Welcome to Tehran, the modern capital of Iran. Here is an ultimate Tehran travel guide where you can find all essential information about how to travel to Tehran and what to do in this must-see Iran destination.
Tehran at a Glance
Tehran Parts
Can be divided into two parts: luxurious and modern north; poorer south
Capital of Iran
The capital of Iran situated in north-central Iran, at the foothills of the Alborz mountain range
Tehran Population
The largest city in Iran and the home to over 14 million inhabitants
Shopping Malls
Famous for its old and modern shopping centres
Traffic
Clogged with traffic
Ski Resorts
Houses several international ski resorts
Museums
Famous for its numerous museums and palaces
Tehran Altitude
With the altitude of about 1200m above sea level
Tehran Antiquity
Its first settlement dates back to over 7,000 years ago
Where is Tehran?
Tehran is Iran Capital as well as Tehran Province Capital that is located in north-central Iran and the vicinity of Damavand, the highest mountain of Iran. It is noteworthy that the land distance between Tehran and Chaloos at the Caspian Sea coast is about 155 km.
Tehran History
Getting information about the destination’s history, especially a historic destination like Iran, is essential for every tourist. Hence, in this Tehran Travel Guide, we present a brief introduction to Tehran History.
Evidence from excavations indicates that the first settlement of Tehran dates back to over 7,000 years ago. The present-day Tehran was built on the remains of the prominent Median city of Rhages (Rey). Afterward, in 1778, Agha Mohammed Khan, the Qajar King, chose Tehran as the capital of Iran, and the growth of this city was started. As a result, Tehran houses many historical monuments and modern attractions and hosts many tourists from all over the world.
Interestingly, Tehran’s sister cities include Manila in the Philippines, Seoul in South Korea, and Minsk in Belarus.
Where to Stay in Tehran?
(Price, Facilities, Distance from attractions , Map, Photos, Testimonials & ...)
How to Get to Tehran
As Tehran is the capital of Iran, there are several ways to get to Tehran. Hence, in this Tehran Travel Guide, we introduce you to different ways to travel to Tehran.
You can enter Tehran through Imam Khomeini International Airport. This airport covers several international flights from different countries and foreign cities such as Turkey, Dubai, Doha, Baghdad, Kuwait, Baku, Georgia, Malaysia, Al Najaf, several cities in Europe, and more. Moreover, the foreign airlines which have flights to Tehran International Airport are Qatar Airways, Turkish Airline, Emirates, Air Arabia, Austrian Airline, Fly Dubai, Azerbaijan Airline, Atlas Global, Oman Air, etc. Please mention that with these airlines, you can have connection flights from Tehran to all over the world and vice versa.
Note that Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, located about 50 km south of Tehran, provides convenient access to the city’s important parts and downtown. Accordingly, you can use the metro or a taxi to reach the airport. Also, there are buses between Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad domestic airport.
On the other hand, Mehrabad Airport, the Tehran domestic airport, is located about 52 km from Imam Khomeini International Airport. There are many domestic flights between Tehran and other cities in Iran every day. Among these flight paths, the routes from Tehran to Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Kerman, Qeshm Island, Kish Island, Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, and Rasht are highly demanded by tourists.
Finally, as Mehrabad Airport is located in Tehran, near Azadi Tower, which provides convenient access to all parts of the city.
Travel to Tehran
by Plane
The most economical way to travel to Tehran is using a bus. You can get to Tehran from anywhere in Iran on a bus. However, although riding a train is the safest option, many passengers choose the bus because it is faster, and there are plenty of VIP buses from different parts of Iran to Tehran.
Accordingly, there are several bus terminals in Tehran include Beihaqi Bus Terminal, South Bus Terminal (Terminal-e Jonoob), East Bus Terminal (Terminal-e Shargh), and West Bus Terminal (Terminal-e Gharb). There are plenty of buses that arrive in/depart these bus terminals from/to different cities of Iran from early in the morning until midnight.
Moreover, West Bus Terminal (Terminal-e Gharb), along with domestic destinations, covers foreign destinations such as Istanbul, Ankara, Baku, Yerevan, Batumi, and more.
Travel toTehran
by Bus
You can travel to Tehran from numerous Iran cities by train in different classes from the standard class to a 5-star one. The Tehran train also covers the routes to Qom, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, Tabriz, Ahvaz, etc.
Finally, Tehran railway station is located at the southernmost point of the city and under the best possible conditions, you can reach the city center in about 30 minutes by taxi.
Travel to Tehran
By Train
Main motorways and highways connect Tehran to all parts of Iran. So, many passengers choose to travel in a private car as its schedule is flexible and is faster and more convenient than bus and train.
Travel to Tehran
By Car
What Do You Know about Tehran Attractions?
How to Move around Tehran
Although most Tehran points of interest are in the city old district, the information about transportation in Tehran is essential for every tourist. Hence, in this Tehran Travel Guide, we introduce you to different ways to move around Tehran. In any case, you can rent a private car with a driver, use taxis or public transports such as buses or the metro.
Get around Tehran in Taxi
You can use an internet Taxi called Snapp and TAPSI. These kinds of Taxis work like Uber. You can download the application on your phone and easily take an internet taxi within a few minutes wherever you are. Also, you can pay the taxi fee in cash (Rials). On the other hand, another option is to get a taxi through a “telephone taxi agency.” These taxis will get you to the destination and also wait for you whenever you want. To get this kind of taxi, you can ask your hotel reception or your Iranian friend to do it for you.
Get around Tehran in Metro
There are also metro lines in Tehran, which take you to most parts of the city and Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Get around Tehran in Bus
Although the bus system covers all parts of Tehran, the bus stations are sometimes confusing for a foreign traveler. However, you can get complete information about your destination station and the bus that you should get from the locals and use this kind of transportation. Also, you can use the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) in most parts of Tehran. Notably, there are separate men’s and ladies’ sections on each bus.
Get around Tehran in Private Car with Driver
Although renting a private car with a driver is the most expensive option to get around Tehran, it is the fastest and most convenient choice. Besides, you can rent a car with a driver for one day to go to the tourist attractions that are located around Tehran. Finally, the expense of renting a private sedan car with a driver per day starts about 3000000 rials.
What to Eat in Tehran?
Where to Eat in Tehran
Best Restaurants in Tehran
In recent years, visiting restaurants and tasting different foods have become one of the most attractive activities during a trip. It is interesting to know that this issue has been taken very seriously in Iran and you can find excellent and even international restaurants in the cities of this country. However, you are in Iran for a short time, and it is better to go for the best options in this limited time.
Accordingly, selecting a good restaurant in Tehran, where there are restaurants on every corner, is very difficult. So, if you want to taste delicious and quality food in the best restaurants in Tehran during your trip, join us in this Tehran travel guide.
Kubaba Restaurant
Kubaba Restaurant, located on Jordan Street in Tehran, offers various dishes in a very stylish space. You can even try Lebanese and Afghan dishes at this restaurant. Among the dishes, we offer Falafel, Samosas, Alexander Effendi, Afghan pulao, eggplant moussaka, and eggplant stew (Khoresht-e Bademjan).
Moslem Restaurant
One of the most famous restaurants in Tehran is Moslem Restaurant, located in Tehran Grand Bazaar. In this restaurant, traditional Iranian food is served in an intimate atmosphere. Other good restaurants in Tehran Grand Bazaar include Shamshiri Restaurant and Sharaf Al-Islami Restaurant.
Khooneh Restaurant
Khooneh Restaurant, located at Jahan Koodak crossroads, is on the list of the most famous restaurants in Tehran. There is a warm atmosphere in this restaurant that you feel at home while eating there. ََAlso, They throw carpets on the floor, set a lovely table and serve the traditional food in the old plates
Morshed Restaurant
Morshed Restaurant in Tajrish is another famous restaurant in Tehran that serves delicious kebabs. If you like restaurants with a traditional atmosphere and the best quality Iranian food, Morshed Restaurant can be your best choice.