Hostels in ESFAHAN, IRAN

Esfahan – Visit Nesf-e-Jehan, Half the World

Esfahan or Isfahan is the third largest city of Iran and the capital of Esfahan Province. One of the metropolitan cities of the country, Esfahan is visited by tourists to explore the historical treasure of the city in the form of various tourist sites. Apart from various tourist attractions, the city is also admired for its shopping opportunities.

History:
The latest discoveries have proved that Esfahan existed from the time of Palaeolithic Age. In the beginning, the city was a part of Elamite Empire. Medes started settling in the city, when it was known with the name of Aspandana. After remaining the part of Median Dynasty for long, the city became a part of Achaemenid Empire afterwards. What followed was the rule of various dynasties over the city, most important ones being Parathion Empire, Sassanid Empire, Arabs, Buwayhid Dynasty and Seljuk Dynasty. In all these period, the city was declared as the capital of the region for many times.

In the later part of the Islamic Era, the city was captured by Timur, the Turko-Mongol warlord that was responsible for huge killings of the citizens in the 14th century. Under Safavid Dynasty, the city witnessed huge development in the 16th century. It was popularly called the Half of World by the Persians, as they believed that viewing the city was like viewing the half of the world. After the weakening of Safavid Dynasty in the 18th century, the Afghans completely ruined the city and European powers took off a lot of its wealth. In modern times, the city has emerged as one of the strongest metropolitan regions in Iran.

Popular Places:
Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Shahshahan square are the popular parts of Esfahan. The popular attractions of the city include various mosques like Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, Imam Mosque and Jame Mosque, apart from others. The city also hosts a number of ancient palaces that are no less than the treasure for the country. While Chehel Sotoun Palace is known for its columns, Hasht Behesht is popularly called the Palace of Eight Paradises. Ali Qapu and Talar Ashraf are other palaces located in Esfahan.

Vank Cathedral and Kelisaye Maryam are the famous churches in the city. Atashgah is the famous fire temple, located on a rock top and well-known for offering spectacular city views. The Tombs of Nizam al-Mulk and Malek Shah, Pigeon Towers, Flowers Garden and Birds Garden are other major attractions of the city.

Getting Around:
Buses are the most convenient ways to get around the city, a good guide to smooth travel is to keep some small notes and change handy to pay for your journey.  

Places of Entertainment:
Zayandehrood River in the city offers wonderful sightseeing for the tourists. Esfahan is an exciting shopping hub, as one can purchase world famous carpets and miniatures, along with other items from various parts of the city. Chelo kebab and beryani are the famous cuisines offered at restaurants.

Accommodation Options:
Like other Iranian cities, Esfahan also offers accommodation options in the form of budget hotels and luxury hotels, youth hostels, holiday villas, you can also find guesthouse.

Currency:
Rial, the official currency of Esfahan, is available in the form of coins of 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 and notes of, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, and 50000 denominations, for the latest exchange rates check the news and internet.

Group accommodation in Esfahan | Youth hostels & discount hotels