Tehran
IranBSk
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
تهران شهر برفها و باغهاست | Tehran, city of snows and gardens
Why visit
The Golestan Palace (UNESCO) dazzles with mirror halls and Qajar tilework, while the National Museum and the Reza Abbasi Museum give a serious crash course in Iranian art and history. The Grand Bazaar is enormous and atmospheric. Northern Tehran offers chic cafes, the Tabiat Bridge, and quick gondola rides up Tochal mountain (3,962 m). The Treasury of National Jewels at the Central Bank is staggering. Sample tahchin (saffron rice cake), kebabs, and ash-e reshteh. Finish with sour-cherry sherbet at a faloodeh shop.
When to avoid
Iran's political situation is volatile, most Western governments have travel advisories ranging from elevated caution to outright 'do not travel.' US, UK, Canadian, and Australian dual nationals face arbitrary detention risk. Avoid all political demonstrations and never photograph government, military, or protest sites. Women must wear headscarf in public. Modest dress for everyone. Air pollution is severe in winter, sometimes shutting schools. Tap water is safe in the capital. Carry cash (rials), international cards do not work.
