Tehran

A vibrant city with rich history

Tehran stands as Iran’s largest city and main gateway to international visitors. With roots stretching back centuries, it balances old traditions with modern life. The city features wide boulevards lined with shops, cafes serving tea and sweets and historic landmarks like Golestan Palace. Its climate shifts between hot summers and cool winters, making each season unique for exploring bustling markets or quiet gardens. Tehran also serves as a hub for art, music and literature, offering diverse museums and cultural events throughout the year.

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City in Iran

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 6.2

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	5
Tap water:	7

Read details

2/5

In Tehran, English is not widely spoken, but many younger people and hotel staff can communicate in English. Having a translation app or learning a few Persian phrases can be helpful.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Tehran Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Excellent for culture and museums. Visit grand palaces, explore historic bazaars, enjoy Persian food, walk city parks and discover rich art and history collections.

Place score

7.0

Best at:

Street food

Luxury shopping

Markets

Large cities

Fine dining

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 5

Seniors

💻 7

Digital Nomads

🥗 7

Vegetarian

Iran – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Iranian Rial (IRR) £1 ≈ IRR 1,756,040
Cashless info:	Rating 3/5 Foreign credit and debit cards do not work in Iran because of international sanctions, so travellers must bring enough cash (euros or US dollars) to exchange. Locals mostly pay with domestic bank cards, and ride-hailing apps like Snapp are popular. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card.

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in Iran. In restaurants, leaving a small tip of around 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up fares is appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is illegal in Iran, and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. Alcohol is only available in private or special non-public establishments for non-Muslim minorities.
Public smoking:	Smoking is generally allowed in outdoor public spaces and designated areas, but it is prohibited in many indoor public areas such as shopping centres and restaurants.

Nowruz (20 March)	Iranian New Year, a major holiday celebrated with family gatherings and festivities
Ashura (Varies)	A religious holiday observed with mourning ceremonies, especially in Shia communities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Snapp, Tap30
Other:	Iran is home to a rich history and culture, including ancient sites like Persepolis and Isfahan. Travellers should be aware of the country's conservative social norms and regulations, particularly concerning dress code and behaviour.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Tehran, Iran

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

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May

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Jun

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Jul

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Aug

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Sep

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Oct

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Nov

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Dec

High season:	April - May, Oct.
Shoulder season:	March, June, Sep., Nov.
Crowdedness:	9 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Nowruz, Persian New Year, about 20 March to April 2: many shops and restaurants closed, Tehran empties as locals travel, transport and hotels elsewhere booked out

Ski season in the Alborz (Dizin, Shemshak, Tochal), roughly December to April, within 1 to 3 hours of the city

Air pollution is worst October to February, when temperature inversions trap smog in the city

Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset

Don't miss

🏰 Admire Persian treasures at the Golestan Palace complex
🧿 Shop vibrant carpets and spices in the Grand Bazaar
🚠 Ride to Tochal Mountain summit for sweeping Tehran views
🏺 Visit the National Museum to explore Iran’s ancient history
🌳 Relax in Mellat Park and watch locals gather at sunset
🍢 Sample traditional kebabs and saffron rice in a teahouse

You've been here?

Why travel to Tehran?

Tehran is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. You can explore the lavish Golestan Palace, wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar and immerse yourself in the rich Persian culture at the National Museum of Iran. The city's parks and proximity to the mountains offer a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. However, it's essential to be aware of cultural norms, including dress codes and local customs. Iran's political situation may also affect travel advisories, so check the latest guidelines before planning your trip.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Milad Tower
The Milad Tower stands as Tehran's modern landmark, offering panoramic city views from its observation decks. Its sleek design contrasts with historic surroundings, while nearby cafes and shopping areas provide a vibrant atmosphere for visitors exploring Iran's capital.
2 Azadi Tower
The iconic Azadi Tower stands as Tehran's symbol of freedom, featuring a grand dome and minaret. Surrounded by bustling boulevards and green parks, it offers panoramic city views from its observation deck.
3 Sa'd Abad Museum Complex
A sprawling museum complex in Tehran showcases Iran’s artistic heritage through extensive collections of ceramics, textiles and miniatures. The site offers guided tours, interactive exhibits and a central courtyard that highlights traditional Persian design.
4 Tabiat Bridge
This pedestrian bridge spans the city's main avenue, offering panoramic views of Tehran's skyline and Tabiat Square. It serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, connecting diverse neighborhoods while providing a scenic walkway above the bustling traffic below.
5 Golestan Palace
This historic palace in northern Tehran features intricate tilework and lush gardens. It offers a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle, showcasing Safavid architecture and royal history within its serene courtyards and halls.
6 Darband
7 Azadi Tower

🎡Places for activities

1 Tehran Museum Of Contemporary Art
2 Jamshidieh Park
3 Lake of the Martyrs of the Persian Gulf
4 Tochal International Ski Resort
5 ab o atash park
6 Pardisan Park
7 Baam-e Tehran

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Alborz Mountains
2 Mellat Park
3 Ābšār Park
4 Qasr Museum Garden
5 Laleh Park
6 Lavizan Forest Park

🛍️Shopping

1 Tehran Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Tehran is one of Asia's largest covered markets, featuring intricate tilework and centuries-old shops selling spices, carpets and jewelry within a labyrinthine network of historic alleyways.
2 Iran Mall
3 Galleria Shopping Center
4 Ofoq Kourosh
5 Old Tajrish Bazaar

🎈Events

Fajr International Film Festival (February)
Tehran International Book Fair (May)
Nowruz (Persian New Year, March)
Tehran Art Expo (June)
Tehran Fashion Week (October)
Ashura and Muharram Ceremonies
Tehran International Theater Festival
National Day of Hafez Celebrations
International Festival of Traditional Music
Tehran Biennial Art Exhibition

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Respect local customs and dress modestly in public and religious sites.
Check visa requirements and plan ahead for reliable SIM card and data access.
Traffic can be heavy; use rideshares or trusted taxis, especially at peak hours.
Visit Golestan Palace and the National Museum early to avoid crowds and heat and hire a local guide for context.

How to travel to Tehran

Tehran is served by Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) for international flights and Mehrabad Airport (THR) for domestic travel. The city is well‑connected by bus and train routes from other Iranian cities.

Access summary

From Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA): Metro or taxi, usually 45–70 minutes.
From domestic Mehrabad Airport (THR): Taxi or bus into central Tehran, 20–40 minutes.
Long overland routes: Tehran is a major hub for Iran-wide bus network.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Tehran

Tehran offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Many hotels are centrally located, making it easy to explore the city's attractions.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

We couldn't find any nearby hotels for now.

How to get around Tehran

Tehran has an efficient metro system, affordable taxis and buses. The metro covers many key attractions and ride-hailing apps are popular. Traffic can be heavy, so plan travel times accordingly.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-80 %

Daily expenses in Tehran are around 80% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-97 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to IRR) is 97% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£20	£47	£121
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£11	£30	£75
🍝 Food per day	£8	£15	£42
🚕 Transportation per day	£1	£1	£4

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£7
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£2.50
🍟 Fast food combo	£3.10
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£3
☕ Cappuccino	£0.85
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£0.55

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.12
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£2.60
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.43

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£1.15
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£75
🤧 Cold medication	£3.50
💇 Basic haircut	£42

Safety information overview

General safety

Tehran is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to avoid political demonstrations and be cautious of petty crime. Always follow local laws and cultural norms.

Health & Medical

Healthcare in Tehran is of good quality, with many hospitals and pharmacies available. However, it's recommended to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies.

Accessibility

Tehran has some accessible public spaces, but the city can be challenging for those with mobility issues due to uneven sidewalks and limited wheelchair access.

Tap water

Tap water in Tehran is safe to drink. However, bottled water is widely available if preferred. It's a good idea to stay hydrated, especially in the warmer months.