Mashhad Attractions
Mashhad, the center of Khorasan Razavi Province, in the northeast of Iran, is the second most populated city of the country. This city is the most popular destination of Iran for pilgrims who want to visit the Imam Reza Holy Shrine, one of the most famous Mashhad attractions. Every year millions of Iranian pilgrims and about one million pilgrims from other countries travel to Mashhad. However, the Imam Reza Holy Shrine is not the only reason for the popularity of the city. Mashhad has more to offer to its visitors!
As it is one of the ancient cities on the Silk Road, there are some cultural and historical monuments in the city. Furthermore, located near the mountains, having pleasant springs and mild summers, there are beautiful recreational sites in this zone. After all, along with the holy shrine, the pure nature and historical monuments on the silk road are the prominent Mashhad Highlights. Join us to introduce you to the most significant Mashhad attractions and their details, like opening hours and entrance fees.
Mashhad Tourist Attractions List
Imam Reza Holy Shrine
The shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, is a magnificent sacred place to Muslims. In this regard, the complex welcomes millions of pilgrims every year. However, the significance of this holy shrine is not limited to its religious aspect. The shrine of Imam Reza is one of the largest mosques globally, both in terms of size and capacity. Accordingly, it covers about 19000 square meters, and 1700 meters of it belongs to the holy shrine. There are various entrances, courtyards, mosques, porches, museums, libraries, and service departments in this complex. You can also visit the mausoleums of some well-known Muslims such as Sheykh Bahaee, Pir-e Palan Dooz, Sheykh Hor-e Amoli.
On the other hand, the complex museums, which are the bests of their kind, include Astan Quds Razavi Central Museum, Quran Museum, Carpet Museum, and the Museum of Anthropology. Furthermore, the unique architectural features of the Shrine is impressive. It is noteworthy that this magnificent collection is on the list of Iran’s National Heritages. All the mentioned features make Imam Reza Shrine one of the must-see Mashhad attractions.
Opening Hours
Open 24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
2 to 4 Hours
Goharshad Mosque
Goharshad Mosque, located in the Imam Reza shrine complex, is one of the most famous mosques in Iran. The mosque was built under the order of Goharshad, the king’s wife, during the Timurid era. Moreover, The Goharshad The mosque is famous for its architecture, paintings, mosaic tiles, plasterwork, and its beautiful blue dome. After all, many historical events happened in this mosque.
Opening Hours
Every day
9:00 to 20:45 (Fridays till 12:00)
in spring and summer
8:00 to 18:45 (Fridays till 12:00)
in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
2 to 3 Hours
Tomb of Nader Shah
Nader Shah Tomb is one of the most famous historical Mashhad points of interest located in the Nader Museum Garden complex. This tomb is the burial ground of Nader Shah, the founder of the Afsharid dynasty. And, after Imam Reza Holy Shrine, it is considered the most important tourist attraction in Mashhad. Also, there is a museum inside the tomb where you can see the Afshariyeh to contemporary art and weapons that belong to various historical periods. Moreover, Aside from visiting the Tomb of Nader Shah, you can visit the tomb of Mohammad Taqi Khan Persian, commander of the Khorasan, located in the Naderi Museum Garden complex.
Opening Hours
Every day
8:00 to 19:30 in spring and summer
8:00 to 16:30 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
30 min to 1 Hour
Vakil Abad Forest Park (Vakil Abad Garden)
Vakil Abad Garden is and is one of the most popular Mashhad attractions and one of the oldest and largest parks in Mashhad. The park is particularly popular among tourists because of its spectacular nature, beautiful landscapes, and seasonal rivers. Moreover, there are numerous old trees such as pine, cypress in this old park. Also, diverse amenities such as restaurants, game facilities, swimming pools and amusement parks are recently added to the complex. Finally, regarding the tourists’ feedback, the garden has a tranquil and pleasant environment.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
1 to 3 Hours
Bazaar Reza
Bazaar Reza is a roofed market that was built in 1977 (Pahlavi dynasty) in Imam Reza Holy Shrine’s vicinity. This bazaar is one of the cultural Mashhad attractions which attracts many tourists and pilgrims. This two-story market is about a kilometer long and has 1711 shops. Also, it is one of the most famous souvenir and handicraft shopping centers in Mashhad. Accordingly, on the first floor, you can find Iran souvenirs such as prayer rugs and seals, rosaries, turquoise and agate rings, perfumes, Iranian saffron, barberry, candy, and spices. On the other hand, the second floor of Bazaar Reza is dedicated to different workshops of handicrafts, turquoise, gilding, and embroidery.
Opening Hours
Every day
9:00 to 21:00
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
1 to 3 Hours
Tomb of Ferdowsi
Ferdowsi is the great Iranian poet, the creator of the masterpiece of Persian epic, Shahnameh. The Tomb of Ferdowsi, located in Toos, 20 kilometers north of Mashhad, was constructed in 1019 during the Ghaznavid dynasty. Since Ferdowsi and Shahnameh are well-known worldwide, his mausoleum is one of the popular Mashhad points of interest, particularly for literature lovers. Moreover, the statue of this poet is the most significant monument Tomb of Ferdowsi.
Notably, Shajarian, Iran’s legendary singer, musician, and calligrapher who played an important role in enriching humanity’s musical heritage, was buried in this site. He had willed to be buried in Ferdowsi mausoleum’s vicinity before his death on October 8th, 2020.
Opening Hours
Every day
9:00 to 19:00 in spring and summer
9:00 to 17:00 in fall and winter
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Torghabeh (Torqabeh)
Torghabeh is the main city of Torghabeh and Shandiz County located 29 km east of Mashhad in a lush green valley. So, one of the Mashhad attractions is exploring the city of Torghabeh and enjoying the beautiful scenery and its fresh climate. The green slopes of Binalood Mountain, a river that flows through the city, along with the gorgeous gardens, have created a dreamy atmosphere in Torghabeh. In addition, Torghabeh is famous for the delicious foods that are served in its restaurants, such as Shishlik kebab, Dizi, Shole, Khoresht-e Fesenjan, Eshkeneh, Kaleh Joosh and all kinds of Qormeh. Also, there are several modern shopping malls and several entertainment complexes with various facilities in Torghabeh.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
2 to 6 Hours
Water Waves Land
If you are interested in a day full of adrenaline, do not forget to go to the Water Waves Land on your trip to Mashhad. This 23000 m2 roofed water park is among the perfect world’s water parks and popular Mashhad points of interest. Water Waves Land offers 13 waterslides, four splash pools, a swimming pool, a wave pool, children play area and pool, and a lazy river around the park. Moreover, the complex also houses a restaurant, a coffee shop, sauna, Jacuzzi, Turkish Hammam, and a sporting goods store. Note that there are separate zones for ladies and men who want to go to this park.
Opening Hours
Every Day
9:00 to 21:00
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
3 to 6 Hours
Kuh Sangi Park (Kooh Sangi Park)
Although Imam Reza Holy Shrine is the most significant attraction in Mashhad, this city has more to offer to its visitors. Due to Mashhad’s mountainous climate, there are many recreational sites and lush parks with a pleasant climate in this city. Among them, Kuh Sangi Park is one of the most famous and oldest parks. The Persian term “Kooh Sangi” means stone mountains, and the park has this name because of two stone mountains standing there. Besides, there is a large pool in the park that the combination of water, mountain, and lush green environment has created a stunning view. Notably, the best time to visit Kooh Sangi Park is during the evening, when you can enjoy the fantastic view of the city and the Imam Reza Holy Shrine. Moreover, The Great Museum of Khorasan is located in this complex and is open daily from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. Furthermore, the entrance fee to this museum is 3€ for foreign tourists.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
1 to 4 Hours
Shandiz Mashhad
The Shandiz recreational village, located about 40kms from Mashhad in the vicinity of Torghabeh, is one of the popular Mashhad attractions. As the area lays in the lush, watery valleys filled with trees, it enjoys a temperate climate. Along with the beautiful natural landscapes, there are many recreational facilities in Shandiz, such as paddle boats, a ski resort, MX racing track, and telecabin. On the other hand, Shandiz’s reputation is not only for its natural beauties but for its kebabs, particularly Shishlik (Shashlik), which is barbequed lamb chops. Besides, there are numerous local handicraft shops in this county where you can buy souvenirs, particularly sheepskin coats and clothing made with lamb’s leather and wool.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
2 to 3 Hours
Iranian Water Park
With an area equals to 14 football fields, Iranian Water Park is one of the best water parks globally, and Mashhad points of interest. This complex is one of the most standard water parks globally, which includes two large and separate sections, an outdoor section for men and an indoor section for women, which can be used in winter. Moreover, the Canadian company of White Water Park, which is the largest designer of water parks globally, was the consultant of the construction of this complex. Furthermore, Iranian Water Park resembles SIAM Water Park in Spain. In Iranian Water Park, you can experience board surfing in a wave pool the size of a football field, with 3.5 meter high waves. Also, this complex enjoys lowlands and heights as a tool to create numerous slides and tunnels.
Opening Hours
Every Day
9:00 to 21:00
Entrance Fee
3€
Visit duration
3 to 6 Hours
Anthropology Museum of Mashhad
(Mehdi Gholi Beyk Bathhouse)
The Anthropology Museum of Mashhad near Imam Reza holy Shrine used to be an old bathhouse called Mehdi Gholi Beyk Bathhouse. This monument is one of the oldest and grandest Iranian bathhouse and one of the prominent Mashhad attractions. Moreover, the Anthropology Museum of Mashhad dates back to the Safavid Dynasty, decorated with paintings, plasterworks, and tile-works. The main materials used in this building are lime, glass, stone, metal, plaster, brick, and tile. Furthermore, the paintings on the edifice’s walls and ceiling narrate the ancient Persian stories and normal people´s life. Finally, the ancient lighting and heating systems of this monument are amazing.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:00 to 12:00
Entrance Fee
3€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Haft Houz Valley
Haft Houz Valley, located about 7 km from Mashhad, is a unique natural point of interest. To reach this attraction, you need to walk for about 2 km on the hills. When you reach the region, you will see seven connected natural ponds formed in the heart of polished rocks. Interestingly, the Persian term “Haft Houz” means seven ponds. The water passes from one pond to the next one and makes a spectacular scene. After crossing the seven main basins in a line, you will reach larger ponds along the river. Finally, based on tourists’ reviews, the silence of the area gives you a strange calm.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
3 to 4 Hours
Mashhad Botanical Garden
Mashhad Botanical Garden, one of the most famous attractions in Mashhad, is a recreational and botanical complex in an area of 29 hectares. The complex includes 31 plant collections, more than seven restaurants, coffee shops, a handicraft village, a kid garden, waterfalls and rivers, a tribal village, a traditional medicine center, multi-purpose halls for ceremonies and conferences, an amusement park, and a business center. Besides, you can taste diverse kinds of herbal tea in coffee shops located in this garden.
Opening Hours
Every Day
9:00 to 19:00
Entrance Fee
3€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Where to stay in Mashhad?
(Price, Facilities, Distance from attractions , Map, Photos, Testimonials & ...)