TEHRAN

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About Tehran

Tehran, the capital city of Iran and the center of the province of Tehran, located in north-central Iran. Since its establishment as the capital city more than 200 years ago, it has grown from a small city to a major metropolis. Tehran is Iran’s largest city and one of the most the most industrialized province in Iran.

Things to do in Tehran

Museums

Tehran is “The city of museums.” It has more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries which give you several choice to understand Iran from political, cultural, and historical viewpoints. The 10 Best Museums in Tehran : The National Jewelry Treasury, Sa’ad Abad Museum Complex, Iranian Artists’ Forum, 30 Tir Street, Niavaran Cultural Historic Complex, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Reza Abbasi Museum, Holy Defense Museum, Qasr Museum Garden.

Art Centers

Pursue your passions in Tehran. With access to the kinds of art centers, the arts of Iran are one of the richest art heritages in world history and encompasses many traditional disciplines including architecture, painting, literature, music, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking, stonemasonry, cinema, photography and theater.

Sport

Tehran is full of sporting facilities as the city. In fact, they numerous stadiums dedicated to the sport, the biggest being Azadi Stadium. So they have plenty of space and plenty of gyms in all of sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, squash, golf, ski, bungee jumping, horseback riding …

Some of the ski slopes nearby include:

Dizin–also includes tennis and volleyball courts and a kid’s park

Ab Ali –not only skiing but also horseback riding and tennis available. The ski season here December through early March.

Shemshak–the ski season here is December through April

Tochal–also has a great gondola ride for non skiers to enjoy the view

Recreation

Tehran is a cosmopolitan city with nice and interesting places.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is an essential visit for any tourist in Tehran. One of Tehran’s oldest areas, this commercial center is teeming with history and character. With over 10 kilometers of labyrinthine alleyways filled with covered shops,  you will find everything from jewelry to carpets and some exceptional restaurants .  Be sure to check out the nearby Jomeh bazaar for antiques, every Friday on Jomhuri Street.

Tajrish Bazaar

The bazaar in the northern district of Tajrish is smaller, prettier, and altogether less stressful than the Grand Bazaar (although prices are higher). There is a colorful market of fresh fruit and vegetables, and some excellent touristy shops selling traditional crafts. Check out the kebab restaurant in the center of the bazaar. It’s also worth visiting the stunning adjacent shrine, the Imamzadeh Saleh.

Jamshidieh Park

Located in the most northerly reaches of the city, Jamshidieh is a large park in the foothills of the Alborz Mountains. Fresh air and majestic surrounds are enough to merit a trip to this out-of-the-way spot. There are plenty of nice spots for picnicking and drinking tea. It is particularly picturesque in the winter months, when it often receives the first snowfall of the year.

Tochal Mount

Mount Tochal is in the north of Tehran. An excellent challenge for mountaineers, trails set off from Darakeh and Velanjak, with tea houses staggered along the way. If you lack the time or inclination for the trek, a telecabin service will take you all the way up the mountain for a reasonable fee. The top of the mountain also has a small ski piste, with equipment available to rent. Not as impressive as Dizin or Shemshak ski resorts, but ideal for a quick afternoon getaway.

Shahr-e Rey

An important political and religious center that predates Tehran, Shahr-e Rey lies just to the south of the capital, and is accessible by the metro. Its highlights include a quaint traditional bazaar, the ruins of a Sassanian fortress, and a Seljuk tomb, but the main draw is the Imamzadeh Shah Abdol Azim, a shrine for a descendent of the second Shia Imam which attracts pilgrims all year round.

Abo-Atash Park and Tabiat (Nature) Bridge

“Abo-Atash” means “Water and Fire”. In the beginning of park you face some Stands for having fire, also fountains for shooting water.  It is attached to a jungle park (Taleghani Park) by the world famous Tabiat Bridge above Shahid Modarres Hwy.  The Nature Bridge or Tabi’at Bridge design has won several awards, including the Popular Choice Prize for Highways & Bridges from the Archaizer A+ Awards, a global architectural competition based in New York. Usually, bridges are designed in a straight line that tell you to just go. But this one wants to keep people on the bridge. It provides a good view of Tehran and it’s ok to hang there till midnight. After enjoying the bridge make sure you will find the Wooden Road, International Food-court near the bridge.

Bam-e-Tehran

Bame Tehran or Roof of Tehran is a great place in the Alborz Mountains to enjoy the fresh air away from the city center.  Start with an enjoyable walk and watch the city in the silence of the night. Beside the healthy environment, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and fast food places with Iranian and international dishes.

Darband

Darband is an old village in Shemiran, located to the north of the Saad Abad Garden, Tehran. The Darband River passes through this village.  It is the beginning of a popular hiking trail into Mount Tochal. A chairlift is also available for those not interested in hiking. The initial start of the trail at Darband is about 250 meters long and is dotted with a number of small cafes and restaurants.  It’s the perfect get away from city and relax on a traditional bed inside the river.

Darakeh

This village, at 1700m elevation and just north of the notorious Evin Prison, is one of Tehran’s most pleasant urban escapes. From the cluster of riverside restaurants near the central car park, paths head up through the village and connect with hiking trails across and up the mountainside. It’s possible to hike from here to Station 1 of Tochal Telecabin and beyond.

Sarkis Cathedral

This white, twin-spired church, a center for Christianity in the Islamic Republic. Built between 1964 and 1970 and paid for by benefactor Markar Sarkissian, the cathedral’s interior is attractive, with giant glass chandeliers hanging over the pews.