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Tehran Travel Guide
Iran's capital city of Tehran may literally mean the "end of the road" but for foreign visitors who want an introduction to the former Persia, the pollution-choked city of 15 million people offers an enlivening, oftentimes enervating, proposition. Buildings made of tiny beige bricks girded with metal railings give the impression of a small contemporary township one after the other, punctuated with construction projects and parks. Tucked at the foot of the towering Alborz Mountains and festooned with a vast network of highways unparalleled in West Asia, the city boasts of magnificent palaces and museums, souks and fine food.
Whilst not the cultural center of the nation (Shiraz takes that place), Tehran is without doubt Iran's vibrant heart. Unlike in rural Iran, Tehranis are decidedly modern, pushing the boundaries of acceptable fashion and behavior. Girls love couture as the hem of their traditional manteaus (dress or gown) rises while boys are comfortable wearing their jeans and T-shirts.
The madding crowd in Tehran's streets is peppered with motorcycle taxis that zoom during peak-hours. The day for locals usually subsides into a relaxed stroll from Darband to Park E Jamshidiyeh while enjoying the picturesque views. The top of the park provides an escape from the restless clamor of the city, providing a quiet place to sip tea and relish local delicacies as the neon lights of the city come to life. The steep trail that leads to the northwest corner of the park provides a pleasant pollution free-hike. Alongside the mountain is the Darband village famous not only for its great hiking trail but for the vast number of Iranian artists such as Iraj Mirza, Ruhollah Khaleghi and Mohammad Taghi Bahar.
The collection of the most expensive jewels in the world can be seen at the Treasury of the National Jewels. Exhibited at the treasury are the world's largest uncut ruby, the colossal pink diamond famously known as "Sea of Light" and the "golden globe" made from 34 kilograms of gold and 51,366 pieces of precious stones.
During weekends, locals and tourist flock to Tehran's famous international ski and snow boarding resorts to traverse the great Alborz slopes of Dizin and Shemshak. Some take the ride up to Tochal for a gondola lift (not to be confused to the traditional Venetian rowing boat in Italy), which can be found on the northern outskirts of the city.
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