The best time for traveling to Iran is normally from mid-March and April to May in the spring and from September to mid-November in the fall. However, Iran, as a vast country, is a destination for all four seasons where it is possible to travel at any time of the year. For instance, in July and August, the west and northwest of Iran are the best choices due to cooler weather mixed with classic routes, such as Tabriz, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, or Hamedan. The months of November, December, January, and February are the best for traveling to south Iran, including Qeshm, Kish, Chabahar, and Bushehr, which are must-see destinations in Iran due to the natural beauty and tourist attractions. Here, find a comprehensive guide to see the best time to visit Iran.
Iran offers a diverse range of cities to explore, each with its unique charm. Must-visit cities include:
Tehran: The capital, home to museums, palaces, and vibrant markets.
Isfahan: Known for stunning architecture and historical sites.
Shiraz: Famous for gardens, poetry, and Persepolis ruins.
Yazd: A desert city with well-preserved mud-brick architecture.
Kashan: Rich in historical houses and traditional bazaars.
Tabriz: Known for its bazaars and historical landmarks.
The official currency of Iran is the RIAL, although the informal unit of money is TOMAN which equals 10 RIALS. To cite an example, if the price of a mini-pizza is 50,000 Tomans, it is 500,000 Rials.
In Iran, credit cards and international debit cards, such as master cards or visa cards, are not supported. It is easily possible to change money at the airport, banks, and exchange offices in the cities or even to carry your money in cash. If the latter feels difficult or insecure for you, there are some companies available to provide you with local debit cards.
It is worth noting, however, that some upscale hotels and a few shops selling souvenirs in large cities may accept credit cards, so you might wish to take your card with you while traveling to Iran.
Yes, all tourists need a visa, except for certain exempted countries. Please visit our IRAN VISA page for more information.
Yes, all the hotels, hostels, etc., as well as some restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi to their guests. For 24-hour access to the internet, the best option is to buy an Iranian SIM card with its data package. Thus, 4G data with high speed is obtainable everywhere to meet your needs.
Access to WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube is blocked, needing a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Yes, for sure! Iran has always been safe for tourists. There is no war or insecurity in Iran and tourists are warmly welcomed. It is of course advisable to keep an eye on your valuable things in cramped places just as you would in any other country you visit.
There are some holidays in Iran when all sightseeing is closed due to specific religious ceremonies.
We suggest not planning the trip to Iran on these particular dates, however, if there is no way to change the schedule, we will organize other programs in each city to make the best use of your time.
Iranian Public Holidays in 2024:
1- 1st April (martyrdom of Imam Ali, the first Imam of Shiites)
2- 4th May (the martyrdom of Imam Sadeq, the sixth Imam of Shiites)
3- 3rd June (demise of Imam Khomeini)
4- 15th July (Tasoua, a day before Ashura, a mourning holiday for the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the third Imam of Shiites)
5- 16th July (Ashura, a day to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein)
6- 25th August (Arbaeen, forty days after the Day of Ashura)
7- 12th September (demise of Prophet Mohammad, and Imam Hasan- the second Imam of Shiites)
It is worth mentioning that during the Nowruz holidays, all sightseeing is open, but be aware that it usually takes 13 days in Iran, meaning everywhere is crowded and hotel prices increase dramatically.
Iran is a country with fantastic souvenirs. From spices, nuts, and precious stones, to Persian carpets and other stunning handicrafts. Persian rugs are widely available in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. When purchasing, make sure to buy from reputable dealers or stores to ensure the authenticity and quality of your Persian carpet. Bargaining is common in Iran, so feel free to negotiate the price. Keep in mind that Persian rugs can vary in size, design, material, and price, so you can choose one that suits your preferences and budget. For more details about Iran’s souvenirs, see here.
Due to Islamic regulations across the country, alcoholic drinks are forbidden in Iran and no restaurants are allowed to serve them. All non-alcoholic drinks can be found from Coca-Cola to various juices, including several local drinks and any types of tea, coffee, or even alcohol-free beer.
Several active international airlines have flights to and from many countries. Here are some well-known as well as some lesser-known airlines currently active in Iran.
This airline has direct roundtrip flights to Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara from Iran (IKA airport). Furthermore, Turkish Airlines has direct roundtrip flights from Istanbul to some cities in Iran including, Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Tabriz. It also should be noted that Turkish Airlines can be used as a connecting flight for many destinations in the world.
Qatar Airways has direct roundtrip flights from Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Isfahan to Doha.
Direct roundtrip flight from Tehran (IKA airport) to Frankfurt.
This airline offers clients the opportunity for direct roundtrip flights from Tehran to Dubai.
Direct flights from Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Isfahan to Dubai and vice-versa are possible with Fly Dubai.
Direct round-trip flight from Tehran to Istanbul and Antalya.
Also, direct round trip flight from Tabriz to Antalya.
There are direct roundtrip flights from Tehran, Mashhad, and Shiraz to Sharjah.
From Tehran to Wien, a direct roundtrip flight is available.
This airline has direct roundtrip flights from Tehran to Moscow.
Direct roundtrip flight from Tehran to Moscow is available.
There are direct roundtrip flights from Tehran and Shiraz to Muscat.
Direct roundtrip flights from Tehran to Yerevan are available.
This airline provides direct roundtrip flights from Tehran and Mashhad to Kuwait
The direct roundtrip flights from Tehran to Antalya, Alania, and Bodrum.
It is worth mentioning that some Iranian airlines such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, Qeshm Air, Meraj, Aseman, and Iran Air Tour, also cover many destinations around the world. To cite an example, for Southeast Asian cities like Bangkok, and Gwangju, Mahan Air provides direct flights for tourists, or for European cities like Rome, Paris, and Hamburg, Iran Air offers a direct flight to the clients.
Yes, you can. But during Ramadan, eating or drinking in the streets is forbidden until sunset (Iftar) out of respect to those fasting, and restaurants and cafes do not provide services to guests during that period. It should be noted that all meals are available in hotels. As a result, if traveling to Iran during Ramadan, please note that breakfast, lunch, and dinner will have to be eaten in hotels. In recent years, there have been a few restaurants in larger cities that have a license to serve food indoors or as a takeaway.
Yes, it is typically not a problem.
Women must wear a headscarf and cover their arms and legs in public.
Yes, but they must have their itinerary and tour guide approved beforehand.
Generally, yes, but US, UK, and Canadian citizens need an officially certified Iranian guide.
Yes, especially for government and military buildings. Always ask permission before photographing people.
