Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
1
Azadi Tower (Borj-e Azadi)
B4
2
Milad Tower (Borj-e Milad)
C2
Eating
3
Ananda Vegetarian Restaurant & Coffee Shop
F1
4
Azari Traditional Teahouse
D6
Information
5
Pakistan Embassy
C3
6
US Interests Section of Swiss Embassy
F1
Transport
7
Terminal-e Gharb (Western Bus Terminal)
A4
8
Terminal-e Jonub (Southern Bus Terminal)
D6
As you move around, the huge social and economic gaps between northern and south-
ern Tehran are plain to see. The south is older, poorer, more congested and generally less
appealing. However, as it was the centre of the city until the mid-20th century, the area
south of Jomhuri-ye Eslami Ave is home to many of Tehran's best museums, including the
National Museum of Iran and the glittering National Jewels Museum, as well as the Go-
lestan Palace complex and Tehran Bazar. A little north of here is the area loosely referred
to as central Tehran, on the edge of which is Park-e Laleh - home to the Carpet Museum
and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Most locals think of anywhere north of Valiasr Sq as northern Tehran. Much of this area
was semirural until about 1970, but frenetic expansion has spread apartment buildings fur-
ther into the Alborz foothills, engulfing the last shah's opulent Sa'd-Abad and Niyavaran
palaces in the process.
Most streets have signs in English but getting lost is still easy. It's worth remembering
the Alborz Mountains are known locally as the North Star of Tehran because they are, yes,
in the north. And as the whole city slopes down from these mountains, if you're walking
uphill that usually means you're going north.
For more detailed maps of Tehran and elsewhere in Iran, head to government map-
makers Gita Shenasi (
Click here
)
.
