Iran possesses one of the world's oldest and richest civilizations, with a cultural legacy spanning thousands of years. As the heir to the Persian Empire, Iranian culture has influenced and been influenced by numerous other civilizations throughout history, creating a unique blend of traditions, arts, and philosophies.

Key elements of Iranian culture include:

Persian literature and poetry: Iran has a magnificent literary heritage, with poets like Ferdowsi, Hafez, Rumi, and Sa'adi whose works are treasured not only in Iran but globally. The epic poem "Shahnameh" (Book of Kings) by Ferdowsi is considered a masterpiece in preserving Persian language and mythology. Poetry remains central to contemporary Iranian life, with many Iranians able to recite verses from classical poets from memory.
Persian architecture: Known for its geometric designs, symmetry, and intricate decorations, Persian architecture can be seen in Iran's magnificent mosques, palaces, gardens, and historical houses. Notable features include domes, iwans (vaulted spaces), courtyards, and ornate tile work. The Persian garden concept (chahar bagh) with its four-quadrant design has influenced garden architecture around the world.
Traditional arts and crafts: Iran is renowned for its carpet weaving, miniature painting, calligraphy, pottery, metalwork, and other traditional crafts. Persian carpets, with their intricate designs and exceptional quality, are particularly famous worldwide. Each region of Iran has its distinct styles and patterns, reflecting local cultural influences.
Music and performance arts: Traditional Persian music uses unique scales and instruments like the tar, setar, santoor, and daf. The radif (traditional repertoire) forms the core of classical Persian music. Traditional theatrical forms include Ta'zieh (passion plays), Naqqali (dramatic storytelling), and Ru-howzi (comedic performances).
Religious traditions: While Iran is predominantly Shia Muslim (around 90% of the population), it also has communities of Sunni Muslims, Zoroastrians, Jews, Christians, and Baha'is. Religious practices, particularly Shia commemorations like Ashura, play a significant role in cultural life. Pre-Islamic Zoroastrian influences remain evident in many Iranian customs, particularly the celebration of Nowruz (Persian New Year).

Iranian cuisine reflects the country's agricultural heritage and historical trade connections. The food culture emphasizes fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a harmonious balance of flavors:

Staple dishes: Chelow kabab (steamed rice with grilled meat), ghormeh sabzi (herb stew with beans and meat), fesenjan (pomegranate and walnut stew), and ash reshteh (thick noodle soup)
Rice dishes: Tahdig (crispy rice crust), various types of polow (rice mixed with other ingredients), and kateh (sticky rice)
Bread varieties: Lavash (thin flatbread), sangak (stone-baked flatbread), barbari (thick flatbread), and taftoon (soft flatbread)
Desserts and sweets: Saffron ice cream, faloodeh (frozen starch noodles with rose water), gaz (Persian nougat), and various pastries like baklava and zoolbia
Beverages: Tea (chai) is the national drink, served throughout the day, often flavored with cardamom or rose water and accompanied by sugar cubes or dates

Iranian hospitality (tarof) is legendary, with elaborate etiquette surrounding hosting guests. Family bonds are strong, and traditional values regarding respect for elders, education, and community support remain important despite modernization. The celebration of Nowruz, marking the spring equinox and new year, is a major cultural event with traditions dating back thousands of years, including spring cleaning, visiting relatives, and setting a special table (Haft-Sin) with seven symbolic items.

Tourism & Best Sites to Visit

Iran offers extraordinary experiences for travelers, from ancient archaeological sites to stunning Islamic architecture, vibrant bazaars, and diverse landscapes. With 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a history spanning thousands of years, Iran presents a wealth of cultural and natural attractions.

Here are some of Iran's most remarkable destinations:

Persepolis

Near Shiraz

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Isfahan

Yazd Old City

Yazd

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque

Shiraz

Golestan Palace

Tehran

Persepolis: The ceremonial capital of the ancient Achaemenid Empire, built by Darius I in 518 BCE. This UNESCO World Heritage site features massive columned halls, monumental staircases adorned with reliefs, and the remains of palaces that once received delegations from across the vast Persian Empire. The site offers extraordinary insight into one of the world's first superpowers.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square): One of the largest city squares in the world and a UNESCO site, this architectural masterpiece from the Safavid era is surrounded by the magnificent Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque), Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and the Imperial Bazaar. The square exemplifies the artistic and urban planning achievements of the 17th century.

Yazd Old City: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient desert city features distinctive wind towers (badgirs), a network of qanats (underground water channels), and well-preserved mud-brick architecture. Yazd is a center of Zoroastrian culture with active fire temples, and its historic fabric has remained largely intact for centuries.

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque): Famous for its stunning stained glass windows that create a kaleidoscope of colors on its interior in morning light. The mosque's extensive pink tile work gives it its nickname, while its intricate tile and woodwork showcase the pinnacle of 19th-century Qajar-era craftsmanship.

Golestan Palace: A masterpiece of the Qajar era in Tehran, this UNESCO site is a complex of 17 palaces, museums, and halls that blend Persian arts with Western influences. It features spectacular mirrored halls, marble thrones, and beautiful gardens, representing the artistic and cultural life of the 19th century royal court.

Other remarkable destinations include the historic bridges and tree-lined boulevards of Isfahan; the ancient village of Masouleh built into the mountainside; the sacred shrine city of Mashhad; the troglodyte village of Kandovan with its rock-hewn homes; the Caspian Sea coast with its lush forests; the islands of the Persian Gulf; and the spectacular mountains and ski resorts of the Alborz range.

Transportation

Iran has a well-developed transportation infrastructure connecting its major cities and regions, though the quality and service levels can vary. The country's large size (the 17th largest in the world) means that travelers should plan their transportation carefully, especially when visiting multiple regions.

Domestic flights: The fastest way to travel between major cities in Iran, with Tehran serving as the main hub. Airlines such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Iran Aseman operate extensive domestic networks. Flights connect Tehran with cities including Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, Kerman, and Bandar Abbas, with journey times typically between 1-2 hours. Tickets are relatively affordable by international standards, though prices can increase during peak travel seasons around Nowruz (Persian New Year) and summer.
Trains: Iran has a growing railway network that offers a comfortable and picturesque way to travel between major cities. The Tehran-Mashhad route is served by high-speed trains, while overnight sleeper services operate on longer routes like Tehran-Shiraz and Tehran-Tabriz. Trains in Iran are generally punctual, clean, and offer different classes of service. The railway experience provides beautiful views of Iran's diverse landscapes and is highly recommended for those not pressed for time.
Intercity buses: The most comprehensive and economical way to travel around Iran, with services connecting virtually every city and town. VIP buses (often called "Volvo buses" regardless of the actual brand) offer comfortable reclining seats, air conditioning, and refreshments. Regular buses are more basic but still adequate for shorter journeys. The extensive highway system makes bus travel reasonably efficient, though mountain routes can be slow and winding.
Metro systems: Tehran has an extensive modern metro network that is clean, efficient, and affordable, with women-only carriages available. Other cities with metro systems include Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Tabriz, though these networks are smaller. Metro stations often feature interesting architectural elements and cultural exhibitions.
Taxis and ride-hailing: Several types of taxis operate in Iranian cities:
- Shared taxis (savari) run on fixed routes within cities for very low fares
- Private taxis can be hailed on the street or called by phone
- Ride-hailing apps like Snapp and Tap30 (similar to Uber) operate in major cities and offer convenient, affordable service with no haggling required
- Intercity private taxis are available for destinations not well-served by public transportation

Transportation tips: Consider these factors when planning travel in Iran:

Traffic in Tehran and other major cities can be extremely congested, particularly during rush hours
Due to Iran's size, consider flying for longer distances (e.g., Tehran to Shiraz) and using land transportation for shorter segments
Women should sit in the back seat when using taxis unless traveling with male family members
Train tickets for popular routes sell out quickly, especially during holiday periods, so book in advance
English signage is limited outside major tourist areas, so having destinations written in Persian can be helpful
International driving permits are recognized, but driving in major Iranian cities can be challenging for foreigners due to local driving styles

Note on international travel: Currently, most international visitors arrive through Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, with some flights also operating to airports in Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Tabriz. Due to various international restrictions, flight options may be more limited than for other destinations, and travelers should check the latest options when planning their trip.

Airports

Iran has several international airports serving different regions of the country, though many international connections are routed through the capital:

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA): Located 30 km southwest of Tehran, this is Iran's primary international gateway, handling the majority of international flights. The modern terminal serves destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and some European cities. The airport has duty-free shops, currency exchange facilities, and various dining options, though services are more limited than at many major international hubs.
Mehrabad International Airport (THR): Tehran's older airport, now primarily handling domestic flights and some regional international services. Located within the city, it's more convenient for domestic connections than Imam Khomeini International.
Mashhad International Airport (MHD): Serving Iran's second-largest city and an important pilgrimage site, this airport handles significant international traffic, particularly from Muslim-majority countries and destinations with large Iranian diaspora populations.
Isfahan International Airport (IFN): Provides access to one of Iran's most popular tourist destinations, with international connections to Gulf states and some regional destinations.
Shiraz International Airport (SYZ): Offers international services connecting this cultural center of southern Iran with destinations in the Gulf region and beyond.
Other international airports: Tabriz (TBZ), Bandar Abbas (BND), and Kish Island (KIH) also offer limited international connections, primarily to neighboring countries.

Airport Transportation: Options for reaching your destination from major airports include:

Imam Khomeini Airport to Tehran: The most reliable options are the airport taxi service with fixed rates to different parts of Tehran, or the metro which connects to the city center (Line 1) via a dedicated Airport Express train. Shared vans (minibuses) also operate but run less frequently.
Other airports: Taxis are the primary transportation option from other airports to city centers. Many hotels can arrange airport pickups with advance notice. In Mashhad and Isfahan, public transportation options also connect airports to the city.

Important notes: Security procedures at Iranian airports are thorough and can take time, so arriving 3 hours before international flights is advisable. Photography is restricted in and around airports. When departing Iran, expect an exit fee (usually included in ticket prices for international flights) and additional security checks.

Visa & Travel Information

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Iran, though the process has been simplified in recent years with the introduction of e-visas and visa on arrival options for many nationalities.

Visa Options by Nationality

The following table outlines visa requirements for different nationalities:

Nationality	Visa Options	Special Considerations
Most European Countries, Australia, New Zealand, etc.	Visa on Arrival / E-Visa	VOA available at major international airports for stays up to 30 days
USA, UK, Canada	Visa Required	Must apply in advance; approved itinerary and guide required
Most Asian & Middle Eastern Countries	Visa on Arrival / E-Visa	Available at major entry points
Azerbaijan, Turkey, Lebanon, etc.	Visa on Arrival / E-Visa	Simplified procedures for neighboring countries
Most African Countries	Visa Required	Must apply through Iranian embassy/consulate

Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available at major international airports for eligible nationalities. Requirements typically include:

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Confirmed return/onward ticket
Hotel reservation or invitation letter
Travel insurance covering Iran
Visa fee payment (varies by nationality, typically €45-75)
Recent passport photo

E-Visa: Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers an electronic visa application system that streamlines the process. Applicants complete an online form, receive a visa authorization code, and then collect the visa upon arrival or at an Iranian consulate.

Regular visa application: For nationalities not eligible for VOA or e-visa, or for those requiring special visa types, applications must be submitted to Iranian embassies or consulates abroad. Processing can take 2-3 weeks or longer.

Important Travel Considerations

Dress code: Iran has religious dress codes for both men and women. Women must wear a headscarf (hijab) covering their hair, a long-sleeved tunic or coat extending to mid-thigh or knee (manteau), and full-length pants or skirt. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts. Dress codes are more relaxed in major cities but should be respected throughout the country.
Photography: Taking photos of government buildings, military installations, and certain infrastructures is prohibited. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.
Currency and payments: International credit/debit cards do not work in Iran due to banking restrictions. Travelers must bring enough cash (Euros or US dollars preferred) for their entire stay. Currency can be exchanged at official exchange offices. There is a significant informal economy, and some tourist-oriented businesses may accept foreign currency directly.
Internet access: Many international websites and social media platforms are restricted in Iran. Travelers often use VPNs to access these services, though technically this is discouraged by authorities.

Best time to visit: Iran has diverse climates due to its varied geography:

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November): Generally considered the best times to visit most regions of Iran, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. These seasons are ideal for city tours and visiting cultural sites.
Summer (June-August): Very hot in most regions, particularly in the south and desert areas where temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). The Caspian Sea coast and northwestern regions remain more moderate.
Winter (December-February): Cold in northern and western regions with snow in mountainous areas, creating opportunities for skiing. Southern regions like Shiraz maintain milder temperatures and can be pleasant for winter travel.

Cultural etiquette: Iranians are famous for their hospitality and warmth toward visitors. Understand that "tarof" (ritual courtesy) might mean initial refusals of offers are expected to be countered with insistence. Greetings are important; handshakes are common among men, while women may prefer to nod or place a hand over the heart. When visiting private homes, removing shoes is customary, and bringing a small gift is appreciated.