Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran, attracting about 27 million tourists annually. Most of these visitors travel to the city to visit The holy shrine of Imam Reza. However, there are plenty of other things to do in Mashhad that I’ll cover in this blog!
Tomb of Hakim Ferdowsi
Here lies the eternal grave of one of the greatest poets of the Persian language, Hakim Abulqasem Ferdowsi, who saved the Persian language after the Arab invasion of Iran. Without his magnificent work “Shahnameh” (the Persian book of kings) perhaps the Persian language would not exist as we know it today.
This building was constructed by Taher Karimzadeh with the assistance of the internationally famous architect Andre Godard. Later, Master Hoshang Sihon rebuilt it.
Additionally, in the vicinity of this tomb, there is a spectacular museum where a manuscript of the Shahnameh is housed, along with antique and ancient works dating back approximately 1400 years.
Visiting this famous place in Mashhad takes a few hours. In addition to what i’ve mentioned, there are poets’ tombs and other interesting sights in this area.
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The holy shrine of Imam Reza
The focal point of Mashhad is Imam Reza’s shrine. Some people visit Mashhad solely to experience the spirituality of this shrine. However, within the courtyard and shrine, there are numerous beauties to explore.
Artistic mirror work, doors adorned with Islamic motifs, and refined courtyards are some of the sights within the shrine. Additionally, the presence of tombs of prominent figures like Sheikh Baha’i within the shrine of Imam Reza allows pilgrims to visit them afterward.
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The Haruniyeh Dome
This stunning and authentic structure, characterized by its beautiful brick appearance, resides in Tus, near the tomb of the renowned Iranian poet Ferdowsi. Tourists visiting Ferdowsi’s mausoleum should not miss the opportunity to explore the Haruniyeh Dome and add this magnificent building to their travel experiences.
Limited historical and philosophical information exists about the construction of this building. The speculation suggesting its construction by Harun al-Rashid or being his tomb is likely untrue. Nevertheless, this building, with its simple yet striking architecture, remains a highly appealing and popular historical monument for
tourists, shrouded in an intriguing unknown history. More information on haruniyeh dome
GoharShad Mosque
Another must-see place in Mashhad, is located at a very short distance from the shrine of Imam Reza. It stands as one of the historical monuments from the Timurid era.
The dome of GoharShad Mosque stands at 41 meters high, while each minaret reaches a height of 43 meters. The Ivan Maqsoureh, an artistic panel from the Timurid period, graces the mosque. The Baysanqar inscription immediately captivates visitors at the porch of Maqsoora. The exquisite tiling of this porch serves as another attraction of the GoharShad Mosque.
72-People Mosque
There are various theories about one of Mashhad’s tourist attractions: the 72-People Mosque and its age. Some believe that Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk constructed this mosque, known as the Jame Noghan Mosque. Another group asserts that it served as Mashhad’s Sunni mosque and was built in 855 AH.
Others claim that this mosque houses the tomb of Amir Ghiyasuddin Shah Malik Timuri.
Anyway, this Mosque stands as one of Mashhad’s places to visit. Observing the tiling, architecture, and the splendid dome of this mosque is sure to captivate your attention.
Saint Mesrop Holy Church
The saint Mesrop Church stands as another must-see destination in Mashhad. Popularly known as St. Mary’s Church, it sits along Janbaz Street.
saint mesrop church Constructed in 1941 by the Armenian community residing in Mashhad, this church occupies an area of about 300 square meters. From a distance, the church is distinguished by two conical domes adorned with small crosses. It’s worth noting that the Holy Mesrop Church presently does not host group religious ceremonies.
The Mirza Jafar Seminary
The Mirza Jafar Seminary stands as a must-visit site in Mashhad, situated near the shrine. Positioned on the Imam Reza Shrine, this school represents a significant historical structure from the Safavid era, boasting impressive architectural characteristics. Presently, the Mirza Jafar School forms a part of the Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, offering courses in Islamic seminary studies.
Abbas Gholi Khan School
Abbas gholi Khan Shamlu, one of the renowned Safavid rulers, established a school catering to science enthusiasts. The tiling and architecture of this school are exceptionally beautiful. Situated near the shrine of Imam Reza, the Abbas Gholi Khan School currently hosts over a hundred students.
Admission to this historical monument is free, so ensure to include it in your visit.
Kuh sangi park (Stone Mountain park)
If historical monuments don’t pique your interest, don’t worry—there are other options awaiting you. One of the top choices is to visit Kuh Sanghi Park. The Kuh Sangi complex, established in 1310, stands as Mashhad’s second-largest park.
In this park, as its name suggests, there is a mountain entirely made of stone. You can easily reach the top of this mountain via stairs and enjoy a view of the city.
Alongside this mountain, the park boasts other attractions: numerous small and picturesque artificial lakes, restaurants, lush greenery, playgrounds, and more.
Vakil Abad Park
The expanse of Vakil Abad Park, spanning approximately 260,000 square meters, is truly enchanting. Situated in the area of the same name, Vakil Abad, this park features incredibly beautiful and enjoyable passages and spaces.
Within this park, essentially a large garden, you’ll find numerous varieties of aged pine and fir trees. Another distinctive feature of Vakil Abad Park is a natural spring that enhances the cleanliness of the park environment.
Vakil Abad Zoo
If you have free time between 8:30 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, I recommend visiting the Vakil Zoo. Among Mashhad’s tourist attractions, this zoo stands out as one of the best options to captivate your imagination. Situated adjacent to Vakil Abad Garden at the end of Vakil Abad Blvd, this zoo awaits.
This zoo offers various amenities and services including restaurants, cafes, sanitation facilities, parking, guide catalogs, and an animal photography studio, all contributing to delightful moments during your visit.
Chalidareh dam
Chalidreh lies to the west of Mashhad, approximately 30 kilometers away from the city center. This region has become a popular recreational spot in Mashhad, drawing numerous tourists in recent years. Offering various facilities for leisure and enjoyment, Chalidreh boasts a stunning artificial lake that provides a unique boating experience. Visitors can indulge in various sizes of boats available on the lake for entertainment. Beyond boating, this lake also features other attractions.
Chairlift is among these entertainment options. Riding the cable car across the lake offers an opportunity to relish its beauty. Chalidreh unquestionably ranks among Mashhad’s prime entertainment spots due to its abundant recreational facilities. Other attractions at Chalidreh comprise bungee jumping, lake fishing, a revolving tower, and a zip line. The delectable foods served at the restaurants and coffee shops in Chalidreh linger in memory long after sightseeing.
Torghabeh
Torghabeh enjoys pleasant weather and boasts enchanting, lush greenery. This small village, situated very close to Mashhad, possesses a distinct mountain climate.
The presence of numerous restaurants and cafes offering delicious and renowned dishes in Torghabeh satisfies the cravings of tourists.
Besides its natural beauty, Torghabeh hosts several markets and shopping centers that you can explore.
Mellat Park
Most tourists visit Mellat Park in Mashhad to experience its amusement park, the largest of its kind in the city. This game city boasts numerous equipment, games, and entertainment options, ranging from various rides to the highlight attraction—the largest roller coaster in the Middle East!
But only a small part of Mellat Park is taken up by its amusement park. This expansive park features numerous pools and fountains.
It might interest you to know that there are more than 35 thousand trees in this park!
Moghan Cave
Among Mashhad’s attractions, there’s just one natural tourist spot that truly gets your adrenaline pumping. Those familiar with climbing or caving understand what I’m referring to. Venturing through a stone tunnel with only your flashlight for illumination feels like strolling along the path of death.
I recommend experiencing caving in Moghan with a professional group or a guide. The optimal time to visit this Mashhad tourist spot is early spring or summer, avoiding rainy seasons. The Moghan cave comprises various sections, requiring over 2 hours solely to explore the cave interior. Accessing the cave involves traversing through the mountainous region of Seyedi.
Screaming Forest
One of the most frightening destinations to visit in Mashhad is the Screaming Forest, enough to give you chills even while writing about it, let alone experiencing it firsthand. I’ll share all the rumors surrounding this forest. Whether you choose to believe the superstitions or seek scientific explanations for them is entirely up to you!
Since 1990, coinciding with the sudden flooding of the Sarboraj River, and notably, the river has never dried up, an eerie phenomenon occurs:
At night, the sound of a woman burning amidst the flames resonates throughout the entire forest. This sound isn’t a product of imagination or deception.
I’ve heard that it’s particularly distinct in June. However, some may believe that this sound is audible only within the forest during certain months of the year.
Some claim this voice belongs to a woman who perished in a forest fire long ago. while others attribute this haunting sound to the nocturnal activities of goblins and devils.
Botanical Garden
The Mashhad Botanical Garden, also known as the Mashhad Garden, was officially inaugurated in June 2019 for public visitation. This expansive garden spans 45,000 square meters of lush grassland, featuring a vast array of collections and diverse sights that might require more than a day to fully explore.
I highly recommend the Mashhad Botanical Garden to all enthusiasts of flowers and plants, nature admirers, as well as to students pursuing education in medical and agricultural fields.
Al Valley
This valley is one of the must-visit destinations in Mashhad. For nature enthusiasts and walkers, Al Valley promises a rejuvenating experience. Nestled in the mountains, this village boasts refreshing cool weather and lush greenery.
The spring and summer seasons unveil a spectacular landscape in this valley. However, hiking here necessitates proper tools and equipment, sufficient physical fitness, and the guidance of a local expert.
Akhlamad village
I highly recommend exploring Akhlamad and its enchanting attractions for nature enthusiasts. Often referred to as the hidden paradise, visiting this village ranks among the best things to do in Mashhad, particularly during the summer season. The Akhlamad waterfall is a prominent attraction in the city, attracting numerous tourists. Taking a leisurely stroll amidst the unspoiled nature of this village provides a precious opportunity to escape the bustling city life for a few hours.
Diamond Upside Down House
The Diamond Upside Down House is constructed in a unique style, making it one of the prime photography spots in Mashhad. Its architecture is designed to create an upside-down appearance for everything inside. Situated within the “Almas Sharq complex”, this house offers a distinctive visual experience.
Mashhad National Garden
The Mashhad National Garden, positioned along one of the city’s oldest streets, Arg, stands as the inaugural park in Mashhad. This exquisite park features towering trees, charming fountains, statues of renowned figures, and a delightful ambiance, ensuring tourists and visitors enjoy a wonderful time in its pleasant environment.
Shandiz
One of the charming and scenic destinations in this city is Shandiz. Known for its pristine valleys, stunning gardens, and flowing rivers, Shandiz stands as a primary tourist spot in Mashhad.
This urban area is situated 25 kilometers west of Mashhad and boasts numerous attractions, including the Padideh complex, diverse restaurants, parks, shopping centers, and summer villages.
The majority of visitors to Shandiz seek dining experiences in restaurants adorned with natural settings
The Water Waves land
The water waves land (wwl) stands as Mashhad’s most captivating water park, with its initial phase constructed in 2006. Spanning 8,460 square meters, with an infrastructure covering 23,000 square meters, this water park remains one of the largest indoor water parks in Iran and the Middle East.
Initially, separate sessions for men and women were conducted every other day until 2017, leading to inconvenience for families who had to visit the complex over two days. However, with the establishment of the park’s second phase, the first phase was designated for men and the second for women. This arrangement provided both men and women the opportunity to enjoy the park’s amusements simultaneously.
Ortokand Waterfall
Ortokand Waterfall, near Mashhad, is a renowned sightseeing destination celebrated for its unique path. What sets this waterfall apart from others you may have encountered lies in the journey to reach it. The trail leading to this waterfall traverses a mountainous region, requiring you to navigate a river nestled between two mountains for the majority of the way. Upon reaching the stunning waterfall, you are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view. Additionally, there is a beautiful cave situated behind the waterfall, housing yet another impressive high waterfall.
FINNALY
In this blog, I’ve strived to introduce you to the best places to visit in Mashhad. Many of these sites boast historical and ancient significance, while some showcase natural landscapes. Now, it’s your turn to choose the activities that suit you best. I would be delighted if you shared your experiences in the comments, allowing others to benefit from them.