Holding various types of tourist attractions and activities, Iran is One Land for Many Travel Tastes. The best holiday destination in the Middle East is definitely Iran, especially when you have an interest in;

          • Ancient Historical RuinsΒ 
          • Persian Culture and Traditions
          • Mesmerizing Iranian Architecture and Art
          • Pure and Spectacular Nature
          • Welcoming and Friendly People

Best Travel Destinations in IRAN

Top Trends in 2022 in Iran ; New Destinations New Experiences

Nowadays, tourists are attracted to less ancient but more Mixture of Cultural and Natural Destinations in Iran.
A combination of Hyrcanian Jungles with farms and Rasht food tours or a mix of West-Iran stepped villages, waterfalls, and Nomads are tourists’ top-rated destinations and can soon be the best seller tours in Iran.

  • 9 days Food and Culinary Tour of Iran with the emphasis on Persian cuisine and northern culture is one of the first choices for senior-aged tours who look for some fun and culture on the same vacation.
  • If you are in Iran for only a short stop due to business missions or limit of time, 4 Days Tehran and Hyrcanian Forest tour is a mixture of Cultural Heritage, Modernity, Ecotour, and Alborz mountain Villages.

Cherry-Picked Experiences for Travellers

Take the Persian Cooking Course if you are a foodie!Β 

Make your Hand-Made Persian Collection if you are Art freak!

Surf Deserts, Ski on Snow, Hike in Jungles & Dive in Blue Waters if you are Nature lover!

Meet people, share ideas, know religions, know Iranians if you are a social person!

Inspiring Destinations in Iran

Iran’s most inspiring tourist destinations in 2020 are focusing on the Nomadic tribes and small villages with rich cultural background. Among all nomads and villages around Iran, the ones from Fars, Kurdistan, and Lorestan Provinces are known as the most intimate tour stations.
At the next inspiration, states the desert trips, safari, and stargazing. Lut desert is certified as a world heritage site by UNESCO, and every year more and more tourists tend to visit the three types of deserts in Iran and enjoy the adventurous activities. Moreover, since Iran deserts have the least air pollution and the best view of the skies, tourists take advantage of stars photography and enjoy seeing the meteor shower based on the time.

Things to Do with Kids in Iran and Child-Friendly Destinations

The charming historical sites, hospitable people, and a variety of experiences are only a few reasons that families with kids find Iran an ideal vacation destination in the Middle East. Meeting Nomad families will perk up your child’s excitement and broaden their life’s vision. There, your kids will figure out how Nomads live and do daily occupations like milking, curing, or shaving off wools and even participate in some activities like feeding or herding sheep.

Visiting different natural areas can also be another spotlight of the journey, like; desert with star gazing spice, colored mountains in Qeshm Island, andΒ  Natural Caves.

Adrenaline and Adventure Traveling in Iran

What speeds up your heartbeat? Imagine yourself parasailing on top of the Persian Gulf, or driving off-road xtreme jeep? Do you like trekking in high mountains? Or rafting and boat riding in valleys? Iran is a destination where always will have a hidden gem in the pocket. Here you find so many adventure activities to do and living it up, whether in a group or individually.

Frequent Asked Question about Iran Destinations

Considering all types of tourism, including leisure travel, business trips, and international arrivals, Tehran receives the highest number of tourists in Iran each year. As the capital city, Tehran hosts the largest number of international flights, business travelers, and cultural visitors.
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Mashhad is the most visited city for religious tourism. Home to the Shrine of Imam Reza, it attracts millions of Shia Muslim pilgrims annually from around the world for ziyarat and spiritual journeys.
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After Tehran and Mashhad, Shiraz and Isfahan rank at the same level as the most popular destinations for leisure travelers, especially those interested in Persian history, architecture, culture, and art.
Iran is best known for its ancient history, local lifestyle experiences, and rich cuisine. For a truly memorable journey, we recommend combining:
β€’Historical and cultural landmarks
β€’Local activities and authentic experiences
β€’Traditional Iranian food and culinary experiences
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What makes FriendlyIran different from other travel agencies is our focus on customized Iran tours. Every itinerary is designed specifically for your interests, travel style, and budget, ensuring a unique and personal travel experience in Iran.
Among Iran’s travel destinations, Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Mashhad, and Kish are the most developed cities in terms of infrastructure and urban planning. These cities offer better accessibility through suitable hotels, transportation, and public spaces.
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For travelers with special accessibility needs, we highly recommend private tours in Iran with the support of experienced guides or companions, to ensure comfort, safety, and a smooth travel experience throughout the journey.
Here are some of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in Iran, located in top travel destinations:
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Tehran
β€’ Espinas Palace Hotel (5β˜…) – A preferred choice for celebrities and diplomats, offering outstanding service, panoramic city views, and luxury facilities.
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Shiraz
β€’ Zandieh Hotel (5β˜…) – A modern-classic hotel in the city center, known for excellent service and friendly staff.
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Isfahan
β€’ Abbasi Hotel (Abbasi Caravanserai) (5β˜…) – A historic boutique hotel with stunning Persian architecture. We recommend upgraded rooms for a more luxurious stay.
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Mashhad
β€’ Almas Hotel 2 (5β˜…) – Highly rated for both business and pilgrimage stays, offering comfort and premium services.
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Tabriz
β€’ Kaya Laleh Park Hotel (5β˜…) – A luxury hotel combining comfort, convenience, and international standards.
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Kashan
β€’ Saraye Ameriha Boutique Hotel – A beautifully restored historical Persian house with exceptional service and location.
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Kish Island
β€’ Dariush Grand Hotel (5β˜…) – Famous for its unique design, excellent service, and proximity to the sea and Grand Pier.
According to the International SOS Travel Safety Map (2019), central, northern, and southern regions of Iran are considered safe for travelers, comparable to many European destinations.
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Travel to western and eastern border regions is generally not recommended, and Sistan and Baluchestan Province is classified as a high-risk area for tourism.

For first-time travelers, we recommend starting with Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd. These cities offer a perfect introduction to Iran’s history, architecture, food culture, and local lifestyle. They are well-connected, tourist-friendly, and provide a balanced mix of modern life and ancient heritage.

A well-rounded Iran trip usually requires 10 to 14 days. This allows enough time to explore major cities without rushing, enjoy local experiences, and travel comfortably between destinations. Shorter trips of 7–8 days are also possible if focused on two or three key cities.

Yes, Iran is one of the best destinations for slow travel. Cities like Shiraz, Yazd, Kashan, and Rasht are ideal for travelers who enjoy walking, cafΓ© culture, local interactions, and immersive cultural experiences. Many visitors say Iran is best experienced when taken slowly.

Iran is rich in cultural heritage, and the top destinations for history lovers include Isfahan, Shiraz, Persepolis, Yazd, Kashan, and Tehran. These places showcase Persian architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient cities, mosques, gardens, and museums.

Absolutely. Iran offers diverse landscapes, from the Caspian forests and northern villages to deserts like Dasht-e Kavir and Lut Desert, and mountain regions such as Alamut and Zagros. Eco-tourism, village stays, and nature-based tours are growing in popularity.

Iranian cuisine varies by region. Rasht is known as Iran’s food capital, Shiraz offers rich southern flavors, Tehran provides a wide variety of traditional and modern dishes, and Tabriz is famous for its Azerbaijani-influenced cuisine. Food tours are highly recommended.

Yes, Iran is considered a safe and welcoming destination for solo travelers, including solo female travelers. Major cities and tourist routes are especially friendly, and locals are known for their hospitality and willingness to help. Private tours and local guides can add extra comfort and confidence.

Yes, visiting Iran during festivals such as Nowruz (Persian New Year), Yalda Night, or religious events offers a deeper cultural experience. However, accommodations may book quickly during peak seasons, so advance planning is recommended.
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β€’Spring (March–May): Best for most cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz
β€’Summer (June–August): Ideal for northern Iran, mountains, and cooler regions
β€’Autumn (September–November): Perfect for cultural and desert destinations
β€’Winter (December–February): Great for skiing and southern coastal areas
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Iran is considered a budget-friendly destination compared to many countries. Accommodation, food, transportation, and entrance fees are affordable, while luxury options are also available for travelers seeking high-end experiences.

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of traveling to Iran is the ability to design fully customized tours. At FriendlyIran, itineraries are tailored based on your interests, travel pace, preferred destinations, and budget, whether cultural, historical, nature-based, or experience-focused.

Life is too short to skip visiting Iran! FrienldyIran Travel Agency, as a local trip adviser and destination developer, makes your trip more and more exciting, based on your interests.

Responsible and Green Tourism in Iran is kindly new. Through friendly Iran assistance, you can make sure you are supporting Iran’s sustainable traveling and have an environmental-friendly Tour in Iran.
To know more, watch our Meaningful and Responsible Tourism in Iran page.

Take a break, sit back and relax, while we take care of your travel arrangements. Choose from a range of our tour packages, whether with inclusive flight tickets or without. Our custom-tailored packages guarantee an unforgettable experience with memories to cherish.

IRAN VISA SERVICES

Our visa experts ensure seamless and timely processing of Iranian visas. From tourist andΒ  visas toΒ  for permanent residents and business, we provide end-to-end services tailored to your specific needs.