Attractions in Tehran Grand Bazaar
The Tehran Grand Bazaar is not just a shopping destination but also one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city. Visiting the oldest bazaar in Tehran, located in one of the most vibrant areas of the city, offers a unique and memorable experience. Its traditional architecture provides visitors with an extraordinary visual delight. If you have ever seen photos of the Tehran Grand Bazaar, you would surely be tempted to visit it at least once to explore its historic ambiance.
Interestingly, while the Tehran Grand Bazaar is primarily known as the main wholesale market in the city, it also accommodates retail shopping. Visitors can purchase various products, both wholesale and retail, making it a versatile marketplace.
Where is the Tehran Grand Bazaar, and How Old is it?
The Tehran Grand Bazaar is located in District 12 of Tehran. It is bordered by Molavi Street to the south, Siros Street to the east, 15 Khordad Street to the north, and Khayyam Street to the west. Accessing the bazaar is quite convenient, especially by taking the 15 Khordad metro line.
The history of the Tehran Grand Bazaar is long and fascinating. It dates back to the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan, the founder of the Qajar dynasty, who chose Tehran as the capital of Iran in the 19th century. Alongside royal palaces, Imam Mosque, city gates, and the Shams-ol-Emareh mansion, the Grand Bazaar remains one of the enduring legacies of his reign. Interestingly, the architecture of many of these historical sites is not originally Iranian.
Later, during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, French architects were invited to contribute to the design and construction of important landmarks, including the Tehran Grand Bazaar. As part of their efforts, they built arched roofs over the bazaar’s corridors to reduce the heat inside, enhancing the shopping experience.
The Tehran Grand Bazaar is recognized by tourists as one of the most significant and iconic landmarks in Tehran. In its early days, the bazaar was merely a center for trading domestic and imported goods. However, over time, it evolved into a focal point for political, economic, and social movements.
Due to its unique architecture, capturing protesters within the bazaar was a challenging task for government authorities, as the bazaar’s layout features a network of intertwined alleys and corridors. This historical and cultural significance, combined with its dynamic commercial environment, makes the Tehran Grand Bazaar a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Tehran Grand Bazaar Shopping Guide
For first-time visitors, navigating the vast Tehran Grand Bazaar with its numerous alleys and passageways can be quite overwhelming. Fortunately, each section of the bazaar, known as a “raasteh” (row), is dedicated to a specific type of product. By familiarizing yourself with these sections, you can head straight to the area that offers the items you’re looking for.
Where to Buy Cosmetics at Tehran Grand Bazaar
Marvi Alley (Koocheh Marvi) in the Grand Bazaar is the go-to spot for purchasing cosmetics, personal care products, and electric beauty devices. Additionally, Shams and Sadaf shopping centers also offer a wide selection of beauty products.
Where to Buy Clothing, Bags, and Shoes at Tehran Grand Bazaar
The Shoe Market (Bazaar-e Kafash-ha) is dedicated exclusively to selling Iranian and international brand footwear. For clothing, you can visit the Kuwaiti Market (Bazaar-e Kuwaitiha) and Saraye Melli. If you are looking for scarves and shawls, check out the areas of Bein-al-Haramain, Jafari, and Soltani.
To buy handbags, backpacks, and suitcases, head to Saraye Moshir. For stationery supplies, the best option is to visit Bein-al-Haramain Market.
Where to Buy Kitchenware at Tehran Grand Bazaar
If you’re searching for kitchenware or if you’re a bride-to-be shopping for your trousseau, the Hajeb-od-Dowleh Timcheh is the ideal place to find everything you need.
Where to Buy Nuts and Dried Fruits at Tehran Grand Bazaar
For a variety of nuts, dried fruits, candies, and chocolates, you can head to Ahangaran Bazaar and Cheheltan Market.
Where to Buy Gold and Watches at Tehran Grand Bazaar
The main row of the bazaar, known as the Goldsmiths’ Market (Raasteh-ye Tala Foroushan), is home to a vast collection of gold, jewelry, and watch stores offering a wide range of designs.
Shopping Centers Inside Tehran Grand Bazaar
Tehran Grand Bazaar is home to both old and new shopping centers, which may offer a more convenient shopping experience than navigating the traditional stalls and shops. Some of the most famous shopping centers within the bazaar are:
- Reza Passage
Located in the heart of the bazaar, Reza Passage has 600 commercial units spread across five floors. It hosts various production workshops and retail stores selling a wide array of products. - Chahar-Sough Passage
Situated between the Small and Grand Chahar-Sough (crossroads), this passage is a great place to shop for men’s and women’s clothing. - Ghaem Passage
Located in the Abbas Abad Bazaar within Ali Abadi Alley, this shopping center is well-known for its wide range of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. - Maryam Passage
You can easily find Maryam Passage in the Shoe Market (Bazaar-e Kafash-ha). It offers a variety of clothing options for shoppers.
Famous Bazaars and Marketplaces Within Tehran Grand Bazaar
You may have heard the names of certain bazaars and market areas within the larger Tehran Grand Bazaar. Here is a list of some of the most well-known market zones:
- Khalij Fars (Persian Gulf) Market
- Abbas Abad Market
- Pardis Market
- Qaysarieh Market
- Reza Market
- Bein-al-Haramain Market
- Shoe Market (Bazaar-e Kafash-ha)
- Coppersmiths’ Market (Bazaar-e Mesgar-ha)
- Goldsmiths’ Market (Bazaar-e Zargar-ha)
- Carpenters’ Market (Bazaar-e Najjar-ha)
- Tailors’ Market (Bazaar-e Khayyat-ha)
- Ironmongers’ Market (Bazaar-e Ahangaran)
- Persepolis Market
- Kish Market
- Toosi Market
- Zeyd Market
- Dubai Market
- Kilo’i-ha Market
- Melli Market
- Nowrouz Khan Market
- Darvaze No (New Gate) Market
- Amir Market
- Stationery Market
- Jameh Mosque Market (Bazaar-e Masjed Jameh)
- Sarpolek Market
- Nik Market
Tehran Grand Bazaar Working Hours
The Tehran Grand Bazaar is open every day from Saturday to Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On Fridays, the bazaar is closed, similar to most other major bazaars in Iran. While visitors can still explore the architectural beauty of the bazaar on Fridays, the stores and stalls remain closed.
During Iranian New Year (Nowruz), the bazaar is also closed. It is advisable to check ahead of time if you plan to visit during the holidays.
Restaurants in Tehran Grand Bazaar
In addition to the historical landmarks surrounding the bazaar, the vibrant and colorful restaurants in the area attract many tourists and visitors.Many people, after shopping and exploring the Tehran Grand Bazaar, enjoy dining at memorable restaurants that serve high-quality food. If you want to experience the true taste of Iranian kebab, don’t miss these restaurants: Moslem, Ghadah, Nayeb, Shamshiri, Haj Morshed, Sharaf Al-Eslami, and Javan.
Attractions in Tehran Grand Bazaar
Due to its ancient history, every part of the Tehran Grand Bazaar, with its architecture, plasterwork, and traditional decorations, serves as a historical attraction. Below are some highlights within the bazaar that will leave you amazed during your visit:
Chahar-Suq-e Bozorg (Grand Intersection): This is one of the main and oldest parts of the bazaar. Built in 1786, it features a low ceiling adorned with exquisite plasterwork.
Sabzeh Meydan: Located in the northern section of the bazaar, Sabzeh Meydan dates back to the Safavid era.
Imam Khomeini Mosque: Also known as the Grand Mosque, this site has a history of over two centuries and is one of Tehran’s major historical attractions.
Additionally, the surrounding areas of the bazaar are home to many other must-see landmarks, such as Park-e Shahr (City Park), Golestan Palace, Moghaddam Museum, Imamzadeh Zeyd, and the Tomb of Lotf Ali Khan Zand.
Hotels Near Tehran Grand Bazaar
Many tourists prefer staying close to historical sites. The Tehran Grand Bazaar, situated in the heart of Tehran, offers convenient access to other parts of the city. This has led to the development of numerous accommodations in the vicinity, catering to visitors from all walks of life.
Here are some of the best hotels near the bazaar:
Amir Kabir Hotel (2-star)
Akhavat Hotel (1-star)
Ziba Hotel (2-star)
Fars Hotel (2-star)
Samen Hotel (1-star)
Ferdowsi Grand Hotel (4-star)
Shiraz Hotel (3-star)
Khayyam Hotel (1-star)
Golestan Hotel (2-star)
Arman Hotel (2-star)
Asia Hotel (1-star)
However, keep in mind that the bazaar area is bustling and crowded every day, so if you’re not comfortable with noise and crowds, staying near the bazaar might not be the best choice. On the other hand, staying close to the bazaar ensures easy access to other parts of the city.
Getting to Tehran Grand Bazaar
The Tehran Grand Bazaar is located in downtown Tehran, on 15 Khordad Street. Nasir Khusraw Bazaar, nearby, is often considered a part of the Grand Bazaar.
How to Reach Tehran Grand Bazaar by Metro
To get to the bazaar using the metro, the nearest station is 15 Khordad Station.
Given the heavy traffic and crowding in the area, it’s highly recommended to use the metro for commuting. Alternatively, you can take taxis to the Grand Bazaar from Azadi and Sadeghieh or use the BRT line from Tajrish to Rahahan, alighting at the Moniriyeh Station and taking a taxi to 15 Khordad.
For precise directions, you can also locate the Tehran Grand Bazaar on a map.
Tehran Grand Bazaar: Shopping in the Historic Heart of the City
The Tehran Grand Bazaar is one of the most significant landmarks nestled in the old, historic fabric of the city. This bazaar has witnessed many bittersweet memories and played a role in important historical events. Throughout history, it has stood as a shining beacon at the heart of the city, bustling with the movement of people around it.
Even today, the Tehran Grand Bazaar remains as lively as other prominent bazaars in Iran, such as Reza Bazaar in Mashhad, Tabriz Grand Bazaar, and Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz. It holds great economic importance and attracts many tourists. If you ever visit Tehran, be sure to explore this iconic market.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tehran Grand Bazaar
Is Tehran Grand Bazaar open on Fridays?
No, the bazaar is closed on Fridays, and shopkeepers do not operate on this day.
What are the working hours of Tehran Grand Bazaar?
The bazaar is open from Saturday to Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Which is the nearest metro station to Tehran Grand Bazaar?
The nearest metro station is 15 Khordad Station.
