Yazd is a desert city in central Iran and the capital of the Yazd province. It is an ancient city dating back to the Sassanian period (224-651 AD). It is nicknamed "the City of Windcatchers" in Persian, and in 2017 it was listed by UNESCO as a world heritage.
- Masjid-e Jame, Masjid-e Jame street, which runs off Imam St. Dating to the 14th century, it is well worth a visit. It is an example of finest Persian mosaics and excellent architecture. Its minarets are the highest in the country. Admire it at night when it is lit up. 80,000 rials.
- Yazd Water Museum, corner of Qiyam st. and Imam St, +98 35 3626 8340. 08:00-19:00 with a 14:30-15:30 break. House converted to a museum with a lot of information about the Canat water distribution system. Contains nice cool underground rooms. 150,000 rials.
- Takyeh Amir Chakhmagh. Built as a mosque, it served as a caravanserai, a tekyeh, a bathhouse, a cold water well, and a confectionery. This imposing structure fronts a square in the old town, opposite the water museum. You can pay a small amount to go inside and climb to the top, giving good local views, including of a nearby badgir (water reservoir with wind towers). The square has interesting fountains and is nice at night.
- Cistern of Fatemeh-ye-Golshan. Easily-viewed reservoir with 4 badgirs (wind towers).
- Amir Chakhmagh Mosque. Mosque next to the Amir Chakhmagh Complex.
- Market Square Clock, Imam St.
- Atashkadeh, crossing Kashani and Akbar Road (a few kilometres from the old town; a taxi might be best. 08:00-21:00, closed on official holidays. Zoroastrian Fire Temple built in 1934. The fire on the inside has supposedly been burning since AD 470. It is believed to be one of the nine worldwide Atash Behrams or "Victorious Fires". 200,000 rials (Oct 2019).
- Dakhmeh. Huge circular walls on top of hills, where the dead were left to be picked clean by vultures. A quiet, serene place. Two hills can be walked up, Golestan and Mankeji. 200,000 rials.
- Alexander's Prison. Neither built by Alexander the Great nor a prison, but a 15th-century domed school. Guides say the deep well in the middle of its courtyard was built by Alexander the Great and was used as a dungeon although this is not confirmed. Apart from the well there is nothing else to see, so it can easily be skipped. 150,000 rials.
- Dowlat Abad Gardens. With a building with a beautiful large badgir. One of nine Persian gardens inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 150,000 rials.
- Museum of Zoroastrians History and Culture, near Markar square, +98 913 524 6477. 09:00–13:00 and 16:00–20:00. Makes an emphasis on cultural aspects of daily life of Zoroastrianism followers in Iran. 80,000 rials.
- Pahlevanpour Garden, Mehriz town (40 km south of the city, +98 936 286 2044. 08:00-21:30. Yet another world heritage-listed Persian Garden.
- Sar-Yazd Fortress, Saryazd village (close to Mehriz town, 40 km south of Yazd. Saryazd village dates back to Sassanid era (3rd-7th AD) and apart of the fortress has two caravanserais (Seljuk and Safavid ones), a water reservoir and a number of other historical building, all in half-destroyed state. Besides, there is a traditional restaurant located inside of Safavid Caravansary and a hotel named 'Najari House' offering 6 simple rooms.
- Kharānaq. One of the last remaining mud cities in Iran. Quite touristy place.
- Chak Chak, Ardakan. A pilgrimage center for Zoroastrians.
- Narin Castle, Meybod town (50 km northwest on road to Isfahan. 07:30-17:00. A mud-brick fort or castle built some 2,000 years ago, giving nice lookout on Meybod. 150.000 IRR.
- Yakhchals, Meybod town (50 km northwest on road to Isfahan. 07:30-17:00. Ancient evaporation coolers used to make and preserve ice in the desert 150.000 IRR.
Pahlevanpour Garden, Mehriz town (40 km south of the city, +98 936 286 2044. 08:00-21:30. Yet another [[world heritage]]-listed Persian Garden.
Sar-Yazd Fortress, Saryazd village (close to Mehriz town, 40 km south of Yazd. Saryazd village dates back to Sassanid era (3rd-7th AD) and apart of the fortress has two caravanserais (Seljuk and Safavid ones), a water reservoir and a number of other historical building, all in half-destroyed state. Besides, there is a traditional restaurant located inside of Safavid Caravansary and a hotel named 'Najari House' offering 6 simple rooms.
Kharānaq. One of the last remaining mud cities in Iran. Quite touristy place.
Chak Chak, Ardakan. A pilgrimage center for Zoroastrians.
Narin Castle, Meybod town (50 km northwest on road to Isfahan. 07:30-17:00. A mud-brick fort or castle built some 2,000 years ago, giving nice lookout on Meybod. 150.000 IRR.
Yakhchals, Meybod town (50 km northwest on road to Isfahan. 07:30-17:00. Ancient evaporation coolers used to make and preserve ice in the desert 150.000 IRR.
Masjid-e Jame, Masjid-e Jame street, which runs off Imam St. Dating to the 14th century, it is well worth a visit. It is an example of finest Persian mosaics and excellent architecture. Its minarets are the highest in the country. Admire it at night when it is lit up. 80,000 rials.
Yazd Water Museum, corner of Qiyam st. and Imam St, +98 35 3626 8340. 08:00-19:00 with a 14:30-15:30 break. House converted to a museum with a lot of information about the Canat water distribution system. Contains nice cool underground rooms. 150,000 rials.
Takyeh Amir Chakhmagh. Built as a mosque, it served as a caravanserai, a tekyeh, a bathhouse, a cold water well, and a confectionery. This imposing structure fronts a square in the old town, opposite the water museum. You can pay a small amount to go inside and climb to the top, giving good local views, including of a nearby badgir (water reservoir with wind towers). The square has interesting fountains and is nice at night.
Cistern of Fatemeh-ye-Golshan. Easily-viewed reservoir with 4 badgirs (wind towers).
Amir Chakhmagh Mosque. Mosque next to the Amir Chakhmagh Complex.
Market Square Clock, Imam St.
Atashkadeh, crossing Kashani and Akbar Road (a few kilometres from the old town; a taxi might be best. 08:00-21:00, closed on official holidays. Zoroastrian Fire Temple built in 1934. The fire on the inside has supposedly been burning since AD 470. It is believed to be one of the nine worldwide Atash Behrams or "Victorious Fires". 200,000 rials (Oct 2019).
Dakhmeh. Huge circular walls on top of hills, where the dead were left to be picked clean by vultures. A quiet, serene place. Two hills can be walked up, Golestan and Mankeji. 200,000 rials.
Alexander's Prison. Neither built by Alexander the Great nor a prison, but a 15th-century domed school. Guides say the deep well in the middle of its courtyard was built by Alexander the Great and was used as a dungeon although this is not confirmed. Apart from the well there is nothing else to see, so it can easily be skipped. 150,000 rials.
Dowlat Abad Gardens. With a building with a beautiful large badgir. One of nine Persian gardens inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 150,000 rials.
Museum of Zoroastrians History and Culture, near Markar square, +98 913 524 6477. 09:00–13:00 and 16:00–20:00. Makes an emphasis on cultural aspects of daily life of Zoroastrianism followers in Iran. 80,000 rials.
- Walk around in the historic neighbourhoods and relax in the parks. You can also hike up in the beautiful mountains of Yazd and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. If you are the more social type, relax in the cafes and chat with local Iranians. Most likely, they will be very interested in talking with you.
- Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals. Sa-Th 06:00–21:00, gymnastics by several men start at 19:00 until 20:00. It's a traditional Iranian martial arts which practiced in a domed structure called zurkhaneh, training sessions consist mainly of ritual gymnastic movements and climax with the core of combat practice, a form of submission-grappling called koshti pahlavāni. 150.000 Rials.
- Traditional Persian Night, Kohan Hotel (Near to the Museum of Coin and Anthropology, Alley 40, Imam Street, +98 935 935 7123. 19:00-22:00. You will get familiar with Persian traditions, literature, music and some of the customs associated with the Iranian night gathering. Welcome drink, Persian storytelling, live Persian classical music (the Setar playing), fresh fruits, Yazdi cake with bitter orange blossom tea, narrating Persian anecdotes, and a three course dinner are included in this nightly event. It is held in a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. Reservations are necessary and sufficient bookings are required for the event to be held. Adult: 25 USD, child 5-12 yrs: 23 USD.
Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals. Sa-Th 06:00–21:00, gymnastics by several men start at 19:00 until 20:00. It's a traditional Iranian martial arts which practiced in a domed structure called zurkhaneh, training sessions consist mainly of ritual gymnastic movements and climax with the core of combat practice, a form of submission-grappling called koshti pahlavāni. 150.000 Rials.
Traditional Persian Night, Kohan Hotel (Near to the Museum of Coin and Anthropology, Alley 40, Imam Street, +98 935 935 7123. 19:00-22:00. You will get familiar with Persian traditions, literature, music and some of the customs associated with the Iranian night gathering. Welcome drink, Persian storytelling, live Persian classical music (the Setar playing), fresh fruits, Yazdi cake with bitter orange blossom tea, narrating Persian anecdotes, and a three course dinner are included in this nightly event. It is held in a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. Reservations are necessary and sufficient bookings are required for the event to be held. Adult: 25 USD, child 5-12 yrs: 23 USD.
Yazd is famous in Iran for its various handicrafts, such as carpet, silk fabrics and cashmere. A good place for these is bazaar, where also can be found snacks such as nougat and cashews. It is also famous for its sweets and confectionery most notable of which is haj khalife located near the chaqmaq gate.
- Exchange office. Office with a good exchange rate.
Exchange office. Office with a good exchange rate.
For a friendlier and more cultural atmosphere try Persian restaurants. Many restaurants serve the standard Iranian kebabas. There are a few international restaurants in Yazd which serve Italian, Indian, Arabian and Mexican food.
The traditional restaurant and tea house of Kohan Hotel serves various Iranian traditional dishes such as fessenjun, gheime as well as some European and Indian dishes. It has a nice atmosphere and is located near the Alexander Prison.
- Friends House, No.44, Shah Abolghasem Alley, Seyyed Gole Sorkh St (few steps from Alexander's Prison towards Haame mosque, +98 913 854 7478. A cosy little bistro located in an ancient courtyard. Home made dishes, fresh juice and local drinks is served. Best known for its amazing coffee, made by Bialetti Moka express. €4-6 for a lunch or dinner
- Parsa restaurant, Salman-e-Farsi (On the righthand side behind Amir Chakmaq mosque. A modern type restaurant with not a very great exterior, but frequented by locals, and has a busy takeaway. Good food.
Friends House, No.44, Shah Abolghasem Alley, Seyyed Gole Sorkh St (few steps from Alexander's Prison towards Haame mosque, +98 913 854 7478. A cosy little bistro located in an ancient courtyard. Home made dishes, fresh juice and local drinks is served. Best known for its amazing coffee, made by Bialetti Moka express. €4-6 for a lunch or dinner
Parsa restaurant, Salman-e-Farsi (On the righthand side behind Amir Chakmaq mosque. A modern type restaurant with not a very great exterior, but frequented by locals, and has a busy takeaway. Good food.
For typical drinks available in Iran, see Iran#Drink
- Immigration office, 75 metres north of Abozar Square on the west side of Kashani Road (in the southern part of town. 08:00 -. Visa extensions for foreign tourists.
Immigration office, 75 metres north of Abozar Square on the west side of Kashani Road (in the southern part of town. 08:00 -. Visa extensions for foreign tourists.
- Isfahan — the ancient city which is a little bit more cultural and beautiful than Yazd
- Na’in — a small desert town north of Yazd
- Varzaneh — town northeast of Yazd with a beautiful desert 12 km away from it. Besides, it has number of historical buildings
[[Isfahan]] — the ancient city which is a little bit more cultural and beautiful than Yazd
[[Na’in]] — a small desert town north of Yazd
[[Varzaneh]] — town northeast of Yazd with a beautiful desert 12 km away from it. Besides, it has number of historical buildings