The Ultimate Tehran (Iran) Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Tehran, Iran? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The capital city of Iran, with a population of around 9.3 million.
The largest city in the country and the Middle East, Tehran is a thriving metropolis burrowed between the Alborz Mountains and the desert.
Tehran is the 32^nd capital city of Iran, historically known as Ray.
Nickname: The city of 72 Nations.

Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR).
– Update: 1 USD = approximately 42,000 IRR (fluctuating)
Spoken languages: Farsi and Turkish.
Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are mild and pleasant, with ideal weather for sightseeing.
Summers (June-August) are very hot and dry with temperatures ranging from 30-40°C (86-104°F).
Tehran experiences significant air pollution, particularly in winter; travelers with respiratory issues should check air quality indexes.
Arriving via airport: Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is connected to the city centre with a shuttle bus with single fares at Rls20,000 while taxis charge upwards of Rls150,000.

Internet access: a VPN is essential for accessing many Western websites and social media; download before arrival.
SIM cards: Irancell offers tourist SIM packages at the airport for approximately 5 USD with data.
Strict regulations are imposed on homosexuality, which should be kept private as by Islamic law – it is punishable by the death sentence.
Power adapter note: Iran uses Type C and F plugs with 220V
Emergency numbers: 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 125 (Fire)

e-Visa: Iran now offers a streamlined online application system with 5-10 business day processing time.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): VOA is available at major Iranian airports including Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Mashhad.
Travel insurance: now mandatory for visa approval, with COVID-19 coverage still required in 2025.
Passport requirements: Must have at least 6 months validity and no Israeli stamps or visas.

Best hostel for solo travelers in Tehran: Zee Hostel. Exceptionally clean, with great modern facilities and very helpful & friendly staff that will make you feel right at home.
– Central location – perfect for exploring the city (walking distance to Valiasr Street).
Zafaraniyeh is by far the most elegant and classiest neighborhood in the city, with a generous mix of local and foreign boutiques, cafés and bars.
Valiasr Street is the longest street in the Middle East and Tehran’s main thoroughfare, a hub of commercial and retail activity.
Amir Kabir Street has an array of budget hotels, guesthouses and youth hostels.
Mid-range hotel prices: Expect to pay 30-50 USD per night.
While cash is still king, major hotels accept credit cards.

Tehran’s public transportation system consists of city buses, BRT buses, trams and metro rail. The system can be crowded and confusing, but cheaper than hiring a taxi.
– Tickets are priced according to zone and trip, with a single ride costing Rls 3,000 and a return Rls 4,500.
Taxis run on meter but often will require negotiating on fare. Always settle on a fare before getting in; dial 1812 to pre-book.
– Typical taxi rates: 3km trip costs around 1.40 USD; 5km around 2.00 USD.
– Women’s Taxi service: call 1821
– Women must sit in back seats when using regular taxis
Use Snapp (ride-sharing app) instead of traditional taxis (no more haggling!) Safe, popular, and reliable.
Women may avail of the services of Women’s Taxi Company, who only pick up women passengers; dial 1821 to pre-book.
Traveling between cities: use Iranian Railways and/or long-distance buses (just as the locals do).

Last call is 1 AM.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited for everyone in Iran, including tourists, with severe penalties.
Tehran’s nightlife consists primarily of the café and restaurant scene and private parties.
Darband hosts a collection of open-air cafés and chic restaurants.
Gandi is favoured by the student and artist crowd for its bookshop-cafés.
If you’d like to meet people in Iran, try the Bumble app.

National Jewels Treasury houses the Iranian Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection that reflects the history of one of the world’s longest living civilizations.
Golestan Palace is the oldest historic monument in the city, belonging to the royal Qajar citadel. The complex is made up of 17 palaces, museums and arcades.
National Museum of Iran is a proud collection of the nation’s history with a focus on archaeological relics as well as pottery, ceramics, textiles and calligraphy.
– Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (closed Mondays).
Azadi Tower is the symbol of Tehran combining Sassanid and Islamic architecture. Built with 8 thousand blocks of stone, it guards the west entrance to the city.
Tabi’at Bridge: a popular sunset gathering spot with temporary food stalls.
Many attractions close or have limited hours on Fridays (Iranian weekend).

Tehran Bazaar is the perfect place to get lost, with stalls selling everything from produce to books, jewelry, clothes and shoes.
Discover Tajrish Square one of the focal points of the city, ripe with shops, cafés and restaurants including the popular Tandis Centre.
Gandhi Shopping Centre is one of the best places in town to find coffee shops.

Must-try local dishes: kebabs, saffron ice cream, and Ash Reshteh.
Great restaurants to try: Gilaneh Restaurant (North Tehran), Shandiz Restaurant (fine dining – best kabobs), Shandiz-e-Golnar Restaurant, Rocco Park, and Iranshahr Restaurant.
Where to find good cheap eats: Khordad Avenue and Valiasr Street for local food stalls selling the ubiquitous falafel.
Doogh is the quintessential Persian drink, a refreshing blend of yoghurt, water and spices.

The Alborz Mountain range is considered a prime skiing destination.
Most banks operate 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday through Wednesday, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursdays.
Do not be tempted by black market currency exchange vendors despite seemingly better rates.
Cultural etiquette: a handshake is common, but men should not initiate physical contact with women.
All women (including foreigners) should don a headscarf and take care not to bare their arms and legs down to the ankles.
Dangerous areas: Iran is generally safe for foreign (especially Western) tourists.
No matter what, check for travel advisories for Iran before arriving – the political and social situation can be very unstable.

Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days