Best Hostels in Iran

 The Best Hostels in Iran - Explore Iran on a Budget - Just a Pack

As many of you asking us where to stay in Iran, we decided to put together the most affordable places to stay. If you travel on a budget, you’ll most likely end up staying in hostels and guesthouses. Based on our experience, we provided an appropriate selection of worthy guesthouses and best hostels in Iran.

 

Hi Tehran hostel

Hi Tehran is a welcoming hostel in Tehran, Iran. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the hostel has a warm atmosphere that is perfect for meeting fellow travelers. Independent travelers are welcomed and encouraged to mingle. The hostel is very close to all forms of public transportation including taxi, metro and buses. It’s a convenient location near many of Tehran's most popular sights and attractions. If you're traveling alone, then this hostel is a perfect place to create a home away from home. You'll likely make friends that may last a lifetime.

 

BB Hostel in Shiraz

Hostel BB is a popular option because of its convenient location and friendly staff. There are a variety of room types including dorms and private rooms, but only shared bathrooms is available. The hostel is located just a short walk from downtown and It's also very close to Zandiye Complex. The hostel opened last year and it is one of the most popular places to stay in Shiraz, particularly for independent travelers and backpackers.

 

Ragrug in Isfahan

Ragrug Hostel is conveniently located near Naghshe Jahan Square. From the hostel you can access almost any neighborhood in Isfahan. Not only is the hostel well connected and accessible within the city, but it has a social atmosphere that makes it a great option for independent travelers. There's also a free, but simple breakfast served every morning that includes coffee and tea.

 

Rest up Hostel

A cheap and cheerful hostel with a casual and homely vibe, offering simple dormitory accommodation. It's located close to Jame Mosque of Yazd, so well placed for exploring the city. The hostel is a traditional layout, a pool in the middle and a nice rooftop view. There are "European style toilets and the Wi-Fiwas stable.

 

 

Visit Iran by Train

 Iran is a big country, with hundreds of kilometers between major cities. Trains are a good way to bridge those long distances.

 

On long distances, trains are faster, more comfortable, safer and more environmental friendly than buses. In addition, overnight trains allow you to save on accommodation and extend your daytime sightseeing hours. The major downside is that you need to plan your journey in advance; most trains are sold out in advance.

Train travel is a safe, comfortable and inexpensive way to get around.  In fact, it can be more enjoyable to use Iranian trains in some routes than internal flights! Food and drink vendors will also make their way through the compartments, mostly in sleeper class.

 

 

World Cup 2022

 The wait for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is very nearly at an end, the talking has pretty much stopped and we're only a handful of days away .As 32 nations head to Qatar to compete for the biggest prize in international football, the world waits to watch the show unfold.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament brings together the most powerful competing nations, including some of the greatest players in the world, and produces many intriguing storylines. 

Are you joining the FIFA World Cup 2022? In case you have a break for a couple of days between two football matches and would like to visit a new place, Iran would be the best destination to travel! Uppersia assists you to organize this add-on trip all you need to know about how to travel to Iran from Qatar 2022.

Advice for Solo Female Traveler in Iran

 Many women travel safely each year without incident. However, when it comes to security, women travelers should be more cautious about unexpected events not to affect their trip. Whether you are a first-time solo traveler or a seasoned traveler, take recommendations from us, a reputable local tour operator, hopefully exploring all the area has much to offer without facing any problem.

Firstly, Iran, as an Islamic country, has different local laws and customs about women’s clothing and appearance .By surfing the internet you can easily update yourself on these local customs and dress codes of Iran. For example, try to dress like a local which will prevent you from getting a lot of unwanted attention. Another important thing that you should pay attention as a solo female traveler is, to arrange a private transfer from the airport when you arrive, especially if you're arriving at night and write down the address of your hotel in local language and hand it to taxi drivers. Thirdly, it is wise to carry your passport, travel insurance and some extra cash in a well-concealed spot. Fourthly, the safety of public transportation varies from country to country. In Iran, informal taxis poses particular obstacles to people unfamiliar with the local conditions, especially to women traveling alone. Find out from reliable sources, such as local authorities or tourism officials, what is and is not safe. Finally, Iranian people are considered one of the most hospitable people of the world. But be cautious when sharing information about your plans and itinerary with strangers. In summary, as a local Iranian, I strongly recommend you to Open up, be warm and friendly, and get to know the locals. A smile can go a long way in helping you meet fascinating people and like-minded travelers.

 

 

Weaving Art in Iran

 Different kinds of artifacts that are made by means of needle, hook and similar tools or natural

fiber are considered among woven products in Iran. Iranian weaving’s visual diversity in terms of patterns, color, and motifs, and the extent of geographical location’s effect on traditional hand woven production is an effective factor in development and export of this traditional hand woven, due to its usability as effective field of cultural activities. Traditional hand woven products, are recognized as an effective and impressible branches of handicrafts which transfer native culture and art from past to present. 

 

Public Transport in Iran

 Iran is dotted with cities renowned for architectural beauty, vast historical centers, and fascinating monuments. The Iranian public transportation systems have recently developed in so far as you can travel between many of Iran’s main urban regions and centerswithout a hitch. Iran offers a wide range of public transport, most of which is very affordable even to travelers on the tightest of budgets. There are a number of public transport options including trains, local and long distance buses and domestic flights. Make sure you know which mode suits you best so that you are armed with the information before getting on board.

Bus

Traveling between cities with buses is easy and usually the preferred option for those traveling on a budget. Buses go almost everywhere in Iran and are the only way to get around mountainous areas. They tend to be the cheapest way to travel. All buses make snack and toilet stops (some more frequently than others), providing a break but possibly adding hours to journey times. The VIP buses are in great shape and their seats are very comfortable for long trips.

Train

The Iranian rail system is one of the best in the region, and trains serve almost every town and city in Iran.  Train travel is a safe, comfortable and inexpensive way to get around.  In fact, it can be more enjoyable to use Iraniantrains in some routes than internal flights! Chair car and sleeper are general classes of Iranian trains. In Chair car train, all seats are reserved in advance and it’s a safe, cheap and comfortable way to get around Iran.  Even long distances such as Mashhad to Shiraz, can be covered more time-effectively than flying, using overnight Sleeper trains, city centre to city centre, saving a hotel bill into the bargain. Food and drink vendors will also make their way through the compartments, mostly in sleeper class. It's possible to buy food on the platforms when the train stops, but don't count on a station arriving at mealtimes.

Domestic flight

There used to be several small airlines operating domestic air services in Iran. One of the main issues with domestic flights within Iran is that many people prefer the trains as the cost is an important issue and domestic flights in Iran aren’t that. If you want to fit everything into your busy schedule, it’s more wise to book a domestic flight for long journeys such as Tehran to Shiraz. Also, it is highly recommended to buy flight tickets in advance particularly during high season. 

Getting around Iran via Private driver

Having a rental car can give you a huge advantage over having to wait for public transportation or having to pay for a taxi every time you want to go somewhere that not within walking distance. But the hidden costs can come back and get you if you're not aware of them. If you’re planning to explore the untouched spots of Iran, hiring a private driver is the best way. There are various car rental services in Iran that offer cars with and without drivers. Needless to say that, driving in Iran calls for special skills to cope with the different habits of driving in the countryand it’s better to hire a car with a driver not to experience a problem.

 

While online booking of Iranian domestic transportation tickets including flight, train, bus, and ferry is not possible outside of Iran and there is no chance for accepting any foreign credit card for online ticket booking, Uppersia by accessing to all of Iranian domestic and International transports, manages it on your behalf in Iran.

Languages in Iran

 Language

Different states of Iran have different official languages. Iranian languages are derived from Indo-Iranian/Aryan languages, branches of Indo-European languages. Ancient languages contain Avestan, Old Persian whose written documents are, fortunately, also available at the present time. New Iranian languages are as follows: Pashto, Pamirian, Yaghnabi and Ossetic, which belong to the eastern groups and New Persian/Farsi, Kurdish, and Baluch which belong to the western groups of Iranians. After the invasion of Iran by Arabs and the influence of Arabic words, a new form of language was put into use which was called the Persian/Farsi language. The official language of Iran is only one: Persian. As the names for regions, people, and languages are mostly the same, seven more languages are recognized as regional languages: Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Lori, Mazandarani, Gilaki, Baluchi and Arabic.

• Azari is the name of the ancient language of Azerbaijan which belongs to a branch of the northwestern Iranian language.

• The majority of the Baluch tribe whose language is called Baluchi, are settled in Baluchistan, in the southern district of Iran, Pakistan, and some parts of Afghanistan in the southeast.

• Mazandarani and Gilaki languages refer to the people who live in the north.

• Kurd tribes live in west of Iran, a part of Turkey and Iraq, and speak Kurdish languages. They come from different religions.  

• Lori dialect is between Kurdish and Farsi and is commonly spoken in western and southwestern parts of Iran.

While travelling in Iran never forget to pack with you some basic Iranian words and phrases and enjoy chatting with local people.

Soltaniye Dome

 Situated in the province of Zanjan, Soltaniyeh dome is one of the outstanding examples of the achievements of Persian architecture and a key monument in the development of its Islamic architecture. The octagonal Soltaniyeh dome is crowned with a 50 meter tall dome covered in turquoise-blue faience and surrounded by eight slender minarets. It is also known as the largest brick dome in the world and the Mausoleum of Ilkhan Oljaytu. The 8 porches and the 8 minarets are inspired by the 8 legendary doors of paradise and are ornamented with stunning brickworks. It is the earliest existing example of the double-shelled dome in Iran. The mausoleum’s interior decoration is also outstanding and scholars have described the building as ‘anticipating the Taj Mahal’.This dome is absolutely one of the masterpieces of Persian- Islamic architecture which is inscribed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. The hemispherical structural style of domes were adopted by many civilizations in different period of time. Today it is one ofthe most familiar architectural styles and it continues to use for decorating temples, churches, mosques, monuments and even government buildings. If you are interested in visiting one of the most incredible domes in the world, we will accompany you. Just check out Zanjanworld heritage tour.

Karimkhan citadel

 Karimkhan citadel

While getting ready to travel to Iran, you will notice there are lots of authentic landmarks and monuments to visit in each part of the nation. Shiraz is also an antiquated city with several ancient attractions still remaining in good conditions. The Citadel of Karimkhan, one of the most magnificent fortresses in Iran, is a remarkable example of the 18th century combination of two military and residential architectures. The most important building of Zand dynasty is a square-shaped citadel located in the center of Shiraz. It was built as part of a complex and is named after Karim Khan, and served as his living quarters.  

It has four circular towers on the corners, one of which on the southeastern side has a distinctive slope. The citadel is spread over 5 hectares and the height of each tower is 14 meters. There is a large tile depicting the scene of killing of the white devil by Rostam, a hero of Shahnameh, at the entrance gateway of the citadel. Actually, the ornamented decoration of building is typical of that era. At times, the citadel was used as a prison. Today, it is a museum operated by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization. While traveling in Shiraz, do not hesitate to offer yourself this masterpiece of architecture which is registered as a National heritage site.

Miniature

 Iranian art has engendered great public interest and involvement, resulting in the consistent production of monumental and spectacular works. One of the most enduringly Persian art which is flourished in Safavid era is miniature. A richly detailed painting which depicts religious or mythological themes and can only be achieved with a very fine hand is known as miniature. These delicate, lush paintings are typically visually stunning and many of them are quite small, but they feature rich and complex scenes. Content and form are fundamental elements of Persian miniature painting, and miniature artists are renowned for their modest and subtle use of color. Many of the mythological creatures depicted in early Persian art, for example, bear a striking resemblance to animals in Chinese myth. Over time, however, Persian artists developed their own style, themes, and distinctive features. The allure of Persian miniature painting lies in its absorbing complexities and in the surprising way it speaks to large questions about the nature of art and the perception of its masterpieces. Mahmoud Farshchian, a world renowned master of Persian painting and miniatures, has played a decisive role in introducing Iranian miniature art to the international art scene.