While not many people may have Iran on their travel agenda, times are changing and travel bookings to this misunderstood region in the world have increased by 400% last year alone! As a destination with a plethora of things to see and explore, not to mention exotic cuisine and still pristine environments to impress even the most traveled outdoors lover, it’s definitely worth a second look. Whether you know much about visiting Tehran or not, we wanted to shed some light on this destination and put it on your radar for an unforgettable adventure in the near future.

1-Skiing and Camping at Tochal in Tehran
This is a really cool spot northwest of Tehran. It’s like a sports complex meets national park kind of combination. You can go hiking to the top and either take a gondola to the other side (Ski Resort) or chill at one of the restaurants & camping spots. I used to go here with my friends and watch the sunset.

2-At The Best Chelo Kabab at Alborz

This was the spot I used to go every weekend with my family and friends. This is by far one of the best Persian cuisine restaurants in the world. I sometimes contemplate about going back home just for the food, because it’s unlike anything else.

Alborz
sohrevardi shomali AVE,
Tehran, Iran
More here

3-Relax in The Village of Darband

Darband is one of my favorite places to go to when I’m in Tehran. It is located north of Tehran. Due to its cool summers, everyone especially the younger people go there to relax and eat. They also have really nice hookah lounges there apart from the amazing food.

More on Darband, here.

4-Resort Life at Shemshak aka "Shibiza"

Shemshak is a really fun ski resort town just north of Tehran. It is one of the places where people go to meet with their friends and socialize. There are no nightclubs in Iran. In fact, Alcohol is prohibited. Regardless, It actually has a very good underground scene unlike anywhere in the world! Thus, people often mix Shemshak with Ibiza and call it “Shibiza”. There also is a house music label called “Shibiza Records” based in Shemshak.

5-Visit a Rainforest and Eat the Best Seafood in Shomal

Shomal which is simply translated to the “North”, is the Caspian jewel of Iran. It is a world of it’s own and very green. Believe it or not, Iran has rainforests and they are in the Shomal area. I used to go there with all my friends and family during the summer vacation time. They also have some of the most amazing seafood ever.

6-Visit the Medieval Rudkhan Castle in Gilan

Rudkhan Castle is a medieval castle deep in a rainforest. It was built almost a thousand years ago! The castle is also in the North of Iran and west of Shomal in Gilan. It is a really cool place to hike to and explore. It is very high in elevation and after all these years, The castle’s 42 towers still stand intact.

7-Walk Through The Ancient City of Persepolis

The ancient city of Persepolis is also located near the Pink Mosque. Persepolis is one place every Iranian feels proud of. The city was the capital of the Persian Empire. It is over 2000 years old! A really cool place to visit if you’re into world history. It was burned down by Alexander the Great and over the years, damaged by earthquakes. But its’ still one of the most historical landmarks of all time.

8-Exploring Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, aka the Pink Mosque

The Pink Mosque is very interesting. Built in the 19th century by the Qajar’s. The Pink Mosque is located in Shiraz (South of Iran). It has a very psychedelic feel to it. With the colored windows and fractal like architecture. It’s definitely a beautiful place to visit.