I truly believe that if you have not visited Esfahan, you have not visited Iran. In this list of best things to see and do in Esfahan I will show you exactly where to go, so you won’t miss out on any of the must do’s as you visit Esfahan.
The city is rich in impressive buildings featuring geometrical patterned tile work, a real trademark of architecture throughout the country. Esfahan has a fantastic vibrant atmosphere, with friendly locals approaching you on its impressive squares.
So, as you travel through Iran, be sure to include this sprawling city on your itinerary.
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1. Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square)
The Naqsh-e Jahan Square, or Imam Square, is the main square of Esfahan. Let yourself be impressed by the size of the square, because it’s the second largest in the world!
Apart from the impressive size you can find some of the most important things to do in Esfahan on and around the square. On each side of the square you can visit a stunning building and the bazaar of Esfahan.
But apart from the architecture you will discover that this is the place to be if you want to interact with the locals. If you look like you don’t belong in Iran you certainly will be approached by locals.
I’ve had many conversations on the square about how I experience Iran, about Iran’s history, where I’m from and general chit chat with people that want to practice their English. Don’t be surprised either when you get invited for tea, or lunch at someone’s home. Iranians are some of the most hospitable and friendly people in the world and this square is where you can really experience that.
2. Shah Mosque
Perhaps the most significant building in the Naqsh-e Jahan square is the Shah Mosque. It’s the mosque that you can find on the southerns side of the square. I think this mosque has the most beautiful entrance to any building I’ve ever seen, anywhere, in the world. The level of detail of the geometric patterns is simply one of a kind.
The Shah Mosque earns its reputation as one of the finest examples of Persian architecture due to its impressive entrance and the tile work that adorns the dome. Just like the square, UNESCO recognises the mosque as a World Heritage Site.
Go inside to explore the mosque and all its details. Head through each of the iwans of the central courtyard to discover all that the mosque has to offer.
Fun fact: You can see the mosque pictured on the backside of the 20,000 rials bank note.
3. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Another breathtaking masterpiece on the Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. This sheikh was the father in-law of Shah Abbas I that reigned at the time.
Sheikh Lotfollah had the mosque built so that the women of his harem had a place to worship. The mosque’s intimate size and lack of minarets set it apart from other mosques of the era.
The tile work adorning the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is a real showcase of the craftsmanship of the Persian artisans at the time. Geometric patterns, arabesques, and all of the floral motifs you find on both the exterior and interior create a real sight for the eye.
4. Ali Qapu Palace
Next up on this list of things to do in Esfahan is a visit to the Ali Qapu Palace. From the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque cross over to the western side of the square to reach it.
It took a long time to restore this 6-storey 16th century building. And if you see the level of detail of the beautiful decorations, you surely understand why.
The first couple of floors have some beautiful mural paintings, but the real star of the building is the 6th floor. The walls of the music hall here feature stunning wood carvings in the shape of instruments.
Another highlight can be found when you head to the terrace that overlooks the Naqsh-e Jahan square. Perched directly opposite is the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque with the Zagros Mountains as a picturesque backdrop. Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling of the terrace for some more detailed wood work.
5. Bozorg Bazaar of Esfahan
The fourth and final landmark building on the Nqash-e Jahan square is the Bozorg Bazaar of Esfahan. Head through the Qesarieh Gate on the northern side of the square to enter the bazaar.
Like other bazaars you will end up in a true labyrinth of lanes where you can easily get lost. The good thing about getting a little lost though is that you might spot things you did not expect to find.
Sure finds though are Persian carpets, food, herbs and spices, and also cheap Chinese plastics. You can exit the bazaar here and there as well, so try to see if you can find the Hakim Mosque and the Ali Mosque (with the tall tower).
6. Jameh Mosque
Next on this list of best things to do in Esfahan is to visit the Jameh Mosque, which is like a journey back in time.
Located in the heart of the city, north of the Naqsh-e Jahan square, this architectural marvel dates back over a thousand years. As you approach the mosque, you will be welcomed by a magnificent portal adorned with stunning tile work and calligraphy.
Once inside you can enter each quarter of the mosque through the four iwans on the central courtyard. You should really allow quite some time to explore each nook and cranny on your visit to this Esfahan mosque. That is because the premises is 20,000sqm, making it Iran’s largest mosque.
7. Shehel Sotun Palace and Garden
Continue to the Shehel Sotun Palace and Garden, another UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Esfahan. The site served as a royal pavilion and reception hall, with the grand hall showcasing some beautiful frescoes and detailed mirror work.
When you step outside of the palace you’ll find yourself surrounded by a stunning garden. Enjoy the lush greenery and the flowing water here before you continue your visit in Esfahan.
Fun fact: The name Shehel Sotun means “forty columns” in Persian and refers to the twenty slender wooden columns of the building. What happened to the other twenty? They’re not actually there! But since the columns are reflected in the palace’s pool, the illusion of forty columns is created.
8. Isfahan Music Museum
For me the Isfahan Music Museum was an unexpected highlight. And not just for my visit to Esfahan, but really on my whole Iran itinerary. The museum has a large collection of Persian and regional instruments. Many of which I had never ever even seen or heard of.
Apart from the instruments on display the absolute highlight is a live performance. After a tour of the museum there were a whole bunch of musicians that gave an amazing performance. A real cultural experience!
9. Bridges over the Zayandeh River
At night go for a walk along the (usually) dried up river. Along the river you can find some beautiful bridges crossing to the southern side of Esfahan. The most impressive bridges are the Khaju Bridge and Si-o-Seh bridge. Both bridges are spectacularly illuminated at night.
You’ll find that the bridges are a gathering place for many of Esfahan’s youth. So, if you want to meet some locals, then hang around here and start a conversation with some Iranians.
10. Vank Cathedral & Museum in the Jolfa Quarter
Time to continue to the Armenian Quarter of Jolfa to round off this list of best things to do in Esfahan. It takes you almost an hour to walk there from the city centre, so opt for a taxi if that sounds like too much.
Your first stop should be the Armenian Vank Cathedral. And to be honest after an hour of walking it might not look like much on the outside when compared to all the spectacular architecture on your visit to Esfahan. However, once you get inside you are blown away by the stunning interior.
Stepping inside this cathedral, also known as the Holy Saviour Cathedral, you will be in for stunning frescoes, carvings, and shimmering chandeliers. The walls and ceiling are pretty much completely covered with vibrant murals depicting biblical scenes, saints, and angels.
Adjacent to the Vank Cathedral lies the museum, where you can dive into the rich history and culture of the Armenian community in Esfahan. Here, you can admire gold leaf bibles, and historical documents that chronicle the history of Armenian Christianity in Iran.
Tip: Close to the Vank Cathedral you can visit another religious building, the Holy Bethlehem Church. It’s not always open, but do check it out.
11. Stay Overnight in the Mesr Desert
You can experice the Mesr Desert in the heart of Iran’s central desert, known as Dasht-e Kavir. To get there, the Mesr village serves as the gateway to this desert landscape.
You can book a tour to the Mesr Desrt with 1stQuest and meet friendly villagers to learn about their traditional way of life. You stay overnight in a traditional guesthouse and enjoy homemade meals. Of course you will walk on the sand dunes and experience the oases of the desert.
12. Go on an Astronomy Desert Tour
For a different desert experience you can join another tour. With almost non-existing light pollution, desert landscapes offer amazing views of the night sky. This tour takes you on a 90-minute drive outside of Esfahan, to the remote Castle Mazrachoo.
The castle, near the city of Naein is like a caravanserai, but serves as a traditional guesthouse. This is also the place where you can experience an exclusive astronomy session.
demonstrate the fascinating aspects of astronomy observable with the naked eye. Using a laser pointer, you’ll discover planets and constellations. And you can use a professional telescope to peer even further into the cosmos.
Accommodation in Esfahan
Esfahan is one of the best cities to visit in Iran, so make sure to include it in your itinerary and stay at least 2 nights.
The city is huge, but most of the things to see and do in Esfahan are within walking distance of the Naqsh-e Jahan square, which is the main square of the city.
All of the accommodations below are within walking distance of the main square:
- BUDGET – Isfahan Heritage Hostel
- MID-RANGE – Setareh Hotel
- LUXURY – Abbasi Hotel
How to get to Esfahan
Train to Esfahan
I only took the night train from Tehran to Shiraz, but Esfahan is also serviced by train. Popular destinations to/from Esfahan are Tehran, Qom, Yazd, Bandar Abbas and Mashad. Taking the train in Iran is a convenient and comfortable way of getting around the country.
You can search for train tickets and book them with your international card on Austrian owned iranrail.net.
Further reading: 10 Best Things To Do in Shiraz
Take the bus to visit Esfahan
Esfahan is very well connected with long distance buses that mostly depart from the Kaveh Bus Terminal 6km north of the Naqsh-e Jahan (main) square in the city centre. It’s good to know that the bus terminal of Esfahan is very well connected to the most popular tourist destinations in Iran, such as Shiraz, Yazd and Kashan.
There’s regular buses, but also VIP buses that offer more space. The price difference for most westerners should be negligible, so the VIP bus is the way to go, especially considering the long distances between destinations.
You can get tickets by just showing up at the bus terminal and board the next bus, or have your hotel book a ticket for you. It used to be possible to book bus tickets with 1stQuest, but that service is currently suspended. Do check their website to see if that service is available again.
Further reading: 12 Best Things To Do in Yazd
How to get around in Esfahan
Esfahan is quite easy to get around, especially if you stay within the city centre. You can reach most of the things to do in Esfahan on foot, although some sights are a little further out.
You can visit the first eight sights in this list of best things to do in Esfahan simply by walking there. The final two sights are a little further afield in the Jolfa neighbourhood. So, to reach those you can best take a taxi to reach them. Or, you could walk there, which takes about an hour from Imam Square.
A taxi is also the best mode of transportation to reach your accommodation from the train station or the Kaveh Bus Terminal.
If you want to visit the desert from Esfahan, then it’s best to book a tour, or ask your hotel for a driver/guide.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Esfahan
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Esfahan, because there is plenty of things to see and do in this sprawling city. I hope you’ll have a similar experience as well when you visit Esfahan on your visit to Iran.
Have you been to Iran, or do you have any questions? Then leave a comment below, or contact me on Instagram. If you enjoyed reading this article, don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter for regular updates.
Planning your trip to Iran? Make sure to include to Shiraz in your itinerary. If you want to continue reading, then check out the articles below for more inspiration, or visit my Iran Travel Guide.
