A Thracian tribe with a rich culture inhabited the area as far back as the 7th-6th century BC. The discovered tombs and artifacts prove the existance of a Roman village in the same location. The first name of the village was Tetevian. During the Bulgarian national revival, the village flourished and was called Altin (Golden) Teteven. In 1801, the city was totally destroyed and burnt down by the Ottoman invaders.

Only 3 more than 180 year- old houses have been preserved up to the present day. These are the Bobevska, Yorgova and Hadji Ivanova houses.

Among the attractions in the town is the City Historical Museum with a big exposition of transcripts, books, crafts, etc.

There is a church called St. Svetih. Very close to the city are also the "St. Prophet Elijah" Monastery of Teteven, built in the 14th century and "St. George" Monastery of Glojen from the 13th century.

The city is a starting point for many tourist routes in the Balkan range. The Ribaritsa resort with its houses, family hotels and relaxation spots, is situated 12 km to the southeast. From there, tourists can reach the summit of Vejen very quickly, the "Eho", "George Benkovski" and "Vejen" chalets.

The city and its outskirts are included in the Central Balkan National Park. The "Buatin", "Kosiastena" and "Carichina' natural reserves are a part of the tourist routes.

Very close to the city is the secluded area called the Chernia (the Black) route, this is a favorite place of ornithologists. The rocks near Teteven offer excellent conditions for the fans of rock climbing and albinism.

The Saeva dupka cave is located 25 km northwest of Teteven.