Provided that out visas are approved, we (father and 20yr old daughter) shall be spending a few days in Tehran in a few months. While we shall be staying in and spending most of our time in what appears to be the more well-to-do northern areas of the city, we would like to spend a day exploring the southern area, on foot. Are the residents in the south just as welcoming of westerners as we expect to find in the north. Do they have the same acceptance of westerners, or should we anticipate any differing forms of attention? Many thanks.
1
amiriniran
Hi Simone,
I hope your visas are approved but let's wait and see. Tehran is big and quite sprawled out; Hence I do not know what you mean by Tehran 'southern area'. Do you mean downtown Tehran (which i think you do) or....something else? Anyway, if you plan to go to 'the south' (eg Tehran Bazare) hang on to your purse tight. There are lots of pickpockets looking for their next preys. Most people on the streets however would not notice on the street one way or another, and i really doubt they would approach you to start a chat or take a photo. But... Im sure you know those living in the southern part of Tehran tend to be much more religious and conservative those up in the north. You wont find many who speak English. Take care.
2
hassan_iran1
Hi,
It is ok and safe. It may be more crowded and polluted and people may be a little more curious but still all normal.
Have good time,
Hassan.
3
vvt
Tehran is a huge city of 15-million (20% of Iranians), not ancient, built on the southern slopes of the Alborz mountains. The upper northern areas are cooler, with cleaner water, while the city sprawls downhill through older Central Tehran out into the newer industrial flats below.
Similarly, the culture is stratified, with richer living above, middle in central, and poorer in the south. With many migrants from the provinces, and an entire generation orphaned by the brutal (1980s) Iraq-Iran War, Tehran suffers many of the social problems common to all major cities. The richer-urban are more liberal; while the poorer-rural are more conservative. If you try, you can no doubt, find areas of economic, religious, political, social and civil distress.
That said, Tehran is NOT as bad as many or most similar cities around the world. Given normal travel-smarts and normal travel awareness, you should have no problems. Just don't be stupid. Don't be wandering around questionable areas, alone at night looking like a stupid-rich-tourist. Don't invite pickpockets. Don't be caught in any political or religious demonstration. Don't be loudly proselytizing your religious or political ideas (quiet discussions are fine).
By all means, explore Tehran, seethe sights, shop the Bazaar, meet with people, enjoy your visit. Just be normally aware of your situation, and don't be stupid. Ask locally for recommendations. If ever in a difficult situation, ask any regular Irani for assistance -- most will go out of their way for their guests.
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