Exploring Tehran with Family: A 15-day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Golestan Palace Complex
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Imam Khomeini Square

    Visit the Golestan Palace Complex, one of the oldest historic monuments in Tehran. This palace complex has a mix of traditional Persian and European architecture with beautifully decorated halls, gardens, and museums showcasing Iranian art.

  • Day 2: National Museum of Iran
    20 minutes (4 miles) from Golestan Palace Complex

    Explore the extensive collection of Iranian historical and cultural artifacts in the National Museum of Iran, such as pottery, metalwork, and coins. The museum also has a fascinating collection of manuscripts and documents from the Islamic era.

  • Day 3: Darband
    30 minutes (8 miles) from National Museum of Iran

    Escape the city and head to Darband, a beautiful mountainous area north of Tehran. Here, you can hike or ride a cable car to enjoy scenic views, visit local restaurants for traditional Iranian food, and enjoy the fresh air and natural scenery.

  • Day 4: Niavaran Complex
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Darband

    Visit the Niavaran Complex, a cultural-historical complex which once served as the summer residence for the royal family of Iran. Check out the beautiful Sahebqaraniyeh Palace, the Ahmad Shahi Pavilion, and other museums showcasing Persian art and history.

  • Day 5: Tehran Zoological Garden
    30 minutes (9 miles) from Niavaran Complex

    Spend the day at the Tehran Zoological Garden, one of the oldest zoos in Iran. Here, you can spot various exotic animals such as tigers, lions, and bears. There is also a bird park, aquarium, and reptile house here.

  • Day 6: National Jewelry Museum
    20 minutes (5.5 miles) from Tehran Zoological Garden

    Admire the stunning jewels of the former Iranian monarchy at the National Jewelry Museum. This museum features one of the most extensive and valuable jewelry collections in the world, including the largest pink diamond, the Darya-ye Noor diamond, and the Pahlavi Crown.

  • Day 7: Milad Tower
    30 minutes (9 miles) from National Jewelry Museum

    Get a panoramic view of Tehran from the Milad Tower, the sixth-largest tower in the world. Take an elevator to the observation deck at the top to see the city from above, then check out the rotating restaurant, art gallery, and observation cabins.

  • Day 8: Tehran Grand Bazaar
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Milad Tower

    Shop for souvenirs, clothes, spices, and Iranian handicrafts at the Tehran Grand Bazaar, one of the biggest and oldest markets in the Middle East. With over 10 kilometers of alleys and shops, this labyrinth-like bazaar offers a unique shopping and cultural experience.

  • Day 9: Azadi Tower
    20 minutes (6 miles) from Tehran Grand Bazaar

    Visit the iconic Azadi Tower, a symbol of modern Tehran and Iranian independence. This 45-meter-tall monument with a white marble base and a golden arch is surrounded by parks and a museum. Go to the top to see the cityscape from another angle.

  • Day 10: Cinema Museum of Iran
    30 minutes (8 miles) from Azadi Tower

    Learn about the history and art of Iranian cinema at the Cinema Museum of Iran. With over 20,000 objects and a vast library, this museum showcases the works of Iranian filmmakers such as Abbas Kiarostami and Mohsen Makhmalbaf.

  • Day 11: Iran Mall
    30 minutes (11 miles) from Cinema Museum of Iran

    Shop and dine at the Iran Mall, the largest mall in the world by total area. This mall features over 2,500 stores, cinemas, theaters, an indoor and outdoor amusement park, and a hotel.

  • Day 12: Tabiat Bridge Park
    20 minutes (6 miles) from Iran Mall

    Relax and enjoy Tehran's nature at the Tabiat Bridge Park, a unique pedestrian bridge with three levels, connecting two major parks in Tehran. The bridge features benches, cafés, and has its own park areas, offering a place for locals and tourists to unwind.

  • Day 13: Milad Tower International Convention Center
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Tabiat Bridge Park

    Check out a conference, concert, or exhibition at the Milad Tower International Convention Center, located in the Milad Tower complex. This state-of-the-art convention center is a hub of cultural and business events in Tehran.

  • Day 14: Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art
    20 minutes (3 miles) from Milad Tower International Convention Center

    See modern Iranian art in the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. With a collection of over 3,000 works by Iranian and international artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Warhol, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers.

  • Day 15: Tehran Book Garden
    20 minutes (4 miles) from Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art

    End your trip at the Tehran Book Garden, a cultural complex centered around literature, art, and knowledge. This garden has libraries, exhibition spaces, art galleries, a theater, and a café, offering a peaceful retreat in the bustling city of Tehran.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Golestan Palace Complex (2-3 hours, 200,000 rials)
  • National Museum of Iran (2-3 hours, 150,000 rials)
  • Darband (4-5 hours, 50,000 rials for transportation)
  • Niavaran Complex (3-4 hours, 300,000 rials)
  • Tehran Zoological Garden (2-3 hours, 100,000 rials)
  • National Jewelry Museum (1-2 hours, 250,000 rials)
  • Milad Tower (2-3 hours, 300,000 rials)
  • Tehran Grand Bazaar (2-3 hours, depends on shopping)
  • Azadi Tower (1-2 hours, 150,000 rials)
  • Cinema Museum of Iran (2-3 hours, 100,000 rials)
  • Iran Mall (4-5 hours, depends on shopping and dining)
  • Tabiat Bridge Park (3-4 hours, 50,000 rials for transportation)
  • Milad Tower International Convention Center (depends on event)
  • Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (2-3 hours, 300,000 rials)
  • Tehran Book Garden (2-3 hours, 50,000 rials)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 1,950,000 rials

Transportation

Tehran has various transportation options such as taxis, buses, metro, and ride-hailing services. The metro is the most cost-effective option but can get crowded during peak hours. Taxis are more expensive but offer more comfort and flexibility, especially when traveling outside the city. Uber and Snapp are popular ride-hailing services in Tehran, offering convenience and easy navigation. Expect to spend around 2,000,000 rials in transportation costs for the duration of the trip.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Sa'dabad Complex, the Carpet Museum of Iran, and the Tehran Museum of Glass and Ceramics. For a day trip, go to the city of Rey to visit the Rey Castle and the Shah-Abdol-Azim Shrine. If you have less time, skip the Tehran Book Garden and the Milad Tower International Convention Center. Tehran can get smoggy during the winter and may cause some respiratory problems, so bring a mask and check the air quality regularly.

Airports

Tehran has two airports: Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and Mehrabad International Airport (THR). IKA is the main international airport, located 30 kilometers southwest of Tehran, while THR is the domestic airport, located 10 kilometers west of Tehran. Most international flights arrive at IKA, which offers various transportation options such as taxis, buses, and metro to the city center.

0