Tehran
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Iran. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Iran
- Region
- Tehran Province
- Population
- 9 million
- Best time to go
- April to May, September to November
- Main airport
- Imam Khomeini International (IKA)
- Coordinates
- 35.69°N, 51.39°E
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Overview
Iran's capital spreads across the foothills of the Alborz mountains, rising from the crowded bazaars of the south to the cooler, leafier neighbourhoods of the north. It is a young, sprawling city of traffic, cafés and museums.
Travel to Iran is not advised at present, and this guide is written for a time when visiting is safer. When that comes, Tehran's palaces and collections make a rewarding introduction to the country.
Things to see
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Photo: ZarlokX, CC BY-SA 4.0 Golestan Palace
The Qajar royal complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of mirrored halls and tiled courtyards around a garden.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Brunobuisson, CC BY-SA 4.0 Grand Bazaar
A vast covered market of vaulted lanes, divided into sections for carpets, spices, copper and gold.
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National Jewelry Treasury
The dazzling crown jewels of Iran, kept in a vault beneath the central bank.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Blondinrikard Fröberg from Göteborg, Sweden, CC BY 2.0 Azadi Tower
The city's landmark gateway, built in 1971, standing in a huge square in the west of the city.
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Photo: Diba Tensile Architecture, CC BY-SA 4.0 Tabiat Bridge
An award-winning pedestrian bridge linking two parks, popular with families in the evenings.
Things to do
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Photo: ZarlokX, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk up to Darband
A path along a mountain stream lined with teahouses and stalls selling dried fruit, at the northern edge of the city.
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Photo: Arian Ar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Tajrish Bazaar
A smaller, lively market in the north with fruit, spices and a busy shrine at its heart.
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Photo: Taylor and Kevin, CC BY 2.0 Eat chelow kabab
Iran's national dish of grilled meat with saffron rice, butter and grilled tomato.
Where to stay
North Tehran
Cooler and greener, with cafés and easy access to the mountains.
Hotels in North TehranCity centre
Older hotels within reach of the palace, bazaar and museums.
Hotels in City centre
Getting around
The Metro is the best way to beat the traffic, with women-only carriages available. Taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the rest.
Imam Khomeini airport is about 50 kilometres south of the city; in normal times a taxi takes around an hour.
When to go
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are mild. Summers are hot and winters cold, sometimes with snow. Nowruz, the Persian new year in late March, is a major holiday when much of the city leaves town.
Plan your trip to Tehran
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.