A little more
Iran.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Iran: what to know before you go

Iran is home to one of the world's oldest civilisations, with Persian palaces, tiled mosques, gardens, desert cities and mountain villages, and a long tradition of hospitality. It suits travellers interested in history, architecture, poetry and food. Conditions for travel can change, so check your government's current travel advice before planning a trip.

Where to go

• Isfahan. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the largest city squares in the world, is lined with the Shah Mosque, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and the entrance to the bazaar.
• Persepolis. The ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Darius I around 518 BC, near Shiraz.
• Shiraz. A city of gardens and poets, with the tombs of Hafez and Saadi, the Eram Garden and the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, whose stained-glass windows fill the prayer hall with coloured light in the morning.
• Yazd. An adobe desert city famous for its windcatchers (badgirs), which draw cool air into houses.

Best time to visit

Spring (roughly March to May) and autumn (roughly September to November) are the most comfortable seasons for visiting the main cities, with mild temperatures and gardens in bloom in spring. Nowruz in late March is a major holiday when many Iranians travel and some businesses close.

Staying online in Iran

Mobile coverage is good in Tehran and the major cities and along main roads, with weaker or no signal in deserts, mountains and remote villages. Access to many international websites, social networks and messaging apps is restricted in Iran, and internet speed and access can change at short notice. Hotel Wi-Fi is available but often slow. Download offline maps, translation packs and any documents before you arrive. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, but expect some services not to work.