Tourist Attractions in Tehran

Although Tehran is the largest city of Iran in terms of population, it is not known to be the sole touristic center of the country. There are of course, many astonishing touristic sites spread all across the whole country including historical constructions, unparalleled tile work and beautiful landscapes. But do not let that be an excuse for you to over-look all the wonders hiding in every corner of the packed city of Tehran.Before going through tourist attractions in Tehran, let’s answer to an important question; how to travel to Tehran? The best way would be through booking a tour.

As a tour and travel agency, we would like to announce that we offer Classical Cultural tours of Iran attending which you can explore Tehran on the first day of your trip. Also, travelers can book our Tailor-made tours and decide where and what they desire to visit when they travel to Iran. Eco tours, Island tours, Medical tours, MICE tours for those who are on business trips and so forth are our other services.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Golestan Palace

The Golestan Palace, almost 4 centuries old and designated as a world heritage site, is a former Qajar complex consisting of gardens, royal buildings decorated with tile work, mirrored interior and is a homage to thrones and various gifts and crafts.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar of Tehran, located in the ever-beating heart of the hustling city. Noticeably aged and born out of a maze of corridors, it contains anything and everything one might be looking for. The sellers are warm and hospitable- as Iranian people often are- and would gladly chat you up or offer help, if needed.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Museums

There is certainly never a shortage of museums in Tehran for the enthusiasts!

• Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA)

Those interested in more modern aspects of Iranian arts will eventually find their way to TMoCA. The most extensive collection of Iranian modern and contemporary art gems as well as valuable contemporary art pieces from European and north American artists belonging to 19^th and 20^th century are all gathered in one place for visitors to study and admire.

Also, if you are interested in meeting the youthful and artistic crowd of Tehran, TMoCA is the place to go.

• National Museum of Iran

The institution comprises two different complexes:

Museum of Ancient Iran

The exhibition showcases artifacts from the lower Paleolithic period to the Sasanian era, offering a clear view of the trajectory of history throughout thousands of years.

Museum of Islamic Archeology and Art of Iran

The artifacts and relics displayed in the neighboring complex, cover the early Islamic period up until the Qajar times.

• Treasury of National Jewels

Priceless collections going back to the Safavid, Afsharid, Zand, Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties are stored and exhibited in the Treasury of Iranian National Jewels. The collections contain many royal belongings such as crowns and diamonds, filling visitors with awe.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Tabiat Bridge

Also known as the Nature Bridge since the word ‘Tabiat’ mean ‘nature’ in Persian, it connects two of the popular parks of Tehran spanning for 270 meters between the two. The design has won several awards despite being the work of a young designer.

The Tabiat Bridge is a great place to stop by and have a nice meal, considering the number of cafes and restaurants available there, and of course, the enjoyable view.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Tochal mountain /Tochal International Ski Resort

Anyone who has ever visited Tehran will agree that it’s hard to miss the graceful sight of the mountains rising up from the north side of the city. The Tochal mountain is a proper recreational site for those who are willing to spend some time away from all the noise in the city and reconnect with the nature instead.

A gondola lift goes up from Tehran to the Tochal ski resort, the fifth highest resort in the world, where there also is a hotel.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Sa’dabad Historical Complex

Sa’dabad complex built by Qajar and Pahlavi royals, includes 180 hectares of natural forest, mansions, museums, galleries and streets.

The most famous palace located in the complex would be the Green Palace, built in the Qajar era and following a combination of two different architectural styles. The prominent feature which has earned the palace its name is the green façade. Moreover, visiting the greenhouse is highly recommended due to its famous hall of mirror.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: 30 Tir Street Food

Right outside the gates of National Museum of Iran, you will be met with dozens of different booths lining up along both sides of 30 Tir street. The booths are colored with a variety of food and beverage and there are enough benches and seats on the side of the street for you to take a break and have a taste of your snack of choice; be it traditional Persian food, fast food, or even spicy Indian dishes or Turkish food. To get to know more about Iranian food, visit food diversity in Iran.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Tehran Friday Market (AKA Jom’e Bazaar)

If you ever happen to spend a Friday in Tehran, and feel like exploring through one vendor’s goods and move to another for hours without feeling bored, then the Tehran Friday Market might be the place for you.

The sellers have their own way of presenting handcrafts, fabrics, local art and jewelry amongst other things, creating a kaleidoscope of bright colors, surrounding and tempting you to bring back home a cheap souvenir or two.

Just make sure to get the address right, considering that the market has recently been relocated after many years!

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Shopping Centers of Tehran

Although the majority of tourists do not find shopping malls desirable to visit, many of those centers have much more than stores to offer. Iran Mall for instance –currently and by far the biggest mall in the world in terms of area- is serving as a multi-purpose complex and contains many attractions such as a traditional bazaar, a mirror hall, a car show room, 12 movie theatres and a large ice rink.

It is best that you have your smart phone map with you when you visit, considering you can easily get lost in the large area.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Azadi Tower

Azadi Tower –translating to freedom tower- is a hard-to-miss landmark of Tehran built out of marble on the Azadi square and had been designed using elements of traditional Iranian architecture. The Azadi museum with an outstanding interior is located underground, right beneath the tower and ready for visit. Around fifty art pieces of many kinds have been chosen to be displayed and every one of them is a symbol of a specific area in the Iranian history.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Niavaran Palace

Niavaran is a historical palace first used by Qajars as a summer residence during the 18^th and 19^th centuries (at the time merely a garden) and later became a home to Shah and Empress of Pahlavi with more constructions built on the land.

Nowadays it is open to public with a number of galleries, museums and a private library worth paying a visit for tourists interested in more recent history of Iran.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Milad Tower

No matter where you are standing in Tehran, you just have to look up and take a turn around on a sunny day in order to spot the 435-meter-long giant staring you down. The Milad tower, listed as the sixth-tallest tower in the world, is a multi-purpose complex always towering magnificently over the city of Tehran. There is an abundance of trade units (perfect for souvenirs!) and of course food courts.

Let’s not forget about the famous revolving restaurant at the top of the tower waiting to take in the VIP guests and. Furthermore, if you long for a high up view of Tehran, you can simply visit the observation deck.

The Milad Tower also has a Sky Park offering exciting activities at the height of 280 meters, excellent for those who enjoy height. Bungee jumping, Edge walking, Sky fly and a Glass box as well as a Sky swing are the breathtaking activities of the Sky Park.

Fortunately, a great system of public transportation has been developed in Tehran over the years. Even with the possibility of the great crowd attracting traffic in some areas, the subway enables any sightseer and tourist to easily move around the city with a low price. Buses and taxis are also to be found almost everywhere in the city.