Book flights to Mashhad (MHD)
Mashhad: The spiritual heart of Iran
Book your visit to Mashhad
Situated in northeastern Iran, close to Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, Mashhad is a jewel that attracts visitors from around the world. As Iran’s second-largest population centre, Mashhad is considered the holiest city and spiritual heart of the country, with the dazzling Imam Reza Holy Shrine at its centre.
It’s also a family-friendly destination, with lush open spaces and water parks for younger visitors. Food lovers will enjoy experiencing the unique cuisine of northern Iran, inspired by a variety of different cultures and packed with flavour.
Thanks to its cooler temperatures, Mashhad is ideal to visit all year round. Alongside its ancient cultural importance is a thriving, modern metropolis with air-conditioned malls, an excellent travel network, and plenty to see and do.
Things to do in Mashhad
The Imam Reza Shrine Complex is the most important destination in Mashhad and Iran’s holiest site. This mausoleum belongs to the eight Iman of Shia Islam and is truly a magnificent complex that includes a huge library and the exquisite Goharshad Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.
The city embraces the arts, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful sculptures dotted around the parks and streets. Take a guided tour to find out more about the artists involved. There are also museums and galleries to explore.
For younger explorers, Water Waves Land is a family day out with slides, pools and plenty of fun for all ages. Or spend the day scrambling over the miniature mountain in the middle of the delightful Koohsangi Park, which also has a large lake and some very good ice cream stalls.
Activities in Mashhad
For a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets, Mellat Park is a haven of tranquillity, with a small amusement park that offers plenty of rides and attractions. During the evening, the park’s musical fountain puts on a beautiful light and sound display.
Take a day trip to the nearby city of Tus, one of the most important centres for Persian poetry and home of the poet Ferdowsi, author of the Book of Kings. His life and works are celebrated at the Tomb of Ferdowsi.
One of the region’s unique attractions, Kang Village, is around an hour by car but affords an incredible glimpse into traditional rural Iranian life. This pretty village clambers up steep slopes and has distinctive architecture, narrow alleyways and friendly locals. Kang Village is also a starting point for many hiking paths that criss-cross the area.
Food in Mashhad
Mashhad’s food culture is a key part of its identity, with local dishes such as Sholeh Mashhadi, regarded as a heritage dish in Iran. This rich stew is a staple food in the city, along with others like Dizi Sangi, a potato, bean and lamb stew or Shishlik Shandiz, which are lamb chops in saffron.
Desserts like Changali are a delicious afternoon snack, made from fried bread covered in honey. For a cool treat, the city has many shops selling Persian ice cream in flavours like peach, vanilla and coffee. Street food is plentiful, like hot and tasty kebabs and filled pita breads.
Restaurants offer fusion cuisine from traditional French fare to authentic Iranian and Persian delights. Persian dishes tend to focus more on flavour rather than spice, usually comprised of thick stews served with flatbread and fragrant rice.
Shopping in Mashhad
Mashhad is a great shopping destination. It has three large bazaars, Bazaar Reza, Kuwaiti Bazaar and Bazaar-e bozorg-e Makazy. Things to look out for when you’re treasure hunting include authentic Khorasan crafts and jewellery, Oud perfumes and the most famous of Iranian products, saffron.
The best neighbourhoods for shopping include Sajjad Blvd with its luxury boutiques and designer stores. Daneshgah Ave is known for shops selling leather bags and travel goods, while Rahnamayi is the best street to buy clothing and gold.
For traditional Persian carpets, the Carpet Bazaar near the shrine is filled with artisan stores selling genuine Persian rugs in all sizes and designs. If you prefer a more modern shopping experience, the city has several large, air-conditioned malls.
You might also like...
Flight FAQs
Feeling inspired? Explore beyond Iran
More places to see after Mashhad (MHD)
