Top Tourist Places to Visit in Iran, Asia
Iran is a country in Western Asia which covers an area of 1,648,195 sq. km and ranks 17th in terms of population and 18th in an area in the world. Tehran is the capital and the largest city of Iran.
Important facts of Iran:
- Official language – Persian
- Currency – Rial
- Calling code – +98
Geography of Iran:
Iran is positioned between 32° north latitude and 53° east longitude bounded by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan in the east, Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the south, Iraq in the west and Turkey towards northwest.
Etymology and History of Iran:
The literal meaning of Iran in Iranian language is “Land of the Aryans”. Iran witnessed the rule of renowned dynasties namely the Median Empire (625 BCE), Achaemenid Empire (550 BCE), Sassanid Empire (224) and Safavid Empire (150).
Economy of Iran:
The economy of Iran is based on natural gas and petroleum reserves. It houses the 2nd largest proven natural gas reserves and the 4th largest proven petroleum reserves in the globe.
Major cities of Iran:
- Tehran
- Mashhad
- Karaj
- Isfahan
- Tabriz
- Shiraz
Transportation in Iran:
Iran is home to 10 international airports and the major airports include Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport (Tehran), Tabriz International Airport, Shiraz International Airport and Mashhad International Airport.
Iran is well connected with nearby countries through air, road, boat and railway transport facilities. To move within the cities of the Iran bus, taxi and metro trains are the best options.
Culture, Cuisine and Shopping in Iran:
Tehran is the cultural capital of Iran houses numerous cultural centres of dance and music. The higher majority of Iran population is Muslims, followed by minority of Hindus and Christians. Persian is the official and a widely spoken language in Iran and other languages spoken in Iran include Armenian, Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Lori, Gilaki, Balochi, Mazandarani, Arabic and Turkmen. Iran houses the largest auditorium of Western Asia ‘City Theater of Tehran’. The Iranian New Year is celebrated on 21 March of every year.
The cuisine of Iran is similar to other Muslim countries like Iraq, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan. The diet includes rice with meat, chicken, fish, onion and vegetables. Tah-chin, Ghovatou, Pashmak, Baghlavaa, Qottab, Kaak, Gheimeh Tarreh, Qurabiya, Rahatol holgum and Noghul are the popular cuisines in Iran.
Iran is one of the developing countries in the world houses plenty of huge shopping malls, multiplexes and restaurants. Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Mashhad, Rasht, Mashhad, Kerman, Urmia and Yazd are the best cities for shopping.
Places to see in Iran:
The Azadi Tower:
The Azadi Tower is one of the major tourist destinations in Iran located in Tehran.
National Museum of Iran:
National Museum of Iran is in Tehran contains a large collection of information of the history of Iran.
Milad Tower:
Milad Tower is 4th tallest tower in the globe situated in Tehran city.
Imam Reza Shrine Complex:
Imam Reza Shrine Complex has a library and Ghoharshad mosque. It is located in Mashhad, the second largest city of Iran.
List of tourist attractions in Iran is as follows:
- Jamshidieh Park
- Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini
- Jamshidieh Park
- Golestan Palace
- Niavaran Palace
- Kolahstudio-an Art Basement
- Crown Jewels of Iran
- Safir Office Machines Museum
- Iran’s National Rug Gallery
- Reza Abbasi Museum
- Talar Vahdat Theater
- Nader Shah Park & Mausoleum
- Ferdowsi Park & Mausoleum
- Gombade Sabz Mausoleum
Best time to visit Iran:
From March to May and September to November is the ideal time to visit Iran.
Accommodation options in Iran:
The major hotels and guest houses in Tehran and Mashhad city of Iran are as follows:
- Firouzeh Hotel
- Hotel Khazar Sea
- Mashhad Hostel
- Yas Hotel
- Hotel Saadi
- Yas Guesthouse
- Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel
- Simorgh Hotel
- Pars Hotel
- Ghasr Talaee International Hotel
- Pardisan Hotel
- Ghasr International Hotel
- Khayyam Hotel
- Ghadir International