Tehran unfolds like a living tapestry where ancient Persia meets modern ambition, creating an intoxicating urban symphony that pulses beneath the snow-capped Alborz Mountains. This sprawling metropolis of twelve million souls offers travelers a profound glimpse into Iran's complex heart—where traditional bazaars perfume the air with saffron and rosewater while contemporary galleries showcase cutting-edge art. Navigate through the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar's vaulted corridors, then ascend to the pristine mountain villages of Darband for tea houses suspended between earth and sky. Tehran's contradictions are its greatest charm: opulent palaces housing priceless carpets stand alongside bustling street cafés where locals debate poetry and politics with equal passion. The city's generous hospitality transforms strangers into honored guests, while its rich cultural landscape—from world-class museums to hidden architectural gems—reveals layers of Persian civilization that span millennia.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use Tehran's efficient metro system with color-coded lines and bilingual signage. Purchase a rechargeable card at stations. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). Official taxis are safer than private cars—ensure meters are running or negotiate fares beforehand.

Money: Bring US dollars or euros for exchange at authorized dealers offering better rates than airports. Credit cards rarely work due to sanctions. Withdraw Iranian rials from ATMs using local debit cards or rely entirely on cash transactions.

Cultural Respect: Women must wear hijab covering hair and loose-fitting clothes. Men should wear long pants. Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques. Photography restrictions apply near government buildings and military sites. Friday prayers draw large crowds.

Food Safety: Street food is generally safe from busy vendors with high turnover. Stick to bottled water or boiled tap water. Popular local dishes include kebabs, ghormeh sabzi, and Persian rice. Avoid alcohol as it's prohibited throughout Iran.

When to Visit

Spring (March-May) offers Tehran's most pleasant weather with temperatures ranging 15-25°C (59-77°F) and minimal rainfall (40-60mm monthly). This peak season sees 30-40% higher accommodation prices but rewards visitors with blooming parks and clear mountain views. Nowruz (Persian New Year, March 20-21) brings festive celebrations but also crowds and closures. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat reaching 35-40°C (95-104°F) with virtually no rainfall, making it off-peak with 25-35% lower prices—ideal for budget travelers who don't mind heat. Early mornings and evenings become prime exploration times. Autumn (September-November) provides excellent conditions with temperatures of 10-20°C (50-68°F) and occasional light rain (30-50mm). Shoulder season pricing offers good value while weather remains comfortable. Winter (December-February) sees temperatures drop to 0-10°C (32-50°F) with 60-80mm monthly precipitation and potential snow, creating the lowest prices (40-50% discounts) but limiting mountain access. Photography enthusiasts appreciate winter's dramatic skies, while culture-focused travelers enjoy uncrowded museums and authentic local experiences during this quieter season.

Tehran location map