Welcome to Kashan, a city steeped in history and chockfull of cultural highlights. My visit to Kashan was the last stop on my two week jaunt through Iran. And I had a blast in the country and in Kashan! Follow in my footsteps with this article as I take you along to all of the best things to do in Kashan.
From exploring the well preserved traditional houses and the hammam, to immersing yourself in the bustling bazaar. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden, where greenery and water features provide a break from the desert heat.
If you’re looking for adventure beyond the city limits, Kashan serves as the perfect base to some pretty cool side trips. If you haven’t visited the desert yet, then certainly include an excursion to the majestic caravanserai and desert of Maranjab. And visit the historic ‘red’ village of Abyaneh.
Now let’s get started with exploring all of the best things to do in Kashan.
Read next: Two Weeks In Iran Itinerary For Independent Travelers
1. Kashan Bazaar
Start your visit of Kashan by stepping into the bustling heart of the city, the Kashan Bazaar. This lively marketplace is a maze of narrow alleys and stalls. Here locals and visitors alike come to shop for everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and souvenirs.
Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you haggle with vendors. And continue to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of this ancient bazaar.
Apart from the shopping this bazaar is truly my favourite in all of Iran. The architecture is just amazing as it’s set in a Silk Road caravanserai, called Aminodole. Prepare to be stunned!
2. Agha Borzorg Mosque
Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of the Agha Borzorg Mosque. Dating back to the 19th century, this mosque has elegant design and intricate tilework. Step inside to admire the prayer hall which is adorned with Persian carpets and a stunning mihrab.
I had an encounter with the imam here who was very happy to have a chat and to answer any questions. This experience made my visit to Kashan’s Agha Bozorg Mosque even more rewarding.
3. Sultan Amir Ahmad Hammam
Next up on this list of things to do in Kashan is a visit to the Sultan Amir Ahmad Hammam. You will find this beautifully restored 16th-century bathhouse in the heart of Kashan. Explore the hammam’s exquisite architecture and learn about its fascinating history as a social hub for the people of Kashan.
The interior is full of beautiful tiling, but you can also visit the roof. From the roof you have a great view of the town and its badgirs.
Tip: You can get a combination ticket to visit both the Sultan Amir Ahmad Hammam and two traditional houses. Below I’ve listed 3 traditonal houses, but the combination ticket is also valid for Tabatabaei and Abbasi.
4. Tabatabaei Traditional House
Step back in time at the Tabatabaei Traditional House, a masterpiece of Persian architecture and design. Built over 100 years ago, this residence features beautifully carved wooden panels, colourful stained glass windows, and lush gardens.
Explore the labyrinthine halls and courtyards, and marvel at the craftsmanship on display throughout the house. You can visit this house with a combination ticket that also includes the hammam and the Abbasi House.
5. Abbasi Traditional House
The Abbasi Traditional House is the third attraction on this list of things to do in Kashan that you can visit with the combination ticket.
Dating back to the 18th century, this beautifully preserved residence showcases the traditional lifestyle of Persian nobility. This lifestyle is visible in the grand reception halls, beautiful courtyards, and all of the stunningly decorated rooms.
Wander through the courtyard and take in the tile work and stucco decorations that adorn pretty much every surface. You’ll discover that parts of the Abbasi Traditional House are converted into a tea house, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. Great place for lunch!
6. Borujerdi Traditional House
All of the historical houses on this list of things to do in Kashan are very close to each other. So it’s only a short walk to visit all of them. Finish your visit to Kashan’s historical houses at the Borujerdi Traditional House.
Built in the 19th century, this historic residence is renowned for its graceful arches, and stunning stained glass windows. Another beautiful detail are the many frescoes created by painter Kamall-ol-Molk.
You can take a guided tour to learn more about the house’s storied past and the families who once called it home. One fun fact is that the bride that was going to live in this house, actually came from the Tabatabaei family. And that the architect of the Borujerdi House is the same as for the Tabatabaei House.
7. Fin Garden
Next up, escape the city and head to the Fin Garden, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside Kashan.
This historic garden is a masterpiece of Persian landscape design, featuring lush greenery, fountains, and water channels. Take a stroll through the garden’s shaded pathways and relax by the pools.
Take your time to admire the 500 year old cypress trees and visit the two pavilions. Furthermore, you’ll find a bathhouse here, as well as a tea garden and the small Kashani National Museum. The Fin Garden is usually open until sunset.
8. Go on an Overnight Trip to Maranjab Desert
One of the best things to do in Kashan is to visit the desert on a day trip or overnight trip. If you haven’t been to the desert anywhere in Iran yet, then the Maranjab Desert just outside Kashan is the perfect opportunity.
The sand dunes of the Maranjab Desert sit just outside Kashan and a visit there is an awesome experience. It was my first time in a sand dune type desert and I truly enjoyed every moment of it.
Apart from the sand dunes, continue to explore the ancient caravanserai, which is a historic resting place for travelers along the Silk Road. If you booked an overnight stay in the desert, this is also the place where you’ll stay the night. The desert gets very dark at night, so its also the perfect place for star gazing and night photography.
Afterwards, venture to the breathtaking Namak Salt Lake, where salt flats stretch as far as the eye can see.
How to get to the Maranjab Desert
You can book a day trip to the Maranjab Desert with 1stQuest. This tour also includes a stop in the Nushabad Underground City. And at your request I’m sure you can also include a stop at the Mohammed Helal Shrine, which is in the same town as the underground city.
Alternatively, you can book an overnight trip to Maranjab around Alavi Street, or at Sana Historical House.
9. Visit Nushabad Underground City in Aran-o-Bigdol
Next up, it’s time to delve into the mysterious depths of the Nushabad Underground City. This is an ancient subterranean complex located just north of Kashan. Dating back over a thousand years, this site served as a refuge for residents during times of war and unrest.
Explore its labyrinthine tunnels and chambers, and learn about the engineering and craftsmanship that went into creating this hidden city.
You can include a visit to Nushabad Underground City as part of your trip to Maranjab, or take a short taxi ride there from Kashan.
10. Admire the Tilework of Mohammed Helal Shrine in Aran-o-Bigdol
Apart from the Nushabad Underground City, you can also visit the Mohammed Helal Shrine in Aran-o-Bigdol. Sheikh Mohammed Helal was a revered mystic and poet, and this site attracts pilgrims from far and wide who come to pay their respects and seek blessings.
Marvel at the architecture of this holy site, where the tile work and the mirrored interior are simply stunning. Also I found the dome very reminiscent of the Shah-e Cheragh mausoleum in Shiraz. What do you think?
Also read: 10 Best Things To Do in Shiraz
11. Explore the Red Village of Abyaneh
To round off this article on all of the best things to do in Kashan my suggestion is to also visit the red village of Abyaneh.
Discover the rich cultural heritage of this 1,500 year old village in the mountains of central Iran. Abyaneh is known for its distinctive red mud-brick houses and narrow winding streets. You can really get a glimpse into traditional Persian village life here as you explore the historic streets.
Continue to visit the Zoroastrians’ fire temple at the village’s foothills, its congregational mosque, and its ancient castles. Finish your visit to Abyaneh with a visit to the local museum where you can learn about the village’s fascinating history.
Where To Stay in Kashan
Kashan is one of the nicest cities to visit in Iran, so make sure to include it in your itinerary and stay at least 2 nights.
The size of the city is very manageable with most of the things to see and do in Kashan within walking distance of each other. You’ll find that only the Fin Garden is outside of the city. But it’s a short and easy taxi ride to get there.
All of the accommodations below are within walking distance of the main sights of Kashan:
- BUDGET – Sana Historical House
- MID-RANGE – Mahinestan Raheb Hotel
- LUXURY – Manouchehri House
How to Get to Kashan
Train to Kashan
I only took the night train from Tehran to Shiraz, but Kashan is also serviced by train. Popular destinations to/from Kashan are Tehran, Qom, Yazd, Kerman and Bandar Abbas. 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.
Also read: 10 Best Things To Do in Yazd
Take the bus to visit Kashan
Kashan is very well connected with long distance buses that mostly depart from the Kashan Bus Terminal. This terminal is located some 5km northeast of city centre.
The bus terminal of Kashan is very well connected to the most popular tourist destinations in Iran. You will find plenty of connections to cities such as Tehran, Qom and Esfahan.
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. This is especially worth it considering the long distances between destinations.
You can get tickets by just showing up at the bus terminal and board the next bus. Alternatively, 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.
Also read: 10 Best Things To Do in Esfahan
How To Get Around in Kashan
Kashan is quite easy to get around on foot, especially if you stay within the city centre. Though the Fin Garden is a little further out, so you best take a taxi there.
A taxi is also the best mode of transportation to reach your accommodation from the train station or the Kashan Bus Terminal.
If you want to visit the desert from Kashan, then it’s best to book a tour, or ask your hotel for a driver/guide.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Kashan
I loved how compact the city of Kashan is, but that despite its size there are a lot of things to see and do. Both inside the city, as well as in the surrounding area.
Have to been to Kashan, or do you have any questions? Then leave a comment below, or reach out to me on Instagram. And sign up to my newsletter to receive regular updates on new travel guides and itineraries.
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.
