Northern Iran · foothills of the Alborz
Palaces, museums and a mountain backdrop
Tehran, the capital of Iran, lies on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains. Qajar palaces, major museums, historic bazaars, expansive parks and contemporary architecture give the city its many-layered character. Visitors can trace the course of Iranian history while experiencing the energy of one of the region’s largest cities.
Northern Iran · foothills of the Alborz
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In Tehran’s historic centre, Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of Qajar art and architecture. Its mirrored halls, colourful tilework, courtyards and gardens reveal a graceful fusion of traditional Persian craftsmanship and European architectural influences. The complex is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Rising 435 metres, Milad Tower is one of contemporary Tehran’s defining landmarks. Its observation levels open broad views across the capital towards the Alborz Mountains.
The National Museum of Iran in Tehran is the country’s principal archaeological collection. Through the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Islamic-era galleries, it traces Iran’s history from prehistory to the Islamic centuries through original, securely dated objects.
Completed in 1971, Azadi Tower combines motifs from Iran’s historic architecture with a modern structural language. Clad in pale stone, it remains one of Tehran’s most recognisable symbols.
Darband is a foothill neighbourhood and hiking route on Tehran’s northern edge. A streamside path climbs past restaurants, teahouses and rocky gorges towards higher trails in the Alborz.
