Discover the rich history of Tehran by visiting the opulent former royal residence, Golestan Palace. Your family will love traversing through its grand halls, architectural marvels, and lush gardens. Don't miss the grand entrance, “Talar e Berelian,” one of the most popular parts of the palace.
Families interested in Iran's history should visit the National Museum of Iran. With over 300,000 items on display, both adults and children will learn a lot about the country's culture and civilization. Make sure to check out the reproduction of the Cyrus Cylinder, regarded as the world's first human rights charter.
Another destination that is perfect for aspiring historians is the Niyavaran Cultural Center. This historic site is the former residence of the last Shah of Iran and is composed of beautiful gardens and opulent palaces. Kids will love exploring the beautiful modern art pieces displayed in the museum.
Get some exercise and fresh air by hiking along the beautiful trails of Darband. This path leads to a chain of beautiful villages, and visitors can stop at any point to rest, drink tea, or enjoy some traditional Iranian cuisine. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when the greenery is at its lush best.
Completed in 2014, the Tabiat Bridge is a beautiful modern architectural marvel that connects two public parks. Residents of Tehran use it for jogging, picnicking, or just gathering with friends and enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains. Your family can enjoy a picnic or enjoy the beautiful scenery while strolling on the bridge.
Step into the world of contemporary art by visiting the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. There are over 7,000 items in the collection, including works by artists like Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko. Families with art enthusiasts should definitely plan to visit this place.
Get a 360-degree view of Tehran by ascending to the top of Milad Tower. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the city, take some family pictures, and learn about the tower's history and structure. Milad tower is easily accessible by car and offers a fun activity for families who love panoramic views.
Tehran's Carpet Museum is the best place to learn about one of Iran's most popular art forms - carpet weaving. The museum showcases a variety of carpets from different regions throughout Iran, exhibiting their beauty, craftsmanship, and design. Families who love art and culture should plan on visiting this museum.
If your family appreciates fine jewelry and treasures, the National Jewelry Treasury is a must-visit spot. The collection offers a glimpse into Iran's historical treasury of precious stones and gold-plated objects. Visiting this place is an excellent opportunity to explore the country's history intricately connected to its monarchy and craftsmanship.
No trip to Tehran is complete without visiting the city's Grand Bazaar. With over 10 miles of winding alleys, hundreds of shops, and excellent traditional architecture, it's the perfect place to buy souvenirs or enjoy a bit of local shopping adventure. The Bazaar's Iranian sweets are a must-try for everyone in the family.
Maintained and managed by Tehran Municipality, Pardisan Park is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Iran. This park has several botanical gardens, lakes, zoological gardens, and a dinosaur park, making it the ideal destination for families with children. Take your time in the park over two days exploring different sections and enjoying a picnic with your family.
Niavaran Park is another destination for families seeking some outdoor fun. This park features a variety of amenities, including tennis, basketball courts, and a football field. If that's not enough, children can enjoy a bouncy castle and an electronic game center. The place is perfect for kids from toddlers to teenagers.
One final outdoor destination for families to enjoy is Mellat Park. Known as Tehran's most extensive park, it has several amenities to offer visitors, including an amusement park, food court, and a cycling track. You can even rent a boat to paddle on the artificial lake. It's an excellent place to unwind and spend a relaxed day.
End your Tehran trip with a visit to a historic palace complex, Sa'dabad. The complex has a vast collection of museums, palaces, and attractive gardens. Visitors will enjoy exploring all twenty museums with art collections, royal portraits, and historical objects. The Mirror Hall in this palace is a must-see too.
Getting around Tehran can be done via the metro, taxi or private car rental. The metro is the most efficient and affordable method of transportation, with lines that go to most major attractions. Taxis are also available throughout Tehran, but always be sure to negotiate the rates upfront. Private car rentals are available at varying prices, depending on the type of car and rental period.
Travel time between the airport and the city center will take around 45 minutes - 1 hour by car or public transportation.
If you have more time in Tehran, consider visiting the Treasury of the National Iranian Oil Company or the Glassware and Ceramics Museum of Iran. Also, try Iranian traditional dishes such as chelo kebab, gheymeh, khoresht e fesenjan, etc. If you have less time, consider skipping Niavaran Cultural Center, Niyavaran Park, or Mellat Park, depending on your interests.
Tehran has two airports. Mehrabad International Airport (THR) is the primary airport that serves domestic flights and some international flights. Its distance from the city center is around 7.5 miles. Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is about 31 miles southwest of Tehran, and it serves most international flights.