★★★★★

Tehran

Azadi (Freedom) Tower

Golestan Palace

Gate of the National Garden

Mansion of Eyn al-Dowleh (Barg Art Gallery)

Sa’d-Abad Complex

Dizin Ski Resort

Darband District

Tehran Grand Bazar

Glassware & Ceramic Museum

National Museum of Iran

Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini

Iran Mall

Darakeh District

Niavaran Complex

Milad Tower

Tabi’at Bridge

Tochal Sport Complex

Treasury of National Jewels

Bank Sepeh Museum

Reza Abbasi Museum

Shah Abd al-Azim Shrine

Touqroul Tower

Bagh-e Irani (Persian Garden)

Museum of Contemporary Art

Carpet Museum of Iran

Chitgar Lake

Ab-o-Atash Park

TAJRISH DISTRICT

Tehran province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It covers an area of 18.909 square kilometers (7.301 sq mi) and is located to the north of the central plateau of Iran. The province was put as part of First Region with its secretariat located in its capital city, Tehran upon the division of the provinces into 5 regions solely for coordination and development purposes on June 22, 2014. Tehran province borders Mazandaran province in the north, Qom province in the south, Semnan province in the east, and Alborz province in the west. The metropolis of Tehran is the capital city of the province. Tehran province is the richest province of Iran as it contributes approximately 29% of the country’s GDP. Furthermore, it houses approximately 18% of the country’s population. Tehran province is the most industrialized province in Iran; 86.5% of its population resides in urban areas and 13.5% of its population resides in rural areas. The province gained importance when Tehran was claimed the capital by the Qajar dynasty in 1778.

Azadi (Freedom) Tower

This “Gateway into Iran” was named the Shahyad Tower, meaning, “Kings Memorial”, but was dubbed Azadi (Freedom) after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Originally intended to remind coming generations of the achievements of modern Iran under the Pahlavi dynasty, it has become a symbol of the country’s revival. It is 50 meters tall and completely clad in cut marble. The entrance of the tower is directly underneath the main vault and leads into the Azadi Museum on the basement floor. The black walls, the pure, sober lines, and the proportions of the whole building create an intentionally austere atmosphere. The shock is immediate. The lighting there seems to issue from the showcases placed here and there, each containing a unique object. Gold and enamel pieces, painted pottery, marble, the warm shades of the miniatures and of the varnished paintings glitter like stars among the black marble walls and in the semi-darkness of the concrete mesh which forms the ceiling of this cave of marvels.

Golestan Palace

One of the oldest historic monuments in the city of Tehran, and of world heritage status, the Golestan Palace belongs to a group of royal buildings that were once enclosed within the mud-thatched walls of Tehran’s Arg (“citadel”). It consists of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Gate of the National Garden

The National Garden is a historical and governmental compound in Tehran. Formerly referred to as the Parade Square, it used to be a military shooting range during the Qajar period. It was then turned into a public park for a short period, and eventually important governmental offices and museum were built around it. Building number 9 of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (formerly the police House), malek national Museum Post & Communication Museum, and the National Museum are located near this monument this gateway was built in 1906. It was built as entrance to Tehran’s first national garden.

Mansion of Eyn al-Dowleh (Barg Art Gallery)

Garden and building of Eyn al-Dowleh or Barg Art Gallery is one of Iran’s historical buildings and one of Iran’s valuable national relics which was established during the Qajar dynasty. This garden/building was the summer residential house of “Eyn al-Dowleh”, the minister of three critical historical eras of Iran during the Qajar dynasty, and nearly at the time of government change from Qajar to Pahlavi, this place was turned into the permanent ceremonial building, a large pool and many garden surrounding it. In 1997, while this place was desolated and relics. Currently, Barg Art Gallery operates in Eyn al-Dowleh building. One of the important historical events that happed in this place is Tehran conference and the accommodation of great politicians in this building.

Sa’d-Abad Complex

The Sa’d – Abad Complex is a 300-hectare complex built by the Qajar and Pahlavi monarchs, located in Shemiran, Greater Tehran, Iran. Today, the official residence of the President of Iran is located adjacent to the complex. The complex includes more than 180 hectares of natural forest, streets, Qanats, galleries, and museums.

Dizin Ski Resort

Dizin is one of the largest Iranian ski resorts in the Alborz mountain range, near Tehran and Karaj which was established in 1969. Due to the resort’s high altitude, the ski season in Dizin lasts longer than in European ski resorts, from December to May. The highest ski lift reaches 3.600 m, making it one of the 40 highest ski resorts in the world. The Dizin ski complex is the first winter sport resort in Iran which has been officially recognized and granted the title by the International Ski Federation for its capability in administrating official and international competitions. It gained its official title for its specific physical and technical features such as the course slope, length of the course and the place where the competitions and races are to be held, as well as amenities and other recreational facilities. Dizin is situated on the mountains of Alborz and is 45 miles of Tehran and 50 miles of Karaj, Iran. The installation of ski-lifts at Dizin dates back to 1969 which include three tele cabins, two ski-lifts, seven dish tele-skis and one hammer tele-ski, the lowest point of the region is 2560 m, while its highest point is 3600 m. Dizins climatological condition offers the longest ski season, which typically begins in November and runs through the end of May. Dizin ski amenities include two hotels, 19 cottages, and 5 restaurants. The ski activity in Dizin complex is not confined to only winter season. There are many other spring, summer, and fall activities. There are also other facilities such as tennis courts, mountain climbing, mountain biking. Ski instruction courses are offered. At the present, the Dizin ski region is administered by Iran ski federation. The snow quality at Dizin is fantastic powder and rivals that of many European and Rocky Mountain snow areas. Dizin is 43 miles north of the capital city of Tehran. It was first opened under the reign of the Shah of Iran in 1969. You can see Mount Damavand, the highest mountain in Iran, from Dizin. The scenery with the surrounding mountains is spectacular.

Darband District

Darband is an old village in Shemiran, located on the north of the Sa’d-Abad Museum, Tehran, the capital city of Iran. With its cool summers, Darband is a highly visited tourist attraction in Tehran. The Darband River passes through this village. Darband is 1700 meters above sea level, and is one of the main starting routes taken by mountaineers for reaching the central Alborz Range. Darband Street starts at 1600 meters above sea level at Tajrish Square and ends at 1800 meters above sea level at Sarband Square. The mountaineer’s statue, the most famous land mark in Darband, is installed at Sarband Square the Darband tourist area has many modern as well as traditional cafes and restaurants, located both indoors and outdoors, ready to serve tourists in this beautiful mountainous area.

Tehran Grand Bazar

The Grand Bazar is an old historical market in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Located at the Arg Square in Southern Tehran, it is split into several corridors over 10 km In length, each specializing in different types of goods, and has several entrance of Sabzeh Meydan. In addition to shops, the Grand Bazar of Tehran contains banks, mosques and guest houses. Don’t forget to have your lunch at Moslem restaurant at the beginning of Bazar (you won’t miss it, there’s always a big line in front of it because they have the best Tahchin in Tehran). You can use metro to reach to grand bazar so you have to take the train-line 1 (the red line) and take off at Panzdah-e- Khordad station. The nearest attraction to the bazar is Golestan Palace Complex which is located in Arg Square.

Glassware & Ceramic Museum

The Glassware and Ceramic Museum of Iran (Persian: Muze-ye Abgineh) is located at Si-e Tir Street (formerly known as Qavam ol-Saltaneh Street), in Tehran. The beautiful building of the Museum of Glassware & Ceramic is the mansion housing glass wares and ceramics that was originally ordered to be built as the personal residence of a politician named Ahmad Qavam in early 1920s. The building was occupied by him as residence and office up to 1953 when it was sold to the Egyptian embassy. Eventually, in 1976, it was converted into a Museum following some repairs and changes. The objects exhibited in this museum, which is also called Abgineh Museum, belong to a span of time beginning from pre-Islam period up to the contemporary Iran.

National Museum of Iran

The National Museum of Iran (Persian Muzeye Melli-e Iran) is located in Tehran. It is an institution formed of two complexes; the Museum of Ancient Iran which was opened in 1973, and the Museum of the Islamic Era which was opened in 1972. It hosts historical monuments dating back through preserved ancient and medieval Iranian antiquities, including pottery vessels, metal objects, textile remains, and some rare books and coins. There are also a number of research departments in the museum, including centers for archaeology, conservation, osteology, paleography, and pottery studies.

Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini

The Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini houses the tomb of Ruhollah Khomeini and his family (his wife Khadijeh Saqafi and his second son Ahmad Khomeini) and some political figures, such as former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former Vice President Hasan Habibi, Lieutenant General Ali Sayad Shirazi, and Islamic revolutionary figure Sadeq Tabatabaei. It is located on the south of Tehran in the Behesht-e Zahra (the Paradise of Zahra) cemetery. Construction commenced in 1989 following Ayatollah Khomeini’s decease on June 3 of that year. It is still under construction, but when completed will be the centerpiece in a complex spread over 20 km2, housing a cultural and tourist center, a university for Islamic studies, a seminary, a shopping mall, and a 20,000-car parking lot. The site is a place of Ziyarat for followers of Khomeini. It is used symbolically by government figures, and is on occasion visited by foreign dignitaries. Every year, Aytollah Khomeini’s passing away anniversary is marked on 3 June at the mausoleum in a ceremony that is attended by governmental officials, foreign ambassadors, and others. The Haram-e Motahhar Metro station is the closet metro station to the mausoleum. Non-Muslims are allowed inside the complex.

Iran Mall

The Iran Mall is the world's largest shopping mall as of 2019 (still partially under construction) located in northwest Tehran by Chitgar Lake. Its first of two phases opened in 2018 and occupies an area of 1.4 million square meters. The first phase includes 700 shops, a 20,000 square meter hypermarket, a fashion avenue, a diamond and crystal atrium, three food courts with more than 200 restaurants, a 3,300 square meter book garden with 67,000 volumes of books and several book stores, a cinema complex with 12 IMAX cinemas as well as a state-of-the-art 2,000-seat theater, a family entertainment center with a roofed amusement park, a museum, art galleries, a permanent car showroom, an Iranian Bazaar, and three hotels including a 5-star luxury hotel with 450 rooms, a 3,000-seat conference hall, a convention center, several galleries, and meeting and banquet facilities. The roof of the mall serves as a sports complex with long routes for hiking, cycling, and public activities. It includes 15 sports fields, tennis courts, a 12,000 square meter ice rink and swimming pools.

Darakeh District

If you like mountain and good trek or hike then head to Darakeh, a village in the north-eastern part of Tehran where several trails into the mountains will leave you spoilt for choice. All the trails are dotted with gurgling streams and gushing waterfalls brought to life mostly by melting snow. If all that hiking and the long trek leaves you tired and in need of some breathing space then stop, look around and enjoy the landscape. You can also take off your shoes, perch rocks and dip your feet in to the cool water. The tingling sensation that runs through your body is just the thing to make you feel alive. While you are in Darakeh, grab the opportunity to experience life in a Persian village. Tea is a favorite drink in Iran and the trails of Darakeh are dotted with tea houses where you can rest, sip on some black tea sweetened with suger cubes just sit back in the warmth of tea rooms covered with Persian carpets in warm colors of red and maroon with black. If you are in Darakeh during spring you can take your pick from one of the most delicious, fresh and colorful fruits of the season – Shahtout, or mulberries. The mulberries are large, dark, sweet, plump and delicious.

Niavaran Complex

Located in the north-eastern comer of Niavaran garden and completed in 1968, the main Niavaran Palace, was the primary residence of the last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the Imperial family until the Iranian Revolution. The main palace was designed in 1958 by the Iranian architect Mohsen Forouqi, and following a short delay, it was completed in 1967 and used in 1968. Niavaran palace covers an area of 9000 square meters and is designed in two and a half stations. At first this palace was designed to host high level guests but during the construction it was changed into a residence for Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and his family. The rectangular design and the interior architecture were built based on a modern technology and mixing pre-Islamic and post-Islamic art. There are many rooms located in ground floor, cinema, dining room, guest room, waiting room and “blue hall”. In the half story there is a work room, a conference hall, Farah’s secretary room, Leila’s Bedroom and the maid’s room. In the third floor there is Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s resting place, Farah’s Wardrobe and also rooms for their children and maids. There is also a room which contains Mohammad Reza’s official and military clothes medals and signs. The palace is decorated by a beautiful mixture of paintings from Iranian and foreign artists and carpets. The palace was re-opened for visitors in 2009. The nearest tourist attraction to the complex is Niavaran Park.

Milad Tower

Milad Tower is the sixth tallest telecommunications tower and the 15th tallest freestanding structure in the world. Second only to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the Middle East’s tallest tower, this 435-meter tower is visible from almost any location in Tehran and has become one of the main symbols of the Iranian capital. Erected in a 14000 hectare plot, the tower has been designed to withstand the strongest earthquakes and consists of five parts: foundation, lobby, shaft, head and antenna mast. The lobby structure consists of six floors. The first two basement floors contain administrative offices and Maintenance, repair and operations centers. The ground floor contains administrative offices and has ticket booths, security stations, 3D cinema, concession stands, escalators and elevators.

Tabi’at Bridge

The Tabi̕ at Bridge (Persian: Pol-e Tabi̕ at which literally means Nature Bridge) is the largest pedestrian overpass built in Tehran, Iran. The 270 meter bridge connects two public parks-Taleghani Park and Abo-Atash Park by spanning Modarres Expressway, one of the main highways in northern Tehran. The word tabiat means “nature” in the Persian language. The bridge was designed by Leila Araghian and Alireza Behzadi/Diba Tensile Architecture. It has won several awards, including the Popular Choice Prize for Highways & Bridges from the Architizer A+ Awards, a global architectural competition based in New York and Agha Khan 2016 Award for Architecture.

Tochal Sport Complex

Tochal complex consists of many recreational and sport facilities located in Velenjak, North of Tehran. Tochal Telecabin: is probably the world’s longest gondola lift lines with a length of 7500 m. the project started in 1974 and has been open to the public since 1978. It starts at the Velenjak valley in North of Tehran at an altitude of 1900 m and ends at the last station at an altitude of 3740 m near the main ridge of mount Tochal. This gondola lift is used for accessing ski resorts and other recreational centers on the mountain. Beautiful landscape, mountain fresh air and a multitude of fresh water springs adds to the freshness of the area with upgrading the safety standards of telecabin lines, people can enjoy the telecabin ride and other facilities.

Treasury of National Jewels

The incomparable “Treasury of the National Jewels”, which is open to public, is a collection of the most expensive jewels of the world, collected over the centuries. Every piece of this collection is a reflection of the tumultuous history, and artistry of the residents of this land. Each piece recalls memories sweet-bitter victories and defeats, of the pride and arrogance of rulers who were powerful or weak. The value of the objects in the Treasury of National Jewels is not limited to their economic value, but is also a reflection of the creativity and taste of Iranian craftsmen and artist over the different eras of history, and represents the artistic and cultural heritage of the vast country on Iran.

Bank Sepeh Museum

Bank Sepah a large museum with over 1000 of valuable coins, exquisite paintings, documents, paintings and old equipment used in the first Iranian bank.

Reza Abbasi Museum

The Reza Abbasi Museum in Tehran is located in seyyed Khandan and named after Reza Abbasi, one of the artists in the Safavid period. The Museum is home to a unique collection of Persian art dating back to the second millennium BC, from both the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras.

Shah Abd al-Azim Shrine

The holy shrine of Hazrat Abd al-Azim Hasani (A.S) along with the sacred tombs of Hazrat Imamzadeh Hamzeh Ebn-e Imam Mousa al-Kazim (A.S) and Imamzadeh Taher Ebn-e Imam Ali Ebn-e Hossein (A.S) in Rey city has been one of the most famous sacred places and tourist attractions in Iran. Millions of the lovers of the Holy Ahlul Bayt (house hold of the Holy Prophet) from all parts of the world every year visit this holy shrine.

Touqroul Tower

Touchal tower with 11 meters inner diameter and 16 meters outer diameter is located in a beautiful garden. The entrance door of the garden is decorated elegantly. The thickness of its walls varies from 1.75 to 2.75 meters. There had been a Kufic inscription at the top of the tower which has been now disappeared. On his way to Mashhad, Naser al-Din Shah ordered some restaurants to be made to the upper part of the tower, which was collapsed in 1884. The tower now is protected by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization. On the marble plaque made by the Qajar dynasty, this building has been introduced as Boq’a-ye Touqroul. The anonymous architect of the tower has done concrete measures to increase its durability. Tower resists moisture by air passing through the channels at the bottom of walls. The nearest attraction to the tower is Ebn-w Babawayh Cemetery in Shahr-e Rey city.

Bagh-e Irani (Persian Garden)

The Persian Garden is located on the Sheikh Bahaei Street in the Old Town of Deh-Vanak. This garden is an old garden, with its green space is filled with Iranian trees and flowers. The peaceful Vanak Village sits just north of bustling Vanak Square. As of Tehran’s oldest district, this area was once known for its grand gardens, but the charm nowadays lies in its narrow alleys (some just 90 cm wide), wooden doors, and sun-dried walls. The Iranian Garden is modelled after the typical Persian gardens and is especially picturesque when it’s drowning in colorful tulips. Vanak Zurkhaneh, a gym of traditional Persian martial arts inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Saint Minas Armenian Apostolic Church are other sites to visit.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as TMoCA, is among the largest art museums in Iran. It has collections of more than 3000 items that include 19th and 20th century’s world-class European and American paintings, prints, drawing and sculptures. TMoCA also has one of the greatest collections of Iranian modern and contemporary art. The museum was inaugurated in 1977, just two years before the 1979 Revolution. TMoCA is considered to have the most valuable collections of modern Western masterpieces outside Europe and North America.

Carpet Museum of Iran

The Carpet Museum of Iran is located on northwest of Laleh Park in Tehran, and only 7-8 minutes walking distance to Contemporary Art Museum. Laleh Park and the carpet museum are among the most popular places to visit in Tehran. A handmade carpet means many things to Persian families and other regions, it’s display of wealth, an investment, a family heirloom, and a source of energy full of spiritual and cultural spirit. So it’s no surprise the Tehran Carpet Museum is a symbol of the entire region traditions culture.

Chitgar Lake

Chitgar Lake is an artificial and recreational lake located to the north of Chitgar Park in northwestern Tehran, Iran. Also known as the Lake of the Martyrs of the Persian Gulf, the complex has a total area of around 250 hectares; 130 hectares across the lake and 120 hectares on its coastal zone and resorts. About 80% of the body of water comes from Kan Creek, and the remaining 20% comes from central areas and surface runoffs of the district.

Ab-o-Atash Park

Literally meaning “Water and Fire” Ab-o-Atash is a recently opend park in north Tehran that should be enjoyed despite, if not because, of its gimmicky premise. There are several water features around the park, ideal for children to play in on hot days, as well as four imposing fire towers that sporadically blast out large flames skywards. In addition to this there’s a host of restaurants and cafes, badminton nets, and even an amphitheater that regularly houses spectacles of one kind or another. The park is also connected to Taleqani Forest Park by the multi-award winning Tabia’t Bridge.

TAJRISH DISTRICT

Tajrish is a former village in Shemiranat country, Tehran Province, Iran, which has since been absorbed into Tehran. The Tajrish district is located along the northern edge of Tehran. This district is one of the oldest parts of Tehran and during the last few decades, has become popular with the wealthy by virtue of the low levels of pollution, in turn created by the area’s favorable location along Tehran’s northern hills. Tajrish has an old Bazar and a mausoleum called Imamzadeh Saleh, both popular tourist spots. Tajrish Square is currently one of the busiest parts of Tehran, with bus terminals, cab terminals, and shopping malls including the popular Tandis Center. The square is where Vali-e Asr Street terminates. Vali-e Asr is the longest and, along with Shariati Ave, one of the most important streets in Tehran. It is also one of the busiest transportation hubs in Tehran. Many other suburbs are accessible from this square. A major metro station, the northern terminus of line one (the red line) is located here. Tajrish is at the junction of streets that lead to Sa’d-Abad Palace, Velenjak, Asad Abad, Zafaraniyeh, Elahieh, and Niavaran as well as many of the other places in northern Tehran.