Nefs-i Cihan Places to Visit in Isfahan

Nefs-i cihan, half of the world Isfahan, served as the capital during the Seljuk period, and experienced its strongest times when it was the capital of the Safavids. Zayende divides Isfahan, also known as the blue city because of its blue tile-inlaid buildings, and bridges were built over the river, each more beautiful than the other. Isfahan travel notes, Things to do in Isfahan You can find my suggestions about it in this article. 

Isfahan in short

During the Safavid era, Isfahan became one of the largest cities in the world, became stronger and more beautiful, and became the capital of the dynasty. Due to its position dominating Asia, Mesopotamia and Anatolia, it has become one of the important stops of the Silk Road. Today, it is one of the most popular cities of Iran with its hand-woven carpets, tile works, mosques, palaces, bridges, squares, teahouses and bazaars; Turkish, Persian and Iranian Isfahan, one of the most important stops of the civilization!

There is a provincial structure in Iran and the city of Isfahan is considered the capital of Isfahan province.

Places to Visit in Isfahan 

Isfahan is the most beautiful city in Iran, home to the most beautiful examples of Iranian architecture. It attracts travelers with its well-designed city plan and structures decorated with tile work. Come to 20 places that I would say go to Isfahan and say not to return without seeing it, let's visit together.

1. Naqsh-i Cihan Square (Imam Square)

My go to Isfahan; It was with an all-night bus ride from Tehran that I took at night. In Isfahan, where I landed very early in the morning, no place had been opened yet. Thus, I had the opportunity to see the famous Imam Square, which has become the symbol of Isfahan, in the daytime before the crowds collapsed and there were no people. The blue buildings surrounding the square, the newly rising sun and me!

When he starts to talk about Isfahan, the first place mentioned inevitably becomes Naqsh-i Cihan square. With its dimensions of 512×163 meters, it is said to be the second largest square in the world after Tiananmen Square in China. It was built as the largest square in the world when it was first built, in the honor of Shah Abbas during the Safavid era. Naqsh-i Cihan Square, or Imam Square, as it is commonly used by Iranians, is the most beautiful example of Islamic city architecture that brings the world, the hereafter and power (property) together in the same place and has been on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List since 1979.

The building, which surrounds the rectangular square and serves as a covered market, cuts the square's connection with the outside world. When you enter the square, you are now only interested in this square and the magnificent structures around it. There is a pool in the middle of the square, if you can get the right light you can take great reflection photos.

Unfortunately, there is a vehicle entrance into the square. You can also take a carriage ride in the square or rent a bicycle. Or you can just sit on the grass and watch the crowd pass by.

2. Masjid-i Shah – Shah Mosque – Imam Mosque – Abbasi Mosque

One of the mosques surrounding the Imam Square is Masjid-i Shah, or Imam Mosque or Abbasi Mosque, which is one of the first places to visit in the square. The mosque, which attracts attention with its impressive structure and tile embroidery; It is still the most used place for worship with its calligraphy, tiles using the seven colors of the rainbow, mosques and winter mosques. Let me tell you in advance that the dome of the mosque is not only acoustic, but can create 49 different echoes. This mosque is my favorite place in Isfahan, which I come back to.

In Iran, almost every tourist attraction, even a mosque, has an entrance fee. Shah Mosque entrance fee is 100.000 Riyals, approximately 4 Usd. Tourists are not allowed inside during prayer times.

3. Sheikh Lütfullah Mosque

Sheikh Lütfullah Mosque, the smallest and most elegant place of worship in Naqsh-i Cihan Square, was named after Sheikh Lütfullah, an Islamic scholar and also the father-in-law of Shah Abbas. Since it was not planned as a mosque when it was first built, the tiles of the building, which did not have minarets, were made in a way that depicts the sky and the earth. The twist figure, which combines the sky and the earth and tells the continuity of life, gave life to the general decorations of the mosque. You can see the auger figures in light blue in the photo below;

The entrance fee of Sheikh Lütfullah Mosque is 100.000 Riyals, approximately 4 Usd. Tourists are not allowed inside during prayer times.

4. Ali Kapı (Bab-ı Ali) Palace – State Gate

Ali Kapı Palace, which was built as a royal palace, was designed in such a way that the ceremonies held in the square can be observed in the best way with its position overlooking the square. The most interesting part of the palace, which is 38 meters high and consists of 6 floors, and its terrace decorated with 18 columns. The view of the square from this terrace is worth seeing as well as the terrace and elegant columns. One of the most beautiful parts of the palace is the music room, with its acoustics and wall/ceiling decorations.

Since the palace is visited as a museum, it is useful to pay attention to the entry-exit times. Ali Kapı Palace entrance fee is 100.000 Riyals, approximately 4 Usd.

5. Masjid-i Juma Mosque

The largest mosque complex in Iran, another one of Isfahan's places on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list is the Friday Mosque. One of the magnificent examples of Seljuk architecture. One of its domes is named after him because it was built in the name of Nizam-ül Mülk.

The area where the mosque complex is located was also used as a place of worship during Zoroastrianism. Its history is very old. However, the first mosque was built in the time of Melikşah, then it was enriched with additions during the Nizam-ül Mülk period. The mosque, which bears the influences of the Seljuk, Mongolian and Safavid periods, is on the Unesco World Cultural Heritage list.  

Friday Mosque entrance fee is 100.000 Riyals, approximately 4 Usd.

6. Isfahan Grand Bazaar (Kayseri Bazaar)

This is one of the oldest and largest markets in the Middle East. It is also called Kayseriye Bazaar because of the Kayseriye Gate that connects to Imam Square. When you start to wander in the market, it is not sincere to follow a click coming from far away and find yourself in a copper workshop. You can spend the whole day visiting carpet, copper, ceramics, miniature workshops and shops. Almost everything is handmade, Chinese made products have not yet invaded this place. Although it is handmade, the prices are reasonable. The northern part of the bazaar is reserved for the daily needs of the people. The most colorful are of course the spice shops. It is difficult to get out once you enter the bazaar, so I would say to visit the museums and mosques and spend all your remaining time in this bazaar.

7. Cehar Vineyard Recreation Area

Shah Abbas devoted years to the construction and arrangement of Isfahan during the Safavid Reign. In order to expand Isfahan, he had a tree-lined avenue built in the middle and around it, so that the old city and the new city could be connected.

8. Cehar Bag Madrasa – Abbasi Hotel

The Cehar Bag Madrasa, built as a caravanserai in its time, is now operated as the Abbasi Hotel and is one of the most prestigious hotels in the city.

9. Zayende River

Zayende, the river that gives life to Isfahan. The river, originating from the Zagros Mountains, divides the city of Isfahan in two and at the same time gives life to the city thanks to the water it brings to the city. In order to make the best use of the river's waters, many rehabilitation works have been carried out over time. In order to bring the two sides of the city together, many bridges were built over the Zayende River in different periods and in different styles. The Zayende River is an important socializing area for the city of Isfahan with its beautiful bridges that will make Italian bridges jealous and the recreation areas along the river. With its climate close to the desert, life in Isfahan generally starts with the people living in the city going down to the riverside when the sun loses its scorching heat. Both the bridges and the riverside get lively in the evening.

10. Shahristan (Shahrestan) Bridge

The oldest bridge over the Zayende river is the Shahristan Bridge. The bridge, which was built in Sassanid style, has 13 columns and is made of bricks.

11. Siosepol (33) Bridge

With a length of 300 meters and a width of 14 meters, the most magnificent bridge over the Zayende river is the Siosepol Bridge. The bridge, which means 33 in Persian, takes its name from the 33 arch. It is not only a bridge, but also acts as a dam for the reclamation of the Zayende river. The teahouses under the arches of the bridge, which is also known as Allah Verdi Han, make it inevitable to enjoy tea against the river.

12. Khaju (Hacu) Bridge

When we said the oldest, longest, most magnificent, we came to the most elegant bridge. Khaju Bridge has taken its place among the centers of Isfahan social life with its layered terraced structure. It is also perfect for sitting on the stairs leading to the river and having fun.

13. Chehel Sutun Palace (Palace of 40 Columns)

Although the Çehel Sütün Palace was originally a palace with 20 columns, it became famous as the Palace of 40 Columns due to the reflection hitting the pool in front of the palace. II. The palace, which was completed during the reign of Shah Abbas, was mostly used for hosting guests, ambassadors, and receptions attended by statesmen. On the walls of the palace, which is currently used as a museum, there is a painting of Shah Ismail and Yavuz Selim's Battle of Çaldıran.

The entrance fee to Çehel Sütün Palace is 100.000 Riyals, approximately 4 Usd.

14. Hasht Behesht Palace

The palace built during the reign of Süleyman Shah was a luxurious and magnificent palace where the last Safavid sultans lived, but it was badly damaged.

The entrance to the garden of the palace is free, but there is a fee to enter the building. The entrance fee is 100.000 Riyals, approximately 4 Usd.

15. Armenian Quarter Julfa – Colfa Quarter

We said that the Zayende River divides Isfahan into two. Muslims live in the north of Isfahan and Armenians live in the south. This area, where Armenians displaced from the city of Colfa settled, was named Colfa Neighborhood and a Christian quarter was established in Isfahan.

Those who want to see a different color of Isfahan should definitely cross this side of the river and see the Armenian Quarter. While the church, museum and Vank Cathedral are among the places to be seen in this region, there are also nice cafes and restaurants.

16. Vank Cathedral

Armenians who migrated to Isfahan built the Vank Cathedral in the early 1600s. Since the interior decoration was made by the Italians, it is likened to the Florence churches.

The cathedral can be visited between 08:30-13:00, 15:30-18:30. It has the status of a museum, so the entrance is paid.

17. Mullah Jacob Synagogue

Isfahan has congregations of different religions. The Mullah Jacob Synagogue, located near the Masjid-i Cuma Mosque, is one of them. You cannot enter the synagogues as a tourist attraction, but you can see them from the outside.

18. Manar Jonban (Swinging Minarets)

The 17-meter-high minarets of the Jonban Mosque, built during the Mongolian period, were swaying thanks to a technique in its construction. In the past, they used to shake the minarets at certain times for touristic purposes, but this show is no longer held. The mosque is not in the city center, even if it is not shaking at the moment, you can reach it by taxi if you want to see it.

19. Ateskadeh

Isfahan is a city that has also hosted the Zoroastrian culture. Ateşkadeh is also a Zoroastrian Temple from this time. Considered one of the oldest temples in the world, the temple is also within walking distance of Manar Jonban. You can agree with a taxi and see both together. You can also watch the view of Isfahan from the place where the temple is located on top of a hill.

20. Nizam-ül Mulk Tomb

The tomb of the famous statesman Nizamülmülk, who served as a vizier in the Great Seljuk Empire during the Alparslan and Melikşah periods and was the author of the book "Siyahname", is located in Isfahan. Unfortunately, the tomb is not open to visitors. The view from the outside is in the photo above.

What to Eat in Isfahan?

Kebab culture is also very common in Iran, which is very similar to our eating and drinking culture. I will say that you will not go hungry, but I went a little hungry during the month of Ramadan because no restaurants or cafes were open. The open ones were also giving takeaway. You will see the places I tried on my first and second visit to Isfahan with my comments below.

Haaj Mahmoud Shefa'at Beryani

Located in the bazaar in front of the Masjid al-Jumu'ah Mosque, Haaj Mahmoud Shefa'at Beryani Do not forget to stop by the restaurant and eat Büryan kebab. A pretty shabby restaurant and one of the best places to dine with the locals to eat Isfahan's famous Beryani. By the way, don't confuse it with our buryan kebab, this is a completely different meat dish.

Naghsh-e Jahan Traditional Restaurant

Naghsh-e Jahan Restaurant is right next to Nakşi Cihan Square and is entered from the House of Artists Spadana Courtyard. This is a restaurant where you can find traditional Iranian and Isfahan dishes. Its decoration is also very traditional.

I ate Isfahan Beryani here too, it was pretty good, it got full marks from me. I paid about 6-7 Usd for the ayran that I drank with Beryani and a jug. In Iran, they serve ayran with mint and when you order ayran, they usually ask for a pitcher or a glass. Heaven for yogurt and ayran lovers like me.

Restaurant Shahrzad

Restaurant Shahrzad is one of the most famous restaurants in Isfahan. Very close to Siesopol Bridge. The place is very beautiful as decoration, but we were not satisfied with the service when we went. Employees don't know what's on the menu, ask if you find someone to take care of you as it's very crowded. When we went to the restaurant at 20:00 in the evening, only lamb was left on the menu, it was a place preferred by crowded tourist groups. We were not satisfied at all, keep in mind a restaurant that is mentioned a lot in the guides. 

Melon Juice

In Isfahan and in Iran in general, iced melon juice is one of the most consumed drinks to cool off. This water, which they made by blending well-ripened melon with sugar and ice in a blender, was much more beautiful and delicious than I expected, I consumed a lot.

Azadegan Tea House

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One of the most important parts of Iranian culture is the teahouses that replace the ones in our country. Tea is an important ritual in Iran. It is drunk with solidified sugar or, in some regions, jam. In the past, women and men used to go to the teahouses, but after the revolution, the number of people going to the teahouses decreased and most of them were closed because it was not approved to do something mixed between men and women.

If you ask the shopkeepers around Imam Square in Ishafan, they will show you the location of the teahouses that continue according to the old traditions. We asked such a tradesman, he said "come with me". We followed him, and he ordered the tea where he finally took us. It turns out that the place he took was the most famous teahouse in Isfahan. When I first went, there was only tea, but they say it's back to the restaurant now. On my second visit, I couldn't see the final version because it was closed due to Ramadan.

Where is Isfahan?

Isfahan is located almost in the middle of Iran. We can say that it is almost in the middle of the cities of Tehran and Shiraz. It is 445 km from Tehran and 488 km from Shiraz.

How to Get to Isfahan?

There are no direct flights to Isfahan from Turkey. For this reason, you can go to Tehran by plane and reach Isfahan by bus, train or domestic flights from Tehran. Prices of domestic flights in Iran are more economical than us, if you have time constraints, you can choose the plane. Bus is a very cheap transportation option, it takes about 12 hours from Tehran to Isfahan. Night buses are also very comfortable, you can also plan to take the bus from Tehran in the evening and be in Isfahan in the morning.

Iran travel notes You may also be interested in my article.

Where to Stay in Isfahan?

Isfahan is one of the most touristic cities in Iran, so there are many accommodation options. If you want a luxury accommodation experience, Abbasi Hotel, if you want an average and clean hotel, Iran Hotel, if you want an economical option, Isfahan Heritage Hostel are the hotels I can recommend with their close location to the center.

What to Buy in Isfahan?

I guarantee you will lose your mind while visiting the bazaars in Isfahan. Thousands of natural woven products, from famous Persian carpets to handmade copper and ceramic works, are waiting for their buyers in the shops lined up side by side. If you are one of those people who can't hold back when it comes to shopping, I would say come to Isfahan with your pockets full. I should not pass without mentioning that Isfahan is the richest place in terms of souvenirs and touristic products among the places I have visited in Iran. If you want to buy yourself a souvenir from Iran, Isfahan is the right place!

Iran still carries the traces of the magnificent Persian, Safavid and Seljuk civilizations from its history in the deepest form. It is a country that must be visited, seen and spent time in each city. We made a trip to Isfahan with you today, I hope you enjoyed it!

A short version of this article was published in the December 2018 issue of Skyroad magazine. 

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