Tehran

Found at the foot of the glorious Alborz Mountains, Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran. The historic capital of the mighty Qajar dynasty, it is the cultural and adventure capital of the country. It features great monuments and buildings displaying beautiful Persian architecture, with the sleek Milad tower, Iran's tallest skyscraper, giving a tinge of urbanism to the traditional cityscape of this Persian powerhouse.

Tehran is the perfect place to explore the history of the Qajar dynasty, the last ruling empire of the ancient Persian civilisation before the evolution of the Constitution in the early 19th century. It is a great place to discover the evolution of Persian culture, with the National Museum containing a plethora of Qajar relics as well as artefacts of the land dating back to prehistoric times. A fascinating, one-of-a-kind museum you can't afford to miss is the National Jewelry Museum, holding many of the treasures and gems of the past monarchs that displays the glamour of the former empire. The Azadi Tower and Museum are fine examples of Persian architecture and historic value, with the tower being an iconic landmark of the city and the country. The Golestan Palace is the crown jewel of Tehran's historic architecture, a proud monument from the 16th century displaying the regal prowess of the Qajar dynasty. The importance of culture to Iranians can be witnessed at the Reza Abbasi Museum, home to many valuable pieces of Persian art, as well as the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. You should also make a trip to the Grand Bazaar to witness the daily life and chaos of Tehran. The snow-capped Alborz Mountains, visible throughout the city, attract adventure sport enthusiasts throughout the year, especially hikers, trekkers and skiiers.