Mid-Range Travel Guide: Tehran

Accommodation

$35-85 per night

Mid-range hotels with private bathrooms, boutique guesthouses, or traditional courtyard hotels in decent neighborhoods

Food & Dining

$15-40 per day

Mix of traditional restaurants, hotel breakfast, casual dining establishments, and occasional upscale Persian cuisine

Transportation

$8-25 per day

Combination of metro, private taxis, ride-sharing apps, and occasional day trip transportation

Activities

$15-45 per day

Museum admissions, guided walking tours, traditional bathhouse visits, cultural performances, and day trips to nearby attractions

Use the metro system extensively instead of taxis - typically 80-90% cheaper for getting around the city

Eat at local neighborhood restaurants and bazaar food courts rather than tourist areas - usually 50-70% less expensive

Visit mosques and many historical sites that offer free admission rather than paying for all attractions

Shop for snacks and bottled water at local supermarkets instead of hotel shops - typically 200-300% markup avoided

Use shared taxis (savari) for longer distances instead of private taxis - generally 60-75% cheaper

Stay in neighborhoods like Tajrish or Vanak rather than central tourist areas for 30-50% accommodation savings

Travel during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) when accommodation prices drop 20-40% from peak times

Only using private taxis instead of public transport - can increase daily costs by 300-500%

Eating exclusively in hotel restaurants or tourist districts - typically doubles food expenses

Not carrying enough cash, as many places don't accept international cards, leading to expensive money exchange at hotels

Booking accommodation in North Tehran luxury districts when mid-range areas offer similar quality for 40-60% less