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Tehran, Iran

Destination Guide

Tehran

Iran

Best things to do in Tehran

26 curated attractions in Tehran, Iran. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

March - May, September - November

Average temp

15°C/59°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Take care

About Tehran

Tehran, a large city with a population of over eight million, thrives under the shadow of the Alborz mountains. The city’s layout is a mix of modernist architecture and traditional Persian elements, yet it’s the cultural institutions that define it: the Treasury of National Jewels holds a dazzling collection of royal artifacts, while the Golestan Palace reflects the Qajar dynasty's opulence. Most people visit for the museums, bazaars, and the mix of cuisines that fill the streets. However, with public transit rated poorly, the sprawling layout means you may find yourself doing a lot of walking, or a lot of haggling for a taxi. Add in a few steep hills, and you’ll quickly realize those mountain views come with a price.

Who it's for

Culture enthusiasts and food lovers will find plenty to keep them busy, especially if they enjoy a good market. Not ideal for those seeking an efficient public transport system or a city that’s easy to navigate. If you are set on your schedule and don’t want to miss a thing, you might end up feeling more lost than enlightened.

Getting around

Public transport: Poor

  • The Tehran Grand Bazaar is about a 30-minute walk from Golestan Palace, assuming you can find your way
  • Buses are plentiful but often crowded and erratic, so adjust your expectations accordingly
  • Taxis are available but negotiate the fare before you get in
  • The nearest international airport, Imam Khomeini, is about an hour from the city center by car, depending on traffic
Tabiat Bridge

Tabiat Bridge

Bridges
Iran Mall

Iran Mall

Malls & department stores
National Garden

National Garden

Formal & Japanese gardens
Azadi Tower

Azadi Tower

Monuments & memorials
Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art

Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art

Art museums & galleries
Laleh Park

Laleh Park

City parks
Milad Tower

Milad Tower

Observation decks & city views
Carpet Museum of Iran

Carpet Museum of Iran

Specialty & quirky museums
Tehran Birds Garden

Tehran Birds Garden

Wildlife sanctuaries
Valiasr Street

Valiasr Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Sa'dabad Complex

Sa'dabad Complex

Castles & palaces
Mashhad Shahed University

Mashhad Shahed University

Historic libraries & universities
Malek National Museum and Library

Malek National Museum and Library

History museums
Tochal Mountain

Tochal Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
National Museum of Iran

National Museum of Iran

History museums
Tehran Book Garden

Tehran Book Garden

City parks
Darband

Darband

Traditional villages
Reza Abbasi Museum

Reza Abbasi Museum

Art museums & galleries
Cinema Museum of Iran

Cinema Museum of Iran

Specialty & quirky museums
Tajrish Bazaar

Tajrish Bazaar

Local & craft markets
Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace

Castles & palaces
Treasury of National Jewels

Treasury of National Jewels

Specialty & quirky museums
Niavaran Palace Complex

Niavaran Palace Complex

Castles & palaces
Ab-o-Atash Park

Ab-o-Atash Park

City parks
Tehran Grand Bazaar

Tehran Grand Bazaar

Local & craft markets
Tehran Peace Museum

Tehran Peace Museum

History museums

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