Tehran

ProvinceIran, Asia

Tehran is a STATE in Iran, Asia.

Tehran Province, centered around Iran's dynamic capital city, offers travelers a fascinating blend of ancient Persian heritage and modern urban energy. As the political, economic, and cultural heart of Iran, Tehran presents a cityscape where glittering skyscrapers stand against the dramatic backdrop of the Alborz Mountains. Key attractions include the opulent Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Qajar-era architecture, the National Museum of Iran with artifacts spanning millennia, and the stunning Treasury of National Jewels displaying imperial gems. The bustling Grand Bazaar provides an authentic sensory experience, while the Milad Tower offers panoramic city views. Beyond the capital, the province reveals natural wonders like the Darband and Darakeh mountain trails, perfect for hiking, and the serene Chitgar Lake. Tehran's vibrant arts scene, innovative contemporary cuisine, and welcoming tea houses create an unforgettable travel experience where tradition and modernity coexist.

Best time to visit Tehran

Spring (April to early June) and Autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures (15-25°C), clear skies, and blooming gardens. Spring coincides with Nowruz (Persian New Year, March 21), a vibrant cultural period. Autumn provides pleasant hiking conditions. Summers (July-August) are hot and polluted. Winters (December-February) are cold with possible snow, offering skiing in nearby mountains but significant air pollution in the city.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Mild 15-24°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Medium
Prices
Medium

Autumn colors, comfortable

Know before you go

Getting there

IKA

Imam Khomeini International Airport

International

35 km away

THR

Mehrabad International Airport

Domestic/International

10 km away

Getting around

"Tehran has an extensive metro system (6 lines) that's efficient, cheap, and avoids traffic. Buses and BRT lines cover most areas. Official taxis (yellow or green) use meters; ride-hailing apps like Snapp and Tap30 are popular and reliable. Traffic is heavy; driving is challenging for visitors. Car rentals are available but not recommended for city driving. Consider hiring a driver for day trips. Walking is feasible in central neighborhoods like Tajrish or central Tehran."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes, but slow in some areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+98

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe, but be cautious in crowded areas and avoid political gatherings.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe, but be cautious in crowded areas and avoid political gatherings.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Tehran is generally safe with low violent crime. Exercise normal precautions: avoid political gatherings, be discreet with photography near government/military sites. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas like bazaars. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Traffic is chaotic; cross streets carefully. Areas around foreign embassies may have heightened security. Scams are rare but be cautious with unofficial money changers. Women should travel with a headscarf (hijab) in public."

Entry and health

Health information

"Tehran has modern hospitals and clinics, with private facilities generally offering higher standards. Common health concerns include air pollution (especially in winter), seasonal allergies, and traveler's diarrhea. Recommended vaccinations: Routine, Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Tap water is chlorinated but bottled water is advised. Pharmacies (داروخانه) are widely available. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Major hospitals include Tehran Heart Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, and private hospitals like Atieh and Mehrad."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly: women must wear headscarves and loose clothing covering arms/legs; men should avoid shorts. Remove shoes when entering homes. Greet with 'Salam' and handshakes (same gender); wait for women to extend hand first. Tipping: 10% in restaurants if service charge not included; small change for taxi drivers, hotel porters. Avoid public displays of affection. Respect religious customs during Ramadan. Always accept offers of tea (chai) as a sign of hospitality. Use right hand for eating and handing items."
Persian (Farsi)AzerbaijaniArmenianGilakiMazandarani

Costs and practicals

Currency

Iranian Rial (IRR) · ﷼

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs around $5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Tehran is affordable for budget travelers; mid-range options also available.

Timezone

Asia/Tehran +03:30 (GMT)

More facts

Population

13,300,000

Area

18,814 km²

Government

Provincial Government headed by a Governor-General (Ostandar)

ISO code

IR-26

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: เตหะราน, Теҳрон, تاران, তেহরান, طهران, ತೆಹ್ರಾನ್, టెహరాన్, تهران, Tahran, တီဟီရန်မြို့, 테헤란, Tehrān, Téhéran, テヘラン, თეირანი, ਤਹਿਰਾਨ, Τεχεράνη, Teherán, ཏེ་ཧི་རན​།, ቴህራን, ତେହେରାନ, Dakbayan sa Tehrān, Teran, 德黑蘭, Teerã, טעהראן, Тæхран, Teherans, Dziłtsį́į́kʼeh, تہران, ܛܗܪܐܢ, 德黑蘭/德黑兰, Тегьран, ටෙහ්රාන්, تېھران, تھران, Teerão, तेहरान, Тэгеран, Teheranum, טהרן, Tehron, Tehran, ТехӀран, TE, Teheran, ടെഹ്റാന്, তেহৰান, تهرون, Tahraan, Têhêrăng, Техеран, Teherán - تهران, شهر تهران, Teherani, Teheranas, ເຕເຮຣານ, தெஹ்ரான், Թեհրան, Тәһран, ടെഹ്റാൻ, Ṭehran, Tehrano, Tähran, Тегеран, 德黑兰, Teherāna, Qarchak, qrchk, قرچك

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