Tehran Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Tehran

Tehran's historic sights lie mainly in the south of the city, with parks, palaces and mountains to the north.

• Golestan Palace — A UNESCO-listed Qajar royal complex of mirrored halls, tiled courtyards and gardens.
• Grand Bazaar — A huge covered market of carpets, spices, copperware and fabrics, next to Golestan Palace.
• National Museum of Iran — Archaeological treasures spanning thousands of years of Persian history.
• Sa'dabad Complex — Former royal palaces and museums set in wooded grounds in north Tehran.
• Azadi Tower — The city's iconic monument, standing in a large square in the west.
• Tabiat Bridge — A multi-level pedestrian bridge linking two parks, popular in the evenings.
• Darband — A mountain trail lined with teahouses and restaurants at the foot of the Alborz.

Best time to visit Tehran

Tehran has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Spring (April and May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures ideal for exploring the city and walking in the foothills.

Summers can be very hot, although the northern districts are cooler thanks to their altitude. Winters are cold, and snow often falls on the mountains, where ski resorts operate nearby. Nowruz, the Persian New Year around 21 March, is the country's main holiday, when many businesses close and domestic travel is very busy.

Getting from the airport

Imam Khomeini International Airport, which handles most international flights, lies about 50 kilometres south-west of central Tehran. The drive usually takes around an hour or more, depending on traffic and your destination.

Official airport taxis are the most common way into the city, and many hotels arrange transfers. A metro connection also links the airport with the city's rail network, though it can be slow. Tehran's older Mehrabad Airport, closer to the centre, is used mainly for domestic flights.

Where to stay

Tehran is large and traffic can be heavy, so choose a base near the areas you plan to explore or a metro line. The north of the city is higher and cooler, while the south holds most historic sights.

• Central Tehran — Close to Golestan Palace, the bazaar and museums, ideal for sightseeing.
• Valiasr and Vanak — Busy, well-connected districts with shops, cafés and business hotels.
• North Tehran (Tajrish and Elahieh) — Leafy, cooler and upmarket, near Sa'dabad and the mountains.

Travel tips

• Travel advice: Check your government's latest travel advice for Iran before booking and again before you travel.
• Money: International debit and credit cards generally do not work in Iran, so bring enough cash; prices are often quoted in toman (ten rials).
• Dress code: Iran has a legal dress code; women should cover their hair and wear loose clothing, and men should avoid shorts in public.
• Getting around: The metro is efficient, and local ride-hailing apps and official taxis help avoid long waits in traffic.
• Language: Persian is spoken everywhere; English is limited outside hotels, so a translation app helps.