Tehran walking tour & city guide
A mountain-backed capital of palaces and bazaars.
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Tehran, Iran's huge capital, spreads across the foot of the Alborz Mountains, whose snowy peaks rise above the city for much of the year. It is a fast-paced, modern metropolis, but its palaces, museums and bazaars tell the story of the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties.
Golestan Palace and the Grand Bazaar
Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the residence of the Qajar shahs. Its halls are covered in mirrorwork and colorful tiles, set around a garden of pools and trees. Next door, the Grand Bazaar is a maze of covered lanes, each devoted to a trade, from carpets and spices to gold and copper.
Nearby, the National Museum displays treasures from Persepolis and earlier civilizations, and the National Jewelry Treasury holds some of the largest gems in the world.
North Tehran and the landmarks
The city rises toward the mountains in the north, where the air is cooler. Tajrish has a traditional bazaar and a shrine, and from there a path leads up to Darband, a mountain valley lined with teahouses by a stream. The Tabiat Bridge, a curving pedestrian bridge between two parks, is a favorite place for evening walks.
The Azadi Tower, built in 1971 at the western entrance to the city, and the Milad Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world, are the symbols of modern Tehran.
Visiting tips
Traffic is heavy, so use the metro where possible. Women are required to cover their hair in public, and modest dress is expected for everyone. International bank cards do not work in Iran. Check current travel advice before planning a visit.
Top sights in Tehran
- 1
Golestan Palace
A UNESCO-listed Qajar palace.
- 2
Grand Bazaar
A vast covered market.
- 3
Azadi Tower
The landmark gateway to the city.
- 4
Tabiat Bridge
A pedestrian bridge between parks.
- 5
Darband
A mountain valley of teahouses.
- 6
National Museum of Iran
Treasures of ancient Persia.
Food markets & where to eat in Tehran
Grand Bazaar
Traditional kebab and dizi houses.
Tajrish Bazaar
Food stalls and fruit sellers.
Darband
Teahouses and grills by the stream.
Food to try in Tehran
Chelow kebab
Saffron rice with grilled kebab, the national dish.
Dizi
A lamb and chickpea stew served in a stone pot.
Ash reshteh
A thick noodle, herb and bean soup.
Bastani
Saffron ice cream with pistachios.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Tehran
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in TehranCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Tehran.
- eSIM for IranStay online from the moment you land.
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