, and families with roots in the region.
How long to spend
Ten days covers Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz at a sensible pace. Two weeks lets you add Kashan, a desert night and Tabriz. Long distances are easy on overnight buses, trains or short domestic flights, which you can search on our travel page.
Before you choose
The UK, US, Canada, Australia and other governments currently advise against all travel to Iran, mainly because of the risk of arbitrary detention and regional conflict. Read your own government's advice first. If you decide to go, our places to visit list and the free trip planner will help you shape the route.