Forget about the 10 best things to do on Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet. Even though it will help you know more about the most historic and tourist attractions of Yazd, here we are talking about hidden gems and things to do in Yazd. So, Let’s go!
1. Learn About Zoroastrianism
One of the main places in Iran, famous for its Zoroastrian community, is Yazd. The number of temples and villages existing around Yazd shows how important it is for Zoroastrians. Not just the main fire temple (Atashkade) but also Chak Chak temple, Mehriz pir-e Naraki, and Herisht temple near Chak Chak in addition to Towers of Silence in Yazd, Cham (Taft), and Ardekan.
So, if you want to know more about the Zoroastrian religion, Yazd will be the main destination in your Iran tour plan to have an idea about it. Being with a local guide, visiting their villages, and having lunch in Narititee are all options to get a deeper knowledge about them.
2. Walking in the Historic City of Yazd
Walking in the old town is one of the most memorable things to do in Yazd for any traveler. Yes! walking in the historic city of Yazd inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. So the main route for walking is from Yazd Jame mosque to Alexander prison but if you have time, you can easily get lost and see some unexpected structures while walking in the area. Ancient walls, windcatchers, water reservoirs, and ceremonial wooden structures called Nakhl (Naqhl), and rooftop views!
Join the Yazd Free Walking Tour as the first thing to do in Yazd
3. Yazd Rooftop Viewpoints
To have an idea about the historic city of Yazd, it is highly recommended by many people and also Yazd local guides, to see it from the top! No parachute or helicopter is available but there are still some options. Places with rooftop views that bring you a level up to feel like a prince of Persia. The best rooftop viewpoints in Yazd can be listed as below;
- Yazd Art House Cafe
- Yazd Rain House
- Fazeli Carpet Shop Viewpoint
- Khane Naqashi or Painting House
- Yazd Khan Bazar
Some are easy to find and some options are real hidden gems that you need to be with someone local to find them. But don’t worry. The bests are explored in the Persian Walk Yazd Walking Tour. Also, you can see the locations here on the Yazd map;
4. Yazd events
Normally it is hard to find regular events held in Yazd but depending on the season of the year and special ceremonies, there are different events that you can participate in. To find out about Yazd events during the time of your travel in Yazd, join one of the Yazd Walking Tours held by Local Tour guides or ask in the WhatsApp Iran travel community; where the most updated and trusted information is shared.
Yazd Tourism Cafe Events
A place that is famous for its night events with different topics is Yazd Tourism Cafe. In this cafe, there is a multilingual environment (basically English) that provides tourists with getting to know Iranians’ daily life, Enjoying the nightlife in Yazd’s modern neighborhood, and chit-chat with locals, especially young people. Tourism cafe events are English free discussions, English chit-chat, Mafia games, board games, music and movie nights.
Zoorkhaneh Night Events
Zoorkhaneh is a traditional Iranian gym where men exercise and keep their bodies fit. Even though in Zoorkhaneh you can easily find symbolic fighting equipment but actually no battle takes place among participants. Something similar to dance particularly with the live music playing with a guy singing heroic songs. So it is a perfect experience to join in the evenings. Zoorkhaneh, known as Pahlevani and Zoorkhaneh rituals, are recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This recognition highlights the significance of these rituals as a part of Iranian cultural heritage.
You can participate in the Zoorkhaneh show in different cities of Iran. In Yazd, various places exist to see what is happening in the Iranian traditional gym. The most famous is Saheb-al Zaman Zoorkhaneh, beside the iconic Amir Chakhmaq Square. They have three different shows every night at 17:00-18:00, 18:30-19:30, and 20:30-21:30 except Fridays. Other Zoorkhaneh are less touristic but fine, especially if you get there at the right time. The others are called; Besat Zoorkhaneh and Kherad-Nejad Zoorkhaneh and you need to ask someone local to let you know about their timings.
5. Things to Do in Yazd Deserts
Yazd is known mostly for its cultural and historical tourist attractions, but if you are a fan of blood-pumping adrenaline experiences, you may find the solution in Yazd desert tours and experiences. Safari car experience, camel riding and even paragliding are possible in the desert. Interested? Contact us to arrange a memorable desert plan for you.
6. Yazd Food Experiences
There are several options for finding the best foods in Yazd, and we will let you know about them. From rooftop cafes to underground restaurants. Here is a guide for you who like to experience the taste of Yazd.
Yazd Art House Cafe
if you are looking for a peaceful place to order some food and drinks with a memorable rooftop view, this place is the best option. Even though during sunset more people are there to take photos, still it is worth going upstairs.
Papasi Cafe
If you are in the Yazd historic district (around Yazd Jame Mosque) and fed up with Iranian food and kebabs, here is the best place to order Western food like pizza, pasta, or burgers. It offers sth different and you may have the chance to meet young local Yazdi people since Papasi has been so popular in the area.
Yazd Fooka Cafe
Located on Yazd Jame mosque street, it is the most accessible restaurant to try Iranian food.
Yazd Falafel shops
Close to Amir Chakhmaq Square, there are plenty of Felfel and Samosa shops. They are located in the neighborhood belonging to some Iraqi refugees. So if you are a vegetarian or looking for some type of street food, these falafel shops could be an option. Also inside Amir Chakhamq bazaar, there are several liver and kidney kebab shops that are too much local 🙂
Zoroastrian Food Experince
There is a Zoroastrian house in Yazd called Mehraban Poolad Museum of Documents and Manuscripts. It has been popular because of presenting the Zoroastrian culture and history. Also, in the kitchen of this house, traditional Zoroastrian food is served which can be a different experience. But before, you should contact them to ask for preparing food since it is not like a normal restaurant.
7. Yazd Tours and Excursions
To find some hidden gems in the list of things to do in Yazd, joining Yazd tours outside the old town is unavoidable. Visiting places like Towers of Silence, Chak Chak, Saryazd, and Kharanaq needs a type of vehicle. So different excursions have been defined to enjoy such places. You can find them easily on the list of Yazd tours in Persian walk as follows;
Yazd offers a treasure trove waiting to be explored, a world away from the crowds. Here, you’ll uncover hidden gems, experience the authentic pulse of the city, and create memories that will stay with you long after you return home. So, pack your sense of discovery and get ready to be amazed
Yazd Youtube Videos
You can learn more about Yazd by watching these YouTube videos. If you are watching from Iran, don’t forget to use VPN!
