This Tehran things to do article will include information about how tourists can spend their leisure time in and around Iran's capital. Visitors might be surprised to know that Tehran has lots of options for outdoor activities. The northern districts of Tehran are situated at the base of the Alborz Mountains, and several resorts have been developed in recent years to accommodate skiing enthusiasts. Despite its sooty and congested atmosphere, Tehran has a handful of parks that provide a quiet place to watch locals and to relax. Here are some ways that tourists can spend their time in Tehran.

Hiking

Mt. Tochal marks the southern boundary of the Alborz Mountains, and this peak is only seven kilometers from Tehran's northern fringe. There are several trails from the city that lead up to the summit. West to east, these include Darakeh, Telecabin, Darband and Kolak Chal, and Darband offers the most direct route to the top. With the exception of the Telecabin, the other trails follow tree-lined mountain streams at the bottom of valleys where hikers can buy snacks and drinks. On Fridays, the trails are packed with Tehranis looking to get away from the bustle of the city.

Golf

Golf in Iran? It's hard to believe, but the game that was once considered exclusive to countries in the western world is now played here. Enghelab is located within the national sports complex in the north of Tehran. It's the only course in the city with real green grass.

Skiing

Skiing in Tehran might be a better deal for tourists than some European countries because it won't break the budget. The Dizin ski complex north of Tehran is the first resort in Iran which has been officially recognized and granted the title by the International Ski Federation for its capability in administering international competitions. Shemshak is another popular resort northeast of Tehran that gets crowded with a lot of people from the city who come here on Fridays, which is the one day weekend for Iranians. Skiing in Iran will be a different experience. No alcohol is available and women are expected to cover the heads before hitting the slopes. However, the joy that people get from skiing, which was banned for many years following the 1979 revolution, is infectious and liberating.

People Watching

Younger Iranians are good at finding new ways to get around the stifling morality codes of the Islamic clerics who currently govern Iran. The Jam-e-Jaam food court is the closest thing to a pick up bar in Tehran. It's filled with young people who have no memory of the Iran-Iraq war, and are fed up with the anti-western rhetoric of their elders. They want what all teenagers and young adults want, and that's to have fun. This is the best place in Tehran to watch their courting skills. In this refuge, customers of both sexes text phone numbers to each other, chat, eat, laugh and drink. It's an experience like no other and after leaving this place, visitors might have a very different impression of Iran.