mostafa meraji, Unsplash License, Source

Persepolis

Majestic ruins of ancient Persia

Yazd’s Persepolis stands as a testament to ancient Persian civilization, built over two millennia ago. The site features towering stone columns and intricate carvings that once supported grand palaces. Its layout reflects advanced engineering from the Achaemenid Empire, with terraces and staircases designed for both function and ceremony. Artifacts found here reveal trade networks stretching across continents. Today, visitors see remnants of administrative spaces and ceremonial areas, offering insight into royal rituals and daily life in a city that once served as a political hub.

Add to list

Historic Site in Yazd

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 5.0

General Safety:	5
Accessibility:	5

Read details

2/5

English proficiency varies in the Persepolis area. Tour guides at the site generally speak good English, while local vendors and staff may have basic communication skills. In Shiraz, English is more widely spoken in hotels and tourist establishments.

Highlights Description Getting there Hotels Tips Safety Articles

There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

* We earn a commission from some links on this page.

Persepolis Summary

World-class for ancient Persian history. Walk monumental ruins, admire carved stone reliefs and learn about one of the great ancient empires.

Opening hours:

Mon-Sun:

09:00 - 16:30

Public website:

www.persepolis.ir

Iran – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Iranian Rial (IRR) £1 ≈ IRR 1,756,040
Cashless info:	Rating 3/5 Foreign credit and debit cards do not work in Iran because of international sanctions, so travellers must bring enough cash (euros or US dollars) to exchange. Locals mostly pay with domestic bank cards, and ride-hailing apps like Snapp are popular. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card.

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in Iran. In restaurants, leaving a small tip of around 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up fares is appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is illegal in Iran, and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. Alcohol is only available in private or special non-public establishments for non-Muslim minorities.
Public smoking:	Smoking is generally allowed in outdoor public spaces and designated areas, but it is prohibited in many indoor public areas such as shopping centres and restaurants.

Nowruz (20 March)	Iranian New Year, a major holiday celebrated with family gatherings and festivities
Ashura (Varies)	A religious holiday observed with mourning ceremonies, especially in Shia communities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Snapp, Tap30
Other:	Iran is home to a rich history and culture, including ancient sites like Persepolis and Isfahan. Travellers should be aware of the country's conservative social norms and regulations, particularly concerning dress code and behaviour.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Persepolis, Iran

☀️

Jan

☀️

Feb

☀️

Mar

☀️

Apr

🔥

May

🔥

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

🔥

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

☀️

Dec

High season:	March - May, Oct.
Shoulder season:	June, Sep., Nov.

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Nowruz (Persian New Year) from 20 March to early April: many domestic visitors, busy site and full accommodation

June to September: ruins offer almost no shade, visit early morning or late afternoon

Don't miss

🛕 Explore the grand Gate of All Nations with colossal statues
🗿 Admire intricate reliefs depicting delegations from ancient lands
🏛️ Visit the monumental Apadana Palace with towering columns

You've been here?

Yazd stands as a remarkable example of ancient urban planning in Iran. The city’s architecture relies on windcatchers and thick mud-brick walls to manage extreme heat. These structures demonstrate how people adapted to harsh conditions without modern technology. Visitors see how daily life intertwines with centuries-old traditions.

The historic site of Persepolis lies just outside Yazd. It was once the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Massive stone columns and intricate carvings remain visible despite damage over time. The ruins tell stories about royal processions, trade routes and cultural exchange across vast regions.

Walking through Persepolis feels like moving between chapters of history. Each terrace reveals new details: stairways with animal motifs, platforms for rituals and inscriptions in multiple languages. The scale of the complex shows the empire’s reach while highlighting local craftsmanship.

Local culture continues to thrive alongside these ancient remains. Markets sell saffron, dates and handmade textiles. Residents maintain practices that link past generations with today’s life. Travelers gain insight by talking with locals who share stories about traditions still in use.

Why travel to Persepolis?

Persepolis is one of those rare places where history feels tangible in every stone. Founded by Darius the Great around 518 BCE, the site offers an unparalleled glimpse into the sophistication of ancient Persian civilization. The craftsmanship of the reliefs depicting nobles, tribute-bearers and mythical creatures is astonishingly detailed and the scale of the complex - with its grand staircases, imposing gateways and columned halls - gives you a visceral sense of the empire's power and cultural refinement. What makes Persepolis truly special is how well-preserved many sections are, allowing you to walk the same ceremonial paths once tread by kings and dignitaries during Nowruz celebrations. The site has an authenticity that hasn't been compromised by modern reconstructions. However, be aware that conservation issues exist, including the spread of lichens that have eroded some carvings. Also, while the ruins themselves are magnificent, facilities for tourists are basic and the summer heat can be brutal - I'd recommend visiting in spring or fall when temperatures are more pleasant.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 The Gate of All Nations
2 Palace of Darius I.
3 Hadish Palace of Xerxes I.
4 Imperial Treasury
5 Naqsh-e Rustam
6 Unfinished gate

🎡Places for activities

1 Museum of Persepolis
2 Pasargadae

🎈Events

Nowruz Celebrations (March)
Shahnameh Reading Festival
Cultural Heritage Week
Persepolis Concert Series
Archaeological Exhibitions
Persian History Symposiums
Achaemenid Empire Commemoration
Photography Competitions
Historical Reenactments
Cultural Performances

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Hire a guide. History comes alive through expert storytelling.
Visit from Shiraz by taxi or tour; 60km trip takes about one hour each way.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; site involves uneven terrain and hot sun exposure.
Combine with Naqsh-e Rostam tombs nearby for full Achaemenid Empire experience in half day.

How to travel to Persepolis

Persepolis is located about 57 kilometers northeast of Shiraz in Fars Province. Most visitors use Shiraz as their base, which has an international airport with connections to major cities. From Shiraz, the most convenient way to reach Persepolis is by hiring a taxi or joining a guided tour. Hotels in Shiraz can arrange transportation and for groups of four or more, a private taxi can be an economical option. If you're planning to visit Naqsh-e Rustam and Pasargadae as well, consider a full-day excursion.

Access summary

From Shiraz Airport (SYZ): Taxi or private car, about 1–1.5 hours.
From Shiraz city: Organized half-day tours or taxi, roughly 1 hour each way.
From Yazd or Isfahan: Long-distance bus/car via Shiraz, then day-trip to Persepolis.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near Persepolis

There are no accommodations at Persepolis itself, so most visitors stay in Shiraz, about an hour's drive away. Shiraz offers a wide range of options from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, many with traditional Persian architecture and gardens. Some travelers choose to make Persepolis a day trip from Shiraz, which allows them to enjoy the city's rich cultural offerings in the evenings.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

We couldn't find any nearby hotels for now.

How to get around Persepolis

Persepolis itself is a walkable archaeological site, with the main attractions concentrated on a 125,000 square meter terrace. You'll need comfortable shoes to explore the ruins thoroughly. For visiting nearby sites like Naqsh-e Rustam (the necropolis) and Pasargadae, which are highly recommended, you'll need transportation. Public transport options are limited, so most visitors arrange a taxi or guided tour from Shiraz.

Packing recommendations for Persepolis

📷

Camera

👟

Comfortable walking shoes

🌞

Sun cream

🚰

Reusable water bottle

for spring/autumn visits

🎒

Small rucksack

🧕

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees

Universal travel adaptor

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-81 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 81% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-97 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to IRR) is 97% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Visitors to Yazd’s ancient Persepolis enjoy a generally safe environment, with low crime rates and well‑patrolled tourist sites. Travelers should stay alert in crowded markets, avoid unlicensed taxis and respect local customs to ensure a smooth, secure visit.

Accessibility

Persepolis offers limited accessibility: paved walkways and some ramps exist, but uneven stone steps and narrow passages hinder mobility. Signage is sparse and wheelchair users may struggle with steep inclines. Guided tours can help navigate the site’s historic terrain.