Razavi Khorasan
Mashhad
Iran's holiest city and spiritual heart of Shia Islam
8 highlights · tap a pinMashhad — "place of martyrdom" — is Iran's second-largest city and its holiest, set in northeastern Khorasan on the old Silk Road. It grew around the shrine of Imam Reza, the 8th Shia Imam, today the vast Haram-e Razavi complex that draws more pilgrims than almost anywhere in the Islamic world. Beyond the shrine, Mashhad is the gateway to Khorasan's saffron and turquoise country and to the tombs of Ferdowsi and Nader Shah, fringed by bustling bazaars and mountain parks.
Next 5 days
Top places to see
- 1
Haram-e Razavi (Imam Reza Shrine)
The breathtaking shrine complex housing Imam Reza's tomb Largest mosque in the world by area; center of Shia pilgrimage
- Where
- City Center
- Time needed
- 3-4 hours
- Opening hours
- Non-Muslims restricted in some areas; verify access times
- 2
Goharshad Mosque
Timurid-era mosque within Haram-e Razavi complex Masterpiece of Islamic architecture with exquisite tilework
- Where
- City Center
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Opening hours
- Verify before travel
- 3
Mashhad Bazaar
Vast traditional marketplace surrounding the shrine Best place for religious souvenirs and saffron shopping
- Where
- Around Haram
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Opening hours
- Morning/evening hours vary
- 4
Tomb of Nader Shah
Memorial to the 18th-century Persian conqueror Striking modern design honors the 'Napoleon of Persia'
- Where
- Naderi Park
- Time needed
- 45 mins
- Opening hours
- Verify before travel
- 5
Kuh-e Sangi Park
Scenic hillside park with city views Popular local escape with walking trails and teahouses
- Where
- Southeast Mashhad
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours
- Opening hours
- Open dawn to dusk
- 6
Ferdowsi Tomb
Monument to Persia's epic poet Houses Shahnameh manuscripts; national cultural symbol
- Where
- Tus (24km NW)
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Opening hours
- Daytime access
- 7
Astan Quds Razavi Museum
Islamic art and shrine treasures Exceptional Quran collection and historical artifacts
- Where
- Haram Complex
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Opening hours
- Verify before travel
- 8
Torqabeh
Mountain resort area Cool summer retreat with hiking and traditional restaurants
- Where
- Torqabeh (30km NW)
- Time needed
- Half-day
- Opening hours
- Accessible year-round
Where to stay in Mashhad
From $3 a night, our service included