Iran — find the right stay, from deciding to booking
“Persian civilization, blue mosques, World Heritage squares and the Silk Road”
Iran is the land of a 2,500-year-old Persian civilization — Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan ranks among the world's most beautiful, Persepolis was the capital of an ancient empire, the pink Nasir al-Mulk Mosque glows in Shiraz, the desert city of Yazd is a World Heritage site, and Persian carpets, tea and warm hospitality await. All of it is waiting for travelers drawn to deep history and culture.
Iran at a glance
Choose a city in Iran
Each city has its own things-to-do and food guides plus in-depth ranked hotel reviews with real photos and price comparison — start with the city that fits your trip.
Decide — is Iran right for you?
Why people love Iran, how it compares to its neighbors, and which travel style suits you
Naqsh-e Jahan Square
A World Heritage square in Isfahan, ringed by a blue mosque, a palace and a medieval bazaar.
Persepolis
The 2,500-year-old ruins of the Achaemenid imperial capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Shiraz.
The Pink Mosque
Nasir al-Mulk in Shiraz, where morning light through stained glass scatters rainbows across the floor — one of the loveliest sights anywhere.
Yazd
A World Heritage mud-brick desert city with windcatchers and Zoroastrian temples.
Arts and crafts
Persian carpets, silverwork, mosaic tiles and handicrafts that make collectible souvenirs.
Warm people
Iranians are famous for welcoming strangers with genuine hospitality (Taarof) and a cup of tea.
Iran vs its neighbors
| Iran | Turkey | Armenia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily budget (per person) | $35–80 | $50–100 | $35–70 |
| Visa (Thai passport) | Required (VOA/e-visa, check latest) | e-visa/VOA available | Visa-free 180 days |
| Known for | Persia · World Heritage | Istanbul · Cappadocia | Yerevan · Lake Sevan |
| Currency | Rial (IRR), carry cash | Lira (TRY) | Dram (AMD) |
| Traveler safety | Check the latest advisory before you go | Normal for tourists | Normal |
Figures are rough per-person, per-day estimates — your real budget depends on your travel style.
How do you travel?
History buffs
The Isfahan–Shiraz–Persepolis–Yazd route packs several World Heritage sites into one 7–10 day trip.
See this plan → 🎨Art and architecture lovers
Mosaic-tiled mosques, palaces, old bazaars and world-class Persian craftsmanship.
See this plan → 🤝Deep-culture travelers
Get a feel for daily life, food, tea and the warmth of Iranians in local communities.
See this plan →Plan — stay, eat, see
Start with where to stay (the heart of the trip), then add food and sights, and gauge your daily budget.
Find the stay you want
1 ranked reviews
No reviews match these filters — try removing some.
- 1🍲
Khoresh-e Fesenjān
A chicken or meat stew in walnut and pomegranate sauce, richly sweet-and-sour, served at feasts.
📍 National dish - 2🍚
Chelo Kabab
Buttery fragrant rice with grilled meat skewers (koobideh or bakhtiari), the national dish you can eat every day.
📍 Main dish - 3🥘
Ash Reshteh
A thick noodle-and-bean soup with parsley, topped with sour cream and fried onions — comforting in winter.
📍 Soup - 4🧀
Nan-o Panir
Thin flatbread (nan) with soft cheese, fresh herbs and walnuts — a traditional Iranian breakfast.
📍 Breakfast - 5🌹
Rose Water
Fragrant rose water from Shiraz, used in sweets, tea and drinks — a flavor you won't find anywhere else.
📍 Drink - 6🍬
Gaz
Isfahan nougat made from wildflower syrup, walnuts and pistachios — a famous souvenir.
📍 Sweets
- 1🕌
Naqsh-e Jahan Square
A vast World Heritage square with the Imam Mosque (in blue), the Ali Qapu Palace and an old bazaar.
📍 Isfahan - 2🏛️
Persepolis
The 2,500-year-old ruins of the Achaemenid imperial capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see.
📍 Near Shiraz - 3🌸
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
The Pink Mosque, where morning light through stained glass scatters rainbows on the floor — the most beautiful shot you'll take.
📍 Shiraz - 4📖
Tomb of Hafez
The tomb of the famous Persian poet set among rose gardens, a place of literary pilgrimage.
📍 Shiraz - 5🏜️
Yazd
A mud-brick desert city with windcatchers, a World Heritage site, and Zoroastrian temples.
📍 World Heritage - 6🌿
Fin Garden
A centuries-old Persian World Heritage garden with marble fountains, ancient cypresses and pools.
📍 Kashan
🚆 Getting around Iran
Fly into Tehran
IKA (Imam Khomeini) is the main international gateway, about 45 km from the city center.
Intercity buses
Comfortable, cheap overnight VIP buses link Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd.
Trains
The national railway connects the main cities — slower than the bus but more comfortable on long routes.
Domestic flights
Save time to Mashhad, Shiraz and Isfahan; many cities have airports and fares are low.
Ride-hailing taxis
Snapp (Iran's Uber) works in big cities — always pay cash, no haggling needed.
🛂 Etiquette & culture in Iran
Taarof
A custom of politely declining before accepting; Iranians offer things sincerely, so thank them and accept.
Dress code
Women must cover their hair and dress modestly (manto + hijab); men should wear long sleeves and long trousers.
Prayer times
Shops may close during the five daily prayer times — plan ahead.
Ask before photos
Ask locals before taking photos, especially of women; most are happy and will smile.
Prohibited items
No alcohol may be brought into the country — respect local laws and customs.
💸 Daily budget — a rough guide
Budget
🛏️ Guesthouse / hostel $15–35
Iran is very cheap for travelers — carry USD/EUR cash to exchange locally, and eat local food for a couple of dollars.
Comfortable
🛏️ 3–4★ hotel $45–85
World Heritage tours, good food, clean hotels and excellent-value local guides.
Premium
🛏️ Boutique hotel / restored caravanserai $100+
Stay in a caravanserai (a hotel in an old caravan inn), with private tours and rooftop restaurants.
🗓️ When to visit Iran
Spring
Mar – MayMild weather and blooming flowers (especially the roses of Shiraz) — the best time for travelers.
Autumn
Sep – NovCool and pleasant with lovely scenery and fewer people than spring — great for exploring the Yazd desert.
Winter
Dec – FebTehran and the north get cold with snow in places, but the southern coast stays pleasant.
Summer
Jun – AugScorching in the desert (40°C+) and not great for sightseeing on foot, though the north is more bearable.
Book — hotels our team picked
Hand-picked from the highest guest-rated hotels we've reviewed in Iran — compare prices across 3 sites.
★ 9.4👑 Great for your trip
★ 8.9👑 Great for your trip
★ 8.6💑 Great for your tripWant to see every option in Iran?
Browse all our ranked stay reviews — every budget and area, with real photos and price comparison.
View the top city guide →FAQ — visiting Iran
How many days do I need in Iran?+
7–10 days — Tehran 2 days + Isfahan 2–3 days + Shiraz 2 days (including Persepolis) + Yazd 1–2 days, the classic route covering all four main cities.
Is Iran safe?+
Always check the travel advisories and announcements from your country's foreign ministry before you go, and look up the latest situation, as conditions can change at any time.
How do I handle money in Iran?+
Foreign credit and debit cards don't work in Iran, so carry enough USD or EUR cash for the whole trip and exchange it locally into rials. Also check the latest visa requirements before applying.
What should I wear in Iran?+
Women must cover their hair (hijab) and wear long sleeves and trousers or a long skirt; men should wear long sleeves and long trousers. These rules apply at all times in public.
Tips before you go to Iran
- Carry enough USD or EUR cash for the whole trip — foreign cards simply don't work.
- Check travel advisories from your foreign ministry and the latest situation every time before you go.
- Women should pack a hijab and covering clothes before boarding.
- Download Snapp (taxi) and Maps.me (offline maps) before you travel.
- Accept tea from hosts and shopkeepers — it's good manners and opens the door to nice conversations.
- Visit Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz before 9 a.m. for the most beautiful colored light and the fewest crowds.