Esfahan Travel Guide: A First Timer’s Guide
Planning a trip to Iran and looking for things to do in Esfahan? We have you covered!
Esfahan (also known as Isfahan) is rarely known to the broader Western or Eastern worlds, despite being a UNESCO site. The more reason to prepare yourself for a visit best with this Esfahan travel guide.
The reason for Esfahan’s relative ‘anonymity’ is simple: its host country, Iran, has been nearly demonized in the media.
With an unclear Middle East situation, many had fears of visiting the prior Persian Empire, or in a way, more scared of the nuclear power, Russia ties, terrorists in Syria, and any other reasons.
Only upon visiting themselves do many travelers find out that Iranians are some of the most hospitable people in the world. Our author Zhu’s journey with Persia started in an unexpected manner.
Things to do in Esfahan
During the Christmas of 2017, I traveled there for a blend of personal curiosity and for work. With a much uncertain heart, I was scared on my flight there, and at that moment, I had to put on my hijab in public. On my second day in Iran, I met my current boyfriend Sahand.
Since then, I have explored this extremely misunderstood country and uncovered the stories of Persian history and contemporary society.
With that said, I have also frequented Persia as a part of my work and personal needs.
Now, use this Esfahan travel guide and come to Iran with me!
Image by @zhuthegirl
Things to See in Esfahan
Naqsh-e-Jahan Square
The UNESCO site, Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, is the most iconic building of Esfahan, among many other historical sites.
Meant to have a lasting impression on visitors, the mosque and the place are the very pinnacle of Persian architecture, which is already in the leading position of the world. Easily recognized as the center of the city, it is a must-visit and must photograph for Instagrammers.
Chehel Sotoun (40th Column Palace)
Shah Abbas used to host ambassadors from around the world at the palace. The royal court had spectacular wall paintings of wars and peace.
There were grand wars waged against the Indians and the grand parties for the Ottoman heirs. Shah Abbas has taken under his umbrella many Ottoman heirs who were forced out of their country due to power struggles.
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Khaju Bridge
The ancient royal bridge is now free for pedestrians as well. In parallel to Shi-o-She Po, Khaju Bridge in the past allowed important figures to walk at the upper deck and pedestrians on the lower deck.
It has an elevated platform connecting waters from two sides of the bridge body. The bridge was once a water preservation project. Today, it’s a site for people in love to take a stroll. On the two sides of the bridge, there are two lion statues whose eyes reflect the lights from the river bank.
Image by @zhuthegirl
THINGS TO EAT IN ESFAHAN
Safavid House
Repurposed from an old residential house of the Safavid Empire, the most powerful dynasty of Persian history, Safavid House is a restaurant today. One of my first dates with my boyfriend happened there. They have a backyard where diners can sit in and count the stars. Food is very authentic and traditional. There are also fireplaces around in the winter.
Hermes Café
A copycat of the luxury café carrying the French name, the Persian chain Hermes Café has nothing to do with the name. The café does decent Western food, whose salads have salvaged my life as a vegetarian in the meat-heavy Iran.
WHERE TO STAY IN ESFAHAN
Rag Rug Hostel
Sahand’s number one darling is now one of Iran’s most reputable hostels. Now grossing 5-star comments from every guest, the hostel had a very difficult time initially.
I met Sahand before Rag Rug’s open. I witnessed how he worked diligently to build the brand. Only a few months ago, Rag Rug was an empty construction site with a few grey bricks and dirty walls.
Now, Rag Rug has made a home for many tourists from every corner of the world. Sahand was refused 3 times for a hostel license at first. Nevertheless, he kept on. Today, Rag Rug is not only a traveler’s haven but a motivational symbol for entrepreneurial hard knocks.
Image by @zhuthegirl
Things to note
Persian Hijab Style
The Persian fashion, which is often luxury, is itself a blend of contemporary boho and glamorous elegance. Isolated from the world, Iran created its own fashion world. Situated in between the East and the West, Persia also has blended both to create its own fashion identity.
In fact, one of my favourite things to do in the city, and also in Tehran, is to purchase amazingly handmade jackets and scarves in shopping malls, fashion concept stores, in Iran.
If you follow what other women around you wear, you’ll fit in nicely. Only after a few days stay in Iran did I learn that Persian girls tend to not cover the entirety of their head. Instead, they let their hijab loosely flow on the sides as you see me wearing in previous photos.
To catch more visuals on this Esfahan travel guide, watch Zhu’s video here.
About the Author
Zhu is a fashion and travel influencer based in New York. She talks about elegant styles and under-discovered cultures and sub-cultures in an elegant manner. Born in the East and educated in the West, she is best known for her work on Middle East.
Zhu’s travel x fashion blog speaks for itself and you can follow her YouTube channel and Instagram to see even more.
