"Tehran - The Throbbing Heart of Iran" Tehran by JohnniOmani

Tehran Travel Guide: 516 reviews and 1,662 photos

Cute, female pre school in Tehran - Tehran

Center of Change

Tehran is a massive city and city that receives bad press on the international scene. The city has great museums and the people make this city well worth it. If you can overcome the 14 million residents and the smog , then Tehran won't disappoint. With its relatively short history, concrete and smog, and manic streets flowing with cars, many people say there is no reason to hang around the capital city. But if you listen to them you will miss out, Tehran is indisputably its big, loud, chaotic, vibrant and ugly beating heart. This city of 14 million is where change happened first. Politcally and socially it's Iran's cutting edge, and from the bold fashion statements of its youth to the range of restaurants, as a visitor you cant help but notice. Tehran's saving grace included a decent choice of hotels and restaurants a class above what you will find anywhere else in Iran. Tehran is a city that is loved or hated. I loved it !

US Den of Espionage

Old USA Embassy

More than any other building in Tehran or Iran, events stemming from the former US embassy in Tehran have had a dramatic and profound influence on the recent history of the country and Middle East. From a bunker below the embassy, CIA operatives in the early 50s orchestrated a coup that brought down the government of Mossadegh. The following 25 years , the US supported and influenced Mohammed Reza until he was pushed out of power. Fearing a repeat performance students stormed the embassy and took 53 US diplomats hostage for 444 days. The rest is history. Today, the former embassy is used by a local milita group that is dedicated to defending the revolution. On the walls outside you can see the Down with the USA sign, and at the entrance you can still see the damaged embassy logo (eagle). All along Taleqani Ave are striking murals stating that the USA/Israel are evil. Fascinating.

The Past

Postal Box used during the war

I thought the National Museum was a fascinating place and a great introduction to the country. The postal museum really put things in perspective with this postal box used during the Iran/Iraq war during the 1980's. The country was devasted in more ways than one realizes and the war left psychological scars that are obviously not easy to forget especially for the seniors of the country. It is interesting to see a country that was devasted, now isolated yet optimistic about the future.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Local Young People and cheap restaurants
Cons:Pollution!! and Traffic!!
In a nutshell:Fun city if you are willing to accept its bad points

Last visit to Tehran: Aug 2005
Intro Updated Aug 14, 2007
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Reviews (18)

Taleqani Avenue Things to Do (8)

Most travellers have a very distinct image of Tehran in their minds before they arrive and it usually consists of murals... more travel advice

Golestan Palace Things to Do (8)

Tehran doesnt have a lot to see considering its history but this palace is def worth a look. It is a place that is... more travel advice

Holy Shrine of Imam Khomeini Things to Do (8)

The Imams shrine is the resting place of the late Imam Khomeini and it is about 35 to 40 km south of Tehran on the main... more travel advice

Postal Museum Things to Do (8)

The post museum is an excellent way to get an insight to the countrys past and current relations with countries abroad.... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Insane Fumes
Hotels (3)
See All Tehrans Best Option

Restaurants (3)
See All A whole lotta flirting goin on
Transportation (3)
See All Shared Taxis

Comments (5)

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jumpingnorman Mar 10, 2009 at 12:08 AM

The Imams Shrine...nice pages on Tehran! I have an Iranian uncle - maybe he'll bring me there someday, Norman :) -hope you had a pic of the Globe of Jewels (50,000 gems!!!)
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willy_wonka Nov 4, 2007 at 4:32 PM

you have alot of practical info and tips here that alot of other pages lack. good stuff JZ!
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norain Dec 18, 2006 at 6:29 PM

Hope to make it soon to Iran.
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TheWanderingCamel Sep 11, 2006 at 7:50 AM

I too really enjoyed my time in Tehran - a much maligned place. leyle
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Narviking Apr 20, 2006 at 8:04 AM

Interesting. I was in Tehran in 1987, 1998 and 2003. Just loved it there !