Palladium Shopping Center
Location and Architecture
Located in the prestigious Mahmoudiyeh district in northern Tehran. The building is designed in a style inspired by Achaemenid architecture, featuring polygonal forms and a complex structure. The southern part of the complex has 13 floors, the northern part — 11, with 6 underground parking levels.
The project was implemented by architect Pedram Amenzadeh and developer Hassan Raftari, owner of the Raftari restaurant chain. The center's name refers to the rare metal palladium, symbolizing luxury and quality.
Layout and Key Areas
The complex has 13 floors (11 in the northern part, 13 in the southern, 6 fr om ground level), with 150 commercial units, 120 service stores, and six parking levels.
- Shopping floors (G1–G3): Over 160 stores with global brands — Adidas, Defacto, Mango, Swarovski, LC Waikiki, Diesel, Jennifer — clothing, footwear, jewelry, cosmetics, electronics. Seasonal sales (e.g., end-of-season) with good discounts.
- Hypermarket (ground floor): Huge supermarket with premium products — fresh vegetables, imported fruits, meat, household goods — similar to Hyperstar.
- Restaurants (G3, 3rd floor): 25 restaurants and cafes, known for Italian cuisine (e.g., Cinque Terre), Persian dishes, seafood, and fast food. Food court on the third floor with Turkish, Mexican, and vegan options. Cafes like Viuna with specialty coffee.
- Sports and spa (6th floor, southern part): 2000 m² gym with top equipment, two pools for adults and children, saunas, professional trainers. Classes from yoga to bodybuilding.
- Library and cultural space (2nd floor): Bookland with novels, art books, and textbooks, cozy cafe for reading. Events like book signings.
- Entertainment: Children's play area, 3D printing store (DOOB), music gallery (Pars) with workshops and concerts. Annual events like “Children's Day at Palladium” (October 7).
- Offices (floors 5–11): Travel agencies, insurance companies, startups — business and leisure in one place.
The arched facade, glass walls, and mountain views create a grand atmosphere — every visit is visually impressive.
Visiting Conditions
Opening Hours:
- Stores: 10:00–22:00.
- Restaurants/cafes: 11:00–23:00.
- Hypermarket: 9:00–22:30.
May extend during holidays. Call 021-22010600 for confirmation.
Entry: Free; pools/gym — membership (about 17 €/month).
Rules: No pets, smoking, outside food. Luggage storage available.
Crowds: Busy in evenings and weekends; mornings (from 10:00) are calmer. Avoid Nowruz.
Note: Premium goods — higher prices (e.g., Adidas sneakers ~85 € vs. 51 € elsewhere). Bargaining not customary.
Tip: Plan 3–4 hours for shopping, dining, and exploring.
Location and How to Get to Palladium Mall
Address: Zafaraniyeh, Moghaddas Ardebili St., corner of Aruzi St., Tehran, Iran.
From Central Tehran
- Distance: ~12 km from Azadi Square, 20–30 min by car.
- Metro: Line 1 to Tajrish station (terminal), then:
- Taxi to Zafaraniyeh (~0.26 €, 5 min).
- Walk ~2 km (25 min) along Valiasr St.
- Bus: BRT line 7 (Railway Station — Tajrish) to Homayouni stop, walk 1 km (~0.17 €).
- Taxi: ~0.85 € via apps like Snapp.
- Car: Along Valiasr St. north, past Parkway bridge, left onto Moghaddas Ardebili, right onto Aruzi. Parking on six levels, including VIP.
Ava Center Shopping Mall
History and Architecture
Located in the Aghdasieh district, near Niavaran Palace, on Movahed Danesh Street. The building combines glass and metal; its facade won “Commercial Building of the Year” at the Middle East Architects International Contest in 2018 and recognition from the Architecture Master Prize.
Construction of Ava Platt took place from 2012 to 2017 by Abad Sazan Group under the “Ava” brand. Initially planned as a regular parking lot for the Aghdasieh district, the project evolved into one of Iran's most specialized centers for gold and jewelry trading.
The complex is built on a 2500 m² plot, with total infrastructure of 32,500–33,700 m² and height of 40 meters. 16 floors (10 above ground, 6 underground), connected by escalators, stairs, and panoramic glass elevators. Architects — Fluid Motion Architects.
Floor Layout and Key Areas
Ava Platt has 16 floors with clear division:
- Underground floors (-6 to -3): Parking, storage, jewelry repair workshops (on -3: 4 separate workshops).
- -2 floor: Food court (Ava Food Market), Ava Market supermarket, flower shop, home business zone (Kar Khooneh — handmade items, art, clothing).
- -1 to 1 floors: Main commercial units — about 90–164 stores (5 to 150 m²), focus on jewelry: galleries of global brands, precious stones section, famous Iranian brands, designer jewelry.
- 2–7 floors: Parking (total 10 parking levels for ~400 spaces, with separate entry/exit ramps, intelligent ventilation, and glass walls for light and mountain views).
- 7th floor: Technical facilities.
- 8th floor: Cultural center — exhibitions, art galleries, performances, shows.
- 9–10 floors: Restaurants and cafes with panoramic views of Tehran and mountains (open terraces, indoor/outdoor spaces).
Overall parking is one of the best in the city, with valet parking, car wash, and cafe in the parking area. Middle parking floors sometimes host events: fairs, concerts, exhibitions.
Stores and Brands
About 90–164 commercial units, main focus — gold and jewelry:
- Galleries of global and elite Iranian brands.
- Precious stones and jewelry section.
- Famous Iranian gold brands (on lower floors for security).
- Designer jewelry (modern and exclusive models).
Also: clothing, cosmetics, perfume, sweets, chocolate, home goods. Conceptual stores by local designers, premium supermarket with organic products.
Additional Services and Amenities
- Parking: ~400 spaces on 10 levels, separate ramps, smart system, valet, car wash.
- Services: Dry cleaning, tailoring, shoe repair, beauty salon, spa (massage), pet shop, ATMs, Wi-Fi, gift wrapping, children's area.
- Culture: 8th floor — galleries, exhibitions, art events; Book Land (bookstore).
- Food:
- -2 floor: Food court with Iranian (kebab, dizi), international (pizza, pasta, sushi, salads, grill), fast food, organic, bakery-cafes. Brands like Grill, Bamika, Ballon Rouge, Sushi, Cheese Factory, Darian.
- 9–10 floors: Luxury restaurants (modern and traditional) with city views, terrace, and hookah area (e.g., in Cheese Factory).
Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 23:00 (may vary by section).
Location and How to Get to Ava Platt
Address: Aghdasieh district, Movahed Danesh St., corner of Firouzbakhsh St.
By car: Easy access without traffic restrictions. Parking entry from Firouzbakhsh St. (east side).
By bus: Lines 220 (Tajrish — Ozgol) or 387 (Qods Square — Resalat), Aghdasieh stop (slightly beyond the center).
By metro: Nearest stations: Tajrish (line 1) or Nobonyad. Then taxi (5–10 min).
From central Tehran: ~10–15 km from Tajrish Square, 20–30 min by car or taxi (via Snapp ~0.5–1 €).
From Mehrabad Airport: ~20–25 km, 40–60 min by taxi.
Accessibility: Elevators, ramps for wheelchairs.
Tip: Parking is convenient, but crowded on weekends. Arrive in the morning for relaxed shopping.
Arg Shopping Center
History and Architecture of Arg Shopping Center
Arg Shopping Center was built on a plot of about 10,931 m² and opened in mid-2013 (1392 Iranian calendar). Total built area is approximately 76,500 m².
The complex includes 5 parking levels with 1,000 spaces and 5 commercial floors with 202 units.
A highlight is the green roof with open cafes. It harmoniously blends modern design with open spaces.
The 20-meter-high building is in the bustling Tajrish district, creating a striking contrast between the traditional bazaar and modern luxury.
Floor Layout and Key Areas
- Underground and lower floors: Parking on 5 levels (about 1,000 spaces with ventilation and jet fans for smoke removal), technical areas, sometimes services like car wash.
- Lower commercial floors (ground and first): Jewelry, perfume, cosmetics, clothing, electronics, and home goods stores.
- Middle floors: Additional boutiques, food court, restaurants.
- 3rd floor: Indoor amusement park Fun Time with attractions and games for children and families.
- 4th floor: Arabic cafe Level Four with open roof.
- Top floor/roof: Florian Café and other open spaces with city views, green area (roof garden) for relaxation.
The complex includes an amphitheater and cinema.
Stores and Brands
Main categories:
- Jewelry and watches: Many famous brands (Rolex, Tissot, Edox, and Iranian jewelers).
- Clothing and accessories: International and local brands (Adidas, Reebok, LC Waikiki, etc.), designer fashion, leather goods (e.g., Mante).
- Cosmetics, perfume, and hygiene.
- Electronics, home goods, souvenirs.
- Specialized stores: Gold and jewelry on lower floors for security.
Additional Services and Amenities
- Parking: 5 levels, about 1,000 spaces, with ventilation, sometimes car wash.
- Entertainment: Fun Time — amusement park on 3rd floor with games for all ages; amphitheater for events; sometimes cinema.
- Food: Diverse food court and restaurants — Iranian (Tanasob: kebabs, stews), Asian (Rushen: grill), fast food (Tele Pizza, Hamburger), French bakery (Le Grenier à Pain), chocolate and sweets (Saedi Nia), open rooftop cafes (Level Four — Arabic, Florian — with city views).
- Other: Regular events (sales, product launches, cultural activities), relaxation areas, cleanliness and security, family-friendly (stroller space).
Opening hours: usually 10:00 to 23:00 daily.
Location and How to Get to Arg Shopping Center
Arg Shopping Center is in the lively Tajrish district in northern Tehran, near Tajrish Square and the traditional bazaar.
Address: Tajrish Square, beginning of Saadabad St.
By car: Easy access via main roads; multi-level parking inside (convenient in busy area).
By metro: Tajrish station (line 1, terminal); exit right next to the center, a few minutes walk.
By bus: Lines to Tajrish.
By taxi: Via apps like Snapp; from central Tehran — 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
The complex is accessible for people with disabilities: elevators, escalators.
Iran Mall
History and Architecture
Iran Mall opened in 2018. Located in northwest Tehran near Chitgar Lake. It is the largest shopping center in the Middle East, spanning 32 hectares with 7 floors. It claims to be one of the world's biggest shopping and entertainment complexes, rivaling Dubai Mall (UAE) and South China Mall (China). Upon completion, total area will reach 1.6 million m². The project was initiated by businessman Ali Ansari and financed by Ayandeh Bank.
Over 700 stores, including local and international brands. Due to sanctions, many Western companies are absent, but goods are available via parallel import.
The architectural design blends traditional Iranian motifs with modern elements. Inspired by sites like Shazde Mahan garden in Kerman, the Mirror Hall in Iran's parliament, and Oxford library.
The ensemble includes a musical lake and traditional bazaar, creating an atmosphere wh ere echoes of the past integrate into modern space. Emphasis on Persian gardens, mirror halls, and authentic decorations.
Floor Layout and Key Areas
- Ground floor (G0): Taxi station, parking, administrative offices, mosque, recreation center, musical fountain, and 14,000 m² lake connecting east and west parts.
- First floor (G1): Hyperstar hypermarket (17,000 m²), entertainment center, ice rink, sports club, car exhibition, and food court.
- Second floor (G2): Book Garden (Gondishapur library, 3,300 m²), Mahan Garden, and Didar Garden (3,000 m², 14 m high with glass roof, water features, palms, stepped waterfall, glass bridge). Traditional Timche Haj Ali Akbar bazaar (10,000 m²) with Mirror Hall, Sharbat-Khane, Raste Bazaar, Hojre, Chaharsu, and craft exhibition spaces. Also cinema-cafe and emergency department.
- Third floor (G3): Family entertainment center with amusement park, gallery, cinema, and food court.
- Roof (RG): Exhibitions, parking, sports complex, squash courts, and health track.
Highlights include Persian gardens inspired by Shazde Mahan, Aab-Nava musical fountain, Mirror Hall with 126 m² carpet of 38 million mirror pieces, “Garden of Nations” restaurant, and Diamond Hall for luxury brands.
Additional Services and Amenities
- Amusement park on third floor;
- Cinema and cinema-cafe on second floor;
- Ice rink on first floor;
- Gallery;
- Sports club on first floor;
- Roof sports complex with squash courts and health track;
- Food courts on first, second, and third floors;
- “Garden of Nations” restaurant serving dishes from five continents in themed zones;
- Coffee shops;
- Gondishapur library (3,300 m²) with 50,000 books in various languages, spanning three floors;
- Traditional bazaar with exhibitions of turquoise, emerald, agate, and diamond items;
- Hotel;
- Mosque;
- Recreation center;
- Car exhibition;
- Emergency department;
- Parking — 7,000 free spaces near Hyperstar, plus roof spaces.
Library hours: Saturday to Wednesday 12:00–19:00, Thursday 12:00–17:00.
Location and How to Get to Iran Mall
Iran Mall is in district 22, northwest Tehran, at the end of Shahid Hemmat and Shahid Kharrazi highways, near Chitgar Park and Persian Gulf Lake.
Close to Mehrabad, Payam, and Imam Khomeini airports, convenient for visitors from various areas.
