Worth a Journey

The World’s 100 Best Palaces

Ali Qapu Palace

Isfahan, Iran

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST PALACES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 99 2026
Ali Qapu Palace

On the western side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan stands the six-storey palace built under Shah Abbas I as a ceremonial gateway to the royal complex. Inside are a music hall with stucco ceilings, painted walls and a columned terrace over the square.

Highlights

  • Music hall
  • Columned terrace
  • Painted ceilings

Good to know

  • Spiral staircases between floors
  • Less crowded early in the morning

Also in the Middle East

  1. Qasr Al Watan N° 12 Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Palace
  2. Dolmabahçe Palace N° 18 Dolmabahçe Palace Istanbul, Turkey Palace
  3. Topkapı Palace N° 23 Topkapı Palace Istanbul, Turkey Palace
  4. Manial Palace N° 49 Manial Palace Cairo, Egypt Palace
  5. Golestan Palace N° 57 Golestan Palace Tehran Palace