Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tehranنارهت
021 / POP 15 MILLION / ELEV 1184M
Includes »
Why Go?
With its relatively short history, ugly mask of concrete, sometimes choking smog and man-
ic streets flowing hot with machines, many travellers and no small number of Tehranis will
tell you there's no reason to hang around in the capital. But to take their advice is to miss
out. For while Esfahan or Persepolis has a convincing case for being the soul of Iran,
Tehran is indisputably its big, ugly, chaotic and dynamic beating heart.
Packed onto the lower slopes of the Alborz Mountains, this is Iran's most secular and
liberal city and it attracts students from across the country. Expect relatively bold fashion
statements, a range of ethnic and international restaurants, chic cafes and plenty of art gal-
leries. And while Tehran lacks history, it makes up for it with impressive museums. But to
get inside the real Tehran you need to get beyond the museums and into the cafes and tea-
houses and onto the walking trails. That's where you'll connect with Tehranis.
When to Go
The best time to visit Tehran is during the two-week No Ruz (Iranian New Year) holiday
from March 21. Given more than 60% of Tehranis come from somewhere else and head for
home for the holiday, the usual traffic chaos is replaced by relative calm.
