Tehran, as Iran's showcase and capital city, has a wealth of cultural attractions. The Sun Throne (aka Peacock Throne) of the Persian Kings 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. The Tehran museum of contemporary art features works of famous artists such as Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

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.

Recreation

One of the most popular social activities, especially among the younger generation, is cinema. Most cinema theaters are located downtown. The Azadi cinema was inaugurated in 2008. It is the largest cinema complex in Tehran with ten theaters. The Farhang cinema in the north is the only official theater that plays foreign films in Tehran.

The Tehran zoological garden (Eram Zoo) and Eram City Game are also popular meeting points, especially for families with children.

Artists often mingle at the House Of Artists. Tehran city theater was opened in 1962. It is the largest theater in Tehran.

There are many religious centers scattered around the city from old to newly built centers. There are mosques, churches, and synagogues where followers of these religions can practice their faith.

The Friday pray in Tehran is usually hosted by Tehran University which is led by a Friday prayer leader and on special occasions by the Supreme leader of Iran. Many religious people participate in the prayers, during which a part of the city comes to a standstill.