What are the best things to do in Tehran?
Top picks in Tehran include Golestan Palace, National Museum of Iran, Grand Bazaar, Azadi Tower. See the full list and itinerary on this Tehran travel guide.
Why visit Tehran
Travel guide for Tehran, Iran — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Tehran is a stop in Iran, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Golestan Palace, National Museum of Iran, Grand Bazaar instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 30–85 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Tehran
1
Golestan Palace
2
National Museum of Iran
3
Grand Bazaar
4
Azadi Tower
5
Milad Tower
6
Tabiat Bridge
7
Sa'dabad Complex
8
Treasury of National Jewels (when open)
Budget travel
Free things to do in Tehran
Grand Bazaar
Tabiat Bridge
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Tehran itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit The Azadi Tower
- Visit Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini
- Visit Milad Tower
- Eat at Delsin Sandwiches
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Golestan Palace
- Visit Ab-o-Atesh Park and the Tabiat Bridge
- Visit Chitgar Lake
- Eat at Dizi Sara
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Jamshidieh Park
- Visit Paradise Garden, Baq-e Ferdous Park?
- Eat at Falafel Stalls
Budget
Tehran trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 30–85
per person / day
Luxury
USD 100–160+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Tehran, Iran. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Tehran
Estimated total (USD)
$1,760
≈ $880 per person · $251 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $55/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Tehran mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 30–85 · luxury 100–160+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Delsin Sandwiches
Kebab and sandwich joints are found everywhere. This one has interesting salad, and humus (Lebanese mezeh). They have roast beef, chicken, t
Dizi Sara
A hangout of the rich and famous.
Falafel Stalls
Food Court at Jaam-e-Jam Mini Mall
A sight to see - not for the food. This is the closest thing in Iran to a pick up bar. Teenagers push the limits on acceptable clothing. Has
Iranian Traditional Restaurant
Young Iranians flirting, smoking flavored water pipe, and eating. The dizi is recommended.
Super Star Fried Chicken (SFC)
The Iranian version of KFC. Serves very good chicken burgers.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$
Firouzeh Hotel
Good hotel with very friendly receptionist, Mr Mousavi, is a good source for information, especially regarding embassies and visas. Great pl
- $
Hotel Hafez
Location quite good, 5-min walking to National Jewelry Treasure and Turkish Consulate, with nearby currency exchange places. The duty manage
Hotel Naderi
One of the cheapest hotels outside the grubby Amir Kabir Street. Still in central Tehran but Jomhuri Ave. has more restaurants than Amir Kab
Hotel Saadi
Small hotel with free Wi-Fi for guests.
Shopping
- Grand Bazaar of Tehran
- Milad-e-Noor Mall
- Behjat Abad Market
- Palladium Mall
- Paytakht Computer Complex
Nightlife
- Gramophone Cafe
- Chai bar
Museums & culture
- Golestan Palace
In pictures
Tehran gallery
Photos: Ninara from Helsinki, Finland, سید محمود جوادی, Blondinrikard Fröberg from Göteborg, Sweden, Rezamusavipur, Masoud Shokrnia — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Tehran travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Tehran?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Tehran?
Plan at least 3 days in Tehran for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Tehran?
Popular stays in Tehran include Firouzeh Hotel, Hotel Hafez, Hotel Naderi. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Tehran cost?
On the ground in Tehran (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 30–85, and luxury about 100–160+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Tehran, Iran. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
.jpg?width=1920)