Discover the 5 largest cities in Iran

Iran is a country in Western Asia with 0.63 million square miles of land and 86 million people making it the 17th largest country in the world. It is home to one of the oldest civilizations on earth, dating back to the fourth millennium BC. dates back to And is known around the world for its rich culture, which it shares through literature, architecture and cuisine. Discover the five largest cities in Iran by country size and learn more about their attractions and fame.

Note: The largest cities by area are estimates only. Many cities within the country do not have precise measurements. In this article you will find the most populous cities in Iran.

Tehran

country size: 320 square miles (city), 863 square miles (subway)

Population: 9 million (city), 15 million (subway)

Place/Geography: Tehran is the largest city in Iran and is located in Tehran Province, north of the Central Plateau. It has the second largest metropolitan area in the Middle East. The area consists of hilly and flat areas with a Mediterranean climate.

What it is known for: Tehran is famous for its historical sites, mosques, shopping malls, museums, hotels, education, parks, architecture, theaters, soccer and restaurants.

Best Tourist Attractions: Golestan Palace, Azadi Tower, Tabiat Bridge, Milad Tower, Treasury of National Jewels, Saadabad Historical Complex, Niavaran Palace Complex, Tehran Grand Bazaar and Tajrish Traditional Bazaar

Isfahan

country size: 213 square miles (city)

Population: 2.2 million (city), 3.9 million (subway)

Place/Geography: Isfahan is a major city in the Central District of Isfahan Province in central Iran. It is the capital of Isfahan Province and the third largest city in Iran by population. The city is located on the Zayandeh Rud plain at the foot of the Zagros Mountains.

What it is known for: Isfahan is best known for its Perso-Islamic architecture, tiled mosques, monuments, paintings, bridges, football, medical tourism, fried pastries, yoghurt drinks, bazaars, museums and ancient baths.

Best Tourist Attractions: Si O Se Pol Bridge, Vank Church, Chehel Sotoon Palace, Khajoo Bridge, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Aali Qapu Palace, Imam Mosque and Naqsh-e-Jahan Square

Mashhad

country size: 136 square miles (city)

Population: 3.3 million (city), 3.6 million (subway)

Place/Geography: Mashhad is located in a remote northeastern area of ​​the country. It is the capital of Razavi Khorasan Province and was an oasis along the Silk Road in ancient times. It lies between two mountain ranges in the valley of the Kashafrud River.

What it is known for: Mashhad is famous for its literature, art, music, ancient history, religious seminaries, parks, tombs, education, sports and famous people.

Best Tourist Attractions: Imam Reza Holy Shrine, Kooh Sangi Park, Goharshad Mosque, Mellat Park, Water Waves Land, Daroogheh Historical House, Arman Shopping Center, Armitaj Golshan Tower and Almas Shargh

Tabriz

country size: 125 square miles (city), 600 square miles (subway)

Population: 1.5 million (city), 1.7 million (subway)

Place/Geography: Located in northwestern Iran, Tabriz is the capital of East Azerbaijan Province. It lies in the valley of the Quru River between volcanic cones and mountain ranges.

What it is known for: Tabriz is famous for its local handicrafts, renowned cultural institutes, historical monuments, architecture, Persian literature, contemporary poets, traditional music, Tabrizian-style paintings, thick noodle soups and stews, sports and shopping.

Best Tourist Attractions: Tabriz Grand Bazaar, Qajar Museum, Azarbaijan Museum, Tabriz Constitutional House, Laleh Park Shopping Mall, Blue Mosque, Arg-e-Alishah, Behnam House, El-Goli Building

Shiraz

country size: 86 square miles (city)

Population: 1.5 million (city), 1.8 million (subway)

Place/Geography: Located in southwestern Iran, Shiraz is the capital of Fars Province. It lies at the foot of the Zagros Mountains on a green plain. The Dry River (seasonal river) flows through the northern part of Shiraz.

What it is known for: Shiraz is a famous tourist destination known for its literature, poets, gardens, fruit trees, inlaid mosaics, vines, nightingales, mosques, museums, caves, leisure activities, football and famous people.

Best Tourist Attractions: Hafez Tomb, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Eram Garden, Vakil Bazaar, Saadi Shirazi Tomb, Qavam House, Vakil Mosque, Quran Gate and Vakil Historical Bath

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