Discover Mashhad, the spiritual capital of Iran!

Located in the northeast of Iran, Mashhad is the second largest city in the country and home to the holy shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. Every year, millions of pilgrims from around the world come to pay their respects to the Imam, making Mashhad one of the most important religious destinations in the world.

10 Places to Visit in Mashhad

Imam Reza Holy Shrine

The most important attraction in Mashhad is the Imam Reza Holy Shrine, which attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The shrine complex includes several stunning buildings and courtyards, including the golden dome and minarets of the Haram complex.

Nader Shah Museum

The Nader Shah Museum is dedicated to the legendary Persian emperor who conquered Delhi and established the Afsharid dynasty. The museum displays several artifacts belonging to the king, as well as ancient coins and documents.

Tomb of Ferdowsi

Tomb of Ferdowsi is the burial place of the celebrated Persian poet, Ferdowsi. The tomb is a beautiful mausoleum featuring beautiful carvings and inscriptions from the Shahnameh, a Persian epic poem written by Ferdowsi.

Water Waves Land

Water Waves Land is a popular water park in Mashhad that features wave pools, water slides, and other water attractions. It’s a great place to visit with kids and beat the heat during the summer months.

Mashhad Bazaar

The Mashhad Bazaar is a traditional marketplace in the heart of the city, where you can find everything from handicrafts and souvenirs to spices and clothing. It’s a great place to shop and experience the authentic Iranian culture.

Kang Village

Kang Village is a beautiful village located on the outskirts of Mashhad. It’s an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the scenic beauty of Iran’s countryside.

Haram-e Motahar Museum

The Haram-e Motahar Museum is a small museum located within the Imam Reza Shrine Complex that displays rare Qurans and manuscripts belonging to the holy shrine. It’s a great place to learn more about the history of the Imam Reza shrine and the Shia religion.

Gonbad-e Sabz

Gonbad-e Sabz is a beautiful turquoise dome located in the city center. It’s believed to have been built during the Seljuk period and is a symbol of Mashhad’s rich cultural heritage.

Mashhad Contemporary Art Museum

The Mashhad Contemporary Art Museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary Iranian art. The museum offers a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations by leading Iranian artists.

Tomb of Omar Khayyam

Tomb of Omar Khayyam is the burial place of the famous Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer, Omar Khayyam. The tomb is a beautiful mausoleum located in a garden, featuring traditional Persian architecture.

5 Places to Avoid in Mashhad

Malek Abad Zoo

The Malek Abad Zoo is a controversial attraction, where animals are kept in poor conditions, and visitors have complained about the poor treatment of the animals. It’s best to avoid this attraction and instead visit the beautiful parks and gardens of Mashhad.

Mashhad Pardis Theme Park

The Mashhad Pardis Theme Park is another attraction that has received criticism for poor maintenance and safety measures. The rides are often out of order, and visitors have reported accidents and injuries. It’s best to avoid this attraction and visit the Water Waves land instead.

Sizdah Abad Park

Sizdah Abad Park is a popular picnic spot in Mashhad, but visitors have complained about overcrowding and littering. It’s best to visit other parks and gardens in the city, such as Mellat Park or Shirazi Park.

Hasheminejad Museum

The Hasheminejad Museum is a private museum located in Mashhad that displays ancient artifacts and relics. However, visitors have reported high ticket prices and poor organization, so it’s best to skip this attraction and visit the Nader Shah Museum instead.

Shandiz

Shandiz is a small village located on the outskirts of Mashhad, famous for its kebab restaurants. However, the restaurants are often overcrowded and overpriced, and the village itself lacks other attractions. It’s best to skip Shandiz and enjoy the excellent restaurants in the city center.

Overview of Mashhad