The Best Kept Secrets In Tehran Iran

The mega-metropolis that is Iran’s capital is often downplayed by locals and side-lined by tourists. Concrete, polluted, and overcrowded, for many it lacks the tangible sense of history found in other parts of the country. Beneath the surface, however, Tehran’s hidden treasures won’t fail to dazzle, delight, captivate and surprise – if you know where to look. Here we feature some of the city’s best kept secrets.

1. Nahj al-Balagha Park

Park

Located out in the west of Tehran, you will need a car to access the Nahj ol-Balagha Park, one of the most impressive and popular large scale public works developed in recent years. The expansive park has been cleverly landscaped into the slopes of a valley, through the center of which runs a small river. Filled with greenery, spots for picnicking, playing badminton or table tennis, the park is exceptionally popular with Iranian families as an evening activity. A wonderful venue for relaxing, people watching, and grabbing a street-side corn on the cob.

Talar Vahdat Opera House

Built in 1967, Talar Vahdat is Iran’s only opera house. No expense was spared in its construction, and therefore the building still feels luxurious and world-class today. Regrettably underused for opera and ballet performances since the Revolution, Talar Vahdat nevertheless hosts many theater productions, and is the proud home of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. The main auditorium seats over 1000 spectators at full capacity, and the exterior is modelled on the Vienna State Opera House.

Address: Shahriar Street, Tehran, +98 21 6673 1419