How Many Days to Spend in Iran

If you are here reading this article, you are probably travelling to Iran for the first time. Iran, one of the first civilizations, is a vast country with a lot to offer, from ancient sites to breathtaking natural landscapes. You need over a month to visit this beautiful country thoroughly. However, as a first visitor who may have little time, you can see the gist of the country in one or two week. Here we have provided a guide on how many days you should spend in your Iran travel and which places to visit in your first trip to Iran.

Tehran

As the capital city of Iran and destination to the most international flights, Tehran is probably a must on your plan. Though not recommended by many guides, Tehran has more than what you may think to offer. From different museums and art galleries to public parks and historical palaces and bazaars, Tehran is the best place to see the everyday vibe of modern Iran. We suggest to stay at least for one day in Tehran to visit its grand bazaar, Golestah palace and jewelry museum. Having more time, 3 days is enough to wander in this populated city with people from all over the country gathered in it.
The next must-see on your short trip is Isfahan. However don’t miss Kashan on your way from Tehran to Isfahan.

Kashan

In the middle of deserts, there are a small city with many historical houses which mesmerize every eyes. One day is enough to see Tabatabaei House as well as Borujerdi’s House which are in walking distance from each other and each have their own unique beauty. You can also visit Fin garden in the same day however we would recommend to stay 2 days in Kashan to see all its beauty and historical attractions like Tappeh Sialk and Fin Garden in details.

Isfahan

In the afternoon of the second day of your stay in Kashan, leave for Isfahan, It is almost a 3 hour drive. Resting the night in a hotel, you can spend at least 2 days in Isfahan or as Persians call it “Half of the World”! Capital city of Iran in different times, the city has over 40 historical sites including mosques, churches, bridges and mansions. Don’t miss Isfahan’s Beryoni, a local food, when you are visiting its bazaar at the corner of Naghsh-e Jahan Square.

Shiraz

Our next destination is the beautiful city of Shiraz. The city, most known for its gardens as well as poets and poetry, possesses one of Iran’s most important historical attractions, Persepolis or Takht-e Jamshid. As Persepolis is located out of town, you should spend at least half a day to visit it. You can also spend at least 2 days in Shiraz city to visit Hafezieh (Tomb of Hafez, a great Iranian poet), Nasir-ol-Molk or pink mosque, Eram Garden and many other ancient places. Shirazis are also calm people you will definitely enjoy their companionship.

If you do not have more than one week to spend in Iran, we shall say farewell here. You can either depart from International airport of Shiraz or go back to Tehran to leave the country. Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan and Shiraz are the must-visits you can and should visit in this short period of time. But if you have still time, lets continue our journey and visit our next destination, Yazd.

Yazd

Yazd’s historic structure, consisted of 200 hectares, has been inscribed on the world heritage list of UNESCO in 2017. The adobe city, located in the center of Iran, once was the major center of Zoroastrians. It has still many tokens of their culture besides its Islamic sites and architectures. Visit Chak Chak, the most important fire temple of Zaroasterians during your stay here in Yazd Province. 2 days is a good opportunity to see most of the city.

Kerman

Though there are beautiful deserts in central Iran, one of the most unique deserts of Iran, Shahdad is located in Kerman Province. Also visit Shazdeh Garden when in Kerman, the combination of golden sands of desert and green tall trees is really eye-catching, it is like seeing heaven in the middle of nowhere. 2 days would be enough for Kerman.

Qeshm and Hormoz Islands

Continue your way to the south of Iran and spend at least 2 days in the southern islands, Qeshm and Hormuz. Don’t forget to try sea foods when you are in these beautiful islands with breathtaking landscapes and lovely people. Our recommendation is to stay in eco-lodges and visit star valley and enjoy the mysterious local stories behind it.

We can continue mentioning historical sites as well as natural landscapes in the south of Iran, sites like Chogha Zanbil and Susa, however the time limit does not let you to see all of them. Up to now, you have spent almost 2 weeks in Iran. If you have more time and you are interested in seeing a totally different landscape and experiencing a different atmosphere, culture and also climate, our suggestion is to spend some days in north and west of Iran. Rasht with its food culture, Kurdistan with its beautiful Uramanat villages and lovely people, Tabriz with its historical attractions are just some of the places you should not miss. Don’t forget to come back as there are a lot more to see.