Is April 8, 2016 An Iranian Holiday?

Not a holiday as far as I know, just a normal Friday. Most sites should be open, there'll be plenty of people around (and even if things are closed, there's always the possibility of going out into the hills and joining the crowds)

http://www.bank-holidays.com/country/Iran-Islamic-Republic-of_85.htm

National Day of Nuclear Technology

Very detailed list, rather interesting.

"Iran holds a world record as far as of non working days (132 yearly, week-ends incl.)."

Don't fret. What time will you arrive? You may not have much of the day remaining for touring anyway.

As a first-time visitor there's plenty to see, even from the outside. Any guide book or indeed website listing of sights in Tehran will provide you with the addresses of public buildings and parks to visit. Use the metro and your feet to get to them.

Also consider:

• Visit the murals on the walls of the former US embassy (the den of espionage), and examine what remains of the sandstone Great Seal next to the gates.

• Take the metro to the southern suburbs to visit the Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini. The shrine with the sarcophagus of Khomeini may or may not be open (non-Muslims are permitted inside the shrine) but you can see the minarets, fountains and gardens.

• Next to this is the vast Behesht-e Zahra cemetery. You are assured of finding plenty of people visiting graves, including those still grieving for sons lost in the Iran-Iraq war (which has a dedicated section within the martyrs' graveyard). I'm not suggesting that you intrude on anyone's grief, but strolling around the cemetery you will give you a sense of the history of the country. It is likely that, even here, the eternally friendly Iranians will stop to speak with you and express their delight with your visit.

• Go to the Grand Bazaar anyway. You may find some merchants open their stores in the afternoon despite the Friday/public holiday nexus. These are most likely to be carpet sellers, and good luck if you decide to try your hand at haggling with them. If nothing else, you can wander the passages and marvel at the size and complexity of the place.

• Start practising your road-crossing technique while there is less traffic on the road. This takes some resolution and, at least initially, fortitude. The thing to do is to pick your path through the traffic, and once you begin do not stop or change direction. If the drivers have a clear idea about your intentions they can work with you (i.e. they can do their best not to run you over). If you falter, or hesitate, or change direction, or do something that a driver can't anticipate you will screw things up for everyone, not least of all yourself. Once you have gained some confidence, you can pit your skills against peak-hour traffic on Imam Khomeini Square -- seven lanes of traffic heading in one direction, and then seven lanes of traffic going the opposite way.

Enjoy Iran.

Simply, and shorty to answer the question, just a simple Friday! :)

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.