Hostel in Tehran, Iran
Let’s face it, Tehran will be an inevitable stop for most tourists who come to Iran. Since it’s usually the starting point of the journey, it’s important the find the right place of accommodation: You don’t want to completely deplete your budget right from the beginning (Tehran is perhaps the most expensive city in the country, even for tourists), but you also need to have a good first impression of the country. This is where a good hostel in Tehran will help you.
When you first get off your plane, you may not find Tehran as welcoming as you would hope. There are some good hostels in the city that can help you see the capital in a different light and prepare you for the rest of your journey through the country, but before we get to that, let’s talk more about why this city is an important stop for tourists.
Reasons for visiting Tehran:
While the city itself does not offer the historical sights of Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, etc., it’s still worth a visit. Ever since the Qajar era, when Tehran became the capital of the country, efforts have been put into its development. Asides from having some beautiful Qajar and Pahlavi palaces, mansions, and monuments, the city is THE contemporary art center of Iran, with plays, concerts, and art exhibits taking place at a much higher frequency than the rest of the country. Tehran also has the highest number of museums in the country and is a hotbed for good food and entertainment. The most important thing is, to understand the very heart of Iran, you will have to visit the capital.
You can visit our blog where we talk about Tehran attractions for more information!
The IKA
Then, there is the Imam Khomeini International Airport. Being the most important airport in the country, most international flights either depart from or land in the IKA; so if you’ve booked a flight to Iran or plan to go to your next destination via airplane, you will probably have to make a stop at the capital. After a long trip, and all the hassle of going through airports, don’t you deserve a rest?
Another reason for visiting Tehran is for work/study purposes. Business opportunities are more abundant in the capital city of every country; the proximity to government buildings, bank headquarters, etc. can be helpful for those who plan on working in Iran. Tehran universities are also among the most coveted in the country and are ideal for foreign exchange students. If you’re planning on staying for, let’s say, a month in the city, renting an apartment isn’t worth the paperwork and the cost. For students, there’s the option of staying at the university dormitory, but the best thing is, most places of accommodation are willing to strike up better deals with guests who plan on having a long-term stay.
Tehran Hostels:
Now that we’ve covered exactly why you should/may come to Tehran, let’s get to where you should stay. In the capital, you can pay an exuberant fee to stay at a five-star hotel or essentially spend your spare change on your accommodation, because the city offers pretty much every type of accommodation you can think of: From hotels and inns to hostels, B&Bs, and guesthouses. Couchsurfing may not be a foreign concept to tourists, but in the capital, you can even find people offering to sell their rooftops for a night’s stay. It’s really up to you to decide on your accommodation according to your own criteria.
When you’re traveling on a budget, or when you’d prefer a more sociable environment to that of a hotel, staying at a hostel is the perfect choice. Pretty much every hostel in the city has a dormitory option available, which can be ideal for backpackers, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, getting a comfortable private room is the best option. Since most hostels in the city are renovated personal houses and villas, if you’re traveling with an RV or camper, you may be able to use their yards as parking space.
Location of Hostels in Tehran
Hostels in Tehran are mainly located in a highly concentrated area and are in close vicinity to the main attractions, historical sights, government buildings, and exchange offices. That said, navigating the city is not an easy task even for the locals, so don’t hesitate to ask the front desk for help.
The capital has a pretty expansive public transportation system and most hostels in the city are bound to be near a subway station. There’s also the option of using the BRT or line taxis. There is one thing that you should take note of when you’re scheduling out your day: If you’re not planning on using the subway, beware of the headache-inducing traffic.
Now, we’d like to list a few hostels in the city that would be ideal for your accommodation when you visit:
See You in Iran Hostel:
See You in Iran is no longer operating, but it’s definitely worth a mention since it was a pioneer for hostels in the city. It was rated as the top choice hostel in the city by The Lonely Planet Guidebook and featured both private and shared rooms, a café, a garden, and more. Their Facebook page is still worth a visit for information about the country.
Zee Hostel:
Zee is located in the very center of Tehran and has easy access to public transportation stations (subway and BRT) and important attractions. The building belongs to the Pahlavi era (it’s about 75 years old) and was recently renovated in order to operate as a hostel. Zee offers both private and shared rooms at a reasonable price, and the wonderfully friendly and professional staff are there to help you with whatever you may need.
Read more about zee in our other blog!
Tehran Heritage Hostel:
Tehran Heritage is the first branch of a rapidly expanding brand (with another branch in Isfahan and plans for more). The hostel has been a favorite for tourists because of its low prices and features dormitories and private rooms which you can choose from according to your budget and criteria. Tehran Heritage Hostel is located nearby pretty much everywhere you would want to go in the city, which can make planning your day easier.
Hi Tehran Hostel:
Hi Tehran Hostel is the first in Iran to be founded by two women. It has six rooms, a communal kitchen, and a study/work space. The on-site parking space can also be a valuable option for bikers and tourists traveling with cars. As far as the location goes, Hi Tehran doesn’t come short of the other hostels in the city. With close proximity to the subway, former US embassy, artists’ forum, and more, Hi Tehran can be the perfect choice of accommodation in the capital.
Iran Cozy Hostel:
The word “cozy” is truly a fitting descriptor for Iran Cozy. Located in the center of the city, Iran Cozy has been renovated to accommodate guests in private/shared rooms. Rated as the best specialty lodging in the city by Tripadvisor for four consecutive years, perhaps the most important features of this hostel are the valuable tours it provides: From a food tour in the city to tours all around the country. If you want to make the most out of your trip, and also enjoy a truly warm and friendly atmosphere, Iran Cozy is the perfect choice.
Rooberoo Hostel:
Rooberoo Hostel is an annex to the Rooberoo Mansion, an artistic hub in Tehran with live music/theatre venues. The building is about 60 years old and was renovated to accommodate guests in five rooms and two dormitories. Rooberoo has a truly vibrant atmosphere, perfect for younger travelers and those interested in the arts.
Kargadan Boutique Hostel:
Kargadan is set in a recently renovated building dating back to the 1960s. The hostel is managed by two siblings, and you can truly feel the effort they’ve put into every part of the building. The staff are very friendly and ready to help you out with whatever you need.
Tehran Mori Hostel:
One of the first hostels to be founded in the city (all the way back in 2015), Tehran Mori is a pretty simple place of accommodation, but what makes it special is its friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy the company of the staff and other guests and have a gorgeous view of the city from the rooftop. Tehran Mori offers private and shared rooms, and if you’re willing to spend a bit more, apartment-style rooms with all the appliances you may need.
Hostel Paradiso:
Paradiso is among the most unique hostels in the city. After settling in your room, you can join the staff and other guests in the various group activities they provide including board games and art workshops. Hostel Paradiso also offers some great food, and the staff are very knowledgeable about the city.
Read our blogs about hostels in other cities, and our latest post about Iran hostels!
