Hi 👋

The situation is normal in terms geopolitical I think. You can enter by plane to Tehran or bus from frontlines.

Iran has it's own banking system and western systems such as Visa or Master do not work, so you need to enter by cash to crypto.

Iranian phone providers like Irancell has eSim you can buy probably in airline.

It's confortable to travel sololy, there would be always English speakers also it's easy to use google translate. Iranian really love foreigners and you will like them I gausse. to travel sololy probably best option is bus or taxi.

You can try famous cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz which have persian vibes. I also suggest to visit Kurdish cities like Sanandaj and Mehabad.

Internet works different, you need vpn to bypass sanctions, I suggest X-VPN (I used it for my mom who lives in Sanandaj)

Can you recommend any trendy places in Tehran? Not tourist attractions, but places related to young people's lives, such as trendy coffee shops, art spaces, live music venues, or something else. Where do people spend their free time?

An Insider’s Guide to Trendy Tehran

Recommendations based on local youth culture

Here are some trendy spots where young locals (teenagers to young adults) actually hang out, rather than standard tourist attractions.

🎨 Art, Culture & Hipster Neighborhoods

1. Karimkhan & Iranshahr District (Central Tehran)
This is a very vibrant area located in the city center. It is heavily populated with art galleries and independent cafés. It’s a great place to walk around, hop between galleries, and grab coffee. It has a very intellectual/artistic vibe.

2. Argo Factory

Vibe: Very trendy / Industrial Chic
This is an old brewery that has been converted into a contemporary art center and exhibition space. It is one of the coolest spots in the city right now for the art crowd.

Visual References provided:
- Instagram Post 1
- Instagram Post 2
(My friend noted: "Check this page generally, they introduce cool places.")

3. Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA)
Your friend emphasized that this is a "must-go." It’s a classic, but it remains a staple for the art community in Tehran.

☕️ Cafés & Hangout Spots

4. A.S.P. Towers (The Base)

Vibe: Upscale, trendy, slightly "posh"
The commercial area at the base of the A.S.P. residential towers is full of trendy cafés and boutique shops (showrooms). It is a popular spot for the modern, younger crowd to see and be seen.

5. Bagh-e Ferdows (Ferdows Garden)

Vibe: Social & Spontaneous
This is a beautiful Qajar-era garden complex. On weekends (and evenings), young people gather here. You might even catch groups singing or playing music spontaneously in the park. There are also nice cafés and a cinema museum on the grounds.

🍽 Dining & Live Music

Note on Live Music: Finding consistent live music venues in Tehran can be tricky due to regulations, and the music in standard cafés is often hit-or-miss.

6. Bacara Lounge (Vanak)

Location: Aftab Tower, Khoddami St (near Vanak Square)

Cuisine: Arab cuisine & Hookah
This spot used to be a cabaret in the old days and has retained a beautiful, upscale atmosphere. They often have live music (sometimes upbeat/dance style). It feels more formal and established than a typical café.

Need reservation before hand.

Visual References:
- Atmosphere Video
- Another view

🛍 Leisure & Relaxing

7. Tajrish Bazaar
While a known attraction, it is still a major hub for locals to stroll, shop, and eat street food. It’s great for just walking around and soaking in the atmosphere.

8. Hana Spa (Japanese Spa)

Note: Not traditionally Iranian, but very popular.
If you need to relax, there is a legitimate Japanese Onsen/Spa in Tehran called Hana Spa. It’s a cool, high-quality spot where locals go to unwind.

Visual Reference:
- Hana Spa Video

These recommendations cover the spectrum from "hipster art lover" to "upscale dining" and "casual street hangouts."