Tehran As a Tourist Destination

Tehran is the huge capital city of Iran, located at the foot of the Alborz mountain range. Because of its natural surroundings Tehran is blessed with a spectacular panoramic view. And despite constant media reports about Iran being part of the "Axis of Evil", Tehran is full of warm, welcoming people.

So what Tehran places should be the must-sees on a traveler's itinerary? The truth is that Iran's most spectacular attractions lie outside Tehran in cities like Esfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd. Tehran is more of a city to experience than to "see". But there are a few exciting highlights.

Perhaps at the top of the list belongs the National Museum of Iran. If you've ever been to a national museum you can figure out what this will be like. Its displays include ceramics, stone figures, statues, and carvings throughout the various periods of Persian history, as early as the 5th millenium BCE.

For those who quickly tire of old statues, the grandiose Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It is still under construction, but the entire complex will comprise an area of 5000 acres when completed. The main mausoleum is a large gold dome surrounded by 4 minarets.

Also for its sheer size and grandiosity, the Tehran Shahyad Monument is a must see. It was built by the Shah of Iran in commemoration of the 2500th anniversary of the start of the Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great. It consists of a massive tower that can be seen of from the road during the drive from the airport to the city. The Monument was renamed Azadi Monument or "Freedom Monument" after the Islamic revolution, so don't be confused if you hear it referred to by both names.

One amazing attraction for those with a taste for luxury is the Treasure of the National Jewels. These treasures include the world's largest uncut ruby, the "Sea of Light" (the world's largest pink diamond), and a jaw-dropping globe made of
34 kilograms of gold and over 51,000 precious stones. People like me who have a taste for precious metals gems will love this place.

For those who like panoramic views, the Milad Tower is the fourth largest tower in the world. The views from the tower are magnificent and offer spectacular photo opportunities.

Perhaps the most gorgeous attraction in Tehran is Golestan Palace. It was the royal residence during the Qajar period, and its main building now contains a museum housing relics of that era. Another pavillion in the palace compound contains
an intereting cultural museum, but the real attraction is the classical architecture and the gardens themselves. They offer a pleasant and much needed escape from the bustling city streets.

Another example of classical architecture is the Grand Bazaar. It is an extensive maze of shopping streets totalling 10 km in total. It is a walled area with gates, some of which are locked at night.

There are a lot of parks in Tehran, especially on the north side of town which is the more upper-class area. Some refreshing parks include Jamshidiyeh, Mellat, and Gheytarieh.

If you will be visiting in the winter season, between November and March, the Alborz mountain range will be covered in snow. Even Tehran city itself sometimes receives significant snowfalls. Most people think of blistering hot sand dunes when they think of the Middle East, but you won't find that in Tehran (well, you can find the blistering heat part in the summer months). But instead of sand dunes there are ski slopes. Three major skiing locations include Shemshak, Dizin, and Darbandsar. They are approximately 2 hours by car or bus from the city. Aside from the skiing itself, you will have a chance to escape the polluted air of the capital.

Tehran is an inviting city that is definitely worth a few days of your time when you come to Iran. It's a place to meet Tehran people and experience modern Iranian life in one of the Middle East's biggest cities, and to become familiar with its cultural treasures before moving onto the more spectacular sites elsewhere in Iran. Come and experience Tehran as a tourist destination.