Over the past few years, Iran has consistently ranked among the world’s top travel destinations. In 2019, The New York Times listed it in their “52 Places to Go,” and for good reason. Iran offers ancient history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty. It boasts 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a dream for culture and history lovers.
Some people hesitate to visit due to Iran-US tensions, but that’s exactly why now is the perfect time to see it for yourself. A trip to Iran will challenge misconceptions and reveal the country’s true character. While there are endless reasons to visit, here are our top five.

History and Architecture

Iran is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, making it a paradise for history enthusiasts. Many know it for the Persian Empire (550–330 BC), founded by Cyrus the Great, with sites like Persepolis, Pasargadae, and Naqsh-e Rostam near Shiraz.

But Iran’s history goes back even further. Tepe Sialk in Kashan dates back 7,500 years. Susa, a UNESCO-listed city from around 4200 BC, was a major Near Eastern center. The Elamite ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil in Khuzestan, built in 1250 BC, still preserves an ancient footprint. Ecbatana, founded in 678 BC in modern Hamedan, was the capital of Media.

“126-Persepolis” by anmede is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Architecture lovers will also be captivated. Explore the rooftops of Yazd, the domes of Esfahan, and the historic mansions of Kashan. The intricate colors, calligraphy, and patterns of mosques, palaces, and bazaars reflect their dynasties’ artistry. Modern architecture in Tehran adds a surprising contrast.

Historical house in Kashan | Photo by Morteza Shojaei on Unsplash

Cultural diversity

One of the most unique aspects of Iran is that it is incredibly culturally and ethnically diverse. Each region has its own local culture, traditions, and language or dialect, so you can expect something new in every place. Even Iranians who travel domestically aren’t immune to a bout of culture shock! There is the Azeri-Turkish speaking population in the northwest, Kurdish speakers in Kurdistan province, the Armenians in Tehran, Esfahan, and elsewhere, and the Arab populations in the port cities and islands. Nomadic tribes such as the Qashqai, Bakhtiari, and Shahsevan continue to live according to tradition and follow their migration routes with the changing of seasons. You’ll be intrigued to find that all of these diverse people and cultures make up the collective Iranian identity.

A woman in the traditional clothes of the village of Abyaneh | Photo by Steven Su on Unsplash

Landscapes and Nature

If you thought Iran was all desert, think again. In fact, Iranians are proud to say that you can enjoy world-class skiing in Tehran before hopping on a plane and swimming in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf in under 2 hours. From thick forests to sandy beaches, natural hot springs to cascading waterfalls, water caves to pink lakes, Iran’s landscapes are about varied as its ethnic diversity.

Among the natural beauties you can’t miss are the islands of Qeshm and Hormuz which contain a world of some of the most unspoiled and mysterious natural wonders around. The lush Hyrcanian Forests, newly added to Iran’s natural UNESCO-listed sites, contains diverse flora and fauna. Hikers and mountaineers can add Mt. Damavand (the symbol of Iran), Alam-Kuh, or Sabalan (the country’s first, second, and third highest peaks, respectively) to their resumes. The more adventurous can even scale Mt. Bisotun, a 1200-m beast of vertical rock that is said to be one of the most challenging walls in the world.

Hormuz Island | Photo by Hiva Sharifi on Unsplash

Cuisine

Foodies take note because if you like to experience countries through your belly, then Iran won’t disappoint by any means. And contrary to popular belief, the cuisine here is not just about kebabs and rice (although there’s a reason that it’s the national dish). There are countless other fragrant dishes that expertly blend a medley of herbs and spices and other local flavors to make your taste buds come alive. You can easily eat your way from city to city with traditional dishes such as fesenjoon (a tangy pomegranate-walnut stew), ghormeh sabzi (herb and kidney bean stew), and dizi (meat, potatoes, and beans cooked in a clay pot) to local specialities such as mirza ghasemi (a smoked eggplant and tomato spread) in the north, beryani (minced mutton with spices) which is the pride of Esfahan, and kufteh (giant, stuffed meatballs) which are the delicacy of Tabriz.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try the national favorites such as saffron and rose water ice cream and faloodeh (semi-frozen rice noodles soaking in syrup and rose water). Gaz (Persian nougat with pistachio) from Esfahan and sohan (saffron brittle) from Qom are among other treats that you can both enjoy in Iran and take back home!

Ghormeh sabzi is a traditiona herb and kidney bean stew | Photo by Hessam Hojati on Unsplash

Form your own opinion

The most important reason to visit Iran is to see it for yourself. For decades, mass media has often portrayed Iran unfairly, painting it as unsafe and unwelcoming. In reality, visitors discover one of the safest countries, with rare violent crime and low petty theft.

Social media has helped Iranians share a more accurate image, attracting curious travelers. Most leave impressed by the warmth and hospitality of the people — often planning a return trip before their current one ends. Give Iran a chance, and it may become your most unforgettable travel experience.

Young Iranians in a cafe | Photo by Alireza Attari on Unsplash