The capital is essentially a modern city, but the best of the old has been preserved. The Shahid Motahhari Mosque, located near Baharestan Square, has eight minarets, from which the city can be viewed. The Tehran Grand Bazaar is a typical Middle Eastern bazaar (see shopping section) and is definitely worth seeing. But some of the best places to visit in the city are the museums. Tehran has several good
museums, including the Abgineh Museum of Iranian Pottery; the Abbasi Museum (housing a rare collection of Iranian calligraphy and paintings); the National Museum of Iran (Iran Bastan Museum), which displays mostly archaeological and anthropological exhibits; the Rassam Cultural and Art Foundation of Carpets (which includes a carpet museum and carpet weaving school); the Carpet Museum, where the oldest carpet is 450 years old; and the Anthropological Museums in Golestan Palace and Saadabad. The Martyrs’ Museum is an interesting place to hear about Iran’s recent history. It has memorials to people who were killed in the struggle which led to the victory of the Islamic Revolution and the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, historical displays, and beautiful artwork. Iran’s capital also has a number of cultural centres, such as the Bahman, Khavaran, and Azadi cultural centres,as well as the National Library, the City Theatre, a zoo, and several universities.

Hotel swimming pools are open to non- residents but they must pay an entrance fee. Fishing enthusiasts can go angling in the Jajrud, the Karaj, and the Lar rivers and other nearby streams, which are well stocked with trout. The lakes of the Karaj River and the Sefid Rud are also good fishing spots. For those who want to travel a few hours north, the Caspian Sea is another good choice for fishing with its bream, mullet, salmon, and sturgeon.

The skiing season runs from January to March in the Alborz Mountains. Resorts include Abe Ali, 62km (38 miles) east of Tehran; the Noor Slope, 71km (44 miles) from the capital; Shemshak, 59km (37 miles) from Tehran; and Dizin near the town of Gatchsar. Equipment for hire and all the usual winter sports facilities are available.
Iran Air offers trekking and climbing package holidays, which can be booked at any of their offices throughout the world. There is also an 18-hole golf course in Tehran affiliated to the Esteqlal Hotel on Vali-e-Asr Avenue.