Top Things to Do in Mashhad
Top Things to Do in Mashahad is an Iran Travel Blog and Travel Guide that covers everything you need to know before traveling to Mashhad, Iran. Here, you can find all the tourist information about the Mashhad travel guide, such as the location, list of top sights, list of top restaurants, famous local foods, and transportation ways to the city.
Top Things to Do in Mashhad
- Location: Mashhad, Iran
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Tourist information of Mashhad
The city of Mashhad in northern Iran is attractive for many reasons, including its long past, religious importance, wide range of cultural activities, and breathtaking views. Mashhad, which is in Khorasan Razavi province, is the second most popular city in Iran and a center for religion.
Mashhad is one of Iran’s best towns for tourists. In addition to its religious and historical sites, the city has a lot of shopping malls and places to relax.
Millions of people come to the city to visit the tomb of the eighth Shia Imam – Imam Reza Holy Shrine. Mashhad has become more popular with tourists because of its holy importance. The unique atmosphere of this busy city is drawn to its mix of technology and tradition. Let’s look at the Best Things to Do in Mashhad.
The best time to visit to Mashhad
Fall and spring are the best times to visit Mashhad, especially when the weather is nice. If you want to save money, Summer and winter are the best times to visit Mashhad. You can also get away from the dry heat in the summer by visiting one of the nearby summer villages near Mashhad.
Location of Mashhad on map
Because it is in the eastern part of Iran, Mashhad is in a good spot geographically. The city has beautiful views because majestic mountains, lush rivers, and picturesque landscapes surround it. Natural sights like the Binalood and Hezar-Masjed mountain ranges are close by, so there are lots of chances to hike, tour, and explore the wild.
Another good thing about Mashhad is that it is close to other historical towns in Iran. The city is an essential center for getting to nearby cities like Nishapur (Neyshabur), Tus, and Sabzevar, which are famous for their historical importance and beautiful architecture. By visiting these nearby cities, tourists can learn more about Iran’s rich history and get a complete picture of the cultural diversity of the area.
How to Reach Mashhad?
One of the best places for tourists to visit in Iran is Mashhad, which can be reached by land and air.
Getting to Mashhad by air:
a plane is the best and fastest way to get to the Imam Reza Shrine. In the air, there are 741 kilometers between Tehran and Mashhad. The flight takes one hour and twenty-five minutes. You can get a flight to Mashhad from almost every airport in Iran. Some towns even have more than one flight a day. There are, however, times when it’s best to book your ticket ahead of time, like during religious and the Nowruz holidays.
Mashad’s Shahid Hasheminejad Airport is in the 15th Khordad Square, at the end of Jomhouri Eslami Boulevard. After Mehrabad International Airport, Mashhad Airport is the next largest airport in Iran. At the moment, 13 Iranian airlines and 13 foreign airlines fly to and from Mashhad’s Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport. Tabriz, Tehran, Urmia, Abadan, Ardabil, Isfahan, Ahvaz, Ilam, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Birjand, Chabahar, Rasht, Zabol, Zahedan, Zanjan, Sari, Shiraz, Asaluyeh, Qeshm, Kish, Kashan, Kerman, Kermanshah, Gorgan, Mahshahr, Nowshahr, Hamedan, and Yazd are some of the cities of Iran that can be reached by air to Mashhad.
Also, Hasheminejad Airport has international flights to Adana and Istanbul in Turkey, Najaf, Baghdad, and Basra in Iraq, Beirut in Lebanon, Doha in Qatar, Sharjah and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Kandahar, Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan, Lahore in Pakistan, Muscat in Oman, and Kuwait.
Getting to Mashhad by train:
The train station in Mashhad is one of the busiest in Iran. From places all over Iran, you can take the train to Mashhad. There are a lot of different kinds of trains on this route, and there are tickets for Mashhad that fit any price. Train trips can last anywhere from 8 to 11 hours, based on the type of train (regular or high-speed). One example is that Fadak trains are luxury and cost a lot, while Raja or Joopar trains are cheaper. The high-speed trains to Mashhad are among the best choices from Tehran because they get you there as quickly as possible.
Getting to Mashhad by bus:
One of the cheapest ways to get there is by bus, which leaves from all towns in Iran and goes there. Many types of buses are available right now, and if you want to avoid being uncomfortable on a long trip, you can choose a bed bus. Some buses even have free Wi-Fi for people to use while traveling. Traveling by bus almost 900 kilometers from Tehran to Mashhad can be tiring, but it saves money. Plan to be on the bus for at least 13 hours if you decide to take it.
Getting to Mashhad by personal car:
The good news is that there are many affordable ways to get there. You can drive your vehicle to Mashhad. It takes about 9 hours to drive from Tehran to Mashhad, about 890 kilometers away. If you are taking a car, there are two ways to get to Mashhad: the northern and southern roads.
The Semnan road takes about three hours less time, but the desert scenery might get old you. While the northern highway is lush and more pleasant, the southern road doesn’t offer the chance to enjoy the Golestan woods and their natural beauty. You can see the Caspian Sea on the way, making your trip to Mashhad more interesting.
People who travel to Mashhad, especially those who arrive by plane or train, often want to know if they can rent a car without a driver. Yes, that’s our answer. It’s possible to rent a car in this place based on your budget and preferred car model.
List of Top Mashhad Tourist Attractions
Mashhad is an important place to visit for devoted Muslims and people who are interested in Islamic history. For pious tourists, the most crucial place in Mashhad is the holy shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. However, the Imam Reza Holy Shrine isn’t the only religious spot in Mashhad. The Bagh Melli Park and the Tomb of Nader Shah are also there.
1- Imam Reza Holy Shrine
The Haram-e Razavi, or Imam Reza Shrine Complex, is the most impressive building in the city center. It would be best to see it more than once to fully appreciate its beauty. In some ways, it is the biggest mosque in the world, making it the best Islamic building ever.
The shrine of Imam Reza is a lovely and peaceful spot that has always been open to both Iranian and foreign visitors. Millions of people visit the shrine every year from all over the world, giving this part of the city a very international feel. There is also a strong spiritual feeling as people publicly mourn the death of the 8th Imam.
2- Goharshad Mosque
The Goharshad Mosque is located south of the Razavi Shrine. This mosque was built on the orders of Shah Rukh’s wife, Goharshad Begum, beside the shrine of the 8th Imam. In Iran, the Goharshad Mosque is considered to be one of the most famous and visited mosques. Both the architecture and the tiles of this mosque are well-known and well-liked by visitors.
3-Tomb of Nader Shah
The beautiful architecture of Nader Shah’s tomb and the Naderi Museum has made this complex a famous place for tourists to visit in Mashhad. The museum’s interesting building holds weapons and other historical items from different times. This building is made up of the Central Library, the main hall, and the official areas that circle the tomb. Most importantly, the museum and tomb are placed in a beautiful Persian Garden, which adds to their attraction.
4- Qadamgah Shrine
This lovely Mausoleum is in the shape of an octagon and has tall porticos and arches with two stories. It is painted with seven different colored tiles and plaster moldings. Shah Soleiman made the building, and is in a big yard in the village of Qadamgah. There is a stone tablet in this Mausoleum that looks like the soles of two feet. The feet of His Holiness Imam Reza are said to have left these marks. White and turquoise diamond-shaped figures have been added to the roof of this building to make it look nicer.
5- Tomb of Ferdowsi
The tomb of Ferdowsi is located in Tus. The small town of Tus is about 40 kilometers outside of Mashhad. It is known as the place where Iran’s national poet, Ferdowsi, was buried. Ferdowsi wrote the epic poem The Shahnameh. For people who love Farsi literature, the tomb of the great author Abolqassem Ferdowsi can be considered a mosque.
The work on this tomb started in 1928 and was finished in 1934. Different changes were made to the building in 1964. There are statues of scenes from the “Shahnameh” on the inside walls of the tomb. The tomb’s main structure is a rectangle, and a large garden around it interacts with it in the way that Persian Gardens do.
6- Kang Village
Located at the base of the Binaloud mountains, the stepped Kang Village is around 29 kilometers from Mashhad and 19 kilometers west of Tarqabeh. Tourists from all over the world, including Iran, travel to this ancient village known for its stepped architecture and more than a thousand years of history. The suburbs of Mashhad provide a variety of natural and scenic features, such as the mountains, heights, and picturesque landscapes of Kang. These areas are perfect for recreational and sporting activities.
7- Bazaar of Mashhad
You won’t get a better deal anywhere else than in the bazaars around Falakeh Ab Square in Mashhad, the saffron center of the globe. You can’t go wrong with this spice as a souvenir or gift because it is more costly per gram than gold. Also, Mashhadi carpets are highly prized, so you may expect to pay a premium for one.
8- Mausoleum of Omar Khayyam
Maybe the most well-known product from Khorasan is the poetry and astronomy of Omar Khayyam, who lived in the 12th century. Edward Fitzgerald’s translation of Khayyam in the nineteenth century popularized his short reflections on love, life, and death. Constructed in 1963, the current mausoleum is yet another one-of-a-kind modernist building.
Neyshabur is a town just over an hour outside of Mashhad. It is home to the tomb of Attar, a Persian Sufi poet, so if you want to make sure you see everything related to poetry on your tour, don’t miss out on Attar’s tomb.
9- Museum of Mehdi Gholi Beyg's Bathhouse
One of the most prominent ancient hammams in Iran, this bathhouse dates back to the Safavid dynasty. Because it is close to the Imam Reza shrine, you can visit both places at once. The ceiling and walls of this ancient spa have been decorated with breathtaking artwork.
One unusual aspect of this bathhouse is the ceiling, which contains thirteen layers of artwork. Floor heating is another notable element that reflects the creativity and skill of its architects from bygone eras.
10- Miniature Park
You wouldn’t expect this in Mashhad, but if you did, it means you know little about the city. Mashhad Miniature Park is an 8-hectare park on Mashhad’s Sajjadieh Boulevard. There, tiny, very detailed models of different tourist spots in Iran are made and shown.
Aside from the collection of miniature houses, this park has other things to do for tourists. You can go to the lake in the middle of the park after seeing this structure. Ducks and fish live in this lake.
11- Kuh-E Sangi Park (Kooh Sangi Park)
Kooh Sangi Park, also known as Kuh-e Sangi, is Mashhad’s best park. It’s a great place to have lunch in the afternoon or early evening. In the middle, there is a small stream that you can cross by climbing over rocks or hopping across stepping stones. You can quickly get ice cream and other snacks. Most nights, the park is full of Iranian families, and from the top, you can see the whole city very well. Every once in a while, you might come across groups of old Iranian guys singing national songs on the weekends.
12- Mellat Park
Mashhad’s Mellat Park is a popular spot and one of the city’s oldest parks. It has more than 35,000 trees that are several decades old. On the eastern side of the park, there is also a lake. There is also an amusement park in this park. People love this amusement park because it has a merry-go-round and new playing equipment. It’s a nice place to go after visiting the city’s top attractions.
You can add Mashhad City to your Iran tour itinerary. Please get in touch with our tour operators.
- info@letsseepersia.com
Here, you can find a list of the Best Mashhad Hotels + all hotel information like address, photos, services, reviews, cancellation fees, nearby places, and prices.
- Click here to read more about Best Mashhad Hotels
Best Local Foods in Mashhad
Mashhad’s traditional food is known for its many different and delicious tastes. Its varied menu shows off the area’s cultural history through dishes made with traditional ingredients and methods.
- Shishlik: In Shandiz, Khorasan Razavi, you can really enjoy eating lamb ribs that have been grilled. One of the most expensive and traditional Iranian meals is shishlik, which is known all over the world. Khorasanian cooks are masters of the marinating technique for ribs, which brings thousands of tourists to Shandiz every year from all over Iran and neighboring countries. Traditionally, Shishlik is served with rice and grilled tomato. You must also serve side foods like raw onion and different kinds of pickles.
- Shole: People in Mashhad often eat shole. One of the most popular holiday foods in this city is this dish. It takes a long time to cook shole, but it is a very healthy meal. It has wheat, broken rice, black and red pepper, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It also contains chicken, pinto beans, white beans, mung beans, peas, lentils, wheat, and broken rice. The more meat used, the better the taste. Some people serve Shole with Gheymeh, an Iranian dish, as a sauce.
- Ash of Mashhad: In Iran, there are different ways to cook a dish called “ash.” It’s like a cross between soup and stew. It’s thick and served hot. People are very interested in this meal and cook it as a sacrifice during important events.
- Gharotu: Gharotu is a dish from Bojnord, Khorasan Razavi. Its main ingredients are salty curd, onion, leek, parsley, tarragon, licorice, walnuts, dried mint powder, and turmeric. This meal also includes bread.
Top Restaurants in Mashhad
Mashhad is a holy place, but if you want to try new meals, you need to know where to find tasty food. What we want to do is show you the best places to eat, especially the traditional restaurants that will make your trip to this country unique and one of a kind.
1- Eram Shandiz Restaurant
When we hear the name Eram Shandiiz, we think of quality and making sure our guests are happy. The Traditional Restaurant, the Outdoor Space, and the VIP area are the three different parts of it. The Eram Shandiz Restaurant is one of the biggest in Mashhad. You should know that the restaurant offers various types of Iranian food, such as Shishlik, Chelo Mahiche, and Chelo Goosht.
But all of the meals are very good, and they’re all suitable for people who like both fancy and traditional Iranian food. The fact that Eram Restaurant makes its own dairy goods is another great thing about it. In a very different way, you can try various kinds of yoghurt and mast, which are side foods made with yoghurt.
- Ratings and Reviews: Some of the guests who have experienced dining at this restaurant have said, “If you are looking for a high-quality Shishlik (grilled lamb rib), Eram Shandiz Restaurant is the place. It’s a huge restaurant with lots of tables. Unfortunately, on weekends (no matter if it’s high or low season), you have to wait for 1-2 hours to get a table. If you don’t go there early, there is a high chance you come back home hungry or go to another restaurant.”
2- Baba Ghodrat Restaurant
The Baba Ghodrat Tourist Complex, part of the Baba Ghodrat tourist collection, has a great restaurant with delicious food in a historical setting.
The Baba Ghodrat Tourist Complex has three parts: a traditional restaurant, a traditional tea house, and a traditional market. The whole historical complex was named an Iranian national cultural site in 2001 (1380 on the Iranian calendar). The Baba Ghodrat restaurant’s meals are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients by skilled chefs, making it a place where you can find the tastiest food.
- Ratings and Reviews: People who have eaten at this restaurant have said anything but “the best restaurant in Iran with excellent management.”
3- Moein Darbari Restaurant
Moein Darbari Restaurant is one of the well-known and long-standing places to eat in Mashhad. It has been in the diner business for more than fifty years and serves delicious, high-quality food. The Moein Darbari Restaurant’s first location is in Nofel Loshato. Also, the second location opened in 1396 (2017) in Shandiz.
This branch has four different halls, and each one can hold up to 300 people. They are all ready to host your events and gatherings. These restaurants’ designs are based on real Iranian art and are meant to look like historical and fun places in Iran, like the Naranjestan Garden in Shiraz and others. In its two locations, the grand hospitality complex of Moein Darbari Restaurant serves a menu of traditional and Iranian dishes made by professional cooks.
Special Chelo Barg, Chelo Mahiche, Chelo Joojeh Kabab with Bone, Chelo Kabab Loghmeh Zaferani, Chelo Akbar Joojeh with Pomegranate Sauce, Baghala Polo with Meat, Sabzi Polo with Fish, and more are on the menu. These recipes show Iran’s rich culinary history. The atmosphere and food at Moein Darbari Restaurant are one of a kind, combining traditional Iranian flavors with a bit of class.
4- Termeh Traditional Restaurant
The Termeh Restaurant in the Qasr Talaii Hotel is a great choice if you want to eat at a traditional place in Mashhad. The interior of this restaurant uses traditional Iranian and Islamic designs. The atmosphere is lovely and comforting. The decor of the restaurant is based on Iran’s rich culture and reflects the calm mood of Iranian architecture. The staff, who are dressed in traditional Iranian clothes, greets you with smiles and makes you feel like you’re living a traditional Iranian life.
Termeh Restaurant serves a range of traditional and local Iranian foods. The buffet has a variety of salads and desserts, as well as freshly made bread, to make your meal more enjoyable. Come to this restaurant to enjoy traditional Iranian food and take in the beauty of its setting.
5- Mahestan Restaurant
Mahestan Restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in Mashhad. It has a lovely setting where people can enjoy tasty Iranian food. Customers will enjoy the restaurant’s pleasant atmosphere, which includes both a nice outdoor area to sit and a well-equipped indoor dining area.
When you eat at this high-end restaurant, you can choose any dish from the menu with confidence, knowing that it will be made with the best ingredients. Mahestan Restaurant serves fish and seafood meals, as well as different kinds of kebabs and skewers, all with high-quality Iranian rice.
The restaurant offers a menu of services and sauces to enhance your meal. These include soups, pickles, pickled olives, yogurt, soft drinks, and doogh, a traditional yogurt drink. You can also order these items from the menu and eat them with your food.
6- Pesaran Karim Restaurant
One of the oldest and most well-known places in Mashhad is Pesaran Karim. From 1921 to the present, Ghasemi Karimzadeh has been running one of the best restaurants in Mashhad for about 56 years. Because their dad has died, his kids decide to open a restaurant called “Pesaran-e Karim” to honor him.
Pesaran Karim Restaurant has two more locations in Mashhad. They all have high-end and trendy decor for their guests. All people who live in Mashhad enjoy the food at this place.
The dishes are reasonably priced for their quality and taste, which is one reason the restaurant is so famous. It is also famous for its Chelo Mahiche (marrowbone rice), which is made with the best meat and marrow.
Besides Chelo Mahiche, the restaurant serves many other tasty and unique meals, all of which are made with the utmost care. Some of the more well-known ones are Shishlik, Kabab Barg, Koobideh, and Joojeh Kabab. If you are in Mashhad, the holy city, you should stop by this place and eat, even if you only have time for a short time.
If you would like to reserve any of these top Mashhad restaurants or add them to your Mashhad City itinerary, please contact our tour operators using the form below.
- info@letsseepersia.com
Mashhad City Review and Comments
One of the guests said,” If you’re in Iran for more than a week, you should go to Mashhad. Besides the Imam Reza’d holy shrine, where you can learn about the region’s religious culture, there are many historical and fun places to see, such as the Nadershah museum, Torqabeh, Shandiz, and more. Also, if you’d rather take the train, you can get to many other cities in Iran from Mashhad.”
Another guest says,” Mashhad has a lot of hidden gems, like the tiny park where you can see all of Iran, which is at least 10,000 years old. About going inside the holy shrine of Imam Reza, you can use kiosks at the gates to get a guide before you go inside. After a short wait, you can go inside and take a look. People can now go inside buildings and even get close to the Imam’s grave in the basement.”
Also, one of the tourists says,” Imam Reza Shrine has one-of-a-kind and amazing mirror-working. This place is very important and interesting to Muslims and tourists. That’s why it’s number one in Iran. Have fun.”
Please take note that these comments were derived from the travelers’ feedback.
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