Tehran

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Tehran is a cosmopolitan city, with great museums, parks, restaurants, and warm friendly people. It deserves at least a few days of your Iranian itinerary.
The city can be roughly divided into two parts - north and south. The northern districts of Tehran are more prosperous, modern, cosmopolitan and expensive while southern parts are less attractive but cheaper.
At the time of the Zand dynasty, it was a little town that was significant from a strategic point of view. The first of the Qajar kings, Agha Mohammed Khan, named Tehran as the country's capital in 1778, and most of its growth started during the reign of a subsequent Qajar monarch, Fath-Ali Shah. The castle which Agha Mohammed Khan had built was to contain the new majestic buildings.
At the same time, the city's population doubled. Due to the increasing significance of the city, gates, squares and mosques were built and it was at the time of Nassereddin Shah that the city's master sketch was prepared and modern streets were constructed. Later, huge central squares like Toopkhaneh square (now Imam Khomeini) and quite a few military buildings were built. Even though the Qajar dynasty was in a period of decline, Tehran soon took the shape of a modern city. The structure of large government buildings, new streets, recreation centres, urban service organizations, and academic and methodical centres were started, even as most of the old gates and buildings were destroyed and the city's old architectural fabric replaced by a contemporary one.
Tehran has also earned itself an unenviable reputation as a smog-filled, traffic-clogged and featureless sprawl of concrete bursting at the seams with 14 million residents. But you can also find an endless number of nice and cosy places in and around the city - if you know where to look. Tehran is a city of more than 800 parks, all well-kept. The city is nearly a mile high above sea level and as a result is cooler than other cities in the Middle East. Summer temperatures are around 32°C or 90-95°F. The air tends to be very dry.
A combination of factors make Tehran a pleasant place to visit: the dry climate which is cool in the evenings, the proximity of the mountains, the parks and gardens where flowers blossom all through the year, the alleys of trees in the avenues or even smaller streets, and even the water that runs down from the upper city along deep and wide gutters which look like small rivers during spring. The Alborz range on the north of Tehran, which hosts the highest peak in Iran, provides fantastic conditions for ski lovers in the winter. In winter, the mountain hotels and ski clubs at Shemshak, and Dizine are full several days a week. Some specialist skiers consider the snow value in northern Tehran to be one of the most excellent in the world.

For information on Iranian visas please refer the Iran#visas page.

By plane

Imam Khomeini International AirportThe only airport in Tehran to which international passenger flights operate.

Ground transportation:

• Metro easiest way to reach city center is by metro line. Line number 8 connects Airport Terminal A with metro line 1 (red line) (75000 rials, that can be used for the full network, Mar 2019). Runs irregularly: 06:50, 08:10, 09:30, 10:50, 12:10, 13:30, 14:50, 16:10, 17:30, 18:50, 20:10.
• Buses between the airport and the city (e.g. Haram Metro station) run every 30-60 min 07:00-23:00. They leave right in front of the main exit and cost 20,000-30,000 rial. There are unconfirmed reports of a shuttle bus operating between IKIA and Mehrabad Airport every 4–5 hours.
• Taxis cost a fixed rate of 800,000 rials (or US$25 or €20 as of Oct 2017), ask at the taxi counter. The drive to/from the city center takes 45 minutes without traffic, but can take upwards of 90 minutes with traffic. There is a booth organizing taxis right outside the arrivals hall. You can also bargain with taxis dropping off passengers at the arrivals hall because otherwise they would have to go back to Tehran empty. Taxis to the nearest metro station (Haram-e-Motahhar) cost 500,000 rials.
• Shuttle taxis and green minibuses operate between the airport and Shahed Station on the red line of the metro. This can be a convenient option going to the airport from town, but finding the shuttle taxis at the airport will be difficult as many don't stop there. At 7000 rials for a metro ticket and 40,000 rials for a shuttle taxi (they will try to rip you off or charge for bringing in luggage even if there is space, so make sure to only occupy one seat if you don't want to pay extra), it is probably the cheapest option from town that doesn't require waiting a long time for the bus (shuttle taxis leave when full). At Shahed station, get out to the parking area (there is only one exit and you can't miss it) and on the very left you will see green minibuses. It takes about 30-40 min from there to the airport. Last one departs around 21:30.
• Metro Line 1 (Red) During daytime there is a metro from IKA to Tehran. The trains run hourly so check schedule (Sep 2017).

Tehran's Mehrabad airportMehrabad is only used for domestic and cargo flights. It is connected to Tehran Metro Line 4.

Despite the warnings in some travel guides, there is no exit fee for foreign travellers, neither in Mehrabad nor in Imam Khomeini Airport. The exit fee applies to foreign travellers only when leaving Iran on land or by sea.

By train

There is at least one train per day (some overnight) from the Iranian cities such as Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz, Kerman, Yazd, Sari, Gorgan, Ahvaz and Bandar Abbas. Domestic tickets can be bought at any station, from travel agencies or online from various train operator websites, such as Raja, Fadak, BonRail, Joopar, and Behtarinsafar. You could also use one of Iranian OTAs to buy your tickets online. Alibaba is recommended.
An international train from Ankara, the Transasia Express, runs twice per week. There is an additional international train from Van via Tabriz as well.

• Tehran railway station

By car

Traffic is very congested but has improved with the completion of several new tunnels and highways (referred to as autobahns by the locals) across the city. You can drive in from Turkey and the southern parts of Iran fairly easily. Although Iran has been always among the countries with high number driving accidents, the police have cracked down on accidents and driving is now safer than before. It is possible to rent a car at IKA airport, Mehrabad and in the city with Europcar or SaadatRent.
If you are going to use roads and ground transportation, there's a website maintained by the government's Ministry of Transportation and Urban Development available here or here that publishes roads' statuses. You might need to use Google Translate to understand the text when navigating through the pages.

By bus

Almost every city and far-flung village in Iran has bus services to Tehran-- hundreds of buses that pour in and out of the capital each day. Most buses arrive at one of four major bus terminals:

• Western bus terminal

  address: Northwest of Azadi Tower
  The biggest, busiest and best-equipped of Tehran's terminals. Most international buses, and those heading to the Caspian Sea region and destinations west of Tehran, originate and terminate here. The bus to Yerevan costs 1,800,000 rials and departs daily at 13:00.

• Eastern bus terminalHandles buses from Khorasan province, and a few services from the north.

• Southern bus terminal

  address: Morsali,
  Serves destinations south of Tehran, e.g. Kashan, Qom, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Ticket price for Isfahan around 300,000 rials and 600,000 rials for Shiraz.

• Beihaghi bus terminal

  address: beside Arzhantin Square
  The station has services from most major destinations in Iran including Mashhad, Esfahan, Rasht, Shiraz, Tabriz and Yazd. A ticket from Esfahan costs 255,000 rials (Sep 2016).

Getting around traffic-clogged, sprawling Tehran is a true test of patience. While taxis are your best bet, they are pricier here than the rest of the country. A large local bus network will also take you almost anywhere you need to go, as long you can make sense of the routes and Persian line numbers. The true star of Tehran's transport system, however, is the metro.

By bus

Tehran has an inexpensive but confusing bus network. Some require prepaid contactless card (min 5,000 rials), which can be bought from booths beside the bus stops and metro stations used when you get off the bus, and some should be paid by cash (ranging from 1,000-4,000 rials). The buses are partitioned in two sections, men-only (the front section) and women-only(the back section).
In the BRT lines, the women-only section is at the front. Also, the fee is paid on the station, using the prepaid contactless card (shared with Metro), or paying to the guard.
Since bus numbers, route descriptions and other information are in Persian, your best bet is to look confused at a bus terminal; a local will surely stop to help. Each bus line has a certain and almost invariable path but only people know exactly which bus stations exist for a certain road. You shouldn't expect a map or guides even in Persian showing the bus network or bus stations. Even asking the bus driver wouldn't be a great help for you to find your way either. If you get in a bus and looking for a certain station to alight, ask one to help you - you will find many people wish to help you to find your way, most of the time.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

The BRT buses are colored in red. BRTs has special lines and travels very quickly from Azadi square (west of Tehran) directly to the East (Terminal-e-Shargh). Railway square (south of Tehran) directly to the north (Tajrish square). Azadi square to free university (northwest). Azadi Square to South Terminal and parkway bridge (north of Tehran) to jomhuri square. Costs 1,000-3,000 rials. In high-traffic hours (07:00-09:00 & 16:00-20:00), it is the best way to traveling. BRT has many stations near main streets. Although you may not find an empty seat on the bus because of the crowds, people give their place to you if they know you are a tourist. The women's and men's seats and queues are separate.

By metro

Tehran's metro system has seven lines that will whisk you quickly from one end of the city to the other without having to deal with the noise, pollution and chaos of Tehrani traffic. However, many residents decided to leave their cars and commute by metro, so expect huge crowds during rush hours.
There are seven lines but the two most useful are lines 1 (north to south- from Tajrish Station to Haram-e-Motahar Station) and 2 (east to west) which connect at the central Imam Khomeini station. All stations have signs in Persian and English. Trains run every 10 minutes or less on rush hours (15 minutes on Fridays and holidays) from around 05:30 to 23:00 every day.
Line 6 (pink line) was opened in Apr 2019 from Shohada Square on line 4 to Dowlat Abad. One intermediate station is open. The rest of the line and it's stations are still under construction.
Tickets are valid for 1 or 2 trips (including change of lines) and cost 10,000 rials for a single (Mar 2019). There are ticket booths at every station. You can also buy a contactless fare card which is the best option if you are going to use metro a lot, or want to have less hassle by paying 50,000 rials for a card and use it on metro and some city buses (if you use this card, you usually pay less than any other tickets, since they charge for the longest trip on the network). There are two dedicated women-only carriages at each end of the train. Women can anyway choose to travel aboard the other carriages but rarely do.
There are a few apps for Android and iOS devices to assist passengers on using the metro. You can try downloading the Tehran Metro app which is made for foreign travellers. First you can find yourself on Google map (with stations marked on it) and your destination to decide which station you can get in and to which you want to arrive. After it you can select them on the stations map to get a textual explanation on taking directions and line changes along with a travel time estimation.

By taxi

As with the rest of the country private and shared taxis are abound in Tehran, although you may find flagging down a shared taxi more difficult amid the traffic and chaos, while private taxis are more expensive than in the smaller cities. See the Get Around information on Iran for details on flagging a taxi. If you want to get around by shared taxi, your best bet is to hop from square to square, as drivers will be reluctant to pick you up if your shouted destination deviates too far from their route. In each square you will find certain places where the private taxis are lined up in a queue and drivers call for passengers to a destination. (mostly happening during the times when the number of waiting taxis exceeds the number of passengers). In this case, they would wait until the car gets full of passengers (mostly one person at front and 3 people at back, excluding the driver). Otherwise the people have to line up in a queue waiting for the taxis to come. This is the case during rush hours (approximately 07:00-08:00 and 17:00-20:00). All these depend upon finding their regular station in the square. You can also ask them to alight sooner than your destination wherever you like but you have to pay their total fee up to destination. The cost of such a ride from Azadi square to Vanak Square is around 10,000 rials for each person. Most drivers are very poor at English though.
Snapp is also the Iranian version of Uber in Tehran which is fairly cheap and the price is calculated in advance. The app can be downloaded from Google Play Store and Apple App Store and is available in English and French but a local SIM card is required to activate it. Although the drivers may not be good English speakers, the support line speaks English well and can handle the communication problems between you and the driver.
Motorcycle taxis are a Tehran specialty and offer a way to weave quickly through the city's traffic-clogged streets. You'll see plenty of these drivers standing at the side of the road calling "motor" at all who pass by. Motor taxi operators can seem even more suicidal than the average Tehran driver. Agree on a price before you take off and expect to pay slightly less than chartering a private taxi.

Monuments

• The Azadi Tower

  address: Kuy-e-Mehr Abad
  The longstanding symbol of Tehran was constructed to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian empire, combines elements of Sassanid and Islamic architecture. The entrance of the tower is directly underneath the main vault and leads into the Azadi Museum on the basement floor. Do not sit on the grass! Officers chase away people.

• Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini

  address: near to Behesht-e Zahra, Cemetery Highway (بزرگراه بهشت زهرا)
  The gigantic mausoleum is on the southern edge of the city. The sheer size of the shrine/shopping centre is enough to make the trip worth it. Women can borrow chadors at entrance. Bags have to be left for free at one of the compound doors.

• Milad Tower

  phone: +98 21 8436 1000
  435-m-high Milad tower is the fourth-tallest tower in the world and 12th-tallest freestanding structure in the world, and it is visible from almost everywhere in Tehran. Tickets to enter the observation lounge must be reserved well in advance. There are several restaurants in and around the tower, and a mediocre art gallery.

Museums

• Treasury of the National Jewels

  address: Ferdosi St (فردوسی), near the corner of Jomhuriyeh Eslami Ave
  If you want to drool over gold and glitter, take a look here. You'll get to see a collection of some of the most expensive jewels in the world. Highlights include the world's largest uncut ruby, the world's largest pink diamond (the Sea of Light) and a free-standing golden globe made from 34 kg of gold and an astounding 51,366 precious stones. The collection comprises a set of crowns and thrones, some 30 tiaras, numerous aigrettes, jewel-studded swords and shields, a vast amount of precious loose gems, including the largest collections of emeralds, rubies and diamonds in the world. It also includes other items collected by the Shahs of Iran during the 2,500-year existence of the Iranian kingdom.

• National Museum of Iran

  phone: +98 21 670 2061 (/6)
  address: 30th Tir (سی تیر)
  The has ceramics, stone figures and carvings dating all the way back to around the 5th millennium BC. It is the combination of two museums, the old building (entrance fee: 300,000 rials) dedicated pre-Islamic collection dating from Neolithic to the Sassanid period and the new building (entrance fee 200,000 rials) dedicated to Iran's 1,400-year Islamic history. Building One consists of three halls. The three halls contain artifacts from the lower, middle, and upper Paleolithic, as well as the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, early and late Bronze Age, and Iron Ages I-III, through the Median, Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian, and Sassanid periods. The post-Islamic part of the museum was inaugurated in 1996 and consists of three floors. It contains various pieces of pottery, textiles, texts, artworks, astrolabes, and adobe calligraphy from Iran's 1,400-year Islamic history. Also here find: Islamic Period Museum.

• Golestan Palace

  phone: +98 21 3311 3335
  address: Khordad Sq. 15, Pamenar (پامنار)
  The oldest of the historic monuments in Tehran. The complex consists of 17 palaces, museums, and Halls. The Golestan (Rose Garden) citadel is one of mainly visited places in Tehran, which was the Qajars' royal residence, and its garden is an oasis of coolness and peace in the heart of the city. The major building, architecturally unpretentious, houses a museum with objects from the Qajar period in the self-important style of last century. In the Golestan garden, a one-story pavilion to the right and a short distance from the entrance, shelters one of the best organized museums in Tehran. It encloses about thirty showcases presenting almost everything related to Iran, which makes up the critical originality of Iranian life in the a variety of provinces of the country. Golestan Palace was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.

• Takht MarmarA spectacular terrace (iwan) was built in 1806 by order of Fath Ali Shah Qajar (r. 1797-1834). Adorned by paintings, marble-carvings, tile-work, stucco, mirrors, enamel, woodcarvings, and lattice windows; the throne embodies the finest of Iranian architecture. The Marble Throne is one of the oldest buildings of the historic Arg. The existing throne, which is situated in the middle of the terrace (iwan), is made of the famous yellow marble of Yazd province.

• Khalvat Karim KhaniThis building was a part of the interior residence of Karim Khan Zand. The basic structure of its is similar to Takht-e-Marmar. There is a small marble throne inside the terrace. The structure is much smaller than Takht-e-Marmar and it has much less ornamentation. It seems extraordinary, but the valuable gravestone of Nasser-ol-Din Shah found its way to this quite corner of the Palace. This marble stone with a craved image of Nasser-ol-Din Shah is indeed a site to behold.

• Hoze KhanehThe Hoze Khaneh was used as a summer chamber during the Qajar ear. A special cooling system pumped water form a subterranean system of streams (qanats) into small ponds inside the chambers. This system is no longer in use. European paints housed here.

• Negar KhanehHere are the paintings of the royal court, with the European paints housed in the Hose Khaneh and the works of Iranian painters housed in the Negar Khaneh (the Gallery). Meant to show the evolution of painting in Iran during the Qajar era, the works of Iranian painters are exhibited in two sections. Housed in the southern part of the Negar Khaneh are the works of early Qajar masters such as Mirza Baba, Mehr Ali Afshar, Ali Akbar Khan Mozaien-ol-Douleh, Aboul Hassan Sani (Sanie-ol-Molk) who was Kamal-ol-Molk’s uncle.

• Talar BerelianThe Hall was built by Nasser-ol-Din Shah build to replace another hall called Talar Bolour (Crystal Hall). Built by Fath Ali Shah the Bolour Hall had been laid waste by the damp. The Berelian Hall is famous for its mirror work and chandeliers.

Niavaran Palace

phone: +98 21 2228 2012

address: Pourebtehaj/Pvrabthaj (پورابتهاج)

This is a historical complex which consists of several buildings and a museum. The Saheb-Qaranieh Palace (صاحبقرانیه), from the time of Naser al-Din Shah of Qajar dynasty, is also inside the complex. - Jahan Nama Museum(کاخ‌موزه‌های نیاوران): Niavaran Palace, Niavaran Ave., phone +98 21 228 2012, Fax: +98 21 228 2079. - Cinema Museum(موزه سینمای ایران): Niavaran Palace Museum, Niavaran, +98 21 228 2012/5.

Masoudieh palace

phone: +98 21 3399 2013

Built in 1879 for the prince Mass’oud Mirza - the son of Nasseredin Shah, the governor of Isfahan.

Safir Office Machines Museum

phone: +98 21 8832 0320

address: No. 232, Kalantari? Cross, North Iranshahr street?, (خیابان ایرانشهر)

It was founded in 2008 by Frashad Kamalkhani, the museum owner. It includes a collection of early office machines.

Saad Abad Fine Arts Museum

address: Darband, Zafaraniyeh, Tajrish, Valiasr St

Built in Neoclassical style, in 1920.

Glassware Museum of Tehran

phone: +98 21 670 8153

address: Behjat Abad.- Jomhoori (or Jomhouri?) Ave., or Republic Street?, Sytyr (30th Tir) St, No. 55-75?;

Iran's National Rug Gallery & Carpet Museum

address: Dr Fatemi (دکتر فاطمی)

This exhibits a variety of Persian carpets from all over Iran, dating from 18th century to present. It has a library that contains 7,000 books.

Reza Abbasi Museum

phone: +98 21 863001-2, +98 21 863003

address: Seyed Khandan, 972 Shariati Ave

Named after Reza Abbasi, one of the artists in the Safavid period, the collections of this museum belong to a period from the 2nd millennium BC to the early 20th century.

Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art

phone: +98 21 88963200

address: North Kargar Ave. (کارگر شمالی)

Features the works of great artists such as Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. The collection of these paintings were selected by the former Empress Farah Diba.

Tehran City Theater

phone: +98 21 66460592

address: Enghelab és Vali Cross Street (تقاطع خیابان انقلاب و ولی‌عصر)

Architect Ali Sardar Afkhami designed the main building in the 1960s, later (1972) expanded.

Darabad Museum of Natural History

phone: +98 21 22803539

address: Muzeh, Dar-abad

Iran's most famous museum for nature and wildlife.

• Saadabad Palace

  phone: +98 21 228 2031
  address: Vali Asr Ave
  A palace built by the Pahlavi dynasty of Iran in the Shemiran area of Tehran. The complex was first inhabited by Qajar monarchs and royal family in the 19th century. Parts of the Saadabad Palace compound are museums, in which visitors can roam through and look at the rich history of Iran. The following museums make up the complex: Klara Abkar Painting Museum, Hossein Behzad (miniature) Paintings Museum, Abkar Miniature Museum, Fine Arts Museum (18th & 19th century European paintings), Kamaleddin Behzad Miniature Museum, Mahmoud Farshchian Miniature Museum, - Mellat Palace Museum, Military Museum (موزه نظامی), Mir Emad Calligraphy Museum, Ethnological Research Museum, Iranian National Museum of War Green Museum (Shah Reza Summer Palace), Water Museum (keeping, restoring and revenue operation of water in Iran). Rojat Palace, Ebrat Palace (Mother), Vessels Museum (Ashraf Palace), Dafineh Museum, Farideh Diba Palace, Natural History Museum. Other buildings on complex area: Shahram Palace, Prince Palace, Leila Palace, Farahnaz Palace, Hamid Reza Palace, Gholamreza Palace, Nasiri Palace, Twin Ghajar Palace.

• Green PalaceBuilt in 1922-1928. Main parts of it: Waiting room, Reza Shah working room, Ceremonies Hall, Reza shah Dinning room, Corridor, Reza Shah Bedroom, Ceremony Hall.

• National Arts MuseumPart of Saadabad Palace; gifts to the Shahs from Chinese, Indian and African delegations.

Former Qasr Prison

address: Marvdasht? Qelichkhani?

Closed or moved? Now there is the Islamic Revolution Court? (دادگاه انقلاب اسلامی) - It was built by the order of Fat′h Ali Shah of the Qajar dynasty in 1790 in the form of a palace.

Time Museum

phone: +98 21 241 7336

address: Asad Abad? No. 12, Baqdadi St. (Baghdadi Bahar),

Evolution of time-measurement instruments. In a building (700 m²) with a garden (0.6 ha).

Money Museum

phone: +98 21 879 5994, +98 21 877 4745

address: No.1, Daman Afshar (نبش کوچه دفینه), Mirdamad Street (Mirdamad Blvd?), Vali Asr Ave

Coins and banknotes from different historic periods.

Former Towhid Prison, now the Edification Museum (Ebrat Museum)

address: 11, Martyr Yarjani St, - Kushk Mesri St.

Persian:بازداشتگاه توحید . The prison of Shah ages. It was an unofficial detention centre in Tehran, used against opponents of the Islamic Republic of Iran until its closure in 2000.

Talar Vahdat Theater

Paradise Garden, Baq-e Ferdous Park?

address: Delbar

13 (Martyrs?) Aban Museum

phone: +98-21 670-1915

address: Imam (Sepah) Sq.

Paintings, sculptures of people, kings, artists and scientists. Masterpieces of "Seyed Ali Akbar Sanati".

Air Force Museum

phone: +98 21 600 9318

address: Karaj Highway (جاده مخصوص کرج)

Akskhaneh Shahr

phone: +98-21 884-8993

address: Bahar-e-Shiraz Ave

Ancient photos, tools and equipment.

Azadi Cultural Complex

phone: +98 21 602 3951

address: Azadi Square (Persian: میدانِ آزادی), or Freedom Square

Azadi Tower built in 1971 in commemoration of the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire, this "Gateway into Iran" was named the Shahyad Tower, meaning "Kings' Memorial", but was dubbed Azadi (Freedom) after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. It is 50 m tall and completely clad in cut marble.

Coin Museum

phone: +98 21 311 1091

address: Imam Khomeini Avenue, Amnar (امنار)

Dr. Hesabi Memorial Museum

phone: +98 21 223 1676

address: 8 Hesabi St., Zaferanieh, Vali Asr Ave

Ethnological Museum

phone: +21 311 0653, +98 21 311 3335

address: 15 Khordad Sq

Geology Museum

phone: +98-21 600-7537, +98-21 607-1981 (to 1990)

address: Meraj Blvd?., Azadi Ave

Haft-Chenar Wildlife Museum

phone: +21 573 8745

Persian: تنوع زیستی حیات وحش

History Museum

phone: +98 21 878 8680, +98 21 878 8681

address: Afrouz St., Pirouzi Ave., Shohada Square

Displays 500 works of art on the 200-year history of Tehran.

Iran Historical Car Museum

phone: +98 21 44 52 5892

address: Lashkary Expressway, Karaj Highway

The collection include 45 imperial cars, 2 royal carriages and 3 motorcycles.

Iranian Electrical Industry Museum ?

phone: +98 21 326 2328

address: Afrouz St., Pirouzi Ave., Shohada Square ?

History Museum

phone: +98 21 878 8683

address: Qobadian St., Vali Asr Ave

Malek National Museum and Library

phone: +98 21 672 6653, +98 21 672-6613

address: Baq Melli, Imam Sq

Art collections, coins, stamps, carpets.

National Arts Museum

phone: +98 21 311 6329

It was part of Golestan Palace, but now it is located inside a government building. It is a small museum but with some good furniture and paintings.

Natural History Museum

phone: +98 21 884 3498, +98 21 882 4513

address: 9 9 Qaem Maqam-e-Farahani Ave

Natural specimens pertaining to geology, zoology, botany, fossils of plants and animals on four level.

Rassam Arab-zadeh Carpet (فرش) Museum

phone: +98 21 284 9775, +98 21 284 7911

address: 7 First Boustan, Pasdaran Ave

Small rug exhibit (30 pieces).

Saba House

phone: +98 21 311 1246

address: No. 92, Zahiro-Islam St., Baharestan

Iranian Musician Memorial Museum.

Stained Glass Painting Museum

phone: +98 21 752 6777

address: No.348, Hedayat St., (Sadi Ave.)

Tehran University Science Museum

phone: +98 21 611 2629, +98 21 611 2701

Telephone, Post & Telegraph Museum

phone: +98 21 670 0503, +98-21 671-028, +98-21 674-454

address: Imam khomeini Ave

Zoological Museum

National Museum of the Holy Quran

Den of Espionage: the former US embassy that was stormed by revolutionary students in 1979 is now a museum. Anti-American propaganda paintings decorate the walls of the compound. Despite the official hostility, Iranians in the streets around the former embassy are friendly towards Americans and other foreigners. Taleghani metro station. Closes at 18:30. Fee: 200,000 rials (Mar 2019).

Parks

• Jamshidieh Park

  address: Niavaran district, Omidvar
  It is one of the most picturesque and beautiful parks in Tehran. It is at the base of the Kolakchal Mountain. Mellat Park in Valiasr street is one of the largest recreation areas in the Middle-East. Niavaran Park is one of Tehran's famous and most pleasant public city parks. It is in the Niavaran district and is immediately south of the Niavaran Palace Complex. Additionally there are some large parks called "park-e-jangali" (literally "forest park") around (and some inside) the city which are very popular among the locals for picnic. The most famous one is Chitgar in the west of the city and is accessible via Karaj road.

• Ab-o-Atesh Park and the Tabiat BridgeThe Ab-o-Atesh (lit. "Water and Fire") Park is one of Tehran's newest and most impressive. The highlight of the park is the Pol-e Tabiat or Nature Bridge, which offers spectacular views of north Tehran and the Alborz mountain range. Populated by the well-to-do urban middle classes of Tehran, this friendly park offers a plethora of cafes and restaurants, most of which can be found along the Rah-e Joobi or Wooden Road Food Court (رستوران‌های راه چوبی) in the southern section of the park (nearly all of the restaurants there are open only after 20:00 as it is customary for Iranians to eat dinner late in the evening). The park and its surroundings also offer other services, such as a skate park.

Murals

A1one (aka Alonewriter, tanha) graffitis and street art works are a sort of interesting stuff in Tehran's Urban Space. A famous local graffiti artist is at the centre of controversy about whether his work is art or vandalism, and you can see his early works on the Tehran-Karaj Expressway, on the southern side walls UP in Ekbatan and Apadana districts. A more recent work of stencil art is found at the entrance of the Saba Art Institute. - Kolahstudio-an Art Basement, Iranian Underground Arts.

Recreational

• Chitgar LakeAlso known as the Lake of Martyrs of the Persian Gulf, is an artificial and recreational lake in the north of Chitgar Park. The total area of this complex is about 250 hectares; 130 hectares across the lake, and the rest of it goes for the coastal zone and resorts. The lake has good weather and a it's host of migratory birds in some seasons.

• Tochal Mountain

  phone: +98 21 22404001-4
  address: end of Velenjak St, Zafaraniyeh
  A recreation area on Mount Tochal that offers hiking trails, a ski resort, gym and other activities. It's also a great place to get some scenic views over Tehran and enjoy a little peace and quiet in contrast to the bustling city. Usually people get to the top using cable car. Embarkation point of which is at the . However, if you're energetic (or strapped for money), you can simply hike all the way up. You can also start walking and hop on one of the telecabins at the next station when you get tired. If going to the top, bring a jacket, even in summer, as the summit is 4,000 m above sea level so it can be chilly. There are lots of restaurants and cafes near the 1st station and entrance gate, and only one canteen upper on the mountain - at the 5th station. Besides, there is an alpin coaster at the base of the gondola lifts that offers a scenic ride for 200,000 rials.

Darband

address: Darband

This is the alternative way to climb Tochal mountain. The walk goes across a canyon to Tochtal (مسیر کوهپیمایی به توچال از طریق دربند). Short-ride chair lift is also available here and leads to the upper platform, operates only during weekend Th–F 07:00–18:00.

Darake

address: Darakeh

This is another entry point into nearby mountains. Like Darband, Darake hiking trail begins with tens of open-air restaurants alongside a stream.

• Loghatnameh Dehkhoda Institute & International Center for Persian Studies is the only school which offers Persian courses and can arrange student visas for foreigners. Consult the timetable at their website and apply at least 3 months before. People with tourist visas are not allowed to attend classes.

It is easy to find work in Tehran, but you must have a university diploma to be applicable for good jobs. Although there is some inflation, many of the people in Tehran have good and well paying jobs. Like every other big developing world city, there's a big difference between poor and rich.

Money exchange

For information on Iranian currency see Iran#Buy.
You can exchange your currency in most banks after filling out between two and five forms, but the exchange rate in exchange offices (sarraafis) is always better than what is offered by banks. It is much advisable to go to one of these (close to Jewels Museum). Such offices can also be found in other parts of the city, but are far more scattered. Ask them to show you a copy of their license, issued by the Central Bank of the country and/or the local guild. A list of licensed sarraafis of the whole country, in Persian (Farsi), can be found here. This list includes phone numbers and addresses as well as license numbers and dates.
Also, most exchange offices in Tehran don't exchange before 09:00, when the daily rate gets fixed.
Do not exchange your money with one of the many individuals offering to exchange along Ferdosi St. It is much riskier and illegal. They might be criminals offering counterfeit money.
As for March 2019, exchange offices in Tehran were not exchanging, and they announced lower rate than at the airport. The best rate was (surprisingly) at the airport, and higher than stated at XE Currency Exchange. Accommodation can be paid in euros, so you do not need to exchange all the money for the trip. In March 2019, they were changing 151,000-153,000 rials for €1; 170,000-173,000 rials for £1; 139,000 rials for US$1 (dollar rate as of 26 Apr 2019) - at the airport, first floor (departures).

Bazaars and shopping malls

Visit the Bazaar, very appropriate for shopping. It ranges from cheap things to very expensive luxury things. You can find almost anything in the Bazaar, from clothing to carpets, kitchen accessories, decorations, jewellery....
There are also numerous shopping malls in the city. Valiasr Street and Tajrish Square (also includes a traditional bazaar) are two of the many locations full of shopping centres in Tehran.

• Grand Bazaar of Tehran

  address: Panzdah-e-Khordad St
  Wander around Tehran's massive bazaar. The main entrance on 15 Khordad Ave leads to a labyrinth of stalls and shops that were once the engine room of Iran's commodity markets and one of Imam Khomeini's greatest sources of conservative, pro-Revolution support. As usual, shops are clustered according to the products they sell. If you're planning on heading out into remote areas, the bazaar is an ideal and cheap place to stock up on almost anything you need.

• Milad-e-Noor Mall

  address: 2nd St/Farahzadi St

• Behjat Abad Market

  address: Aban Street (خیابان آبان) Karimkhan St
  For those interested in cooking, Behjat Abad Market offers a good variety of fresh ingredients all year round.

• Palladium Mall

  address: Moqadas Ardabili St
  The confectionery shop next to the supermarket is perfect for shopping souvenir sweets. Though on the pricey side by Iranian standards, the quality of the sweets is also high. Look out for the Tehranis who are wearing traditional black chadoors; they are a distinct minority among the well-to-do clientele of this ultra-modern mall.

Computer software

Due to Iran's refusal to sign the Berne Convention, the sale of pirated software is legal in the country. However, bringing the software home is likely to be illegal and may carry large fines or jail sentences if caught. The software might also not include the correct ID keys and therefore might not work on your computer. Buyer beware!
Places where pirated software is for sale include the bazaar at the corner of Vali-e-Asr Avenue and Enghelab Avenue, Bazar-e-Reza, Bazar-e-Iran, and the "Paytakht Computer Complex", a modern complex of seven storeys filled with computer equipment at the intersection of Vali-e-Asr and Mirdamad. The prices at the "Bazaar Reza" (at Charrah-e-Vali-e-Asr) are usually cheaper. Some of the computer equipment that is sold in Iran are cheap knockoffs.

• Paytakht Computer Complex

  address: At intersection of Vali-e-Asr and Mirdamad

Jewellery & gold

Jewellery & gold boutiques in Geisha, Milade Noor, Karim Khaan St. Golds, gems, and diamonds.

Bags & shoes

Designer bags and shoes such as Gucci, Versace,Dior, Armani in Golestan shopping centre & Milade noor.

Prices quoted on the menu may exclude an 8% tax, a 10-15% service charge, and a 10% tip. Be prepared to add as much as 1/3 to the prices quoted on the menu.

Budget

You'll find cheap & good enough abgoosht stew in any of the places they call ghahvekhuneh (قهوه‌خانه) which you can find in any non-strictly-residential area. Just ask for a ghahvekhuneh or get this قهوه‌خانه printed and show it. Nice traditional working class ambience as a rule.
You can find several food courts around Tehran with a variety of cuisines from Thailand, India, Italy, China and Turkey.

• Cafe Bork

  phone: +982188985049
  address: No.6 , Abdi Nejad Alley, 16 Azar St., Keshavarz Blvd.
  Cafe and vegetarian foods.

• Delsin Sandwiches

  address: Jordan Blvd, in Golfam St
  Kebab and sandwich joints are found everywhere. This one has interesting salad, and humus (lebanese mezeh). They have roast beef, chicken, turkey sandwiches that comes with fresh vegetables, like mint and basil.

• Dizi Sara

  address: Jordan Blvd
  A hangout of the rich and famous.

• Falafel Stalls

  address: 15 Khordad Ave

• Food Court at Jaam-e-Jam Mini Mall

  address: Corner of Vali Asr Ave & Taheri Street
  A sight to see - not for the food. This is the closest thing in Iran to a pick up bar. Teenagers push the limits on acceptable clothing. Has western import products in several stores underneath. There is also a decent bakery here with western type bread.

• Iranian Traditional Restaurant

  address: 28 Keshavarz Blvd
  Young Iranians flirting, smoking flavored water pipe, and eating. The dizi is recommended.

• Super Star Fried Chicken (SFC)The Iranian version of KFC. Serves very good chicken burgers.

• Traditional Restaurant Karimkhan

  address: Karim Khan Bridge/Blvd.
  A cozy place serving fantastic Dizi among other traditional dishes. Cute little canaries are flying around.

• Restaurant Moslem

  phone: +98 21 5560 2275
  address: Bazar, District 12
  Huge (very huge!) portions that are hard to finish. That is why most of the locals pack about half the portion for take-away (free). The canteen-like place is super crowded at lunchtime and the people form a long queue. Get an ordering number at the entrance first. Upstairs you can watch the bustling square while enjoying your meal.
• When in the Bazaar, don't miss out the 'Sharafol-eslam' restaurant in the Bazaar. It is very famous for its kebabs and chickens, excellent food, excellent quality, you'll never have enough. It gets really crowded though, which requires some patience.

Mid-range

• Armenian Club

  address: 68 Khark St
  Since this is a Christian restaurant, women are allowed to remove their headscarves and alcohol is served (albeit at very inflated prices). The food is Iranian - not Armenian. There is usually a piano player performing. Muslims are not permitted inside.

• Barbod Restaurant

  address: 87 Seoul St.; Vanak Square

• Coffee Shop & Veggie Restaurant at Iranian Artists' Forum

  phone: +98 21 88310462
  address: Baghe Honarmandan, Moosavie Str, Taleghani Ave.
  Fantastic place to stock up on those much needed vegetables. The menu is pure veg and very, very good. Also, great coffees and desserts at very reasonable prices. Serves pizza, sandwiches, and salads

• Dizi

  address: near Karimkhane-e Zand St. downtown
  A beautiful Dizisara. With many Miniature paintings on walls and a nice meal of Abgusht (traditional Iranian soup-like food, but way heavier than normal soups), it is worth a visit for lunch. Not open for dinner.

• Farid

  address: 39 Shahid Sereni St
  Speciality is the steamed blue fish.

• Hani

  address: Corner of Vali Asr Street & Motahari Street
  Delicious Iranian food served buffet style.

• Iran Tak

  address: 431 Vali Asr Street
  Ambient cellar restaurant with ornate chandelier and fountain. Popular with young people since water pipe smoking is allowed for both men and women. Try the lamb leg dishes.

• Khayyam RestaurantBeautifully decorated, originally part of the mosque. 300-year-old building restored in 2002. Typical Iranian food.

• Sofre-Khaneh Sonatee Ali Ghapoo

  phone: +98 21 8877 7803
  address: Gandhi Ave
  Basement restaurant. Popular with large groups of Iranians. Very noisy. Live music starts at 21:00. Enjoyable atmosphere with waiters in traditional dress.

• SPU Restaurant

  phone: +98 21 224 19494
  address: Darakeh Square
  Iranian food. Ranked as one of the best outdoor restaurants in Tehran.

Splurge

• Alborz Restaurant

  address: Nikoo Ghadam Alley & North Sohrevardi Avenue
  Many locals regard this as a fairly good chelo kababi in Tehran.

• Bistango @ Raamtin Hotel

  address: 2153 Vali Asr Street
  European décor and cuisine. Serves high-end dishes such as filet mignon, caviar, prawns.

• Boulevard

  phone: +98 21 2205 1947
  address: 3 Nahid Boulevard
  Trendy and modern place; serves very good French and Italian food.

• Dashte-BeheshtVery high class, the menu consists of different kebabs and stews. There is always live music to make the atmosphere more enjoyable.

• Divan

  phone: +98 21-22653853
  address: Fayazi Blvd (Fereshteh)
  Fusion Persian food in a luxurious setting. Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Tehran.

• Gilac

  phone: +98 21 88 03 04 04
  address: 15, Parc des Princes, Kordestan highway
  Specializes in fish from the Caspian Sea.

• Monsoon

  address: 8 Gandhi Street
  The best Asian restaurant in Tehran, serving good Thai curries and decent sushi. European décor and music.

• Nayeb

  address: 2220 Vali Asr Street
  Traditional Iranian food served in style.

• Ranch

  phone: +98 21 8865 1618
  address: No.108, on the corner of Satari and Afriqa (Jordan) Blvd
  An Italian restaurant opened in 2014 by Valentino Salvi. Nice outdoor eating space.

Confectionaries

• Bahar Confectionary

  address: Sarcheshmeh Crossroad
  The oldest Confectionary of Iran founded 1938. birthplace of paderazi and sugar bread. Best Known for traditional Paderazi and Shekari cookies. Quality is guaranteed. Diverse range of cookies and pastries are available.

For information on popular drinks in Iran, see Iran#Drink

Coffee shops

Coffee shops are a great place for people watching as well as drinking.

• There is a string of coffee shops on the south side of Jomhuriyeh Eslami Ave, a couple of hundred metres west of Ferdosi St. You can stock up on coffee beans and related paraphernalia, or even sample a cup for 4,000 rials.
• Cafe Naderi - serves coffee, tea and pastries to a mix of Tehran's intelligentsia and bohemian elite. It's a great place to sit and watch hip young guys eyeing gossiping girls while old men reminisce about the "good ol' days" under the Shah.

• Gramophone Cafe

  address: Charrahe Vali-e Asr
  If you want talk to your friends, you can go to Gramophone coffee shop, listen to nice music, and have a nice coffee. Some of people who work there can speak English. Ask for Beiruz.
• Hot Chocolate Coffeeshop - they stock cigars and a number of European cigarettes as well. This coffee shop is on occasion, a meeting place for some of Iran's sporting elite.
• Sanaee Coffee Shop, Sanaee St, 13th Street. Definitely worth it for their absolutely fabulous chocolate milkshakes. Try the 'Icepack' chain with their huge sortiment of milk- and ice-shakes. Popular with the Iranian youth.
• White Tower (Borj-e Sefid) along Pasdaran Ave, Definitely worth a visit if in the area- try "White Rose" in the White Tower.

Tea houses

• Azari Traditional Tea House - Just north of the train station. A bit far from the center but worth the trek. The atmospehere here is unique, from the moment you enter from the beaded doorway. This is a popular hangout for people of all ages. Features an eclectic collection of water pipes and tea pots.

• Chai bar

  phone: +98 21 22210310
  address: 145 North Salimi Blvd
  In a beautiful historic garden in Tehran. It is an ideal place to spend late afternoons/evenings. It offers great selection of teas and coffees as well as sandwiches.
• Entracte Cafe, (upstairs in a cinema on Jomhuri Ave ,just west of Valiasr Avenue ). An atmospheric and bohemic cafe operated by actress Leila Hatami and her husband. Ask for the traditional Iranian tea which is amazing. They serve a fantastic brunch 11:00-14:00 on Fridays and it includes sausages, bread and brie. Damaged by fire but possibly re-opened.
• Gandhi Shopping centre. For trendy cafes filled with liberal Iranians. You will find about ten coffeshops as well as a few very good restaurants, including Monsoon.

Juice bars

• In many places you can find fresh sickly-sweet carrot juice - as well as some other juices - for just 30,000 rials a cup.
• By most main bazaar in Tehran you can get a drink of blended honeydew melon with ice and sugar. Its delicious and extremely refreshing on a hot day. In the summer, you can try Khakshir a locally made amazing drink which is refreshing.

The old-styled Mosaferkhanehs and budget hotels are often low quality and overpriced. The reason is that Iran has had very limited exposure to the outside world. In many low budget places there are no European toilets or even no toilet paper and staff can be rather unfriendly with no English-speaking ability. However, a couple of modern hostels have opened in Tehran.

Budget

• Tehran Heritage Hostel

  phone: +982133988739
  address: No. 22, Kamal-ol-Molk, Baharestan Square
  The newly renovated Tehran Heritage Hostel sitting in a 100-year-old-building opened in January 2018. The location is very central and Baharestan metro station is just around the corner. Dormitories have beautifully designed bunk beds with private curtains, individual lockers, sockets and light on each bed and private rooms are en-suite, beautifully decorated with stunning bed linen. Useful and friendly staff, they can book your bus or train tickets for you.

• Firouzeh Hotel

  phone: +98 21 33113508, +98 91 24361974 (Cell)
  address: Dolat Abadi Alley, Amir Kabir St
  Good hotel with very friendly receptionist, Mr Mousavi, is a good source for information, especially regarding embassies and visas. Great place for breakfast, tea and meeting other travellers. Internet and wifi available.

• Hotel Hafez

  phone: +98 21 66709093
  address: Bank Alley, off Ferdowsi Street
  Location quite good, 5-min walking to National Jewelry Treasure and Turkish Consulate, with nearby currency exchange places. The duty manager (an old gentlemen) is very nice and speaks good English. Rooms are good and clean, bathroom water is hot. Can help you book train/bus/flight tickets, car/van or even visa renewal. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi, but signal is not good in the room.

• Hostel in Tehran

  phone: +98 21 88832266
  address: No. 2, Vahdati-Manesh (3rd) Dead End, South Kheradmand St., KarimKhan Ave
  Accommodation for cultural exchange. It features eight private rooms, two dorm rooms, an event-based café, a spacious outdoor garden and is run by a multilingual team.

• Hotel Khazar Sea

  phone: +98 21 33113860
  address: 12 Ohady Alley, Amir Kabir St
  Very friendly place and relaxed atmosphere around quiet courtyard.

• Mashhad Hostel

  phone: +98 21 33113062
  address: #388 Amir Kabir Street, Opposite Seraj Mosque
  One of the cheapest accommodation in Tehran. Nothing fancy and not exactly very nice but the obvious choice for those on a budget. Has a small kitchen with possibility to boil water and a dial up Internet connection. They do laundry for a reasonable price of 30,000 rials.

• Hotel Naderi

  phone: +98 21 21 6670 8610
  address: 520, Jomhouri Ave
  One of the cheapest hotels outside the grubby Amir Kabir Street. Still in central Tehran but Jomhuri Ave. has more restaurants than Amir Kabir St. Hotel Naderi is an old famous hotel where writers and intellectuals still meet in the downstairs Cafe Naderi. Some bathrooms are very old and somewhat dirty but the beds are reasonably clean. Ask for a room in the back to avoid the noise. Not to be confused with Hotel New Naderi.

• Hotel Saadi

  phone: +98 21 33117653
  address: 375 Laleh Zarno St
  Small hotel with free Wi-Fi for guests.

• Yas Hotel & Guesthouse

  phone: +98 21 33903796, +98 21 33902111
  address: 458 Laleh Zarno St
  Good location off Jomhuri Ave, close to Saadi Metro. Clean room and shared bathrooms. Clean and simple budget accommodation with shared bathrooms. Sink and TV in rooms.

• 7 Hostel

  phone: +98 21 88 68 15 16
  address: No 5, Dideh Baan Alley, Fakhr-e-Razi St, Enghelab St, Enghelab Sq
  In a villa not too far away from the center; it offers a veranda, kitchen and patient help for your time in Tehran.

• Tehran Hostel

  phone: +98 912 725 7703
  address: Malekoshoara bahar St. Gohar Alley . N.2
  Nice little hostel in a residential neighbourhood. Mori the manager is very nice and helpful. Clean dorm and bathrooms (only two (?) for the dorm). It's a good place to meet other travellers: those who just arrived and those who are about to leave. Free Wi-Fi and breakfast: Mr. Mori gets fresh bread every morning and you are free to use the guest kitchen to fry some (free) eggs, boil water for tea and use the fridge. It takes some time to get to the sights but the location is nicer than most of the central hotels.

• HI Tehran Hostel I (Bahar St. Branch

  phone: +98-912-053-0663
  address: #2, Corner of Firooz Abadi Dead End., Tabatabaei Alley, Bahar Shomali Street
  Private rooms, mixed dorms and female dorms €13 per bed per night. This place is clean with a super friendly staff, with a large variety of dorms and private rooms. Beautifully designed and noticeably clean private & dormitory rooms, working space, study & working room, kitchen & serving space, a green front garden which is a place to meet locals & get to know the local culture while relaxing and enjoying a traditional drink or meal, 24/7 reception, secured lockers, CCTV protection for common spaces, free Persian-style breakfast.

• Hi Tehran Hostel II (Enghelab St. Branch)

  phone: +989120530663
  address: #854, beside Abiverd Alley, Between college crossroad and Ferdowsi square, Enghelab St.
  Hi Tehran Hostel II (Enghelab St. Branch) is in the most famous historical/political street of Tehran, full of cafes, restaurants & art centers. 150 meters from Ferdowsi St and its metro station & exchange shops. The newer of the two Tehran Hostels, it is in a renovated historical building which dates back to first Pahlavi period. Beautifully designed with clean private & dormitory rooms and other amenities as in its sister hostel. 24/7 reception, secured lockers, CCTV protection for common spaces, free Persian-style breakfast.

• Bibi Hostel

  phone: +98 912 378 0600
  address: No. 13 Ramsar Street, Ferdowsi Square
  It's near various cafes and Iranian restaurants popular with tourists and locals.

Mid-range

• Amir Hotel

  phone: +98 21 8830 4066, +98 21 8830 4069
  address: 325 Taleghani Ave. Between Iranshahr and Forsat
  70 nice rooms with a great location. Popular with business travelers.

• Atlas Hotel

  phone: +98 21 88907475, +98 21 88906058, +98 21 88900286, +98 21 88900288
  address: #206 Taleghaani Ave
  Two-star hotel in convenient location and good rooms. Insist on a room in the rear building as rooms in the front building face the very noisy Taleghaani Avenue. Must pay in USD or euros. Breakfast included.

• Ferdowsi International Grand Hotel

  phone: +98 21 66727026, +98 21 66727031
  address: No. 20, Kooshk e Mesri street, Ferdowsi Ave
  Very nice and posh rooms and fantastic breakfast buffet. Centrally location. Highly recommended.

• Ideal Apartment Hotel

  phone: +98 21 88920841, +98 21 88920850
  address: Fatemi Sq Kamran Alley, No. 10
  Offers apartments with kitchens and separate sleeping rooms. While not palaces, they are good for self-caterers or people who face a longer stay in Tehran. Staff is motivated and speaks English.

• Iranshahr Hotel

  phone: +98 21 88846650, +98 21 88820518
  address: No 81, South Iranshahr Street
  Opened in 1953; renovated in 1981. Nice rooms and good service.

• Hotel Mashad

  address: 190 Mofatteh St, near Talequani ave.
  Rooms are renovated but small. Some rooms have a view into the former US embassy complex.

• Hotel New Naderi

  phone: +98 21 66709530, +98 21 66703761, +98 21 66701356, +98 21 66709531
  address: off Jomhuri-ye Eslami Ave #53, Gohar Shad Alley
  By 'new', they mean 1970s. Clean rooms.

• Parasto Hotel (Parastoo Hotel)

  address: Mohammad Buyk Alley, off Jomhuri-ye Eslami Ave
  Basic hotel popular with tour groups. Rooms can be smoky or dirty.

Splurge

• Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel

  address: 126 Keshavarz Blvd
  Opened in 2010, it is one of the nicest hotels in Tehran. 224 rooms, gym, sauna, pool.

• Esteghlal Hotel

  phone: +98 21 2266 0011, +98 21 2266 0025
  address: Crossroads of Dr. Chamran Experessway & Valie-Asr Ave.
  Formerly a Hilton hotel. 15 floors, 550 rooms, built in 1962.

• Homa Hotel Tehran

  address: #51, Shahid Khodami St., Vali-e-Asr Ave., Vanak Square

• Raamtin Residence Hotel

  phone: +98 21 8872 2786, +98 21 8872 2788
  address: 2153 Valiasr Ave
  50 spacious rooms with leather couches.

• Simorgh Hotel

  address: 1069 Vali Asr
  Nice location on cosmopolitan upmarket section of Valiasr St. Saei Park is almost next door and a beautiful green/concrete oasis in a deep valley. Hotel was once the Miami Hotel, and on the top floor is still the Miami Restaurant. Fairly good food - try the estrogen (sturgeon) fish kebabs, and the chicken cordon bleu. Good coffee in ground floor cafe. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped although rather dark. Business centre with fast internet and wifi in most rooms. Terrific indoor pool with separate bathing times for men and women. The hotel cars are in very poor condition, better to take a taxi from the street.

For information on mobile phone operators and using the internet in Iran, see Iran#Connect
You need to use a proxy server, VPN or a software like Freegate or Psiphon to access Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and some websites; otherwise, you might see this page which shows that the site you want to access is filtered and blocked by the judiciary system. You also need to use Freegate to check your bank account balance; otherwise, your account might get blocked due to the sanctions against Iran.

Internet cafés

• Ferdosi Coffee Net - Enghelab Ave, (a few doors east of Ferdosi Square) is hard to find (look for the small sign plastered to a building) has two banks of computers.
• Pars Net - one of south Tehran's hottest coffee nets, dishing up reasonable speed. It is on the eastern side of Ferdosi St, between Jomhuiyeh Eslami Ave and Enghelab Ave, across from the British embassy. They also provide fax and long distance phone services.
• Coffee Net Firouzeh - In Tehran's south in the nice and very friendly Firouzeh Hotel
• Iranian Trade Centre - around Valiasr Square offers several Internet cafes (coffee nets).

In addition to the above caffes, there are many others in all parts of the city.

3G and 4G internet connections

With a copy of the information page of your passport and a copy of the page with Iranian entrance seal and also, your visa, you can buy SIM cards and access the internet with GPRS, EDGE, 3G and 4G technologies. SIM cards are available in places like post and government e-services offices (Persian: singular: Daftar-e Pishkhan-e Khadamat-e Dowlat دفتر پیشخوان خدمات دولت; plural: Dafater-e Pishkhan-e Khadamat-e Dowlat دفاتر پیشخوان خدمات دولت), in big shops and at the Imam Khomeini airport. At least some shops refuse to sell SIM cards to British nationals.

3G

Mobile Communications of Iran (IR-MCI) or Hamrahe Avval همراه اول is a cellular phone company that provides SIM cards with 3G technology. You need to activate special packages to access the internet with less cost. This company has the largest cellular phones network subscribers and its numbers begin with 091. IR-MCI SIM cards have better signal coverage on roads.
Irancell is another company that provides 3G service along with the other cellular phone services. Its SIM card numbers begin with 093 and 090.
RighTel (رایتل) is anothe company providing reliable 3G internet connections.

4G

Irancel, Rightel, MCI all have 4G coverage in big cities.

Wireless portable internet connection

Irancell Wimax is one of the wireless internet networks available. MobinNet ISP Company is another service provider which provides wireless portable internet connection.

Considering that the population of Tehran is around 15 million, it is still one of the safer cities to visit in global terms. Violent crime is rare and exercising common sense and taking the usual precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas should ensure a hassle-free visit. Most areas are safe even late at night, although it is not advisable to take a private taxi at 02:00 for example (but the lack of public nightlife means that few tourists would be out at that time in the first place). South Tehran (or the areas south of the Tehran Bazaar) is the only area that should really be avoided after dark, as some of the more deprived neighborhoods are there.
Traffic in Tehran is very dangerous and should be considered to be among the worst in the world. Even though crossing the street might at first seem impossible, drivers usually do a very good job avoiding pedestrians. Still, try to cross the street when the locals do as there is safety in numbers. The rate of traffic accidents is disturbingly high, so faith should not be put on drivers' skills alone.

The fake police that have traditionally targeted tourists in Esfahan have also found their way to Tehran. These are usually uniformed men in unmarked cars flashing fake IDs and requesting to see your passport or to search through your luggage. You should ignore such requests and head to the nearest police station ("kalantari") if you feel unsafe. However, it can be somewhat hard for the untrained eye to tell these apart from real police.
If you decide to smoke the qalyan (waterpipe or hubble-bubble), make sure that you are not unintentionally smoking opium or any other kind of drug. Although drugs and alcohol are illegal in Iran, it is not impossible to get them, especially in Tehran. The government has banned smoking qalyan and cigarettes in public places, so finding a good place to smoke can be a challenge. If you really want to try the qalyan, do it only at a qahvekhane recommended by a Western guidebook or travel website.

Emergency services phone numbers

• Police: 110 (has English-speaking operators)
• Fire department: 125
• EMS: 115
• Road EMS: 115 or 112
• Road Status Information: 141

The traffic in Tehran is horrendous. To get a break from it, head to the parks in the north of the city.

Embassies

• If the hustle and bustle of Tehran becomes too much, it's possible to go to the Caspian Sea for a day or two. The holiday town of Ramsar is about five hours away, and the drive across the Alborz Mountains is spectacular. A taxi round-trip for a day shouldn't set you back more than 500,000 rials (ask for taxis near Azadi Square).

• Namakabrud

  address: Chalus County, Mazandaran Province
  Villa city and gondola lift in beautiful green coasts of Caspian Sea. - Violet and box-tree parks
• Qom — about 2 hours away southwest of Tehran by bus and one hour by car (120 km) is the most religious city of Iran followed by Mashhad

• Shemshak ski resort

  address: Rudbar-e Qasran District, Shemiranat County, Tehran Province
  its steep slopes are considered appropriate for expert skiers and boarders. The slopes lie at an altitude of 2550m to 3050m above sea level.

• Dizin ski resort

  address: Tehran Province
  This is a larger ski resort with more facilities and is considered better for beginners and intermediates. The resorts generate some rivalry amongst the locals, with some 'Shemshakis' looking upon those who ski in Dizin as 'kids in the park' and see Shemshak as the place for 'true skiers'. The ski season: from December to May.

• Sorkheh Hesar National Park

  address: Rey County, Tehran Province
  Perfect birdwatching place at an altitude of 1,547 m.