Tourist Attractions in Karaj: 23 Places to Visit in Karaj with Addresses and Photos

Karaj, though not widely known to some, boasts a variety of attractions both within the city and its outskirts. While it may seem that most of Karaj’s attractions lie in its lush greenery and mountains, the city itself offers unique places that blend historical and natural significance. In this article from Gulf City Pedia, we explore the best places to visit in Karaj.

What you will read below:

Where are the best attractions in Karaj?
Where to go in Karaj?
Natural Attractions in Karaj
Karaj Roof Garden
Karaj Flower Garden
Mehrshahr Apple Garden
Fateh Garden
Adran Waterfall
Mount Noor Azimiyeh
Karaj Dam
Historical Attractions in Karaj
Aq Tapeh Ancient Hill
Pol Dokhtar Bridge
Dasht-e Behesht Ancient Hill
First Iron Smelting Factory in Iran
Masbah Bathhouse
Shams Palace
Shah Abbas Caravanserai
Old Cypress Tree of Karaj
Museums in Karaj
Soleymaniye Palace Museum
Museum of Zoology at the Agricultural College
Ahmad Shamlou House Museum
Iran-e-Kuchak Park
Unique Stamp Museum
Shrines and Imamzadehs in Karaj
Taher Imamzadeh
Kordan Mausoleum
Mohammad and Sayyedeh Khatoun Imamzadeh
Recommended Activities in Karaj

Best Places to Visit in Karaj

In this article, we categorize Karaj’s attractions into four different categories so that you can find the attraction of your choice in each area of interest. Generally, some of the best places to visit in Karaj include:

Roof Garden of Karaj
Karaj Flower Garden
Shah Abbas Caravanserai
Soleymaniye Palace
Museum of Zoology
Ahmad Shamlou House Museum
Iran-e-Kuchak Park
Unique Stamp Museum

Where to Go in Karaj?

Whether you’re a resident of Karaj or just visiting, you may want to explore the attractions of this city. You might wonder where to go in Karaj. In this article, we introduce you to the tourist attractions of Karaj. Generally, the attractions in Karaj include:

Roof Garden of Karaj
Karaj Flower Garden
Mehrshahr Apple Garden
Fateh Garden
Aq Tapeh Ancient Hill
Pol Dokhtar Bridge
Dasht-e Behesht Ancient Hill
First Iron Smelting Factory in Iran
Shah Abbas Caravanserai
Shamlou House
Iran-e-Kuchak Park

Natural Attractions in Karaj

As mentioned in the introduction, the nature of Karaj attracts the most attention, and for this reason, we intend to start the list of attractions in this city from its nature. Nature tourism in Karaj reaches its ideal state by visiting the attractions around Karaj, provided you choose the right time for your trip. For sightseeing in Karaj’s natural landscapes, our suggestion is to travel to this city with a nature tour during the spring season.

Roof Garden of Karaj

Before exploring the sights of Karaj one by one, it’s good to see this city from above. Climbing the stairs and the path to the roof of Karaj is one of the recommended activities in Karaj. On the way to this elevated area, you will see many springs and trees, and after a proper hike, you will be rewarded with an endless view of the city. Undoubtedly, the roof of Karaj offers the best view of the city to your eyes, provided the weather is clear on the day of your visit. Also, if enjoying the city lights at night is enjoyable for you, this rooftop is one of the best attractions in Karaj for you. If you’re a foodie, you’ll find restaurants and cafes on the roof of Karaj that are open until midnight.

Visiting hours for the Roof Garden of Karaj: 24/7
Ticket price for the Roof Garden of Karaj: Free
Address of the Roof Garden of Karaj: Northeast of Karaj, at the end of Taleghani Boulevard

Karaj Flower Garden

One of the most well-known tourist centers in Alborz Province is Chamran Park, where one of Karaj’s attractions is located. Karaj Flower Garden is a treasure trove of various flowers, plants, and trees, captivating the eyes of nature lovers with the colorful world of flowers. If you intend to visit one of the best attractions in Karaj during the spring season, don’t miss seeing this beautiful sight. It’s worth mentioning that in this flower garden, you can also find various tools and essentials for caring for flowers. In summary, the Flower Garden is considered one of the best tourist destinations in Karaj where you can visit and recharge.

Visiting hours for Karaj Flower Garden: Daily from 11 AM to 10 PM
Ticket price for Karaj Flower Garden: Seven thousand Tomans
Address of Karaj Flower Garden: Chamran Boulevard, Chamran Park

Mehrshahr Apple Garden, Karaj

Mehrshahr Apple Garden is a vast green area with over 70,000 trees and is considered one of the attractions of Mehrshahr in Karaj. In addition to apple trees, various other fruit trees such as pear, apricot, peach, and walnut can be found in this garden; thus, Karaj’s apple garden is a genetic treasure trove. The history of this apple garden dates back to the Pahlavi era, and its owner was Farah Pahlavi, but after the Islamic Revolution, it came under the ownership of the Foundation of the Oppressed. Currently, ownership of this garden is with various individuals and legal entities. If you’re traveling to Karaj to photograph its attractions, try to visit it when the apples in this garden are in bloom to experience the best photography subjects in nature. Additionally, this garden has a cycling path that you can take advantage of.

Visiting hours for Mehrshahr Apple Garden: Daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Ticket price for Mehrshahr Apple Garden: Free
Address of Mehrshahr Apple Garden: Mehrshahr, Yadegar Imam Boulevard, Danesh Boulevard

Fateh Garden, Karaj

Mohammad Sadegh Fateh was a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist from Yazd who left a lasting legacy in Karaj. This work is now listed among the attractions of Karaj, and it’s best to visit this sight when traveling to this city. He created a garden whose vastness far exceeds what we see today. This garden is one of the most pleasant green spaces in Karaj, presenting you with neat rows of ancient trees.

Over time, various facilities have been added to Fateh Garden, including tennis courts, a book hut, and playgrounds. Considering these features, we can say that sports, photography, reading, and walking in the spring or autumn air of Fateh Garden are among the best recommended activities in Karaj. After visiting this garden, it’s not a bad idea to also visit the Mohammad Sadegh Fateh Mausoleum via Mahan Boulevard.

Visiting hours for Fateh Garden: 24 hours
Ticket price for Fateh Garden: Free
Address of Fateh Garden: Jahan Shahr, Jomhouri Boulevard

Adran Waterfall

One of the tourist attractions in Karaj that can energize you for busy days is Adran Waterfall. Also known as Haft Cheshmeh or Arangeh Waterfall, this waterfall is located along the Chalus Road and, with a height of 90 meters, is considered one of the largest waterfalls in Iran. If you enjoy passing through rocky areas and lush green forested areas, Adran Waterfall can be the best option for you. However, this route is full of small and large waterfalls that truly invigorate your spirit.

Visiting hours for Adran Waterfall: 24 hours
Ticket price for Adran Waterfall: Free
Address of Adran Waterfall: Alborz Province, 17 kilometers from Karaj-Chalus Road, Adran Area, near the village of Arangeh

Mount Noor Azimiyeh, Karaj

This mountain, considered one of the attractions of Azimiyeh in Karaj, is highly suitable for nature lovers and mountaineers and offers a very beautiful landscape. Mount Noor, also known as Bijee or Bijji, has an altitude of over 2200 meters and its gentle slope allows even amateur hikers to enjoy this natural site. Additionally, like other recreational areas, there are various cafes and restaurants around this mountain where you can enjoy a meal.

Visiting hours for Mount Noor Azimiyeh: 24 hours
Ticket price for Mount Noor Azimiyeh: Free
Address of Mount Noor Azimiyeh: North side of Karaj, Taleghani Boulevard, end of the boulevard, Azimiyeh Mountain

Karaj Dam

Although Karaj Dam is considered one of the tourist attractions around Karaj, it’s impossible not to mention it in an article about Karaj’s tourist destinations. Also known as Amir Kabir Dam, it’s one of the most famous attractions in Karaj, and locals have surely visited it during their leisure time.

This dam was inaugurated in 1963 on the Karaj River and has been responsible for storing and supplying water to a large part of the city for nearly 60 years. Recommended activities at Karaj Dam include enjoying nature and hiking. However, you might wonder why swimming and boating are not mentioned. It’s been several years since water activities in this area have been prohibited due to various incidents, and instead, you can enjoy the nature, forests, and waterfalls around the dam. Additionally, there are many villages around this dam that you can visit.

Visiting hours for Karaj Dam: 24 hours
Ticket price for Karaj Dam: Free
Address of Karaj Dam: Kilometer 25 of Karaj-Chalus Road, Amir Kabir Dam Lake, Karaj

Historical Sites in Karaj

If you’re a history buff, the historical sites in Karaj can be as informative as a documentary or historical magazine for you. Many of the artifacts you see in the Iran Ancient Museum and other historical museums have been discovered in the vicinity of Karaj. Excavations in these areas of Karaj are still ongoing. Below, we introduce the most important historical sites in Karaj to you.

Aq Tappeh Ancient Hill

The fertile plains of Central Alborz have brought about significant prosperity in the Karaj Valley and have attracted many perspectives towards these regions throughout history. One of the oldest archaeological sites that refers to the early settlements is discovered in the Aq Tappeh Ancient Hill. According to archaeologists’ estimates, the artifacts of this archaeological site date back to three or four thousand years before Christ. This complex was registered on Iran’s National Heritage List in 2002 and is considered one of the tourist attractions of Mehrshahr, Karaj.

Visiting hours for Aq Tappeh Ancient Hill: 24 hours
Ticket price for Aq Tappeh Ancient Hill: Free
Address of Aq Tappeh Ancient Hill: Mehrshahr, Vali Asr Boulevard

Karaj’s Daughter Bridge

Karaj’s Daughter Bridge, also known as Shah Abbasi Bridge and Soleymanieh Bridge, has been located on the route from Rey to Qazvin since the Seljuk era. This bridge was renovated during the Safavid and Qajar periods, and due to these renovations, its appearance may no longer resemble its Seljuk-era structure. The length of Karaj’s Daughter Bridge is about 60 meters, with a width of seven meters. It has been registered as a national monument of Iran for over twenty years, and various restoration and renovation operations have been carried out on it. Despite all this, many tourists believe that this bridge deserves more attention and that perhaps restoration work has not been done as it should. It is worth noting that for a closer visit and photography of Karaj’s Daughter Bridge, it is better to go to the garden below this bridge.

Visiting hours for Karaj’s Daughter Bridge: 24 hours
Ticket price for Karaj’s Daughter Bridge: Free
Address of Karaj’s Daughter Bridge: Shura Boulevard, Modares Boulevard

Ancient Hill of Dasht-e Behesht, Karaj

Objects discovered by archaeologists in Dasht-e Behesht of Karaj date back to both prehistoric and post-historic eras. These artifacts are usually pottery items that provide evidence of human life in ancient times in Karaj. Dasht-e Behesht of Karaj was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran in 1381. According to the latest reports, various construction and agricultural activities have caused various damages to this seven-thousand-year-old site.

Visiting hours for the Ancient Hill of Dasht-e Behesht: 24 hours
Ticket price for the Ancient Hill of Dasht-e Behesht: Free
Address of the Ancient Hill of Dasht-e Behesht: Dasht-e Behesht Boulevard, Dasht-e Behesht Second Street

Iran’s First Iron Smelting Factory

One of the attractions of Karaj, which holds more historical value than anything else, is Iran’s first iron smelting factory; a factory that never began its operation! The story of the construction of this factory dates back to the Pahlavi era and the signing of a contract with Germany, but the outbreak of World War II prevented its operation and the transfer of equipment to it. This factory was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran in 2007, with a history dating back to about 80 years; however, it is not possible to visit it, and you can only see the exterior view of the building from behind its surrounding fences.

Visiting hours for Iran’s First Iron Smelting Factory: 24 hours
Ticket price for Iran’s First Iron Smelting Factory: Free
Address of Iran’s First Iron Smelting Factory: Sheikh Abad District, South Side of Standard Square

Masbah Bath Karaj

Located in the old neighborhood of Masbah, this bathhouse boasts architectural beauty and historical significance, earning its place on the list of Karaj’s attractions. Built during the Qajar era, Masbah Bath Karaj, like other traditional bathhouses, comprised sections such as the hot room, resting area, dressing room, pool, etc. Architecturally, it shares many similarities with other traditional bathhouses, featuring domed brick structures with skylights at their apex. In September 2001, Masbah Bath Karaj was nationally registered; however, currently, visiting this attraction is not possible.

Visiting hours for Masbah Bath Karaj: 24 hours
Ticket price for Masbah Bath Karaj: Free
Address of Masbah Bath Karaj: Imamzadeh Hasan Boulevard, Kianpour Street, Faroondah Street

Shams Palace

In the list of attractions in Karaj, Shams Palace holds significant historical, architectural, and renowned importance. Constructed between 1966 and 1968, this palace, being the personal residence of Shams Pahlavi, retained the name Shams Palace. However, it is also known as Marvarid Palace. The palace grounds cover approximately 11 hectares, with the building itself extending over 2,500 square meters, making it one of the notable landmarks of Mehrshahr in Karaj. The design of Shams Palace was entrusted to the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The intricate architecture of this palace resembles a spiral, with almost all parts of this historical site designed in a spiral fashion. As expected, upon entering the palace grounds, traces of the royal life of the Pahlavi family are evident. Various sections of Shams Palace include a dedicated office space, reception hall, recreational sports hall, swimming pool, and more. Additionally, adjacent to the palace building, there is a large lake suitable for boating. Unfortunately, visiting this site is currently not possible, and it is expected to be transformed into a jewelry gallery museum in the near future.

Address of Shams Palace: Aram Boulevard, Mehrshahr, Karaj

Shah Abbas Caravanserai

Caravanserais during the Safavid era always provided comfort and security for travelers from Iran and around the world, with some travelers even praising these facilities. Shah Abbas Caravanserai is one of the best attractions in Karaj, with its foundations dating back about four centuries. Over the years, this caravanserai has undergone several restoration periods and has had various uses throughout history; for example, it served as a military base in the early Qajar period and was later converted into an educational environment. Unfortunately, visiting Shah Abbas Caravanserai is currently not possible.

Address of Shah Abbas Caravanserai: Tohid Square, Intersection of Qods and Shahid-e Mahrab Streets

Old Cypress Tree of Karaj

As you pass through the center of Karaj, one of the nearest attractions to you is the old cypress tree of this city, located on Azadi Boulevard. This ancient tree is nearly 1300 years old with a tall trunk, but unfortunately, it has been drying up in recent decades. According to local belief, there was a hidden treasure next to this cypress, and the naming of the Gohardasht area of Karaj is related to this tree. Like some other attractions in Karaj, this cypress tree was registered nationally in 2001.

Visiting Hours for the Old Cypress Tree of Karaj: 24 hours
Ticket Price for the Old Cypress Tree of Karaj: Free
Address of the Old Cypress Tree of Karaj: Center of Karaj, Azadi Boulevard

Museums in Karaj

Just like any other city, a significant part of Karaj’s list of attractions is related to its museums. If you live in Tehran and have almost visited all the museums in this city, it’s time to pay a visit to the museums in Karaj. It’s worth mentioning that next year, the Sacred Defense Museum will likely be added to the list of museums in Karaj. Below, we introduce five attractions in Karaj that function as museums, palace-museums, and art parks.

Soleymanieh Palace-Museum Karaj

Soleymanieh Palace-Museum is one of the legacies of the Fath-Ali Shah era in Karaj, which the Qajars used as a summer residence. The architecture of Soleymanieh Palace is made of bricks and includes interior decorations. Next to this palace, there was a five-story tower that is believed to have been the shrine of the kings, and today, some ruins of it can be seen. Aside from the plasterwork, windows, and lushness of Soleymanieh Palace, two paintings attract more attention than anything else.

It’s interesting to know that the only portrait we have of Agha Mohammad Khan from the Qajar period is in this palace, and other paintings available of him are adaptations of the closed image in this palace. In the painting of Agha Mohammad Khan, you see him among the Qajar dynasty, his brothers, and his father. In the second painting, you see Fath-Ali Shah among his sons, with the thirty-fourth of them being Soleyman Mirza Qajar. It is said that the palace was named Soleymanieh in memory of this son, “Soleyman.”

Visiting Hours for Soleymanieh Palace: Closed until further notice.
Ticket Price for Soleymanieh Palace: Closed until further notice.
Address of Soleymanieh Palace: Imamzadeh Hassan Boulevard, Masbah Street.

Museum of Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture

If you’re interested in wildlife, Karaj’s attractions offer great options for you. The Museum of Zoology in Karaj is a relatively comprehensive collection of animal taxidermy, ranging from tigers to leopards, giraffes, mountain goats, and rhinoceroses. All of these attractions are housed in a two-story complex with seventeen galleries. Due to the abundance of exhibits and collaboration with academic centers, this museum is recognized as a prominent and high-level specimen among the country’s zoological museums. It’s worth noting that the building of this museum is also about a century old. It is currently temporarily closed.

Visiting Hours for the Museum of Zoology in Karaj: 8 AM to 3 PM; currently temporarily closed.
Ticket Price for the Museum of Zoology in Karaj: 40,000 Iranian Rials
Address of the Museum of Zoology in Karaj: Shahid Khorasani Street, South Entrance of the University of Tehran’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Ahmad Shamlou Museum House

One of the notable places in Karaj that has captivated literature and poetry enthusiasts is the Ahmad Shamlou Museum House. Nowhere else in the world can you find as much information about Ahmad Shamlou as you can in this museum house. From Shamlou’s everyday belongings to documents related to him, everything is displayed in this museum house. Architecturally, the Shamlou House is very simple, and this simplicity gives it an indescribable atmosphere; however, undoubtedly, more than anything else, its poetic ambiance and its value in literary history entice tourists to visit. For visit coordination, you should contact +982636802839.

Visiting Hours for Ahmad Shamlou Museum House: By prior arrangement
Ticket Price for Ahmad Shamlou Museum House: 7,000 Iranian Rials
Address of Ahmad Shamlou Museum House: Bahar Boulevard, Dehkade Street, Nastaran Eastern Alley

Iran Zamin Park

By visiting one of the most important attractions in Karaj, you can travel across Iran. The name of this attraction is Iran Zamin Park. In this park, you can see 12 habitats representing various Iranian ethnic groups and important symbols of Iranian cities. Some of the landmarks in this park include the simulation of Kandovan village, Abianeh village in Kashan, Yazd water reservoir, Bam Citadel, and Saad al-Saltaneh Caravanserai. Due to its approximately seven-hectare area, you can experience a unique walk in the park.

Iran Zamin Park Operating Hours: 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Iran Zamin Park Ticket Price: 7,000 Iranian Rials
Iran Zamin Park Address: Jahan Shahr, Jamehouri Boulevard, near Mahan Boulevard

Unique Stamp Museum

The Unique Stamp Museum is a private museum where 32 valuable collections of stamps and securities are displayed. To describe the importance of the Unique Museum, it suffices to mention its collection of 2.5 million stamps. This number of Iranian and foreign stamps has led many experts and tourists to consider the Unique Stamp Museum as the richest stamp treasury in Iran and the world.

In addition to stamps, the Unique Museum has an exceptional collection of coins and banknotes from around the world, spanning from World War II to the present day. You can also see the country’s first to last banknotes in this museum. Furthermore, the history of the house where the Unique Stamp Museum is located dates back to the Pahlavi era.

Operating Hours of the Unique Stamp Museum: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Ticket Price for the Unique Stamp Museum: With a guide, 30,000 Iranian Rials
Address of the Unique Stamp Museum: Mirzaii Parvar Boulevard, after Modarres Street

Shrines and Mausoleums in Karaj

In Karaj, there are many valuable shrines and mausoleums with religious and historical significance. Interestingly, some of these mausoleums not only have historical and religious appeal but also boast remarkable natural beauty. One of the best attractions in Karaj is the tombs of the famous figures buried in the shrines cemetery. Here are some of the notable mausoleums in Karaj:

Taher Mausoleum in Karaj

The Taher Mausoleum is one of the prominent structures and most famous attractions in Karaj, dating back to the Safavid era. The current appearance of the mausoleum is the result of renovations carried out in 1375 SH (1996 AD) and subsequent maintenance. The lineage of the Taher Mausoleum traces back to Imam Sajjad (AS). Besides its religious and historical significance, the adjacent cemetery is also a significant reason for visitors to explore this fascinating site. This cemetery, one of the attractions of Mehrshahr, Karaj, is the final resting place of athletes, actors, musicians, writers, and poets, including renowned figures such as Master Jalal Zolfonun, Master Gholamhossein Banan, Ahmad Shamlou, and Houshang Golshiri.

Visiting Hours of Taher Mausoleum in Karaj: From dawn until a few hours after sunset
Ticket Price for Taher Mausoleum in Karaj: Free
Address of Taher Mausoleum in Karaj: Karaj-Qazvin Highway, after Mehrshahr Bridge

Kordan Mausoleum

Kordan Mausoleum, also known as Shahzadeh Hossein, is a historical religious structure in Karaj, reportedly built during the Seljuk period. However, some research suggests that the original construction date of this building may belong to the Ilkhanate era, and an important religious figure of that time is buried in this mausoleum. Like many other attractions in Karaj, Kordan Mausoleum was nationally registered in 1380.

The structure of this mausoleum is designed in the form of a six-meter tower with a brick facade. In recent years, Kordan Mausoleum has undergone a restoration process. Inside the mausoleum building, you can see a metal shrine of no historical value. It is worth mentioning that to the north of the mausoleum, another historical building is visible, which is attributed to Bibi Nasim, one of the descendants of Imam Zain al-Abidin and the sister of Shahzadeh Hossein.

Visiting Hours of Kordan Mausoleum: Coordination with the caretaker is required for visits.
Ticket Price for Kordan Mausoleum: Free
Address of Kordan Mausoleum: Kordan, Shahid Kordan Boulevard

Imamzadeh Mohammad and Seyyedeh Khatoun

Imamzadeh Mohammad and Seyyedeh Khatoun are descendants of Shiite Imams, and their mausoleum is located in the Hasarak area of Karaj. In the cemetery of this mausoleum, the tombs of famous figures and martyrs can be seen. If you visit Imamzadeh Mohammad and Seyyedeh Khatoun on Fridays, it is a good idea to visit the Martyrs Museum, also known as the House of Martyrs, which exhibits memorabilia and belongings of martyrs.

Visiting Hours of Imamzadeh Mohammad and Seyyedeh Khatoun: From Fajr prayer time until a few hours after Maghrib prayer time
Ticket Price for Imamzadeh Mohammad and Seyyedeh Khatoun: Free
Address of Imamzadeh Mohammad and Seyyedeh Khatoun: Defa Moghaddas Square, Houshiar Boulevard

Recommended Activities in Karaj

With the introduction of numerous tourist attractions in Karaj, choosing among the available options might be a bit challenging, but don’t worry. In this section of the article, we list a selection of recommended activities in Karaj to make your decision easier. Recommended activities in Karaj include visiting the Stamp Museum, Iran Small Park, Shamlou House, and Fateh Garden Karaj. Additionally, the Grand Ayatollah Khomeini Shrine can also be considered among the top attractions of this city.

Final Words

In this article, we introduced the best tourist attractions in Karaj to you. You might now be thinking about planning a visit to Karaj’s attractions and considering taking a domestic tour of this city. Although we have provided complete information about each of Karaj’s tourist spots for simplicity in planning, it’s a good idea to review this information once again before your trip to avoid any surprises. If you have previously experienced visiting Karaj’s tourist attractions, share your thoughts about Karaj’s attractions with us and other Gulf City Pedia users.