Iran Travel Guide: Isfahan, Shiraz, Persepolis and FCDO Travel Advice

E By Emma · Updated 21 October 2026 · 3 min read

Airports

Imam Khomeini International, Tehran (IKA); Shiraz (SYZ); Isfahan (IFN)

Flight time

no direct flights; usually 9-12h from London with one stop

Best time to go

March-May and September-November

Currency

Iranian rial (IRR), often quoted in toman (10 rials)

Iran, historically known as Persia, is one of the world's great cultural destinations. Its cities hold some of the finest Islamic architecture anywhere, its poets are still quoted in everyday conversation, and its ancient sites span more than 2,500 years of empire. Travellers who visited in calmer times almost always describe the generosity of Iranian people as the highlight.

The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. It warns that British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention, and that a British passport or links to the UK can be reason enough to be detained. Regional conflict has also brought strikes, airspace closures and flight disruption. The UK government's ability to help is extremely limited, and travelling against FCDO advice is likely to invalidate your insurance. Check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Iran for the latest position. For the wider region, see our Middle East guide; neighbours Armenia, Turkey and Turkmenistan are covered separately.

Why go (when it is safe)

• Isfahan: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the largest city squares in the world, ringed by the Shah and Sheikh Lotfollah mosques and the Ali Qapu palace, plus the old bridges over the Zayandeh river.
• Shiraz: the city of poets and gardens, with the tombs of Hafez and Saadi and the pink-tiled Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.
• Persepolis: the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, with carved stairways and royal tombs nearby at Naqsh-e Rostam.
• Yazd: a desert city of mud-brick lanes, wind towers and Zoroastrian fire temples.
• Kashan: elegant merchants' houses, traditional bathhouses and the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden.
• Tehran: museums such as the National Jewellery Treasury and the Golestan Palace, and the Alborz mountains on its doorstep.
• Tabriz: one of the oldest covered bazaars in the world, a UNESCO site.

Where to stay

• Isfahan: traditional courtyard hotels near Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
• Yazd and Kashan: restored historic houses converted into atmospheric hotels.
• Shiraz: city hotels close to the gardens and the bazaar.
• Tehran: business hotels in the north of the city, close to the mountains.

Getting there

There are no direct flights between the UK and Iran. In normal times, travellers connect via Istanbul, Dubai or Doha, and airspace closures have repeatedly disrupted these routes. Historically, British citizens could only visit Iran with a government-approved guide or tour, and visas required pre-approval. None of this overrides the current FCDO advice against all travel.

Good to know

• Culture: Persian poetry, carpets, miniatures and music are central to national identity, and Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is the biggest celebration.
• Food: chelow kebab, fesenjan (pomegranate and walnut stew), ghormeh sabzi and saffron rice with a crispy tahdig crust.
• Laws and customs: Iranian law imposes a strict dress code, including the hijab for women, and alcohol is banned.
• Money and communications: international bank cards do not work because of sanctions, and many websites and apps are blocked.
• Dual nationals: Iran does not recognise dual nationality, which is one reason the FCDO highlights the risk to British-Iranians.

Best time to visit

Spring (March to May) is the classic season, with gardens in bloom and the Persian New Year, Nowruz, around 21 March. Autumn (September to November) is also mild. Summers are very hot in the desert cities, while winter brings snow to Tehran and the mountains.

We research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.