Iran is generally safe for tourists in major cities and established tourist routes. Petty theft occurs in crowded areas. Avoid border regions, particularly near Iraq and Afghanistan. Political demonstrations can happen; avoid large gatherings. Register with your embassy before traveling. Women should dress conservatively and follow local customs. Hire reputable guides for unfamiliar areas.

Budget travelers spend $30-50 daily including basic accommodation and meals. Mid-range visitors allocate $50-100 for comfort. Premium travelers budget $100+. Accommodation ranges from $10 dorm beds to $40+ hotels. Street food and bazaar meals cost $2-5. Guides for day trips cost $25-40. Flight tickets within Iran are inexpensive ($20-50). Currency exchange rates fluctuate significantly.

Two weeks allows visiting major sites: Tehran (2 days), Isfahan (3 days), Yazd (2 days), Shiraz (2 days), and Kashan (2 days). Ten days covers core highlights: Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Three weeks enables desert exploration, northern Caspian regions, or Tabriz. First-time visitors benefit from 10-14 days. Longer stays reveal smaller cities and mountain regions with fewer tourists.

October-November and March-April offer ideal conditions: mild temperatures (15-25°C) and minimal rainfall. Winter (December-February) brings cold temperatures in Tehran (0-5°C) and northern regions but suits southern areas. Summer (June-August) is extremely hot (35-45°C), especially in deserts. Spring offers lush landscapes. Monsoon-like rains affect northern regions in spring. Avoid Nowruz (Persian New Year) if seeking quieter travel.

Domestic flights connect major cities efficiently ($20-50). Long-distance buses are reliable and affordable ($10-30), though journeys are lengthy. Trains offer comfortable overnight options between Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Shared taxis (sherut) provide flexible, economical city and intercity travel. Car rentals with drivers cost $40-70 daily. Within cities, metro systems (Tehran, Isfahan) are efficient. Ride-hailing apps work in major cities.

Dress conservatively: women wear headscarves and long sleeves; men avoid shorts. Remove shoes in mosques and homes. Don't photograph people without permission. Avoid public displays of affection. Respect prayer times; some services close briefly. Don't discuss politics negatively. Eating with left hand is considered rude. Accept tea or hospitality graciously. Learn basic Farsi phrases; locals appreciate effort. Photography restricted in government buildings.

Masouleh offers terraced village architecture in northern forests. Abyaneh preserves traditional red-clay architecture. Meymand showcases underground dwellings. Varzaneh's desert salt lakes provide unique landscapes. Tabriz features the Grand Bazaar, one of world's oldest. Alamut Valley offers historical castle ruins and hiking. Caspian coastal towns like Bandar-e Anzali suit relaxation. Garmeh village in desert allows authentic Bedouin experiences.

Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square showcases Persian architecture. Shiraz combines gardens, poetry heritage, and Persepolis nearby. Yazd preserves Zoroastrian culture and desert mud-brick architecture. Kashan offers traditional houses and rose gardens. Tehran's museums hold invaluable artifacts. Tabriz represents northern culture and bazaar trading. Mashhad serves as spiritual pilgrimage center. Each city reveals distinct aspects of Persian civilization.

Ten days cover essential sites: Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz with minimal rushing. Fourteen days allow deeper exploration, including Kashan and desert experiences. Three weeks enable visiting northern regions, Caspian coast, or additional mountain areas. First-time visitors benefit from 12-14 days to experience cultural diversity without exhaustion. Longer stays reveal smaller cities and authentic local interactions beyond tourist circuits.

Touratu maps Instagram photos and YouTube videos to real Iranian destinations, helping travelers discover authentic locations beyond guidebooks. Browse visual content tagged at Isfahan's squares, Shiraz's gardens, or Yazd's bazaars. Filter by experience type—architecture, nature, culture—to find hidden gems. See what others photographed and visited. Plan itineraries around locations that resonate visually. Explore user-generated content for practical travel insights.