The reasons to visit Iran

Iran has made a comeback on the travel scene in recent years, being listed as one of the hot spot destinations, and certainly with good reason. And although it may not rank as high with some travelers as it does with others, here is the reasons for traveling to Iran at least once in your lifetime.

Travel to Iran to learn about its long history

Hardly in need of any introduction, Persepolis is possibly Iran’s most famous ancient site, even though not the only one. From ancient Persia to modern Iran, from the Achaemenid Empire to the Sassanian era, from the Safavid period to the Qajar dynasty, to finally the Pahlavi family and the Islamic Revolution, Iranian history is as stormy as it gets.

With so many historical places to visit in Iran, travelling all around the country you can soak in every period and delve into the nation’s tangled past. After you enjoyed your Persepolis tour, don’t forget to add to the list also other Iran points of interest such as the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan and the Fire Temple in Yazd, just to mention some.

The people and hospitality

Iran tends to get a lot of bad press, but somewhere in the mix, the good word about Iranian hospitality somehow got out. It is not only the remains of Persepolis, mosques of Esfahan, and windcatchers of Yazd that have drawn travelers in, but also that unshakable curiosity about this renowned hospitality. This centuries old tradition has only intensified in recent years, solidifying that initial curiosity for travelers, and leaving a lasting impression much stronger than any tourist attraction ever could.

Visit Iran for its architecture

Be it a mosque, a palace or a bazaar, Iranian buildings are finely decorated and glow with ornamental elegance. Pastel colours gracefully interact with bright hues, tapering minarets and seemingly ubiquitous domes outline the landscape, symbols and traditional calligraphy coexist in a charming interplay. Whether inside or outside a building, the sophisticated Persian architecture is always something tourists marvel at every time they visit Iran.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

From exquisite mosques to stunning feats of engineering, Iran boasts twenty-one UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 20 cultural and one natural. While they are scattered around the country, you can easily cross off six by visiting the areas in and around Shiraz and the Khuzestan province. For those interested in Persian culture, there are also a number of intangible cultural heritage elements in Iran that are worth exploring during your stay.

Plan a trip to Iran to try Persian food

From pistachio to black tea, from saffron to kebab, from Mirza Ghasemi to Ghormeh Sabzi, the heavy presence of aromatic herbs makes Iranian cuisine appetizing and addictive, especially when it comes to pistachio and baklava if you ask me.

While there are national dishes that you can find everywhere, like herb stew Ghormeh Sabzi, there are others that are exclusive, or at least typical of a particular region. Among these are the aforementioned eggplant-based Mirza Ghasemi, typical from Gilan province, or Dizi, too meaty and heavy for me but still a national treat, typical from Ardebil.

See more: 7 best street foods you should try in Tehran, Iran

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The best hotels in Doha, Qatar

One of the richest cities in the world, Doha has long been associated with luxury and the finer things in life. With a growing stream of tourists and an appetite for opulence, major brands are clamouring to get a foothold in the city. These hotels in Doha are setting very high standards for lavish hospitality.

Mandarin Oriental

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre, Mandarin Oriental, Doha is located in the centre of Msheireb Downtown Doha. With a terrace, the property also has a bar. The in-house restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, a bath, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms are fitted with a kettle and a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer, while certain rooms include a kitchen. The units feature a seating area.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet or an American breakfast. Mandarin Oriental, Doha offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub, a sauna and an indoor pool. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide tips on the area. Souq Waqif is 1.6 km from the accommodation and the business district is also close by. Hamad International Airport is 14.5 km away.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Doha

A recent design-driven makeover has given this prestigious hotel a new lease of life. Rooms have been painstakingly refurbished with a fresh, contemporary feel, complete with plush new furnishings and marbled bathrooms. The hotel’s array of restaurants has also been amped up thanks to the opening of cult steakhouse STK Doha and a new, casual French brasserie, Sel & Miel.

Once considered to be on the edge of Doha in West Bay Lagoon, the hotel is now closer than ever to the heart of things, thanks to a new road network and a growing city. The spa is without a doubt one of the most popular in Doha, and houses an indoor pool and two tennis courts. Lounge lizards will love the tropically inspired pool area, which comes with cool towels and poolside food service.

InterContinental Doha

A grand landmark hotel, InterContinental Doha combines heritage and luxury with contemporary comfort. Located in the prestigious West Bay area, overlooking the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel boasts the largest free-form swimming pool and longest private beach in the city. It is conveniently located within 10 minutes of the major central business district, the diplomatic area, the centre of the city and Doha Golf Club. Doha International Airport is only a 25 minute drive. It is ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers. This delightful hotel provides a warm Qatari welcome. Many of the spacious guest rooms enjoy outstanding sea views, and all offer broadband internet access.

The hotel is equipped to host business meetings social gatherings with 4 flexible function rooms and a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 700 guests. There are 6 restaurants and bars serving international cuisine alongside Italian, Middle Eastern, Tex-Mex and Seafood specialties. The outstanding recreational facilities include a 24 hour gym, tennis, squash, swimming pools and massage treatments. A Sailing Centre is available for boat hire.

Sheraton Grand Doha

It is hard to miss the Sheraton Grand Doha, it is the huge pyramid-shaped building on the Corniche. Built for the 1980 GCC summit (at a reported cost of $100 million), it has now become a much-loved part of Qatar’s landscape and history. The opulent lobby with its gold dome is a place to socialise and sample the legendary dessert umm ali (bread pudding). The hotel recently refurbished all its split-level rooms, which boast sea or city skyline views.

The Sheraton has an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars, from the city’s first Irish pub to authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Salt Bae, who became a viral-video sensation in 2017 for the distinctive way he sprinkles salt onto meat, has opened a restaurant here. A private beach and standalone fitness club with indoor tennis and squash courts will keep health-conscious visitors occupied.

La Cigale Hotel

Experience five-star accommodation and a superb level of personal service in the heart of Doha, Qatar at La Cigale Hotel. Behind its polished 20-story facade, this striking high-design hotel offers a stylish yet relaxing haven where business travellers can escape the city’s hectic pace.

Enjoy a finely crafted mix of comfort and luxury at La Cigale Hotel. Exceptionally appointed Deluxe and Premium Rooms are a welcome and relaxing respite from the non-stop energy of Doha. In perfect balance with the customary travel luxuries, each hotel room affords a host of signature surprises, including La Cigale homemade chocolates and mineral water, designer Acqua Di Parma bath amenities, and high-speed Internet. To fully personalize your sleep experience, La Cigale features goose-down duvets, plush mattresses and heavenly pads, and a dedicated Pillow Menu with 15 types of pillows.

See more: The must-visit museums in Doha, Qatar

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Top 5 markets in Osaka, Japan

Osaka is a city filled with marketplaces – from shopping arcades to flea markets. They are open all year round, giving you a chance to explore some good finds from local shops, fresh food and a range of quirky souvenirs. If you’re in Osaka, be sure to visit some of these markets on your journey.

Shintennoji Temple Market

Antique flea market in an idyllic setting The Shintenno-ji Temple is officially the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan and was built by Prince Shōtoku in 593 A.D. The temple hosts an antique market on the 21st and 22nd of every month. Around 100 sale tents are erected, offering goods from handbags, pottery and handicrafts all for incredibly low prices. Among the craft stores are food stalls serving delicious, warm local street food with authentic tastes. Admission to both the market and temple is free, so be sure to check out this beautiful sight.

Kuromon Ichiba

Fresh local food market The Kuromon Ichibamarket, previously known as the Emmeiji market, is named after the black gate, which is situated north-east of the Emmeiji temple. The market is close to 600 meters long with 170 shops. The vast majority of shops specialize in the most fresh and best quality meat, vegetables, eggs and other ingredients used around the country. Most of the sales are made to businesses and professional chefs, but Kuromon Ichiba also caters to the public. Established for over 170 years, everyone has been drawn in by the taste, freshness and range of products.

Shinsaibashi-suji

Shinsaibashi-suji is one of Osaka’s most popular shopping districts and like many places in Osaka, gets its name from the many bridges that are built around it. The street is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants, including well-known foreign brands such as Zara, H&M, Bershka and Forever 21. The shopping arcade ends at Dōtonbori Bridge and the famous neon lights of the Glico running man and the giant crab. Even if you aren’t in the mood for shopping, the area has a lot to offer on insight into the local fashion and food.

Sennichimae Doguya-Suji

Famous shopping area Sennichimae Doguya-Suji is a well-known shopping arcade in Osaka. Within it is the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, where you can dress in a kimono and experience a village in the Edo period. Many shops in the arcade sell famous Japanese snacks, from the huge variety of Kitkat flavors to the Glico brand. They sell souvenirs at a cheaper price than most tourist locations too. The arcade is also renowned for its sushi and you can get an assorted plate for just 500 yen, but there will be a queue.

Korea Town Osaka

Situated near Namba, Korea Town is the dwelling and working place for many Koreans. The town has been developed with local Korean shops selling food, daily goods and even Korean-style clothing. The restaurants are mainly of the Yakiniku style, which is a cuisine of grilled meat over charcoal. The town has only been around for about 15 years and welcomes visitors and newcomers to come along and try the incredibly tasty foods and Korean cuisine.

See more: Where to visit in Changwon, the city of art

Source: Internet