2 Weeks Iran Itinerary in Photos

This article is all about creating that perfect 2-weeks Iran itinerary for your first trip to Iran. As a local, who’s traveled through Iran more than any blogger, I’ve put down a list of must-see destinations in Iran, along with great accommodation and restaurants for every budget. And hey, I even took care of your coffee and mentioned some of my favourite cafes. We all know how finding great coffee while traveling in Iran can be a hassle. 😉

But before that, if you’re already in the early stages of planning your Iran trip and still don’t have a visa, then I’d highly recommend having it done quick and easy through 1stQuest. You can read our explicit Iran visa guide to find out all your options for getting a tourist visa to Iran.

To handle money in Iran without having to carry loads of cash with you, I’d highly recommend getting a Mahcard (An Iranian debit card). You can use the code Mah40 to get 40% discount on registration with the code MAH40. They have a great exchange rate and will give back anything that’s left in your card in Euros before you leave Iran.

Now let’s fix that Iran itinerary for your first trip to this underrated country:

2-week travel to Iran itinerary at a glance

• Day 1-3: Tehran
• Day 3-6: Shiraz
• Day 6-8: Yazd
• Day 8-11: Esfahan/Kashan
• Day 11-13: Rasht
• Day 13-14: Tehran

Tip: If your departure location allows you to fly to Shiraz directly, then I would start my Iran itinerary from Shiraz, leave the last days for Tehran and fly back home from there. If not, I’d personally recommend flying to Shiraz from Tehran instead of the bus or train as it’s a long way and could easily take up your time and energy. You can begin your road trip from Shiraz onwards instead. You can book all your flights within Iran through 1stQuest.

---

Read more: How to use public transportation in Iran

---

Iran Itinerary for Tehran

Most people advice against long stays in Tehran. Even most tour companies keep their stop in Tehran to the minimum days possible in their Iran itinerary. So many people travel to Iran without getting to know much of the capital.

But they’ve got it all wrong.

Yes! Tehran is big, loud and full of traffic. But behind its concrete walls, numerous highways, and horrid traffic, there’s so much left to be discovered. It’s where you’ll get the most understanding of the country’s younger vibe. It’s packed with amazing cafes, art galleries, museums, and secret gardens. It offers great ski resorts in winter and it’s easy to escape to the mountains in summer.

Tehran is the city of museums and galleries, it’s surprisingly green and a crucial destination for understanding the Iranian society.

---

Read more: 12 reasons you should visit Tehran

---

Top places to visit in Tehran

Tajrish bazaar: This bazaar is an absolute must-visit in Tehran. It actually might be the best bazaar experience of your Iran itinerary. It’s unique in so many ways and it’s the only bazaar in the country that offers fresh ingredients and food instead of souvenirs.

• Opening hours: Daily 9 am
• Entrance fee: Free

Golestan Palace: The most perfect place to understand Qajar architecture and ornamentation. This complex was home to Qajar kings before the arrival of the Pahlavis. It features amazing mirror work, tile work and has played a major role in Iranian history.

• Opening hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials for each of the main halls and 80,000 for every gallery

Friday Market (Jome bazaar): If you’re looking for an alternative place for shopping in Iran where you’ll find unique antiques, bargain handicrafts, carpets, artworks, and you’re lucky enough to be in Tehran on a Friday, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Jome bazaar is the exact right place to be.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am – 2 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Tabiat bridge: Designed by a 25-year-old female architect, this monument has quickly become a hangout spot for young Tehranis. It offers great views of the city and has numerous cafes and restaurants in its surroundings. Your travel to Iran wouldn’t be complete without visiting a few modern areas. So don’t just stick to the old monuments.

Azadi Tower: Azadi or Freedom square has been the icon of Tehran for the past couple of decades. It was commissioned by the former king and inaugurated in 1971 to celebrate the 2500th anniversary of the Persian empire. It is also the major gathering point for large protests.

• Opening hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Darband/Darakeh: Tehran is significantly blocked by mountains in the north. It’s almost unbelievable that such high mountains could exist so close to a megacity. While they do block the rain and wind coming from the Caspian Sea, they’ve also given Tehranis the pleasure of hiking, skiing, and rock climbing at their proximity.

If you want to see where the locals spend their weekends, head over to Darakeh or Darband on a Friday.

---

Read more: Offbeat Tehran | Morning hike in Darakeh

---

Contemporary Arts Museum: Here’s where you’ll find the largest collection of western modern art outside of the west. There’s Monets, Picassos, the most expensive Jackson Pollocks outside of U.S. and more. While the permanent collection is not really permanently on display, there are always great exhibitions to visit.

• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Fridays 3-7pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Mellat park: One of Tehran’s biggest and oldest parks, Mellat is a major picnic spot for families on summer evenings or weekends.

Persian Food Tours: Looking for a unique and delicious experience to add to your itinerary for Iran? Persian Food Tours offers hands-on cooking classes and culinary walks at world standard in Tehran, Esfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd. You’ll get to shop like locals, get a professionally guided tour of Tajrish bazaar, sample delicacies and learn to cook a 4-course meal.

• Opening hours: Every day
• Entrance fee: Starting from 50€

---

Read more: The complete Persian food guide in Iran

---

Grand Bazaar: The grand bazaar of Tehran is huge and crowded. Apart from the carpet’s section, everything else has lost most of its traditional form. I personally think the bazaars of other cities are way better.

If you’re still keen on visiting, make sure you know where to go using our guide to Tehran’s Grand Bazaar or hire a guide.

• Opening hours: Daily 7am – 5pm

Where to stay in Tehran?

• Budget: See you in Iran hostel, Cedar hostel
• Mid-range: Hana boutique hotel, Hotel Markazi, Tooba boutique hotel
• Luxury: Parsian Azadi Hotel, Espinas Palace hotel, Espinas hotel

Where to eat in Tehran?

• Budget: Azari traditional restaurant
• Mid-range: Gilar (for great food from northern Iran), Shanderman
• Luxury: Hestooran, Divan

---

Read more: 10 historical gardens in Tehran to escape the city

---

Best cafes in Tehran

1. Cafe Tehroon: a great outdoor section with Iranian food
2. V-cafe: Industrial vibe
3. Diamond cafe
4. Lamiz cafe: Affordable and good coffee
5. Vesal cafe: Lovely interior
6. Roberto cafe
7. Sam cafe
8. Haj Darvish tea house: The smallest tea house in Tehran, read my review

Best day trips from Tehran

Imam Khomeini Shrine: There’s plenty of shrines that you’re bound to include in your Iran itinerary but this one is one of the biggest you can get that’s also close to Tehran. I don’t really find it to be such a big deal but I’ve met many people who wanted to go there and visit. You can easily take the metro to the shrine and it will probably take a little bit more than an hour for a one-way trip.

Dizin Ski resort: If you’re in Iran during winter then skiing is to not be missed. There are a couple of ski resorts near Tehran (Tochal, Shemshak, Abali, and Dizin) but Dizin is the best. The slopes are just as good as the European Alps but the prices don’t even compare.

Iran Itinerary for Shiraz

Shiraz, known for its vast history, wine, gardens, and poetry, is one of the most peaceful cities in Iran and best explored in April-May when the alleyways are filled with the mist of bitter orange blossoms and the gardens are in bloom. It’s absolutely not to be left out from any Iran itinerary.

Shirazis are famous for their laidback lifestyle. Siestas are full-on and picnics are a lifestyle. Locals take immense pride in their history and usually quit their business at noon to join their family for lunch and only get back after their nap time.

Here’s where you’ll get to learn of the crucial influence of poetry in the daily life of Iranians, visit immortal vestiges of Cyrus the great, wander around luscious gardens and feast your eyes on some of the most elaborate Iranian tilework.

Shiraz is famous for many things, but the best thing of all is Faloodeh Shirazi. Faloodeh is a cold traditional dessert made from semi-frozen starch noodles with rosewater and sugar syrup and topped with lemon juice. It is usually accompanied with traditional saffron ice cream and is a lifesaver in hot summer days. Some of the best places to get a cup of Faloodeh are the array of shops behind the Karimkhan citadel.

Top places to visit in Shiraz

Nasir al-Molk mosque (Pink mosque): This extravagant mosque is one of Iran’s most photographed spots. Come here early in the morning when the sunrays flicker through stained glass windows to dance on magnificent Persian carpets and you’ll realize what the hype is all about.

• Opening hours: Daily 7:30-11.30 am 2.30-5 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Shah Cheragh: After Imam Reza and Hazrat Ma’soomeh Shrine, this is the most important religious landmark in all of the country. I personally find it to be the most beautiful of them all. Head over here at sunset and before the evening prayers to get the best atmosphere.

• Opening hours: All-day 

Eram Garden: A generous garden of evergreens and roses set in front of a Qajar-era palace is the perfect spot to relish the thrumming rhythm of slow life in Shiraz.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-sunset
• Entrance fee: 200,000 Rials

Vakil Bazaar: My absolute favourite bazaar in Iran which is a feast for all the senses. There’s a beautiful carpet section, antique shops, handicrafts and a divine spice market.

• Opening hours: Daily 8am-9pm except for Fridays

Vakil mosque: This graceful architectural pearl is most famous for its inner courtyard adorned with fluted columns.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rial

Tomb of Hafez: Iran’s most loved poet – Hafez – is rested in this stunning garden. Come here on Yalda night and you’ll see how dear Hafez is to Iranians.

• Opening hours: Daily 7:30 am -10 pm (10:30 pm in summer)
• Entrance fee: 200,000 Rials

Tomb of Saadi: If Hafez talks about love, then Saadi is known for his wisdom. Held in a beautiful small building is his resting location surrounded by his poems carved on the walls.

• Opening hours: Daily 7:30 am -10 pm (10:30 pm in summer)
• Entrance fee: 200,000 Rials

Ali Ebn-e Hamzeh Shrine: The burial place of the nephew of Shah Cheragh features dazzling mirror work and beautiful tile work. The courtyard is also quite charming.

• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Where to stay in Shiraz?

• Budget: Taha hostel, Forough boutique hotel
• Mid-range: Elysee hotel, Vakil hotel
• Luxury: Persepolis hotel, Darbe Shazdeh boutique hotel, Zandiyeh hotel

Where to eat in Shiraz?

• Budget: Parhami house restaurant
• Mid-range: Saray-e Mehr, Shater Abbas, Kohan restaurant
• Luxury: Haft Khan, Bagh Raaz restaurant

---

Read more: SHIRAZ FOOD GUIDE | TOP FOOD, CAFES & RESTAURANTS IN SHIRAZ

---

Best cafes in Shiraz

1. Saray-e Mehr
2. Cafe Ferdowsi
3. Cafe Termeh

Best day trips from Shiraz

Persepolis/Necropolis: You cannot plan an itinerary for Iran and miss the ceremonial capital of the greatest Persian kings. The site is surprisingly well preserved and requires a few hours of your time. Necropolis is the tomb of 4 Persian kings from the Achaemenid empire carved in the rocky mountain and is definitely worth a visit on your way to Persepolis. Read my ultimate guide on visiting Persepolis on your own.

If you’re looking for unique day trips or unforgettable experiences in Iran, TasteIran is a trusted company owned by two of my friends that offers great activities.

Pasargadae: Here’s where you’ll find the humble shrine of Cyrus the great and ruins of his palaces closeby. It a few hours from Shiraz so I’d personally recommend visiting on the same day as Persepolis/necropolis and spending the night at Aghamir cottage instead of going all the way back to Shiraz.

Maharloo lake (pink lake): If you get lucky to see this salt lake after a generous season of rainfall then you’re in luck. It’s not as crazy as the photos suggest but it turns pink due to its high percentage of pink-colored algae.

Iran Itinerary for Yazd

Yazd is a favorite city for many foreign tourists in Iran. With its adobe buildings, numerous badgirs (wind-catchers) and charming courtyards, Yazd is unlike anywhere you’ve been. No wonder why it’s a favorite destination for most tourists.

While it could get super dry and hot during summer, Yazd is perfectly suitable for a visit in late autumn to early spring when the days are rewarded with fine weather and evenings are chilly.

---

Read more: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VISITING YAZD

---

Top places to visit in Yazd

Jame mosque: You’ll find some of the most exquisite tile work in Iran to be found in the Jameh mosque of Yazd. Boasting into the sky with its 48m high minarets, this architectural masterpiece makes an appearance in every rooftop view of Yazd.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm (make sure you avoid praying hours at noon and sunset)
• Entrance fee: 80,000 Rials

Old District: This magical neighbourhood is bound to cast a spell on you just as you arrive. Well, it did for me at least! I remember the first time I wandered around here was one of the most mesmerizing travel experiences I’ve had in Iran. Just walk around and you’ll stumble upon beautiful courtyards, covered alleyways, ornate wooden doors, and magnificent tile work. But to make the best of it, you’d really have to read my article on Yazd:

---

Read more: 10 ways to make the best out of your Yazd trip

---

Amir Chakhmagh: This three-story structure used on religious occasions like Ashura is the symbol of Yazd and best visited before sunset.

When standing across the street and facing Amir Chakhmaq, you’ll see the most famous confectionary in Yazd on the left corner of the street. Haj Khalifeh Rahbar offers some of the best Yazdi sweets and baklavas in town and is well known throughout the country. Make you pop inside and buy yourself a box of goodies.

• Opening hours: Daily 7 am – 11 pm

Bagh-e Dowlatabad: A huge green garden with running water in the middle of the desert is the oasis home to Iran’s tallest badgir or windcatcher and truly deserves a visit.

• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Fire temple: The Zoroastrian temple of Yazd is known for its so-called eternal flame which is said to have been burning since 470 AD. The exterior is quite nice and there’s a small museum if you’re interested to know more about the religion.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 – 11:45am , 4 – 6:45pm (7:45 in summer)
• Entrance fee: 80,000 Rials

---

Read more: Photo essay: Impressions of photogenic Yazd

---

Where to stay in Yazd?

• Budget: Badgir hostel, Yazd Oasis hostel
• Mid-range: Kohan hotel (read my review), Firouzeh traditional hotel, Silk Road hotel
• Luxury: Dad hotel, Moshir-ol Mamalek hotel, Fahadan hotel

Where to eat in Yazd?

• Budget: Hamam-e Khan restaurant
• Mid-range: Talar-e Yazd, Silk road hotel restaurant, Malek-o Tojjar
• Luxury: Moshir-al Mamalek restaurant

Best cafes in Yazd

• Cafe Travel
• Yazd Art House

Best day trips from Yazd

Mesr desert: If you’re looking for 4WD or camel rides amid sand dunes then Mesr could be a great option. Check out this website for more info and possible tours and activities.

Garmeh: A small mud-brick village in the heart of the oasis is definitely the spot to stay to get the real desert experience in Iran. You’d probably want to avoid here during scorching hot summers but it would be a great change to your itinerary during colder seasons. If you plan to head over here, make sure you stay with Maziar at his amazing guesthouse named Ateshooni. They also offer all sorts of activities and services.

Chak Chak: The holiest site for Zoroastrians in Iran is this small shrine carved up in the mountains. It’s beautiful and interesting if you know about Zoroastrians but could possibly not be your taste. Read more about it Chak Chak on our blog.

Zeinoddin Caravanserai: I cannot urge you enough to spend a night in this caravanserai. It has been my best stay in Iran so far and it really gives you the chills to know that hundreds of these structures were once built in Iran to give shelter to traveling merchants. Read my full review of Zeinoddin Caravanserai.

Kharanagh: A beautiful abandoned village with great vistas in springtime. Ruins of a caravanserai and mosque are the highlights but to me, the whole package is absolutely breathtaking.

Iran Itinerary for Esfahan

Esfahan, also historically known as half of the world takes a reputation for having been home to many dynasties. The Safavids, however, left the strongest mark and their Persian blue-tiled mosques and buildings are found all over town. Esfahan is by all means glorious! If I were to only pick one city to visit in Iran, it would be here.

Massive mosques and elegant churches, great coffee in the Armenian quarter, amazing food and sweets, and bridges unlike you’ve ever seen are only a sample of what Esfahan has to offer.

Top places to visit in Esfahan

Naqsh-e Jahan square (Imam square): The world second-biggest square surrounded by fascinating landmarks and a covered bazaar is also a popular picnic spot for Esfahanis. The square itself has enough to keep you occupied for a day but Esfahan has more waiting for you.

---

Read more: Naqsh-e Jahan: One-day itinerary for the world’s second-biggest square

---

Sheikh Lotfollah mosque: Once designed exclusively for the king’s wives, this mosque has the most beautiful dome in all of the country.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Imam mosque: This blue masterpiece has some of the most elaborate archways in Iran.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Jameh mosque: A dazzling show of architecture that was completed by one dynasty after another with each one leaving an individual mark. This mosque is a lot older than the Imam mosque and extremely valuable in history.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Ali Qapoo: Most notable for its uniquely designer music hall and the balcony with extraordinary views of the Naqsh-e Jahan square.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Grand Bazaar: Come here to purchase the best block printed table clothes of Esfahan and make sure you sneak into the hidden courtyards to find exquisite ornamentation.

Vank Cathedral: Located in the Armenian neighborhood of Jolfa, the interior of Vank is covered with lavish paintings depicting stories of the bible.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Chehelsotun Palace: Literally called the palace of 40 columns, the palace holds some of the greatest wall paintings in Iran.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Si-o Se pol: Probably the most beautiful bridge to visit on Zayandeh Roud (river).

Khajoo bridge: Come here before sunset to join flocks of Iranians who like to test their singing skills under the bridge.

Where to stay in Esfahan?

• Budget: Mahbibi hostel, Nargol guest house, Ragrug hostel
• Mid-range: Dibai House, Kianpour historical house, Bekhradi historical house
• Luxury: Qasr-e Monshi hotel, Kowsar hotel

Where to eat in Esfahan?

• Budget: Azam biryani, Haj Mahmood biryani
• Mid-range: Azadegan cafe, Malek Soltan Jarchi Bashi, Romanos
• Luxury: Hermes restaurant, Shahrzad restaurant, Abbasi hotel restaurant

---

Read more: ESFAHAN FOOD GUIDE | TOP FOOD AND RESTAURANTS IN ISFAHAN

---

Best cafes in Esfahan

1. Firouz Sherbat cafe (read my review)
2. Radio cafe
3. Cafe Narvan
4. Messo Ghali cafe

Best day trips from Esfahan

Maranjab: Looking for sand dunes and salt lakes that aren’t too far away? Maranjab is perfect to experience both of them without having to go the extra mile.

Varzaneh: Just 105km south-east of Esfahan lies the desert village of Varzaneh. Another great alternative to experience desert activities and lifestyle. If you plan to stay the night, Negaar guest house is a great stay.

Iran Itinerary for Kashan

Kashan is a smaller version of Esfahan with fewer mosques and more opulent houses. It’s tiny, can be visited within a day and it’s super easy to fit in any Iran itinerary. Come here in April and you’ll get to witness the biggest rose flower festival in the country.

Top places to visit in Kashan

Agha Bozorg mosque: A historic mosque and theological school that dates back to the 18th century. It’s the finest example of Islamic complex within Kashan.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Fin garden: This alluring garden with evergreens, cedar trees, turquoise pools, and fountains has made it to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites and pleasant to visit all-year-round.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Burujerdi House: Out of the 3 most visited houses in Kashan (Abbasi, Tabatabai and Burujerdi house), this one is my favourite. They are not all too different and entrance fees could quickly add up, so I think Burujerdi house would do for all of them.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Sultan Ahmad Bathhouse: Definitely my most favourite bathhouse to visit when you travel to Iran. The rooftop offers great panoramas of the city.

• Opening hours: Daily 8 am-8 pm
• Entrance fee: 150,000 Rials

Grand Bazaar: Don’t underestimate the grand bazaar of Kashan. It’s actually one of the best to visit. Watch out for the marvelous ceilings and carpets section.

• Opening hours: open every day 8am-7pm except Fridays

Where to stay in Kashan?

• Budget: Ehsan hostel
• Mid-range: Mahinestan Raheb
• Luxury: Ameriha boutique hotel

Where to eat in Kashan?

• Budget: Javan restaurant
• Mid-range: Negarestan hotel, Khatoon restaurant
• Luxury: Ameriha house

Best cafes in Kashan

• Mr coffee

Best day-trips from Kashan

Abyaneh: The red village is a hot tourist spot with local women dressed in floral scarves and colorful dresses. It has lost much of its originality over the years but still worth a visit.

Niasar: There’s a famous waterfall but nothing extravagant. It’s worth a visit during the rose flower festival though.

Ghamsar: Mostly famous for the rose flower festival.

Iran Itinerary for Rasht

---

Read more: Top things to do, see and eat in Rasht

---

Top places to visit in Rasht

Fish market: A vibrant and smelly market but great for people watching especially early in the morning when locals come to buy their fish.

Shahrdari square: European vibes with lots of kebab and tea stalls and great nightlife.

 

Saghari sazan neighbourhood: One of the oldest neighbourhood of Rasht with mural paintings, graffiti and antique shops.

Where to stay in Rasht?

• Mid-range: Ordibehesht hotel, Kadus hotel

Where to eat in Rasht?

• Budget/Mid-range: Vanisha, Moharram restaurant
• Luxury: Shour Kooli, Razeghi

Best cafes in Rasht

• Cafe Negative

Best day trips from Rasht

Masooleh: A touristy stepped village where rooftops stand as balconies for other houses. It has great views all year around with lots of rooms for rent but quite crowded during high season.

Qale’h Roodkhan: A few hours trek amidst a luscious forest that leads to fortress up into the mountains. I

---

Read more: Trekking to Roudkhan castle

---

Olsebelangah: Jaw-dropping panoramas and a sea of clouds are guaranteed if you’re there in the right time. Read my full blog post about Olsebelangah here.

Visadar waterfall: A beautiful drive through lush woodlands that reaches an enchanting waterfall. Make sure you go down the fall for a dip and the best view.

Alternative destinations for a longer Iran itinerary

• Kurdistan – Breathtaking nature and unique culture. Read all about planning a trip to Kurdistan here.
• Khuzestan – Ancient history and unprecedented landscapes. Use this guide to plan your trip.
• Kerman/Kaluts – History and the most magnificent desert to visit – Read more here.
• Mashhad – Iran’s top religious destination
• Tabriz/Kandovan – Great food, culture and history
• Hormoz/Qeshm – Intact nature, wildlife and landscapes – Read my guide to Qeshm and Hormoz.