Things to Do in Yazd
Yazd
Yazd, one of the oldest inhabited places on earth. The old city looks it too, although it's in much better repair than the old city in Bushehr.
Old information follows, to be updated some time soon.
The Amir Chaqmagh Hostel is a decent place to stay, at 80,000 for a three bed room.
As far as sites go, the LP walking tour isn't a bad way to go. The old city, in my opinion, is the biggest draw, with small winding lanes between mud walls running everywhere. The other sites are not so flash, although there are some very impressive minarets around.
The Barg-e Doulat Abad should be visited only to make a point, as they still cling to huge double pricing. Irani visitors are charged 3,000 - you will be charged 30,000. Go, demand local price and make an arse of yourself when they refuse you. Feel free to abuse the guy trying to charge you, he can issue you a local priced ticket if he feels like it. If they don't get the abuse, they won't change their ways. Think of it as correcting a wayward child.
There are also a few out of town sites to visit, including the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence nearby the town, and the town of Kharanaq. Most tours also take in Meybod and Chak Chak, both of which are reasonably missable in my opinion, although if you aren't going to be seeing so much of Iran it's probably worth taking them in as well.
Things to Do
Alexander's Prison
elyobo — Fri, 26/06/2009 - 8:47pm
Location:YazdPrice:2000 IRRThere's precious little to see here, as the dome is more appealing from the outside, where it can be appreciated for free. The teahouse underneath is reasonably priced, however, and a pleasant escape from the heat if you happen to be out in the middle of the day.
Amir Chaqmak Complex
elyobo — Fri, 26/06/2009 - 8:52pm
Location:YazdPrice:FreeUsed only for occasional religious ceremonies, the Amir Chaqmak Complex is worth a look, but what you see is what you get and there's not much to it. However, around the No Ruz (New Year) period, the gates are open and it's possible to climb up to the top for great views over Yazd.
Jomeh Mosque
elyobo — Fri, 26/06/2009 - 8:54pm
Location:YazdPrice:FreeNice tilework on the west iwan is the most appealing feature of the mosque; there's not a lot to see further inside.
Khan-e Lafita
elyobo — Fri, 26/06/2009 - 8:55pm
Location:YazdPrice:5000 IRRThe restored house is less impressive than the Silk Road Hotel or Orient Hotel. Potentially interesting photos are let down by a complete lack of even basic English translations.
Towers of Silence
elyobo — Fri, 26/06/2009 - 9:07pm
Location:YazdPrice:FreeThe Zoroastrians believed that dead bodies were impure and could corrupt the earth if they were buried in it. Instead they sat them up in these "towers" and waited until birds had picked away the flesh, before burying the bones in stone coffins.