Discover Tehran, Iran: Where Warmth Outshines Prejudice

"Run🏃 from Tehran?" No—I came to see the real Tehran behind sanctions and stereotypes. Before arriving, I feared encountering hostility... But in 5 days, the Iranians Western media calls "dangerous": Asked if I needed help when lost 😭 Greeted me with 800 "Salams" (hellos👋) daily Ended every conversation with "Welcome to Iran!" The "demonized" Tehran gleams with history in every crack—just watch your step on the broken edges. Unexpected Kindness 🇺🇸 At the former U.S. Embassy: A worker gifted me stamps when I admired them—"Merci!" was all I could say. 🏛️ National Museum: Seeing the 3,000-year-old "Salt Man" mummy, I finally understood Iranian pride and sorrow. 🛍️ Grand Bazaar: A scarf-clad grandma typed "520" (Chinese internet slang for "I love you") on her calculator, grinning: "China, good friend!" 📍Tehran Essentials 🏨 Hotels: Trip.com / 1stQuest 🚌 Buses: OrientTrips or buy onsite 📱 SIM: Irancell (¥30 for 15GB; get 50GB free via referrals) 🚖 Taxis: Snapp (super cheap—use Persian translations for pickup spots) 🗺️ Must-Sees 1️⃣ Sa'dabad Complex The Qajar/Pahlavi summer palace—Gold Hall's gem-encrusted globe with mountain views. 2️⃣ Golestan Palace 15,000 mirror fragments dazzle in the Hall of Mirrors (Main Hall ticket: 2.5M IRR). 3️⃣ Former U.S. Embassy Reveals diplomatic history through revolutionary graffiti (Argo vibes!). 4️⃣ National Museum Find Persia's "Horse Token" (like China's tiger tallies). Metro: Line 1 to Hasan Abad. 5️⃣ Azadi Tower Iconic freedom symbol. Metro: Line 4 to Meydan-e Azadi. 😋 Food Recs ☕ Fans Cafe: Youth hub near the bazaar 🛒 Iran Mall: Giant northern mall with supermarkets 🍖 Vakil Tojjar: Premium kebabs in a chic setting ⚠️ Final Notes: So glad I came—but internet is painfully slow! Carry cash (cards rarely work due to sanctions). #IranTravel #Tehran #OffbeatDestinations #TravelDeeper