29 Mar 2024
Tuesday 15 April 2014 - 15:12
Story Code : 92675

21 Gorgeous photos that show why Iran is a new tourist hotspot

21 Gorgeous photos that show why Iran is a new tourist hotspot
Iran is becoming a tourist hotspot this year, with tour operators reporting significant increases in tourists booking trips to the Middle Eastern country.Perhaps that's because of a slightthaw in its relationshipswith the West, or simply because of the allure of exploring a little-known tourist destination with few other tourists around.Americans are allowed to visit Iran. In fact,Iran is actively encouraging visits from them. But U.S. citizens who do visit must travel with an official tour guide andget their itinerary approved by theIranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to get a visa. Travel within Iran is considered safe if you tour responsibly, even though theU.S. Department of State has issued a travel warningto Iran.
From ancient cities with breathtaking mosques to gorgeous natural landscapes, here are some of Iran's most beautiful, and untouched, tourist attractions.

Isfahan, located in the center of the country, is perhaps Irans most touristy city, famous for its Islamic architecture, covered bridges, palaces, and mosques.


Isfahan, located in the center of the country, is perhaps Irans most touristy city, famous for its Islamic architecture, covered bridges, palaces, and mosques.
Shutterstock.com





It's home to several major tourist sites, such as Imam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan Square), one of the largest and most beautiful city squares in the world. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site that features gorgeous Iranian and Islamic architecture.


It's home to several major tourist sites, such as Imam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan Square), one of the largest  and most beautiful  city squares in the world. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site that features gorgeous Iranian and Islamic architecture.
Shutterstock.com





There are also beautiful mosques here, like the dreamy Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.
There are also beautiful mosques here, like the dreamy Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.



Tehran, the nation's capital city, is surrounded by snowy mountains.


Tehran, the nation's capital city, is surrounded by snowy mountains.
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The Azadi Tower marks the entrance to the capital city.


The Azadi Tower marks the entrance to the capital city.
Shutterstock.com





Marvel at the incredible craftsmanship and detailing of Persian carpets at the Carpet Museum of Iran.


Marvel at the incredible craftsmanship and detailing of Persian carpets at the Carpet Museum of Iran.
Flickr/reibai





Or buy a carpet. Haggle with locals while shopping at Tehran's Grand Bazaar.


Or buy a carpet. Haggle with locals while shopping at Tehran's Grand Bazaar.
Flickr/lfphotos





Here, vendors sell all sorts of Western clothing, like bras, jeans, and T-shirts.


Here, vendors sell all sorts of Western clothing, like bras, jeans, and T-shirts.
Flickr/kamshots





There's lots to choose from.


There's lots to choose from.
Flickr/kamshots





Tea is a huge part of Persian culture.


Tea is a huge part of Persian culture.
Flickr/kamshots





Locals meet in outdoor cafes in Tehran.


Locals meet in outdoor cafes in Tehran.
Flickr/ninara





Grab a quick meal: Vendors sell fresh kebabs all over the city.

Grab a quick meal: Vendors sell fresh kebabs all over the city.


Pair a kebab with a slab of fresh-baked chewy Persian bread.


Pair a kebab with a slab of fresh-baked chewy Persian bread.
Flickr/kamshots





Shemshak Ski Resort is less than an hour from Tehran. Wealthy Tehranis love to escape here on the weekends.


Shemshak Ski Resort is less than an hour from Tehran. Wealthy Tehranis love to escape here on the weekends.
Flickr/ninara





Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, dating to 515 B.C. The ancient city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.


Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, dating to 515 B.C. The ancient city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
suronin /Shutterstock.com





Incredible reliefs are carved into the rocks at Persepolis.


Incredible reliefs are carved into the rocks at Persepolis.
Shutterstock.com





Shiraz, known as the city of love and Persian poetry, is another city tourists love. It's home to the historic Eram Garden (Garden of Paradise).


Shiraz, known as the city of love and Persian poetry, is another city tourists love. It's home to the historic Eram Garden (Garden of Paradise).
suronin / Shutterstock.com





Several famous Persian poets are buried in Shiraz in elaborate tombs. This is the mausoleum of Saadi, a 13th-century poet.


Several famous Persian poets are buried in Shiraz in elaborate tombs. This is the mausoleum of Saadi, a 13th-century poet.
Shutterstock.com





There are also gorgeous mosques here, such as the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.


There are also gorgeous mosques here, such as the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.
Ko.Yo/Shutterstock.com





Ramsar is a popular beach resort on the coast of the Caspian Sea.


Ramsar is a popular beach resort on the coast of the Caspian Sea.
Flickr/wetlandsofpakistan





There are beach resorts here, but it's also an area for fishermen.

There are beach resorts here, but it's also an area for fishermen.




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