Philippine Tatler – Have you ever wondered about the appeal of travelling to Iran? Anthony Bourdain’s impression resonates with many who have set foot in the country: ”The Iran you see from the inside, once you walk the streets of Tehran, once you meet Iranians, is a very different place than the Iran you know from the news.” Read ahead for the best 10 things to do in Iran, along with some insider tips that will make your trip a real eye-opener
Photo: Pearl Yan/Hong Kong Tatler
Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz, Tabriz Bazaar and Isfahan Bazaar inside UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square are arguably some of the most architecturally beautiful bazaars in the country.
2/10 Try as many Persian dishes as you can
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To experience the flavourful and aromatic food of Iran, make your way to traditional Iranian restaurants or better yet, Persian homes. The culinary delights of Persian food are endless, elevated by coveted ingredients including saffron, pistachios, cardamom, turmeric and rosewater—which are native to Iran.
One of the most divine Persian dishes is tahchin, which is layered saffron rice mixed with yoghurt and chicken, and served with a golden brown, crunchy rice crust facing up. Another must-have is dizi, or abgoosht, a hearty Persian stew served in a stone pot, and consumed with ritualised steps which adds to the cultural experience.
If you must get your kebab fix, try chelo kebab koobideh, which is ground beef or lamb mixed with parsley and chopped onions paired with saffron rice.
3/10 Walk through the history of Persepolis
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From the grand staircases, pillars and carvings of the palaces, the remnants of this royal city are marvelous to behold and offer a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most ancient civilisations ever existed.
4/10 Visit the city of roses
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But Kashan has much more to offer than roses. If you get the chance to spend some time in the city, make sure to visit Fin Garden, Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse and Bazaar of Kashan to soak up some history and the beauty of Persian architecture.
5/10 Camp in the desert
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If visiting between March and June, take a tour to Bafgh Desert just half an hour from Yazd, where mesmerizing sand dunes, wild camels, and starry sky await.
6/10 Travel to Northwest Iran
Photo: Courtesy of SURFIRAN
East Azerbaijan Province boasts some otherworldly landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else in the world—notably Eynali, a colourful mountain range in Tabriz, while the Gilan Province is home to Masal County, a heaven-like scenery where some of the country’s best waterfalls, caves and forests that will make your jaw drop.
7/10 Enter the mosques
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Nasir-ol-molk Mosque (aka the Pink Mosque) in Shiraz is one of the most stunning and photographed pieces of architecture in Iran, known for its stained glass which reflects gorgeous patterns on the floor covered in Persian rugs when the sun shines through.
Tatler tip: The best time to visit is in the early morning, and female travellers can borrow a chador (a full-body garment) before entering the mosque.
8/10 Picnic with the locals
Photo: Pearl Yan/Hong Kong Tatler
If you can tag along with the locals for a picnic, it’s likely you’ll end up enjoying your feast at an incredible spot in a forest, near a lake or on a mountain.
9/10 Step back in time at historic villages
Photo: Pearl Yan/Hong Kong Tatler
If you’re in the Isfahan province, make time to see Abyaneh, a 2,000-year-old village where women wear abyanaki costume (a white long scarf with floral print) and speak a dialect that has elements of the Middle Persian language.
10/10 Celebrate Persian New Year
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The best time to visit Iran is during Nowruz—aka Persian New Year—which starts on the first day of the Iranian calendar around March 21 and lasts for 13 days. Every household starts spring-cleaning and setting up the “haft-seen” table, which consists of seven items that symbolise wishes for the new year.
On the last days of Nowruz celebration, the Festival of Fire takes place and sees bonfires on the street and Iranians jumping over the fire—a purifying ritual that is symbolic of cleansing one from evils and misfortunes, and hopes for a new beginning.