Isfahan
Capital of culture and art of Iran.
Capital of Culture, Cradle of Art, and City of Exquisite Tiles
Isfahan, a historic and magnificent city in central Iran, is nestled on the banks of the Zayandeh River, serving as a cultural and artistic heart. This enchanting city is world-renowned for its superb Persian-Islamic architecture, magnificent bridges, and rich heritage, offering a captivating blend of ancient grandeur and vibrant traditional life. With its array of attractions, including grand mosques, exquisite palaces, serene gardens, and lively bazaars, Isfahan charms every visitor seeking beauty and history.
Despite its enduring historic charm, Isfahan has gracefully adapted to modernity while meticulously preserving its artistic and architectural identity. From the intricate mosaics of its mosques to the lively artisan workshops, Isfahan tells the story of Iran’s deep artistic heritage and its dynamic present. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest urban squares in the world, along with the iconic Si-o-se-pol and Khaju bridges, are among the city’s most recognizable and beloved landmarks.
A visual journey to the heart of Isfahan
Articles
Culture, History and Wonders of the Iranian Capital
Discover the secrets of Isfahan through short, rich, and inspiring articles.
souvenirs
Art objects, fine fabrics, and ancient traditions
Offer or keep a piece of Isfahan with our handcrafted treasures.
Iran souvenirs
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MAP
Explore on the map of Isfahan
Easily find the historical sites, attractions, and hidden treasures of the city.
The map shows a general view of the downtown area and its nearby surroundings. You can use the zoom controls to adjust the visible area.
You can drag the map with your mouse (or your finger on touch devices) to navigate and explore different areas. Use the zoom buttons (+ and -) for a closer or wider view.
No, this basic map does not have geolocation functionality to show your current location. For that, you may need to use a dedicated map application on your device.
This map is primarily designed for viewing and exploring places. It does not include built-in route calculation functionality. You can use external mapping services to plan your routes.
This map shows the locations of tourist sites. For detailed information (opening hours, description, etc.), please refer to the dedicated pages for each attraction on our website or other online resources.
A Trip to Isfahan
A Complete Guide for a Trip to Isfahan
Everything About Isfahan City – A Complete Travel Guide to Half the World
Isfahan, one of the brightest gems of Iranian culture and art, with magnificent architecture, the life-giving Zayandeh River, and a soul full of literal beauty, is located in the heart of Iran. This megacity is known as “Half the World ” due to its world-class monuments and visual attractions. Isfahan is the shining star of Iranian culture. This Isfahan city has stunning mosques that are considered the most beautiful and iconic in the world.
It is famed globally for its hand-knotted carpets, delicate metalwork, and steel mills. And here, we’ve compiled a thorough trip guide to Isfahan (complete with handy tips, cultural knowledge, and tons of things to do), so stay tuned.
📍location and access to Isfahan
Isfahan is located near the eastern side of the Zagros Mountains, about 340 to 430 kilometers south of Tehran, depending on the route.
The city has a dry and warm climate and goes through all four seasons. It is also an important place where major roads from north to south and east to west of Iran meet.
Isfahan is an easily accessible city by all modes of transport.
By plane :
Shahid Beheshti International Airport, Isfahan
By train: The routes of Isfahan Railway Station include
- Isfahan-Tehran,
- Isfahan-Mashhad,
- Isfahan-Bandar Abbas
- Isfahan-Yazd.
Currently, the most popular routes are Isfahan-Mashhad and Isfahan-Bandar Abbas. In addition, these trips are also made in reverse.
By car :
Isfahan is highly accessible by road.
By bus :
Isfahan is well connected to most parts of Iran.
🏛️ Isfahan's magnificent historical and architectural heritage
Isfahan is a Safavid architectural jewel box. It has the Second largest square on earth ( Naghsh-e-Jahan), it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s architecture is an intriguing combination of Iranian art, history, and beautiful places of interest.
Recommended places to visit:
✨ Shah Mosque( Imam Mosque) with its stunning tilework .
⛪ Vank Church in the Armenian quarter of Jolfa .
🏰 Khaju Bridge and Si-o-se pol Bridge; with darkness lighting and a romantic atmosphere .
🏠 Chehel- Sotun Palace; a pleasurable theater with columns reflecting in the water.
📸 Naqsh- e Jahan Square; The stylish spot for photography and handicraft shopping .
🌿 Outstanding Culture and Handicrafts of Isfahan
Isfahan has been one of the great bastions of Persian arts and crafts. The province of Esfahan enjoys a great reputation for handicrafts and can be considered an important sector in this regard. In addition to local products and carpets of its own type, there are also products from other provinces of Iran that are manufactured here. Considering that the province is blessed with immense tourist attractions, it is quite obvious that handicrafts form a principal economic base in the area.
Famous handicrafts:
- Copper and silver engraving
- Enamel and turquoise stamping
- Qalamkar fabrics
-Khatam Kari Isfahan
- Enameling ( Minakari ) Isfahan
- Coppersmithing Isfahan
- Calligraphy
- Local sweets such as Gaz, Poolaki, Fereydoun Shahr Honey, Sohan Asali (Honey Sohan)
Qeysarieh Bazaar in Naqsh-e Jahan Square is a paradise for art lovers and souvenir lovers.
🤝 Hospitality and Social Culture of Isfahan
The inhabitants of Isfahan embrace travelers with a sweet accent and a warm heart. Seating in typical teahouses with real music and talking to people there will convert you from a tourist to a guest.
Isfahan travel information: Practical tips for travelling to Isfahan ☀️
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn with good weather
💰 Travel budget: Mid-range and proper for family and solo
🚕 Getting around: Taxi, city bus, Snapp, and Tapsi application ( like Uber )
📚 Language: Persian is the main spoken language in Isfahan, but most of the vendors and tour guides speak English and sometimes French.
✨ Why should you include Isfahan in your travel wish list?
Isfahan is really worth visiting because not every city has 3 UNESCO world heritage sites, not every city has stunning mosques like the Imam Mosque or the Sheikh Lotfollah mosque, not every city has the second largest and most splendid square named Naqsh-e-Jahan, or charming Khaju and Si-o-se pol bridge. Even if you are not interested in the historical sites, surely wandering through the Grand Bazaar and buying some Iranian handicrafts like Ghalamkari or Khatam Kari will seduce you.
Even if none of these factors persuaded you, I'm sure Iranian hospitality and the warm welcome of Isfahani people will do.
