Other Places of Interest

Martyrs' Cemetery

The Behesht-I-Zahra cemetery is located on the south side of Tehran and is a magnet to locals and tourists seeking to pay their respects to the dead of the Iran-Iraq war, of which approximately 500 are buried there. This cemetery was formerly a soccer field which was converted after US troops blockaded attempts to reach the city's main cemetery. It's also the location of the tomb of Imam Khomeini, the architect of Iran's Islamic revolution. Behesht-I-Zahra can be reached by bus or taxi and a spe [more]The Behesht-I-Zahra cemetery is located on the south side of Tehran and is a magnet to locals and tourists seeking to pay their respects to the dead of the Iran-Iraq war, of which approximately 500 are buried there. This cemetery was formerly a soccer field which was converted after US troops blockaded attempts to reach the city's main cemetery. It's also the location of the tomb of Imam Khomeini, the architect of Iran's Islamic revolution. Behesht-I-Zahra can be reached by bus or taxi and a special underground line is available during major religious holidays.

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

Treasury of National Jewelery Museum

The treasury of the National Jewels is based in the basement vaults of the Markazi Bank in Tehran and is Iran's equivalent of the 'Crown Jewels'. It is believed to be Tehran's single biggest tourist attraction and due to its short opening hours (2pm to 4.30 pm on Saturday to Tuesday only) it is almost always very busy. The jewels on display hark back to the days of the Persian royal dynasties - a royal family rich beyond the imagination of most of us. There are many bizarre and fascinating exhi [more]The treasury of the National Jewels is based in the basement vaults of the Markazi Bank in Tehran and is Iran's equivalent of the 'Crown Jewels'. It is believed to be Tehran's single biggest tourist attraction and due to its short opening hours (2pm to 4.30 pm on Saturday to Tuesday only) it is almost always very busy. The jewels on display hark back to the days of the Persian royal dynasties - a royal family rich beyond the imagination of most of us. There are many bizarre and fascinating exhibits - from a jewelled globe created to use up all the spare gem stones, to jewelled horse ornaments. The bank is located directly across the street from the German Embassy. Entrance fee is 30 000 rials - approximately 2.5 Euros.

Church / Cathedral / Monastery

Shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini

Ayatollah Khomeini was the architect of Iran's Islamic revolution. After many years in exile he returned triumphantly to Tehran when the Shah was deposed and ruled the country for 10 years before his death in 1989. His funeral - the largest ever held - attracted 10 million mourners. His shrine is a major building project, still far from finished 17 years after his death. Visitors flock to the site all year round, but especially on the anniversary of his death in June. There is no entrance fe [more]Ayatollah Khomeini was the architect of Iran's Islamic revolution. After many years in exile he returned triumphantly to Tehran when the Shah was deposed and ruled the country for 10 years before his death in 1989. His funeral - the largest ever held - attracted 10 million mourners. His shrine is a major building project, still far from finished 17 years after his death. Visitors flock to the site all year round, but especially on the anniversary of his death in June. There is no entrance fee, ample parking and a safe place to leave your shoes and any bulky bags. Women are NOT required to wear chadors but must comply with the usual Islamic dress code. There are separate entrances for each sex.

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

Carpet Museum

Teheran's carpet museum was commissioned by the wife of the ex-Shah and was opened in 1979. Over 10 million Iranians are involved in the carpet trade - only the oil industry is more important to the Iranian economy. Persian carpets are renowned throughout the world. The museum was custom built to house the carpet collection and it's shape was designed to resemble a carpet loom. The collection is displayed across two floors with the permanent collection on the ground floor and temporary exhibi [more]Teheran's carpet museum was commissioned by the wife of the ex-Shah and was opened in 1979. Over 10 million Iranians are involved in the carpet trade - only the oil industry is more important to the Iranian economy. Persian carpets are renowned throughout the world. The museum was custom built to house the carpet collection and it's shape was designed to resemble a carpet loom. The collection is displayed across two floors with the permanent collection on the ground floor and temporary exhibitions upstairs. Admission costs 5000 rials (approximate 30 pence or 45 Eurocents). The museum is open seven days a week. It has a small gift shop and a tea-house.

Monument / Memorial

Azadi Monument

The Azadi Monument was built in 1971 as part of the Shah's commemorations of the 2500th anniversary of the Persian Empire. He named it the Shahyad tower but after the Revolution of 1979, it was renamed the Azadi Tower or Azadi Monument. Azadi is a Farsi word meaning freedom or liberty. The tower is 50 m high and is one of Tehran's most recognisable buildings and considered by many as the symbol of the city. Its architecture combines elements of Sassanid and Islamic styles but was designed by [more]The Azadi Monument was built in 1971 as part of the Shah's commemorations of the 2500th anniversary of the Persian Empire. He named it the Shahyad tower but after the Revolution of 1979, it was renamed the Azadi Tower or Azadi Monument. Azadi is a Farsi word meaning freedom or liberty. The tower is 50 m high and is one of Tehran's most recognisable buildings and considered by many as the symbol of the city. Its architecture combines elements of Sassanid and Islamic styles but was designed by Hossein Amanat, an architect and member of the Bahai Faith. When the tower first opened there were two museums inside the building, one upstairs and one in the basement. Today, only the basement museum is open to the public. The Monument stands on lawns in the middle of a very large roundabout on the western side of the city. There are no underpasses or traffic controls so visitors have no choice other than to cross the six lanes of traffic circling the roundabout.

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

National Museum of Iran

The National Museum - also known as the Archaeological Museum - offers visitors a taste of Iran's long history. Described locally as Iran's answer to the Louvre, it contains examples of Iranian art and culture from pre-history up to more modern times and features exhibits on some of the country's best known archaeological sites. Opening hours 09.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 16.00 every day except Tuesday

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

Glassware and Ceramics Museum of Iran

Church / Cathedral / Monastery

Sarkis Cathedral