Tehran

Iran's capital beneath the Alborz Mountains, with Golestan Palace, the National Jewels Museum and the Grand Bazaar, plus cable cars and ski resorts to the north.

Tehran is Iran's capital and largest city, set on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains. The land rises from south to north, from about 1,100 m in the south to nearly 1,800 m in the north. The city falls roughly into three areas: the old south, centered on Golestan Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the National Museum and several smaller museums, best explored on foot and by metro; the north-central area, with Tabiat Bridge, Milad Tower and the contemporary art and carpet museums beside Laleh Park; and Shemiran in the far north, near the foothills, with Sa'dabad Palace, Niavaran Palace, Tajrish Bazaar and the teahouses of the Darband valley — farther up, you can ride the Tochal cable car. In winter, you can ski at Dizin, about 70 km to the north. The best seasons are April–May and October–November; summers are hot and dry, and winter often brings smog. International flights land at Imam Khomeini Airport (about 50 km from the city), the metro covers the main sights, and the Snapp app is handy for taxis. Plan to stay 2–3 days. Tips: women must wear a headscarf and loose, long clothing; international bank cards don't work, so bring plenty of cash (US dollars or euros) to exchange for rials; most shops close on Fridays and many museums close on Mondays; the situation in Iran can change quickly, so be sure to check the latest safety advisories from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and current visa policies before you go.

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