What to do with Children in Tow
Tehran isn’t too child-friendly overall but there are a few activities that would amuse and entertain the kids.
Iran
Tehran
The city of Tehran is not described as ‘pleasant’ by most but a few days getting to know the place will allow you to unearth unexpected treasures. It is clearly divided into the affluent north and the gritty south. Both parts of the city have experiences to offer the keen tourist. Southern Tehran with its maze-like roads and many impressive squares has many traditional and unique restaurants, teahouses and places to stay as well as interesting museums. The vast sprawl and pollution may be undesirable however. The northern suburbs boast more luxurious housing, parks and galleries and very friendly locals who aren’t as busy as those in the sout
Search Tehran
A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Sarkis Cathedral
built in the late 1960s, this is a very conspicuous non-Islamic building in Tehran. It is surrounded by the Armenian quarter and a few other church buildings. Telephone: 8889 7980
Reza Abbasi Museum
a tad further north-east from the centre of town, it contains beautiful ancient calligraphy, pottery and jewellery. Telephone: 863 001, open only on Saturdays
Azadi Square and Tower
the landmark and icon of Tehran, the Azadi tower is located to the west of the city. Its unique shape and surrounding parks and museum make it a tourist drawcard. Built in 1971 to commemorate the 2500th year of the Persian empire.
Baharestan Square
Another busy thoroughfare with shops and tourist attractions.
National Museum of Iran
located near Imam Khomeini square, is a treasure trove of interesting articles from Iran’s rich history. Telephone: 6670 2061 6
Milad Tower
Only a short metro ride north of the city is the Milad tower which features a 435m radio and satellite antenna, a viewing deck, a revolving restaurant and a sky dome. It is the tallest concrete tower in Iran and has an octagonal base, symbolic of Persian architecture.
Tandiss shopping center
it is a hive of activity with stores of designer brands, restaurants and entertainment. Its opening hours are 9am -10pm on weekdays and 10am -10pm on weekends.
Tajrish Bazaar
can provide an interesting outing for the whole family. It is beautifully built in the architechtural style of old Persia and houses stalls that sell absolutely everything.
The mausoleum of Imam Zadeh Saleh
is also worthy of a visit. The beautiful mosque dates back to the 8th century AD.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Tehran
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Tehran
Alborz Restaurant
Telephone: 8761907 North Sohrevardy Avenue, After Shahid Beheshti Avenue.
Fardis Restaurant
Telephone: 8828516 28 Ferdowsi Street.
Nayeb Restaurant
Tajrish: Vali-e-Asr Avenue, Upper Parkway. Has several branches in the northern neighbourhoods of Tehran. It is a very exclusive and prestigious restaurant, with delicious Persian food and smooth and efficient service.
Milano Restaurant
Telephone: 2213494, 2213494 No.6, Nezami St., Mirzapoor St., Dr.Shriati Avenue.
Khayam Restaurant
Located near the Khayam metro station.
Zeitoon Restaurant
Located in the Ferdosi Grand hotel; No.24 Kooshk e Mesri st. Ferdossi Ave Telephone: 66727026 – 31
Taj Mahal Restaurant
Vanak Square, Mollasadra Ave, 29 Sheikh Bahaei St, Shahrak-e Qods. Serves good Indian food but is in a fairly dingy neighbourhood.
Baba Taher
Located in Jomhuri-ye Eslami avenue Serves all kinds of food in traditional décor and surroundings. Live music can sometimes be enjoyed here as well. It is located opposite the south side of the British embassy.
Western fast food restaurants
similar to McDonalds and KFC are located around Enghelab street and Valiasr Avenue, in the Tajrish square area.
falafel restaurants
In Khordad Avenue, there are some falafel restaurants that prepare excellent authentic food for fairly cheap. The stalls are across the road from the bazaar and are a great way to experience Tehran.
Loading local prayer times…
Calculated times. Confirm congregation times with your local masjid.
Where to stay in Tehran
Tehran Enghelab Hotel
Talghani Avenue Telephone: 646 7251, Fax 646 6285 Four star hotel in a central location. Some of the rooms are a bit run down for the price, but generally a good experience. Staff is friendly and restaurants, coffee shops and recreational facilities are available.
Ferdossi Grand Hotel
No.24, Forobhi Ave., Ferdousi St. Telephone: 6719991-3 Fax: 671149, Website: http://www.ferdossigrandhotel.com/
Simorgh Hotel
No. 1069, Corner of Delbasteh Alley, Next to Saee Park, Valiasr Avenue, Telephone: 88719911, Fax: 88719913 Website: http://www.simorghhotel.com/
Melal Apartment Hotel
68 Naseri st, off Valiasr Avenue, Northern Valiasr Avenue area Telephone: 8879 0543 Website: www.melal.com
Laleh International Hotel
Dr.Fatemi St., Cross Hejab Telephone: 896 5021, Fax 896 5517 Website: http://www.lalehhotel.com/
Bolour Hotel
191, Qarani Street, in the Valiasr square area. Telephone: 8829881, 8823080.
Iranshahr Hotel
75, Southern Iranshahr St. Telephone: 8883 4976 Website: http://www.hotel-iranshahr.com/
Omid Hotel
No.20, West Nosrat St., 16th Azar t., Keshavarz Blv. Telephone: 646 7471, 646 4649, 641 8623, 641 8679, Fax: 641 4564 Fairly pleasant location, and the rooms are spacious and modern. Suite rooms with a kitchen can also be booked, rates include breakfast. Staff is friendly and a restaurant is available. Prices range from US$35-60 for single and double rooms.
Hotel Khazar Sea
12 Ohady Alley, Amir Kabir Street Telephone: 3311 3860. Fairly dingy location, Amir Kabir St isn’t too clean, but very central and close to the main squares and modes of transport. The hotel is friendly with a relaxed atmosphere. Prices range from 60 000-70 000 IR for a single and 80 000-90 000 IR for a double room. The Bathroom facilities are shared.
Hotel Tehran Gol
582 Amir Kabir Street Telephone: 311 3477 Still in the same street, but has cleaner rooms than most budget accommodation. Some large rooms have a shower inside, but no toilet. Shared bathroom facilities must be used for all the other rooms. Prices for a single room can go as low as 40 000IR or 70 000 for a triple.
History and today in Tehran
When to go
Tehran is situated 1200m above sea level so is slightly cooler than most other Middle -Eastern cities. Even so, stay away during the extremes of summer and winter for the most comfortable holiday. Best times to visit are late September to early November and mid-April to early June. If wishing to go skiing in the beautiful Alborz mountain range just north of the city however, winter is suitable.
Fast Facts
-Location:: Tehran city is located in the central north part of Iran, and is the administrative capital of the Tehran municipal district. It is separated from the Caspian Sea by the Alborz mountain range.; -Dialing code: country: +98: : city: 021 followed by an five to eight-digit subscriber number. Mobile phone numbers begin with a three-digit code 91x or 93x. -Emergency numbers; Police:: 110
Currency and Exchange Rates
The Iranian Rial (IR) is the currency in Iran
Public Holidays
Iran has a slew of public holidays, some according to the Persian, some lunar and others according to the Gregorian calendar. Islamic New year, Prophet’s birthday, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Arbaeen, Tassoura and Ashoura are all dependent on the Persian and lunar calendars and are changeable every year. The Victory of Islamic revolution (11th Feb), Martyrdom of imam Reza (15th Feb), The Martyrdom of Imam Ali (31st Aug), the Martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadegh (4th Oct) and Oil Nationalisation Day (20th March) are based on the Gregorian calendar.
Annual Temperature
Month High Low January 5°C -1°C
Tehran Residents
The people of Tehran are very friendly with tourists and the city has a fairly young population. Most residents are Persian and speak Farsi. There are many Armenians, Jews, Assyrians and Kurds. Some descendants of Punjabi traders, Iraqi and Lebanese Arabs and Afghans make up the remaining minorities. Most are Shi’ite Muslims. Some followers of Sunni Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism are also found. A fairly high degree of religious freedom and tolerance is practiced in Tehran.
Visa Information
Obtaining visas to enter Iran is relatively easy. Passport holders from Europe and the Gulf countries can get a 15-day extendable visa at Tehran airport. Other nationalities, including UAE citizens, can apply for a visa at the Iranian consulate in the country of residence. Your passport (valid for atleast 6 months from the current date), 1 passport photograph, visa fees and a ‘no objection’ letter from the parents (if the applicant is below 18 years of age), are required to be taken to the embassy, where the applicant is usually interviewed and an application form is required to be filled. Entry into Iran is denied if any evidence of visiting Israel is visible on the passport. Visa extensions of up to two weeks will generally be granted without too many problems, if the visa offices are visited early and all documentation is available.
Tehran today
The city of Tehran is not described as ‘pleasant’ by most but a few days getting to know the place will allow you to unearth unexpected treasures. It is clearly divided into the affluent north and the gritty south. Both parts of the city have experiences to offer the keen tourist. Southern Tehran with its maze-like roads and many impressive squares has many traditional and unique restaurants, teahouses and places to stay as well as interesting museums. The vast sprawl and pollution may be undesirable however. The northern suburbs boast more luxurious housing, parks and galleries and very friendly locals who aren’t as busy as those in the south. There are a few architectural sites to see in Tehran but not as many as some other cities in Iran. The city is alive in the daytime with crowds gathering in every eatery and public spot. Not much nightlife is seen and the city is ‘closed’ after midnight.
Tehran History
‘Tehran’ in the local Farsi language means ‘at the foot of the slope’ which is obviously a description of the city’s location at the foot of the majestic Alborz mountains. It has been the capital of Iran for 200 years, making one of the oldest and most populous capital cities in Asia. According to geographical writings from the 10th century AD, Tehran was a small village where the people from the neighbouring town of ‘Rey’ fled to in order to avoid capture by the Mongols. The town grew steadily from then on. In the Safavid dynasty, Shah Tahmasb built up the city as an administrative center with walls, gates and large buildings.
Useful information
Shopping
Dusto-e
is a souvenir shop with a large range of items and beautifully crafted ornaments. A good place to pick up expensive gifts or a keepsake from Iran. It is located at the corner of Valiasr Ave & Saveh St, in the Northern Vallasr Ave Area. Telephone: 2205 0071
Ferdosi Carpet Bazaar
sells all sizes and shapes of carpet and is a good place to make a carpet purchase without the chaos of the grand bazaar. It is located close to Ferdosi Square on Ferdosi Street.
The Jomeh Bazaar
The Jomeh Bazaar or Friday markets are held in the multi-storey carpark on the east side of Jomhuri Avenue from 9am-4pm every Friday. There are priceless antiques as well as almost valueless bric-a-brac.
Tandis Shopping centre
in Tajrish contains brand name shops such as Prada, Fendi, Banana Republic, Diesel, Zara, Guess and Versache.
Geisha Street, Milade Noor Street
Geisha Street, Milade Noor Street and Karim Khan Street have countless Jewellery shops where gold and gem-studded jewellery can be bought for extremely reasonable prices.
Jahan Crystal Company
is an art and crystal shop located at No.1643, Valiasr Avenue. Telephone: 22668916-9. It is open 9am-9pm Saturday to Thursday. Here you can find the best Iranian art and quality in crystal items at with reasonable prices. Payment is conveniently possible in Iranian Rials and US dollars.
The Valiasr Avenue
The Valiasr Avenue and Tajrish Tandis malls can satisfy any shopaholic, with brand name stores and traditional boutiques open till late.
The Hossein Hosseiny Carpet
shop is a small but charming establishment that sells carpets, qalyans and other traditional items for quite reasonable prices. It is located in the Serai Parsa bazaar, just off Kababihah Alley. If you want to buy a Persian carpet but do not wish to spend too much, this is the place to go. The proprietor is extremely friendly and offers great service. Telephone: 0912 388 5994
Moses Baba
It is another shop where souvenirs can be found. It is located on the corner of Manchuri and Ferdosi Streets, opposite the entrance to the British Embassy.
Tavazo Nuts
is a charming shop that sells the best nuts, spices and sweets in town. Perfect for gifts. It is located at 1565, Valiasr Avenue near the Chamran Expressway. Telephone: 2050329. Website: www.tavazomotif.com
Signature sights in Tehran
The bazaar
itself is a must see for visitors to Tehran, being called the
Golestan Palace and Gardens
is a beautiful complex of monuments built by the Qajar ruler Nasser al-Din Shah in the Imam Khomeini Square area. Also known as the palace of Roses, it houses some of Iran’s oldest buildings; serving primarily as a museum and home to ancient artefacts. There are several museums in the complex, and tickets must be bought for each separately. The marble throne verandah, Shams-Al Emarat (the palace of the Shah with its majestic furniture) and the Neghar Kane (a gallery of Qajar artworks) are definitely highlights. It was built during the reign of the Safavid dynasty (1502-1736) and has also been home to the royal family during the time of the Shah. It is open 9am-2pm daily
Muzeh-ye Post Museum
this free museum is located just off Imam Khomeini Street and is open 8am-4pm on weekdays. It is also known as the telephone, post and telegraph ministry museum and displays a large collection of stamps and memorabilia.
National Jewels Museum
a definite highlight of any amount of time spent in Tehran, this museum houses a vast array of jewels and jewellery enough to boggle anyone’s mind as to their value. Admission is 30000 IR, and it is open 2pm-4:30pm Saturdays-Tuesdays. It is located in the basement of the Bank Melli on Ferdosi street, just north of Imam Khomeini square. The massive collection of jewels come from the Shahs of the Safavid times who went to the farthest reaches of the, then unknown, world to obtain them. The largest uncut diamond in the world, the Kiani crown, the globe of jewels and the peacock throne are spectacular. Waiting for a guided tour is also worth it, as the descriptions on the items are often short and/or not in English.
US den of espionage
the building itself is closed to visitors (very rarely, the museum is opened between the 1st and 10th of February) but the southern walls contain interesting murals and finding out about its history can be fascinating. The building is now used by the military so do not take any photos in the vicinity. It is located at the corner of Taleqani and Mofatteh streets and is right next to the Taleqani metro station.
Iranian Photographer’s Centre
shows an interesting slice of Persian art and is a good place to meet Iranian photographers. The gallery is beautifully displayed and there is an adjoining shop which sells photographic equipment. Telephone: 8889 5054
Festivals and events in Tehran
Fajr International Film Festival
Fajr International Film Festival is held in the beginning of February every year and is quite a prestigious event. It commemorates the anniversary of the Iranian revolution. It showcases independent movies from all over the world and the awards are held in high regard. Website: http://fajrfestival.ir Telephone: 22735090
Nowruz and Sizdar Bedar
The spring festival of ‘Rejuvenation’ starts on the first day of the lunar New Year and is celebrated for 13 days. This is the most important holiday in the Iranian culture and is usually preceded by ‘spring cleaning’. People buy new clothes and visit each other with gifts and food. The 13th day is Sizdar Bedah, traditionally celebrated outdoors with activities centered on nature. Family picnics, music and dancing are common.
Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF)
This is the largest exhibition of its kind in the Middle-East with publishers from all around the world coming in to market their newest books. It is generally held in the Tehran Mosaal site and runs for about a week.
Tehran Music and Sound Festival
Tehran Music and Sound Festival takes place for the whole month of August at the fairground in Tajrish. The festival incorporates traditional performances along with more contemporary and popular music, as well as scientific features on the creative arts.
International Digital Media Fair and Festival
International Digital Media Fair and Festival is usually held at the end of September to the middle of October. This festival showcases the digital technologies of countries around the world. It is also a cultural event, displaying artworks and performances.
Tehran tours and experiences
Organized Tours
Gardesh Yaran tour operators Telephone: 88717165 - 88717038 fax: 88723051 Email: [email protected], Address: No. 4, 5th St., Vozara Ave., Zip Code: 15137
Tehran masjids and Muslim travel
Emam Khomeini Mosque
in the bazaar area, a beautifully made mosque.
Masjid al-Nabi Mosque
W BouAli, Tehran, Iran
Amir-al-Momenin Masjid
Shahrak-e-Farhangian, Tehran, Iran
Masjid Giahi
Jafar Abad, Tehran, Iran
Masjid Shemiranat
Rafii, Tehran, Iran
Emamzadeh Saleh
Tajrish, Tehran, Iran
Transportation
Buses
The bus service in Tehran is extensive and thorough. There are four bus terminals, the western, eastern, southern and central bus terminals, that service Tehran and the many intercity routes. The sheer number of buses running at any one time means that simply turning up at the closest terminal is enough to find a bus that can take you where you want to go.
Metro
The metro system in Tehran is new compared to most other things in the city, the first line became operational in 1999 and the newest in 2007. The clean and conspicuously systematic carriages are getting progressively more useful a means of transport as more stops and lines open up. Tickets can be bought in various forms, seasonal, stored value etc, and are moderately priced at around 1500 IR per single trip.
Taxi
Getting a separate taxi for yourself is expensive but safe and convienient way to get around short distances. To get the real feel of the city however, there must be a few rides in shared taxis. The fare for shared taxis must be agreed on beforehand to avoid being excessively charged. They cost about three times more than a bus ride of the same distance but are still fairly cheap. The downside of course, is comfort.
From the airport
A private taxi is the best way to get from the airport as other forms of public transport can be difficult to figure out on such short notice.
Driving Tips
Driving yourself is not recommended as the traffic can be quite hectic in the city. If you wish to drive, be sure to obtain enough insurance and drive defensively. A valid driving license is required.
Car for hire
Cars can be rented in Tehran through the newspaper (Tehran Times has advertisements) or several rental places in the city. Generally cars come with a driver so be sure to specify if you wish to drive yourself. Rental without a driver also tends to be exorbitant. Most rental places will keep your passport and/or ticket while the car is in your possession and do not accept credit card payments. http://www.irpedia.com/iran-travel/car-rentals/
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Possibly the most dangerous aspect of Tehran is the traffic. Unless you are completely at ease, do not expect to drive and be aware of your surroundings when walking.
