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Iran Travel Guide
Iran, a timeless land that hides the treasures of the history, is a jewel in the Middle East. Iran’s roots go back to the Kingdom of Persia, one of the strongest kingdoms in Mesopotamia. Iran managed to stay strong against the harsh winds of history. Due to its important location, the land has always been desired by many nations. Throughout the history, Iran has formed a rich culture with many traditions. The societal structure of Iran is mostly conservative.
General Information
| Language | Persian |
| Capital of Iran | Tehran |
| Continent | Asia |
| The difference between GMT: | GMT+ 4.30 |
| Currency: | Iranian Rial |
| Plug type: | C,F, 230V |
| Average temperature: | 8.5°C |
| Climate: | Subtropical |
| Area: | 1,648,195 km2 |
| Flora: | Steppe, desert |
Language
Although Azerbaijani, Arabic and Turkoman are spoken, the official language of Iran is Persian.
Capital
The capital city of Iran is Tehran. With its 8 million people, the city invites you to witness a magnificent combination of the past and present. Though the people of Iran are mostly conservative, they are quite hospitable and love to celebrate their own culture in the spectacular urban soul of Tehran. Currently, Tehran is the central city of finance, culture and industry. Many of the oil reserves of Iran are located also located here.
Local Time
Iran uses GMT+4:30.
Currency
The currency of Iran is Iranian Rial.
Where is Iran?
Iran is located in Southwest Asia. Its bordering countries are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iraq and Pakistan. Due to its strategic location, Iran has always been a crucial state in global politics.
Tehran
The capital city of Iran, Tehran is the beating heart of the country. Embellished with many palaces, museums and great attractions; Tehran invites all the visitors to be captivated by its glamour.
Esfahan
Nesf-e jahan means half of the world. It is a great description for the city of Esfahan. Esfahan combines the Islamic architecture with a romantic atmosphere. Its top attractions are Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Imam Mosque.
Shiraz
The utopia of the Persian Empire, Shiraz is a city that is locked in time. History’s harsh winds carved the Persian culture into the walls of the city. Shiraz is Persepolis. A birthplace of a great empire.
Best Time to Visit Iran
The ideal time to visit Iran is April or May. But if you want to visit this great country in fall, the ideal months are September or October. The country is quite hot in the summer. Since the country is surrounded by mountains, it is quite warm during winter and fall. Iran is always suitable for a nice trip.
How to Get to Iran?
Pegasus Airlines features direct and indirect flights to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). Discover Tehran ancient yet contemporary soul by visiting one of the most spectacular cities on earth. Iran has many other treasures waiting for to be discovered. Pegasus Airlines offers the most comfortable flights with reasonable prices.
Public Transportation in Iran
Iran’s capital Tehran offers suitable transportation options. It is always great to visit the city’s top attraction points via buses or metro. Another option to explore the capital city of Iran is to use taxi-motorcycles. Having a great number of oil reserves, fuel prices in Iran are relatively cheaper. Thus, taxis feature fair prices. But it is important to know that the taxi drivers of Tehran do not use taximeters. Settling the price beforehand will be quite useful when visiting Iran.
Transportation From Imam Khomeini International Airport to City Center
The most suitable options to get to the city from IKA are taxis or metro. The taxis are located right in front of the arrival terminal. Compared to metro, taxis offer a comfortable trip to the city centre. The distance between Imam Khomeini International Airport and Tehran city center is 38 kilometers.
Places to Visit in Iran
With its long history, amazing culture and fascinating architecture; Iran continues to be one of the must-see places on earth. Here are the places you should not return without seeing in Iran:
Golestan Palace (Tehran)
Golestan Palace is a must-go place in Iran. Built by Shah Abbas in the 16th century, the palace was a tribute to the lovers of the Qajar rulers. This massive palace is the symbol of Tehran was used as a guesthouse for the visitors of Shahs. Today, Golestan Palace is a museum and continues to captivates its visitor with its magnificent architecture.
Mount Demavend
One of the most important mountains both in Persian mythology and on earth, Mount Demavend is 5600 meters high and offers a spectacular experience for those who love to climb and adrenalin.
Milad Tower (Tehran)
Known as Borj-e Milad is 435 meters high. One of the tallest towers in the world, Milad Tower offers a wonderful sight over Tehran. A must-seen landscape that covers the capital city of Iran, the tower is visited by hundreds of people every day.
Eram Garden (Shiraz)
Accompanying the northern shore of Khoshk River, Bagh-e Eram is a wonderful garden; embellished with Persian architecture and aesthetic. The name of the garden comes from the word “Iram”, meaning “heaven.” Truly, Eram Garden looks like a heaven on earth. It is a great reason to visit Shiraz.
Carpet Museum of Iran (Tehran)
Famous for its carpets, Iran has been producing the most high-quality carpets since 18th century. This museum also contains over 7000 books. It’s a unification of art and knowledge.
Where to Stay in Iran?
Iran features a wide range in terms of accommodation. The capital city of Iran is also famous for its hotels, however the locals also rent their houses to tourists and visitors. If you are on a budget, the cities of Iran offer economic hotels with two-stars. You can also find hostels for reasonable prices. It is almost possible to find a hostel in any location in the cities.
What to Eat in Iran?
Iran’s cuisine is as rich as its history and culture. Inspired by many different nations, Iran offers a wide range in terms of food. Arabic, Turkic and Persian understanding of food and cuisine forms the soul of Iranian food culture. From kebabs to soups, tasteful teas to rice, Iran continues to impress you with its cuisine.
Abgoosht
Abgoosht or Dizi is a great combination of meat and bean. This great stew is served in a stone named dizi.
Ash Reshteh
Ash Reshteh is a beautiful and healthy soup usually served in winter.
Kebab
Iranian cuisine is famous for its kebab. It is almost impossible not to eat kebab during your visit in Iran.
Shopping in Iran: Best Souvenirs to Buy
Iran’s celebration of the Persian heritage is visible in the culture, the art in the country is magnificent. Handmade products in many colours and designs offer wonderful sights. High quality scarves with various patterns captivate you while Iranian jewellery constantly catches your eye. Iranian carpets are also quite famous around the world.
Things to Know Before Visiting Iran
Sharia has its effects on Iran’s society. Relatively conservative people of the country are usually welcoming as long as you respect the general rules of their culture. Including tourists and visitors, women are supposed to wear shawls and long dresses. And on the other hand, it is not appropriate for men to wear shorts. It is important to keep in mind that the international credit cards are not used in the country.
Nightlife in Iran
In the conservative societal structure in Iran, nightlife is not common and usually not approved. Though the locals organize some gatherings, bars, clubs and other places are not legal and considered inappropriate. You can always explore the crowded streets in evening and a walk in the streets of Tehran is always refreshing.
Holidays in Iran
- Revolution Day - February 11
- Birthday of Imam Ali - March 20
- Prophet’s Ascension - April 3
- Tassoua - September 9
Festivals in Iran
- Nowrus – March 20
- Mehregan Festival
- Sizdeh Bedar
- Ashura Festival
Visa Requirements
You can issue a visa at airports in Iran. Citizens of the following countries can enter Iran without a visa; Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Egypt, Georgia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Turkey. For other nationalities check here.
You can learn the details of the Iran visa application process from the "Iran Visa Guide" article.
FAQ About Iran
What are the emergency numbers?
Police: 110
Ambulance: 115
Fire Department: 123
Can a woman travel in Iran alone?
As there are no problems for a women to travel by themselves in Iran, but it is always recommended to travel with a partner. Women should avoid wearing clothes that do not cover their legs, hair or arms.
Are credit cards valid in Iran?
International credit cards are not used in Iran.
What are the general rules?
Because of the sharia, women and men are not to sit together in public places. If they are not related or married, they should avoid physical contact.
Are there any rules for men about appearance?
Men are not to wear shorts or any other clothes that do not cover their upper arms or legs.
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