Esfahan travel guide

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.