The Top 50

Cities in Iran

The most important cities in Iran at a glance – from the bustling metropolis to the charming small town. Each city links to a detailed page with map, attractions and travel tips.

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Astara
city

Astara

A key border city on the Caspian Sea, known for its bustling trade and scenic coastal location between the Alborz Mountains and the water.

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Ghaleh Heidar
city

Ghaleh Heidar

A picturesque fishing village on the Persian Gulf in Bushehr Province, known for its expansive sandy beaches and hospitality.

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Masuleh
city

Masuleh

A picturesque mountain village in the Alborz range, famous for its unique architecture where roofs serve as streets for the houses above.

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Neyshabur
city

Neyshabur

Nishapur was one of the largest and culturally richest cities in medieval Persia and is the birthplace of Omar Khayyam.

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Ilam
state-capital

Ilam

Ilam is the capital of the eponymous province in western Iran, characterized by the striking mountain landscapes of the Zagros.

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Fereydunkenar
city

Fereydunkenar

A key ecotourism destination on the Caspian coast, famous for its rice paddies and as a wintering site for rare birds.

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Ovan Lake
city

Ovan Lake

An idyllic alpine lake in the Alamut Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains, perfect for nature lovers and picnics.

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Alamut Valley
city

Alamut Valley

A dramatic valley in the Alborz Mountains, famous for the legendary castles of the Assassins and stunning trekking routes.

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Mahmoudabad
city

Mahmoudabad

A popular seaside resort on the Caspian Sea, known for its recreational facilities and proximity to the capital, Tehran.

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Qazvin
state-capital

Qazvin

Qazvin was once the capital of the Persian Empire and is noted for historical sites and agricultural importance.

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Babolsar
city

Babolsar

A charming coastal city on the Caspian Sea, known for its wide sandy beaches and pleasant subtropical climate.

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Chaboksar
city

Chaboksar

A spectacular location where the mountains nearly meet the sea, famous for its orange groves and proximity to Ramsar.

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Dezful
city

Dezful

Dezful is a historical city in Khuzestan Province, situated on the Dez River and noted for ancient irrigation systems.

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Bushehr
city

Bushehr

A historic port city on the Persian Gulf, famous for its unique traditional architecture and soulful folk music.

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Kelarabad
city

Kelarabad

An exclusive coastal city in Mazandaran, known for its luxury residential complexes and proximity to Namak Abrud.

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Ardabil
state-capital

Ardabil

Ardabil is known for the Safi al-Din Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its silk and carpet tradition.

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Sari
state-capital

Sari

Sari is the capital of Mazandaran Province and one of the most important cities in northern Iran near the Caspian Sea.

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Nowshahr
city

Nowshahr

A major port city on the Caspian Sea, known for its proximity to the Alborz mountains and vibrant local markets.

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Sanandaj
state-capital

Sanandaj

Sanandaj is the capital of Iran's Kurdistan Province and a major cultural center for the Kurdish population.

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Khalkhal
city

Khalkhal

A mountainous city famous for its pristine nature and the spectacular Asalem-Khalkhal road through foggy forests.

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Kala Chay
city

Kala Chay

A charming center for citrus and rice in Gilan province, located directly on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

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Salman Shahr
city

Salman Shahr

Formerly Mothel-Qu, Iran's most upscale Caspian resort town, famous for its iconic towers and vibrant lifestyle.

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Bandar Laft
city

Bandar Laft

A historic fishing village on Qeshm Island, famous for its traditional wind towers and ancient dhow-building yards.

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Palangan
city

Palangan

A spectacular terraced village in Kurdistan where house roofs serve as courtyards for the homes above.

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Zanjan
state-capital

Zanjan

Zanjan is known for its traditional handicrafts, especially the production of knives and silverware.

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Bandar Abbas
state-capital

Bandar Abbas

Bandar Abbas is the capital of Hormozgan Province and Iran's most important seaport in the Persian Gulf.

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Larijan
city

Larijan

A mountain resort at the foot of Mount Damavand, world-famous for its natural thermal springs and healing baths.

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Urmia Lake
city

Urmia Lake

A massive hypersaline lake in NW Iran, famous for its surreal reddish tint and vast white salt flats.

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Islamshahr
city

Islamshahr

Islamshahr is a large city in Tehran Province that has grown rapidly due to its proximity to the capital.

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Tehran
state-capital

Tehran

Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, known for its modern skyline and historical palaces.

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Sareyn
city

Sareyn

Iran's premier spa town, famous for its numerous hot mineral springs at the foot of Mount Sabalan.

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Kish Island
city

Kish Island

A modern resort paradise in the Persian Gulf, known for duty-free shopping and pristine white sand beaches.

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Yazd
state-capital

Yazd

Yazd is famous for its unique mud-brick architecture, wind catchers, and Zoroastrian community.

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Kerman
state-capital

Kerman

Kerman is located in southeastern Iran and is a center for carpet weaving and desert agriculture.

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Uraman Takht
city

Uraman Takht

A historic village in the heart of the Hawraman region, famous for its UNESCO-listed cultural landscape.

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Ramsar
city

Ramsar

A lush Caspian resort known as the 'Bride of Iran' located between the mountains and the sea.

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Bandar Dayyer
city

Bandar Dayyer

A major port on the Persian Gulf in Iran, famous for its fishing industry and pristine sandy beaches.

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Gahar Lake
city

Gahar Lake

A stunning high-altitude lake in the Zagros Mountains, often called the jewel of Mount Oshtorankuh.

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Tabriz
state-capital

Tabriz

Tabriz is the largest city in northwestern Iran, famous for its historical bazaar and carpets.

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Kashan
city

Kashan

Kashan is famous for its historical mansions, carpet manufacturing, and traditional Persian gardens.

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Isfahan
state-capital

Isfahan

Isfahan is known for its Persian-Islamic architecture, magnificent boulevards, and covered bridges.

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Hamadan
state-capital

Hamadan

Hamadan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with rich ancient history.

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Shahriar
city

Shahriar

Shahriar is a rapidly growing city west of Tehran, renowned for its extensive orchards.

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Nashtarood
city

Nashtarood

A picturesque Caspian Sea city in Mazandaran, famous for paragliding, canals, and lush nature.

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Mashhad
state-capital

Mashhad

Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran and an important spiritual center for Shia Muslims.

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Hormuz Island
city

Hormuz Island

A spectacular island in the Persian Gulf, famous for its red beaches and rainbow-colored hills.

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Rasht
state-capital

Rasht

Rasht is the capital of Gilan Province, near the Caspian Sea, known for its humid climate.

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Gorgan
state-capital

Gorgan

Gorgan is located in northern Iran in Golestan Province, surrounded by dense forests and mountains.

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Dizin
city

Dizin

Iran's premier high-altitude ski resort in the Alborz mountains, famous for excellent powder snow.

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Shiraz
state-capital

Shiraz

Shiraz is the city of poets, literature, wine, and flowers, located near Persepolis.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the largest cities in Iran?

This page lists the most important cities by population – each with its own detail page, map and attractions.

How do I find attractions per city?

Click a city – the detail page lists the top attractions, a map and travel tips.