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Guide to Tehran, Iran
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TehranCertainly not the most visually stunning or cleanest city in the world, Tehran lacks many characteristics that tourists find appealing in cities. Its spirit, however, turns ones whole perspective around. High-rises dont exist here (except for luxury hotels), and architecture isnt as wondrous as one would presume. But travel Tehrans alleyways on your trip to the citys renowned bazaar and you may meet some of the friendliest city dwellers anywhere in the region, and a few may even recommend certain sites we may fail to mention, or for that matter, even know about! Museums and other cultural attractions are not clustered together like in many other capitals around the world, making for an interesting excursion full of anything from haggling for a taxi fare to getting lost in a crowd at the peak of the day. Tehran is chaotic, and can be a downright confusing place to be in, but the rewards are great and plenty if you travel with your wits about you.
When to go:
If you do not enjoy extreme perspiration (we sure dont!), youd do best to avoid summer in Tehran altogether. During winter, Ramadan and the Iranian New Year alter city life considerably, and you may find it to be less to your liking. Many restaurants are closed during the day, for the fasting masses dont exactly bring big business. Therefore, you are left with two seasons: spring and autumn. Both have great weather, and long days, but what their differences come down to are the availability of activities and events. If youd like to explore the Iranian music and film industries, you can visit during spring, when the Iranian Epic Music Festival and Fajr International Film Festival take place. Autumn sees a number of smaller festivals, none of which are particularly internationally recognized.
Getting there and around:
Tehrans Mehrabad International Airport is recognized by carriers around the world, and is a busy one because of it. Some say that most of the flights coming in and out of the terminal are international arrivals and departures, but the number of domestic flights to and from Mehrabad is sure to outnumber those to/from other countries. Wherever you may be arriving from, youre sure to get wonderful, efficient service from the airports staff and travel into the city could not be easier (well, if disregard the traffic at peak hours of the day). Buses are the most commonly used modes of transport to the city, though newbies to Tehran may want to opt for a taxi to bring them to their hotels doors safe and
As those whove traveled to Tehran know well enough, the city is littered with gridlock, and as a result, pollution. The citys answer-in-development to this issue is the metro, slowly-but-surely making its expansion. For those looking to get around the fastest way possible, however, will have to spring for the priciest travel option in the city, taxis. You will have to build your budget around transport by traveling via taxi, but youre guaranteed not to get lost.
Attractions:
Tehran is full of museums, and though many find it odd that the citys cultural centers are not huddled together more closely, we find their displacement somewhat adventure-inducing.
You can begin your museum-hop at the Glass & Ceramics Museum, where youll find displays chock-full-of elaborate pieces worthy of world-class art gallery. Some pieces are centuries in age, while others are of more recent creations.
Afterwards, if youd like to ditch the anticipation process and head over to the largest and most magnificent museum in the country, you can catch a cab to the National Museum of Iran. Here you will find pieces dating back to civilizations from the 5,000 BC (yes, 5000 BC). Findings from excavation sites such as Persepolis and Turang Tappeh can be seen here, and if youre interested in the specific genre of Islamic Art, you can visit the National Museums annex, the Museum of the Islamic Period. Items ranging from calligraphy to textiles are all a big draw, not only for city dwellers, but foreigners as well.
For a shoppers delight (or nightmare), you can make your way into the frenzy at the Tehran Bazaar, where youll wander through corridors of every imaginable item you can think up. The Bazaarmay be a bit too much for some, as sellers are quite hawkish with passersby.
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