Mashhad Travel Guide

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Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Mashhad, the second most populous city in Iran and the capital of Razavi Khorasan Province, stands as a beacon of cultural and religious significance. Renowned for its spiritual atmosphere and historical depth, Mashhad attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists each year, drawn by its sacred sites and rich Persian heritage.

The city's most prominent landmark is the Imam Reza Shrine, the largest mosque in the world by dimension and the holiest site in Iran. The shrine, a complex of staggering beauty and scale, is the resting place of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. Visitors are captivated by its intricate tile work, vast courtyards, and the golden dome that dominates Mashhad's skyline. The atmosphere within the shrine is one of reverence and peace, making it a profound experience for both the faithful and those interested in the spiritual traditions of Iran.

Beyond its religious significance, Mashhad offers a variety of cultural experiences. The Razavi Museum of Islamic Art, located within the shrine complex, showcases an impressive collection of manuscripts, carpets, and artworks that delve into the Islamic and Persian arts. For a taste of local life, the bustling Bazaar Reza offers a labyrinth of shops selling everything from spices and saffron to traditional jewelry and handicrafts.

Mashhad is also a gateway to the ancient Silk Road, and its historical sites reflect this storied past. The nearby Nader Shah Afshar's Tomb pays homage to one of Iran's most powerful rulers with its unique architecture and museum dedicated to his legacy.

Culinary enthusiasts will find Mashhad a delightful place to explore Persian cuisine. The city is famous for its Sholeh Mashhadi, a hearty local soup, and the sweet saffron ice cream known as Bastani Sonnati. Traditional tea houses and restaurants offer a warm welcome to those looking to indulge in regional flavors.

For those seeking a respite from urban exploration, the city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the lush landscapes of the Torghabeh and Shandiz districts, which are also known for their exquisite dining establishments.

Local name: مشهد Population: 2.31 mil. (2020)Area: 126.64 mi²Elevation: 3232 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°17'33"N, 59°35'39"E

Location

Razavi KhorasanIran

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Mashhad Top Attractions

Mashhad Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mashhad offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Imam Reza Shrine, Tomb of Khajeh Rabie, Goharshad Mosque, Tomb of Pir Palandouz. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Cemetery • Sacred and religious sites • Historical place
Imam Reza Shrine
The Imam Reza Shrine stands as a monumental beacon of faith in the city of Mashhad, Iran, drawing millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world. This sprawling complex, which includes the mausoleum of Imam Reza, the eighth Shiite Imam, is not only a religious...
Mausoleum
Tomb of Khajeh Rabie
The Tomb of Khajeh Rabie is a revered historical site nestled in the city of Mashhad, Iran. This ancient tomb is dedicated to Khajeh Rabie, a notable figure in Islam, known for being one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
15th-century mosque with vibrant designs
Goharshad Mosque
The Goharshad Mosque stands as an architectural masterpiece in the city of Mashhad, Iran, reflecting the rich history and spiritual significance of the region. Constructed in 1418 under the patronage of Goharshad Begum, the wife of the Timurid emperor Shah Rukh, the...

Mausoleum
Tomb of Pir Palandouz
In the spiritual heart of Mashhad, Iran, lies the revered Tomb of Pir Palandouz, a destination for the devoted and the curious alike. As a pilgrimage site within one of the country's most sacred cities, it carries a profound significance that beckons pilgrims from near...
Caravanserai
Baba Ghodrat Caravansarai
The Baba Ghodrat Caravansarai is a historical caravanserai related to the Qajar dynasty and is located in Mashhad.
Scenic walking areas • Park
Kooh Sangi
Kooh-Sangi is an urban public park in Mashhad, Iran.
36°17'18"N • 59°36'54"E
Parizad School
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36°17'24"N • 59°35'5"E
Zist-e Khavar
Zist-e Khavar is the first tower complex containing a shopping centre located in Mashhad, Iran. It is a mega-scale multi-purpose complex consisting of shopping outlets, a cinema, an indoor theme park, banks, restaurants, and offices. It is located in a famous area for tourists and pilgrims in Mashhad.
36°17'17"N • 59°36'40"E
Shah Mosque
The Shah Mosque dates back to the 9 century Islamic calendar and is located in Mashhad, Khosravi Street.
36°19'15"N • 59°32'15"E
Park-e-mellat
Park
Universities and schools
Islamic Azad University
The Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, also known as the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad, is a private university in Mashhad, Iran. This university is a branch of the Islamic Azad University. It was established in 1982 and offers Bachelor, Masters, PhD and M.D. degrees.
Library
Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi
The Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi is a large library in Mashad, Iran. Established before 1457, it holds over 1.1 million volumes. It is an international center for Islamic research, containing numerous manuscripts and rare works of antiquity of Islamic history.
Universities and schools
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad is a public university in Mashhad, the capital city of the Iranian province of Razavi Khorasan. FUM is named after Abul-Qâsem Ferdowsi Tusi, who is considered to be the national epic poet of Greater Iran.
Universities and schools
Sadjad University of Technology
Sadjad University of Technology was the first nonprofit university accredited by the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology in 1995, entitled originally “Sadjad Institute of Higher Education”, in Mashhad, Iran. In 2015, it was promoted to Sadjad University of Technology.
Universities and schools
Sama College of Mashhad
Sama Technical and Vocational Training College of Mashhad, is affiliated to Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch.

Day trips

Mashhad – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mashhad, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Tomb of Ferdowsi, Tomb of Kamal-ol-molk (Nishapur), Jameh Mosque of Nishapur (Nishapur).

14 milesN
Monuments and statues, Memorial, Historical place
Tomb of Ferdowsi
The Tomb of Ferdowsi is a revered monument located in the city of Tus, Iran, paying homage to the influential Persian poet, Hakim Abul-Qasim Ferdowsi. This grand mausoleum, ensconced within a well-manicured garden, serves as a symbolic testament to Ferdowsi's...
45 milesW
Historical place, Memorial
Tomb of Kamal-ol-molk, Nishapur
Nestled in the ancient city of Nishapur, in the northeastern province of Razavi Khorasan, Iran, lies the resting place of one of the country's most revered artists, the Tomb of Kamal-ol-molk. This historical site pays homage to Mohammad Ghaffari, better known as...
45 milesW
Mosque
Jameh Mosque of Nishapur, Nishapur
The Jāmeh Mosque of Nishapur is the grand congregational mosque of Nishapur city, within Nishapur County, Khorasan. The mosque was founded by Pahlavan Ali Karkhi in 1493 during the rule of Husayn Bayqarah of the Timurid dynasty, and was rebuilt during the rule of Abbad I of the Persia Sultanate.
44 milesW
Mausoleum
Tomb of Abu Usman Al-Maghribi, Nishapur
The Tomb of Abu Usman Al-Maghribi is built by the Pahlavi dynasty and This building is located in Nishapur.
45 milesW
Square
Omar Khayyam Square, Nishapur
Omar Khayyam Square is a city square and the pervious tomb of Omar Khayyam in Nishapur, Iran. This square is one of the most historical and important squares in the city of Nishapur.

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Best Time To Visit Mashhad

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mashhad weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in July and August. Most of it rains in March.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mashhad?

The top attractions to visit in Mashhad are:

What is the best time to visit Mashhad?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.