If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten track long weekend destination, consider Isfahan in Iran, which has some of the region’s most interesting mosques, palaces and museums:
1. Vank Cathedral
The golden frescoes in Isfahan’s grand cathedral dome are some of the most beautiful and detailed you’re ever likely to see in a place of worship. The exterior of the cathedral is more muted and somewhat modern looking, and doesn’t really do the interior justice. The main building was constructed in around 1655 in the Armenian neighborhood of the city under the guidance of the Archbishop David. There’s also a library and museum on the site, with the latter housing an incredible collection of illustrated religious texts including gospels and Bibles. Look out for the prayer painted on a single piece of hair (you’ll need a microscope to see it!).
Address: Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Jolfa, Vank Church Alley, Iran
Opening hours: Saturday through Thursday 8.30am – 5.30pm, Friday 8.30am – 12.30pm
Entry: General entry to the cathedral is IR200,000 (Dh15), admission to the museum is an extra IR80,000 (Dh6)
2. Ali Gholi Agha Hammam
Waters stopped flowing through this 1713 hammam some time ago but such was its cultural significance, the building was later converted into a hammam museum. There’s lots of original features on display including a duck-headed faucet, marble tiled flooring, and mosaic scenes. The hammam was built for the courtier Ali Gholi Agha and contains one main hammam and two smaller ones that each have their own dressing room so men and women could both enjoy the service.
Address: Bid Abadi St, Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Iran
Opening hours: Daily 9am – 1.30pm, and 2.30pm – 7pm
Entry: General entry costs IR150,000 (Dh11)
Find cheap flights to Isfahan3. Masjed-e Shah
This mosque is another of Isfahan’s most beautiful and striking religious buildings. It has an iconic blue mosaic entrance way and interior, which doesn’t seem to have lost any of its shine since the mosque was built more than 400 years ago. It was built to celebrate Shah Abbas I and is now something of a symbol of the city. It’s located in the main square, with the main entrance way facing into the square but the main part of the mosque angled towards Mecca, with a connecting corridor between them. There are lots of stunning architectural features in Masjed-e Shah, including the courtyard, sanctuaries, and marble mihrab. Dress and behave modestly if you want to go inside.
Address: Naqsh-e Jahan Sq, Isfahan, Iran
Opening hours: Saturday through Thursday 9am – 11.30am, and 1pm – 4.15pm. Friday 1pm – 4.15pm
Entry: Entry for visitors costs IR200,000 (Dh15)
4. Contemporary Arts Museum Isfahan
This museum was created to showcase art from in and around Iran. There’s also a collection of sculptures and statues in an outdoor courtyard. Over the years it has built an impressive calendar of temporary exhibitions and now often showcases works from notable European artists. You can find more information on the calendar here.
Address: Ostandari Street, Isfahan 81464, Iran
5. Bazaar Bozorg (Grand Bazaar)
This is one of the more fun things to do in Isfahan, and something the city’s inhabitants have been doing for more than a thousand years! The covered market is a bit of a maze, but that makes it all the more interesting to visit. The main entrance is at the Qeysarieh Portal by the Naqsh-eJahan Square. As you might expect, there’s plenty of spices, fabric, crockery, jewelry and much, much more. It’s busiest in the mornings and evenings, and quietens down in the middle of the day. Take lots of small change and bags to carry all your souvenirs!
Address: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Esfahan 81464, Iran
Opening hours: Usually around 9am – 8pm but some shops will close in the middle of the day. Closed Fridays
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6. Isfahan Music Museum
The city’s museum dedicated to Iranian music is by far the most popular thing to do in Isfahan for most visitors. Located in the Isfahan’s Armenian Quarter in Jolfa it showcases an incredible collection of traditional Middle Eastern instruments, a collection that is quite possibly second to none. The pieces are owned by a private collector who is happy to share them with other enthusiasts. If you’re lucky you might catch a live performance by folk musicians who regularly perform in the space.
Address: No74, Mehrdad St, Isfahan 8173886161, Iran
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 3pm and 3.30pm – 9pm
Entry: General entry costs IR300,000 (Dh22)
7. Chehel Souton
This grand palace was built by Shah Abbas II to host foreign dignitaries and royalty so no expense was spared on its design. The name is said to mean “forty columns” which refers to the 20 wooden columns that hold the entrance pavilion up and are then reflected in the long pool of water in front of the palace. It’s thought the building dates from around the mid 1600s but much of its intricate architectural features – such as the Throne Hall frescoes – are still in excellent condition. The palace’s gardens, Bagh-e Chehel Sotun, are a Unesco World Heritage Site and a wonderful example of traditional Middle Eastern landscape design.
Address: Ostandari St, Isfahan, Iran
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Entry: General entry costs IR200,000 (Dh15)
8. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
You might’ve already guessed, Isfahan has its fair share of stunning buildings, and the Majed-e Sheikh Lotfollah is another to add to the list. It stands in the middle of the city’s largest square and was also built under the reign of Shah Abbas I some time between 1600 and 1620. He dedicated it to his father Sheikh Lotfollah and again, spared no expense in its creation. The interior is incredible, with stunningly colorful mosaics on the ceiling and light shows created on the floor by the latticed windows. It’s a must visit on any trip to Isfahan.
Address: Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Sq, Isfahan, Iran
Opening hours: September 22 – March 21, 9am – 11.30am and 1pm – 4pm. March 22 – September 21 9am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 6pm
Entry: General entry costs IR200,000 (Dh15) per person. Photography is permitted but the flash must be switched off
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9. Birds Garden of Isfahan
It’s not quite a wildlife haven but the Birds Garden of Isfahan could make a nice change of pace from Isfahan’s museums and mosques. It contains more than 5,000 birds from all over the world, including many that are native to Iran. If you’re traveling with kids, take them here.
Address: Olfat Street – Sohrevardi Square, Isfahan 81464, Iran
10. Zayandeh Riverside
If you’d like a break from Isfahan’s architectural wonders, take a stroll down the corniche that runs alongside the Zayandeh River. The river has 11 bridges crossing it – including the Siosepol Bridge and Khajou Bridge, two of the most famous – and there are worse ways to spend an afternoon than meandering across the bridges and exploring the neighborhoods either side. The Si-o-se-pol Bridge dates back to the Safavid era and is one of the best remaining examples of Safavid bridge design.
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*Content first published in June 2018. Information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
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