Isfahan

Gran Mezquita de Isfahán Isfahan (اصفهان, commonly called Esfahan) is a city in central Iran, south of Tehran and is the capital of Isfahan (province) | Isfahan Province. The Persians call it Nesf-e Jahan, meaning "Half of The World". Due to its beautiful hand-painted tiling and magnificent public square, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An ancient town and capital of Persia from 1598 to 1722, it was long noted for its fine carpets and silver filigree. Today, textile and steel mills take their place. Its architecture, tree-lined boulevards and relaxed pace make it one of the highlights of Iran.

Isfahan Halal Travel Guide

The city is 430 kilometers south of Tehran at the foothills of the Zagros mountain range. The city enjoys a temperate climate and regular seasons. Isfahan is located on the main north-south and east-west routes crossing Iran.

Much of the splendor of the city, including most of its finest monuments, date back to the Safavid era, when the city was the imperial capital of Iran.

The city has an Armenian quarter called New Jolfa established by Shah Abbas I in the 1600s. The neighborhood is named after the town of Julfa, still existing along the Aras river, from where Armenians were forcefully relocated during the development of Isfahan. They were allocated land south of the Zayandeh river, and built a prosperous community thanks to international trade networks. Today the quarter still has many Armenian churches and institutions.

Travel to Isfahan

Si-o-se-Pol - Si-o-se Pol, one of the 11 bridges

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Isfahan

There are daily Flights to Tehran and Mashhad in Iran. There are also Flights to Dubai, Kuwait and Istanbul.

• Isfahan International Airport - Isfahan Shahid Beheshti, IATA Flight Code: IFN It was a military air base before the revolution.

Getting there: From the airport taxi costs 350,000 rials to the downtown (as of 2022).

Besides and there are direct buses to Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport leave from Terminal-e Kaveh at 13:00, 18:00, 20:30 (and possibly other times as well). A trip costs 275,000 rials and takes under 6 hours (as of August 2022).

By Rail

There is a night-train to Tehran and a daily train to Mashhad. There are no trains to Shiraz.

The night train from Tehran to Isfahan costs 240,000 rials for sleeping in a comfortable 6-bed compartment.

• Isfahan Railway Station 15 kilometers south of downtown

Getting there: take bus #37 from the train station to Soffe Bus Terminal (ترمینال صفه;), where you can change for bus #91 to old town. The best place to get off is Chaharbaq street, where there are many hostels, hotels, cafés and things to see.

By car

Isfahan is well-served by highways. There are good routes to the capital Tehran, Kashan, Shiraz, Yazd and Ahvaz.

Travel on a Bus in Isfahan

Isfahan is well connected to most parts of Iran by bus. There are several bus terminals in Isfahan and you should note which one is more suitable for you.

From Tehran the busiest and most comfortable bus hub to get to Isfahan is Beyhaghi terminal (known also as Argentina terminal) and Southern Terminal.Also there are a few luxury buses with a so-called "GCC standard" (very comfortable seats, open Minibar with alcohol removed, etc.)

• Royal Safar Iranian is one a few luxury bus operators. Seats are extremely comfortable with lots of leg room. Water and Snacks are provided and movies are shown. The ticket to Tehran costs 300,000 rials, and takes around 5 hours.

• Kaveh terminal Buses to Tehran and Kashan depart every 15 minutes from this terminal.

• Sofeh Bus Station Buses coming from Shiraz terminate at this bus station. (In Shiraz they depart Shiraz#By bus|Karandish Bus Terminal.) The ticket price is around 300,000 rials and takes around 6 hours. Getting there: take bus No. 91 going south.

Jey Terminal Terminal J. | Serves destinations east of Isfahan, incl. Varzaneh, Na'in and Yazd. There are shops and cafes inside of the terminal building. To get to Na'in: only one bus leaving Isfahan is at 14:30, and return bus next day at 12:00 (as of Mar 2022); shared taxi costs 120,000 rials.

How to get around in Isfahan

By metro

A metro opened in October 2015

Travel on a Bus in Isfahan

The easiest and the cheapest way of traveling inside of Isfahan is buying the Isfahan card which is a multi-journey contactless card sold at certain bus stop booths. A single journey costs 5,000 rials when using Isfahan card or 10,000 rials if paid directly to a bus driver (as of 2022). There are separate sections in a bus: front - for men and rear - for women.

Best way to travel in Isfahan by a Taxi

Short rides cost 50,000 rials, longer ones to Soffeh mountain and bus terminals - 100,000 rials (as of 2022). Taxi drivers will try to demand at least double of those prices at the beginning.

What to see in Isfahan

Plazas and streets

Naghshe Jahan Plaza Isfahan modified - Naqsh-e Jahan Plaza Palacio Hasht Behesht, Isfahán, Irán, 2016-09-20, DD 78-80 HDR - Ceiling in one of the rooms of Hasht Behesht Palace

• Naqsh-e Jahan Plaza Also known as shah square or imam square-1602 (Meidan Emam). The square contains two masjids, a palace, and the bazaar. The square is the largest historical public square in the world after Tiananmen Plaza in Beijing and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era. This a very popular place for local residents to picnic on Friday and holiday evenings. When sitting on the grass local residents will approach you to practise their English.

• Chaharbagh Boulevard 1596, dating from the Saffavid era and the avenue is the most historically famous in all of Persia. Although it's just a regular street nowadays.

• Meydan Kohne

• Shahshahan Plaza

Local Mosques in Isfahan

Gran Mezquita de Isfahán, Isfahán, Irán, 2016-09-20, DD 64 - Shah Mosque Isfahan Lotfollah mosque ceiling symmetric - Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, interior of the dome

The stunning masjids of Isfahan are among the most beautiful and interesting in the world.

• Imam Mosque - called Shah Mosque before the revolution | Built during the Safavid period, it is an excellent example of Islamic architecture of Iran, and regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian Architecture. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its splendour is mainly due to the beauty of its seven-colour mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.

• Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque One of the architectural masterpieces of Safavid Iranian architecture, this mosque is considered to be the most beautiful in Iran. Built in 1602 by Shah Abbas I and designed by his chief architect, Sheikh Bahai. The mosque was designed to be a private mosque for the royal family and therefore it does not have any minarets. There is a tunnel from the mosque to the Royal Palace, across the square.

• Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan Started in AD842, this is the first Islamic building to adopt the four-courtyard layout of Sassanid palaces.

• Hakim Mosque One of the oldest masjids in Isfahan. Built by Shah Abbas II between 1656 and 1662. Located on the site of a 10th-century mosque. The portal was covered in mud until it was discovered in 1956.

Palaces

Ali-qapu-rooz - Ali Qapu Palace Chehel Sotoon - Chehel Sotoun

• Ālī Qāpū - The Royal Palace | Early 17th century. It is 48 meters high and there are seven floors, each accessible by a difficult spiral staircase. In the sixth floor music room, deep circular niches are found in the walls, having not only aesthetic value, but also acoustic. It is rich in naturalistic wall paintings by Reza Abbassi and the court painter of Shah Abbas I, and his pupils. There are floral, animal and bird motifs.

• Hasht Behesht Palace - The Palace of Eight Paradises | 1669, reportedly built for residence purposes of the king's harem. Set within lush gardens which are free to roam if you don't want to go inside the building.

• Chehel Sotoun Palace - The Palace of Forty Columns | 1647. It is called Palace of forty columns, as there are many columns, and in Iranian, 40 means many. Incidentally and there are twenty columns, and these are reflected in the swimmingpool in front, which might also account for its name. The function of this palace was for holding religious-national ceremonies and royal festivals and for receiving royal ambassadors and guests. Its Persian Gardens are among the nine inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Contains some spectacular battle murals.

• Talar Ashraf Ashraf Hall | 1650. Not accessible for public.

• moshir - house of moshir almolk - Built in Safavid era, Moshir al-Molk Palace is a historical European-style building. The first owners of the house were the family of Moshir al-Molk who were the Mostofis (finance ministers) and Monshis (secretaries) of Safavid court. Mirza Habib Allah Moshir al-Molk Ansari can be referred to as the most prominent figure in his family. He was assigned as the governor of Isfahan in Qajar perioid in 1288 AH (1841 AD).
  With the death of Moshir al-Molk and the house turned into the consulate of Kingdom of Prussia. Later, it was purchased by Haj Hossein Charmi, an Isfahani businessman. Haj Mohamad Samaeian was the next owner of the building.
  The distinctive features of the building include:
  1. Having the largest 9-piece orosi in Iran
  2. Having a garden with Chahar Baghi form
  3. Having a howz with Chalipaei form
  4. Having a private bathroom
  5. Having two iwans with a deconstructivist style of columns
  The Museum of Islamic Heritage is the most important museum in Iran in terms of preserving and displaying Islamic artifacts as well as researching Islamic collections of the world which covers various Islamic and historical periods.

Schools

• Madreseye Sadr
• Madreseye Madar Shah (Imam Jafar Sadegh after revolution). The compound was built during Soltan Hossein, a Safavid king, to serve as a theological and clerical school to train those who were interested in such sciences. The dome and the greater part of the walls are covered in bright yellow bricks which give a feeling of lightness. The entrance gate decorated with Gold façade and silver, and the tile-works inside the building are masterpieces of fine art and industry. The central court, with its swimmingpool and garden, are surrounded by arcades on two levels, each giving access to a student's room.
• Madreseye Khajoo

Bridges

Walk along the Zayanderud River beside the ancient bridges. You see many local residents doing this everyday. However, as a result of a drought and badly planned dam and there is usually no water in the river.

• Si-o-Seh Pol - The Bridge of 33 Arches | 1602. It is highly ranked as being one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design. Beautiful whether there is water underneath it or not and there is also a basic eatery at the northern end.

• Pol-e Shahrestan - Shahrestan Bridge | 11th century. It is one of the oldest surviving bridges in Iran, built in the 14th century (CE).

• Pol-e Khaju - Khaju Bridge | 1650. It is the finest bridge in the province of Isfahan and built by the Persian Safavid king, Shah Abbas II around 1650 CE. This structure used to be ornamented with artistic tile works and paintings. It served as a teahouse.

• Pol-e Joui - or Choobi | It is one of Isfahan's oldest bridges and was built in 1665, during the Safavid era.

• Pol-e Maarnaan Marnan Bridge

Jolfa

Jolfa - The Armenian Quarter, it includes one of the most beautiful churches in Iran.

• Vank Armenian Gothic Church - Holy Savior Gothic Church - Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ Վանք | 17th-century Armenian cathedral. The interior is covered with fine paintings and gilded carvings and includes a wainscot of rich tile work. The delicately blue and Gold painted central dome depicts the Biblical story of creation of the world and man's expulsion from Eden.

• Bedkhem Armenian Church - Bethlehem Armenian Church | Another interesting combination of Persian and Armenian religious architecture, this large church completed in 1627 is full of stunning paintings and frescoes. Behind Jolfa Plaza, less than 5 minutes walk from Vank Gothic Church.

Gardens

• Flowers Garden - باغ گلها | Botanical garden.

• Birds Garden - باغ پرندگان | Garden under a huge net with a lot of different birds, some locked in and some that you can walk among.

Others

• Atashgah A Zoroastrian fire temple. This temple is dramatically set atop a rock on the outskirts of Isfahan and provides a commanding view of the city (although much of it is covered in smog). You can take one of the blue buses (ask at the drivers), which will take you there.
• Buqe'h-ye Ibn-Sina (Avicenna's Dome) - 12th century.
• The Tombs of Nizam al-Mulk & Malek Shah - 12th & 18th century.
• Sheikh Bahai Bathhouse - falling apart due to neglect.
• Pigeon Towers - Built in the 17th century to attract pigeons, whose feces were then used as fertilizer.
• Hamam-e (Bathhouse) Ali Gholi Agha

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Isfahan

• Soffeh Mountain Popular pick-nick spot for local residents. It's feasible to climb up the mountain which will take about 3 hours return. Or catch a telecabin up for 200,000 rials at the GPS 32.5916, 51.6563 lower chairlift station. Besides and there is a bowling underneath the telecabin station.

Study in Isfahan

Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University - Foreign students can learn Persian here as part of tailor-made courses to suit their needs. Contact: Foreign Student Coordinator Ghaem Blv., Sepahan Shahr,☎ 98-311-6502820-28

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Isfahan

Esfahan market - Isfahan bazaar

Shops in the main square must pay an additional 8% tax on sales, which is passed on to the client. Unless the item that you are purchasing is unique or affordable, you may be better off shopping outside of the main square.

• For a real treasure trove, visit the famous bazaar.
• Isfahan carpets are world-famous, being the very finest of the Persian carpets. They are also often extremely expensive. Carpets from the nearby town of Na'in are similar in style, also well-known, and are expensive too. For those who are interested, it is feasible to buy the highly decorative and brightly coloured traditional dress of Isfahan, but such clothing can be expensive, so it's better to negotiate for a reasonable price.
• Miniatures These exquisite miniature paintings are painted on camel bone. Most of them are sold framed, and prices start from about 15,000 rials. It can be more costly if the artwork is done by a miniature master. Shop and look at various shops before making your decision.

Halal Food & Restaurants

In some parks, you can simply obtain a carpet and tea from the park warden, and have a picnic on the grass! You will find families gather in these parks, and bring barbecues and cook freshly made Kebab, which smell (and taste) delicious.

Local foods

• Chelo kebab (kebab with rice) is a must; there are regional variations in Isfahan.
• Beryani is a popular lunch dish in Isfahan. It has made with sheep Meat and lung. Although Iranians love this meal, it is very fatty. Therefore some westerners may dislike Beryani.
• Fereni (a concoction of Rice flour, water and milk) at Fereni Hafez, which is along Hafez Street near Imam Plaza. It costs 3,000 rials for a small bowl or 5,000 rials for a bigger one.
• Safran ice cream

Restaurants

• Shem Shad Restaurant - شمشاد | The small restaurant offers local Isfahan food like Beryani (110,000 rials) or Halim Bademjan (eggplant, 50,000 rials).

• Kosan Restaurant - spelling? | Tasty Persian dishes like minced Meat, Kebab, Chicken. They have fish.

Visit one of the tea-houses in the bazaar or under one of the bridges.

• behesht cafe

Coffee

There are lots of coffee shops in Isfahan.

• Feel Cafe - One of the most popular cafés in Isfahan.

• Pasio Cafe | takeaway, reservations, outdoor seating, waitstaff, highchairs available, wheelchair accessible, free wifi

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Isfahan

Isfahan - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Isfahan, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Isfahan. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Isfahan and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Isfahan. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Isfahan. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inIsfahan: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Isfahan.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Isfahan: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Isfahan, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Isfahan.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Isfahan, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Isfahan, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Isfahan and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Isfahan, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Isfahan, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Isfahan without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Isfahan is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Isfahan.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Isfahan is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Isfahan, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Isfahan Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Isfahan

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Catedral Vank, Isfahán, Irán, 2016-09-20, DD 118-120 HDR - Ceiling of the Vank Gothic Church

• Annie Hostel - Annie hostel is friendly place for budget travelers and the owner and stuff are backpackers and they can speak english. from here, you can walk 15 min to downtown. There are plenty of restaurants, fast foods and grocery shops near by. They are flexible about their prices.

• Hi Hostel | HI Isfahan Hostel is a Comfortable, Clean and Affordable, budget hostel in Isfahan, good lodging, near the river, Jolfa (christian neighbourhood) and Vank Gothic Church,

• Khalvat House Hostel - Khalvat Sara | Khalvat House is a 100-year-old antique house from Pahlavi dynasty with a beautiful garden and very tall trees. It is 8-minutes walk from Naghsh-e-Jahan Sq. and main highlights of Isfahan. The manager of this B&B lodging is vegan and offers the guests real Persian cuisine with 100% vegan ingredients. They usually hold events related to Persian customs and traditions.
• Dibai House - Dibai House comprises a fully and scrupulously restored 17th-century Safavid historic mansion that with modern facilities. No smoking indoors. Price includes breakfast, and owner Sufi is extremely helpful with travel information.

• Hasht Behesht Apartment Hotel - Clean, modern and central.

• Bekhradi Historial Residence - Quiet, traditional khan-e-sonnati (Iranian traditional house). Five beautifully resorted Safavid-style rooms, some with bathrooms set around two garden courtyards. There is also a restaurant and free internet in this quiet area north of Imam Plaza.

• Safir Hotel - Glass elevator. Some rooms don't have windows. Includes a swimming swimmingpool with massage services at USD80/hour.

• Abbasi Hotel - Built during the reign of King Sultan Hossein of Safavids about 300 years ago. King Soltan Hossein attributed this magnificent complex of building to his mother. That is why it is called "the school and caravansaray of Madar-shah" (which means king's mother). The hotel also has a nice restaurant and tea house in the courtyard.

• Kowsar International Hotel - Overlooks Zayandeh Rood River.

• Ali-Qapu Hotel - 97 rooms and 4 suites.

• Aseman Hotel - Overlooks the river.

Telecommunications in Isfahan

There are various Internet cafés in Isfahan. The best place which has the fastest connection and also cheapest in the city is the Central Library of Esfahan. It is accessible from Naghshe-Jahan Plaza by five minutes walk.

Cope in Isfahan

Consulates in Isfahan

• Russian consulate - An old consulate of Russia behind the bazzar.

Travel Next

• Dasht-e-Kavir (central desert of Iran) is easily reached by a 6-hour bus journey from Isfahan. You'll find oases, salt lakes, etc.
• Kashan is famous for its beautiful mansions from the 1800s and its gardens.
• Na’in is the first desert city toward east. It's a small and quiet town at the edge of desert. A perfect pattern of a desert town. Everything you like to see in a desert town you can find there.
• Qom is a holy city a few hundred kilometers away.
• Shiraz is around 6 hours south of Isfahan by bus.

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