Where the modern meets the traditional

Tehran is a city of great contrasts where modern buildings appear beside traditional monuments, the secular beside the religious, and the rich beside the poor. There are a number of interesting museums and historical sights in Iran’s capital including the Treasury of National Jewels and the Museum of Contemporary Art, exhibiting works by artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh. The Golestan Palace is another place of interest with delightful gardens and impressive royal buildings. A short distance from Tehran and stood like a magnificent backdrop to the north of the city, the Albroz Mountains offer the opportunity to ski or walk in breathtaking scenery. The traffic in this sprawling metropolis is hectic and the pollution can be choking, but jump on the new metro system and you’ll be whisked across the city in no time.

Why Go?
Tehran is an imposing and interesting city located in a fascinating country. Visitors receive a warm and friendly welcome from the charming residents and the capital has a great selection of restaurants. The scenery that surrounds Tehran is stunning and a trip out to the mountains makes for a wonderful experience.

When to Go?
The best time to visit Tehran is during the spring from April to June when the weather is warm but hasn’t reached the sweltering heat of July and August. Tehran’s rainiest months are from November to May, and snow is common from December to February. The ski season is long and runs from December through to May.

How to get there?
Direct flights to Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (THR) are available from London, Birmingham and Manchester. Flights take around six hours from London. Almost all international flights arrive at Imam Khomeini Airport situated 35km south of Tehran. Domestic flights use Mehrabad Airport, which is west of the city. Transfers into Tehran are available by taxi from both airports.

Must see
Walk around the Treasury of National Jewels and see some spectacular gems, including the world’s largest uncut ruby. Take the metro to Haram-e-Motahar and visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini; it’s free to get in and the enormity of the place is quite astonishing. Go to the Golestan Palace and enjoy the peace away from the traffic noise. Wander around the huge bazaar on Khordad Avenue and buy a trinket from one of the many stalls. Climb up to the Milad Tower’s observation deck for wonderful views of Tehran and the mountains.