
Imam Khomeini Square
Tehran's historic heart, a vibrant square with fountains, connecting to the Grand Bazaar and bustling markets.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded before peak hours

Imam Khomeini Square
Best Time
Less crowded before peak hours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tehran's historic heart, a vibrant square with fountains, connecting to the Grand Bazaar and bustling markets.
"Serene and calm in the very midst of city chaos, though crossing the street is a survival game!"

🚗 Beat the Traffic with Metro
Use the Imam Khomeini metro station to easily access the square and avoid Tehran's notorious traffic . :subway:
🛍️ Explore Lalehzar Street
Don't miss Lalehzar Street for a wide array of electrical and electronic goods . :shopping_bags:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Bazaar Gateway
North of the square
The gateway to Tehran's sprawling Grand Bazaar, a vibrant hub for shopping and local life.

Electrical Appliance Hub
Lalehzar Street (North)
Explore Lalehzar Street, a bustling market for all things electrical and electronic.

Fountains and City Life
Central square area
Enjoy the serene fountains and observe daily life amidst the city's energetic pulse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Tehran's Traffic
Historical Heart of Tehran
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat the Traffic with Metro
Use the Imam Khomeini metro station to easily access the square and avoid Tehran's notorious traffic. :subway:
🛍️ Explore Lalehzar Street
Don't miss Lalehzar Street for a wide array of electrical and electronic goods. :shopping_bags:
🚶♀️ Careful Street Crossing
Be prepared for fast-moving traffic when crossing streets to reach the square; drivers are often considerate. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture City Vibes
The square offers a great glimpse into Tehran's daily life and architecture. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat the Traffic with Metro
Use the Imam Khomeini metro station to easily access the square and avoid Tehran's notorious traffic. :subway:
🛍️ Explore Lalehzar Street
Don't miss Lalehzar Street for a wide array of electrical and electronic goods. :shopping_bags:
🚶♀️ Careful Street Crossing
Be prepared for fast-moving traffic when crossing streets to reach the square; drivers are often considerate. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture City Vibes
The square offers a great glimpse into Tehran's daily life and architecture. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Imam Khomeini Square to be a well-maintained and beautifully decorated public space, offering a serene escape amidst city chaos. However, many highlight the extreme difficulty and danger of crossing the surrounding busy streets, describing it as a 'survival game.' The square is also noted as a commercial hub, particularly for electrical appliances on Lalehzar Street, and a key access point to the Grand Bazaar.
"Serene and calm in the very midst of city chaos. Very well maintained and seating alongside fountains makes it even more beautiful"
Shaik Masood
"There are many squares in Tehran but this is one of well kept and beautifully decorated square. Unfortunately I could never know how to cross the street to reach to the square or enjoy looking around because there are just so many cars!! And they normally go very fast… so reaching to Imam Khomeini Square was like a survival game. Maybe before I leave Iran, I will be an expert but until then, thank you for nice drivers who kindly stopped to let me cross to this beautiful square!!"
Yumiko
"Shopping center for all electrical appliances and equipment and repairs. Busy and interesting place near the big market. You can find subway and taxi everywhere."
Mahmoud VK
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way to reach Imam Khomeini Square is by using the Tehran Metro. The Imam Khomeini station is a major hub and directly serves the square. Taxis are also available, but be prepared for heavy traffic. Crossing the streets to reach the square can be challenging due to fast-moving vehicles.
Parking near Imam Khomeini Square can be very difficult due to its central location and proximity to busy markets. It's generally advised to use public transportation like the metro to avoid parking hassles.
Imam Khomeini Square is bordered by several important streets. Lalehzar Street to the north is known for its electrical markets, while Ferdowsi Street is to the northwest, leading towards Bagh e Melli and the Ministry of Foreign Relations.
While the square itself is walkable, accessing it requires navigating busy intersections. Be cautious when crossing streets, as traffic can be intense.
Yes, Imam Khomeini Square is an excellent starting point. It provides access to the Grand Bazaar and is well-connected by metro to other parts of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Imam Khomeini Square is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. You can visit and explore it freely.
As a public square, Imam Khomeini Square is accessible 24/7. However, shops and businesses around the square will have their own operating hours.
No, no advance booking is required to visit Imam Khomeini Square. It's an open public area.
Imam Khomeini Square is a public space and is generally always open. However, during major public events or ceremonies, access might be temporarily restricted.
For attractions near Imam Khomeini Square, it's best to check their individual websites for ticket information. Some museums might offer on-site ticket purchases, while others may require online booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Imam Khomeini Square is a vibrant hub. You can admire the architecture, enjoy the fountains, and use it as a gateway to the Grand Bazaar and Lalehzar Street's electrical markets. It's a great spot for people-watching and experiencing daily Tehran life.
Yes, several museums are located near Imam Khomeini Square, including those in the Bagh e Melli area. Exploring these can take a day or two.
Absolutely! The square offers a mix of historical architecture, bustling street life, and fountains, making it a great location for photography.
The atmosphere is a blend of serene and chaotic. It's a calm spot with fountains amidst the city's energy, but the surrounding traffic can be intense.
Imam Khomeini Square is generally safe, but like any busy urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas like the nearby metro station and bazaar.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Imam Khomeini Square is rich with dining options. You can find traditional Iranian restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors, especially as you venture into the Grand Bazaar.
You'll find a variety of Iranian cuisine, from kebabs and stews to local snacks and sweets. Cafes offer coffee and pastries, and street vendors provide quick bites.
Definitely. The Grand Bazaar and surrounding smaller streets are filled with affordable eateries and street food stalls offering delicious and economical meals.
While the focus is on traditional Iranian food, you might find some international fast-food chains or restaurants in the broader downtown Tehran area, though they are less common right at the square itself.
Look for dishes like 'kebab koobideh' (ground lamb or beef skewers), 'fesenjan' (pomegranate and walnut stew), and various types of 'ash' (hearty soups). Don't forget to try Persian tea!
📸 📸 Photography
The fountains in the center, the surrounding historical buildings, and the bustling street life offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the contrast between the serene square and the busy traffic can be striking.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially if they are not actively engaged in public activity. Street scenes and general ambiance are usually fine to photograph.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds. Evenings can be beautiful with the city lights, but be mindful of lower light conditions. Golden hour before sunset is also ideal.
There are no specific restrictions on photography in the public square itself. However, be respectful if photographing government buildings or sensitive areas.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide shots of the square and details of the architecture and people. A wider lens can be good for street scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider using the metro to get close, as it's generally safer than crossing busy roads with children. While the square isn't a dedicated playground, its central location means you can easily access other family-friendly attractions in Tehran via public transport. The nearby Grand Bazaar might be overwhelming for very young children, but older kids might find the bustling atmosphere exciting.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilizing the Tehran Metro is the most economical way to reach the square, avoiding taxi fares and parking costs. This allows you to allocate more of your budget to experiencing local culture and cuisine rather than transportation.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different times of day to experience varying light conditions. Early mornings offer a calmer scene, while evenings bring the city lights to life. Be mindful of capturing candid moments of daily life, but always be respectful of individuals' privacy when photographing them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Tehran's History
Originally a site for artillery (Toopkhaaneh means 'artillery house'), it later became Sepah Square before being renamed in honor of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This evolution in naming mirrors the significant political and social shifts in Iran. Today, it stands as a testament to the city's layered past, with remnants of its historical importance visible amidst the modern urban landscape.
Exploring the areas surrounding the square, such as Lalehzar Street and the proximity to the Grand Bazaar, offers a tangible connection to Tehran's rich history. The presence of museums nearby further enhances the historical narrative, making it a crucial area for understanding the city's development.
Navigating the Urban Jungle
Despite the traffic, the square is a vital transportation hub. The Imam Khomeini Metro Station is a major interchange, providing a crucial escape route from the road congestion. This makes the metro the preferred method for many visitors to access the square and its surroundings, though the station itself can become quite crowded, especially during peak hours.
For those who do choose to drive or take taxis, patience is key. The roads around the square are always busy, connecting major arteries of the city. Understanding this dynamic is essential for planning your visit and ensuring a smoother experience in this bustling part of Tehran.
The Pulse of Commerce: Lalehzar Street
The bustling nature of Lalehzar Street offers a stark contrast to the more serene aspects of the square itself. It's a place where commerce thrives, with numerous shops and repair services catering to a wide range of needs. The energy here is palpable, reflecting the city's dynamic economic activity.
Visitors exploring Lalehzar Street can expect a lively shopping experience, often involving bargaining and navigating through a dense array of products. It’s a key part of the Imam Khomeini Square experience, showcasing a different facet of Tehran's urban life beyond its historical monuments.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit