Tehran is the metropolitan capital city of Iran. Tehran is the most populated city in Iran, with around 15 million people living and commuting daily in Greater Tehran. The city is located on the slopes of Alborz Mountain ranges, with a towering view of Mount Damavand, the highest mountain in the Iranian Plateau. To the south and east, the city expands to drier areas and the central desert of Iran. As such, the city enjoys diverse climates.

Around 200 years ago, today’s city of Tehran was in fact a number of villages which were gradually extended. So much so that they ultimatelt united with one another and became today’s Tehran. This happened during the time that Tehran was chosen as the capital city of Iran for the first time, during the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar.

Today’s Tehran includes a population which originates in different cities of Iran. The chance to find better jobs with higher salaries has immigrated many people to the capital. The city’s more affluent residents, used to travel to the north of the city because of its more moderate temperatures in the summer. Today, this area has also become a part of the city.

In the modern-day Tehran, you will see a colorful city boasting its historical houses, palaces, gardens, bazaars, and museums. At the same time, you will see a city pushing for modernization and expansion. Additionally, its population includes Persians, Turks, Azeris, Baluchis, Kurds, Arabs, Lurs and Armenians. The religious diversity also includes Muslims, Christians, Zoroastrians, and Jewish believers.

Tehran is home to many beautiful places, historical and tourist attractions. Let’s take a look at some of these places.

Sa’d Abad Museum Complex

One of the top tourist attractions of Tehran is Sa’d Abad Museum Complex. It is located in the northernmost neighborhood of Tehran, in Shemiran. The complex was built in 19th century, by Qajar kings. Later on, during the reign of Pahlavi family, it was expanded to include several other palaces and buildings.

Today, these palaces are used as a complex of museums which display different historical and cultural heritages of Iran. It includes the White palace, Green Palace, Water Museum, Master Behzad Museum, Omidvar Brothers Museum, Mir Emad Calligraphy Museum, Fine Arts Museum, The Special Kitchen, Royal Costumes Museum, Royal Weapons Museum, Royal Cars Museum, Royal Dishes Museum. In addition to this, it might be interesting for you to know that the complex is in fact located in a natural forest where you can also find qanats.

Golestan Palace

Another royal tourist sight in Tehran is Golestan Palace. The palace is located in the historical heart of Tehran, near other attractions such as the Grand Bazaar of Tehran and Treasury of National Jewels. The palace complex has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The area where the palace is located, was included in the citadel built in the 16th century. The palace was built in this location during several periods, destroyed, and built again. During the 5 centuries that followed, the area saw the rise of palaces and mansions that were exquisitely decorated by Iranian arts and architecture. Here you can see different types of traditional Iranian and modern Iranian arts.

The complex includes 15 buildings which have mainly been turned into museums. These are: Marble Throne, Karim Khani Nook, Edifice of the Sun, Pond House, Photographic archive, Containers Hall, Mirror Hall, Museum of Gifts, Ivory Hall, Salam Hall, Museum Hall, Abyaz Palace, Diamond Hall, and Building of Windcatchers.

Azadi Tower (Borj-e Azadi)

The image of Azadi Tower has become a symbol of Tehran. The construction of the tower was completed in 1971. It was designed and executed by a newly graduated 24-year-old architect named Hossein Amanat. The height of the tower is 45 meters and is covered by ribs of marble stone. Azadi Tower is located in Azadi Square of Tehran, and consists a part of the Azadi Complex.

This symbol of modern Iran is designed to represent the origination of the current day Iran in an ancient past. Rising from this rich historical past, the tower comes to a strong peak representing its bright future.

Tabiat Bridge

A more recent edition to architectural edifices embellishing Tehran, is Tabi’at Bridge. This bridge has become an icon of Tehran, which helps reconnect people more to the nature. The very word “tabi’at” means nature in Farsi. It is in fact a 270-meter long pedestrian walk, which connects two major parks of the capital. The construction of the bridge took 4 years and was completed in 2014. It is also important to note that its design and execution have won several international and national awards.

The bridge has been designed in a way that allows people to enjoy their time here. This is a walk not just for passing, but also pondering and enjoying the time cut from the otherwise crowded, traffic-struck, and running world of Tehran. There are some cafes and restaurants along the bridge as well.

Niyavaran Palace

Niavaran Palace Complex is another unique tourist attraction of Tehran. The palace was built in the 19th century, by Fath Ali Shah Qajar, who wanted a summer rest in the north of Tehran. The palaces constructed here served as the residence of the succeeding Qajarid as well as Pahlavi kings.
The Complex includes several buildings serving different purposes. These buikdings include: Saheb Qaranieh Palace, Niavaran Palace, Royal Library, Ahmad Shahi Pavilion, The Royal Car Museum, and The Garden of Reliefs.

Milad Tower

One of the prominent representations of Tehran’s modernization is Milad Tower. With 10 years in construction, it was finally completed in 2007. Actually, the design and initial plan date back to 1970s, but it was never materialized until 1997. This is a multi-purpose tower, used for commercial, cultural, telecommunication, and recreational reasons.

This 435-meter-high structure consists of a 6-floor lobby, a five-star hotel, an IT park, a world trade center, and a convention center. On top of the tower you will get a 360-degree view of Tehran. In addition to this, here you will be able to visit the highest non-coastal dolphinarium in the world, visit galleries and museums, play a game of paint ball with your friends, see its artificial waterfall, watch a movie at its cinema or enjoy a concert.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar of Tehran is perhaps one of the most exciting and interesting tourist attractions of Tehran. While bazaars have historically played important roles in the creation of Iranian cities, the exact date of Tehran’s grand bazaar’s origination is unclear. But some parts of the bazaar are assumed to date back to 400 years ago. This 10-kilometer-long bazaar, consists of several corridors and entrances.

Besides shops, the bazaar also includes banks, mosques, caravanserais, and guest houses. This trading hub has not only served commerce, but has also been an important location for conversation, and a catalyzer to social upheavals and revolutions.

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