Tehran, Iran: travel guide
Palaces, museums and mountain views in Iran's sprawling capital
Capital and largest city of Iran, gateway for international arrivals, home to the National Museum, Golestan Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
About Tehran
Tehran is Iran's capital, a large and busy city spread beneath the Alborz mountains. For many visitors it is the point of arrival, and it has more to offer than a stopover suggests.
Collections at the National Museum trace Persian history, while Golestan Palace shows the ornate mirrored halls and tilework of the Qajar era. The Grand Bazaar is a maze of covered lanes selling carpets, spices and household goods, and in the north of the city, parks and cafes climb the slopes toward the mountains. Tehran is also a good place to sample Persian dishes such as kebabs, stews and saffron rice.
It suits culture-minded travellers as a first or last stop in Iran. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit.
- Country
- Iran
- Currency
- IRR
- Time zone
- Asia/Tehran
- Nearest airport
- THR
Last updated
Top places to visit in Tehran
Azadi Tower
Iconic white marble monument · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Iconic marble tower built in 1971, a symbol of Tehran located at the western entrance to the city.
Golestan Palace
Qajar royal palace complex · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
UNESCO World Heritage Qajar-era royal complex in central Tehran, the oldest of the historic monuments in the city.
Grand Bazaar of Tehran
Historic covered bazaar · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the oldest and largest covered marketplaces in the world, selling carpets, spices, gold and textiles.
Ab-o-Atash Park
Fire-and-water themed urban park · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A modern park featuring fountains and fire installations, connected to Taleghani Park by the Tabiat Bridge.
Book Garden (Bagh-e Ketab)
Large bookstore and cultural complex · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the largest bookstore complexes in the world, with cafes and cultural exhibits.
Ferdows Garden (Cinema Museum)
Qajar garden housing the Iranian Cinema Museum · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A historic Qajar garden mansion in north Tehran that now houses the Iranian Cinema Museum.
Glassware and Ceramics Museum (Abgineh)
Qajar-era mansion museum · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Housed in a restored Qajar-era mansion, displaying historic Iranian glassware and pottery.
Carpet Museum of Iran
Persian carpet museum · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Dedicated to the art of Persian carpet weaving, with pieces spanning multiple regions and centuries.
Ebrat Museum
Former secret-police detention center turned museum · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A former detention facility (once used by the Pahlavi-era secret police) preserved as a museum.
National Museum of Iran
Archaeology & Islamic-era museum · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Iran's principal archaeological museum, holding pre-Islamic and Islamic-era artifacts including Persepolis reliefs.
Milad Tower
Telecommunications tower with observation deck · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the tallest towers in the world with a revolving restaurant and observation deck overlooking Tehran.
Tabiat Bridge
Pedestrian bridge linking two parks · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Award-winning pedestrian overpass connecting Taleghani and Ab-o-Atash parks, a popular sunset spot.
Things to do
- Tehran Grand Bazaar Guided Walking Tour Cultural · 2.5 h · from USD 25 per person
- Persian Home Cooking Class, Tehran Food · 3 h · from USD 35 per person
- Darband to Darakeh Mountain Trail Hike Hiking · 4 h · from USD 20 per person
- Tochal Telecabin Excursion Nature · 4 h · from USD 30 per person
- Traditional Persian Teahouse Experience Food · 1.5 h · from USD 15 per person
- Tehran Street Food Walking Tour Food · 3 h · from USD 30 per person
- Persian Calligraphy Workshop Activity · 2 h · from USD 25 per person
- Golestan Palace & National Museum Combined Tour Cultural · 4 h · from USD 30 per person
Where to stay in Tehran
Hotels
- Ferdowsi Grand Hotel Tehran 4-star
- Espinas Palace Hotel 5-star
- Laleh International Hotel Tehran 4-star
Where to eat
- Naderi Cafe & Restaurant persian, iranian · about IRR 15,000,000 per person
- Moslem Restaurant persian, iranian · about IRR 6,000,000 per person
- Saffron Restaurant (Espinas Palace Hotel) persian, iranian · about IRR 55,000,000 per person
- Sofreh Khaneh Sonati Sangelaj persian, iranian · about IRR 15,000,000 per person
Getting to Tehran
Airport: Tehran (THR)
Getting around
- Metro
- Taxi
- Walking