Amazing Places in Tehran You Didnt Know Existed - شهر ورزش

Tehran , is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With a population of around 8.8 million in the city and 15 million in the larger metropolitan area of Greater Tehran, Tehran is the most populous city in Iran and Western Asia.

Its true that some visitors skip Tehran thinking that the capital city has nothing more to offer than its international airport. But it is actually known as the City of Museums, and has history tucked into its hidden corners. Here we present 10 amazing places tourists (and even some locals) didnt know existed.

Si-e Tir Street

Unbeknownst to even many locals, a synagogue, church, and Zoroastrian fire temple sit together harmoniously on the cobblestone Si-e Tir street. Haim Synagogue hosted Polish Jewish refugees during the Second World War, and as this number increased, a second Ashkenazi synagogue was built adjacent to it. Holy Mary Church is across the street from Adrian Fire Temple whose flame was brought from the temple in Yazd. Be careful as you walk in this area as it gets more crowded the farther north you walk, and motorcycles are merciless, often creeping up behind you on the sidewalk!

Jomeh Bazaar

Every weekend, Parvaneh Malls multi-storey parking garage converts to a Friday bazaar and should be experienced even if you arent in the market for buying anything. The first few floors are a treasure trove of antiques with everything from home décor to vintage photos, records, and gramophones. As you ascend, youll find unique handmade products by local artists and art gallery paintings being sold at a fraction of the retail price. Go early to avoid the crowds and to have the most choice.

Jomhuri Avenue between Ferdowsi Ave. and Shirvani Alley

Deh Vanak

The peaceful Vanak Village sits just north of bustling Vanak Square. One of Tehrans oldest neighbourhoods, this area was once known for its grand gardens, but the charm nowadays lies in its narrow alleys (some just 90 cm wide), wooden doors, and sun-dried walls. The Iranian Garden is modelled after the typical Persian gardens and is especially picturesque when its drowning in colourful tulips. Vanak Zurkhaneh, a gym of traditional Persian martial arts inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Saint Minas Armenian Apostolic Church are other sites to visit in this area.

Iranian Garden, Saberi St., Tehran

Negarestan Garden

In the chaos of downtown Tehran, you may be surprised to find this oasis of serenity. Built as a summer retreat during the Qajar era, Negarestan Palace was later converted to Irans first modern university where the famed lexicographer Dehkhoda wrote the comprehensive Persian dictionary. This palace currently acts as a museum, housing some of painter Kamal ol-Molks masterpieces. The outdoor cafe in this lovely setting has, needless to say, become extremely popular with locals, and if youre lucky, you may even get the table under the Hafezieh, a structure modelled after Hafezs mausoleum in Shiraz.

Negarestan Garden, Tehran

Masoudieh Palace

One of the most beautiful historical buildings of the Qajar dynasty is Masoudieh Palace. Aside from its historical significance dating back to 1879, this palace allows visitors to fully experience its culture and history in the cosy cafe, with its traditional architecture and stained-glass windows and whose servers are local theatre actors. A walk around the gardens and fountains will complete the outing to this unforgettable palace.

Masoudieh Palace, Mellat St., Tehran

Moghadam Museum

This majestic house once belonged to the artist son of Tehrans mayor during the Qajar dynasty. Along with a private and public wing, it has some the most exquisite tiles throughout the house. The museum displays some of Moghadams art and other objects he acquired during his travels. Enough cant be said about the surrounding gardens as they completely remove visitors from the hubbub of the city centre and offer a tranquil respite.

Moghadam Museum, Emam Khomeyni St., Tehran

Naser Khosrow Street

The oldest street in Tehran, Naser Khosrow has some of the most iconic landmarks. Delve into the past by first passing Darolfonoon School, Irans first modern school founded by Amir Kabir, a prime minister of Iran, in 1851. Further along, the gothic architecture of Saraye Roshan, one of the first commercial centres, is sure to stand out as unusual in Iran. The twin towers of Shams-ol-Emareh peek out from behind the buildings, and right across the street is Marvi Alley Bazaar with its plentiful shops, boutiques, and delicious street food.

Tamasha-gah Zaman

In the upscale Zafaraniyeh neighbourhood in northern Tehran, the Time Museum gives us a glimpse of how the most precious commodity has been measured throughout the years. Housed in a gorgeous 80-year-old manor, this museum holds an extensive collection of clocks, watches, and time measurement devices including hourglasses, sundials, and other ancient timekeepers from around the world. The outdoor cafe allows visitors to spend some extra time in the Persian garden admiring the architecture of the museum.

Tamasha-gah Zaman, Zaferaniyeh St., between Kafiabadi St. and Baghdadi St., Tehran