Tehran Travelogue

Let’s dive into the Tehran travelogue! We are kicking off our first blog post with Tehran, the capital of Iran. I can confidently say that even many residents of Tehran haven’t explored all the hidden gems of their own city. If you’re reading this, I highly recommend following this travelogue, which is the result of insights gathered from ten experienced Tehran tour guides. We will be sharing valuable information and unique experiences to help you make the most of your visit. Even if you don’t book with us, our travelogues at Ariaramna’s Travel Agency are designed to ensure you have an incredible trip. But if you do, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts and 24/7 customer support

Navigating Attractions in the Tehran Travelogue

Throughout this travelogue, each time we mention a city attraction, we’ll provide a brief description. For a more in-depth exploration, simply click on the highlighted keywords to access detailed articles about each site

Before we start our journey through Tehran, let’s cover some basics. Tehran is the capital and the most populous city of Iran, with a population of approximately 14 million people. Its climate is truly diverse, experiencing all four seasons distinctly. In my opinion, spring and autumn in Tehran are absolutely breathtaking

Tehran is the center of Tehran Province, which has undergone significant expansion over the years. The western part of Tehran eventually became Alborz Province, while the eastern part was recently divided into Pardis and Damavand counties. Firouzkouh remains part of Tehran Province, and we will share more about Damavand and Firouzkouh in separate articles

Cultural Insights and Local Delights in the Tehran Travelogue

In each city travelogue, we also aim to introduce the local culture, traditions, and specialties. One notable aspect of Tehran is its perpetual traffic throughout the day. Most stores, especially in busy areas, remain open until midnight. As for local souvenirs, Damavand apples and Abali doogh (a traditional yogurt drink) are iconic

Tehran offers unique attractions across its northern, southern, eastern, western, and central regions. If you’re arriving as an international traveler, you’ll likely land at Imam Khomeini International Airport, located 30 km from the city on the Persian Gulf Highway toward Qom. Domestic travelers may arrive at Mehrabad Airport in the west or through major bus terminals like the eastern, southern, and western terminals

Top Hotels – Famous Dishes- Currency in the Tehran Travelogue

Tehran offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. Some of the best hotels include 3-star options like Hotel Markazi Iran, Golestan Hotel, and Roudaki Hotel; 4-star hotels such as Espinas Palace Hotel, Ferdowsi Grand Hotel, and Howeyzeh Hotel; and 5-star accommodations including Parsian Azadi Hotel, Espinas International Hotel, and Esteghlal Hotel, all providing excellent amenities, quality services, and prime locations for a comfortable stay.

Tehran’s culinary scene is a delicious fusion of traditional Persian flavors and regional specialties, with must-try dishes like Chelow Kebab, Iran’s national dish featuring succulent kebabs served with saffron rice; Tahchin, a saffron-infused layered rice dish with chicken or meat; Abgoosht (Dizi), a hearty stew made with lamb, chickpeas, and potatoes; Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh, saffron rice with barberries and tender chicken; Mirza Ghasemi, a smoky eggplant dish with garlic and tomatoes from Gilan province

Kashk-e Bademjan, a traditional appetizer made of eggplant, whey, and garlic; Fesenjan, a rich stew with pomegranate paste, ground walnuts, and meatballs; Koofteh Tabrizi, large meatballs stuffed with herbs and spices; Ash Reshteh, a thick Persian noodle soup with herbs and legumes; and Persian sweets like Halva and Baklava, offering unique flavors for dessert lovers

The official currency of Iran is the Iranian Rial (IRR), and while domestic debit cards are widely accepted, international travelers should carry foreign currency and exchange it locally

Tehran is served by two main airports: Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) for international flights and Mehrabad Airport for domestic travel. Public transportation is accessible through a comprehensive metro system, buses, and taxis, making city navigation convenient, while shopping enthusiasts can explore the Grand Bazaar, Tajrish Bazaar, and modern malls like Palladium and Iran Mall for a diverse shopping experience.

Starting the Tehran Travelogue

In Tehran Travelogue we decided to experience a different hotel each day to provide diverse perspectives. For the first day, we stayed at the newly built 4-star Royal Hotel on Keshavarz Boulevard. This historic boulevard is always bustling, with a wide tree-lined median and a water channel running through it. The nearest metro station was Valiasr on Metro Line 4

If you’re craving a delicious meal in this area, here are some top recommendations: Ali Baba for traditional dizi stew, Tehran Fried Chicken for a classic experience, Haj Mohsen for Persian cuisine, and Iran-Italy Restaurant or Parpouck at Valiasr Square for fast food and pizza. Around Valiasr Square, you’ll also find numerous affordable sandwich shops, including the popular Haida for cold sandwiches

Hotel Recommendations in the Tehran Travelogue

In central Tehran, around Valiasr Square, you’ll find a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options. Notable mentions include Espinas Hotel, Royal Tehran Hotel, Howeyzeh Hotel, Ramtin Hotel, Aramis Plus, and Nor Hayat Hotel. For more affordable options, consider Amir Hotel or Persia Hotel

In western Tehran, hotels are more spread out. Key choices include Parsian Esteghlal, Parsian Azadi, Parsian Evin, Espinas Palace in Saadat Abad, and Caravanserai Roshdieh in Pounak

Northern Tehran features the luxurious Visteria Hotel in Darband and several apartment hotels in the Jordan and Sohrvardi areas. Eastern and southern Tehran, however, offer limited accommodation options, mostly modest guesthouses

Day One: Exploring District 12

On our first day, we explored Tehran’s District 12, home to some of the city’s most iconic historical sites. Our first stop was Golestan Palace, the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Tehran. This magnificent palace has two main entrances: one from Arg Square and another from Takieh Dowlat Alley. Highlights include the Marble Throne, Karim Khani Nook, Mirror Hall, and Abyaz Palace, which displays a blend of Persian and European architectural styles

Nearby, you can also visit the National Jewelry Museum, located at Istanbul Intersection, which houses one of the most extraordinary collections of royal jewels in the world

For lunch, we suggest exploring the Lalehzar area or Tehran Grand Bazaar. Popular spots include Mohsen Restaurant in Lalehzar, Moslem, or Sharaf Al-Islami in the bazaar. Bab Homayoun Passage is another great area offering a range of eateries and souvenir stalls

Day Two: Northern Tehran Adventure

For the second day, we moved to the luxurious Visteria Hotel in Darband, providing easy access to the Saadabad Palace Complex. This sprawling complex was built during the Pahlavi dynasty and includes several fascinating museums showcasing royal automobiles, clothing, and art

After visiting Saadabad, we explored Darband, a picturesque area famous for its cable car and mountain trails. For lunch, options abound in Tajrish Square, including Shanderman Kebab, Daloon, and the famous Khanlari Sandwich

The afternoon was spent at Niavaran Palace and its adjacent park, providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of Iran’s royal family. For shopping, nearby malls such as Arg Center, Jam Center, and Atlas Mall offer a variety of stores and dining options

Day Three: Western Tehran Highlights

On the third day, we stayed at the newly established Caravanserai Roshdieh in Pounak. Western Tehran boasts several major attractions, including Azadi Tower, Milad Tower, and Iran Mall. Milad Tower also features an amusement park and frequently hosts live concerts

For shopping, popular destinations include Opal Mall in Saadat Abad, Iran Mall in Chitgar, and Kourosh Complex along Sattari Highway

Final Thoughts on the Tehran Travelogue

At Ariarmane, our travelogues are crafted to give you the best possible experience. We aim to share valuable tips and curated itineraries to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable trip to Tehran in Tehran Travelogue. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our team is here to provide expert guidance, exclusive deals, and round-the-clock support to enhance your journey

Your Travel Partner for Tehran – Ariarmaneh Travel Agency

With years of experience in the travel industry and a team of expert tour guides, Ariarmaneh Travel Agency ensures the best travel arrangements for your trips. Our goal is to make your journey not only enjoyable but also unforgettable.We hope this guide provides you with valuable insights about Tehran and inspires you to explore this incredible city.For inquiries or bookings, contact us via WhatsApp or Telegram at +98-933-280-0502 or call us directly. With Ariarmaneh Travel Agency, experience a smooth and worry-free trip