Grace Kenney

Great place to escape the heat of a Tehran July! So many facilities, I don't think we could explore all of them in one visit. I haven't ever been to anywhere with so many coffee shops either, (one of which was a coffee vending machine - decent and not bad at all!) The kids' bookstore was extensive, and they had a huge selection of games, toys, and gifts as well. Upstairs, the Cafe Koodak or Kids' Cafe was cute and also had toys and books for kids to play with while parents could chat, eat, have coffee or play with. Down the hall was a robotics area, then a very large fun science play area - Fekrbazia - that occupied us for quite a long time - great for kids 3 & up, and a restaurant, among other things.

I plan to visit again to check out the kids' science hall, cinema, adult bookstore, and more. Beautiful facility, although it gave a very Western feel in design, layout, and offerings (donut shop with Oreo or other junk food toppings....), but all in all a nice place for families and to walk around. Will update after second visit. :) So far so great!

A very important museum. Children will enjoy the outdoor part - seeing real tanks, missiles, Jeeps, statues, etc. Adults need to visit the inside (not recommended for young kids) - where the travesties of the Iran-Iraq war are documented. You will feel the pain of war and see its devastation. You will understand the Iranian people's outrage over the actions (and inactions) of the West. Very important for non-Iranians and the next generation of Iranians to come and understand a horrible chapter of the past, so they can understand today's issues.

Amazing northern Iranian food in the heart of Tehran. Tiny restaurant with a wait - go on the Iranian weekend and not during the week. Always packed. Only open for lunch (11-4 pm). You may be asked to share a table with others if your party is small. IT IS WORTH IT! Sour chicken kebab (torsh juje) is tender and succulent. Sour beef kebab (torsh kebab) was tasty and perfectly tart. Lamb kebab is also amazing. Their fava bean and egg stew (baghali ghatogh) is fragrant with garlic, dill, turmuric, and other spices. Rice is average, but nobody comes here for the rice. The olives were fantastic (I am not a fan of the usual pomegranate flavored olives that come with chelo kebab). I didn't try the fish or salad (shirazi salat) but it seemed like every patron had those and enjoyed them. Will visit again 10/10.