Isfahan Tourist Attractions | 20 Top Places to Visit in Iran

Isfahan Naqshe Jahan Square

Located at the heart of Isfahan city, Naqsh-e Jahan Square is an impressive architectural masterpiece that captivates the attention of everyone who visits it. Built between 1598 and 1629, this UNESCO world heritage site in Iran is home to four prominent buildings, making it a popular tourist attraction in Isfahan that both locals and foreigners should not miss. Spanning over 500 meters in length and 160 meters in width, the square is surrounded by 200 two-story chambers. Prior to the Safavid era, the site was a large garden and military buildings from the Timurid and Aq-Qoyunlu periods were located in the central part of the square. Since the Seljuk era, Naqsh-e Jahan Square has hosted national celebrations such as Nowruz and the execution of convicts. During the Safavid era, the square became home to government buildings and the Shah's palace after the capital was moved from Qazvin to Isfahan.
The square's design was inspired by Iranian square architecture style, similar to other notable examples such as Amir Chakhmaq Square in Yazd, Shah Square in Qazvin, and Sahibabad Square in Qazvin. Naqsh-e Jahan Square is one of the largest squares in the world and was the venue for various royal celebrations, polo games, military parades, Friday markets, and shows during the Safavid era. The square was decorated with beautiful lighting during these events. The stone Chogan Gates in Naqsh-e Jahan Square are among the world's oldest Chogan gates. Today, the chambers of Isfahan Square offer the city's handicrafts, while a large Islamic museum is being constructed on its upper floor. In addition, Naghshe-Jahan Traditional Restaurant, located on one of the corners of the square, is one of the best restaurants in Isfahan, offering a menu of various kinds of dishes for travelers to enjoy lunch and dinner.

Isfahan Ali-Qapu Palace

The construction of Ali-Qapu Palace, one of Iran's most significant architectural heritage sites, was commissioned by Shah Abbas Safavi on the western side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. It served as a royal residence and a venue for official meetings and receptions for foreign guests during the Safavid era, known as the "Palace of the State House" and the "Government House of the Holy Role of the World". The balcony of the mansion provided a vantage point for Shah Abbas and his entourage to observe polo games, horse riding, and fireworks in Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Ali Qapu Palace's exceptional architecture and remarkable decorations have attracted the attention of both domestic and foreign tourists. Its magnificent architectural attractions include the entrance door, magnificent halls, music hall, prominent artwork, and wooden pillars. Visitors can also admire prominent artworks such as calligraphy, miniature, mirror work, seven-color tiles, eslimi arts, paintings, and beautiful stucco works throughout the mansion. The central pool in the courtyard is adorned with marble stones, and there were fountains in the center of the pool in the past. The interior of Ali Qapu Palace features patterned and painted carpets, muqarnas decorations, and gold plating.
According to historical texts, Shah Abbas brought the gate that was previously at the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf to Isfahan when he took the silver door there. He had it installed in Ali Qapu Palace for blessing. Those who were favored by the Shah would come to the palace with special ceremonies, kiss the door, and ask for the Shah's greatness and power. Even Shah Abbas himself would dismount from his horse as a sign of respect when passing through the gate of the mansion. Interestingly, until a few years ago, people would cook food and make offerings around the palace, tying strings as a means of making a vow to the chains in front of the gate.

Isfahan Shah Mosque

Shah Mosque, located on the southern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, is a stunning and valuable piece of architecture built during the Safavid period. Shah-Abbas-I commissioned its construction at his own expense and dedicated the mosque's reward to the soul of his great-grandfather, Shah Tahmasb Safavi. The mosque is recognized as one of the most magnificent works of art due to its stunning design, seven-color tilework, stucco, gold and silver work, Nastaliq and Kufic calligraphy, marble stones, precious stone inlays, and marble vases. The tilework's peacock, bird, flower, and fruit motifs represent symbols of eternal gardens and paradise. The mosque's pulpit is made of sumac stone, and its turquoise minarets are adorned with Islamic patterns. Sheikh Bahai, a famous Safavid scholar, jurist, and mathematician, precisely and accurately calculated the mosque's qibla orientation, which is only seven degrees different from the true qibla direction and is a testament to the precision and skill of the Safavid architects and scholars.

Isfahan Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah, one of the most prominent Shia scholars of the Safavid era, originally resided in Lebanon but was invited to Iran by Shah Abbas I. The king commissioned the construction of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque as a center for learning, teaching, and prayer. Situated in Naqsh-e Jahan Square and facing the Ali Qapu palace, this mosque took 18 years to complete and is now considered one of the most magnificent examples of Isfahan's architecture. The use of various Iranian arts, such as mosaic tiles, Thuluth and Nastaliq calligraphy, beautiful muqarnas, and bird and flower motifs, has transformed the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque into a masterpiece. Visitors can marvel at the mosque's stunning and unique features, including the chickpea-colored dome, seven-color tilework, spiral turquoise tiles, and eight-sided pool. But the main prayer hall is the pinnacle of the mosque's magnificence and beauty. The hall is a square with 19-meter sides that transforms into an octagon as it rises above the ground and then into a circle as it reaches the dome's stem, reminiscent of the Sassanid period. The lighting mechanism of the mosque is extraordinary and demonstrates the architect's mastery of the complexities of light. By placing two latticed windows under the dome that are not aligned, the architect created a double refraction of light that adds sharpness and intensity and creates a spiritual atmosphere. The Quranic verses on the mosque's outer walls are perfectly aligned with the angles of light, so that each hour of the day, one verse is displayed with the sunlight's radiation, and as the day progresses, the sunlight shines on other Quranic verses.

Isfahan Qeysarieh Bazaar

The Qeysarieh Bazaar of Isfahan, also known as Shahi Bazaar, Soltani Bazaar, or Grand Bazaar, is the fourth building located in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, commissioned by Shah Abbas Safavi. While it was mainly built during the Safavid era, from 1501-1736, some parts of the bazaar date back over a thousand years to the Seljuq Dynasty. This covered bazaar was one of the most splendid shopping centers in the city during the Safavid era and remains a thriving marketplace today. As visitors enter, they are greeted with a multitude of old shops and chambers selling a variety of goods, including Iranian handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, silverware, traditional ceramics, veils, hijabs, and authentic Persian carpets. The bazaar is renowned for its stunning architecture and design, with the main entrance adorned with magnificent mosaics, breathtaking paintings, and unique carvings. Additionally, visitors can purchase local sweets of Isfahan, such as Gaz, Poulaki, and Pashmak, in beautiful boxes. Due to its exceptional architecture and vast array of goods, the Qeysarieh Bazaar is considered one of the world's most beautiful and historic markets.

Isfahan Khaju Bridge

The Khaju Bridge, celebrated as one of the world's most exquisite bridges during the Safavid era, was constructed primarily as a dam to regulate water flow. With its symmetrical design, the Khaju Bridge spans the Zayanderud River on the eastern side of the thirty-three bridge (Si-o-se-pol bridge) and offers stunning views of its environs at sunset. Commissioned by Shah Abbas II, the bridge was equipped with 16 water release outlets. The bridge's body is embellished with grooves adorned with plentiful tilework.

Isfahan Si-o-se-pol Bridge

The Si-o-se-pol Bridge is an impressive structure located in Isfahan spanning across the Zayanderud River. With 33 arches, it is 295 meters long and 14 meters wide, making it the longest bridge over the river. Originally built in the early 17th century to serve as both a bridge and a dam, it has become one of the most iconic landmarks of Isfahan and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Throughout history, the Si-o-se-pol Bridge has been the site of various ceremonies and festivals, including the Ab-Pashan Festival (the pouring of water and rose water on each other), the Armanian's Khaj Shoyan ceremony, and the Persian New Year celebration. During these events, the bridge was decorated with beautiful flowers and lights, making it a spectacular sight to behold. Visitors can enjoy the bridge's beauty at any time, but the best time to visit is when the Zayanderud River is full of water, allowing for a clear reflection of the bridge in the water. Despite standing strong in the Zayanderud River for over four centuries, the Si-o-se-pol Bridge remains an impressive feat of engineering and a testament to the ancient builders' resilience. A visit to Si-o-se-pol provides an excellent opportunity to meet locals, exchange cultural knowledge, and immerse oneself in the rich history and architecture of Isfahan.

Isfahan Chehel Sotoun Palace

The Chehel Sotoun Palace is a magnificent royal palace built during the Safavid era in Isfahan, Iran. The palace is located in the middle of a park and was built by Shah Abbas II for his entertainment and receptions. The name "Chehel Sotoun" means "Forty Columns" in Persian, inspired by the twenty slender wooden columns supporting the entrance pavilion, which, when reflected in the water of the fountain, appear to be forty. The palace's decoration, including goldsmithing, mirror work, large wall paintings, and beautiful tile work, is a testament to the skilled artisans of the time. The lush trees, magnificent wooden columns, and pool create a captivating atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors. The palace's paintings depict historical events from different periods, providing a glimpse into Iran's rich history.
Today, the Chehel Sotoun Palace serves as a museum, showcasing various ceramics, mirror work, Kufic manuscript copies of the Quran, prehistoric coins, ancient inscriptions, and carpets. A visit to the palace is an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and culture of Iran's Safavid era.

Isfahan Chahar Bagh School

The Chahar Bagh School, formerly known as the Sultani School and the Mother of the Shah School, was built during the Safavid era and in the time of Shah Sultan Hussein. This building is known as the last great and important structure built in Isfahan during the Safavid era. In fact, the Chahar Bagh School can be considered as one of the tilework museums of Isfahan, as it is very prominent in terms of tilework and features various types of this art, such as seven-color tiles, mosaic, knotting, Pili, and Me'raqli. The ancient plane trees and the blue canal flowing among them have given a unique beauty to the architecture of this building. The Chahar Bagh School is located on Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street and in the past had many endowments, including gardens, farms, villages, properties, shops, caravanserais, and other assets. It also had a unique and valuable library that was available to religious scholars and other researchers of that era, containing many valuable and rare books. Unfortunately, during the Afghan invasion, all of these assets were destroyed.

A room inside Hasht Behesht (wikipedia)

Isfahan Hasht Behesht Palace

Hasht Behesht, which means "Eight Heavens" in Persian, is a 17th-century pavilion situated in Isfahan, Iran. It is one of the city's historic and stunning palaces, built during the Safavid era. Located in the center of a large garden, the palace is a two-story structure that was once part of a world-renowned garden. The palace is adorned with a fusion of various art forms, including perforated woodwork, prismatic mirror work, calligraphy, mural painting, plasterwork, and tile work, making it the most beautiful example of Safavid royal architecture. Tourists who have visited the Hasht Behesht Palace describe it as one of the world's finest buildings, with one visitor even calling it "more delightful than the most magnificent palaces in European countries." The palace's intricate decorations and beautiful design make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Isfahan.

Isfahan Menar Jonban

Menar Jonban | Shaking Minarets

Menar Jonban is a fascinating and unique architectural structure that can be found in several cities in Iran and around the world. This structure features two shaking minarets that move simultaneously when one of them is shaken. The Menar Jonban in Isfahan is one of the most famous examples of this structure in Iran, located on Atashgah Street, and is a significant tourist attraction in the city. Other examples of this structure can be found in different parts of Iran, such as the Menar Jonban in Kharaqan, located in the city of Ardakan, Yazd, which is famous worldwide for being entirely made of mud bricks. The Jameh Mosque of Nishapur also features shaking minarets. An interesting fact about the Menar Jonban is that the reason for its shaking is due to the resonance theory or the law of intensification. According to this theory, two connected strings with the same weight and height on both sides, shaking one of them will inevitably cause the other to vibrate as well. Similarly, the two minarets of the Menar Jonban work like these two ropes. This unique feature adds to the wonder and charm of this architectural masterpiece.

Shaking Minarets

The Menar Jonban complex is composed of minaret structures, an ivan, and a chelakhanah. The 17-meter tall minarets are adorned with turquoise-colored polygonal tiles and four-star tiles made of lapis lazuli. The ivan is constructed with bricks, and nearby, white tombstones can be seen, remnants of an old cemetery on which the building was built. Visitors can access the rooftop and minarets of the complex through a spiral staircase, although climbing the minarets is prohibited. The chelakhanahs were a place for mystics to meditate and spend 40 days communing with God. To visit the Menar Jonban in Isfahan, visitors can go there from 9 am to 6 pm. If you want to witness the shaking of the minarets, they are set to move at specific times. In the morning shift, they move at 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 1:30 pm. In the afternoon shift, they move at 3 pm, 4:30 pm, and 6:30 pm.

Isfahan Seashell Museum

Visitors to the Seashell Museum of Isfahan, located in the Nazhvan Forest Park, will be delighted by the opportunity to explore the underwater world through a stunning collection of seashells and freshwater snails. This museum is the first of its kind in Iran, featuring over 2,000 specimens of 800 different species of mollusks, echinoderms, and crustaceans collected from waters across the globe by Captain Hassan Khajeh, a seafarer who continuously updates the collection. The Seashell Museum of Isfahan provides a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages interested in marine biology. The collection is well-curated and displayed, with information on the species and their habitats provided in both Persian and English.

Isfahan Music Museum

The Music Museum of Isfahan, established and registered in 2015 by Mehrdad Jihouni and Shahriar Shakrani, is a significant tourist attraction in the city and the only private museum dedicated to preserving and displaying various traditional Iranian musical instruments. Divided into the National and Local Instruments Hall, the museum showcases over 300 pieces of Iranian national and local instruments. Visitors can also participate in instrument-making workshops to learn about the construction of different instruments. The museum includes a concert hall that introduces music masters and instrument makers to visitors. The museum's beautiful and artistic interior design is a major attraction for tourists, featuring exquisite miniature designs that appeal to enthusiasts of the fine art of music. The museum's unique features include live performances of various musical compositions in different styles and the opportunity to observe the playing of Iranian instruments. With such a diverse range of traditional musical instruments on display, the Music Museum of Isfahan is a fascinating destination for visitors.

Isfahan Beyt Lahm Church

The Bethlehem Church, constructed during the Safavid period, is situated north of two renowned churches in Isfahan, namely Hakoup and Maryam Maghdes. It is considered one of the most captivating and historic attractions of the city. The church boasts a tall and magnificent dome that can be easily distinguished from a distance. The exterior and interior walls of the church exhibit elegant and extraordinary designs. The walls inside the church are adorned with beautiful wall paintings and handmade wooden statues, featuring various themes such as the Armenian Genocide, the image of hell, and more. The Bethlehem Church is known as one of the most beautiful churches in the world and holds a special place in the list of 23 most beautiful churches in the world published by the Daily Telegraph. This church is located on Nazar-e-Sharghi Street, in the Grand Jolfa Square of Isfahan, and is considered one of the city's important tourist attractions. The building of this church is a blend of Islamic, Persian, and Christian architecture techniques. With the biggest dome among the churches of Isfahan, it is a UNESCO world heritage site and a remarkable example of cultural and religious diversity in Iran.

Isfahan Saeb Tabrizi Mausoleum

Sa'eb Tabrizi, born in Tabriz in 1592 AD, was a renowned poet and ghazal writer of the 11th century AH. He began his literary career during the Safavid era and gained immense popularity among the people due to his beautiful and romantic poems. Sa'eb Tabrizi passed away in 1676 AD and was buried in Isfahan. The tomb of Sa'eb Tabrizi, located on Sa'eb Street in Isfahan, is built in the Safavid architectural style and features a beautiful and well-maintained garden next to it. The tomb is adorned with a tall and arched dome, an inner courtyard, beautiful columns, and wall paintings. Every year, the anniversary of Sa'eb Tabrizi's passing is commemorated with a ceremony held in this tomb, attracting literature and poetry enthusiasts who gather to pay tribute to this great poet. The tomb of Sa'eb Tabrizi has always been a popular tourist attraction in Isfahan, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Iran and the love of Iranians for poetry and literature.

Isfahan Jameh Mosque

The Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, also known as the Friday Mosque, is a historic building in the city of Isfahan dating back to the second century AH. It is considered the oldest historic structure in Isfahan and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mosque features four courtyards that are

Isfahan Vank Cathedral

The Vank Cathedral, also known as the Holy Savior Cathedral, is located in the New Julfa district of Isfahan, Iran. It was established in 1606, built by the hundreds of thousands of Armenians that were forcibly resettled by Shah-Abbas-I in his new capital as part of his scorched-earth policy in Armenia during the Ottoman War of 1603-1618. The cathedral consists of a domed sanctuary, much like an Iranian mosque, but with the significant addition of a semi-octagonal apse and raised chancel usually seen in western churches. Vank Cathedral is the largest and most famous cathedral in Iran. Its magnificent and intricate architecture, beautiful sculptures, colorful paintings, historical paintings, and murals are some of its most attractive features. The cathedral's courtyard contains the remains of several Armenian dignitaries, and various features such as a dome similar to those found in mosques, a tower, a mihrab, a bell, a large clock, a museum, a library, a printing house, and a memorial to the victims of the Armenian genocide are located throughout the cathedral.

Vank Cathedral Painting

All the walls, arches, dome perimeter, inside the dome, and all corners of the cathedral are painted and decorated with oil colors. Among these paintings are images depicting the creation of Adam and Eve, the story of Adam eating the forbidden fruit, the story of Cain and Abel, and the seven layers of heaven, as well as scenes of paradise and hell. Additionally, some Armenian celebrities are depicted in the form of bust sculptures in Vank Cathedral. The library contains over 700 handwritten books and many valuable and unique resources for research in Armenian and medieval European languages and arts. The museum displays numerous artifacts from the history of the cathedral and the Armenian community in Isfahan.

Isfahan Birds Garden

Isfahan Bird Garden is a popular tourist destination in Isfahan due to its diverse collection of beautiful birds. Visitors can admire a variety of bird species, including swans, falcons, eagles, hawks, quails, ornamental roosters, owls, partridges, toucans, and many more. Visitors can also interact with the birds up close, making for a memorable experience. The garden also features a collection of reptiles and butterflies, adding to its appeal. Next to Isfahan Bird Garden is the Isfahan Aquarium, another popular tourist attraction in the city. The aquarium showcases a diverse range of ornamental and marine fish, making it a must-visit spot for tourists and fish enthusiasts alike.

Isfahan Flower Garden

Isfahan Flower Garden is a major tourist attraction in Isfahan, popular for its diverse and beautiful collection of plants and flowers. The garden features various types of gardens, including rock, medicinal and edible plant, coniferous, onion plant, rose, Davidia, and lily gardens. Additionally, the garden includes several flower gardens designed in the style of gardens found in other countries, such as Japanese and French gardens. Isfahan Flower Garden boasts over 300 different plant species, which are illuminated with beautiful lighting, artificial waterfalls, fountains, water features, covered greenhouses, and stunning Iranian flower carpets. A beautiful pond in the garden houses blue water lilies, ducks, and geese. The reflection of trees in the water and the waterfall cascading into the pond add to its splendor and freshness. The best time to visit Isfahan Flower Garden is during spring and summer, when the flowers and plants are at their freshest and most beautiful. The garden holds an annual Tulip Festival in the spring, showcasing a collection of colorful and stunning tulips, which is another highlight of the garden.

Isfahan Jolfa Area

The Jolfa neighborhood in Isfahan is a significant tourist attraction, known as the Armenian neighborhood due to its history and population. The neighborhood's cobblestone streets, cleanliness, and buildings with unique and impressive architecture enhance its beauty and charm. The neighborhood boasts ancient churches, tall clocks, small blue ponds, intertwined alleys, and buildings with diverse architecture, making it a must-see destination for tourists and visitors. Jolfa is also home to numerous cafes that offer a delightful ambiance and delicious coffee and sweets. The neighborhood's syrup houses are also a popular attraction where visitors can enjoy cool drinks. Jolfa boasts 11 historical and ancient churches, the most important of which is the Vank Church, followed by the Bethlehem and Sarkis churches. These churches are a testament to the neighborhood's rich and diverse history and architecture.