Things to Do in Esfahan
Esfahan
Esfahan is the highlight of almost any tour to Iran, with some of the best architecture that the country has to offer. It's displayed in the mosques, in the bazaar, the bridges and especially surrounding Naghsh-e Jahan Square. Unfortunately, as tourist number climb higher, prices here are rising even faster than the 25% inflation in Iran, and the friendly Irani culture is harder to find.
Things to Do
Ali Qapu Palace
elyobo — Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:39am
Location:EsfahanPrice:5000 IRRThe inside of the palace didn't impress me all that much, and there's scaffolding over half of the outside that's been up since 2007, with no visible progress. The main reason to come up is for the views over the square and to check out the ceiling decoration in the music room.
Bazaar
elyobo — Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:39am
Location:EsfahanPrice:FreeEsfahan's bazaar is one of the more interesting in Iran. It loops all around the main square, where it's very touristy (bargain hard), and this continues a short distance north, but further out it's back to the local style with all sorts of random stuff available. Beware that any price written down in the touristy areas will be in Toman, not Rial (multiply by 10 to get the Rial rate).
Chehel Sotoun Palace
elyobo — Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:39am
Location:EsfahanPrice:5000 IRRChehel Sotoun, named after the columns in front, is a small summer palace set in pleasantly shady grounds just a little east of the main square. The main points of attraction are the interesting murals inside, as well as some displays of caligraphy and other Irani arts.
Hasht Beheshti Palace
elyobo — Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:45am
Location:EsfahanPrice:3000 IRRWith a name like Hasht Behesht (Eight Paradises), this palace has a lot to live up to. Unfortunately it was closed the day we arrived, so I can't comment on how well it fulfils those promises. The grounds that it's set in, however, are great, with plenty of shady tree cover, seatings, fountains and whatnot. Join the locals and take a picnic along.
Imam Mosque
elyobo — Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:50am
Location:EsfahanPrice:5000 IRRSome of the most impressive tiling in the country, with three grand courtyards and three large domes, this is one of the most impressive mosques in the world. Be sure to check out the echo under the main dome (there's a marker there to show you the spot).
Jomeh Mosque
elyobo — Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:51am
Location:EsfahanPrice:5000 IRRWith beautiful arched halls, massive iwans and what is supposedly the most perfect brick dome in the world, it's worth taking a walk out through the bazaar to visit the Jomeh Mosque, taking in the sights along the way.
Sheik Lotfala Mosque
elyobo — Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:54am
Location:EsfahanPrice:5000 IRRA petit but beautiful mosque, especially the ceiling tiling. Originally used by the wives and daughters of the Shah, it's still in use today (as shown by the pile of carpets in the corner).
Si-oh-Seh Bridge
elyobo — Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:54am
Location:EsfahanPrice:FreeNamed for the number of arches on the bridge, Si-o Seh is one of Esfahan's most recognisable sights. Enjoy a tea and (if they're not banned yet) qalyan at the teahouse on the northern end; prices are steep, but it's probably worth it.
Teahouse on the Square
elyobo — Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:59am
Location:EsfahanPrice:Whatever you eat or drinkOccupying a great position above the main square, this teahouse has been at the top of the LP guidebooks recommendations for years. Unfortunately the prices have shot up at the same time as service has gone down, so only come up if you're prepared to fork over large sums for the pleasure. Just coming up for the view is definitely not allowed!