Isfahan Travel Guide
Welcome to Isfahan
“Isfahan is Half the world”
Isfahan Travel & Tourism Guide
Isfahan is world-famous for its unique architecture and also rich history. The city of Isfahan has been the capital of various dynasties several times throughout history, that is why it has many historical monuments, so it can be very enjoyable to visit. The famous phrase “Isfahan, half the world” clearly shows that there are so many places of interest and entertainment in this city that it attracts many tourists all year round. Isfahan province is geographically located 435 km south of Tehran province. Isfahan was introduced in 2006 as the cultural capital of the Islamic world.
Isfahan’s architecture is one of the most tempting factors to visit the city.
The Weather in Isfahan
Isfahan is geographically located in the semi-desert region of Iran. This province has a desert climate in its northern and eastern regions and has a cool climate in its southern part.
In general, the climate of this city is temperate and dry. In summer, in the hottest conditions, the air temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius. The best time to travel to Isfahan is autumn, but if you want to travel to Isfahan in the cheap season, we suggest winter.
Climate in Isfahan
Isfahan Tourist Attraction
Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square)
Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square) is the Central Square and the heart of Isfahan’s historical complex. There are two-story shops around the square that sell handicrafts today. Square was used for polo and royal celebrations.
The first place that travelers visit in Isfahan is Naghsh e Jahan square because by doing so, they can visit the historical monuments around the square, such as Aali Qapu, Imam Mosque, and Lotfollah Mosque. This square is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ali Qapu Palace
Ali Qapu Palace was the entrance to the Safavid imperial government. This mansion has 6 floors and is 48 meters high. Ali Qapo building was once considered an office building. On the terrace, you can have a dreamy view of Naghsh e Jahan Square.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was built by order of Shah Abbas I for Sheikh Lotfollah (his father-in-law). You will see one of the masterpieces of Iranian architecture in the altar and the tiles of the dome.
It was built in 1602-1619 AD (during the Safavid period). This mosque is one of the famous historical monuments of Isfahan which is located on the eastern side of Naghsh Jahan Square. Undoubtedly; the most beautiful part of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan can be considered its dome. A circular dome that has benefited from Iranian architecture. Also, extremely beautiful mosaic tiles have been used inside and outside the dome. Another wonder of the architecture of this dome is its color change at different times of the day, so that in the morning it is khaki, at noon it is pink and in the evening it is gray. The height of this dome is 32 meters above the ground.
Imam square in Isfahan
Qeysarie Bazaar
Qeysarie bazaar, or ‘Shahi Bazaar’ is located on the north side of Naqsh-e Jahan square and it’s one of the oldest bazaars in Isfahan. It was built in the 17th century for the development of trading and acceleration of economic growth. It was a luxurious bazaar during the Safavid era, this bazaar connects Atigh Square to the Naghsh-e Jahan Square. You can see many paintings works of a great Iranian artist, Reza Abbasi, on the ceiling of the entrance. Some of them are about the fighting of Shah Abbas. On the top of this great gate, you can see the tilings that show two men, with lion bodies and dragon tales. it has various entrances but the main entrance is The Qeysarie gate.
Si-o-Se-pol
Sio Se Pol is a historic bridge over the Zayandehrud River. This bridge was built during the reign of Shah Abbas Safavid and its brick facade, especially at night, has a beautiful face. The bridge is 295 meters long and has 33 spans.
Si-o-Se-Pol is an architectural masterpiece. Not only because it corresponds to the number 33 in this Zoroastrian religion, but also because of the view it has given to the Zayandeh River and made it a symbol of Isfahan. The architect of Si-o-Se-pol Bridge is Hossein Bana Isfahani, whose son Mohammad Reza Isfahani had made masterpieces such as Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in his record.
Walking on the bridge and watching the sunset and listening to the sound of street musicians or teenage males singing are some of the favorite tourist activities.
Khajoo Bridge
Khajoo Bridge is an architectural masterpiece from the Safavid era. that is 133 meters long, 12 meters wide. Materials such as brick, stone, and mortar have been used in their construction. It is located in the east of the Se-o-Se pol bridge. because it is located in the Khajoo neighborhood, it is known as the Khajoo bridge.
Vank Cathedral
This Cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture in Isfahan, located in the New Julfa district of Isfahan that was built during the reign of Shah Abbas II. The architecture of this church is a combination of Iranian and Armenian architecture. Inside the church and all the surrounding walls are adorned with oil paintings and gold water in the Iranian style. Some images are from the life of Jesus Christ are influenced by Italian painting. The materials used in the building of the cathedral are brick and adobe. Besides the cathedral and its eye-catching architecture and paintings, the complex has a museum and library containing valuable books and scripts.
Hasht Behesht Palace
The other remaining monument of the Safavid Era is Hasht Behesht Palace that located in Chahar Bagh Street. In the Persian language, Hasht Behesht used to mean “The Entrance to Heaven” Hasht Behesht Palace was once known as “the most beautiful palace in the world”.
Chehel Sotoun Palace
The Chehel Sotoun Palace is one of the unique historical monuments of Isfahan that was built during the reign of Shah Abbas I. Chehelston Mansion in a beautiful and lush garden shows the glory of Iranian architecture during the Safavid period. In this garden, you will see a combination of Iranian and Chinese architecture. The hall has 18 columns and the Mirrors Hall is also part of this beautiful palace.
Among the beautiful attractions in this palace are the large paintings that tourists stand in front of for hours and watch the details of these works. This palace has a beautiful courtyard and a building with stunning architecture. In the vicinity of Chehel Sotoun, there is the other palace from the Safavid Era.
Monar Jonban
Monar Jonban is called a minaret that can be shaken. One of the most famous monarjonban in Iran is Isfahan’s minaret, which has two minarets and by shaking one minaret, the other minaret also shakes, (But it has long been forbidden to shake minarets).
Shah Mosque
Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque), which is one of the masterpieces of architecture, tiling, and carpentry in the 11th century AH. Imam Mosque represents a thousand years of mosque construction in Iran.
Isfahan Jameh Mosque
Also known as the Atiq Mosque was built in the 8th century, was the main public place of the city in different eras.
Motamedi House
Motamedi House, also known as Malabashi House, belongs to the Qajar period. The house consists of an Inner Courtyard, Exterior yard, Royal Room, Summer House, and three independent external entrances, in which the art of wood carving is used.
Famous food to try in Isfahan| what is the most popular food in Isfahan?
Isfahan, this historical city also has its own food.
Beryan
Beryan or Beryooni is one of the most popular dishes in Isfahan. This dish is made from red meat and white liver is generally a high-fat meal that is mostly suggested for lunch because of its calories. It’s served with bread, onions, and vegetables. You can find the best Isfahan Beryooni in Hajj Mahmoud Shafaat, Azam Beriani and, Naqshe-jahan restaurant.
Khoresht Mast Yogurt stew
Yogurt stew is not stew and is served as an appetizer or dessert that is made from yogurt, saffron, egg yolks, turmeric, and neck meat and it is extremely tasty. One of the best places in Isfahan where you can eat Khoresht Mast is Shahrzad Restaurant in Chaharbagh Abbasi.
Isfahan’s best restaurants
Shahrzad Restaurant
Shahrzad is one of the oldest and most popular restaurants in Isfahan with traditional and stylish paintings and mirrors and has a high reputation among tourists. This restaurant serves a variety of Persian and French dishes and you can enjoy live music along with your food. Also has access to the historical attractions of Isfahan such as Khajoo Bridge, Zayandehrud, Abbasi Hotel, and Chaharbagh Abbasi. In Shahrzad restaurant, you can find the most delicious yogurt stew in Isfahan.
Address: Abbas Abad Street, Isfahan 8134616811 Iran
Khangostar Restaurant
Khangostar is one of the most popular restaurants among both Isfahanis and travelers and is one of the most expensive restaurants in Isfahan. The salad and dessert buffet of this restaurant is self-service. Khan Gostar has 3 branches, one in the lobby of Jolfa Hotel and the other in Atashgahgah Street, which is a little distance from the city center, and the other in City Center.
Hermes Cafe Restaurant
If you are an architect, interior designer, or graphic designer, you will definitely like Hermes; Especially the Jolfa Square branch. Hermes Restaurant Cafe has two branches, one near Jolfa Square and the other in Isfahan City Center. Hermes Julfa restaurant has very attractive decor and design. Caesar salad and its pasta are some of the most popular dishes of Hermes.
- Daie Ghafoor Coffee House and Radio Cafe on Chaharbagh Street, Firuz Syrup House have hearty breakfasts on your table.
- In addition to Shahrzad restaurant, which is famous in other cities, Jarchi Bashi, Jam neshin, Shab Neshin, Khan salar, Sib, Zagros, Bastani, Nikan, serve acceptable and delicious food.
- For fast food, we recommend you: City Center Food Court, Arses, Arabo, Night Pizza, and Pizza Pizza Fast Food and, Italian restaurants such as Nan Doost and Zava are some of the good options.
Best Souvenirs from Isfahan| Isfahan souvenirs and handicrafts
Buying souvenirs is one of the most lovable parts for people who travel to Isfahan because after seeing the sightseeing, they can buy delicious food or famous handicrafts as a souvenir for their family. Isfahan’s edible souvenirs are so varied that sometimes travelers don’t know which one to take as a souvenir for their loved ones, I recommend you to taste the different delicious sweets during your stay and take each one you like as a souvenir for your loved ones.
What do we buy from Isfahan?
Isfahan’s sweets and pastries are very remarkable and delicious. This city has two categories of souvenirs: crafts, and cuisine.
Cuisine
Gaz
A traditional white toffee sweet white containing pistachios. Gaz is one of the most exciting souvenirs of Isfahan. It has different types such as chocolate, coin, Sliced, floured, bite Gaz and finger. One of the most famous brands is Gaz Kermani.
Poolaki
Another famous souvenir from Isfahan is Poolaki which is very well known among tourists. it is a light, tasteful, and shiny candy. Generally, it is served with tea.
Other famous sweet of Isfahan are: Sohan Asali (Honey Sohan), Shirini-Bereshtouk, Shirini-Korki, Nan-Ghorabi
Isfahan Handicrafts Art and Souvenirs
Isfahan is the hub of Persian handicrafts with a long history; they are famous throughout the world.
Isfahan’s handicrafts are part of the city’s famous souvenirs, and no doubt when you use them as souvenirs, you have given a lasting and beautiful souvenir to your loved ones, which has been prepared by Isfahani artists with great precision and elegance. To buy souvenirs, all you have to do is go to Naghshe Jahan Square and easily visit the shops around this square and inside the corridors to find the gift you want. I’m sure you fall in love with this beautiful art.
I introduce the best options to buy as souvenirs from Isfahan:
Mina kari(Vitreous enamel)
Mina kari is the art of decorating metal materials, gold, silver, brass, copper, and bronze with color. It’s one of the most important handicrafts in Isfahan. We see the Vitreous enamel works of Isfahan in the form of azure blue dishes, but there are other works in all colors. This art is mostly done on copper.
QalamKari
Qalam Kari can is the art of printing on fabric. The designs are marked with large wooden stamps, filled with colors, on different fabrics such as linen, pear, and canvas and make them incredibly beautiful. They can be a good souvenir of a trip to Isfahan. You can buy these souvenirs in various designs and colors in all Isfahan markets.
Khatam Kari (wood work)
Another handicraft of Isfahan is Khatam Kari, which is done by skilled artists on wood. This art has a long history. The origin of this art is considered to be Shiraz, and it date backs to the Safavid era.
To make delicate works of Khatam, small and triangular pieces of wood are placed side by side on the wood to create beautiful geometric shapes. They also use materials such as camel or horse bone, gold, silver, aluminum, brass, and ebony wood in the construction of Khatam Kari.
Qalam Zani (engraving on metal)
Qalam Zani is one of Isfahan’s most famous handicrafts. Isfahan artists Decorate and carving on copper and other precious metals such as brass, gold, and silver. The engraving metal with creating various lines and patterns.
Isfahan Bazaar and Shopping Center
The first choice for a traditional shopping mall is Isfahan Historical Bazaar in Naghsh Jahan Square and, Isfahan Grand Bazaar. If you are looking for a more modern place, City Center Shopping Center is the best choice. Isfahan Art Bazaar (Bazaar Honar) is also one of the best places to buy Iranian souvenirs. Park Complex, Kowsar Commercial Complex, Martin Complex, Jolfa Shopping Center, Nojan Complex, Sepah Bazaar, Azadi Complex, and Enghelab Square are among Isfahan’s famous shopping centers.
Best Accommodation in Isfahan
Check the below link: https://iranjoytour.com/isfahan-hotels
Isfahan Medical Centers
In the travel guide to Isfahan, I will give you the names of several medical centers along with their addresses and telephone numbers so that you can easily access them if needed:
Amin Hospital
Address: Ebn-e-Sina St., Isfahan, Iran
Phone: +98 31 3445 5051
Farhangyan Clinic
Address: Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Hasht Behesht St, Iran.
Phone: +98 31 3222 6741
Hojjatieh Hospital
Address: Isfahan Province, Gabr Abad, Farahani St, Iran
Phone: +98 31 3630 6001