"Nesf-e-Jahan" (Half The World) Isfahan - Iran

In Persian Isfahan, the capital of the province with the same name is known as "Nesf-e-Jahan" which translates to half the world, it is an ancient town that was also the capital of Persia for many years. Today it would be one of the main destinations of the country with a number of hotels catering to foreign visitors and a bustling city life that is easily accessible to visitors. I stayed at the Iran Hotel (http://iranhotel.biz/) that was managed by Iranian Canadians having returned home. I was traveling alone, however received a family room catering for 5... Breakfast was served and had fresh bread, cheese, vegetables and fruits.

The city itself is rather walkable, and majority of sights are within walking distance. There are buses that run for a very low cost to some further destinations in the outskirts of the town as well.

This is one of the friendliest and most beautiful multi-million cities I have visited in the world (4m+, population of the metro area). I travelled here by bus from Teheran, a cheap and comfortable trip that you may see pictures from in a separate post. Below are my impressions from Isfahan!

The Bazaar of Isfahan, near the Naqsh-e Jahan Square



Blue ceramics for sale, the Bazar of Isfahan - Iran



Naqsh-e Jahan Square Isfahan - Iran






Abbasi Great Mosque Isfahan - Iran



Abbasi Great Mosque Isfahan - Iran



Abbasi Great Mosque Isfahan - Iran



Abbasi Great Mosque Isfahan - Iran









Abbasi Great Mosque Isfahan - Iran



Isfahan - Iran



For sale in the bazaar, Isfahan - Iran



Walking within the Bazaar, Isfahan - Iran




The Abbasi hotel, the largest and probably most famous hotel in Isfahan





Ash, a typical Persian Noodle soup, here served at the Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan - Iran



Si-o-Se Pol Bridge, Isfahan - Iran



 

Si-o-Se Pol Bridge, Isfahan - Iran





Si-o-Se Pol Bridge, Isfahan - Iran



Naqsh-e Jahan Square at night, Isfahan - Iran



What would probably be the most famous dish of Isfahan? This is it, Beryan, made of sheet meat and lung, very hearty and pretty tasty! Isfahan - Iran



What would probably be the most famous dish of Isfahan? This is it, Beryan, made of sheet meat and lung, very hearty and pretty tasty! Isfahan - Iran

Armenian Quarters, Jolfa, Isfahan - Iran










Tehran to Isfahan (Esfahan) by bus - Iran

Last year I was traveling to Iran, it is quite easy to find cheap flights to the capital however that was not my destination at the time.

Having arrived in Tehran airport in the very early morning my plan was to wait for sunrise and then take a bus from Tehran bus station onto Isfahan that was my main destination.

There are a number of bus terminals in the city of Tehran, however for going to Isfahan I went to Beyhagi Terminal, at the spot I purchased tickets for the next departure (price was below 10€ for the 450km journey) and only had time to use the washrooms quickly before boarding the bus.



Buses in Iran have a generally high standard, and all passengers were served a box of snacks and there was hot tea being served throughout the journey. If that is not enough, we also made a 30min stop for using of restroom facilities, buying more snacks, and having a warm meal at a service station (that contained a small abandoned amusement park…).



I would recommend traveling by bus in Iran, comfortable, safe and great value for money. Also much more available as domestic flights can be hard to book in advance from abroad.







All passengers were given a box of snacks for the journey. Hot tea was served throughout the trip - Iran



The Beyhagi Terminal, beautifully framed by the mountains in the early morning sun, Tehran - Iran





The Beyhagi Terminal in Tehran getting busy in the morning - Iran



En-route, highway between Tehran and Esfahan - Iran

Service Station en-route to Esfahan - Iran