Iran

Top 5 things to do in Tehran (and my impressions of the city)

(Last Updated On: 05/02/2023)

I went to Iran totally unprepared.

Since I didn’t know if I will be let in to the country I didn’t really want to read too much about the place and to get my hopes too high and then maybe be devastated I had to go back home. But after a really smooth visa process at the airport I officially set my foot in Iran. And then it hit my hard I really am there, and I have no clue about the place!

With a minor panic attack I’ve spent way too much time at the airport, trying to quickly set my mind into the new place mode. Finally, with millions of rials in my wallet I got a taxi that took me to the city. And so when I was crossing the desert, getting closer and closer to the capital, I was quickly browsing through my guide book, trying to figure out what are some must things to do in Tehran, those I cannot miss in the 1.5 day I have there.

The more I read, the more I knew it will be a tough introduction to Iran…

Tehran street scene

My expectations before visiting Tehran

I heard that Tehran can’t be called a beautiful city. But I kind of felt I will like it there, after all I usually enjoy places that are not the prettiest (just look how crazy I am about Yerevan or how much I loved Amman). But in this case I was really too optimistic.

My accommodation (one of the cheap hotels in Tehran I managed to book online) was located more or less in the middle of the city hence I was expecting to see some kind of the center in the neighborhood. Well, as it turned out there is no such thing as downtown Tehran. With the population over 8 millions the city is spread on the huge area where south part of the city is considered dodgy and it gets better and better the further you go north.

And then there’s the mysterious northern Tehran with its cosmopolitan vibe, fancy restaurants and liberal inhabitants, at least behind the gates of their expensive houses (remember the whole buzz about the rich kids of Tehran? That’s exactly how this part of the city is!).

Finally planning a trip to Iran is so much easier! I remember how much I’ve struggled not being able to plan anything ahead. Fortunately it has changed!

Happy Iran travels!

Tehran street scene

My impressions of Tehran

Most tourists’ first encounter with Iran will be Tehran city. And well, the city doesn’t give the best impression of the country, unfortunately.

It’s crazy busy and getting from one side of the street to another is a huge challenge. Even if there’s a crossing you need to run between cars as they don’t even intend to slow down to let you through (forget about completely stopping). And the typical street in Tehran has at least 4 lanes one way… Every time I had to cross the street I was counting to 3, breathing deeply to calm down and run hoping I will make it – and it didn’t get any better with the number of attempts I did.

Tehran street

Then Tehran is really exhausting.

Even if it’s located on a pretty high altitude and some spectacular mountains are right there, for the asking, the air you breath is really terrible. Being outside makes you super tired, for no reason and spending much time walking around the city is a huge challenge (for the first time ever I really don’t recommend that). Fortunately there’s a really good and cheap metro system which, in the city with that many cars, traffic and pollution, is a real life saver!

As for the mountains: every time I could see a glimpse of it through the smoggy air I was really surprised they are there! There are days when you can see them really well but unfortunately I wasn’t lucky to experience that view.

Tehran mountains

And then Tehran is just dull. The city is overwhelming, especially for the first moments in Iran, and many of the streets look very similar. There’s nothing really spectacular about the place, the walk around will take you through the rows of small shops and houses with an official building or a mosque here and there. Of course I covered just a small part of Tehran but everywhere I went I got this impression.

Tehran street

Things to do in Tehran

So anyway, what are the most important things to do in Tehran?

The former US embassy known also as Den of Espionage

The murals surrounding the grounds of the embassy – especially the skeleton of the Statue of Liberty – are probably the most known images of the city and the biggest attraction of Tehran tourism. It feels just weird to see such an open antipathy to another state but the history of Iranian-American relations is a really tough one and eventually resulted with 52 US diplomats being hostage for 444 days (04.11.1979-20.01.1981).

You can visit the former embassy on a few very rare occasions (but it is possible, Yomadic and Becki from Borders of Adventure did it) and unfortunately I wasn’t there at the right time… But you can always take a look at the murals, just be careful with taking pictures. I didn’t have any problems but I heard sometimes it happens and even some cameras got broken…

(metro station: Taleghani)

Things to do in Tehran - US embassy

Things to do in Tehran - US embassy

Azadi Tower

Second most known attraction in Tehran, after Den of Espionage. It takes a while to get there by metro (and is confusing with the station names, don’t go to Azadi but to Meydan-e Azadi), then some crazy streets to cross but it’s worth the effort.

The structure itself shows a great mix of modern architecture of 1960s (I’m a fan of this, to be honest) and a Persian influence. I didn’t go inside and up as I figured it’s not worth the money but still really enjoyed the place and the surrounding oasis of green. That was also one of the places from where I could see mountains.

(metro station: Meydan-e Azadi, entrance 150.000 rials)

things to do in Tehran - Azadi Tower

Azadi Tower Tehran

Golestan Palace

The complex of several impressive buildings set around a neat garden are definitely worth a visit if Tehran is your first stop in Iran and not worth bothering with if it’s the last one. The palaces have some incredible tiles and patterns on the outside and those two I visited inside were kind of jaw-dropping too.

Golestan Palace is a perfect preview to what the rest of Iran will be about: amazing architecture with some wonderful patterns. The admission is pretty confusing: the entrance to the garden itself is 150.000 rials and then every single palace is another 50.000 – altogether you can spend 600.000 rials there which is definitely not worth it!

I only went to see interior of two buildings and it was perfect. The good thing is: the tickets to the palaces all look the same so even if at the ticket counter you need to say which one you want to see you can change your mind afterwards.

(metro station: Panzdah-e Khordad)

things to do in Tehran - Golestan Palace

things to do in Tehran - Golestan Palace

things to do in Tehran - Golestan Palace

Tehran Bazaar

Just few steps away from Golestan Palace the Bazaar is a quintessence of Iran. The maze of alleys, hustle and bustle of customers and sellers and this exotic, fairy-tale vibe. You can get just about everything here but my absolute favorites were spices and tea, I brought pretty much of these back home with me!

(metro station: Panzdah-e Khirdad)

things to do in Tehran - Bazaar

things to do in Tehran - Bazaar

Parks

In the city so busy and with such a bad air like Tehran green oasis are like a bliss. There are numerous parks here and there, strewn around the city and it was always such a pleasure to visit them. Not only it’s a great place to relax after the exhausting sightseeing but also the best way to observe how Iranians like to spend their free time.

The parks are full of the whole families having a picnic together (if you get lucky you might be invited to join them) or young couples on secret dates.

Some parks I’ve visited: Park-e Shahr (metro station: Hassanabad or Immam Khomeini), Park-e Honar Mandan (metro station: Taleqani)

Tehran park

So this may not be the most attractive city you can think of but you should still visit Tehran, even if just for a day or two. It is nothing like the rest of Iran, in almost every possible way. I just wish it was less exhausting and more tourist friendly as then I’m sure I’d have enjoyed it so much more.

Now, from the time perspective I’d really love to visit Tehran again and to give it another chance. There’re so many gems, mostly 20th century architecture, that I’d love to see! And if I manage to go for yet another Tehran travel I’d definitely be more prepared! It is not such a bad city after all!

Golestan Palace Tehran


PLAN YOUR TRIP TO IRAN

With over 15 years of independent travelling I’ve learnt which websites and services are the best when planning a trip. I always use and trust following websites:

Flights – I search for the best deals on either Momondo or SkyScanner. Both search numerous sites to find the best offers. I also really like the “everywhere” option when searching for the flights as it often gives me the inspiration, if not for this trip then for the next time.

Accommodation – Finally it’s possible to book accommodation in Iran online (that’s what I’ve strugled with the most during my trip). You can do that at 1stQuest website. Click here to see the hotels and book the place for yourself!

Insurance – I never travel without the insurance as you never know what might happen on the road (I’ve learnt my lesson). In Iran you need to get the insurance from the local agency and you have to have one for the visa anyway. Fortunately you can do it online! Click here to check the options and book your insurance for the trip to Iran!

Guide books – I do like reading a guide book before and during the trip. Depending on the destination I usually buy either Lonely Planet or Bradt. You can get your guidebooks for Iran here: Bradt / Lonely Planet

Day tours in Iran – I do go for a day trips when I travel as often they are the most convenient way to see the place that save you time and money. Click here to see and book the best day tours in Iran


If you think of visiting Iran or just want to read more about the country take a look what else I wrote about it:

If you’re looking for articles about any place in particular this map with posts might be useful for you. Or just take a look at the “destinations” page.


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love, kami 2

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77 Comments

  • Reply
    Magdalena
    12/06/2015 at 07:20

    I really like your point of view and photos. For sure when I finally visit Iran will come back to your tips.

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:10

      Thank you!

  • Reply
    Dolnośląski Podróżnik
    12/06/2015 at 08:21

    Oooo ja Cię, jestem fascynatką mozaik. Te są wyśmienite. Idealnie oddają moje wyobrażenie o wschodzie…

    Azadi Tower, niesamowita budowla!

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:11

      akurat te mozaiki były jedne ze słabszych w Iranie :) zachwycona byś była jakie tam perełki na każdym kroku można znaleźć!

  • Reply
    Ibazela | Love Traveling
    12/06/2015 at 08:42

    The mosaics of Golestan Palace are simply incredible!

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:12

      They surely were a highlight of Tehran!

  • Reply
    Aleksandra
    12/06/2015 at 09:17

    Four lanes?? At least? Luśka would’ve hated it for sure ;) But the Teheran Baazar seems to be a paradise!

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:12

      I can imagine, it was insane! ;) All the bazaars in Iran were pretty amazing, you’d love them for sure!

  • Reply
    obserwatore
    12/06/2015 at 09:40

    Teheran zawsze był kulturalną perełką Iranu. Szkoda tego co się wydarzyło w Iranie 30 lat temu – dziś miasto (jak i cały Iran) mógłby być naprawdę prężnym kosmopolitycznym ośrodkiem i kulturalną stolicą Bliskiego Wschodu.

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:13

      a no niestety, ale teraz trzeba mieć nadzieję, że krok po kroczku wróci Iran na światowe salony…

  • Reply
    Martyna
    12/06/2015 at 12:03

    Great article, beautiful pictures. Now I know where I’ll spend my future holidays… Cheers! :)

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:13

      Thank you!

  • Reply
    Marcin Wesołowski
    12/06/2015 at 17:14

    My experience of the city was rough due to the air pollution, but overall I found it quite fascinating, especially when yoiu talk to people about politics and society. I know from them that the only time when Tehran is so nice and peaceful is the Persian New Year when everybody leaves the city! Worth coming back to check it out!

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:14

      definitely something to consider! I wish I had more time in Tehran to get to know it better as there must be something fascinating, I just didn’t discover it!

  • Reply
    Sebastien D
    12/06/2015 at 22:07

    No Darband!

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:15

      sadly didn’t have enough time! Guess I need to go back!

  • Reply
    Anna @AnnaEverywhere
    12/06/2015 at 23:42

    I probably shouldn’t make this comparision, but it does look a bit like Tel Aviv ;)

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:17

      can’t say, haven’t been to Tel Aviv yet ;)

  • Reply
    jennifer
    14/06/2015 at 15:37

    I am currently dealing with high altitude in China and it is the worst feeling when you cannot breathe. Even right now, I would love a bottle of water but I am not going to climb back up four flights of stairs just to get one. It is such a weird feeling to be so exhausted from doing nothing other than walking for a few minutes.

    Your pictures are gorgeous though and hopefully one day I will see Tehran for myself!

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:21

      ah, it’s the worst! and it’s funny how our body behaves then… hopefully by now you’re feeling better in China and got used to the tough situation!

  • Reply
    Natalia zlotaproporcja.pl
    15/06/2015 at 20:51

    I have impression that now everyone goes to Iran because it is in fashion, and then they exaggerate their delight to make the trip more adventorous..

    • Reply
      kami
      19/06/2015 at 23:22

      I have a very similar impression! And for my defense: I was planning a trip to Iran for past few years and even had tickets before but had to cancel the trip… but now everyone seems to go there just because it’s cool

  • Reply
    Fiona @ London-Unattached
    20/06/2015 at 10:31

    Fabulous street art and even more fabulous architecture. I wouldn’t have known what to expect so thank you for that insight

    • Reply
      kami
      23/06/2015 at 15:16

      you’re very welcome :) Iran is one of these places we usually don’t know and don’t hear much about :)

  • Reply
    Megsy
    20/06/2015 at 11:09

    i would love to visit Iran, but I think I might leave Tehran off the list. Thanks for the honest insight!

    • Reply
      kami
      23/06/2015 at 15:17

      yeah, from all the places I’ve seen there it was the last one on my list. Still it was interesting to see it…

  • Reply
    Toni | 2 Aussie Travellers
    20/06/2015 at 11:12

    The Golestan Palace is beautiful and your photos make Tehran look interesting but you say you arrived with no plans for your short stay, what drew you to travelling there in the first instance?

    • Reply
      kami
      27/06/2015 at 10:14

      I had this uncertain visa situation and until the very last moment at the airport I didn’t know if they will let me in or not. That’s why I didn’t plan anything as I didn’t want to have my hopes to high and then be disappointed. Iran has been my dream destination for years and I finally made it there

  • Reply
    Claudia
    20/06/2015 at 12:12

    Iran is actually crawling to the top of my bucket list. Thanks for this post, very good information!

    • Reply
      kami
      27/06/2015 at 10:15

      you definitely should visit it, it’s an amazing country!

  • Reply
    Orana
    20/06/2015 at 12:15

    I have the same question as Toni. Was it like a visa run from somewhere else? I dont think i will ever go to iran actually. Have never thought about it.

    • Reply
      kami
      27/06/2015 at 10:16

      I had a very uncertain visa situation and didn’t know if I will be let in or not hence didn’t want to make any plans. Iran has been my dream destination for years and it is pretty amazing so you should consider a trip there, you won’t be disappointed for sure!

  • Reply
    Inma
    20/06/2015 at 12:58

    Golestan Palace is just the most stunning building I have seen in a long time. Thanks for putting it in my radar!

    • Reply
      kami
      27/06/2015 at 10:17

      It was actually pretty average in Iranian standards so you should imagine what other places look like :) I will be soon posting more about them! :)

  • Reply
    Bethaney - Flashpacker Family
    20/06/2015 at 13:10

    Great post Kami. I can’t wait to go to Iran so I’m really enjoying reading all your posts about it.

    • Reply
      kami
      27/06/2015 at 10:18

      Thanks! There’re still so many more posts to come! :) you’ll love Iran for sure!

  • Reply
    Valeria
    21/06/2015 at 16:04

    Mhmmm nope, I don’t think I’d want to go, especially if you say it’s dull. Plus I would feel super self-conscious with my American accent :(

    • Reply
      kami
      27/06/2015 at 10:19

      Only Tehran was dull, the rest is pretty amazing! And hate towards American is just another misconception about Iran, people would love you there. just like everywhere we shouldn’t confuse politics with what normal people think.

  • Reply
    Peter Parkorr
    22/06/2015 at 10:47

    Tehran is somewhere I would want to see for myself, but it does sound a bit like a sprawling mess! I’m sure having a local guide would make a big difference. Great photos of the Azadi tower Kami!

    • Reply
      kami
      27/06/2015 at 10:21

      Thanks! Tehran is a mess but if you give it some time apparently it turns out to be amazing, unfortunately I didn’t have that time. Couchsurfing is really popular in Iran so finding someone to show you around is not a big problem. I hope you will get there soon Peter!

  • Reply
    Nate
    26/07/2015 at 18:47

    I think I read this article when you first published it, and forgot to comment…

    My comment:

    KAMI! TEHRAN IS NOT DULL :)

    (but, I love that you visited there, you’re such an adventurer!)

    • Reply
      kami
      28/07/2015 at 22:19

      Maybe I was just too tired with this whole visa mess and couldn’t fully appreciate it! Next time I’m going there with you and you will show me the real Tehran! Deal? ;)
      (and no, I’m not ;))

      • Reply
        Nate
        10/08/2015 at 22:52

        Deal.

        :)

  • Reply
    Dina
    11/09/2015 at 05:04

    Hey Kami, I’m planning to head to Iran and I really enjoyed all your posts about this amazing country. I was wondering if you could share with me a little about your budget – how much you spent for two weeks in Iran? It’ll be of great help to me. Thanks in advance, Kami! :)

    • Reply
      kami
      14/09/2015 at 15:19

      I’m glad you enjoy posts and I’m sure you will love Iran! I think I wrote somewhere about the costs but anyway: I had 550$ and 50€ with me (you know you need to carry the whole money with you as you cannot use ATMs in Iran) and spent only 350$ from this, and I didn’t really save money. That was for 10 days of travelling there. Soon I’m planning to write a practical post about Iran, hopefully you will find it useful too!

  • Reply
    Ross
    25/09/2015 at 16:58

    I’m planning to head to Iran next year. You are not selling Tehran but I imagine the rest of the country is super

    • Reply
      kami
      26/09/2015 at 09:29

      I hope you will go! Iran really is amazing and Tehran also has its moments, just the rest of the country is so much better!!

  • Reply
    Hami
    13/11/2015 at 08:35

    I suggest you to visit Alisadr cave which is in Hamedan a city only 330 km far from tehran , that cave is the world’s largest water cave .
    to find more about it just google it.؛)

    • Reply
      kami
      15/11/2015 at 19:46

      oh wow, it looks incredible! Thank you for this recommendation, if I make it back to Iran I will visit the cave for sure!

  • Reply
    Ashkan
    10/12/2015 at 16:12

    Hello
    dear Ms.Kami
    I thank you for useful and beautiful website.
    please if you want to come back to Iran, visit the cities of Mashhad and Tabriz.
    The two cities are very beautiful.
    Warm regards
    Ashkan

    • Reply
      kami
      13/12/2015 at 09:28

      Thank you for your recommendations Ashkan. I definitely would love to return to Iran and see more of the country! Best regards!

  • Reply
    Masoud
    12/12/2015 at 21:12

    Tehran is actually pretty fascinating. Yes, it is extremely spread out and very busy at all times, but the clash of different socioeconomic classes, neighborhoods, etc truly create an amazing experience. However, you do need someone that will show you all around because it is so big, and like you said without a downtown, that you can’t go to just the well known places expecting to enjoy all that the city has to offer. I was born in Tehran but have spent majority of my life stateside but I am taking a friend of mine to Tehran for New Year’s and I am delighted to be her tour guide and show her the city from my eyes. Keep in mind, my family is from the very posh Northern Tehran areas but I still appreciate the various parts of the city.

    • Reply
      kami
      13/12/2015 at 10:40

      Thank you for your interesting comment Masoud! I found Tehran really fascinating and I wish I had visited it at the better time (for myself) or had more days to explore, then I’d have found a true beauty in it. I still enjoyed it, I just found other places in Iran better :) Still I hope to come back there one day and fully appreciate the capital! Visiting the city with a local person must be amazing, your friend is a lucky person :) Have fun!

  • Reply
    Things to do in Iran - Iran Embassy
    05/03/2016 at 10:31

    […] https://www.mywanderlust.pl/things-to-do-in-tehran/ […]

  • Reply
    stella
    16/06/2016 at 08:18

    dear kami Im an Iranian MA student OF English literature, living in Tehran .please contact me if you visit again . it may be ruff on the outside but i could help with a few locations that might change your mind. Im full aware of the many difficulties we have in Teheran. especially the unfriendly part. BUT their are a few sights that u forgot , a few places where their is nothing but the beautiful mountains and endless fields.

    • Reply
      kami
      21/06/2016 at 22:18

      Thank you Stella for your kind offer! I’m sure Teheran has a lot to offer and I haven’t even scratched the surface but I’d love to return and discover the city better. Hopefully one day!

  • Reply
    Alejandra
    16/07/2016 at 08:21

    Hi Kami, great post, very interesting and usefull!
    I am flying to Teheran next week and was wondering if I need to do something prior flying there in order to get the Visa upon arrival. Getting a pre approval or anything like they ask you for in other countries. Thanks for your help.
    Ale

    • Reply
      kami
      21/07/2016 at 21:40

      Hi Alejandra! You may need an authorisation code (but it takes a while to get one) but don’t worry if you don’t have it, they will check you at the border and the whole process will just take longer that with the code. Other than that you should be fine. Enjoy Iran!

  • Reply
    Rahman
    07/08/2016 at 07:45

    Kami, your exposure to Iran without any preparation is very nicely explained. I’m happy you’ve liked it.
    It’s giving me good feelings that Tehran’s tourist attractions aren’t so hard to find and locate for a newcomer. You must have been well-equipped by some guidebook as well.
    I wonder what’s the most enjoyable experience you’ve had in Tehran. Can you mention it please? I’ll be thankful to know it.

    • Reply
      kami
      23/08/2016 at 23:10

      Thank you for the comment! I indeed enjoyed Tehran even if it was a little bit overwhelming at times. And a guide book was definitely a good help! I can’t name one attraction that was the best for me, it was a mix of all the places that made me like Tehran. The city was a great introduction to Iran!

  • Reply
    Negin
    14/09/2016 at 11:14

    I know that I’m probably a bit late for this but it feels great to know that LOTS of people want to visit Iran <3 Great review, Bravo!

    • Reply
      kami
      14/09/2016 at 11:58

      Thank you! :)

  • Reply
    Niki
    25/09/2016 at 18:17

    Hi dear Kami,
    I am from Iran and I was searching some info about the Tehran Grand Bazaar for my thesis that I saw your beautiful post :)
    First of all, thank you for your post! in this case, more people become familiar with my country and like to visit it. About Tehran… I am from Tehran and totally agree with you about the air pollution… but seems to me as you said you were not that much prepare to discover the city… The city has vary beautiful mountains that you should definitely visit it when the weather is good! Specially, there is no air pollution! :D moreover, some other places like 30-tir St., Sa’d-Abad palace-garden, Tajrish Bazaar, Tabiaat Bridge, Niyavaran palace-garden, Bird garden, Tehran museum of contemporary art (has very good collections of very famous artists like Vangogh), mountains for climbing and skying lovers (Dizin, Darake, Darband, Tochal), Mas’oodiye complex, Abgineh museum, Santa.Maria church and etc. are really worth to see if you can manage the time :) about the similarity of streets, Valiasr street and 30-tir street and Tehran Grand Bazaar pedestrian’s zone are the most worthy streets to see and wandering. Hope you can come another time again and have more options to see in Tehran and other Iranian cities.
    Good luck :)

    • Reply
      kami
      30/09/2016 at 08:22

      Thank you Niki for your comment! I definitely have to revisit Tehran as I feel there is still so much more to the city that I need to discover! Thank you for all the suggestions, I hope they will come handy one day! All the best!

    • Reply
      caecilia
      02/09/2017 at 09:01

      yes totally agree, I think in tehran is harder to discover because of the size, but the center has some very nice authentic parts, old shoppingmalls, nice cafes, and if you go for a more quiet hike, you have to look for the smaller paths!

  • Reply
    DD
    14/11/2016 at 20:22

    very interesting article. i’m flying out on Saturday and staying for a week. I am having a hard time trying to decide on itinerary and things to see! i’ll be out from the airport by 5am most probably. I would have a question. Would you advise to stay the first day in Theheran or would it be possible just to hit the road and not waste a day. i will be flying back from Teheran anyways but I’m not sure if there are any buses running this early during the day to for example Kashan?

    • Reply
      kami
      16/11/2016 at 13:31

      I’d say stay a day in Tehran, it’s worth it and then go somewhere else. Also I’m not sure if there’re any buses going from the airport to any place so you’d have to go to Tehran anyway. On the way back however a bus I took from Kashan stoped at the airport and saved me from the hassle of going around.

  • Reply
    Ray Mc Morrow
    17/01/2017 at 16:05

    Hi, a very nice article. I’m from the UK and have visited Iran five times, as my partner is Iranian. A fascinating country to travel in with friendly locals, very low crime rate, and lovely food. It has a lot to offer. I would recommend any visitor to see Tehran, for its bustle, excitement, energy, sites and smells. The pollution is bad but in north Tehran in the upmarket districts near the mountains the air is fresher. Spend a couple of days there, travel by taxi (quite cheap) or the new fantastic metro. Persians are very polite and friendly and are curious about the West, they will want to talk to you. Ensure you go to Esfahan and Shiraz both beautiful places. I really enjoyed my visit to Pasargarde and Persepolis, the latter really eclipses Egypt’s antiquities. And it’s not overrun with tourists. Kish island on the Persian gulf is nice to visit for a break, and the holy city of Ghom. I’m returning to Tehran in February and this time I hope to visit Mashad. Remember that Iran is a big country and has different climates all over. Prepare for that. But the best thing about Iran is the friendly, genuine people you will meet who will even invite you for a meal or some tea.

    • Reply
      kami
      28/01/2017 at 22:05

      Thank you for your great comment Ray! I have to agree with all you wrote, Iran really is a huge country with a lot to offer and I really hope to retur there one day!

  • Reply
    Mossi
    20/05/2018 at 03:36

    Hey Kami, I am originally from Tehran but I’ve lived in Canada since 2002, and whenever I visit Iran I feel like a foreigner :) I read your review of Shiraz (which I have never been to shamefully) and enjoyed your perspective, so decided to read your review of Tehran as well. I think you left out many MANY interesting parts of the city! Tehran is one of those places with so much in every corner and totally different architecture in every district.

    I think one of the best ways to experience Tehran is by being among the people, for example by going to house parties, concerts, and other places where you get to meet people and have conversations. That’s when knowing an Iranian really comes in handy. The points of view and the personalities are so vastly different that you become confused, in a pleasant way! Just by conversing with Iranians I have learned how to be patient and respect even the craziest of opinions :D Everyone has a philosophy and looks at life and the world differently.

    As for places to visit I recommend the Tabiat Bridge (architected by a 26 year old lady), Jamshidiyeh Park (where I have so much memories with my then fiance), Darband, Tochal, the Milad Tower, the Vali-e-Asr street and the nearby parks, historic houses that were built many decades ago, art galleries, underground fashion shows, even some mosques, and some restaurants, and so many other places.

    By the way, if you want dullness visit my city Vancouver! So incredibly pretty yet so soulless. My wife and I will be moving permanently to Shiraz, Esfahan, or Tehran at some point soon. That’s why I am here reading foreigners’ perspectives :)

    • Reply
      kami
      24/05/2018 at 11:14

      Thank you for your comment Mossi! I know that part of why I didn’t enjoy Tehran all that much is me and I’m really hoping to give the city a second chance soon as there’re still some places I’d like to see and do there! Thanks for the recommendations, I’m sure they will come in handy soon! I really did enjoy Iran, a lot, and I can’t wait to return there one day!

  • Reply
    Lama sadighian
    16/09/2019 at 10:24

    Im lebanese newly married to iranian guy.. I heard good about iran be4 coming here but when I settle I was not amazed… Any suggestion to fulfill my timeband be happy.. If i stay like this it ll affect on ny marriage

    • Reply
      kami
      04/10/2019 at 21:34

      I’m sorry but I don’t know Iran that well to help you. Why don’t you find some international community in the place you live? That always gives another perspective. Good luck!

  • Reply
    Atieh
    25/10/2019 at 12:14

    Hi Kami. Read your article and liked it… somehow. Nice and fair comments from a solo traveler who had a a little time for visiting a really vast city, though I think Tehran is not a dull place. May you were there in a wrong time.

    • Reply
      kami
      06/11/2019 at 22:56

      I really would love to return to Tehran and to see more of it. Even if I didn’t enjoy it to the fullest the city has intrigued me and I want to get to know it better.

  • Reply
    Meadow
    21/04/2020 at 13:22

    Hi Kami,
    I’m wondering why did you have to cross the street, this way?! I have been to Tehran few times, there are pedestrian path and traffic lights all over the city, like any other big city. Why didn’t you use them to cross and crossed the street in the middle? Of course it’s very dangerous!

    • Reply
      kami
      05/05/2020 at 08:40

      To be honest, I can’t remember, it was five years ago :) but yes, I know it’s dangerous :)

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