What to See and Do during your First Time in Isfahan

In this article, I give you numerous tips to organize your stay in Isfahan and enjoy all its attractions in the best possible way.

Get on the track of the Safavids Dynast

View of the Imam Mosque- Photo by Mohsen khorrampour on Unsplash

Isfahan became one of the most important cities in the world during the Safavids era. Shah Abbas the Great, threatened by the Ottomans, moved the capital of the Safavids from Qazvin to Isfahan and made the fabulous city that we enjoy today. you can book Isfahan hotels easily through 1stQuest.

Globally, all your stay in this city will be made of toing and froing between the different historical places and the most important square in the world. Most of the historical attractions are nearby. I would advise you to focus for the first days on the most important symbols of the Safavids era. Visit the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the Mosque of the Imam, the Ali Qapu Palace and the Chehel Sotoun Museum and Park. Don’t forget to take a ride on a horse around the square. That’s a very touristy thing, but honestly, that’s cool. here you can find  3 days itinerary: Isfahan in 3 days

Head to the Armenian neighbourhood at Vank Cathedral

Interior of the Vank Cathedral in the Armenian Neighbourhood of Jolfa

Iran is the Islamic Republic, but it doesn’t mean that all Iranians are Muslims. Isfahan has a substantial Armenian community that dates back from the Safavids too. Head to the Jolfa neighbourhood at the south of the city, named after the tiny village situated at the border with Armenia and famous for its monastery. This neighbourhood is characteristic for the brick architecture specific from the Armenian villages of the north of Iran.

See also: cheap hotels in Isfahan

Enjoy a traditional live concert at night!

Khaju Bridge of Isfahan

As you probably know, Iran is not really famous for its nightlife, at least not as generally understood. Thus, in this city, you can have a mystic experience by listening to men singing the glory of Iranian poetry. Don’t look for any bar or concert-hall but simply head to the Khaju Bridge at night to enjoy a live concert under the stars.

See also: traditional hotels in Isfahan

Touch the sky: the Soffeh park

View from the top of the Mount Soffeh in Isfahan

I definitely recommend you to go to the top of the Soffe Park located on the eastern part of the city. From there you can enjoy a sublime panorama over the city. Try to be there at sunset or sunrise to see the festival of colours that bring the city to life. Don’t forget to wear warm clothes in the early morning.

See also: Best hotels in Isfahan

Fill up your suitcase with handicrafts

In Isfahan, you’ll find all you need to give an oriental-inspired style to your apartment. The city in itself is famous for the quality of its products and as it is the main touristic place of Iran you’ll easily find all kinds of Iranians handicrafts. Everything can be found in the numerous shops surrounding the Naqsh-e Jahan Square. City’s specialties include the Kalamkari, a textile printed with woodblock, different kinds of metalwork, the Khâtamkâri (famous marquetry boxes famous across the Middle-East and Central Asia) and the Minâkâri (Enamel painting), not forgetting the needlecrafts.

Taste the city: Enjoy Isfahan’s delights

Traditional meal of Isfahan: the Beryouni

Head to the traditional neighbourhood and its mud-made houses. Walk around and you’ll definitely hit a local restaurant that serves some traditional meals of Isfahan. Here we are. A travel has always something to do with food.

this city has many delicious delights. Enjoy for lunch the original Beryouni that some say has influenced the famous indian Baryani. A delicious piece of fried lamb mince served on delicious hot bread.

Don’t forget to try the Khoresht-e mast (yoghurt stew), a traditional dish of Isfahan made of yogurt, lamb or chicken, sugar, orange zest and that is served usually as a desert. Before leaving the restaurant, fill your pockets of Gaz, the traditional sweet of Isfahan.

Experience the nomad life: meet the Bakhtiari tribes.

Bakhtiari nomads

Iran is one of these countries where you’ll still find nomadic tribes. The Bakhtiari is one of them. As they walk twice a year across the Zagros Mountains between Luli in Khuzistan and Shahr-e Kord, about 100 kilometres far from Isfahan, check the calendar to figure out where they are. If you’re at the right time in Isfahan, head to Shahr-e Kord to meet one of the most famous tribes of Iran.

Some adventure in Isfahan

Armand River Rafting, Isfahan, Iran

Do you feel that you probably saw everything in Isfahan? You’re probably wrong; there is always something else to do. That said, if you have an adventurous spirit, I recommend you to head to the Armand River. 3 hours drive away from Isfahan, this place is definitely worth a trip aside. You’ll have one of your best rafting experience there. This hidden river in the middle of the desert is an unknown treasure.

The desert experience

Maranjab desert, Isfahan, Iran

Head to the Maranjab desert to experience the pure silence. Sleep in the desert and observe the Milky Way like you never did before. Stay overnight in the Maranjab caravanserai built in the 16th century in the company of wild camels. Don’t forget to bring your blanket. Nights are really cold.

Of course, there are many other things to do and this articles is not an exhaustive list of the attractions of the city. Don’t hesitate to mention in the comments what you consider as a must in Isfahan!

By: Antoine Molliere