Tehran Tours

Once you have discarded the suffocating and gloomy image Western mainstream media has made out of Iran’s capital, you open yourself to an entirely new world, which you can discover by taking a tour of Tehran with Tap Persia.

What the capital lacks in pearly beaches and water sports, it makes up for in impressive historical landmarks, countless museums, traditional bazaars, and luxury malls.

Tehran has been the key ground for numerous historical events throughout Iran’s history, and the countless history museums attest to just that.

With a several-thousand long history of Shahs and revolutions and an odd mix of tradition and modernity in its streets, tourists are given a taste of both worlds and guaranteed a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

A Seven-Thousand-Old Civilization

A visit to Iran demands a unique perspective. An unprejudiced visitor is sure to benefit from being exposed to a different side of the world.

Iran is home to various ethnicities, including Persians, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Gilaks and Mazandaranis, Lurs and Bakhtiari people, Turkmens, Qashqai, Khurasani Turks, Arabs, Baloch, and others. Given the importance of Tehran as the country’s capital, all these various ethnicities merge in the city and create a colorful rainbow of cultures.

As one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, Iran boasts of something that only a handful of other countries worldwide can stand up to— a 7000 old history. Such ancient land is sure to be home to countless invaluable relics that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

In the last century, numerous archeological projects have dug up fascinating remnants of the past that have been put on public display in different museums in Tehran. The most prominent museum is the National Museum of Iran which houses the largest collection of archeological objects covering periods from the Lower Paleolithic to the Sassanian Empire.

A Mix of Both Worlds—Modernity and Tradition in Tehan

Iranians are proud of their history and traditions; this can be seen in their respect and admiration for the ways of the past, be it in manners and attitude or architecture and art. This admiration is reflected in the fabric of the city too. But times change, and so do tastes. What makes Tehran a unique destination isn’t its ancient-looking alleys and buildings but the mixture of such a lifestyle with luxury malls and high-rise buildings.

Tehran is where modernity meets tradition, both in the physical shape of the city and in its people’s minds. Tourists are given the opportunity to see both sides and interact with the bazaari people as well as those residing in the up-scale and luxurious neighborhoods of the capital.

A perfect example of this sort of meeting is the Tabiat Bridge, the largest pedestrian bridge and a must-see landmark in Tehran, connecting two public parks in the capital. The bridge is a symbol of balance between technology and nature. Where instead of one taking over the other, they are connected in harmony with one another.

Reminiscent of the Shahs

Although Iran is now a republic, it has traditionally been an imperial state ruled by emperors and kings, called Shahs, for thousands of years. No tour of Tehran is complete without visiting the museums that bear evidence of the nation’s bygone glory of ancient empires. Must-see places include Niavaran Palace Complex, Sadabaad Palace, and the National Jewelry Museum.

The Niarvaran Palace Complex, located in the north of Tehran, is where the last Iranian royal family resided. It consists of several palace buildings and monuments dating back to Iran’s last two royal dynasties, Qajar and Pahlavi. The complex’s origin goes back to the 1770s when Fath-Ali Shah, the then Qajar Shah of Iran, would spend his summers in the area. After the fall of the Qajar dynasty, the Pahlavis took over and expanded the complex, serving as a place of residence for the royal family as well as entertainment for visiting foreign heads of state.

The fast-developing events of the 1977 Islamic Revolution quickly led to the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty and their assets and properties confiscated. Including The Niavaran Palace. The peripheral buildings in the complex were demolished, while the key ones were turned into museums for the public to visit.

The National Jewelry Museum, located inside the Central Bank’s building in Tehran, is a constant reminder of the nation’s ancient glory and majesty. The collection includes dazzling and invaluable gemstones and jewelry that people only hear of in Persian legends and tales. Visitors are awestruck when they see in person the precious stones and priceless jewels of ancient Persia, including The Peacock Throne, Darya-i Noor, and the Pahlavi crown.

The Cherry on Top

If historical museums and precious jewels don’t quite convince you to visit Tehran, international ski resorts and luxurious malls are sure to do the trick. For those who easily get bored with history lessons and exhibitions, Tehran offers a wide range of sports and outings, including skiing and mountaineering, to supply a steady rush of adrenaline.

Located about 60 km away from the capital, Dizin Ski Resort can be a good source of adrenaline, especially for those interested in winter sports. The resort is internationally recognized for possessing the standards necessary to hold both national and international winter sports competitions. The resort’s sports are not limited to winter; grass skiing is also available in summer.

Another very popular outdoor activity in Tehran, especially during winters, is mountain climbing. Due to the mountainous nature of the region, countless mountains exist fit for climbing. Visitors’ itineraries can be customized to include mountaineering tours.

Most important of which is Mount Alborz, 5610m tall. If you do plan to go mountain climbing, make sure to visit the capital from mid-June to mid-September, when mild weather conditions make it the best time for climbing; Mt. Alborz is almost impossible to climb in the winter due to extreme winds and low temperatures.

No matter what your primary reason for tourism is, very few people can turn a blind eye to a good shopping spree while on vacation, and fortunately, Tehran offers high-class luxury malls and

shopping centers that suit all tastes. Galleria Shopping Center, Koroush Mall, and Palladium Shopping Center are only a handful of such places.

And if multiple-story extravagant malls aren’t exactly why you visited Iran, you can always check out the capital’s traditional markets known as bazaars. What these traditional marketplaces lack in variety and luxury, they make up for in unique architecture and atmosphere.

Explore Tehran with Tap Persia

If you’re tired of visiting the same popular tourist destinations every year that, most often than not, revolve around sandy beaches and extravagant hotel stays, a visit to Iran should be on your to-do list.

A tour of Tehran is sure to satisfy your restless spirit by offering activities that combine adventure and comfort. Rich history, fascinating cultures, and peoples are sure to make your journey a memorable one.

Tourists are given free daily walking tours during which the capital’s stunning architecture is seen from up close and necessary information is provided. During which they can also come in direct contact with local people, dine out and try new and traditional dishes.