TEHRAN

Tehran Travel Guide (2025) | Top Attractions, Hotels & Things to Do

Tehran, the bustling capital of Iran, blends modernity with rich history. Nestled at the foot of the Alborz mountains, it offers a mix of cultural landmarks, historical sites, and contemporary attractions.

Distance from Tehran

Isfahan:

By road: Approximately 450 km (about 5.5 hours by car or bus).
By flight: Approximately 340 km, with a flight time of about 55 minutes.

Kerman:

By road: Approximately 990 km (about 8.5 hours by car or bus).
By flight: Approximately 800 km, with a flight time of about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Yazd:

By road: Approximately 270 km (about 3.5 hours by car or bus).
By flight: Approximately 280 km, with a flight time of about 1 hour.

Shiraz:

By road: Approximately 690 km (about 7 hours by car or bus).
By flight: Approximately 650 km, with a flight time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Key Attractions:

Golestan Palace: UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Persian architecture.
National Museum of Iran: Vast collection of Iran’s ancient artifacts.
Azadi Tower: Iconic structure with panoramic views.
Tajrish Bazaar: Lively market offering Persian goods and crafts.

IKA International Airport Transfer Options:

Available 24/7 at various points in the city.
Fixed fares to major destinations in Tehran, including downtown (approximately 1 hour to 1.30 depending on traffic).
You can also book taxis from official taxi stands around the city.
Taxi drivers usually charge based on fixed price, *Make sure you double confirm the destination and fare!
*Never accept a ride from random people offering you cheap fares as taxi drivers.

Metro

Working hours are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the Tehran metro station connecting to Line 1, providing access to key areas of the city.

Download Metro Map

Shuttle Buses:

Doesn't operate

Car Rental:

Car rental services are available in Isfahan for those who prefer self-driving.
Booking in advance is recommended for better rates and availability.

Ride-Sharing Apps:

Apps like Snapp(Android) - (Apple) and Tap30(android - Apple) are popular in Isfahan and offer affordable and easy-to-use ride-sharing services.

Hotel Suggestions for Tehran

1. Luxury Hotels in Tehran

1.1. Espinas Palace Hotel

Location:Behroud Sq, Saadat Abad, Tehran, Iran.
Facilities: High-end restaurants, spa, fitness center, and luxurious rooms with modern decor.
Distance to Mehrabad Airport: 15 km (approximately 25 minutes by car)
Distance to Imam Khomeini International Airport: 50 km (approximately 1 hour by car)

1.2. Laleh International Hotel

Location: Dr. Fatemi St, Tehran, Iran.
Facilities: Offers a variety of services, including a gym, conference facilities, and a luxurious restaurant.
Distance to Mehrabad Airport: 12 km (approximately 20 minutes by car)
Distance to Imam Khomeini International Airport: 45 km (approximately 1 hour by car)

1.3. Tehran Grand Hotel

Location:No. 391, Motahari Ave, Tehran, Iran.
Facilities: Features include a rooftop restaurant, modern rooms, a fitness center, and meeting rooms.
Distance to Mehrabad Airport: 17 km (approximately 25 minutes by car)
Distance to Imam Khomeini International Airport: 55 km (approximately 1 hour by car)

1.5. Tehran Royal Hotel

Location:No. 10, Valiasr St, Tehran, Iran.
Facilities: Features elegant rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, a fitness center, and conference facilities.
Distance to Mehrabad Airport: 12 km (approximately 25 minutes by car)
Distance to Imam Khomeini International Airport: 50 km (approximately 1 hour by car)

2. Mid-Range Hotels in Tehran

2.1. Hotel Enghelab

Location:No. 341, Taleghani Ave, Tehran, Iran.
Facilities: Offers clean, modern rooms with good amenities at a reasonable price.
Distance to Mehrabad Airport: 16 km (approximately 25 minutes by car)
Distance to Imam Khomeini International Airport: 50 km (approximately 1 hour by car)

2.2. Ferdowsi International Hotel

Location: No. 20, Kooshk e Mesri Street, at the beginning of Ferdowsi Avenue, north of Imam Khomeini
Facilities: Comfortable rooms with a restaurant, a bar, and recreational areas.
Distance to Mehrabad Airport: 14 km (approximately 20 minutes by car)
Distance to Imam Khomeini International Airport: 48 km (approximately 1 hour by car)

3. Budget Hotels in Tehran

3.1. Tehran Heritage Hostel

Location:No. 15, Cheragh Bargh Alley, Amir Kabir Street, Tehran, Iran.
Facilities: Offers shared rooms and private rooms at affordable prices, with a friendly and communal atmosphere.
Distance to Mehrabad Airport: 18 km (approximately 30 minutes by car)
Distance to Imam Khomeini International Airport: 55 km (approximately 1 hour by car)

3.2. Omid Hotel

Location:No. 22, East Nosrat St., 16 Azar Ave., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, Iran.
Facilities: Basic rooms with free Wi-Fi and a restaurant serving traditional Iranian dishes.
Distance to Mehrabad Airport: 15 km (approximately 20 minutes by car)
Distance to Imam Khomeini International Airport: 50 km (approximately 1 hour by car)

3.4. Karoon Hotel

Location:No. 18, Ghafari Street, Left Side After Zartosht Crossroad, Vali-e-Asr Avenue, Tehran, Iran.
Facilities: Offers affordable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and convenient access to local attractions.
Distance to Mehrabad Airport: 12 km (approximately 20 minutes by car)
Distance to Imam Khomeini International Airport: 45 km (approximately 1 hour by car)

Cafe suggestion in Tehran

1. Café de Paris

Location: Located in the heart of Tehran, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere ideal for coffee lovers.
Facilities: A comfortable setting with stylish décor, serving a range of gourmet coffee, fresh pastries, and desserts.
Specialty: Known for its French-style coffee and high-quality espresso options.

2. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Location: A popular café with several branches throughout Tehran, providing a great ambiance for both coffee enthusiasts and tea lovers.
Facilities: Offers a wide range of coffee blends, teas, and snacks, with indoor and outdoor seating options.
Specialty: Their signature iced drinks and freshly brewed coffee are favorites among locals and tourists alike.

3. TAVAZO Café

Location: Situated in the northern part of Tehran, TAVAZO is known for its peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.
Facilities: Known for its chic and comfortable setting with various seating arrangements, it’s ideal for both casual visits and business meetings.
Specialty: Famous for its lattes and range of light snacks and sandwiches.

4. Café Tehroon

Location: A well-known café in central Tehran, offering an artistic and relaxed ambiance.
Facilities: Features contemporary décor and serves delicious coffee, fresh juices, and pastries in a cozy setting.
Specialty: Renowned for its espresso-based drinks and organic coffee options.

5. Kafe Saffron

Location: Situated on the busy streets of northern Tehran, known for its elegant and contemporary design.
Facilities: Offers a variety of coffee choices and delicious snacks in a stylish setting.
Specialty: Their Persian-style iced coffee and unique saffron-flavored desserts are popular choices.

6. Café Naderi

Location: Located in Tehran’s historic center, Café Naderi has been a famous spot for locals and tourists for many years.
Facilities: A combination of traditional and modern elements with a sophisticated setting.
Specialty: Known for its freshly brewed coffee and delicious Persian sweets like baklava and cookies.

7. Café Roperto

Location: Situated on Vali Asr Street, in the northern part of Tehran, offering a cozy and chic atmosphere.
Facilities: Known for its great selection of coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. The café offers a contemporary space for relaxing or working.
Specialty: Famous for its signature Italian espresso and freshly baked cakes.

8. Lamiz Café

Location: Located on Shariati Street, known for its modern design and peaceful environment, ideal for coffee lovers.
Facilities: Offers a wide range of beverages, light snacks, and a tranquil place to relax or meet friends.
Specialty: Specializes in a variety of cold brews, lattes, and unique coffee blends. Also offers freshly made pastries and light bites.

9. Espinas Palace Coffee Shop

Location: Situated in the luxurious Espinas Palace Hotel, located in the north of Tehran, offering a sophisticated and upscale atmosphere.
Facilities: The café features a lavish design with an elegant setting, serving premium coffee and an assortment of high-quality snacks.
Specialty: Known for its exquisite espresso blends and a refined selection of gourmet cakes and pastries.

Restaurant suggestion in Tehran

1. Alborz Restaurant

Location: Located in the northern part of Tehran, close to popular attractions and shopping districts.
Facilities: Known for its large dining space, Alborz offers both traditional Iranian and international cuisine. It provides an upscale dining experience with excellent service.
Specialty: Famous for its kebabs, especially the Barg and Joojeh Kebab, along with its delicious stews and rice dishes.

2. Shandiz Mashhad

Location: Situated in the north of Tehran, this restaurant is a branch of the famous Shandiz restaurant chain, known for its ambiance and high-quality food.
Facilities: Offers a cozy and elegant atmosphere, with a large menu offering a variety of Iranian and Persian dishes. It has indoor and outdoor seating options.
Specialty: Known for its signature Shandiz kebabs, particularly their lamb kebabs, along with a selection of traditional Persian appetizers and stews.

3. The Dizi Café

Location: Located in the heart of Tehran, The Dizi Café is a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to experience traditional Iranian food.
Facilities: The café offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a great spot to enjoy Persian stews and bread.
Specialty: Known for its Dizi, a traditional Persian lamb stew served with bread, vegetables, and sometimes potatoes and beans. It’s a favorite among visitors for an authentic Iranian dining experience.

4. Divan Restaurant

Location: Located in the heart of Tehran, Divan is a high-end restaurant known for offering a fusion of Iranian and international flavors.
Facilities: The restaurant boasts a modern and elegant ambiance, with a focus on quality service and a refined dining experience.
Specialty: Divan is well-known for its innovative Persian dishes, like saffron chicken, lamb chops, and a variety of appetizers. The desserts are also highly praised, especially the Persian ice cream.

5. Nasser Kebab

Location: Situated in the bustling streets of central Tehran, Nasser Kebab is a popular restaurant among both locals and tourists who crave delicious Persian kebabs.
Facilities: A casual and laid-back restaurant offering excellent service and a simple but flavorful menu focused mainly on traditional Persian kebabs.
Specialty: Famous for its tender and flavorful kebabs, particularly the Koobideh and Barg kebabs, which are served with rice or flatbread and grilled vegetables.

Top 10 Sightseeing Locations in Tehran

1. Golestan Palace

Location: Located in the heart of Tehran, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest and most beautiful historic complexes in the city.
Facilities: Offers various museums, gardens, and beautiful halls showcasing Persian art and culture.
Specialty: Known for its stunning tile work and impressive architecture, it was once the residence of the Qajar dynasty.

2. Niavaran Palace Complex

Location: Situated in the northern part of Tehran, surrounded by beautiful gardens and mountains.
Facilities: A former royal residence with a museum, a beautiful garden, and an exhibition of royal artifacts.
Specialty: Known for its modern architectural design and rich history, it served as the residence of the Pahlavi family.

3. Milad Tower

Location: Located in the western part of Tehran, offering panoramic views of the entire city and beyond.
Facilities: Features a revolving restaurant, a sky deck, exhibition spaces, and a shopping mall.
Specialty: Known for being one of the tallest towers in the world, it’s a perfect spot for photography and sightseeing.

4. Sa'dabad Palace Complex

Location: Situated in the northern part of Tehran, this massive complex is nestled within lush gardens.
Facilities: Houses several museums and royal palaces, showcasing the history of Iran's monarchy.
Specialty: Known for its beautiful grounds and the historical significance it holds for the Pahlavi dynasty.

5. Tehran Grand Bazaar

Location: Located in the heart of Tehran, it’s one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the Middle East.
Facilities: Offers a wide variety of traditional Persian goods, food, and crafts.
Specialty: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance, it’s an ideal place for shopping and cultural exploration.

6. National Museum of Iran

Location: Situated in the center of Tehran, this museum is home to thousands of ancient artifacts.
Facilities: The museum consists of multiple halls showcasing the country’s history and culture, with artifacts from prehistoric times to the Islamic era.
Specialty: Known for its rich collection of ancient Persian artifacts, including items from the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods.

7. Tabiat Bridge

Location: Located in the northern part of Tehran, this pedestrian bridge connects two large parks.
Facilities: A beautifully designed bridge with walking paths, cafes, and scenic views of Tehran’s skyline.
Specialty: Known for its modern design and picturesque views of the surrounding area, especially at night.

8. Darband

Location: Located at the foot of the Alborz Mountains in the northern part of Tehran.
Facilities: Known for its hiking trails, teahouses, and restaurants offering traditional Persian food and tea.
Specialty: Popular for its natural beauty and fresh air, it’s a favorite destination for locals and tourists looking to enjoy nature and hiking.

9. Jamshidieh Park

Location: Located in the north of Tehran, near the foothills of the Alborz Mountains.
Facilities: Features well-maintained paths, a large pond, and picnic areas.
Specialty: Known for its stunning views, this park is a peaceful escape with beautiful landscapes and plenty of green space.

10. Carpet Museum of Iran

Location: Situated in the center of Tehran, near Laleh Park.
Facilities: A museum showcasing a large collection of Persian carpets, offering insight into the history and art of weaving.
Specialty: Known for its extensive collection of Persian carpets, the museum is a perfect place to learn about this ancient art form.

Dress Code in Iran

Dress Code for Women

Women must cover their hair with a headscarf (hijab) and wear long sleeves, pants, or skirts that cover their legs.

It is important to follow the dress code, as it is strictly enforced in public spaces and government buildings.

Dress Code for Men

Men should wear modest clothing. While there's no strict requirement for head coverings, they must avoid wearing shorts in public.

It is recommended to wear long pants and avoid sleeveless tops in public spaces.

Safety in Iran

General Safety

Iran is generally safe for tourists, with low levels of violent crime. The streets in major cities are well-patrolled.

It's important to stay cautious in crowded places to avoid petty theft like pickpocketing.

Political Safety

Avoid discussing politics, religion, or the government as these topics can be sensitive.

It's best to stay away from public demonstrations or protests to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

Road Safety

Road conditions vary, and driving can be challenging due to heavy traffic and erratic driving styles.

Public transportation is widely available, and taxis are generally safe to use. Always agree on the fare in advance.

Exchange Shops in Tehran

Important Note: Ferdowsi Street and Square are known as the main locations for exchange shops in Tehran. It’s advisable to use established exchange shops rather than dealing with individuals standing outside offering seemingly better rates. These individuals often operate illegally and may provide you with fraudulent or unsafe transactions. Always use trusted exchange shops to ensure secure and reliable exchanges.

Exchange Rate Note: The real exchange rate of the Iranian Rial (IRR) is highly variable and almost impossible to find on platforms like Google. It fluctuates daily in the local market.

1. Exchange Market (Sarbaz Exchange)

Location: 2 Sarbaz St, Tehran, Iran
Best for: Best for exchanging large sums of money with good rates.

2. Melli Exchange

Location: Valiasr Street, Tehran, Iran
Best for: Convenient for both tourists and locals due to its wide presence.

3. Parsian Exchange

Location: 4 Dr. Ali Shariati St., Tehran, Iran
Best for: Offering good rates for various currencies including the US Dollar, Euro, and other major world currencies.

4. Ferdowsi Exchange

Location: Ferdowsi Square, Tehran, Iran
Best for: Exchange of common currencies like the US Dollar, Euro, and other regional currencies.

5. Rahavard Exchange

Location: Imam Khomeini Street, Tehran, Iran
Best for: Excellent for exchanging a variety of currencies for both business and travel needs.