Tehran is the capital of Iran and the most populous city in the country, with a history of life dating back to the Neolithic era. This city became very important during the Safavid period. However, the peak of its prosperity is attributed to the Qajar period when it was chosen as the capital. Tehran is located in an area between a mountain and a desert. It sprawls across the southern slopes of Alborz and covers an area of 730 square kilometers.
Today, Tehran is renowned as one of the most important tourist centers of Iran, drawing many foreign and domestic tourists to its sights, encompassing natural and historical attractions every year. This city stands out as one of Iran’s premier entertainment destinations due to its modernity and numerous entertainment centers, including forest parks, Milad Tower, a zoo, amusement parks, escape rooms and shopping malls.
Join me in this blog from OverIran to discover the best things to do in Tehran.
1. Azadi Tower, Tehran: Commemorating the 2500-year celebrations
Azadi Tower, still one of the symbols of the city of Tehran, was constructed as a memorial for the 2500th anniversary celebrations of the Kingdom. As a Tehran landmark, this tower holds significant importance among the city’s sightseeing spots. Before the revolution, Azadi Tower was named Shahyad Tower. In the past, nearly all visitors coming to Tehran from other cities took commemorative photos with this iconic symbol of modern Iran.
The story behind the construction of Azadi Tower is rooted in a competition held in the year 1345 among Iranian architects to select the best design symbolizing Iran’s identity. Hossein Amanat’s plan was chosen from among all the designs, and the outcome of this plan is what stands today as the Freedom Tower.
Azadi Tower incorporates architectural elements from the Achaemenid, Sassanid, and Islamic periods. An aspect that many tourists might not be aware of is the presence of a gallery, library, and museum beneath the Freedom Tower. Therefore, when visiting the Azadi Tower, do explore the basement and the tower’s museum; they should not be overlooked.
2. Milad Tower, the symbol of modern Tehran
Milad Tower stands as one of the contemporary tourist attractions and among the top places to visit in Tehran, establishing itself as a recent addition to the city’s symbols. It ranks as the sixth tallest telecommunication tower globally, serving as a hub for fun and entertainment for both Tehranis and tourists. The tower hosts numerous concerts and festivals, with many of Iran’s renowned singers performing in its halls.
3. Eram Park
The Eram Sabz Park sports complex stands as one of the premier recreational spots in Tehran for young people and children, offering various entertainment facilities. This complex boasts three active amusement parks, including an indoor amusement park called Shadi Castle, a zoo, a boating lake, an outdoor swimming pool with water slides, a restaurant complex, and reception halls.
If you seek thrilling entertainment among Tehran’s top places to visit, the Eram amusement park stands as one of the leading entertainment centers in the city.
4. Ocean Park
Ocean Park in Tehran is a sightseeing spot designed for children. The park offers a simulated environment of the sea, showcasing various habitats of marine creatures.
Within the ocean park, attractions include a special section featuring an elementary show, another area illustrating the destructive effects of plastic pollution, a large lake, a section dedicated to mobile marine animals, a waterfall and river segment, a polar exhibit, a fish museum, a section exploring the depths of the ocean, as well as cafes and product stores.
5. Human Park
Theme parks stand out as some of the best sightseeing spots in Tehran, structured around specific themes. The Human Park, the largest theme park in the Middle East, offers a suitable option for children and teenagers. This scientific amusement park is designed in the shape of the human body’s anatomy, allowing visitors to observe giant models showcasing both internal and external organs of the human body.
6. Escape Room, a Place to Think Together
The escape room has garnered numerous fans worldwide, including in Iran. If you’re seeking enjoyable spots in Tehran for young people, the Tehran escape room stands out as the best option for adventurous individuals. In an escape room, you typically have an hour to collectively strategize and solve puzzles to find your way out of the room.
7. Tehran Book Garden
The Book Garden is among the attractions in Tehran that captivates visitors of all ages. It boasts a vast collection of books and scientific entertainment spread across an area of 110 thousand square meters, earning the reputation as the largest bookstore in Tehran.
8. Azadi Karting
The Azadi Karting Complex ranks among the best places to visit in Tehran, promising an exhilarating day for visitors. The Azadi Tehran karting collection is a large and unique establishment in the Middle East, constructed with the support of Rotax, a renowned global engine manufacturer. The karting track spans 800 meters in length and measures between 8 and 10 meters in width. If you seek the thrill of high-speed driving, a visit to Azadi Karting is a definite must.
9. Skating: is one of the best things to do in Tehran
Skating, also known as ice skiing, is an exhilarating sport that demands advanced equipment. With the inauguration of the country’s first skating rink, the Iran Mall ice rink has emerged as one of the top destinations in Tehran, eliciting excitement among young people and children. Here, you can experience ice skiing under the guidance of professional instructors in a safe environment.
10. Roya Park (Dream park)
If you’re seeking an attraction in Tehran with a unique atmosphere, Roya Park Tehran is one to consider. This park stands as the country’s first visual impairment museum, comprising various sections. Designed by Iranian experts, this enchanting park is crafted to captivate your senses.
11. Darband
Darband, one of Tehran’s attractions and a preserved piece of Tehran’s nature, enjoys immense popularity among the city’s residents. Nearly every weekend, numerous groups of all ages bring their own amenities to spend a few hours in Darakeh and Darband.
The primary reason Darband attracts people is that its alleys and buildings preserve their old and natural style. This entails walking through narrow alleys with water flowing in the middle and both sides adorned with flowers and natural plants.
12. Tehran Sledge
The Golabdareh sledge is one of Tehran’s tourist attractions. Tehran boasts a 1200-meter-long sledding track, making it the longest in the country, where riders reach speeds of 40 km/h along its winding path.
13. Latyan Dam
Latyan Dam is one of the famous places in Tehran. If you’re considering a short excursion at minimal cost, we recommend exploring around the Latyan Dam. This dam, situated in the south of Lavasan, is a noteworthy sightseeing spot in Tehran. It was constructed at the confluence of the Jajrood and Berg Jahan rivers. The lush, spectacular nature surrounding the dam and the pristine climate of the area have transformed it into a tourist destination.
14. Ahar village
Ahar village is one of the famous places in Tehran, known for its natural attractions that attract numerous tourists. The surroundings of Ahar village are incredibly green and spectacular, offering opportunities for hours of leisurely strolls. Visitors can engage in activities like hiking in the surrounding mountains or exploring points of interest such as the Shekarab waterfall, the Shekarab river, the village’s springs, and its alleys.
15. The National Museum
The National Museum stands as proof of the authenticity of this land. It comprises two separate buildings, each constructed in different historical periods: one housing the Museum of Ancient Iran and the other hosting the Museum of Archeology and Islamic Art. Both buildings are among the sights of Tehran.
16. The National Jewelry Museum
The National Jewelry Museum stands as one of Tehran’s glamorous tourist attractions. You might recall the names of the Mount Light and Sea of Light diamonds from history books; these diamonds are housed in the National Jewelry Museum. However, the Mount Light diamond is currently adorning the crown of the Queen of England. While Iranian kingdoms historically possessed extensive treasures of gold and jewels, it wasn’t until the Safavids that these jewels were gathered together.
17. Golestan Palace
Golestan Palace, known as the Evergreen Palace, graces Tehran with its colorful tiles and verdant surroundings, evoking a perpetual spring-like ambiance. Situated near the market in the historical context of Tehran, Golestan Palace comprises several distinct sections, including the Hall of Salam, the Marble Ivan, the Hall of Mirrors, and the renowned Shams-ul-Amara mansion.
18. Niavaran Palace
Although Niavaran Palace is commonly associated with the Pahlavi dynasty, the garden and some palace buildings were originally established during the Qajar dynasty. AhmadShahi Kushk was the final building constructed in this garden during the Qajar era. Subsequently, on the orders of Mohammad Reza Shah in 1337, the construction of Niavaran Palace commenced within the garden premises.
this palace was initially constructed for foreign guests, eventually, the Shah began residing in it with his family, transforming it into the Shah’s palace. Unlike other Iranian palaces, Niavaran Palace showcases modern and simple architecture. During your visit to this complex, you can explore the palace’s special library, Kushk Ahmad Shahi, the museum of royal cars, the Jahannama museum, and the Sahibqaranieh palace.
Finally
Tehran, the capital of Iran, brims with attractions. You could spend days in this city, visiting a new tourist spot each time. However, in this blog, we’ve compiled the best ones for you to explore during your trip to Tehran.