Esfahan, Nesf-e Jahan

There are several things one may do all in one day. It is probably best to begin in Meidun-e Emam a.k.a. Meidun-e Naqshe Jahan (Picture of the World Square) around which you will find the following:
-Masjed-e Emam
-Kakh-e Ali Ghapu
-Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah
Interwoven into this complex is a wonderful bazaar where one will walk past the various sections dedicated to carpet sellers, gold and silversmiths, jewelers, and just about anything else you might imagine finding in a bazaar.

Other things you might look for are Iranian pistachio candy, the best of which is made in Esfahan. It is delicious and is worth picking up few packages to bring home.

Esfahan is one of the best places to do your shopping. There one may buy beautiful block print textiles, carpets, laquer boxes, silver trays and much more.

Quick Tips:

Though Esfahanis have a reputation within and among Iranians as being some of the stingiest and most miserly human beings on the planet, I cannot say that I witnessed that aspect of Esfahan and its people. As in all parts of Iran, one frequently needs to or should haggle when buying something. You need not worry about offending anyone by suggesting a lower price.

Best Way To Get Around:

Taxis remain the best way to get around but since Esfahan is a nice city with broad boulevards it would be worthwhile to walk around a bit and discover various parts of the city on foot.

This hotel lies amidst the Armenian quarter of Esfahan, which is located just south of the Zayande River. The area is called Jolfa and houses a large Christian Armenian population. The hotel is on the same street as the Cathedral.
The accommodations are not extravagant but for a room and a bath (and pedestal toilet) the cost was US$10. The proprietors of the hotel were extremely kind and quite welcoming. There is an in-house restaurant though I cannot recall exactly what its hours of operation were.
We settled on this hotel, as others closer to the center of the city were either full or charging exorbitant prices for foreigners. Foreigners and Iranians are charged different rates - Iranians might be charged what amounts to US$2 a night while others will be have to pay significantly more.