This Tehran Sights guide will give visitors information about what to see in the capital of one of the most misunderstood nations in the Middle East. One would need about a week to get a taste of the finest museums, monuments and bazaars that Tehran has to offer. Although the city doesn't have the visible splendor of other Iranian cities, Tehran's best sights have been wonderfully preserved. Here is a breakdown of the most visited attractions.

The Azadi Tower 

This distinctive arch structure is located in the western part of town near Mehrabad Airport. Its 21 meter high archway represents the pre-Islamic Sassanid period, and it's pointed at the top to resemble hands raised in prayer. The tower was completed in 1971 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire. It was originally called the Shahyad Tower, meaning King's Memorial, but the name was switched to Azadi after the revolution of 1979. The tower is completely clad in cut marble.

The National Jewels Museum

This is worth a visit, because it's the biggest tourist attraction in Tehran. The majority of items that are on display date back to Safavid times, when Persian rulers trolled Europe, India and the Ottoman Empire for loot to decorate the former capital of Isfahan. What is there to see? There's the Darya-ye Nur (Sea of Light), a pink diamond; the Peacock (Naderi) Throne; and the huge, 34-kilogram Globe of Jewels made with 51,366 precious stones. No bags or cameras are allowed inside. Don't touch anything, or you'll set off ear-shattering alarms.

The Tehran Bazaar

This bazaar is located in the southern part of Tehran, which is the poorer section of the city. The corridors are more than 10 kilometers in length, and it's hard to say if this was built all at once or little by little. Each corridor specializes in different types of goods. Copper, paper, tin, tobacco, gold and carpets are but a few. The biggest entrance is south of Golestan Palace at 15 Khordad Avenue, opposite to the Bank Melli. You'll almost certainly be invited by carpet salesmen to have a cup of tea and view what they have to sell, but don't be pressured into buying anything.

The Golestan Palace

The Golestan Palace translates as the Palace of Flowers. In its present form, it's made up of several buildings set around a carefully manicured garden. Start your tour at the Ivan-e Takht-e-Marmar (Marble Throne Verandah). Made of alabaster and in a mirrored audience hall, this was used for important ceremonies like the coronation of Reza Shah Pahlavi. Then you'll come to the Negar Khane, which has a fine collection of Qajar-era art. There's a big gift store selling books, posters and multimedia products. Visitors are allowed to take pictures outside, but not inside any galleries.