Esfahan

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Shah Mosque

Getty Images/Flickr RM

Overview

Esfahan is Iran’s top tourist destination for good reason. Its profusion of tree-lined boulevards, Persian gardens and important Islamic buildings gives it a visual appeal unmatched by any other Iranian city, and the many artisans working here underpin its reputation as a living museum of traditional culture. Walking through the historic bazaar, over the picturesque bridges and across the Unesco-listed central square are sure to be highlights of a holiday.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Imam Mosque at Naqhsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran. Imam mosque is known as Shah Mosque. Its construction finished in 1629.; Shutterstock ID 92388088; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Middle East Online Highlights Update ancient, arch, architecture, art, building, culture, dark, decoration, design, dome, east, esfahan, heritage, historic, holy, imam, inner, inside, interior, iran, iranian, isfahan, islam, islamic, jahan, light, masjid, mosque, muslim, naqsh-e, old, ornament, pattern, persia, persian, pray, religion, sacred, shah, shine, sight, site, square, structure, sunlight, sunny, tile, traditional, vintage, wall

    Masjed-e Shah

    Esfahan

    This elegant mosque, with its iconic blue-tiled mosaics and its perfect proportions, forms a visually stunning monument at the head of Esfahan's main…

  • Facade of Imam Mosque, aka Masjed-e Jadid-e Abbasi, or Shah Mosque, on Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square, Esfahan - Iran. April 21, 2017.

    Masjed-e Jameh

    Esfahan

    The Jameh complex is a veritable museum of Islamic architecture while still functioning as a busy place of worship. Showcasing the best that nine…

  • 622798102 Ancient; Architecture; Indian Culture; Iran; Iranian Culture; Isfahan; Islam; Tourism; Town Square; Built Structure; Lotfollah; Minaret; Mosaic; Mosque; Naqsh-e Jahan; Travel; Travel Destinations; Tree; UNESCO World Heritage Site; City; Famous Place; fontain; Old; Pond; Religion; Cultures; East Asian Culture; Emam Mosque; History; Horizontal; People; Photography; Shah; Springtime; Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam square), Isfahan, Iran

    Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square

    Esfahan

    Hemmed on four sides by architectural gems and embracing the formal fountains and gardens at its centre, this wondrous space is a spectacle in its own…

  • Isfahan, Iran - May 2019: Grand bazaar of Isfahan, also known as Bazar Bozorg with tourists and local people shopping, historical market; Shutterstock ID 1670251840; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other: 1670251840

    Bazar-e Bozorg

    Esfahan

    One of Iran’s most historic and fascinating bazaars, this sprawling covered market links Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Sq with the Masjed-e Jameh. At its busiest…

  • Nazhvan Cultural & Recreational Resort

    Nazhvan Cultural & Recreational Resort

    Esfahan

    This huge park on the outskirts of Esfahan encompasses a large complex of attractions that makes a pleasant contrast to Esfahan's intense city experience…

  • Kakh-e Chehel Sotun

    Kakh-e Chehel Sotun

    Esfahan

    Built as a pleasure pavilion and reception hall, using the Achaemenid-inspired talar (columnar porch) style, this beautifully proportioned palace is…

  • Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah

    Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah

    Esfahan

    Punctuating the middle of the arcades that hem Esfahan's largest square, this study in harmonious understatement complements the overwhelming richness of…

  • Armenian Cathedral Vank, October 6, 2014. Isfahan, Iran

    Kelisa-ye Vank

    Esfahan

    Built between 1648 and 1655 with the encouragement of the Safavid rulers, Kelisa-ye Vank in the Armenian neighbourhood of Jolfa is the historic focal…

View more attractions

Articles

Latest stories from Esfahan

Art

Off the beaten track: Iran's best kept secrets

Oct 10, 2017 • 5 min read

Read more articles

Build a memorable collection

Get to the heart of Esfahan with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.