Why visit
Tehran sits below the Alborz mountains, mixing palaces, bazaars, museums, ski access, and a serious contemporary art scene. It is large, layered, and usually the gateway to Iran's historic cities.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Tehran is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Iran. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Tehran, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Iran better matches the trip style.
Tehran at a glance
City population
7.2 million
Elevation
1,178 m
3,865 ft
Time zone
UTC+3:30
Asia/Tehran
Airport
THR
Mehrabad International Airport
Iran at a glance
Country center
32.0°, 53.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,648,195 km²
636,371 mi²
Country population
89.2 million
54/km²
Subregion
Southern Asia
Currency
Iranian rial (﷼)
IRR
Dial
+98
Language
Persian (Farsi)
Demonym
Iranian
Internet
.ir
UN
Member state
ISO code
IR / IRN
Where in the world
32.0° - 53.0°
Iran
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Tehran sits below the Alborz Mountains, with ski areas reachable from the northern edge of the city.
- Golestan Palace, in the historic center, is UNESCO-listed.
- The corridors of Tehran's Grand Bazaar run for roughly 10 km, one of the longest covered market networks anywhere.
- Iran has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (27) than all but six countries: Persian civilization has 7,000+ years of continuous history.
- Persian poetry is a daily fixture: Hafez and Rumi are quoted as casually as English speakers quote Shakespeare.
Bordering Iran
Traveler notes
- Golestan Palace is UNESCO-listed
- The Grand Bazaar remains a major commercial district
- Darband and Tochal give mountain air above the city
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Tehran
What currency is used in Tehran?
Tehran uses the Iranian rial (﷼), ISO code IRR.
What languages are spoken in Iran?
The primary language is Persian (Farsi).
What is the international calling code for Iran?
The calling code is +98.
When is the best time to visit Tehran?
Apr–May, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Tehran?
Mehrabad International Airport (IATA: THR).
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