The city of Mashhad located in Razavi Khorasan province is considered one of the historical and religious provinces of Iran. This city annually hosts about 27 million domestic and foreign travelers who travel to this place for pilgrimage and religious ceremonies. The main reason for this volume of travelers and tourists is the existence of the court of Imam Reza (a.s.) in the city of Mashhad. This city is culturally very rich.
The tombs of many religious, poetry and literature greats such as Ferdowsi, who had a significant impact on Iranian culture and language, are located in this city and its suburbs. All these have made Mashhad become a modern city in recent years, so that there are various and advanced entertainment, tourism and business centers in its place.
When is the best time to travel to Mashhad?
In terms of spring and summer weather, in terms of the attractiveness of all the holidays and occasions of the year, and in terms of economy, the best time is the beginning of the autumn and winter season, especially during the school exam season.
What are the cheapest hotels in Mashhad?
Parham, Kanaan, Melal, Helia and Mandah apartment hotels are among the cheap hotels of this city that you can stay in these hotels even during the busy seasons of Mashhad.
Where are the best shopping malls in Mashhad?
Imam Reza Bazaar, Almas Sharq Commercial Complex, Ferdowsi Commercial Complex, Arman Shopping Center and Vasal Commercial Complex are the best and most visited shopping malls in Mashhad.
What are the best restaurants in Mashhad?
Pesaran karim resturant, Zeitoun, Ace Burger, Limo, Shayan and Terrace restaurants have the best quality.
Where should we camp in Mashhad?
Ghadir Camp, Mellat Park, Pardis Park, Vahdat Park,... are among the best camp options in Mashhad.
History of Mashhad
Mashhad has seen many ups and downs throughout history. Almost since the Safavid period, this region has become very important. Due to its favorable natural location, this city was considered one of the important parts for living in Khorasan before Islam.
According to the available documents from the first recorded dates, this area was even home to Aryan tribes, but unfortunately, there are not many documents about the history of this city before Islam. Tus was completely conquered by the Arabs during the period of Uthman's caliphate, at that time it was a part of Tus region centered around the city of Tabran and included the villages of Senabad and Noghan, which are still important parts of Mashhad.
After attacking this area, the Mongols started destroying and killing. This made Tos people migrate to Mashhad. As a result, Mashhad gradually expanded and became the capital of Iran during Nader Shah's time.
With the development of Mashhad, various hotels such as Medina Al Reza Hotel Mashhad and Almas 2 Hotel Mashhad and various hotels and residences were established and launched in this city.
The development plan of the shrine and the city of Mashhad
As we said, one of the main reasons for the expansion of Mashhad is the court of the 8th Shiite Imam. The construction of the oldest parts of this place dates back to the year 610 (AH). This development and reconstruction from the Timurid period together with the reconstruction of the old buildings of Khorasan in Tus, Herat and Neishabur caused special attention to this province. A large number of buildings of Imam Reza's shrine have been left from the Safavid period, especially Shah Tahmasab Safavid. The size of this shrine was 12,000 square meters in the past. Currently, the area of the shrine has reached one million square meters, which has made this place one of the largest religious places in the world.
Gohar Shad mosque uprising
Undoubtedly, the most important event in the political history of Mashhad is the uprising of Goharshad Mosque during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi. This uprising was suppressed on July 12, 1314 as a sign of protest against Reza Shah's policies in the courtyard of the Goharshad Mosque in Mashhad. Goharshad uprising was formed when Reza Shah tried to eliminate religious traditions and Islamic laws and replace them with Western culture.
In pursuit of this policy, he ordered that the hijab be removed from Muslim women's heads, men wear western hats, and clerics remove their clerical clothes. In response to this policy, the people and clerics opposed it. On July 20, the soldiers of Mashhad dispersed the people in the square or shot them with bullets, which resulted in many dead and wounded. The issue once again made the city of Mashhad become one of the most important cities in Iran politically.
General acquaintance with the city of Mashhad
If you want to travel to Mashhad, a general acquaintance with this city, its people and culture will not be without grace.
geographical location
The city of Mashhad has an area of 10,450 square kilometers and its height is 980 meters above sea level. This city is the capital of Razavi Khorasan province and is located in the northeast of Iran. Mashhad leads from the north to Kalat, from the south to Torbat Heydarieh, from the west to the cities of Neishabur, and from the east to the cities of Sarkhs and Torbat Jam.
Mashhad city weather
The weather of Mashhad is variable but moderate, and the winds blow mostly from the southeast to the northwest. The lowest temperature in winter is 15 degrees below zero and the highest temperature in summer is 35 degrees above zero. Mashhad is located in a relatively dry area, so you will often experience hot days and cool and pleasant nights there.
Getting to know the people of Mashhad
According to the last census conducted in 2015, the population of Mashhad was 3184,000 people, which is the second most populous city in Iran. The people of this city speak Persian language with the Mashhad dialect. Most of these people are Muslims and followers of the Shiite religion. In Mashhad, religious and national holidays or mourning ceremonies are very important and are performed with passion, enthusiasm and a special style among the people. Usually, in these periods, the number of tourists will increase significantly compared to other times.
Native culture and customs of Mashhad
One of the most beautiful features of Iran is its point-to-point culture, and all are defined under one word, Iran. Naturally, Mashhad is not an exception to this rule, and it has its own local culture and customs based on the history and major beliefs of its people. Perhaps the most beautiful component of Mashhad culture is their accent. The accent is very pleasant and of course strange for strangers, which radiates warmth and friendliness.
Another culture of Mashhadis is the importance and attention away from hypocrisy to the court of the 8th Shiite Imam. Without any hypocrisy, they dedicate a corner of their daily life or every moment that their eyes fall on the dome of speech to greet the Imam or pay respect to it. Among the people of Mashhad, there are also some famous and beautiful customs that they perform at special times:
Syrian Wednesday ceremonies
Like the whole of Iran, who dedicate the last Wednesday of every year to celebrating the end of the old year and the arrival of the new year, the people of Mashhad have special ceremonies in mind. Their most important ceremonies are spooning, standing and reading poetry. In the ceremony of spooning, boys wear a women's veil and go to the neighbor's house with a spoon and a bowl that makes a sound when they collide with each other.
The girls listen to people's conversations by standing behind every hiding place and interpret the words of the passers-by. Their mass ceremony starts by making a fireball out of cloth and throwing it into the valley and ends with the singing of the famous poem (Grief Go Joy Come, Sorrow Go Rozi Come).
Light ceremony for you
From the 12th to the 14th days of the lunar month of Sha'ban, the people of Mashhad spend their days in charity and good works in memory of the dead. It has been customary for them to spend these three days for their dead at their graves or while doing their daily work.
Rain prayer ceremony
One of the most famous customs of the Khorasani people and not only the people of Mashhad is the ceremony of asking for rain. When they feel that their products need rain, they implement it. Most of the burden of the ceremony is on the shoulders of Khorasani girls. By making a doll from cotton and extra fabrics and lifting it to the sky, they rotate in different neighborhoods and people pour water on the heads of their dolls. In addition, they are also engaged in cooking by preparing Ash Nazri items. It should be mentioned that while walking in different neighborhoods of Mashhad, they also hum the poem (God send rain, for the sanctity of border guards, wheat under the soil, from thirst, perish).
Apart from the aforementioned, various other ceremonies are held in this country, among which we can mention mourning rituals, local dances, weddings in different ways,...
Mashhad city celebrities
Mashhad city and Khorasan province is the birthplace of many celebrities, among the elders of this province, we can mention Abolqasem Ferdowsi, Sheikh Tosi, Adib Neishabouri, Jaber bin Hayan, Malek al-Shaara Bahar and Mehdi Akhwan Tahalit. Abolqasem Ferdowsi is one of the famous and famous characters of poetry and literature not only in Mashhad, but also in all of Iran. The tomb of this great man is in the city of Tos and many tourists visit this place every year.
Ferdowsi Mausoleum is considered one of the historical attractions of Mashhad and has a green atmosphere, unique architecture and other sights that have made every person with any taste in tourism enjoy being there. Among the other great people of Mashhad city is the poet of Masar Mahdi Akhwan Tahalit and music teacher Mohammad Reza Shajarian.
The Third Brotherhood was born in Mashhad in 1889. The body of Akhwan was buried in Tos and in Ferdowsi Mausoleum, which marks a corner of Mashhad's history. Also, the body of Master Shajarian is buried in this tomb, which increases the spiritual value of this complex.
Mashhad city attractions
With all that said, it is natural that Mashhad is one of the most famous tourist cities in Iran. This city is not only religiously important, but also has many other attractions. As the famous saying goes, a trip to Mashhad is both a pilgrimage and a tour, an omen and a spectacle. So don't miss the introduction of tourist attractions and places of interest in Mashhad.
Whether in terms of history with various old buildings and houses, in terms of nature tourism with villages and gardens with good weather, or in terms of sightseeing, market tours and other tourist attractions that every city can have one or more examples of, Mashhad is the only one that has the first letter. hits. Tourism in this city has no borders. Even if you devote several consecutive days to this task, you will still not have seen a long list of sights in Mashhad when you return from Mashhad.
Historical attractions of Mashhad
One of the attractions of Mashhad that is really worth seeing and has been mentioned many times in this article is Ferdowsi's tomb in Tos and one of the sightseeing places around Mashhad. After visiting Imam Reza Shrine, Ferdowsi Mausoleum is the most prominent tourist attraction in Mashhad.
This historical tomb consists of three different parts. The hall section is one of the most beautiful parts of Ferdowsi Mausoleum. Whenever you travel to Mashhad, you can go to this place every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Address: Razavi Khorasan, Tos city at the end of Baharestan Blvd
Among the historical attractions of the city of Mashhad, we can mention the garden of the Naderi Museum, which was built to commemorate one of the history-making kings of Iran and Mashhad, Nader Shah. In 1342, a statue of this great king was built in Mashhad.
Currently, the Naderi Museum garden building has two halls, both of which are museums that display war and non-war artefacts related to Afsharian rule. This historical collection will be interesting for people who are interested in different historical periods of Iran. Between 9 am and 5 pm is the best time to visit this collection. Address: Mashhad, Shirazi Street, Shahada Crossroads
natural attractions
Haft Hoz Park is one of the natural attractions of Mashhad city. This park is located seven kilometers from the city of Mashhad. The ponds in this park were formed due to chemical erosion. These ponds, which have been formed naturally, have caused the natural flow of water. Note that in order to enjoy this beautiful place, you need to wear clothes and shoes suitable for hiking, and you should also return to the city before sunset, because the environment around Haft Hoz Park is not very safe for the last hours of the day.
Address: Sidi town, Khalaj Blvd
Among other natural attractions of Mashhad, which is a good choice for nature lovers, we can mention the National Botanical Garden of Iran, which is built in the form of heavenly gardens. 180 different medicinal species and 400 genetic samples are kept in this garden, which is worth visiting.
Another historical attraction of Mashhad, which is located 35 km from this city, is the Mughan Cave. According to geological discoveries, there are snail fossils and tracks in this cave that reach 100 million years ago.
Stones with special shapes, different pendants, cool water at the bottom and... all this has made this historical place one of the most mysterious and interesting natural sights in Mashhad, remember that if you want to visit Moghan Cave, do not go to this place without a guide and safety equipment. Don't be beautiful; Because the possibility of getting lost or injured in this place is very high and you should not walk in it alone. Address: Mashhad, Khalaj Road
Summer areas of Mashhad
If you like to travel to natural tourist attractions, Yilaq Mashhad can be a suitable option. Mashhad's winters have been very famous since ancient times. This cold weather and mountain villages have made this province full of summer villages and towns that have cool and pleasant summers. By the way, a lot of investment has been made in these areas, which has combined nature tourism with suitable facilities for modern life. For example, the villages of Torghabeh, Shandiz, Chalidere,... are some of the examples that we will examine in the following.
Torghabeh of Mashhad's Bekr recreation area
Torghabeh is a beautiful and lovely village of Mashhad, which is not far from the city center, but due to its location on the heights, it has cold weather and more rainfall than other cities of Mashhad. Torghabeh is actually a city on the edge of a mountain. On both sides, there are two mountain ranges, Binalud and Takht Rostam, which have made the atmosphere of the city different.
If you are planning to travel to Torghabeh, don't worry about food and entertainment services, because it is full of restaurants and promenades. Torghabeh is a hangout for people of Mashhad who want to spend the weekend with pleasant weather, water and trees.
Chalidreh nature and facilities
One of the tourist attractions of Torghabeh is Chalidere tourist area. A large and beautiful complex that is full of recreational facilities such as bungee jumping and telesege. Chalidreh prospered after the construction of the dam in this area on the Jaghargh river. With the construction of this dam, the gardens of this area were expanded, in fact, a beautiful natural area was built.
Chalidere is for those who want to be in a natural tourist environment from morning to night. Chalidere river is a place for fishing and boating, unlike Karon and Gulf, which has intense heat, and cool breeze on your skin. From Mashhad to Chalidere, you have about a 45-minute drive to the west of this city, but if you reach this area, all the tiredness of the trip will leave you.
Dinner and rest in Mashhad
Most people know Shandiz Mashhad for the restaurants and tourism projects that were implemented in it, but Shandiz had a distinct feature before all of this that forced investors to develop it. This area is full of natural tourist attractions. Shandiz itself is 38 km away from Mashhad, but after Shandiz or before that, there are famous villages such as Zashak, Abardeh and Sar Asiyab, which are not as beautiful as we say. Natural environment with ecotourism houses, I suggest you visit this area of Mashhad instead of studying.
Vakil Abad forest is the joy of a simple picnic
The west end of Mashhad is where the names of all the places are mixed with Vakil Abad. It is the way to reach Torghabeh and Shandiz, and many people know Vakil Abad Boulevard with the Vakil Abad forest and its zoo. It is a tourist and sightseeing area that is not beautiful enough to say anything. The end of Vakil Abad boulevard to the west reaches this scenic area. A place to watch breathing without any smoke or horn.
No matter how much you like the Vakil Abad forest, which is one of Haj Hossein Malik's endowments, it is not enough. A place to enjoy and of course rest. This park or forest is an environment engineered for enjoyment. Natural river, beautiful benches, gazebos and grass and trees that come to life for a picnic of several hours. Of course, the Vakil Abad forest is so vast that you cannot visit all its holes in one day, but this can be a positive feature, because no matter how crowded it is, it has capacity for travelers.
Mellat Park, a lunch in nature
Mellat Mashhad Park or Mellat Amusement Park is a combination of names, if you say each one and get an address, you will arrive at Mashhad's Azadi Square, or Mashhadhi Park Square. A very beautiful neighborhood with a large and old park that is a place for people to relax and have fun. This park has many facilities, but the most important is Mellat amusement park, which is open from 4 pm to 1 am. Mellat Park is also one of the best options for summer fun in Mashhad. A park or rather a summer bungalow for those who want to breathe for a few hours under the shade of trees and next to flowers and gardens.
Recreational attractions of Mashhad city
Koh Sangi or Kusangi is one of the largest amusement parks in Mashhad with a mountainous and natural appearance. We especially recommend that you visit this beautiful place during your trip to Mashhad. From Koh Sangi Park to the city of Mashhad, there is a very green street called Koh Sangi Street, which is considered one of the most famous streets of this city.
This collection is a beautiful combination of water, stone, light and vegetation. The beautiful granite stones of the mountain, the pure and orderly nature of this mountain is one of the unique attractions of Mashhad.
Address: southwest of Mashhad, at the end of Koh Sangi St
The indoor pool of Mashhad city, called the Land of Blue Waves, is one of the largest water parks in Iran. This water park can make an unrepeatable day for people who love water and water games. This vast pool with exciting slides, Turkish bath, children's slide, massage, kindergarten, restaurant, cafe, wave pool, sauna, jacuzzi, etc. is only part of the facilities and entertainment of this water complex.
This recreational water park is open in all seasons, especially in summer, and has significant festivals or discounts. So if you want to experience this water fun at the best possible time, summer will be a better choice. Address: 83 Andisheh Boulevard, Andisheh Blvd., Qasimabad, Mashhad
Religious attractions of Mashhad
The religious attractions of this city do not need much explanation. About the beautiful shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.), which is not enough to be said, but there are other religious places in this city that will be a relaxing place for a romantic pilgrimage. The religious sights of Mashhad have a very old age, a soul-inspiring spiritual atmosphere, a small green space, but spectacular and pleasant, which will help you to have a better spiritual and spiritual feeling. All the religious attractions of Mashhad are the names and addresses that you will read below.
Clay dome of Mashhad
Tomb of Khaja Rabi
Tomb of Pir Palandoz Mashhad
Blessed threshold of Imamzadegan Nasser and Yasir (a.s.)
Tomb of Sheikh Nokhodaki
Gohar Shad Mosque
Green dome of Mashhad
Tomb of Khwaja Abaslat
The tomb of Khwaja Murad
Imam Zadeh Yahya
Mashhad city guide
For a professional and trouble-free trip to Mashhad, in addition to the sights and tourist attractions of the city, you should also know the essential centers such as restaurants, cafes, public transportation system, markets,... so that you don't get stuck anywhere. In this section, we will introduce you to this aspect of the touristic and social city of Mashhad.
Mashhad urban divisions
In general, the city of Mashhad has an area of 351 square kilometers. This area is divided into 13 urban areas with separate municipalities that spread from the center of area one to its surroundings. It should be mentioned that the shrine of Imam Reza and its surroundings, which is one of the oldest areas of Mashhad, is known as Saman area.
Important streets of Mashhad
Every city has many famous and famous streets that are the hub of a particular industry in that city. The streets of Mashhad, affected by tourism issues, are more famous for these issues. For example, Ahmad Abad Street is famous for commercial centers, or Vakil Abad Boulevard is a street leading to two famous tourist centers in Mashhad.
Apart from the mentioned cases, I have mostly heard the names of Hefdeh Shahrivar and Imam Reza streets. Two famous streets, which are respectively famous for the arcades selling clothes and souvenirs and accommodation for pilgrims in its hotels.
Mashhad Industries
One of the aspects of Mashhad that may be invisible to many tourists is the discussion of active industries in this city. Of course, industries cannot be attributed only to the city of Mashhad, and more should be written about the province, but after all, it is the capital of Mashhad province, and most of the factories are located around it. One of the most important industries active in Razavi Khorasan region is the food industry related to the Holy Shrine, whose products include all kinds of food and canned goods. Apart from food industry, there are also steel parts factories in this city.
Mashhad hospitals
About fifty hospitals have been built in the whole city of Mashhad. 50 hospitals is a significant number, although some of these hospitals are related to specific diseases and are not of general use. Mashhad has many famous hospitals, and you can read the list of the most famous ones below.
Razavi Hospital Hotel, Mashhad
Imam Reza Hospital
Ghaem Mashhad Hospital
Taleghani Hospital
Success or relief hospital
Imam Zaman Hospital
Mother's maternity hospital
Chashm Khatam Al Anbia Specialized Hospital
Akbar Specialized Children's Hospital Mashhad
Restaurants in Mashhad
Undoubtedly, one of the joys of traveling is experiencing the taste of diverse and delicious food, especially local food. All the cities of Iran have small and big, luxurious and simple restaurants with different environments. Mashhad is no exception to this rule. Among the most prominent and famous restaurants in Mashhad, which all tourists are eager to experience the taste of its cuisine, are Pesran Karim, Bagh Zaytoun, Shayan, Terrace, Moin Darbari and Limo Italian restaurants. Enjoy, but this list is more important among tourists.
These restaurants are not the only famous and ideal restaurants in Mashhad, but they are among the best restaurants. You can experience traditional Iranian dishes and even local dishes of Mashhad at Pesran Kareem, Bagh Zaytoun, Shayan, Terrace and Moin Darbari restaurants. You can also try the best Italian dishes in Mashhad at Limo Italian Restaurant. Of course, keep in mind that as these centers are more famous, they also have exorbitant prices that may not be affordable for every tourist.
Fast food in Mashhad
Considering that Mashhad is one of Iran's tourism hubs, the presence of a large number of cafes and restaurants in it is not surprising. Fast food also has its fans in all parts of Iran. If you are also interested in fast food style food, according to many tourists, Atavich, Ace Burger, Patiza Pizza and Kentucky Bozormehr fast food restaurants can be a very good choice for you as they offer you the best quality food.
Huge burgers of Atavij, pizzas of Propiman Patiza Pizza and fresh and crispy breads of Bozorgmehr are some of the dishes that do not have the same taste in Mashhad. All these fast food restaurants have high-quality food, reasonable price with the quantity and quality of food, stylish family and friendly environment, ideal layout, etc. This makes most tourists feel good about eating fast food in these restaurants.
Mashhad coffee shops
Another aspect of sightseeing in Mashhad is its coffee shops. Among the best, most popular and famous coffee shops where you can spend pleasant evenings, we can mention Didar, Cactus, Eden, Kandun, Terrace and Biscuit coffee shops.
Cold drinks such as fresh juices from Didar Coffee Shop, evening snacks from Cactus and Eden, and hot drinks and teas from Khandoon Cafe are some of the best items on the menu of these cafes. In addition to hot and cold drinks and various foods, these cafes have a layout, decoration, lighting, access route and friendly staff, which makes visiting these cafes one of the best moments of your trip to Mashhad.
Public transportation in Mashhad
The city of Mashhad has three bus terminals named Imam Reza Terminal, Meraj Terminal and Rah Abrisham, which are the origin and destination of intercity buses, minibuses and taxis. The public transport means of these transport lines are BRT lines, express buses, intercity buses and minibuses.
Metro lines can also be a suitable option for transportation and access to different parts of the city. The first line of the Mashhad metro connects the east and the west of this city and has a station near the shrine. With this line, you can go to the airport, Vakil Abad Forest Park, Targaba highway and Shandiz.
The second line of this metro, which has recently been put into operation, connects the north and south of this city, and you can use this metro line to go to the railway, Shahada Square and Koh Sanghi Street. Also, in the city of Mashhad, due to the large volume of passengers, taxis are very easy to access and they will take you to your destination at a relatively reasonable price.
Shopping centers in Mashhad
One of the most exciting and attractive parts of any trip is shopping and buying souvenirs. Mashhad is one of the cities that has many traditional and modern markets in different parts of it. It doesn't matter if you are near the shrine or in the center, north and around the city. Wherever you are, you will find an arcade, a shopping center or a small and big market near you, which you can visit to buy clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, etc.
The most famous shopping centers in Mashhad are Imam Reza Bazaar, Proma Shopping Center, Almas Sharq Shopping Complex, Arman Shopping Center, Vasal Shopping Complex and Caspian Passage, each of which can be the best of its kind depending on your needs. Each of these markets has a specific price class and is a good option for expensive or cheap purchases.
Mashhad city airport
Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport has one of the busiest domestic airlines in the country. This airport is 8 km away from the city center and has two separate domestic and foreign terminals. Among the facilities of this airport, we can mention multi-storey parking, hair salon, shopping centers, banking services, emergency services, coffee shop, restaurant, hotel reception, prayer room, etc., all of which are designed and built for the well-being of tourists and travelers of this city.
Most hotels in Mashhad have shuttle services to the city airport; But if your place of residence does not provide such services, you can use taxis in the city. Access to passenger taxis to the airport is not difficult.
Travel guide to Mashhad city
It might not be a bad idea to take a look at the conditions for traveling to Mashhad before packing your bags and heading to this tourist hub. Which method of travel is more suitable to reach Mashhad? When is the best time to travel?
The best time to travel to Mashhad
For each person, the best time to travel to Mashhad is defined in a different way. You should definitely keep in mind what are your criteria for travel? In terms of weather, the best time to travel to Mashhad is spring, because during this period the weather is excellent, neither cold nor hot. Cool, moderate weather and green nature that gives a good mood to the city.
In the summer season, the weather is relatively dry and hot, but many travelers travel to this city in this season as well. Summer can be considered the busiest season of Mashhad, where many pilgrims travel. The worst season in terms of weather to travel to Mashhad is the winter season, because this city is located in a dry region and the winter weather is extremely cold and dry.
Sometimes the weather in Mashhad in winter reaches minus 15 degrees below zero and it will be difficult to explore the city. The best time to travel to Mashhad is during the birthday of Imam Reza (AS), Nowruz, Ramadan, Muharram, martyrdom of Imam Reza (AS), and half of Sha'ban, each of which has its own beauty and ceremonies. Winter and autumn seasons are usually quieter and the prices are more reasonable.
Travel to Mashhad by plane
Traveling by plane from the capital to Mashhad takes about an hour and a quarter. It is natural that traveling with land tours is very different in terms of time. One of the problems that air travel has and you will always face is flight delay. We suggest that you choose morning flights as much as possible, because the most suitable flights to Mashhad in terms of time and order are morning flights.
With these flights, you can also make good use of your day in Mashhad. Air travel is usually easier than land travel and has the fastest possible arrival time, but it is also very expensive compared to the price of air travel. The price of air travel to Mashhad varies in different seasons and days of the year. This cost reaches its highest level during holidays and summer and spring seasons, but during the school exam season, winter and autumn seasons, these prices are significantly reduced. You can book plane tickets from the Ozhan agency website.
Travel to Mashhad by train
It takes about 11 hours to travel from Tehran to Mashhad by train and it takes almost the same time by bus, but traveling by train can be much easier than traveling by train. The reason for this is clear, because the train has many more amenities than the bus and even the plane. You can book a train ticket from Ozhan agency. The facilities of the train include comfortable beds, dining hall, dedicated monitors, Iranian toilets, library,.... which doubles the pleasure of the journey.
Travel to Mashhad by bus
The most important advantage of traveling by bus compared to other means of public transportation is that you don't need to coordinate and prepare very carefully and you can go to the terminal at any time you want and travel anywhere you want. Among other advantages of the bus, we can mention the reasonable price of the bus ticket compared to the train and the plane, which has many differences and is affordable.
Travel to Mashhad by personal means
There is no specific time to reach Mashhad in this type of trip and it can vary according to driving and enjoyment of the journey. One of the advantages of traveling by private car is choosing the route, stopping at the desired time, and accompanying the desired companions along the journey. This type of trip can be very exciting, but it requires careful planning, a thorough inspection of the car, carrying a first aid kit, etc.
Also, it is better to have two drivers in one car so that they can change their places if needed. Also, if you plan to travel to Mashhad in the cold months of the year, make sure the car heater is healthy and bring blankets, warm clothes, and chains. If you have enough time to travel, keep in mind that the shortest route is not always the best route to travel!
The easiest way to travel to Mashhad from Tehran is the famous Semnan route. Although this route is very short, it is not particularly attractive due to the desert texture of the area. If, as mentioned, you don't have a time limit and can spend a few hours, you can move from Tehran to Roudhen and take the usual route of Tehran to the north. Then reach your destination by passing through the cities of Abali, Pulor, Gaznak, Amol, Babol, Ghaemshahr and Sari. Considering the beauty of the mentioned cities, this route can double the pleasure of the trip for you.
The distance of different cities to Mashhad
One of the most important questions of users about Mashhad is the distance between different cities to Mashhad. I have always wondered what the exact distance is between Mashhad and Isfahan. Here we have given the distance of the busiest routes leading to Mashhad and the distance of the important cities on the route.
Distance from Tehran to Mashhad: 900 km from Garmsar Azadrah to Haram
Sabzevar to Mashhad: 240 km from Sabzevar-Nishabor-Mashhad route
Shahroud to Mashhad: 490 km from Sabzevar-Mashhad route
Gorgan to Mashhad: 580 km from Gorgan-Bojnoord-Mashhad route
Neyshabor to Mashhad: 125 km from Neyshabor - Rabat Seji - Mashhad route
Shiraz to Mashhad: 1,345 km from Shiraz - Yazd - Tabas - Ashgabat - Torbat Heydarieh - Mashhad
Isfahan to Mashhad: 1234 km from Isfahan-Qom-Garmsar-Azadrah Haram to Haram
A look at Mashhad hotels
The concern of staying in Mashhad is one of the most important issues that you should think about before traveling to this city. To stay in this city, there are a variety of hotels, inns, ecotourism residences, hotel apartments, suites, etc., which leave people's hands open to choose. Just specify your budget so that you can find the best accommodation option according to your budget.
Mashhad luxury hotels
Darvishi Hotel is one of the best hotels in Mashhad, which has very good facilities and its distance from the shrine is almost 4 km. This 5-star hotel has a variety of housekeeping services, wake-up calls, airport transfers, swimming pools, saunas, jacuzzis, cafes, restaurants, massages, conference halls, shops, etc. Staying in this expensive hotel is very exciting.
The five-star Pardisan hotel is the first conference hotel in the country among the luxury hotels of Mashhad, which is a little far from the hustle and bustle of the city center and has a quiet environment with pleasant green spaces. This hotel also has various facilities, services, restaurants, shops, etc. that make you unnecessary to explore the city. Qasr Talai Hotel is one of the top hotels in the Middle East with 20 floors and eye-catching architecture. It is considered one of the luxury hotels in Mashhad. This hotel provides an unparalleled stay for tourists and travelers with the best services and amenities.
Hotels near the shrine
Medina Al Reza Hotel, which is considered one of Mashhad's luxury hotels, is only 150 meters away from Imam Reza Shrine, and it is the best choice in terms of the proximity of the hotel to the shrine. This expensive hotel eliminates the need for taxis and additional transportation to the shrine. Etrak Hotel is one of the other luxury hotels in Mashhad, which is located 800 meters from Imam Reza Shrine.
The charm of this hotel is that from its upper floors you have a complete view of the shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.), which is unique in its kind and can make you stare for many minutes. Among other hotels near the shrine, you can mention Almas 2 Hotel. This hotel is considered one of the best hotels in the city with various services, restaurant, parking, etc., which is about 5 minutes' walk from the shrine and is considered one of the most popular hotels in Mashhad.
The best hotels in Mashhad
Undoubtedly, apart from the mentioned hotels, there are other hotels that are the best of their kind. Of course, we should not forget that the best hotel has a different meaning for each person. Proximity to the shrine, distance from crowded areas, various services, etc., each has a specific priority for people; But in a general view, hotels like Si Noor Hotel Mashhad or Almas Hotel, Javad, Khursheed Taban, Parmida, Zeitoun, Mithaq, Kiana, Homa 2 and Arman, all of which can create an unrepeatable experience for you during your trip to Mashhad.
Souvenirs of the city of Mashhad
One of the most beautiful Iranian customs that has existed since the past is buying souvenirs while traveling. In the city of Mashhad, you can take whatever you want as a souvenir for your loved ones, but if you are looking for the most famous souvenirs of Mashhad, saffron, barberry, perfume, dry fruits, spices, seals and rugs, jewelry, especially silver and precious stones, and sweets are the things that are considered to be the representative of Mashhad. be.
Therefore, there is no better city than Mashhad to prepare these items. The fragrant and colorful saffron of Mashhad is famous not only in Iran but worldwide. The barberry of this city is one of the best barberry in Iran, which you will not find similar in any city
Traditional dishes of Mashhad
When traveling to any city, leave the famous Iranian food aside and try the local and traditional foods there to experience different flavors. Among the traditional dishes of Mashhad city, we can mention Mashhad Qeeme, Rhubarb Khorsht, Shishlik Kebab, Maqut, Ash Masti, Ashkeneh Qorut, Mashhad Ash Lakhshak, and Mashhad Mixed Rice. It is suggested that you definitely try these delicious dishes during your trip to this city.
It is also one of the most interesting foods in Mashhad. Of course, Sholeh itself is not interesting on its own, the interesting thing is that Mashhadis serve Sholeh with gheeme and they break hands for the gheeme next to it.