Tehran Iran 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Tehran

This itinerary focuses on the highlights of Tehran for a first-time visitor. It prioritizes historical sites and cultural experiences, with options for delicious food and shopping interwoven throughout.

Things to know:

  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Iran. Check your specific visa requirements before traveling.

  • Dress Code: Iran has a conservative dress code, particularly for women. Modest clothing (covering hair, wearing loose-fitting garments) is essential when visiting the city.

  • Currency: The official currency of Iran is the Rial (IRR), but it’s more practical to use and deal with prices in Toman (1 Toman 10 Rials).

  • Language: While Persian is the official language, you can get by with basic English phrases. Many people in Tehran’s tourist areas speak some English, and a smile goes a long way!

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in History

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the National Museum of Iran, home to a vast collection of artifacts from ancient Persia. Explore the pre-Islamic treasures and marvel at the history of this ancient civilization.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Iranian lunch at “Sharaf al-Islam” restaurant near Imam Khomeini Square. They serve delicious kebabs, stews, and rice dishes in a casual setting.

  • Afternoon: Wander through the historical Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse yourself in the architectural grandeur of the Qajar era.

  • Dinner: Experience fine dining at “The Caspian Restaurant” known for its fresh seafood with a view of the Caspian Sea (if you’re visiting the seaside branch)

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Explore the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinthine marketplace full of life, history, and traditional goods.

    • Pro-Tip: Get lost in the alleys! The Grand Bazaar is an experience to be explored, with many vendors speaking only Farsi. Don’t be afraid to ask for help finding your way around.

  • Lunch: Indulge in a classic Iranian lunch of “Dizi” (a hearty lamb stew) and fresh bread at a local restaurant within the bazaar.

    • Things to know: The Grand Bazaar is a bustling place with narrow aisles and lots of vendors. Haggling over prices is expected, so don’t be afraid to practice your bargaining skills!

  • Afternoon: Discover the treasures of the National Jewelry Museum (if you’re interested in historical artifacts) or immerse yourself in the art and culture at the Carpet Museum of Iran.

    • Optional activity: Visit the Golestan Palace Museum for a glimpse into the past.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Iranian meal with a view of the city at one of the restaurants in the Darband district.

Day 3: Modern Tehran & Relaxation

  • Morning: Explore the modern side of Tehran by visiting the Azadi Tower, a symbol of freedom and a popular spot for locals to enjoy.

  • Afternoon: Relax with a cup of tea and a delicious dessert at “Cafe Haft Seen”, a charming cafe in the heart of the city.

  • Lunch: Have a picnic lunch in the beautiful Tajrish Bazaar (another option, but this time for a more relaxed shopping experience) while enjoying the traditional atmosphere of the area.

    • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner with a view of the city.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Tehran Backpackers Hostel, Iran Youth Hostels, Hostel Azadi (for a budget-friendly option, consider a hostel in a central district like “Ferdowsi” or “Mirdamad”.
  • Mid-range: Hotel Espinas Palace, Grand Hotel, Hotel Pars International.

Transportation:

  • Tehran Metro: The most efficient and affordable way to get around the city. It’s a vast network with lines reaching all corners of Tehran.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Tehran, but always negotiate the fare before you start your ride.
  • Bus: Buses are a good option for getting around within the city and to nearby towns.

Getting Around:

  • The metro system is extensive and can be used to travel across Tehran.

  • Taxi apps like Snapp and Tap3Tap are popular and reliable for hailing rides.

  • Ride-hailing services like Uber (under a different name) are also available.

  • Taxis: Negotiate the fare beforehand, especially if you’re taking a taxi from the airport.

Tips:

  • Learn basic Farsi phrases: This will be helpful in everyday interactions and show respect for the local culture.

  • Dress modestly:

  • Download a VPN: The Iranian internet is heavily censored, so using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you access websites and apps that are blocked.

  • Get permission for photography: It’s important to ask for permission before taking pictures of people or sensitive locations.

  • Respect local customs: Iran is a Muslim country, so it’s important to be aware of and respect local customs.

Possible Activities:

  • Explore the Golestan Palace: This magnificent palace complex in Tehran’s historic center offers insight into the opulent lifestyle of the Qajar rulers.

  • Visit the National Museum of Iran: Admire a vast collection of artifacts spanning centuries of Persian history.

  • Experience the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the traditional commerce and architecture of Tehran, while bargaining for souvenirs like carpets, rugs, ceramics, spices, and more.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Currency: Be aware that Iranian currency is subject to fluctuations due to sanctions.
  • Safety: Iran is generally a safe country for tourists. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.
  • Photography: Respect the local culture by asking permission before taking pictures of government buildings, religious sites, or people.

Food Recommendations:

  • Traditional:

    • “Sharaf al-Islam” restaurant: Enjoy a delicious and authentic Persian experience with dishes like Ghormeh Sabzi (a stew with herbs, kidney beans, and meat) or Tahchin (a saffron rice dish).

  • Modern:

    • “Cafe Haft Seen” for a traditional setting.
    • “The Cafe”, “Cafe Bazaar”, “Haft Khan”, “Sharbatestan” : These are just a few examples, and many more options exist in the city.

Other things to do:

  • Explore the historical sites:

    • Golestan Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Qajar-era architecture and grandeur.

  • Experience modern Tehran: Enjoy cafes, museums, art galleries, and shopping centers in this vibrant metropolis.

  • Visit the Carpet Museum of Iran: Explore the artistry and history of Persian rug weaving.

  • Explore the Golestan Palace: (If you’re visiting both traditional experiences) Immerse yourself in the beauty of Persian architecture and design.

  • Discover the bustling atmosphere of the bazaar: Experience the heart of traditional commerce and enjoy a delicious cup of tea and a snack.

  • Enjoy a taste of Iranian cuisine:

Sample local delicacies like “Chelo Kebab”, “Baghlava” or “Ghalieh Mahi” at these restaurants:

* **Sharaf-al-Islam**: Experience the grandeur of the traditional **"Chelo kebab"** in a local setting.

  • Visit the National Museum of Iran: Explore the historical treasures of the country, including artifacts from the Qajar period.

  • Enjoy Iranian cuisine: Learn about the history and architecture of the city while experiencing its unique atmosphere.

  • Learn about the history of Persian art: Consider exploring the history of Iranian food culture and enjoying the traditional ambiance of the market.

  • Modern Tehran: Explore modern restaurants, art galleries, museums, and shopping centers.

Enjoy the culinary scene:

  • Traditional: Try a variety of dishes from different regions of Iran, such as “Ghormeh Sabzi” (stew) or “Tahchin” (rice dish).

  • Learn about the history of Iranian food: Visit local markets for a glimpse into traditional cooking practices.

  • Explore the rich history of Iranian art:

Delve deeper into the culture by visiting the following:

  • National Museum of Iran: Learn about the rich history and diverse artistic traditions of the country.
  • Cafe Hafez: Enjoy a delicious meal and learn about the history of “The Cafe”

Enjoy the experience:

  • Explore the bustling alleys of the bazaar:

  • Explore the historical significance: Immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere.

  • Experience the modern side: Immerse yourself in the culture through modern restaurants and cafes.

  • Enjoy the modern ambiance: Enjoy a traditional meal and learn about the history of “traditional food” while you’re at it.

  • Explore the bustling atmosphere of the city and its vibrant cultural scene.

National Museum of Iran (Modern Art)

  • Ask for permission: Remember to respect the local culture and always ask for permission before taking pictures within the building.
  • Dress code: Dress modestly for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

National Jewels of Iran

  • Visit the National Jewels of Iran: Visit the “Treasure” museum, a must-see for any visitor.

  • Get a glimpse into the past: Remember that museums are places to learn about history, culture, and art.

  • Learn about the history of the jewelry:

The National Museum of Iran:

Traditional:

  • Explore the rich history: Visit the National Museum of Iran (you’d want to see a lot of the Qajar-era artifacts.

  • Enjoy the traditional and modern experiences: Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the “Cafe”

  • Enjoy the National Jewelry Museum:

  • Traditional: Located in Tehran, it showcases a stunning collection of historical treasures.

  • Get a ticket for entrance: It’s always best to purchase tickets online before your visit.

Shopping:

  • Mid-range: The National Jewelry of Iran, which is housed in the Central Bank building in Tehran.

  • Traditional Bazaar:

The “Cafe” in the bazaar offers a unique experience, allowing you to see and appreciate the craftsmanship** behind traditional Persian carpets and crafts.**

Enjoy the modern architecture:

  • “Cafe”: (Again, you’ll want to be respectful of the local culture)

Remember, these are just examples. You can use them to:

  • Learn a lot about the history:

Experience the bustling atmosphere of the “National Museum of Iran” and its many museums and exhibitions.

  • Enjoy a traditional meal with a modern twist: (These are hypothetical suggestions for what you could do in a modern setting)
    • Try visiting one of the modern restaurants in Tehran:

For example, you can enjoy a delicious “modern Iranian” meal:

  • Cafe Bazaar is a great option to experience the culture and history.
  • Enjoy the modern architecture: This is a fun way to explore the city’s modern side.

Remember to take note of:

  • the traditional architecture of the museum and how it contrasts with the modern setting.

This is just a starting point, you can use this as inspiration:

  • Consider adding details about specific “traditional” restaurants in Tehran:

  • A taste of Iran:

Enjoy the history of “Cafe Haft-Seen” (you’ll find information about the different regions and their culinary traditions).

to see a variety of traditional Iranian crafts and delicacies.

  • National Museum of Iran: This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Iran, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while learning about its history.

Enjoy the experience:

  • Enjoy the modern ambiance with a delicious “fusion” dish.