Located in northeastern Iran, this major Shia pilgrimage center has the world's largest mosque at Imam Reza shrine. Cultural landmarks include Goharshad Mosque and Ferdowsi Monument.
Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, centers around the vast Imam Reza Shrine complex, where millions of pilgrims pray each year. You'll find carpet weavers working their looms in the Bazaar-e Reza, families gathering for evening meals in Kooh Sangi park, and scholars studying ancient manuscripts in the shrine's museums. Beyond the city, the tombs of Persian poets Ferdowsi and Omar Khayyam tell stories of Iran's literary past.
Visiting the Imam Reza Shrine
The Imam Reza Shrine complex covers 598,000 square meters, making it the world's largest mosque by area. You'll walk through seven courtyards and past fourteen minarets as you explore the complex. The shrine's museums display Qurans from the 7th century, Persian calligraphy, and religious artifacts. Women need to wear a headscarf and long clothing, while men should wear long pants. The shrine's kitchen prepares meals for thousands daily, with increased capacity during Ramadan when it feeds up to one million people.
Getting Around Mashhad
Take the metro between 6:00 and 22:00 daily to reach major districts and the shrine area. From Mashhad International Airport, you can fly to major Middle Eastern cities and Iranian destinations. Trains run regularly to Tehran, with the fastest journey taking 8 hours. You'll find the railway station just north of the shrine area.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Pack warm clothing for winter visits when temperatures drop to -2°C. July temperatures reach 35°C, making spring and autumn more comfortable for walking around the city. Summer brings the most visitors, so reserve your accommodation several months ahead.
Parks and Recreation
Walk among wild animals at Koohestan Park-e-Shadi's zoo, or take a ride on Iran's tallest Ferris wheel at Mellat Park. Local families gather at Kooh Sangi park's hillside trails and picnic areas during weekends and evenings.
Local Food Scene
Look for restaurants around the shrine area serving regional specialties like Chello Kebab (minced lamb with saffron rice) and Bakhtiari Kebab (chicken and lamb combination). Small family kitchens and large dining halls fill the streets near the shrine.
Shopping in Mashhad's Bazaars
Three main bazaars make up Mashhad's commercial district. Browse through Khorassan carpets, locally-made jewelry, and saffron - the region's prized spice. Near the shrine, vendors sell prayer beads, religious texts, and traditional fur-cloaks.
Day Trips from Mashhad
Visit Ferdowsi's tomb in Tous, where the museum displays manuscripts of his epic poem Shahnameh. Travel 115 kilometers to Nishapur to see the garden complex containing the tombs of Omar Khayyam and Attar, and learn about their contributions to Persian poetry and mathematics.
