Best Things to do in Yazd, Iran (and how to visit)
Yazd is a city unlike any other, standing proudly in the heart of Iran’s desert. With a history stretching back thousands of years, it is famous for its stunning mud-brick architecture, windcatchers, and deep-rooted Zoroastrian heritage. But is Yazd worth a visit? Absolutely. Walking through its ancient alleys feels like stepping into a living museum.
Many traveler wonder, is Yazd the oldest city in the world? While not the absolute oldest, it ranks among the world’s most ancient continuously inhabited cities. Its well-preserved architecture and traditions tell stories of resilience against time and harsh desert conditions.
Why is Yazd important to Zoroastrianism? As a spiritual center for Zoroastrians, Yazd is home to the Ateshkadeh (Fire Temple), where a sacred flame has burned for over 1,500 years. The Towers of Silence on the city’s outskirts reveal ancient burial traditions, offering a glimpse into a once-dominant religion that shaped Persian culture.
Whether exploring the Jameh Mosque’s intricate facade, sipping tea in a traditional courtyard, or getting lost in the labyrinth of old Yazd, this city leaves a lasting impression. A visit here isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about experiencing the soul of Iran’s desert heritage. Visiting Iran? Make sure to check out out best deal Iran tours
Why You Should Visit Yazd, Iran
Yazd stands out from every other city I’ve traveled in Iran. The city feels calm, almost timeless, with a laid-back energy that makes it easy to unwind. Unlike the chaos of larger cities, Yazd moves at its own pace. Traffic flows smoothly, streets stay uncrowded, and even the bazaar has a quiet charm. It’s the perfect place to slow down and soak in the atmosphere.
Thats why you should visit Yazd, if you’re planning for Iran.
One of the best things to do in Yazd is simply walk down the maze of the old town. Every turn reveals something new—a hidden mosque, a little shrine, a towering baadgir (the wind towers in desert town), an ancient water reservoir, or a traditional zurkhaneh.
Exploring Yazd isn’t just about seeing landmarks; it’s about experiencing the city’s soul, where history and daily life blend seamlessly.
Where is Yazd located in map of Iran?
Yazd is located in central Iran, southeast of Isfahan and northeast of Shiraz. It sits in the middle of the desert, between the Dasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert) and the Dasht-e Lut (Lut Desert).
Here’s a general idea of its location:
- Latitude & Longitude: 31.8974° N, 54.3569° E
- Provinces Nearby: Isfahan (to the northwest), Kerman (to the southeast), and Fars (to the southwest)
Distance from Major Cities:
- Tehran: ~620 km southeast
- Isfahan: ~320 km southeast
- Shiraz: ~440 km northeast
- Kerman: ~370 km northwest
A brief surprising history of Yazd
Yazd carries centuries of history in its sun-drenched streets. Despite its remote desert location and harsh climate, it ranks among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Whether that claim holds true or not, Yazd played a crucial role along the ancient Silk Road.
Marco Polo once praised Yazd as a “good and noble city.” Trade caravans from China and Central Asia arrived with fine silks before continuing toward the Persian Gulf. The city thrived as a hub where merchants, travelers, and scholars exchanged goods, ideas, and cultures.
Today, foreign travelers replace the traders, keeping Yazd’s tradition of cultural exchange alive. Yet, the city stays true to its roots. It remains one of Iran’s few strongholds of Zoroastrianism, with an active and sizeable community preserving ancient traditions.
Yazd doesn’t just preserve history—it lives it. The city blends its rich past with modern Iranian culture, creating an experience unlike anywhere else. While Yazd itself offers endless discoveries, it also serves as the perfect base to explore Iran’s breathtaking deserts and nearby Zoroastrian villages.
The best things to do in Yazd (That are not just a sightseeing)
1. The Jame Mosque
To me, visiting the Jame Mosque ranks among the #1 thing to do in Yazd. Also known as the Blue Mosque or Masjed-e Jameh, this stunning landmark dates back to the 14th century, built during the Timurid dynasty. Its architecture mirrors other grand mosques along the Silk Road, including those in Samarkand and Turkestan.
Centuries of renovations have preserved its beauty, making it one of Iran’s finest examples of Islamic architecture. By day, the intricate blue tiles impress with their elegance, but at night, the lights transform them into something truly mesmerizing. The deeper shades of blue glow under the soft illumination, creating an unforgettable sight.
For me, this mosque stood out as Yazd’s most breathtaking attraction. Staying in a hotel nearby gave me the chance to visit multiple times, and each visit revealed new details hidden in the tilework and carvings.
2. Old Town of Yazd
Walking through Yazd’s old town became one of my favorite experiences. This is where the city’s true beauty unfolds. Narrow streets twist and turn between yellow sandstone and mudbrick houses, creating an atmosphere that feels frozen in time.
Getting lost here isn’t a problem—it’s part of the experience. Every corner reveals something new, whether it’s a hidden courtyard, a centuries-old doorway, or a quiet alley untouched by modern life. Exploring without a plan allows Yazd’s history and character to unfold naturally, making every step an adventure.
3. Lariha house (museum)
The old town of Yazd, features several traditional houses open for visitors, but if you’ve already explored those rivals in Kashan (2 hours from Isfahan), these might not leave much of an impression. Personally, I found them a bit more touristy that usual.
I checked out Khan-e Lari, expecting something unique, but the only thing that caught my attention was a white room filled with old photos of women smoking. Beyond that, nothing really stood out.
If you haven’t seen the traditional houses in desert towns like in Kashan, paying the entrance fee might be worthy. Otherwise, you won’t miss much of a unique things to experience. In fact, your traditional hostel in Yazd might offer a more charming and authentic experience.
4. Alexander’s Prison (Zendan-e Eskandar)
This 15th-century domed school, often called Alexander’s Prison, owes its name to a reference in a Hafez poem. Despite the stories, the deep well in the courtyard probably has no real connection to Alexander the Great or any dungeon, no matter what the guides claim.
The building itself offers a brief display on Yazd’s old city, but the main attraction seems to be the network of craft workshops inside. If you’re curious, it’s worth a quick visit, but don’t expect much historical depth beyond the legend.
5. Khan Bazaar
Dating back to the 9th century, Khan Bazaar stands as one of Yazd’s oldest markets. While it lacks the vibrant energy of other Iranian bazaars, it remains the best spot to buy termeh, the city’s famous handwoven silk and wool fabric.
Authentic termeh (made from real silk), but most options in the bazaar are machine-made. Even so, the intricate patterns and rich colors make them great souvenirs for decorating your home. If you’re searching for something uniquely Yazd, this is the place to explore.
6. Amir Chakhmaq Mosque Complex
An iconic attraction, this three-story façade of Amir Chakhmaq stands as one of Iran’s largest and most striking hosseiniehs. Rows of perfectly proportioned sunken alcoves catch the late afternoon sunlight, glowing in warm copper tones against the darkening sky. At night, illuminated fountains and two-story arcades add to the grandeur, making it one of Yazd’s most photogenic spots. Only the first floor remains open to visitors.
Beneath the structure, a massive wooden nakhl—shaped like a cypress tree—rests in the square. Over 200 years old, this sacred relic plays a key role in Shiite Ashura commemorations. Though no longer carried, it gets draped in black during Ashura, symbolizing the coffin of Imam Hossein. The cypress tree, long associated with immortality, resistance, and freedom, predates Islam but now reflects the enduring legacy of Imam Hossein and his sacrifice.
7. The fire temple (Ateshkadeye Zartoshtiyoon)
The Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd is a symbol of one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.
This elegant neoclassical building reflects beautifully in the oval pool of its garden courtyard. Inside, a sacred flame has burned continuously since AD 470, making it one of the oldest in existence. Originally moved to Ardakan in 1174, then to Yazd in 1474, it finally found a home in this temple in 1940. Followers of Zoroastrianism cherish—rather than worship—this fire as a representation of purity and divine presence.
Above the entrance, the Fravahar symbol represents the core Zoroastrian values of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Its outstretched wings embody these virtues, while the downward-pointing tail feathers signify negative actions. The large ring reflects the eternal struggle between good and evil, while the bearded figure, symbolizing wisdom, holds a smaller ring to signify loyalty.
The on-site museum offers insight into Zoroastrian customs and beliefs, with relics and informative panels detailing this ancient faith, which dates back over 5,000 years. Yazd remains home to around 4,000 Zoroastrians, one of the largest communities in Iran, preserving traditions that have endured for millennia.
8. The Towers of Silence (Dakhme-ye Khamoosh)
Iran’s history holds many stories rarely heard in the West. Did you know that the world’s oldest monotheistic religion originated in Iran, and it’s not Islam?
Before Islam spread across the region, Zoroastrianism shaped Persian beliefs. This ancient faith, believed to have influenced Christianity, thrived until the Arab conquest. While much of Iran converted to Islam, Yazd remained a Zoroastrian stronghold, attracting followers from across the country. Islam took hold here gradually, making it ironic that today Yazd stands as one of Iran’s most religiously conservative cities. Despite this, Yazd embraces religious tolerance, and an active Zoroastrian community still exists.
For a deeper understanding of Zoroastrianism, visit the Towers of Silence. Zoroastrians believe the earth is sacred and must not be polluted by burials. Instead, they practiced sky burials, leaving bodies in open circular structures for birds to consume. Though no longer in use, these towers remain a fascinating historical site and a popular place to visit in Yazd.
How to Get There
The Towers of Silence sit on the outside of the city. You can take bus # 436 that takes 30 minutes from city center, and, a taxi offers a far easier ride. Expect to pay 120,000–160,000 toman for the trip. (less than USD2)
9. Saheb A Zaman Zurkhaneh
The ab anbar, a towering 29-meter-high reservoir built around 1580, once stored the city’s water supply under the watchful presence of five massive badgirs until modern irrigation rendered it obsolete. Now transformed into a zurkhaneh (house of strength), this architectural marvel hosts javan mard (gentlemen) who train with heavy wooden clubs, demonstrating both physical power and unwavering chivalry.
Visitors can gather around the central exercise area—after removing their shoes—to witness the rhythmic intensity of these training sessions, fueled by pulsating drumming that drives the athletes into a near-trance-like focus.
We had the chance to watch a free demonstration of their mesmerizing routines and even attempted lifting the meels ourselves—only to be met with laughter as their weight humbled us.
Passing by another zurkhaneh, we managed a quick peek inside, though we missed a live performance. If you get the chance, don’t skip this electrifying experience—one of the most exhilarating things to do in Yazd!
10. Yazd Water Museum
Yazd’s ingenious qanats—underground aqueducts essential for survival in the desert—stand as a testament to the fearless builders who crafted them. A beautifully restored mansion, with a visible qanat flowing beneath it, houses a museum that vividly showcases their legacy. Through striking photographs, detailed exhibits, and intricate architectural drawings, visitors gain insight into the underground water networks that have sustained life for centuries.
The qanat builders’ attire—white clothing that glowed in the dark and doubled as a shroud in case of tragedy—paired with padded cotton hats, represents an early form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This museum also chronicles Iran’s 2,000-year-old irrigation system, explaining the intricate process of drilling mother wells—some plunging as deep as 300 meters, like the qanat near Mashhad—and the ingenious water distribution clocks that regulated usage. These simple bowls with perforations ensured fair 15- or 20-minute water shares for each household or farm.
Wealthy homes in Yazd, often built closer to the mountains for access to fresher water, featured qanats running beneath them, collecting in sardob (basement pools). These underground chambers—coolest in the house—were often beautifully adorned, with many still preserved in Yazd’s finest traditional hotels today.
11. Bagh-e Dolat Abad
Once home to Persian regent Karim Khan Zand, this small pavilion sits within a stunning UNESCO-listed garden, built around 1750. Its interior shines with intricate latticework and vibrant stained-glass windows.
A towering 33m hight badgir (wind tower) , rebuilt in the 1960s, dominates the structure.
The symmetrical Persian garden design features tall evergreens, sour orange trees, and pomegranates. A cozy café and craft shops sit nearby, while a modern water fountain provides disposable straws for convenience. Read more on Wikipedia
Popular Day Trips Near Yazd (Where else to visit)?
Yazd may be small, but it’s packed with history, culture, and adventure. In just a day or two, you can explore its highlights, but the real magic lies beyond the city. The surrounding desert offers incredible day trips, taking you through breathtaking landscapes, ancient villages, and unique experiences.
Head to Chak Chak, a hidden Zoroastrian pilgrimage site nestled in the mountains, or visit Meybod, a desert town home to a centuries-old mudbrick fortress and an ancient icehouse. Explore Kharanaq, an abandoned village with crumbling structures and a historic bridge, perfect for photographers and history lovers. For an unforgettable desert adventure, take a sunset camel ride or go off-roading in Dasht-e Lut, one of the world’s most dramatic deserts.
Backpackers and those budget travelers can find cheap or free activities like hiking in Shir Kuh, wandering through old caravanserais, or watching the Zurkhaneh (Persian traditional gym) sessions in historic water reservoirs. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, visiting Zoroastrian fire temples, or simply enjoying the silence of the desert, Yazd’s surroundings offer something unique, affordable, and unforgettable.
Kharanaq
A trip to Kharanaq, an ancient mudbrick village, should be on your list when exploring places near Yazd. Once a key stop along the Silk Road, this village now stands abandoned, with its crumbling structures creating a mysterious ghost town vibe. Wandering through its narrow alleys, old caravanserais, and historic mosque feels like stepping back in time.
How to Get There
Public transport doesn’t go to Kharanaq (It’s in the desert), but a hired taxi makes the trip easy. Many travelers combine Kharanaq with Chak Chak and Meybod for a full-day adventure, exploring desert landscapes, Zoroastrian sites, and ancient architecture in one trip.
Chak-Chak Fire Temple (Pir-e Sabz)
Chak Chak is with no doubt, one of the most fascinating places to visit near Yazd. sat high in the mountains, this ancient Zoroastrian water temple attracts pilgrims who pray for the sacred water dripping from the rock.
According to legend, the daughter of an ancient king sought refuge here, praying to Ahura Mazda.
The mountain opened to protect her, and the continuous water droplets symbolize tears mourning her disappearance. The Pir-e-Sabz fire temple serves as the site’s focal point, accessible by climbing 230 steps.
The cave’s entrance, featuring a brass door embossed with Zoroaster’s likeness, leads to an eternal flame burning inside. Every June, the temple remains closed for an annual pilgrimage.
How to Get There
There is no public transport to Chak Chak, so do not try and do not waste your time, however, private car and taxis offer an easy way to visit. Hiring a taxi allows you to explore Chak Chak, Kharanaq, and Meybod in a single day.
Meybod
Meybod, a small town near Yazd, offers a unique mix of modern buildings and well-preserved desert architecture. The town features several historical landmarks, including the Narin Castle, ancient water reservoirs, and the Khabutar Khaneh pigeon house. These pigeon houses provided a resting place for birds, and their droppings served as valuable fertilizer. Meybod’s pigeon house stands as one of the few remaining in Iran.
How to get there from Yazd
Meybod may not be the most spectacular destination on its own, but combining it with Kharanaq and Chak Chak creates a rewarding day trip from Yazd. Public transport offers an easy half-day trip option. Minibuses depart from Imam Hossein Square in Yazd—ask the driver to stop near Narin Castle at the town’s outskirts for easy access to the main attractions.
Nain, or Na’een
Nain, is a small desert town between Yazd and Tehran(best to visit if you’re heading toward Tehran or Esfahan), holds historical significance as home to Iran’s oldest mosque.
The town also features an ancient castle and a covered bazaar, both slowly crumbling yet adding to their photogenic charm. Like Yazd, Nain embraces the true essence of a desert city, offering a unique atmosphere for travelers seeking history and solitude.
How to get to Nain from Yazd?
Buses heading toward Tehran or Isfahan frequently stop in Nain; therefore, it is an easy and accessible destination from Yazd. Moreover, this makes travel convenient for those exploring central Iran.
The city is generally considered a very safe for tourists. It has a low crime rate compared to many other cities globally, and violent crime targeting tourists is rare.
As of female travelers in Isfahan, it considered safe at night even if you’re a solo female. Crime rates are quite low, and locals are often polite and respectful and very hospitable.If you’re in need of help, such as emergency, try to call police, dial number 110.
Full Day Trek & Camel Ride near Yazd in Ardakan
Activities in desert towns are often combined with camel riding. For instance, head to Ardakan, a historic town just an hour from Yazd. Moreover, this desert town attracts Zoroastrians for religious celebrations in nearby Sharifabad.
After exploring Ardakan’s ruins and qanats, you can then experience camel riding deep in the desert. Additionally, hotels in Yazd frequently arrange these trips for visitors.
Local Yazd Travel Tips for First-time Visitors
Best Places to Eat in Yazd (Recommended by locals)
Yazd offers classic Persian dishes along with unique local cuisines that are actually delicious. Shuli, a hearty vegetable soup made with beets and celery, is a must-try for vegetarians. Tas Kebab e Shotor, a rich camel meat stew with potatoes, is perfect in case you’d like to try something from a desert city of Yazd.
- Orient Hostel – This budget-friendly rooftop restaurant serves delicious fesenjoon (chicken in walnut-pomegranate stew, its yummy, I promise) and shuli. Their sister restaurant at Silk Road Hotel also offers Tas Kebab e Shotor and other sort of rice dishes with Kabab.
- Amir Chakhmaq Complex – The best spot for kebabs, offering everything from liver and heart to kidneys and fat. It’s really something so local.
Best Seasons to Visit Yazd
The best time to visit Yazd, Iran, is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Spring (March–May) in Yazd brings warm, comfortable temperatures (15–30°C / 59–86°F), it’s the time when flower bloom, lush gardens, and ideal conditions for exploring the city’s historical sites and stunning desert landscapes.
Autumn (September–November) in Yazd offers mild temperatures similar to spring, making it perfect for sightseeing, desert excursions, and outdoor activities, with fewer tourists for a quieter experience.
Winter (December–February) in Yazd brings cold nights near 0°C (32°F), while daytime remains comfortable, though not ideal for desert trips.
Avoid summer (June–August) as temperatures soar above 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities challenging in the intense desert heat.
How many days are enough for Yazd?
Yazd’s old town is where you’ll find most attractions, making it easy to explore within two days at a relaxed pace. If you are keen on day trips out of the town, add an extra day for a trip to Kharanaq, Chak Chak, as well as both Meybod and Ardakan.
Currency exchange & money matters
Sanctions certainly have disconnected Iran from international banking; therefore, ATMs in Yazd won’t accept foreign cards. Instead, bring cash in euros, dollars, or other major foreign currencies to cover all expenses. Fortunately, your hotel or several exchange places in the city, especially near Amir Chakhmaq SQ, are the best options for exchanging money.
How to get around the city
Walking through Yazd is the best way to explore, as most attractions are in the old town or near Amir Chakhmaq Square, all within a short distance. Taxis in Yazd are affordable, with options for shared rides or private “dar bast” taxis.
Best ways to get to Yazd (from other cities in Iran)
Yazd’s bus station is within a 10 min taxi ride (12 kilometers from the center), with frequent buses departs to Shiraz (7 hours), Tehran (9 hours), Isfahan (5 hours), and Kerman (6 hours).
Also, the train station offers limited services to Tehran (6–8 hours) and Kerman (7–8 hours), with Iranrail providing updated timetables. Trains from Tehran to Yazd fill up fast, so booking early is recommended.
Kharanaq, Meybod, and Chak Chak lack public transport, but taxis can cover all three in a day. Budget-friendly tours are available through the most hotels with around USD15-20.
Is Yazd Safe (especially for females)
Yazd is a very safe city (I read a lot of comment on TripAdvisor and they all conform it.), actually a very safe one, attracting foreign tourists yearly. The city experiences low crime rates, but staying cautious and following basic safety measures always ensures a smooth trip.
I actually felt very safe and secure, nobody followed me, nobody pushed me to buy this and that and people were extremely friendly.
Bottom line: Yazd, Iran, things to do & how to visit
Yazd is a true desert city built for the desert experience. Similar to Kashan, it embraces the arid landscape, but here, the heat hits differently. Even in April, the warm air felt overwhelming, making me wonder how intense summers must get.
Surviving in this harsh climate required innovation. Ancient engineers designed an underground irrigation system, known as qanats (try to visit them), to channel water from nearby mountains.
To combat the relentless heat, they built wind towers that naturally cooled homes, while ab anbars (water reservoirs) stored precious water. These domed structures, often crowned with wind towers on all sides, still dot the cityscape.
In addition, many of these historic water reservoirs and wind towers now left unconcerned. For now, wandering through Yazd’s quieter neighborhoods to discover these forgotten structures remains one of the city’s most fascinating experiences.
