Esfahan travel guide
Welcome to Esfahan
With its wide, tree-lined boulevards, gardens and magnificent tiled buildings, it’s not surprising Esfahan is known for its good looks. Get ready to explore Iran’s top tourist destination.
Top things to see and do in Esfahan
- Imam Square is Esfahan’s absolute must-see and its prime meeting, picnicking and people-watching spot. Shops, cafés and bazaars line this huge public space, which is also adorned by the magnificent turquoise Imam Mosque.
- Stroll along the Zyandeh River bridges and admire the architecture of these impressive structures. Arched Khaju Bridge is particularly splendid. After dark when they’re lit up is a great time to see the bridges.
- Hunt for miniatures, carpets, decorated cloth and leather goods in lively Bazaar Qaisarieh. Enter through the gateway in Imam Square and explore the bazaar’s atmospherically lit corridors, tea houses and mosques.
- Visit the Kakh-e Chehel Sotun Palace and admire its ceramics, miniatures and frescos. The elegant palace, which is set in gardens, was originally built in the 17th century, and then rebuilt after a fire in 1706.
- Try classic Esfahani dish, khoresht-e-mast. It’s a sticky pudding made from meat, yoghurt , saffron and sugar, and decorated with almond slices and pistachios.
Tips for travellers
Get a taste of the desert when you take a trip to Varzaneh, just 12 kilometres out of town. As well as the desert’s spectacular sand dunes, Varzaneh itself is famous for its hand-crafted carpets and ancient dovecotes.
You can get around Esfahan by bus or taxi. Buses are a convenient transportation option especially after you have become familiar with bus routes. There are bus stops in the city and buses leave from the bus terminal near Chehel Sotun Palace frequently. Bus journeys are cheap at just under a dollar per ride. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi to get around inner Esfahan. Make sure you agree a fare with the driver before your journey starts.
You can get around Esfahan by bus or taxi. Buses are a convenient transportation option especially after you have become familiar with bus routes. There are bus stops in the city and buses leave from the bus terminal near Chehel Sotun Palace frequently. Bus journeys are cheap at just under a dollar per ride. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi to get around inner Esfahan. Make sure you agree a fare with the driver before your journey starts.
Airport information
Find out more about this airport.
