There are many tourists from across the world who skip visiting Tehran, the capital of Iran, or spend at least a little time in this city, during their journey to Iran. One reason why they don’t put visiting Tehran in their plan while visiting Iran, might be the hustle and bustle of the city. Although Tehran is a huge city with lots of traffic, it is a city with lots of charm and beauty, too.
Actually, Tehran has plenty of tourist attractions to offer, from historical palaces to its traditional Grand Bazaar, a variety of amazing museums, numerous parks, mountains, etc.
Iranviva has provided a variety of Tehran Tours that you can take on your trip to Iran. You can also read different articles about tourist attractions of Iran, to get more acquainted with this wonderful city.
1. Golestan Palace
Golestan Palace is the oldest historical building in Tehran, built in the Safavid era, with 400 years of history. It’s a blend of the Iranian and European architecture, displaying the best of Persian artwork: colorful tilework, stunning mirror-work, sculpted stuccos, woodcarvings, porcelains.
There are 17 historical buildings in this palatial complex for visitors from around the world to spend a day discovering the wonders of it. This glorious monument commemorates the luxurious ceremonies held by the Qajar Dynasty and then Pahlavi Dynasty. The delicate Persian garden in this complex is a nice place for visitors interested in the Persian Empires history.
2. Sa’dabad Complex
The name of Sa’dabad was not known about two hundred years ago by the Iranians and the people who traveled to Tehran, but it is now very popular due to what has happened in this region in the last two centuries.
It first became popular when Nasereddin Shah chose to build his royal palace in this village as their summer residence. Sa’dabad region is located in north of Tehran, in the foothills of Tochal and on the slopes of the Alborz mountains. It is surrounded by the Alborz Mountains, Golabdareh region, Tajrish and Velenjak.
18 historical buildings, used formerly as palaces and currently as museums, were built in over 110 hectares of land which offer a pleasant walk in a natural open area.
Iranviva Group has provided some articles for the people interested in traveling to Iran. To get more information about Iran details, read Iranviva articles “Essential things to know before travel to Iran” and “Historical places in Iran”.
3. Grand Bazaar and Tajrish Bazaar
No trip to Iran is really complete without spending some time wandering in the attractive alleys of its traditional bazaars.
The 200-year-old Grand Bazaar of Tehran, which is located in the heart of the city, has witnessed the growth, changing and development of the region. Here is the economic heart of the country, a place where anything can be found to buy. Meanwhile, when you are wandering in the maze of this interesting bazaar, you can also take a break in the impressive Imam Khomeini Mosque or Imamzadeh Zeid.
There is another must-see traditional bazaar in the north of the city of Tehran named Tajrish Bazaar, which is smaller and more elegant.
4. Niavaran Palace Complex
Niavaran Palace is located in Shemiran, in north of Tehran, and it was built on the late 18th century by the Qajar kings as their summer residence. Then it became the residence of the royal family of Mohammad Reza Shah, the last king of Iran.
Niavaran Palace is a European-style building, situated in a pleasant garden with old trees. There are several museums in the pavilions in Niavaran Palace, including an invaluable private library containing more than 23000 books mostly in Persian and French.
5. The gems of Tehran’s museums
There are many treasures being displayed in different museums in Tehran. No matter you are mostly a fan of modern arts or a history lover! You will find a museum to visit in Tehran.
Among the most famous museums in Tehran is the Treasury of National Jewels, which is keeping an invaluable collection of gemstones: crowns, thrones, jewels, and other adornments from the Safavid, Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties. Visit this wonderful museum and don’t miss the stunning “Peacock Throne”, as well as one of the largest world’s largest uncut diamond, of about 182 carats.
To discover in depth the great history of Persia, visit Iran National Museum. A precious collection of archeological findings, as well as the most precious Islamic arts, from calligraphy to carpets, is kept in this historical building.
If you’re into modern art, the Museum of Contemporary Arts is a perfect choice for you to visit, with an impressive collection of more than 3000 pieces of art, by Iranian and European artists like Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh, etc.
6. Milad Tower
Milad Tower is the tallest tower in the Middle East, and also the sixth-tallest tower in the world. This modern and elegant tower was inaugurated in 2009 and now it is a large complex with a five-star hotel, a restaurant, and a convention center.
The most significant attraction for visitors is the 360° view offered at his top: a breathtaking panoramic view over the huge city and the snow-capped mountains at the horizons.
7. Tabiat Bridge
Tabiat Bridge, meaning “nature” in Persian, is one of the most stunning modern structures in Tehran, especially at night with its color changing lights. Its construction began in September 2010, and it was inaugurated in October 2014. This architectural structure has won several awards for the creativity and is the largest pedestrian overpass in Tehran.
It connects two public parks, Taleghani Park and Abo-Atash Park, crossing the congested Modarress Expressway. Visitors take a pleasure walk over this 270-meter-long bridge and appreciate a unique view of the mountains on one side, and of the city on the other side.
8. Darband
Darband, formerly a small village near Tajrish, is located at the foot of the mountains and the name literally means “The Door to the Mountain” in Persian. It’s the starting point of hiking trails up to Mount Tochal, and it is also a pleasant destination with its unique atmosphere. Darband is a very popular resort among the people from Tehran who go there at the weekends or in the evenings to enjoy its numerous cafes and restaurants.
9. Mount Tochal
Lots of people know about the gorgeous deserts of Iran, but there are just a few people who know that one-third of the country is covered by snow, in winter! And one can enjoy a ride into the purest snow powder here in Tehran: The 3933-meter-high Mount Tochal is a paradise for ski lovers and snowboarders which is easily accessible via cable car on a pleasant journey with a stunning view.
Skiing on Mount Tochal is possible in more than half of the year. During summer, mountain climbers can come here to enjoy a hike on one of the mountains in Alborz Range.
10. Chitgar Lake
Chitgar Lake, an artificial and recreational lake, is one of the latest projects in the western part of Tehran. Also known as the Persian Gulf Lake, Chitgar Lake, covers an area of 130 hectares. Visitors can walk around the lake, and simply enjoy its beautiful view.
If you need some fun and exercise, you can rent a bike, paddle a boat on the lake, or choose any of your favorite recreational activities. And if you’re tired, you can just sit on the rocky beach and admire the sunset, before enjoying your Persian meal at a good restaurant.
11. Imamzadeh Saleh
Imamzadeh Saleh, with its twin minarets and dome covered in beautiful patterned turquoise tiles, is located near the Tajrish Bazaar. This mausoleum is the resting place of Saleh, Imam Mousa Kazem’s son. With the beautiful mountains of the Alborz Range in the background, Imamzadeh Saleh is a splendid example of Islamic architecture and Persian artwork, from the tilework of its courtyard to the dazzling mirror-work of its interior.
12. Azadi Tower
Azadi Tower is the most famous symbol of modern Tehran with its remarkable architecture. Exploring Tehran without visiting the Azadi Tower, is like going to Paris and missing the Eiffel Tower.
Azadi Tower, the name of which means “Freedom”, was built in the late 1960s under the orders of the last king of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to commemorate the 2500th Anniversary of the Founding of the Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great, and since then it has become the symbol of the capital of Iran.
This glorious marble structure is a masterpiece of Achaemenian, Sassanian and Islamic architecture.
13. US Den of Espionage
The US Den of Espionage, the former US embassy, is a historic site, where was seized by some Iranian students in 1979, and 52 American diplomats were kept hostages for 444 days, to protest against the spying of US government in Iran.
Nowadays, the outside walls of the building are decorated by symbolic paintings of propaganda against the US government, and the building has been transformed into a museum, displaying the old-fashioned transmitters and communication equipment used by the diplomats at that time. It will definitely be a fascinating visit.
14. Parks in Tehran
Tehran possesses plenty of well-preserved parks. Among the most famous ones is Mellat Park, Tehran’s Central Park, one of the city’s largest green areas located in the north of the city.
Further, Jamshidieh Park, the Stone Garden, is located in the northeast of the city at the very foot of the mountain, offering a stunning view of the city. It’s the favorite destination for hikers who can climb up the mountainside.
Laleh Park is another famous park in Tehran, which is located at the very heart of the city. The numerous beautiful sculptures are a reminder of the presence of the Modern Museum located inside the Park.
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