If travel is most rewarding when it surprises, then Iran might just be the most rewarding destination on Earth. If you fancy travelling somewhere neither East nor West, and exotic and fascinating yet perfectly comfortable, read on...

If you make your travel decisions based on what your friends and family say, you’ll probably never make it to Iran. This is a country whose politics are impossible to escape. For most travellers that will mean little more than some pre-departure questions about their sanity, but it can make getting a visa a challenge. Except for Americans, who must be accompanied, once in Iran independent travel is easy and, through the people you meet, rewarding and sometimes sobering. However you chose to plan your travel, a journey in Iran will change the way you see this part of the world.

If you like people, you’ll like Iran. The Iranians, a nation made up of numerous ethnic groups and influenced over thousands of years by Greek, Arab, Turkic and Mongol occupiers, are endlessly welcoming. For those who have grown up on an endless diet of images depicting Iran as a dark, dangerous place full of fundamentalist fanatics, discovering the real Iran is the most wonderful surprise. Before long you’re asking yourself: how can somewhere supposedly so bad be so good? Beyond the stereotypes is a country desperate to been seen for what it is, rather than what it is depicted to be. Sure, not every Iranian you meet is going to invite you around to dinner. But if you’re open to the idea, you probably will be, and through it experience the ancient and sophisticated Iranian culture first-hand. It’s these experiences that will live longest in the memory.

Before you come to Iran, you might be thinking the main reasons to visit the Islamic Republic are because it’s a bit adventurous and there’s a lot to see from the years when Persia was a great world power. At some levels you’d be right. Walking around the sublime, turquoise-tiled domes and minarets of Esfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square, the awesome power and beauty of the Achaemenid’s ancient capital at Persepolis, the mud-brick alleys and rooftops in Yazd, and the wonderfully immense Elamite ziggurat at Choqa Zanbil will put you in the footsteps of some of history’s most outstanding figures. And certainly you won’t find yourself crowded out of any sights. Which is fun. These highlights, together with the atmospheric teahouses, bustling bazaars, deserts punctuated by historic oases and rugged mountain ranges, gives Iran more than its fair share of fantastic places to see. But to think of Iran only in terms of ‘sights’ is to miss the real story.

Tehran, as Iran's showcase and capital city, has a wealth of cultural attractions. The Sun Throne of the Persian Kings (Shahs) can be found in Tehran's Golestan Palace. Some of the well-known museums are National Museum of Iran, Sa'dabad Palaces Complex, Glassware and Ceramics Museum of Iran, The Carpet Museum of Iran, Tehran's Underglass painting Museum, Niavaran Palace Complex, and Safir Office Machines Museum. The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art features works of famous artists such as Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. The collection of these paintings was selected by former Empress Farah Diba. Tehran is also home to the Iranian Imperial Crown Jewels, also called the Imperial Crown Jewels of Persia, it is claimed to be the largest, most dazzling and valuable jewel collection in the world. The collection comprises a set of crowns and thrones, some 30 tiaras, numerous aigrettes, jewel-studded swords and shields, a vast amount of precious loose gems, including the largest collections of emeralds, rubies and diamonds in the world. It also includes other items collected by the Shahs of Iran during the 2,500 year existence of the Iranian Kingdom. The Imperial Crown Jewels are still on display in the Iranian Central Bank in Tehran. Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) is known to the international publishing world as one of the most important publishing events in Asia.

Tehran day trips offer a good opportunity to explore this enchanting land in the Middle East. Tourists can visit some of the traditional landmarks of the city in a single day.
A Visit to the Local Markets
The first leg of the day trip can be a visit to the local markets of Tehran. The bazaars offer a wide variety of merchandise such as copper and other metals, carpets, paper and spices. The marketplace consists of both big and small traders. Tourists can pick up small gifts and souvenirs to carry back home.
Imam Khomeini Mosque and Jewels Museum
During the afternoon, travelers can explore the Imam Khomeini Mosquety. Built in the early 18th century, the mosque has a large number of followers worshiping during the hours of prayer. The nearby National Jewels Museum is an interesting attraction. Here the visitors can see the exotic display of various jewels. The tourists can also make a quick visit to the Fine Arts and Archaeological Museum. The museum displays a wide range of interesting objects dating back to the sixth century B.C. The winged lion from Susa is a masterpiece that fascinates many visitors.
Gulistan Palace
If there is spare time left in the evening, visitors can end their day trip with a visit to Gulistan Palace. It is one of the grand historical buildings in Tehran that has undergone renovations and construction over a period of 4 centuries. Every part of the palace has a different historical tale to tell. Visitors should note the palace is closed to public on Thursday and Sunday.