Naqsh-e Jahan Square
Vast rectangular square laid out in the early 1600s, framed by two-storey arcades, bazaar shops and three great buildings. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing and the social heart of Isfahan.
Isfahan
Historic bridges across the river, a grand bazaar, blue-tiled mosques and Naqsh-e Jahan Square bring this city its fame.
Attractive locations
Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque)
Huge mosque on the south side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, covered inside and out in blue tiles, with a tall entrance portal and a large domed hall. A masterpiece of Persian architecture.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Smaller mosque on the east side of the square, built as a private place of prayer for the royal court. Its dome of cream tiles and delicate blue patterns seems to change colour through the day.
Chehel Sotun
Garden pavilion with a long reflecting pool and a porch of tall wooden columns that seem doubled in the water. Inside are large wall paintings of court scenes from the Safavid era.
Si-o-se Pol
Long bridge of 33 arches across the Zayandeh River, built in the early 1600s. A covered walkway runs beneath, and the bridge is a favourite place for evening strolls.
Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
Huge congregational mosque built up over many centuries, a record of Persian Islamic architecture in brick domes, courtyards and decorated vaults. Its layered styles reward a slow wander through the halls.
Vank Cathedral
Armenian church in the Jolfa district, plain outside but richly painted inside with Bible scenes and gold. A small museum nearby covers Armenian history in the city.
Airports
Isfahan Shahid Beheshti International Airport IFN
It is about 23 km in a straight line from Isfahan.
Kashan Airport KKS
It is about 138 km in a straight line from Isfahan.
Scams and safe taxis
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan2.5 °C23 mm
- Feb4.7 °C20 mm
- Mar9.4 °C28 mm
- Apr14.5 °C26 mm
- May20.9 °C10 mm
- Jun26.6 °C2 mm
- Jul28.9 °C1 mm
- Aug27.3 °C1 mm
- Sep23.2 °C1 mm
- Oct17.1 °C4 mm
- Nov8.7 °C24 mm
- Dec4.0 °C26 mm
Driest months: Jul, Aug, Sep. Wettest months: Mar, Apr, Dec.
Who can help
Emergency
Police 110. Ambulance 115. Fire 125.
ngo
Iranian Red Crescent Society: tracing services
Helps with: The ICRC lists the Iranian Red Crescent's tracing service, which helps people inside Iran look for relatives. It can also be reached at any IRCS branch.
Who qualifies: People inside Iran trying to trace or restore contact with family members.
Phone: +98 21 85632447
Email: int_tracingrfl@rcs.ir
Address: No. 2654 Valiasr Ave., Building of Peace, Tehran
un agency
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Iran
Helps with: The UN migration agency in Iran. It supports the government and communities with migration patterns, humanitarian aid, protection, health services and disaster preparedness.
Who qualifies: Migrants and communities in Iran. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +98 2122058269
Address: No. 93, West Nahid Blvd, Valiasr St, Tehran
local government
Police emergency number 110
Helps with: Reaches the police in Iran. The number comes from UK government travel advice.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors, can call this number.
Phone: 110
local government
Ambulance emergency number 115
Helps with: Reaches the ambulance service in Iran. The number comes from UK government travel advice.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors, can call this number.
Phone: 115
local government
Fire emergency number 125
Helps with: Reaches the fire service in Iran. The number comes from UK government travel advice.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors, can call this number.
Phone: 125