Where to Stay in Tehran: 5 Areas and 20 Hotels and Hostels
Choose a base for sightseeing, business or an early flight
Choose where to stay in Tehran by the places you expect to visit most. The historic centre makes sense for the bazaar and Golestan Palace, while a hotel near Tajrish puts you closer to the northern palaces. Allow extra time when travelling between districts.
This guide groups 20 hotels and hostels by area, including two properties near Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Contents
Where to stay in Tehran: the best areas
- Historic centre (Imam Khomeini Square, Ferdowsi Street, Baharestan, Lalehzar): best for first-time visitors who want to walk to Golestan Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the National Museum.
- Vali Asr Square and Keshavarz Boulevard: central, well served by metro and BRT, and close to the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Vanak and Abbas Abad: modern business districts between the centre and the north.
- North Tehran (Tajrish, Darband, Saadat Abad, Chamran): cooler, greener and quieter, close to Sa’dabad and Niavaran palaces but far from the bazaar.
- Imam Khomeini Airport: only for late arrivals and early departures.
Historic centre: walk to the palaces and bazaar
Ferdowsi International Grand Hotel
Ferdowsi International Grand Hotel is on Ferdowsi Avenue, north of Imam Khomeini Square. It is a base for the National Museum and the historic centre.
Iran Markazi Hotel
Iran Markazi Hotel is in the Lalehzar district. This part of the centre puts you near Ferdowsi Street and within reach of the old bazaar district.
Tehran Heritage Hostel
A hostel in a 1941 mansion in Baharestan, near the Parliament and Masoudieh Palace. It has 17 rooms and is a short walk from Oudlajan, one of Tehran’s oldest quarters, and from the metro.
ZEE Hostel
A renovated 75-year-old building in the lively Enghelab and Teatr-e Shahr area, with private rooms and dormitories. It doubles as a culture house and hosts regular events.
Roudaki, Azadi, Eskan Forsat, Khayyam and Karoon hotels
Five simple, central budget choices. Roudaki is near Teatr-e Shahr metro; Azadi is close to the National Museum and Golestan Palace; Eskan Forsat (42 rooms) and Khayyam (45 rooms, near Mellat metro) date from the 1970s and were later renovated; Karoon has 24 rooms on Vali Asr Avenue.
Vali Asr, Keshavarz and Abbas Abad: central and connected
Espinas International (Persian Gulf) Hotel
Espinas International is on Keshavarz Boulevard near Vali Asr Square and Laleh Park. Espinas International and Espinas Palace are two separate properties. Use the boulevard address when arranging a ride.
Persian Plaza Hotel
A modern five-star opened in 2019 in Abbas Abad, with 18 floors, a rooftop restaurant, pool, hammam and conference rooms. Qasr Garden Museum is about 1.6 km away.
Pamchal and Vernus hotels
Two practical three-stars: Pamchal is near Haft-e Tir Square and its metro station; Vernus is on Keshavarz Boulevard near Vali Asr Square.
Vanak: between the centre and the north
Homa Hotel Tehran
A five-star with 177 rooms over 16 floors, about eight minutes’ walk from Vanak Square. Tabiat Bridge is roughly 4 km away and Milad Tower about 8.5 km. It has a covered pool, sauna and garden.
North Tehran: mountain views and fresh air
Espinas Palace Hotel
Espinas Palace is near Behroud Square in Saadat Abad, northwest of the centre. Choose it for a stay on that side of town. If you want to walk to Tajrish Bazaar, look in Tajrish itself.
Parsian Azadi Hotel
A 26-floor five-star on the Chamran Highway with around 475 rooms, four restaurants and wide city views. Tajrish Bazaar is about 15 minutes by taxi.
Parsian Esteghlal Hotel
Parsian Esteghlal Hotel has twin towers near the junction of Chamran Highway and Vali Asr Street. Its location suits plans around northern Tehran and the Chamran corridor.
Wisteria Hotel
Wisteria Hotel is in the Tajrish and Darband area. It is a more practical base for plans around Tajrish and Sa’dabad than for daily trips to the historic centre.
At the airport: Rexan and Remis
Rexan (five-star) and Remis (four-star)
Rexan and Remis are two separate properties opposite Terminal 1 at Imam Khomeini International Airport. They suit a late arrival or an early departure. Ask your hotel about the route from your terminal and any short-stay room options.
Where to stay in Tehran: how to choose
When deciding where to stay in Tehran for two or three days of sightseeing, pick the centre and use the Tehran metro. For a longer stay or a summer visit, north Tehran is calmer. Plan arrivals with our Imam Khomeini Airport guide and see the Tehran travel guide for what to see.
Facilities, renovations and room types change, so confirm details directly with the hotel before you book. Read the latest official travel advice for Iran first. If you travel with SURFIRAN, hotels in Tehran are booked as part of your private tour or group tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area is best for first-time visitors to Tehran?
The historic centre around Imam Khomeini Square, Ferdowsi Street and Baharestan is best for a short first visit. Golestan Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the National Museum are close by, and several metro lines meet here, so you spend less time in traffic.
Is north Tehran a good place to stay?
North Tehran is useful for Tajrish, Sa’dabad and Niavaran. If most of your visits are to Golestan Palace and the Grand Bazaar, staying in the historic centre reduces travel between districts.
Where should I stay for an early flight from Imam Khomeini Airport?
Rexan and Remis are opposite Terminal 1 at Imam Khomeini International Airport. Confirm the route from your terminal with the hotel, especially if you arrive late or have heavy luggage.
Are there budget hotels and hostels in central Tehran?
Yes. Tehran Heritage Hostel and ZEE Hostel offer dormitories and private rooms in renovated older buildings, while Roudaki, Azadi, Eskan Forsat, Khayyam and Karoon are simple, central hotels. Most are close to metro stations, cafés and the historic sights of the old city.
Which hotel areas are closest to the Grand Bazaar?
The Grand Bazaar is in the historic centre. Ferdowsi Grand Hotel is in that part of the city, while Espinas International is farther northwest on Keshavarz Boulevard. Tajrish Bazaar is a different market in north Tehran.
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