Isfahan, Iran walking route: 10 places to see
A route of about 20 minutes through Isfahan, Iran, linking eight stops: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the Grand Bazaar, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, Chehel Sotoun Palace, Vank Cathedral, Simone Restaurant, and the Armenian Quarter (Jolfa).
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square
- End
- Chaharbagh Street
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square โ UNESCO World Heritage site described as one of the largest squares in the world.
- Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque โ Private mosque for the royal family.
- Imam Mosque โ Also known as Shah Mosque, with a massive courtyard.
- Ali Qapu Palace โ Six-story royal residence overlooking the square.
- Chehel Sotoun Palace โ Long reflecting pool and murals.
- Vank Cathedral โ 17th century Armenian cathedral.
- New Julfa โ Armenian quarter, also known as New Jolfa.
- Si-o-se-pol Bridge โ Bridge of 33 arches spanning the Zayandeh River.
- Khaju Bridge โ Built as both a dam and gathering place.
- Chaharbagh Street โ Former grand boulevard of the Safavids, closed to traffic as a walking area.
Useful for your trip
- Save money
- Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque entry cost about 2.5 million (rial) at the time of the video, roughly five to six dollars.
- Timing
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square looks especially striking at sunset and at night when the domes and minarets are illuminated; it is also one of the best photography spots in Iran.
- Food
- Order traditional tea at a cafe on Naqsh-e Jahan Square at night; locals often hold sugar cubes between their teeth while sipping.
- Tip
- The Grand Bazaar near Naqsh-e Jahan Square has centuries-old workshops and shops selling carpets, copper work and spices; bargaining is expected but done politely.
- Avoid
- Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is no longer used for public prayer, so visitors do not take off their shoes and there are no carpets inside.
- Tip
- Ali Qapu Palace's top-floor music room has carved walls that improve acoustics, and its balcony offers a classic view over Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
- Tip
- Vank Cathedral combines a Persian dome on the outside with Christian frescoes inside, and its complex includes a museum on Armenian history in Iran.
- Tip
- New Julfa, the Armenian Quarter, has narrow streets with cafes, galleries and churches, offering a different atmosphere from the Persian monuments elsewhere in the city.
- Timing
- Khaju Bridge's water flow depends on the season; it was dry when the speaker visited, so check conditions before going if you want to see reflections in the river.
- Timing
- Si-o-se-pol Bridge comes alive at night when locals gather under its arches, sometimes singing traditional songs.
- Transport
- Most major sites such as the square, bazaar and palaces are within walking distance of Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
- Tip
- Isfahan is best combined with a longer itinerary including desert and nature areas; a short trip usually covers the center of the country only.
Video on this route
15 BEST Things to do in Esfahan Iran ๐ฎ๐ท