Things to do in Esfahan

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Things to do in Esfahan (Isfahan)

Things to do in Esfahan, Iran - Unbelievable architectureIran is a fascinating place and the contrast between people’s perception and the reality couldn’t be more different. These surprises are beautifully played out in Esfahan. This is Iran’s main tourist destination and for the wow factor it is deserved. The people and the culture are the most interesting but this can be discovered just by being there. Below I will give you my top things to do in Isfahan when there.

Time to do: 2 days if you are in rush and 3 if you want to buy a carpet as well.

 

Things to do in Esfahan – Imam Square (Shah Square or Naqsh-e Jahan Square)

Things to do in Esfahan, Iran - Shah Square panoramicOne of the best city locations I have ever been. The place is immense. We walked down the narrow bustling streets with no indication of the sight that was imminent. When I walked out into Imam Square that evening I was bowled over with how cool the place was. The mosques, the fountain, the palace, everything was lit up and looked like it was brand new. The size of the square was also hard fathom (the second biggest in the world). I had read it was a place to go in Isfahan but had no idea of the beauty. I wouldn’t normally (ever) be so enthusiastic about a place but the deep blue of the mosques was stunning and didn’t let on that they were 400 years old. The original polo pillars are still standing at each end of the square. The whole square is surrounded by shops which sounds like it could be tacky but all the shops have the same façade so you would hardly notice they are there. On the opposite side of the shops are hallways where you can escape the heat or escape the square by following them on into the bazaar (more below).

When the Shah started construction in 1602 he wanted the square done in a hurry. When the architect refused to build walls without foundations he had to flee as the Shah got into a rage. I wouldn’t have blamed him as the same Shah had previously had two of his own sons executed and another blinded!

Whatever you do make sure you go to Shah Square during the evening time. Iranians, like bats, love to come out in the evening and the city is a hive of activity. In Shah square there are kids in the fountain, boys playing football and families on the grass having dinner. There are horses, golf buggies and kids cars all doing large laps of the square. Whatever you do don’t just visit during the day when the mosques are open because the place is empty

Things to do in Esfahan – Shah Mosque (Masjed-e Shah, Masjed-e Immam)

Things to do in Esfahan, Iran - Jame-Abasi-MosqueA spectacular 400 year old mosque on the southern end of Imam Square. It really is. There is unbelievable detail in the tilework which is from floor to ceiling. The mixture of blue and yellow is almost hypnotic. The huge ceilings tower above you as you wander around and escape the sun. In the main hall there is a spot under the highest point of the ceiling (marked with a different tile) where the sound is 7 times louder even though there is no walls close to you. Clap or shout there and you’ll see what I mean.

The mosque closes in the evening and costs approx US$7 to enter.

 

Things to do in Esfahan – Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah)
Things to do in Esfahan, Iran - Shah Square

Sheikh Loftallah Mosque in the background

Another brilliant mosque on the east side of the square this time. Similar to Shah Mosque above but not as big.

The mosque closes in the evening also and costs approx US$7 to enter.

Things to do in Esfahan – Ali Qapu Palace

Things to do in Esfahan, Iran - View of Imam Square from Ali QapuThis palace on the west side of Imam Square directly opposite Lotfollah Mosque. Although it looks cool from the outside is not worth the steep entry fee (approx US$7). It is a UNESCO world heritage site and provides the best overview of the square but there really isn’t that much to see. What you can see from the square is the whole thing which is very disappointing. There are some very cool ceilings inside which maybe softens the blow.

 

 

 

Things to do in Esfahan – Bazaar Bozorg

Things to do in Esfahan, Iran - Shopping in Bazaar BazorgThings to do in Esfahan, Iran - Bazaar BozorgBe careful not to get lost. Seriously. This place is massive. Well worth a visit and you won’t get hassled. People in Iran are very friendly but also vendors tend to leave you to your own devices. And so walking in the bazaar can be very pleasant especially when you are escaping the heat. The bazaar starts on the east side of Imam Square and then heads off north east. You will get to see how all walks of life live and the items that the locals buy on a daily basis. As you wander around you will pass from the pots and pans section to the clothes section to the jewellery section. I honestly don’t know how every shop manages to make money as there are usually hundreds of similar shops selling the same items. Don’t forget to stop for chai (tea) when you can. It is a nice (tricky) way to eventually make your way to the next attraction – Jameh Mosque

Things to do in Esfahan – Jameh Mosque (Masjed-e Jameh)

Things to do in Esfahan, Iran - Jameh MosqueNot quite as blue and spectacular to look at as both mosques on Imam Square but when you consider that Jameh Mosque is there in various guises for 1,400years then it is fairly spectacular. The south dome is there for the last 1,000years. It can be quite hard to find if you are in the bazaar as you cannot see the minarets but basically head for any opening out of the bazaar when near and you could end up on the court yard. It is not signposted for tourists. I tried to be polite and wait for the main entrance without knowing where that or the actual mosque was. After a long time and some impatience we just headed down an alley from the bazaar and voila, we ended up in the courtyard.

Entrance is free.

Things to do in Esfahan – Vank Cathedral

Well away from the other attractions in Esfahan but worth the trip when you head over the Si-o-Seh Bridge as it is another 10min walk south from there. A 350 year old Christian church is rare in Iran and this cathedral is much more beautiful on the inside than the outside. Some of the frescos on the inside took 15years to draw.

Things to do in Esfahan – Chehelsotoon Palace (Kakh-e Chehel Sotun)

A pavilion in a garden and not a bad place to welcome dignitaries from foreign lands back in the day. Chelehlsotoon is located close to Imam Square. It looks well at night when the columns are reflecting in the pool (and where the name, 40 columns, comes from)

Things to do in Esfahan – Si-o-Seh Bridge (Pol-e si-o-seh)

Things to do in Esfahan, Iran - Si-o-Seh-Pol Bridge at nightA spectacular two story pedestrian bridge and best seen at night. You can get great photos with the soft orange light in the background. My photos might not be great but those with better skill could manage it. Full of life in the evenings and well worth a visit. Although bridge is in the name don’t be expecting too much water as it depends on a dam further upstream and can be often almost completely dry.

 

 

Things to do in Esfahan – Hasht Behesht Gardens

A nice relaxing garden to laze around and get out of the sun. There is a small pavilion (Hasht Beheshti Palace) in the centre but mainly it is just trees and grass. You can spot locals play backgammon and kids play football.

Map of Esfahan Attractions

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What to do in Esfahan, Iran

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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Imam Square: 32.657775, 51.677542
What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Shah Mosque: 32.654514, 51.677826
What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Sheikh Loftallah Mosque: 32.657503, 51.678835
What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Bazaar Bozorg: 32.662270, 51.677971
What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Jameh Mosque: 32.670030, 51.685256
What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Vank Cathedral: 32.635115, 51.655596
What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Chehelesotoon Palace: 32.657398, 51.671932
What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Si-o-Seh Pol Bridge : 32.644197, 51.667500
What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Hasht Behesht Gardens: 32.654284, 51.670246
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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Imam Square
Esfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Shah Mosque
Esfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Sheikh Loftallah Mosque
Esfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Bazaar Bozorg
Esfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Jameh Mosque
Esfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Vank Cathedral
Vank Church, Vank Church Alley, Isfahan, Iran
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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Chehelesotoon Palace
Chehelsotoon Palace, Ostandari Street, Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Si-o-Seh Pol Bridge
Si o Seh Pol Bridge, Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
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What to do in Esfahan, Iran - Hasht Behesht Gardens
Hasht Behesht Garden, Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran
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Ross Travellingforfun

About Ross Travellingforfun

I have ducked, dived, bungeed, burned, skydived, surfed, volunteered, volcanoed, crossed continents, conquered mountains, got robbed, got sick and got drunk and I hope this website will inspire you to do the same.