“Tehran is a grand bazaar, bustling with treasures”
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There’s more to Tehran than carpets.
Iran’s capital is a tug-of-war between ornate history and hassling modern life. There’s Persian bazaars, shisha cafes and rebellious street art, all tucked into the Alborz mountains.
Head up to Mount Tochal to ski on top of the city, or wander through the market to have a cuppa and a chat with tea-philosopher Kazem.
(Visas must be arranged before you fly)
Need to Know Modest dress is essential and women should have their hair covered
Do One Thing Escape the hubbub at laidback Darband Village
There’s more to Tehran than carpets.
Iran’s capital is a tug-of-war between ornate history and hassling modern life. There’s Persian bazaars, shisha cafes and rebellious street art, all tucked into the Alborz mountains.
Head up to Mount Tochal to ski on top of the city, or wander through the market to have a cuppa and a chat with tea-philosopher Kazem.
(Visas must be arranged before you fly)
“Tehran is a grand bazaar, bustling with treasures”
Go For
Need to Know Modest dress is essential and women should have their hair covered
Do One Thing Escape the hubbub at laidback Darband Village
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Top Picks Handpicked things to do, not included in the trip price…
Street art at the American Embassy
“And I’m gonna untag all our photos on Facebook too!” Iran kicked out America’s diplomats 40 years ago and the world’s been hearing about it ever since. Red, white & blue revolvers, a skeletal statue of liberty and apocalyptic murals cover the former embassy’s walls. Commissioned by the government, these anti-American murals give you the Iranian take on the global break-up.
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Details The world’s smallest teahouse
Past the genie lamps and magic carpets, inside the Grand Bazaar, you’ll find Kazem’s tea party for one. Like a cupboard from Alice in Wonderland, teapots line the shelves and steam fills the room as old man Kazem brews up a pot. Serving special ‘healing tea’ since the days of the revolution, Kazem the tea-brewing philosopher lets you pay what you can afford.
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Details Pretty Building Hopping
“You want… pretty buildings? Two for the price of one?” With a hall of diamonds and gifts from European monarchs in every room, the Golestan Palace is twinklier than Donna Summer at Studio 54. Next, stumble into a fairytale at Imam Jaafar Sadegh Mosque where you’ll find intricate tiles in Persian mosaics. On holy days you can watch locals taking part in religious traditions.
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Details Skiing on Mount Tochal
Mount Tochal is the Alp’s chilled-out Persian cousin. It’s just as big, but less flashy and without Gunter the try-hard instructor. Ride the world’s largest cable car to the top of the peak, and when you hop off you’ll have 1000m of snowy slopes to play with. Skiing runs 8 months of the year and the resort has tasty views over Tehran.
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Details Laid-back Darband Village
While the rest of Tehran haggles with you, Darband’s laying back on a floor sofa with a hookah pipe. By day, this village-within-the-city is all shisha and snowy mountain views. By night, the street lamps glitter like fireflies. Try a jigar kebab at one of the cafes on the river, then wipe the lamb off your chin and head to Tajrish Bazaar for baklava and mini doughnuts.
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