Tehran, one of Iran's most popular tourist destinations, is a bustling metropolis nestled against the Alborz Mountains. It is the capital of Iran as well as the seat of the province of Tehran. Tehran is the most populous city in Iran and Western Asia, and the second-largest metropolitan region in the Middle East, with a population of roughly 9 million in the city and 16 million in the larger metropolitan area. This capital city provides a window into modern-day Iran.

The city, which is popular as a tourist attraction, has both historical landmarks and a dazzling skyline, making it a melting pot of the ancient and the modern. There are several museums and palaces to see, as well as a chic cafe scene to relax in in the evenings. Tochal and Darband are two interesting day trips from the city if you want to see more of the area. They are surrounded by natural beauty and provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Tehran.

• Tourist Attractions: The Grand Bazaar, National Museum of Iran, Golestan Palace, Sa’dabad Complex
• Places to stay: Taj Mahal Hotel, Espinas Palace Hotel, Parsian Evin Hotel

Tabriz is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history dating back over 4,500 years. Tabriz, which is rich in Azeri culture, is known for its bustling market, and if you're looking for places to shop in Iran, this should be at the top of your list. Tabriz, which the Bible places near the gates of paradise, has a rich historical legacy. The massive Blue Mosque of 1465, which is filled with glittering ceramics of a deep cobalt blue, shows the place's long past in the layers of architectural magnificence it is famed for.

Another must-see is Tabriz's enormous Bazaar, which is recognized as one of the old Silk Road's main trading outposts. The vaulted ceilings and alcoves of this ancient merchant center are still brimming with gleaming gold jewelry and blood-red carpets, sweet-smelling Turkic sweets, and a plethora of eastern spices. The city is easily accessible thanks to excellent transportation facilities, and the beautiful weather adds to one's enjoyment of the city.

• Tourist Attractions: El Goli (Shah Goli), Blue Mosque, Bazaar of Tabriz, Azerbaijan Museum
• Places to stay: Ahrab Hotel, Tabriz Elgoli Pars Hotel, Shahryar International Hotel
  

Esfahan is a living museum of traditional culture and one of Iran's most popular tourist destinations. The antique Islamic structures, as well as the Persian gardens, give this city a lovely appearance. The picture-postcard bridges are the main attraction in this Iranian location. The splendid city of Esfahan is definitely one of the most gorgeous in all of Iran, gilded with the wealth of more monarchs, sultans, and Muslim caliphs than you can shake a cobalt-blue porcelain pitcher from a Zagros Mountain town at.

The huge Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encircled by ceramic-fronted mosques and beautiful Safavid palaces, is the beating heart of Esfahan. Wherever you go, trickling fountains give way to tree-lined avenues, famed madrassahs rise from the streets, and arabesque souks brim with multi-colored spice stacks and tassel-fringed oriental carpets.

• Tourist Attractions: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Imam (Shah) Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
• Places to stay: Abbasi Hotel, Iran Hotel, Piroozy Hotel, Parsian Kowsar Hotel

Shiraz is known for poetry and wine and was once the Iranian capital. With a history of more than 4,500 years, there’s evidence to show that Tabriz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the entire world. The massive Blue Mosque of 1465, which is filled with glittering ceramics of a deep cobalt blue, is one example of the place's rich heritage revealing itself in the layers of architectural magnificence it is famed for.

Back in the day, it was also known for its vineyards. If you are a connoisseur of either, you’d love to spend time here. The city also includes stunning gardens and beautiful mosques, as well as key pilgrimage destinations for Iranians. Shiraz, a city brimming with love, should be on your travel itinerary if you are visiting Iran with your partner.

• Tourist Attractions: Tomb of Hafez, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, Nazar Garden
• Places to stay: Shiraz Grand Hotel, Zandiyeh Hotel, Karim Khan Hotel

The listing of locations to visit in Iran would be incomplete without mentioning Mashhad. Mashhad, the country's second-largest city and one of the holiest, is well worth a visit. It is home to the venerated tomb of Ali al-Ridha, Shia Islam's eighth Imam (or Imam Reza). The colossal Imam Reza shrine, which sprawls over nearly 600,000 square meters in the heart of the city; a glimmering mass of gold-clad minarets that reach over 30 meters into the sky and great domes inlaid with precious metal (it's unquestionably one of the country's most breath-taking pieces of architecture).

Plan your holiday well because during Muslim holidays, the city is totally booked months in advance, yet at other times, fantastic prices can be found! Also, if you're in town, go to the marketplaces and look at the carpets and saffron. Mashhad is regarded as having the best!

• Tourist Attractions: Imam Reza Shrine, Baba Ghodrat Tourist Complex, Golden Arch
• Places to stay: Sinoor Hotel, Ghasr Talaee Hotel, Javad Hotel

Yazd, also known as the "City of Windcatchers," is the capital of Yazd Province, located in central Iran, 300 kilometers southeast of Isfahan. Apart from the numerous tourist attractions, Yazd is the only city in Iran that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018. In the city of Yazd, one of the best locations to visit in Iran, walk along the winding alleyways enjoying the beauty of the mud-brick dwellings.

The city has its own charm that is sometimes overlooked because it is not the most touristy. The historic alleyways, which contain centuries of history, each have their own tale to tell. Yazd, a laid-back city, welcomes visitors to explore its maze of streets. The city has risen to prominence in the harsh nature of the desert and is becoming more and more prosperous day by day with the exemplary nature of its people.

• Tourist Attractions: Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Jameh Mosque of Yazd, Dowlat Abad Garden, Yazd Atashkadeh
• Places to stay: Dad Hotel, Parsian Safaiyeh Hotel, Jungle Hotel

Kashan is sometimes neglected on the way from Tehran to Esfahan, although it is one of Iran's most beautiful cities. Kashan emerges from the northern Iranian deserts midway between Esfahan and Tehran, the capital. The contrast between the dry immensities of the deserts and the lush greenery of the well-kept oasis is what gives it its allure.

An oasis town, it’s packed with blooming pockets of date palms and green gardens that are fed with babbling irrigation streams. The city was founded approximately eight thousand years ago, according to archaeological evidence. It is one of Iran's greatest tourist cities because of its historical homes. It also boasts some of the best traditional hotels where you may taste genuine Iranian hospitality. Are you looking forward to visiting this city? Also, get yourself some rose water from one of the bazaar's shops!

• Tourist Attractions: Fin Gardens, Kashan Bazaar, Historical houses: Borujerdi, Abbasi, and Tabatabaei
• Places to stay: Saraye Ameriha Boutique Hotel, Negin Traditional Hotel, Mahinestan Raheb Hotel

Ahvaz, often known as the "City of Bridges," is another of Iran's top tourist destinations. Ahvaz, the capital of the province of Khuzestan, is situated in southern Iran at a height of around 25 meters above sea level. This city is located amid the province's plains, which cover a large area. These bridges, which have made the city famous, span the Karun River.

The city is noted for its ethnic diversity and for its friendly inhabitants who are courteous and warm-hearted. Winters in Ahvaz are mild and brief, making them a particularly lovely time to visit the city. If you prefer to travel through cuisine, keep in mind that Ahvaz has some delectable spicy foods that you should not miss. Some examples are Ghalie Mahi, Ardeh Ash, and Roasted Fish.

• Tourist Attractions: Karun river, Pol-e Siah (Black Bridge), Pol-e Sefid (White Bridge), Ahvaz waterfall, Chahar Shir square
• Places to stay: Karun Hotel, Ahvaz Boostan Hotel