Iran

Introduction

Iran is getting popular tourist destination but limited number of airlines provide flights to the country. Most of the airlines are located in East-Central Europe and middle-east. I went to Iran via Kiev and visited capitol of Ukraine. I spent in Kiev two days, one on my trip to Tehran and one from Tehran. Kiev has many tourist attractions and it is a safe city for traveling

Visa on Arrival (VOA), the Best Exchange Office in Iran

Most of the people can get Visa on Arrival but there are some exceptions. UK and USA citizens must apply for visa in Iranian embassies. The Americans are only allowed to visit Iran on tour package holidays. Israel people are not allowed to enter Iran. Turks don’t need visa at all. Most of EU people can apply for visa on airport in Tehran or other big cities in Iran.
It takes about 3-4 hours to get VOA at Tehran’s airport. The procedure is complicated. Follow instruction to make it faster:

There are 3 desks at visa section at the airport in Tehran: insurance, bank and visa.
First go to the desk ‘insurance’. You will be asked to buy insurance for emergency medical expenses. In 2016 it cost 15 Euro. If you can arrange better/cheaper insurance in your country please remember to ask to print special information in English eg “Iran – travel insurance” on the insurance document. It helps to save 15 euros. Iranian clerk gives you Iranian insurance or makes a stamp on your insurance.
You have Iranian insurance or a stamp on your travel insurance. Move to desk ‘visa’ and take visa application form. You get only one form for all people you travel with. If you travel with 4-5 people it is not enough space to fill all personal details. But you must do it. You don’t need a photo. You should provide accurate information but please be smart. Instead of journalist, judge, prosecutor or solicitor etc. write ‘clerk’ in the form. In section ‘sponsor’ – write a name of the hotel’s employee and a phone number and address of hotel where you are going to spend first night. That’s way it is necessary to book hotel in advance. Print out booking confirmation, you can be asked to show it at the desk. Please remember you must have e-ticket of your return flight.
Give your completed form to clerk at desk ‘visa’ and wait … until you application will be dealt with. It takes about 1-1.5 hour so don’t stand next to desk ‘visa’. Sit down and relax. When the application checking is over your name will be shouted loudly.
Your application was dealt with successfully and the clerk shouts your name loudly. Go to the desk, take a receipt and go to ‘bank’ desk. I paid 60 euros in April 2016. In May 2016 visa fee increased to 75 euros.
It’s over. You can enjoy traveling in Iran.

VOA is granted for up to 1 month. You can apply to extend your stay in big cities. If you have Iranian visa in your passport you won’t be allowed to enter Israel.
It is a good idea to exchange money at the international airport. The rates are the best all over Iran. A exchange office is located at departure hall at the fist floor.
Taxi to Tehran cost IRR 650,000 – IRR 700,000. The best fare is at outside departure hall. You pay ca 300,000 IRR to go by taxi from center to the airport.

Tehran

Tehran is a big, noisy and polluted city. You usually have to stay there two days, one day at the beginning of the journey and one before return. It is more less enough to visit the best attractions of Iran’s capitol. We can spend more time in Tehran surroundings and trek/relax in Alborz mountains.
In the city it is better to avoid walking at very busy and noisy streets. Travel by underground and taxi.

Tehran’s tourists attractions:

National Jewel Museum (entrance fee IRA 200,000) – collection of magnificent gems. There is the world’s largest pink diamond (182 carats) in the museum. The museum should be on a must list.
Murals of Tehran. You can find them in many parts of Tehran but the most famous are located outside former US embassy. You can watch them and take photos. Sometimes Iranians approached me and say: ‘we don’t think this way any more’ or ‘this is not attitude of Iranians, this is attitude of animals’. Nobody is aggressive or try to make you go away. In my opinion the murals must be at short list but if you are not interested in modern history you can quit the attraction.
Golestan Palace and a complex of pavilions and gardens. Golestan Palace was built in XVIII centery. The entrance fee to the complex and 2 museums cost 150,000 IRR. You can visit 10 extra buildings and buy combo ticket ca 1,000,000 IRR. In my opinion main hall and 2 museums must be on short list.
Milat Tower (view deck 120,000 IRR).A panoramic view on the city is beautiful. The best time to visit the tower is late afternoon and stay till night. You will have opportunity to see Tehran by day and night.
Ebrat Museum (100,000 IRR) – is located in a building that used to be a prison of shah’s secret police, Savak. The museum exhibits brutality, torture methods and prison conditions. It is part of Iranian modern history and it should be on a must list.
Darband is a mountain resort. This is the perfect site to relax. You can go on trekking in the mountains or have lunch in one of many restaurants. It is also possible to spend a night in a hotel.
The bazaar is huge – 10 km2. It is only possible to visit part of it. It is a good idea to get lost in narrow streets of the bazaar. The range of goods is enormous. Many cheap Chinese products and beautiful handmade Iranian goods (eg carpets, pottery). Many craftsman’s products are cheap but handmade carpets are very expensive.

Qom

Qom is located about 100 km from Tehran. As far as religion and politics are concerned it is a very important city for Iran. Iranians pilgrimage to a shrine of Fatema Mæ’sume, sister of Imam `Ali ibn Musa Rida (Persian Imam Reza, 789–816 AD). The city is the largest center for Shi’a scholarship in the world, and is a significant destination of pilgrimage. Qom is also very important due to the political power of Muslim clerics. Ruhollah Khomeini started his religious and political career in Qom.
I think Qom should be on short list. You can spend half a day in one of the most conservative cities in Iran. Visit the shrine of Fatema Mæ’sume and enjoy the atmosphere of pilgrimage site.

How to get there? In Tehran, go to e-Jonoub bus Terminal and take a bus to Qom (IRR 130,000). You can take you luggage with you. There is no bus terminal in Qom. All buses stop at big intersection. Take a taxi to the shrine (50,000 – 70,000 IRR). Before you enter the shrine there is a security check. You can leave your luggage at security check room. You must visit the complex with free of charge guide. You will be told a story about Imam Reza and his sister. Feel free to ask a questions. I am afraid the guide will not allow you to enter any building at the complex. You can enjoy the site outside. When you complete the sightseeing go back to the intersection by taxi and you can take a bus to Kashan or Isfahan. You can spend a night in Qom as well. You can enjoy the atmosphere of conservative city, visit mosques and modest Khomeini’s house.

Kashan

Kashan is famous of 19th century residences and moody bazaar. You can visit some mosques as well. I recommend spend in Kashan two days, one to visit the city and the other one for surroundings.
In Kashan you can visit three residences of rich merchants: Boroujerdi ha Residence, Tabatabaie Residence, Abbasian House. The entrance fee is 150,000 IRA. The big houses look like small palaces with gardens and fountains. There is no furnishings inside the buildings. I visited two residences. Abbasian House is very big and the decorations are modest. Tabatabaie Residence is smaller but full of beautiful decorations and architectonic details.

In the evening you can visit the bazaar. It is one of the most moody bazaar in Iran. There are some shops with original, handmade products. Relax, have dinner, smoke shisha at Hammam-e-Khan tea shop. It is located at the bazaar and it used to be the hammam. People sit on soft carpets and pillows. I recommend dizzy for dinner.

Around Kashan

Next day we bought a trip around Kashan. We hired a taxi with a guide for 7 hours and paid 20 Euro. It is the best way to visit attractions located outside the cities in Iran.

We visited the following sites:

Bagh-e Fin one of the most famous gardens in Iran. Big garden, full of plant is a great attraction for Iranian that get used to live in desert conditions. Flowers, pine trees, green grass are not special attractions for European people and I think it is not worth entrance fee of 200,000 IRR.
Nuclear site is located on the way to Abyaneh. It is strongly protected by military personnel. The key facilities are situated underground. Don’t take a pictures of the site. You can be arrested and convicted for espionage. The sentence can be 10 years in prison.
Abyaneh was established 2000 years ago. It is located on the slope of the mountain. There are Zoroastrian temple, old houses and traditionally dressed old women. Go to view point to see and take pictures of the village from distance. The entrance fee is 50,000 IRR and don’t hesitate to visit the village.
Temple fire ruins of Zoroastrian temple. It looks much better from far than close.
Hajan castle ruins don’t go inside. As the fire temple it looks much better from far than inside.

Isfahan

A bus costs 170,000 IRR from Kashan to Isfahan and it takes ca. 3 hours. We took a taxi from bus terminal to Abir Kamir Hostel and the bill was 100,000 IRR. You can go to the center by underground. This is cheaper option.
Double room with breakfast and without bathroom costs USD 20 (IRR 700,000) in Abir Kamir Hostel.
I think you need 2-3 days for visiting Isfahan.

At the beginning go for a slow walk around Esfahan’s Maydan-e Imam square. This is the most beautiful part of the city. You can walk drop in local bazaar. It is free of charge. All tourist attractions are paid. The price is usually fixed, 200,000 IRR.
This is a list of the best attraction in Isfahan:
Esfahan’s Maydan-e Imamis a huge, 500 m. long, and beautiful square. There are three main attractions on the square. All of them paid: IRR 200,000.

Masjed-e Imam is a nice mosque but it was renovated in 2016. Scaffoldings make the mosque less attractive. In my opinion it is not worth to go inside during renovation.
Qapu Palace It was renovated in 2016 too. The main advantage of the building is a terrace on the first floor. There is beautiful panoramic view on the Esfahan’s Maydan-e Imam square.
Masjede Jame I don’t recommend to go inside.

The next destination is Masjede-Jame. If you go to the mosque from Esfahan’s Maydan-e square don’t miss Ali Mosque on the way. There are beautiful and unique paintings inside the mosque. The paintings shows people. It is not common in Shia mosques and it is completely forbidden in Sunni mosques. Raise your head up to see one of the tallest minaret (48 m) in Iran.

Imam Ali Square is next to Masjede-Jame mosque. The square was established 800 years ago.
Masjede-Jame looks gorgeous outside but it not interesting inside. Don’t spend 200,000 IRR.
There are many parks in Isfahan. You relax and chat with Iranian in the parks. There are many ancient pavilions inside the parks. We visited Hasht Behesht and Chehel Sotun and it cost 150,000 IRR each. Save your money and don’t go inside the pavilions.
I recommend two bridges Se-o-se Pol and Khaju Bridge. You probably pass Abbasi hotel on the way to Se-o-se Pol bridge. Go inside and enjoy the breathtaking view of the building and a garden. You can have a cup of tea and relax but don’t ice-creams. They are not good.

Se-o-se Pol bridge was built in the 16th century. The bridge is available for pedestrians only. It is a perfect place to watch local people walking slowly on the bridge. There is a park on the bank of the river. Iranian families and young dating people relax and picnic next to the river. The bridge is illuminated at night. You must see it.
The Armenian district is one of the best districts in Isfahan. When you walk around the district don’t miss two magnificent churches, Savior’s (Vank) Cathedral and Bethlehem Church. The old churches are gorgeously decorated. The entrance fee is 200,000 IRR.

Yazd

A bus cost 130,000 IRR from Isfahan to Yazd. A bus terminal is located on outskirts of the city. Take a bus (5,000 IRR) from the terminal to the city center. There is a special zone for women only in the back of the bus. We paid 30 USD for double room with breakfast and bathroom in Jungle Hotel.
Yazd is a beautiful city and stay there at least 2-3 days.

The old town architecture was built due to typical Arabic style. The old town is well preserved because Yazd is located in the middle of desert. It helped the city to avoid wars and nature was merciful too. You can wander through narrow streets many hours. Masjed-e Jame (80,000 IRR) must be on your short list. You can visit the mosque for free after evening prayer. Don’t miss water museum. One of the exhibitions explains how Qanat (water systems) works. The Persian Qanat is on UNESCO World Heritage list.
Zoroastrian religion sites are the next points on a must list. Silence towers are situated outside the city. Take a taxi to get there. You can by public transport as well but it takes a lot of time. Two tower were built on the tops of hills. Climb up to the top and see one of the tower. There is also panoramic view on the ancient buildings located next to the hill.
Visit fire temple in Yazd too. The most important part of the temple is fire place. The fire has been living for 1,300 years.
Yazd is a good a destination for shopping. You can find a lot of beautiful handmade items at bazaar.

Around Yazd

We bought a half a day excursion around Yazd. It cost 15 USD and it included the following tourist attractions:

Kharanaq . We visit caravanserai’s in Kharanaq. The entrance fee is 50,000 IRR and don’t go inside. Nothing special.
There is old uninhabited village next to the caravanserai’s. The village was established in the 15th century. It is a magic site where you can walk down the narrow street and look in every house. Most of the houses are preserved quite well.
Chak chak (50,000 IRR) – There used to be a Zoroastrian temple in the cave called chak chak. You can improve your knowledge about ancient religion and enjoy inside the cave. I recommend the site.
Narin Castle (150,000 IRR) looks good outside but save your money and don’t go inside. There are only ruins inside and a panoramic view on around.
Ice House (100,000 IRR) – it used to be a storage building to store ice. The ice was transported from mountains in the winter and stored it in the ice house. The building was constructed to keep low temperature inside and the ice didn’t melt event during very hot summers. The rich could enjoy cold drinks in the summer. The ice house looks great outside but don’t go inside. There is only a hole in the ground. You completely lost your money.
Pigeon House (50,000 IRR) used to be a huge and save house for birds. The bird excrements were collected and used as fertilizer by farmers. The pigeon house is very interesting architectonic solution not only outside but inside as well. Don’t miss it.

Yazd is situated in the middle of the desert. You can buy one or two day excursion to desert. It is an unforgettable experience to spend a night on desert and look at the sky full of stars. It costs approx. USD 20 for one day.

Qeshm

We spent in Yazd 3 days and moved to Bandar Abbas by bus (210,000 IRR). Unlucky VIP buses were not available and we had to go by ordinary, not so comfortable bus. It cost IRR 210,000. The bus was not comfortable but Iranians were very nice and friendly.
We took a taxi (110,000 IRR) to ferry terminal at bus terminal in Bandar Abbas. The ferry cost 150,000 IRR to Qeshm.
Asmari Hotel is our accommodation in Qeshm. Double room with bathroom and without breakfast cost USD 20 (700,000 IRR).

Qeshm is an island on Persian Gulf. It’s very hot on island at spring and summer. Try to avoid going out between 10.00-14.00. Find a nice place under palm and relax. The best place for relaxing is park Zeyton located next to the gulf. The taxi cost 50,000 IRR from the center to the park.
Only men can take off pants, t-shirts and swim in the warm water of the Persian Gulf. Women are not allowed to take sun bath or swim in bikini. Ladies must be fully dressed. It is not very comfortable because of the heat. A few Iranian women swim fully dressed. Most men don’t take off trousers or shirts. Some of them take clothes off to swim and put on clothes again when they finished swimming. It is a good idea to follow local customs.
Locals avoid walking on the streets of Qeshm at noon. It is too hot and streets are empty. It is even hard to find an open bar or restaurant to have breakfast or lunch. The town is waking up in the evening. People to shop, eat out and walk down the street. Most Iranian women are dressed black but Qeshm ladies wear colorful cloths and shoes. Enjoy it and ask lady for permission to take a picture or take it confidentially.

I paid 400,000 IRR for excursion around the island. All fees were included. This is a program of the trip:

Khorbas Caves It is located beautifully but it is boring inside.
Stars Valley is a great rock formations. The badland may be seen form the bottom of the valley or from the top of some rocks. The view is breathtaking and it is not enough to enjoy the site 1-2 hours. Our time was very limited. It is a good idea to take a taxi and spend there half a day.
Persian Gulf. we went to the beach to see impressive low tide. If you have not seen it before, it is interesting.
Mangrove forest is one of many wonders of the nature. You must see it at Qeshm or anywhere else. Periophthalmus barbarus is extra attraction of mangrove forest in Qeshm. The fish is ugly but very smart. It can swim and crawl in mud.

Shiraz

Our next destination was Shiraz. We go to Shiraz from Bandar Abbas by VIP bus. It cost IRR 350,000.
We spent 3 nights in Anavari hotel. Double room with bathroom cost IRR 900,000. And breakfast is extra paid 70,000 IRR.

Masjed-e Nasir al Molk (Pink Mosque) must be visited. The mosque is famous of colored stained glass and it is reflection on the carpets. To see it you must visit mosque at 7.30-8.00 in the morning. It is usually very crowded at this time but stay a little bit longer, at least to 9.30, to enjoy the charming atmosphere of the Masjed-e Nasir al Molk. The entrance fee is 200,000 IRR.
Shrine of Shah Cheraght is the next bullet point on a must list. This is a mausoleum of the tomb of the brothers Ahmad and Muhammad, brothers of Imam Reza. The shrine is huge. The walls were made of pieces of the glasses that reflex lights of big chandeliers. The effect is striking. The entrance fee is 200,000 IRR. If you are lucky you can visit the complex on your own but probably free of charge guide will assist you. It’s not bad to visit the shrine with the guide. You will be told a lot of interesting facts and stories about shrine and Imam Reza and his brothers. The disadvantages are limited time for visiting the shrine and you are not allowed to visit all buildings of the complex.
Tomb of Hafez. Hafez is one of the most famous Persian poet. A lot of Iranian people visit his tomb. They pay respect him by praying and reading his poems. It is an extraordinary experience to watch young and old people gather around the tomb and reading loudly poems. The entrance fee is 200,000 IRR.

Karim Khan Castle looks outside majestically. You have to pay 150,000 IRR to go inside. You can do it when you have plenty of time.
Bagh-e Eram (200,000 IRR) is a beautiful garden. I think you should visit at least one of gardens of Shiraz. In my opinion Bagh-e Eram is the best but you can also go to House & Garden (150,000 IRR). However my favorite garden is located at Anvari street. It is free of charge but you must tell a guard that you go to tea shop or restaurant. You can relax there and enjoy a cup of tea.
Quarn Gate – you will see it on the way to Persopolis. Don’t go there by purpose.

Don’t miss local bazaar where you can admire handmade items an carpets. You can also visit Masjed-e Vakil, located next to the bazaar.
Try delicious pasta ice-creams. It is very Iranian desert.

Persepolis and Necropolis (Naqsh-e Rustam)

Persepolis must be the number one on your short list. The ancient city visit with tour operator. It takes half a day and costs USD 30. Transport, guide and water are included in the price. If you are not an expert of ancient Persia the guide will be necessary. He tells you the fascinating history of Persopolis and tries to rebuild in the magnificent palaces in your imagination. You will be given enough time to take pictures or visit local museum as well.

Naqsh-e Rustam is an ancient necropolis with 4 tombs belonging to Achaemenid kings eg Darius the Great. Ancient rock relief’s commemorate the kings and were made next to the tomb. The guide tell you stories of the most important Persian kings.

Hamadan

Hamadan was our starting point for the Alisadr Cave and Bisotun. But first, quite a challenHamadan is a good starting point to visit Alisadr cave and Bisotun. But first we had a long and challenging journey from Shiraz to Hamadan. We took a domestic flight from Shiraz to Tehran. The plane ticket cost 1,900,000 IRR and this is standard price. The flight was very short, 1.15 h and we were given drinks and food. European airlines provide only water at short distances. We went to Terminal-e Jonoub from domestic airport by underground. The bus cost 230,000 IRR to Hamadan. All journey took approximately 9 hours. You can take direct bus from Shiraz to Hamadan but it takes ca 18 hours. Taxi should cost ca 40,000 IRR from bus terminal to Ordibehesht hotel. Our accommodation is not acceptable, double room without bathroom and breakfast cost 800,000 IRR.

We spent in Hamadan two evenings. There are some attractions in the city but they are not striking but generally people are very friendly and the city is very nice. Go down the street and enjoy local bazaar, morals, parks and local restaurants. Please eat local desert, ice-creams with fresh carrot juice.

Alisadr

We rented a taxi to get to Alisadr cave for half a day. It cost IRR 700,000. Theoretically there is public transport, mini van, from Hamadan to Alisadr but it goes when the van is full. It takes hours to collect passengers. It is much better to take a taxi of taxi khatteh (share taxi).

The cave is very expensive. The entrance fee is 700,000 IRR or 25 USD. Pay in local currency. Alisadr is the biggest water cave in the world. In my opinion it is an event worth USD 50 to visit it. There are 3 stages of visiting. First we go very slowly by small boats. Don’t worry you don’t need to row. The boats are connected by string. The first one is pedalo. The guide and a volunteer make the boats move by the power of their legs. The boats are moving very slowly and tourists may enjoy the breathtaking view of the cave. The second stage is a 2 km walk on wood platform. Nobody makes you hurry. Enjoy beautiful views as long as you want. The last stage is a boat again. It takes about 2-3 hours to visit one of the best attraction in Iran. By the way a guide book of Bradt mentions about it in 2 sentences.

Bisotun

Bistotun Inscription is UNESCO Heritage site. The inscription was founded in 500 years BC and commemorate the great victory of Darius the Great. We went to Bisotun form Hamadan and it was mistake. The best starting point is Kermanshah, situated ca 30 km from Bisotun. You can visit Kermanshah as well.
We took a taxi to local bus terminal (30,000 IRR) and we had to wait about 1 hour to collect passengers. The trip was not very comfortable but friendly and talkative Iranians made it very nice.

Ancient site is huge and entrance fee is 200,000 IRR. There are a few attractions you can’t miss.
Hercules statue – the great hero is completely naked. Vandals cut the head off the statue to sell it abroad. Luckily they were captured and the head was fixed to the corp. Other stupid people destroyed Hercules’ genitals.
Hunter’s cave is the oldest site of the complex. The cave was inhabited 40 000 years ago.

Inscriptions and relief of Mithradates II and Gotarzes II were founded in 100 BC

If you want to come to Hamadan you must go to bus stop next to petrol station. Buses stops only on demand. You will wait approximately 30-45 minutes. The VIP bus ticket cost 150,000 IRR to Hamadan.

Useful Information

Exchange Office .The best exchange office is at the international airport in Tehran. The rates are the best all over the Iran. The exchange office is located at departure hall at the first floor.
Money . Rial and toman are currencies of Iran. The official on is only rial but almost all prices are quoted in toman. 1 toman is 10 rials. It is getting more complicated when you exchange 100 USD and get 3,000,000 IRR. Many Iranians try to make life easier and cut three zeros and say it cost 100, it means it cost 1,000,000 IRR (rials). Other people say it cost 100,000 toman and it is still 1,000,000 IRR. You need some time an patience to get used to currency system in Iran. In April 2016 the exchange rates of main currencies were: 1 Euro: 34,000 IRR and 1 USD: ca. IRR 30,000.
Accommodation . You can pay for accommodation in rials, Euro or USD. If you have local currency use it. This is the best deal. Simple breakfast is usually included in the price.
This is a list of hotels/hostels you may sleep:
- Tehran hostel Mosshad – double room without bathroom and with breakfast cost USD 30. Bed in dorm costs USD 14. Tea and coffee for free all day. Excellent standard.
- Kashan . Mosshad Hostel – double room without bathroom and with breakfast cost USD 30. Bed in dorm costs USD 14. Tea and coffee for free all day. Excellent standard.
- Isfahan Abir Kamir Hostel – double room without bathroom and with breakfast cost USD 20. Good standard. I recommend very friendly and professional guide Alireza Rashidi (Dr. Rashidi1962yahoo.com). He works in the hostel. Don’t hesitate to ask him about any advice or help.
- Yazd Jungle Hotel, double room with bathroom and breakfast cost USD 16. Standard very good. This is new hotel (in 2016) and price is very competitive as Yazd is concerned.
- Qeshm Asmari Hotel, double room with bathroom and without breakfast cost USD 20. Excellent standard.
- Shiraz hotel Anvari, double room with bathroom cost IRR 900,000. Breakfast is extra paid: IRR 70,000. Good standard.
- Hamadan Ordibehesht hotel, double room without breakfast and without breakfast cost 800,000 IRR. Moderate standard.
Food . Iranian food is not the advantage of the country. It is fat and vegetables are usually marinated. Iran is perfect for kebab fans. Kebab bars are located almost every corner. The restaurants and bars are opened in the late afternoon or evening. It is very hard to find an open restaurant to have breakfast or lunch. There are many take away but you can’t eat food in. This is a price list of food in the spring 2016: chicken, mutton, tomato barbecue plus Ayran: 180,000-200,000 IRR.
Iranian pizza is smaller than traditional one and cost 30,000 – 50,000 IRR.
Drinks. Alcohol drinks and beer is forbidden in Iran. Don’t try non-alcoholic beer. It is disgusting. I recommend milk drinks: Ayran, Doogh (10,000-20,000 IRR). Iranians drink a lot of tea. They usually go to tea shop and enjoy a cup of tea and shisha. My favorite drink is fresh juice. It cost IRR 40,000 – 60,000.
Transport . Buses are cheap and very comfortable. I recommend VIP buses. They are more expensive than ordinary buses but very comfortable. There are a huge room for legs. Food and drinks are served during the trip. In the city go by taxi or public transport. Flights are cheap in Iran.
Farsi is a language of Iranian people. It is good to learn a little bit of it. You can start with مرسی. It means thank you and pronounce it as mercy. It is very useful and not difficult to learn numbers. You can find the numbers in Farsi here:

Mosques . There are many mosques in Iran. Some of them are old and beautiful and you should visit them. Don’t go inside during the prayers. Muslims pray 5 times a time. Most of them are opened all day so you have time to visit them. Sometimes non-believers are not welcomed to go inside. Don’t discuss, just leave the place.
Before you visit mosque please try to follow the rules:
- dress code. Wear loose fitting shirts and pants or long skirt (for women). Arms and legs should be covered. Sometimes women are required to cover hair with scarf.
- Remove your shoes before entering the prayer area.
- Women and men are segregated in a mosque. Women are not allowed in the prayer area according to religious practices. They can visit the prayer area out of prayer times.
- There are no chairs or pews in the mosque. You can sit on a carpet.
Entrance fee. Iranian government is increasing entrance fee permanently. In spring 2016 the fees were from 150,000 IRR to 200,000 IRR. Some tourist sites are more attractive than others but price ticket is often the same. To save money follow the advice of other travelers or opinions on Internet web-pages before you buy a ticket. I tried to give some advice about the sites as well. Iranians pay 20 times less than foreigners. You can try to pretend to be Iranian and ask local people to buy you cheaper ticket. It may work if you look like Iranian.

Get off a comfortable couch and go on an exciting, inspiring journey to exotic corners of the world.