Tehran is a young capital for such an ancient country. In the Middles ages, it was just a small settlement by comparison with the then historic capital and University city of Rey. Tehran only came to prominence for the first time in 1759 as a result of its strategic situation, and has only been the capital of Iran since 1795. Modern Tehran is currently in conflict with its recent history and a huge modernization project. It is worth a trip however, to see some of its fascinating museums and national treasures. The following sites are recommended to visit:

Carpet Museum: an exceptional collection of more than 100 pieces from all over Iran.

National Museum: gives visitors a more global picture of the history of the country.

Glass and Ceramic Museum: not only impressive for the exhibits, but also for the building itself which is an outstanding example of 19th century Persian architecture.

National Jewels Museum: displays one of the most spectacular collections of treasures in the world

Saad Abad Complex palaces: a royal summer residence of the Qajar and Pahlavi monarchs set on a spectacular wooded mountainside.

Golestan Palace and gardens: Built during the Qajar period (1795-1925)

Reza Abassi Museum: Named after one of the great artists of the Safavid period (1502-1722), the museum contains works of different Persian miniaturist painters, from 17th century to the present day, as well as a special selection of calligraphy from ancient Qurans.

Tehran also boasts many parks, gardens, and more contemporary palaces which have now been turned into museums, and of course, the very heartbeat of the city, the labyrinth-like bazaar with its many boutiques, and hidden alleyways.