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Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, also known as Image of the World Square, was constructed between 1598 and 1629 under the reign of Shah Abbas I the Great. Measuring 560 meters in length and 160 meters in width, it is one of the largest urban squares in the world and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. The architectural ensemble is a masterpiece of Safavid era design and is bordered by four monumental structures: the Shah Mosque to the south, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque to the east, the Ali Qapu Palace to the west, and the portal of the Imperial Bazaar to the north. Originally, the square served as a ceremonial center for royal festivities, military parades, and polo matches, with stone goalposts still standing at either end of the plaza today. The harmonious arrangement of these buildings symbolizes the integration of religious power, economic commerce, and royal authority within the Persian Empire. Today, the square remains an animated hub for locals and tourists alike, characterized by its symmetrical gardens and the surrounding arcades housing traditional workshops.

Location: Iran
Top sights: Qeysarie Market · Portal · Bazar-e Bozorg (The Grand Bazaar)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	3	8	13	19	25	27	26	22	16	8	3
Rain mm	29	27	35	34	11	2	2	1	1	7	31	34

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan is a large public square, freely accessible at any time. The surrounding monuments - Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and the bazaar - have their own opening hours and entry fees.

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Typical hours

The square itself has no hours; the monuments typically open from 9:00 to 17:00, last entry at 16:00. On Fridays, the mosques open only in the afternoon; the bazaar is often closed on Friday.

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Photography

The square has fantastic photo opportunities from all sides, especially at sunset when the facades glow golden. Drone photography is prohibited without permission; tripods are allowed in the square but restricted in monuments.

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Time needed

For a walk around the square and a quick visit to one or two monuments, budget two to three hours. To see all monuments and explore the bazaar, you need a full day.

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Combine with

The square itself is the center; combine it with a walk through the adjacent Isfahan Bazaar and a visit to Chehel Sotoun Palace. The Si-o-se-pol bridge is also a few minutes' walk away and beautifully lit at night.

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Getting there

Naqsh-e Jahan Square is in central Isfahan and easily reachable by taxi or bus. Meydan-e Emam (Imam Square) metro station is right at the square; parking is available around the square but often full.

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Insider tip

Visit the square in the late afternoon and stay until sunset to experience the monument lighting and lively atmosphere. Enjoy a tea at one of the square's cafés and watch the bustle.

Geography

Coordinates

32.65810, 51.67750

Facts

Construction of the square began in 1598 by order of Shah Abbas I.
The total area of 89,600 square meters makes it nearly seven times larger than St. Peter's Square.
UNESCO inscribed the square as a World Heritage site in 1979.
Original stone polo goalposts from the 17th century are still present at both ends.
The surrounding monumental buildings took 31 years to complete in total.
The perimeter is enclosed by a continuous series of 200 two-story arcades.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Chehel Sotoun<1 km · SExplore →

Jameh Mosque of Isfahan1 km · NEExplore →

Khaju Bridge2 km · NWExplore →

Vank Cathedral3 km · SWExplore →

Nazhvan Forest Park8 km · SExplore →

Mobarakeh Steel Company38 km · SWExplore →

Abyaneh65 km · EExplore →

Qamsar Rose Gardens80 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Naqsh-e Jahan Square (8)

Qeysarie Market 📍 landmark

Qeysarie Market is a prominent historical attraction located in the city of iran-naqsh-e-jahan-history-v2.

Portal 📍 landmark

This grand Portal serves as an architectural attraction in iran-naqsh-e-jahan-history-v2.

Bazar-e Bozorg (The Grand Bazaar)📍 landmark

Bazar-e Bozorg, also known as The Grand Bazaar, is a major tourist attraction in iran-naqsh-e-jahan-history-v2.

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Shahi AssarKhaneh Museum 🏛 museum

The Shahi AssarKhaneh Museum exhibits local historical artifacts in the city of iran-naqsh-e-jahan-history-v2.

Qeysarieh cafè 🌿 nature

The Qeysarieh cafè features a relaxing viewpoint experience in iran-naqsh-e-jahan-history-v2.

Timcheh Malek 🏺 historical

Timcheh Malek is an ornate historical monument preserved in iran-naqsh-e-jahan-history-v2.

Moshir-almolk House (museum of Islamic heritage)🏛 museum

The Moshir-almolk House is a museum of Islamic heritage situated in iran-naqsh-e-jahan-history-v2.

Coppersmiths Bazar 🎭 culture

The Coppersmiths Bazar is a traditional marketplace located in Naqsh-e Jahan.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the square?

Access to Meidan-e Emam is free, but the surrounding mosques and palaces require separate tickets.

When is the best time to visit?

Late afternoon is convenient when the fountains are active and the light is well-suited for photography.

Is picnicking allowed on the square?

Yes, it is a local tradition for families to picnic on the lawns, especially in the evening.

How much time should I spend here?

Plan at least half a day to explore the square, the bazaar, and the landmarks.

Are there restaurants nearby?

Around the square, there are many traditional teahouses and restaurants offering local specialties like biryani.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square: where is it located?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square is located in Iran.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square: what is there to see?

Highlights include Qeysarie Market, Portal, Bazar-e Bozorg (The Grand Bazaar).

Naqsh-e Jahan Square: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square: why is it worth visiting?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, also known as Image of the World Square, was constructed between 1598 and 1629 under the reign of Shah Abbas I the Great.

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