This ancient desert city has half a million residents, active Zoroastrian temples, and the world's oldest working windmill. Local artisans craft silk fabrics and traditional pottery.
Yazd sits in Iran's central desert, where mud-brick buildings line narrow lanes that have existed for over 800 years. You can climb the 48-meter minarets of the Jameh Mosque, watch the eternal flame at the Zoroastrian fire temple that has burned since 470 AD, and sleep under the stars on a rooftop terrace. The city's wind towers rise up to 33 meters high, catching desert breezes and channeling them into homes below, while underground water channels bring fresh mountain water to public reservoirs.
Exploring the Old Town
Walk through the narrow alleys of Yazd's historic center, where earthen buildings and covered passages shield you from the desert sun. The mud-brick walls keep indoor spaces cool in summer and retain heat during winter. As you explore, you'll spot wooden doors decorated with brass knockers, leading to houses built around open courtyards. Badgirs (wind towers) rise from many rooftops, channeling even light breezes down into the rooms below.
Wind Towers and Water Systems
The badgirs of Yazd reach heights of up to 33 meters, with openings that direct wind into buildings through vertical shafts. Underground, the qanat system brings water from the mountains through a network of tunnels, while ab anbars (water reservoirs) store ice and water year-round. Visit the Water Museum in a restored 1800s mansion to see how these systems work.
Religious Sites
Two 48-meter minarets mark the Jameh Mosque in the old town center. Step inside to see the mihrab, covered in geometric patterns and calligraphy from the 14th century. At the Atash Behram Fire Temple, you can see a flame that has burned continuously since 470 AD. Outside the city, the circular Towers of Silence stand on hilltops where Zoroastrians conducted sky burial rituals until the 1960s.
Getting Around
Rent a bicycle to explore Yazd's flat streets and dedicated bike lanes. Most shops in the old town rent bikes by the hour or day. If you prefer walking, you can reach the main sites on foot - just plan your walks for morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
Local Food and Sweets
Stop at a confectionery to try ghotab (cookies filled with ground almonds), pashmak (Iranian candy floss), or local-style baklava. For main meals, look for shouli (a stew made with lamb and chickpeas) or ash-e shouli (noodle soup) in restaurants housed in historic buildings. Many restaurants have courtyard seating where you can dine under pomegranate trees.
Where to Stay
Former merchant houses in the old town now welcome guests with rooms arranged around central courtyards. You'll find pools, cushioned sitting areas, and rooftop sleeping spaces for summer nights. Most rooms have thick walls and stained-glass windows that filter the desert light. Look for guesthouses near the Jameh Mosque for easy access to the main sites.
