Isfahan, often mentioned as ‘half of the world’ is one of Iran’s most touristic cities and for a reason. The exceptional Unesco’s listed Naghsh-e Jahan square, overall splendid architecture and skillful handy crafts are enough reason alone to visit the city. Add the artsy vibe, wonderful people and the natural sightseeing options, and you can easily stay multiple days. As accommodation plays an important role in experiencing a city. I’ve listed four top accommodations in Isfahan on a budget. From hostels to guest-houses, and home-stay experiences; these places will provide everything you need for a comfortable stay in this vibrant city.

Mahbibi hostel

Starting with the beautifully decorated accommodation in Isfahan; the Mahbibi hostel. Fully renovated, expect a great atmosphere, clean and eye-catching rooms. Also, the cozy courtyard with trees, colorful flowers, and a blue pond add to the nice environment of this accommodation in Isfahan. Located in short walking distance of the Naghsh-e Jahan square, you’ll easily reach the cities’ highlights by foot.

Offering a rather basic dormitory, but decorative twin- double and family rooms. Travelers love the Mahbibi hostel for its excellent location. As well as the kind and hospitable staff. Who are always ready to help you book bus tickets, grab you a taxi and show you the best places. They also offer Persian cooking classes and nature tours on the spot. Besides that, travelers love the daily free city tour and the good breakfast included. While the Mahbibi hostel doesn’t have a curfew, the reception is open from 07:00 to 23:00. Check-in between 14:00-23:00

Nargol guesthouse

The second accommodation on this list is the Nargol guesthouse. Welcomed by a lovely married couple, you’ll soon feel at home in their 350-year-old residence. Stay in beautifully, traditionally decorated, restored rooms. And enjoy clean rooms and air conditioning. As well as the colorful courtyard with pomegranate trees and a shared space. Attempting to indulge their guest with Iranian culture and Iranian life, expect delicious home-made food, famous Iranian hospitality, and traditional music. Located in the city center, reach most famous sites easily by taxi, or by a 30-minute walk.

The Nargol guesthouse offers decorated female and mixed dormitories. And also has beautiful private rooms. Guests particularly love this place for the warm hosts and family-like stay. As well as the cozy ambiance, comfortable beds, the free city map, and the delicious home-made breakfasts. In addition, extra activities such as music nights and barbecue nights are received well in the traditional home.

Ragrug hostel

Looking for superb budget accommodation in Isfahan? The Ragrug hostel offers clean rooms in a modern style. Dormitories equipped with reading lights, power sockets, and comfortable mattresses add to the convenience. And also air conditioning, luggage storage service, and a personal locker for each guest make the Ragrug hostel a comfortable, and safe place to start exploring from. Located on a 10-minute drive from the hostel, most sightseeing destinations can be reached easily by taxi.

Offering twelve and eight-person dormitories, as well as private rooms, most travelers will find a room according to their budget. Besides the cleanliness, hot shower and overall modern facilities, guests love the common room where travelers gather together. Make new friends, share experiences, chat, make music, drink endless cups of tea or cook a (Persian) dinner in the shared kitchen. Also, the free walking tour and the hospitable, helpful staff are praised in the reviews. The staff is always ready to help you with everything; from booking bus tickets to tours, sim cards and even domestic flights. Breakfast not included.

Anar guesthouse

Run by a family of four, the Anar guesthouse is more of a homestay experience. Advertising their selves as ‘Home of hospitality.’ The parents and daughters welcome you like family. They happily assist you in planning your itinerary, booking taxi’s, tickets and tours. Located in the Armenian district, the guesthouse is a 20-30 minute walk away from the Vank Cathedral, the Siosepol and Khaju bridges. And the Chehel Sotoon Palace. Reach other popular sightseeing locations shortly by taxi or public transportation nearby.

Featuring a twin room, four-person dormitory, and a private room, the guesthouse is divided over two floors. Expect rather basic rooms, traditionally with mattresses on the floor. Share the bathrooms with guests on the same floor. In addition to common spaces, guests can also use all facilities in the shared kitchen. Besides the warm, family homestay experience, guests love the super helpful and hospitable daughters who run the place. As well as the complimentary, wealthy Iranian breakfast and daughter Maryam’s excellent cooking class. Also, the private, outside patio and the accessibility to both taxi and metro are often mentioned. Being a homestay experience, take off your shoes before entering the home.

Did you stay in one of these accommodations in Isfahan? Or would you like to? Let me know through the comment section below!