Tehran Grand Bazaar

A few minutes' walk from the Golestan Palace lies Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Even if you have visited other bazaars in Iran or Central Asia and have seen the vibrant and chaotic atmosphere of these markets, this bazaar will take your experience to the next level.

Tehran’s Grand Bazaar is the ultimate shopping experience in the country. It extends for about 10 kilometres in length with over 180 different types of stores selling anything from spices to shoes, rugs, clothes, and antiques. Get lost in this shopping labyrinth and leave with some unique souvenirs that will remind of your time in Iran.

The Grand Bazaar’s architecture is also one of the highlights of the complex. With some areas dating back to the original construction, you can get a little bit of a sense of how it used to operate back in the day. But exactly how old is the bazaar? Well, some attribute its construction to the Qajar era around the 19th century, while others believe that the original structure was built in the Safavid era around the 17th century. Either way, it is commonly agreed that the bazaar gained importance when Tehran was named capital of Iran in the 19th century. During that time, a roof was added and French architects were hired to design some of its gates.

A major attraction of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar that brings in hordes of tourists and locals is the food, and it's the perfect place to try traditional dishes and other Iranian delicacies. From the moment you walk in, your senses will be taken over by the different aromas. Don’t forget to try some fresh fruits and the super famous Iranian saffron ice cream. Depending on the time of the year, you will also be able to try the rare cornelian cherries and salted green almonds.

Stay as long as you want, but generally travellers spend around one to two hours exploring the offerings of the bazaar.