The Ultimate Travel Guide to Iran Written by a Local

My name is Parastoo, and I grew up in Tehran in Iran. I studied in Shahrood, and 3 years ago moved to the Netherlands to study Tourism Management at Breda University. Currently, I am doing an internship with CultureRoad Travel. In this blog I’ll share my insider’s experiences of my beautiful home country: Iran!

My favourite places to travel are Tehran, Shiraz, and Esfahan in Iran. I will share tips on must-see locations, popular foods to try, and handy Persian phrases to make your trip unforgettable.

My Perfect Day in Tehran

If you’re visiting Tehran, get ready for a mix of history, nature, and modern city life.

Morning: Sunrise and Mountain Walk in Darband

Start your day with fresh mountain air in Darband, a beautiful hiking area north of Tehran. You can walk along the stone paths, small waterfalls, and cozy cafés while locals enjoy their morning exercise. For breakfast, try a classic Persian omelet at a mountainside café, and Adasi, a warm lentil soup. Persian omelet is made with tomatoes, eggs, and spices, served with warm bread and hot tea.

Afternoon: Sa’ad Abad Complex and Niavaran Park

After breakfast in Darband, head south to Sa’ad Abad Complex. This is a beautiful historical palace and museum complex located on the slopes of the mountains. It’s a peaceful place where you can enjoy the gardens and museum exhibits. Visit Tajrish Bazaar in northern Tehran, a smaller and quieter market than the Grand Bazaar. Walk through the shops and explore fresh fruits, herbs, and Persian sweets. After shopping, enjoy a traditional Persian lunch at a nearby restaurant. Try Tahchin, a saffron rice cake with chicken or meat, or enjoy a classic kebab with rice.

After lunch, head to Niavaran Park, Jamshidieh Park, or Laleh Park. All are great spots to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. If you prefer a more local experience, visit one of Tehran’s popular local cafés in Valiasr Street, where you can enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries. Tehran has a growing coffee culture, so you’ll find many nice cafés offering a cozy place to relax.

Evening: Milad Tower or Tabiat Bridge

For sunset, head to Milad Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world. From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Tehran and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, visit Tabiat Bridge, a modern walker bridge that connects two parks and offers great views of Tehran. It’s a lovely place to walk and relax in the evening.

My Perfect Day in Shiraz: Great Food & Local Culture

If you’re visiting Shiraz, get ready for a city full of gardens, history, and amazing food. Here’s a simple plan to help you enjoy a perfect day in Shiraz!

Morning: Pink Mosque and Persian Garden

Wake up early and start your day at Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque). This mosque is famous for its colorful stained-glass windows. The sunlight makes the whole place glow with beautiful colors. It’s a great spot for photos and a peaceful way to start the day.

After the mosque, take a short ride to Eram Garden. This is one of Iran’s most famous Persian gardens, full of tall trees, flowers, and beautiful old houses. Walk around, enjoy the fresh air, and take some pictures. For experiencing a local breakfast, you can try:

• Nan, Panir, Sabzi (Bread, Cheese & Herbs) which is a simple but delicious Persian breakfast.
• Kale Pache that is a traditional dish made from lamb’s head and feet. It’s heavy but very popular!

Afternoon: Old Bazaar, Sweets and Tea

Next, head to Vakil Bazaar, a busy traditional market where you can experience local handmade carpets, spices, and souvenirs. It’s a fun place to walk, shop, and see local life. Near the bazaar, you can also visit the Vakil Mosque, known for its tall columns, and the Vakil Bathhouse, a historical Persian bathhouse now serving as a museum. For lunch, head to a traditional restaurant, try local Shirazi dishes such as Kalam Polo (rice with cabbage and meatballs), Shekar Polo (sweet saffron rice with almonds and pistachios), and the classic Doogh & Kebab (grilled meat with a cold yogurt drink).

After lunch, treat yourself to some delicious Shirazi desserts. You can try Faloodeh Shirazi, a sweet cold dessert made with frozen rice noodles, rosewater, and lime juice, or Masghati, a saffron-flavored candy. For a relaxing break, stop by a traditional teahouse in Vakil Bazaar to enjoy a cup of Persian tea and lost in the local atmosphere.

Evening: Sunset at Hafez’s Tomb

Before the evening comes, head to Hafez’s Tomb to watch the sunset. It’s a popular spot where locals gather to read poetry, listen to music, and relax. Many believe that Hafez’s poems can predict the future, so feel free to ask a local to read one for you!

My Perfect Day in Isfahan

If you’re visiting Isfahan, get ready for a city full of history, stunning architecture, and amazing food. Here’s a perfect one-day itinerary to help you experience the best of Isfahan like a local!

Morning: Mountain Views

Start your day at Soffeh Mountain, a great spot for hiking and enjoying fresh air. If you don’t feel like walking all the way up, there’s a cable car that takes you to the top, where you can find small cafés with a great view. You can also bring your own breakfast and have a little picnic in nature and enjoy your morning.

Afternoon: Explore the City by Scooter

The best way to get around? Rent a scooter or a bike using a local apps. Ride down from Soffeh, pass Vahid Bridge, and follow the river toward the city center. On your way you can explore Chaharbagh Street, a beautiful boulevard lined with trees, perfect for a slow and relaxing ride. Your destination is Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the heart of Esfahan!

Once you arrive at Naqsh-e Jahan Square, you’ll find yourself surrounded by history, handicraft shops, and traditional restaurants. If you want to eat like a local, try Beryani (Fried meat served on a piece of bread, with onion and greens on the side), or Khoresht-e Mast, a sweet saffron-infused yogurt dish.

After lunch, enjoy some classic Isfahan’s sweets. While exploring the bazaar, try Gooshfil & Doogh, a crispy honey pastry with a salty yogurt drink. If you like chewy treats, try Gaz, a soft nougat with pistachios. For something sweet and light, Pulaki are crispy sugar candies, perfect with tea. Don’t forget to try Persian black tea with Nabat, saffron rock candy that adds a lovely sweetness to your drink.

Evening: The Magic of Si-o-se Pol

As the sun sets, make your way to Si-o-se Pol (33-Arch Bridge). At night, the bridge is beautifully set a light, and the atmosphere is magical. You’ll see people gathering by the river, playing music, and even singing a song, something Isfahan is famous for! additionally, you can experience some deep conversations with locals there!

Useful Persian Phrases for Travelers

If you want to connect with locals, learning a few Persian words can be really helpful. Here are some basics:

• Salam – Hello
• Merci / Mamnoon – Thank you
• Bebakhshid – Excuse me / Sorry
• Kalam Polo darid? – Do you have Kalam Polo?
• Kheyli khoshmaze ast – It’s very delicious!
• Takhfif darid? – Do you have a discount?
• Lotfan yek chay ba nabat be man bedid – Please give me a tea with rock candy
• Hesab lotfan – The bill, please
• In chand ast? – How much is this?
• Man gom shodam! – I’m lost!

Even if you only use a couple of these, locals will appreciate the effort and welcome you with a smile!

Visiting Iran isn’t just about sightseeing: it’s about experiencing Persian hospitality, tasting incredible Persian food, and discovering its rich history and culture. Every moment in Iran feels meaningful and unique, whether traveling solo or with a group.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Persia’s poetry, food, and architecture. Send us a message today to start planning your adventure!