Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Iran

Iran’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture offer endless possibilities for exploration. From ancient palaces to vibrant bazaars, Iran’s Top 10 Tourist Attractions offer something for every traveler. To help you take an Iran tour that covers all must-see sights, here’s a curated list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Iran divided into ten categories:

1. Iran’s Museums & Cultural Treasures

Iran’s museums are among the top 10 tourist attractions you should visit. Here are the top 3 museums you shouldn’t miss.

• Glassware & Ceramics Museum (Tehran): Qajar-era artistry in a stunning mansion.

• National Museum of Iran (Tehran): Home to relics from Persepolis and ancient civilizations.

• Tabriz Constitution Museum: A tribute to Iran’s 1906 revolution in a historic mansion.

2. Iranian Temples and Shrines

Experience Iran’s religious diversity through sacred architecture. These are mainly the shrines and mosques of Muslims, Christian churches, and Zoroastrian fire temples.

Suggested architectural marvels:

• Yazd Fire Temple: Guardians of a 1,500-year-old Zoroastrian flame.
• Imam Reza Shrine: This huge mausoleum contains the shrine of the 8th Imam of Shia Islam, and several other tombs, along with huge courtyards and museums.
• Monastery of Saint Thaddeus: This is the oldest church in the world, and can even be ranked among the top 10 tourist attractions in the Middle East for religious history enthusiasts.
• Shah Cheragh Mosque (Shiraz): A dazzling mirrored shrine for Shiite pilgrims.
• Vank Cathedral (Isfahan): Armenian Apostolic Church, a display of Christian heritage with golden frescoes.

3. Tombs of Iran’s Historical Figures

During the history of this country, there have been some famous people whose tombs are now highly visited. Pay homage to poets, scholars, historical figures, and artists.

Suggested attractions:

• Hafez Tomb (Shiraz): Serene gardens honoring Persia’s beloved poet.
• Omar Khayyam Tomb (Neyshabur): Geometric marvel for the astronomer-poet.
• Cyrus the Great’s Tomb (Pasargadae): Simple yet profound Achaemenid-era monument.
• Tomb of Ferdowsi (Tus, Razavi Khorsan): The Ferdowsi mausoleum is among the top 10 tourist attractions in Iran of literature lovers.

4. Persian Gardens

They can be incredibly amazing to you when you think of Iran as a dry land. UNESCO has recognized some of these gardens under the title of Persian Gardens because of their unique architecture.

A visit to Iran without checking out its Persian gardens is like ignoring this country’s top 10 tourist attractions.

Suggested gardens:

• Eram Garden (Shiraz): Fragrant roses and towering cypress trees.
• Shazdeh Garden (Mahan): Terraced paradise in the desert.
• Fin Garden (Kashan): Turquoise pools and Qajar-era pavilions.

5. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are several historical sites in Iran. Some of them date back to pre-Islam Iran and some to post-Islam Iran. You can find a complete list of UNESCO sites in Iran here!  We recommend visiting these three as top 10 tourist attractions listed as world heritage sites:

• Gonbad-e Qabus Tower: A 1,000-year-old brick tower soaring above Golestan.

• Persepolis: The ceremonial capital of Darius the Great.

• Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Isfahan): Safavid-era marvel with mosques and bazaars.

6. Iran’s Royal Palaces & Regal Splendor

Most of them are regarded as historical monuments.  You can also visit some parts of these palaces as they have been converted into museums. Step into the opulence of Iran’s dynastic rulers through the top 10 tourist attractions from Iran’s rich history.

Suggested attractions:

• Golestan Palace (Tehran): Qajar dynasty’s glittering mirror mosaics.
• Arg-e Bam: Ancient mud-brick citadel (partially restored after earthquakes).
• Ali Qapu Palace (Isfahan): Safavid music rooms with panoramic city views.

7. Iran’s Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

It just depends on your taste and interest. The variety in natural landscapes is so great that meets almost all expectations. Drive through these fascinating landscapes as Part of the best natural attractions of Iran and discover Iran’s wild beauty beyond cities.

Suggested attractions:

• Badab-e Soort Springs: Vibrant mineral-stained terraces in Mazandaran.
• Dasht-e Lut: Martian-like desert with record-breaking heat.
• Mount Damavand: Snow-capped peak and hiking paradise.
• Maranjab Desert: With a historical caravanserai that serves as a modern ecotourism lodge, the night sky looks pristine in this desert.

8. Iran’s Charming Villages & Historic Neighborhoods

Apart from so many breathtaking top 10 tourist attractions, villages can also look fascinating. An exceptionally relaxing atmosphere, scenic beauty, and local handicrafts are just part of the enjoyment you can experience there.

Suggested villages:

• Kandovan (Tabriz): Troglodyte homes carved into volcanic rock.
• Abyaneh: Red mud-brick village with pre-Islamic traditions.
• Masuleh: Rooftop pathways in a misty Alborz Mountains village.

9. Iran’s Iconic Local Bazaars

They are tempting enough to persuade you to buy something. Sometimes, the goods and products available in these bazaars are specific to the cities in which they are located. So, some of these bazaars are unique in the souvenirs they offer. In addition to shopping, the architecture can also be attractive to you on some occasions because they’re also categorized as historical sites in Iran. Lose yourself in the sensory-rich markets of the Silk Road with the top tourist attractions introduced on this page.

Suggested bazaars:

• Tehran Grand Bazaar: Miles of spices, carpets, and artisan crafts.
• Tabriz Grand Bazaar: This historic Bazaar in central Tabriz holds centuries’ worth of history and has a unique atmosphere.
• Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz: 18th-century vaulted halls and saffron stalls.
• Qeysarie Bazaar of Isfahan: Silk Road hub linking mosques to Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

10. Handicrafts & Arts in Workshops & Art Galleries

They give you a good chance to learn more about cultural issues. You can enjoy a specific excellent variety in each city or region.

Suggested places of interest:

• Isfahan Vitreous enamel: Intricate designs in workshops near Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
• Kashan Rosewater: Spring harvests in historic distilleries.
• Persian Carpets: Watch master weavers create timeless rugs in traditional carpet-weaving workshops that can be found across Iran.

Combine these Top 10 Tourist Attractions with local experiences—sip tea in a Shiraz Garden, share stories with villagers in Abyaneh, or stargaze in the Dasht-e Kavir. Iran’s magic lies in its seamless blend of history, culture, and warm hospitality. You can also check out some of the top tour packages of Iran here!