It’s no secret that Iran doesn’t have a very positive reputation in the West. Ask one of your friends what they think about Iran, and they might start talking about nuclear weapons and wars. Ask them what they think about traveling to Iran, and they’ll probably respond with another question: “Why would you ever want to go there?”
Then tell them you’re planning on visiting Iran alone and they’ll think that you’re joking. Once they realize you’re serious, they will frantically try to persuade you not to risk your life like that.
Okay, maybe those reactions seem a bit extreme, but that is how most people responded when I told them I was going to travel to Iran alone. Many of my American friends and family members tried to get me to change my plans, apparently convinced that I was heading straight for a death trap, while others simply responded with awe, telling me that I was “so brave.”
Brave?
Let me be clear here: in all the seventy-odd countries I have visited in my life, nowhere have I found people more welcoming than in Iran.
The warmth and hospitality I experienced there was staggering and quickly turned what I had expected to be a difficult journey into one of the easiest and most pleasant travel experiences I’ve had. Everywhere I went people were eager to talk to me, show me around, and help me navigate their country with ease.
The amazing hospitality of Iranian people along with an impressive offering of historic sites, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food makes Iran one of tourism’s most undervalued gems. By all rights tourists should be flocking to Iran, and many people in the travel industry predict that they soon will be. As for now, Iran remains a well-kept secret in the travel world, with a comparatively small number of tourists getting the chance to discover all that Iran has to offer each year.
Indeed, with landscapes ranging from sweltering deserts to snowy mountaintops to dense forests, and destinations ranging from tiny villages to huge contemporary cities, Iran has something for every traveler’s taste.
Tehran Travel Tips
With its notorious past, rich culture, and high energy, Iran’s capital is an exciting city to visit. In fact, during my first few days in Tehran I often found myself staring open mouthed, not really at anything in particular, but simply in awe of the fact that I was actually there! In Tehran!
While some consider it congested and over-polluted, I found Tehran to be a beautiful city. The snowy peaks of the Alborz Mountains stood as an enchanting, peaceful backdrop to the fast-paced crowds bustling around the city.
And while I sometimes felt overwhelmed walking alone through Tehran’s streets, all I had to do was look up at the people rushing by me and I was sure to be greeted with a warm smile. Some people would even stop and ask me where I was from and if I needed help getting anywhere. With such hospitality, it would surely be impossible for any tourist to get lost in Tehran!
I spent my first couple of nights at Golestan Hotel, which is run by the nicest people and has beautiful traditional rooms. Highly recommended if you’re look for a good hotel in Iran! Click here to check current prices and more details about Golestan Hotel.
Isfahan Travel Tips
Isfahan is the dream destination of history, art, and culture fanatics alike. It was once one of the largest cities in the world, which won’t surprise you when you visit its enormous Naqsh-e Jahan Square and countless other historic sites.
And as you run through a list of all of the places you want to visit in the city, you’ll probably find yourself agreeing with locals who fondly call Isfahan, Nesfe Jahan, or “Half of the World.”
Marivan Travel Tips
While Marivan might not be on the first draft of your Iran itinerary, it definitely deserves a spot there if you have the time. A few kilometers from the Iraqi border, Marivan is the perfect place to experience the peaceful beauty and warmth of Kurdistan.
Visit the stunning Lake Zarivar or take a drive through the surrounding snow-covered mountains to discover the beauty of Kurdistan’s natural landscape.
Yazd Travel Tips
I did not actually have a chance to visit Yazd while I was in Iran, which is probably the biggest regret of my trip. Every Iranian I spoke with told me that they either love Yazd, or they haven’t yet been to Yazd but really want to go. Yazd is a remote desert city with a history dating back over three millennia. It was a center of Persian architecture, and Iranians say that there is no other place quite like it.
Shiraz and Persepolis
Ruins of the ancient capital of Persia lie just 50 kilometers outside of the modern city of Shiraz. With remains dating back to 519 BC, Persepolis is a must-see destination in Iran for anyone who is even a bit interested in history. Indeed, calling the monuments of ancient Persepolis “ruins” seems inaccurate, as the city’s remains are still magnificent and imposing.
Planning Your Trip to Iran
Be aware that citizens of a number of countries, including the United States, can only obtain tourist visas to Iran when traveling as part of a tour. Citizens of many other countries, however, can easily obtain a visa on arrival.
My top tour recommendation for Iran would be the Discover Persia 14-day G Adventures tour, which I’ve heard nothing but good things about (the itinerary looks amazing!). Check here for the latest Discover Persia tour prices and itinerary.
What to wear as a female traveler in Iran
If you’re wondering what to pack as a woman traveling to Iran, you do have to dress conservatively as a woman in Iran, but you can still wear colorful, pretty clothes! Just make sure that your tops and/or jackets that you wear outside hit around your mid-thigh and aren’t low cut.
And a normal scarf will work fine for covering your head – use a lightweight one in the summer and heavier scarf in the winter (and if, like me, you struggle with keeping it on your head, use bobby pins!).
Here are some of my favorite appropriate things to wear in Iran:
The Seven Best Norwegian Christmas Cookies (+ Recipes)
alinava says
hey
we welcome u to visit again.
thanks for ur warm comments about my country.
have fun.
Silvia says
Thanks, I hope I will be able to visit again soon!
farshad says
I am very happy to read your message that You will be able to visit again in iran
kami says
ah, after reading this I’m almost countring days to my trip there! So very excited!!! 🙂
Silvia says
I’m so excited for you!!!
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam says
Iran has ranked high on my bucket list for the past couple of years. I’ve only heard good things about the culture and I really like the fact that it’s not crowded with tourists. Thanks for sharing your great tips!
Silvia says
You should absolutely go! Getting a visa on arrival was also SO easy with my Scandinavian passport. I somehow thought arranging the trip would be more difficult, but it really wasn’t!
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Elena@Elena's Travelgram says
A bunch of my friends traveled to Iran last fall and I still get over the fact that I could not come. And yes, the local hospitality amazed them as much as the ancient culture and jaw dropping architecture.
Can’t agree more that Iran is well under-estimated as tourist destination and has such a negative image in the world 🙁
Silvia says
I hope you can get a chance to go soon! It will probably be just that much better for having had to wait 🙂
Jo says
I am so desperate to get to Iran! It started off as a crazy idea, then the more I read the more it sounds amazing. I’d probably go with a tour just so I could make the most of my sightseeing time, but it’s really cool that you did it solo and got to spend so much time with the locals!
Silvia says
Going with a tour would be a great experience as well! I have to admit I didn’t make the most of seeing all the sites, but instead spent more time just hanging out at people’s homes. I guess I will have to go back and see the country again!
Rebekah says
That’s amazing! I would probably have thought iran would be off-limits to westerners buts that’s great people can go. I would actually love to go to Pakistan at some point and need to some homework on going there.
Silvia says
I really, really want to go to Pakistan as well. The visa seems a little trickier than the visa to Iran (well, as a Norwegian), but hopefully we can both make it there eventually!
ALi says
Yes it is, look at Iranian press and the homeland on http://iranfrontpage.com
Silvia says
Thanks for the link. I’m excited to see what happens with tourism in Iran in the future.
Shaun's Cracked Compass says
Great photos, it is a fascinating place. One very interesting cultural thing I learned was Taarof. It’s worth reading about and completely alien to western culture but will help explain the immense hospitality.
Silvia says
Haha I had so many arguments with Iranians over Taarof. They have a great sense of humor about it though. It’s interesting that it’s such a foreign concept in the West, because it’s basically the same rules that govern social etiquette all over Asia.
Franca says
I keep hearing about how so very welcoming the people in Iran are. I’ve never really thought of visiting it, but I must admit I’m changing my mind now and would love to go there.
Silvia says
You really should consider it! I promise you will have a wonderful time there 🙂
Chantelle says
Well, you’re right – I’d certainly never put Iran on my bucket list, but my goodness does it look beautiful! And after your lovely description, I may have to rethink!
Silvia says
You really should! Iran is such a magical place – and not at all what I had expected. I love when destinations surprise you like that!
Chris says
I don’t think you are correct about specific UK visa requirements for UK citizens now though. Sylvia. As far as I know, it is only US citizens this applies to.
Silvia says
Thanks for the heads up! There are so many contradicting stories regarding Iranian visas, so it’s all a little confusing. Maybe different consulates are following different rules or something.
Javad says
Hi my dear silvia. I read your beautiful post. It was make me to cry when reading it. You’re very, very kind and fair. I hope that all people understand that Iran is a peaceful country and throughout it’s history has not invaded any country But others have been attacked my country. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I hope to see you again in Iran.
Silvia says
Thank you for your kind comment, Javad! I’m so grateful for the wonderful time I had in Iran, and I would love to go back again someday!
Sajad says
Iran has much more to offer, Iranians has always welcomed tourists. I suggest this site ( http://www.otraq.com ) to get more info on the country
Justine says
One of my good friends has a ton of family back in Iran. She usually goes back to visit them for a month every year. I love listening to her stories about life in Iran. And it’s a place I’ve always wanted to go. However, I always thought it was off limits to me since I’m a US citizen. That’s great that you can take tours there though. It looks beautiful. I had no idea Tehran was surrounded by snowy mountains. So beautiful!
Silvia says
I had no idea Tehran was surrounded by mountains either! Imagine my surprise my first day there when I was walking around and looked up to see a snowy peak, haha. A lot of tour companies are starting to offer tours to Iran, which I think means that more affordable options are coming out for Americans. Super exciting!
Renuka says
Iran surely look like a country worth visiting. I agree the landscapes are beautiful and as you said people greeted you with warm smiles. What else do you need? 🙂
Silvia says
Right? It really was the perfect place to go as a tourist – and as a solo traveler!
Karisa @ Flirting with the Globe says
A great post and gorgeous photos. It definitely has me thinking about a trip to Iran in the future!
Silvia says
Iran is definitely worth a trip! Before going there I had no idea it was such an easy place to travel in, or quite so beautiful!
Miquel says
Iran looks incredible! You have really peaked my interest in traveling to this part of the world.
Silvia says
It really is such a unique place – definitely worth a visit someday!
Graham says
I went in 2007 and have spoken to dozens of travelers since who have been and every single one, like me said it was the friendliest pace they had been to. I did hear of only one woman who didn’t like it and she said it was because it was too friendly she didn’t have enough personal space!
Silvia says
It was hearing stories like those that convinced me that it would be fine to travel there alone. Though I have to admit, after a couple of weeks of Iranian hospitality I was a little relieved to have some space in Armenia, haha.
Luke says
I honestly didn’t think those ‘reactions’ at the top were extreme at all, indeed they seemed pretty spot on. I have never considered Iran as a travel destination but I am honestly so intrigued. Was it easy to get around? Was it expensive to get to and spend time in? Ho did you fill your time when not in awe of your surroundings? Basically what I’m saying is I hope you post more about this trip 🙂
Silvia says
It’s sad, but you’re right, those reactions probably are pretty typical. You can read more posts about my trip at http://http://www.heartmybackpack.com/category/iran/ . It was amazing!
Victoria@ The British Berliner says
This post is lovely Silvia! I always enjoy visiting countries with awe-inspiring historical pasts. Countries such as Egypt, Turkey, China, Jordan, even Russia! Iran is also one of such places. I would love to go there one day. Probably with a small tour group though in order to move around, as I don’t have as much time as I used to anymore what with having a pre-teenager, school n’ all that. Sigh!
I love reading your blogs as you tend to visit interesting places like Kazachstan and Central Asia. More of the same please!
Silvia says
Thanks, Victoria! I guess I will have to go to some more cool places, just for you 🙂 I’m heading to Russia this winter (brrr) and am beyond excited!!
Victoria@ The British Berliner says
I can’t wait to hear all about it as I’d like to go to Russia next year! But probably, in the summer LOL!
Silvia says
Haha yeah summer might be a smarter choice, but winter in Siberia will at least be an adventure! Expect photos of a very frozen Silvia, ha.
Timothy W Pawiro says
What a lovely country!
Thanks for sharing this experience … 🙂
Jimmy Dau says
I just got back from Iran last week. Ahhhmazing! Although I’m all kebabed out haha.
Silvia says
So glad you loved it as well! Kebabed out, but I bet you could still go for another glass of doogh. At least I know I could!
Aria says
Hi dear Silvia,
I’m here to express my gratitude because of your true and honest comments about Iran.
Everybody is welcome to Iran to explore Iranian’s warm hospitality, really beautiful nature, delicious food, rich culture and great history.
Thanks again and I wish you all the best.
Cheers,
Aria
Iran
Silvia says
Thank you, dear Aria! I tell everyone I meet that they should go to Iran – it’s such a special place!
Miranda says
Iran has been high on my list for ages now. Unfortantely being Canadian means I can only visit on a guided tour, but after reading so much about Iran, and looking at photos, I might just do it.
Silvia says
I’ve heard that a lot of tours can be really good – Yomadic runs one – and I think Iran is worth it 🙂
Alexandra says
Hi Silvia, first of all: I loved all your posts about Iran!!
I will be going to Iran in oktober and can’t wait to finally see everything and posts about it on my own blog. And that’s something I want to ask you a question about: did you get in any trouble because of your blogging about Iran? Because my government (I live in the Netherlands) warns against blogging about Iran beceause the government of Iran thinks of blogging as illegal journalism. The Dutch government traveladvice-website says that you’ll get in a lot of trouble when you do blog about Iran, did you experience any of this? I would love to know because I don’t intend on visiting Iran only once in my live 😉
Bye 🙂
Alexandra
Silvia says
Honestly, I sort of wonder if I’ll run into problems if I do go back to Iran. One of my posts was translated into Farsi and published in some Iranian newspapers, so I’m probably on the government’s radar? I didn’t expect my posts to be so popular, so I’m not sure how it will affect my trying to go to Iran in the future. I do know some bloggers, like Yomadic, who have blogged a LOT about Iran and continue to visit though, so it should be okay for you, I think.
ali says
blogging is not illegal, commenting against the government policies are another matter though. you can find many Iranians blogging without a problem and not all of them have some police knocking at their doors! avoid political matters, and items considered sensitive and you”ll be fine.
and Silvia thanks a lot for the positive image of my country you portrayed. it was heart warming to know that you have enjoyed your visit 🙂
Monika says
Amazing and outstanding blog! Thanks for sharing!
minoo says
Hello. Please check your email. Beautiful lady.♥