Tehran Palaces, what to see (Part 3)

Tehran has a long history as the capital of Iran, and in this history, many rulers and officials build stunning palaces and recreational homes. The Tehran palace articles takes you along the cities three most famous palaces and another gem in the city. From background information to the practical’s and suggested side activities, this article guides your way through the royal residences of the city!

After covering Golestan palace in part one and the Saadabad Palace complex in part two, it’s now time for the last, but most certainly not least of the three most famous palaces in Tehran; Niavaran Palace. For those who cannot get enough of the royal glory, we’ve also added another gem of the city, that will surely leave you in awe.

Niavaran Palace complex;

Similar to Saadabat, the Niavaran palace complex served as a summer residence for the royal family members in both the Qajar and Pahlavi era. The complex counts 7 palaces that can be visited as museums and a large garden with fountains and beautiful, tall, cedar trees. Located north, at the foot of the Alborz mountains, it’s an excellent place to find cool shelter from the hot weather elsewhere in the city. The garden explicitly is an excellent place to enjoy a relaxed stroll and escape the cities heath.

Due to deconstruction of most old buildings during the Pahlavi reign, the new build palaces have a rather modern appearance. The interior of the main palace however is still full of posh and extravagant decoration. Exquisite furniture, expensive carpets, among them the famous Mashahir carpet -which represent 109 Iranian kings and other influential people- and long dining tables with fancy chairs.
Having served as the main summer palace or the last royal family, the Niavaran palace complex offers unique sights into the private life of the former rulers. See for instance the Shah’s children’s room, designed with a more modern appearance. And see Shah Mohammad Reza’s formal clothing on display.

Other museums include the Saheb-Qaraniyeh Palace, which has a remarkable appearance and a super luxurious interior with colored glass stained windows and dazzling mirror works. The Jahan Nama museum with more rich interior work as well as modern and ancient art. And a two floor private library of former queen Farah Pahlavi.

Modern appearance of Niavaran Palace

Interior Niavaran Palace

Practical:

Open daily. Summer and spring; 09:00-19:00. Autumn and winter 08:00- 17:00.
Closed only on religious holidays. Tickets can be bought until one hour before closing time.
General ticket price 150.000 Rial. For other museum, including the main palace, the price varies between 150.000 and 80.000 Rial. The complex has a good café that serves great coffee and breakfast.

The complex, located at Niavaran square is not directly accessible by public transportation. You can either take a taxi directly or take the metro (line one, red line) to Tajrish station and take a taxi from there. Use Snap or Uber to get more economic fares for your taxi ride.

Beautiful interior

Saheb-qaraniyeh Palace. Source; Eurasia.travel

Daytrip tip;

Similar to the day trips mentioned in part two of the palace series a visit to Niavaran palace can be combined with a visit to the traditional Tajrish bazaar and the Imamzadeh Saleh shrine, both on walking distance from Tajrish metro station. Also a visit to Darband, a popular place full with restaurants that will sure suit your taste-buds, is very well possible. Compared to the Saadabad Palace complex it’s a bit further away, but still a great option.

Fragment from the Imamzadeh Saleh shrine, Tajrish

Restaurant at Darband

Treasury of national jewels

Not really a palace, but definitely in the royal category fits the ‘treasury of national jewels’ museum. Another gem in the city! Hidden in the vaults of Central bank on Ferdowsi avenue you can gaze at extravagant items and jewellery with thousands of diamonds and precious stones worth billions of dollars. A dazzling collection that shows you some of Iran’s most expensive treasures, glory and historical wealth, will surely leave you in awe. Before entrance you need to hand in your electronics. Unfortunately no photos are allowed to be taken inside.
Open from 14:00 to 16:30 from Saturday to Tuesday only, a visit to this museum might involve some planning. The museum is on a 20 minute walk from the Imam Khomeini station (metro line 1 and 2)  Entrance fee is 200.000 Rial.

National jewelry museum. Source; surfiran

Visiting some of Theran’s palaces is an absolute must during your stay in the city. For more inspiration about beautiful places in Iran, be sure to check out this page.