Updated November 2026 We have refreshed this guide and removed attractions we could not reconfirm; opening times and ticket prices change often, so check with the tower before you visit.
The Milad Tower complex is Tehran’s tallest landmark and one of the easiest days out in the city, with an observation deck, a revolving restaurant, a children’s centre and a busy calendar of events at its base. Rising 435 metres above the west of the city, it is the tallest tower in Iran and, according to Wikipedia, the sixth-tallest tower in the world. Whether you are a visitor with a few hours to spare or a resident looking for something to do with the family, here is what to expect.
Getting there and tickets
Milad Tower opened in 2008 and stands on a hill between the Gisha and Shahrak-e Gharb districts, surrounded by motorways. The simplest way to get there is by taxi or a ride-hailing app such as Snapp. Tickets are sold at the base and are priced separately for each attraction, so decide in advance whether you want the observation deck only or a combined visit with a meal. By international standards a trip up the tower is very good value; for a feel for current everyday costs, see our Iran prices trackers.
The observation deck
The glass-sided lifts are part of the fun: you watch the ground drop away beneath you on the way up. At the top there are enclosed and open-air observation levels, with views stretching across the whole city to the Alborz mountains in the north. Come on a clear day, ideally after rain or wind has swept away the haze, when the visibility is best for photographs. Sunset is a particularly good time, as the city lights come on below you.
The revolving restaurant
Near the top of the tower, the revolving restaurant turns slowly through a full circle, so over the course of a meal you see Tehran from every side. It has traditionally offered a buffet or a set menu of Iranian dishes, and its kebabs have a good local reputation. Service on our visits has been friendly and attentive. It is a popular spot for birthdays and special occasions, so book ahead, especially at weekends (Thursday evening and Friday). There is also a café and a food court if you want something quicker or cheaper.
Karbazia kids’ centre
On the lower level of the complex, Karbazia is a role-play centre for children aged roughly 2 to 13 where they try out real jobs in miniature: firefighter, pilot, doctor, mechanic, chef, newsreader and more. There are also craft, science, music and robotics corners, a sandpit and a small theatre for younger children. See our full guide to Karbazia at Milad Tower for more detail.
Outside, at the foot of the tower, there are climbing frames and small ride-on cars for younger children, and the open spaces around the base make a pleasant place for a walk on a mild evening.
Events, exhibitions and the Fajr Film Festival
The complex has a large conference hall and exhibition spaces, and something is on most months: trade fairs, concerts, cultural festivals and holiday events, including gatherings where nomadic and tribal communities set up camp near the entrance to show visitors their crafts, food and way of life. Keep an eye on local listings around Nowruz and other public holidays, when the programme is busiest.
Milad Tower is also the regular home of the Fajr International Film Festival, Iran’s best-known film event, held each winter around February. During the festival the complex hosts screenings, press events and gatherings, and you have a fair chance of spotting well-known Iranian actors and directors in the crowds.
Tips for your visit
- Pick a clear day for the observation deck; on hazy, high-pollution days the views can disappear.
- Allow at least two to three hours if you want to combine the deck with a meal.
- Weekends and holidays are busy; weekday daytimes are quieter.
