If you are going to Mashhad for the first time, be sure that your trip will be a combination of spirituality, culture and entertainment. Mashhad is not the only religious city; This is a place where you can get to know the history and magnificent architecture, shop in traditional markets, taste delicious food in famous restaurants, and even take a walk in the nature around the city. In this article, you can get to know the sights of Mashhad that you should not miss on your first trip.
Shrine of Imam Reza; A luminous vision on the first trip
- address: Imam Reza St.
Visiting the shrine of Imam Reza (AS) is undoubtedly the main and most important experience of every traveler on his first trip to Mashhad. The magnificent court of the 8th Imam with its eye-catching architecture, golden dome and vast courtyards gives pilgrims a different and spiritual atmosphere. In addition to pilgrimage, many pilgrims spend time visiting the museums of Astan Quds Razavi and Goharshad Mosque.
Photographer: Fatemeh RB / Google Map
Reza Bazaar; Full of saffron and spice aroma
- address: Eastern side of Bait Al-Maqdis Square (Fleke Ab)
Bazar Reza is one of the best shopping centers in Mashhad that you should visit on your first trip to Mashhad. This traditional bazaar, which is located about 500 meters (10 minutes’ walk) from the Holy Shrine, is full of excitement and shopping, and in every corner you will find something fresh and tempting, such as saffron, barberry, turquoise rings, seal and rosary, and beautiful handicrafts. Walking in the long and lively corridors of the market, which is a relic of the Pahlavi era, will leave you with a sweet memory of the trip.

Photographer: Sardar / Google Map
Stone Mountain Park; Fun and walking
- address: Police station boulevard, at the end of Koh Sangi street
Koh Sangi Park is one of the oldest resorts in Mashhad, dating back to the Safavid era, and the kings of that time used to come to this area for recreation. This place, which was turned into a park in 1318, is located at the foot of the mountain, and with its greenery, water features, and steps, it is a pleasant place for walking and relaxing. The higher you go, the beautiful view of Mashhad is under your feet. Koh Sangi is designed as a series of seven interconnected gardens, and each of them contains a special part of the facilities and attractions of the park.

Photographer: Qusay Alsaad / Google Map
Ferdowsi Tomb; The cradle of epic and history
- address: Mashhad city, Tus city, at the end of Shahnameh boulevard
Visiting the tomb of Ferdowsi, the great poet of Iran and the creator of Shahnameh, is a cultural and historical experience in the first trip to Mashhad. This place, which is considered one of the must-see places in Mashhad, keeps the memory of Ferdowsi alive with its magnificent architecture and is not only the burial place of Ferdowsi, but also the tomb of the poet Mahdi Akhwan Tahali and professor Mohammad Reza Shajarian. The stories of the Shahnameh and Ferdowsi’s poems are written on the tombstones, and the surrounding area has a unique atmosphere with a pool and inspiring statues. Visitors can learn more about historical objects and manuscripts of the Shahnameh in the small museum inside the complex.

Photographer: Hossein Habibi / Google Map
Tomb of Nadir Shah Afshar; A journey to the history of Iran
- Address: Shirazi St., northwest side of Shahada Crossroads
The tomb of Nadershah Afshar, with its unique architecture and design, is built in a vast garden, and the statue of Nadershah on horseback, next to his tomb, gives a special effect to the space. Next to the mausoleum, there is a rare museum where you can see all kinds of weapons, armors, riding gear, manuscripts and valuable historical objects. If you are traveling to Mashhad for the first time, the tomb and museum of Nadershah are among the sights that will introduce you to an important part of Iran’s history and culture.

Photographer: Mahdi Shorgashti / Google Map
Targbeh and Shandiz; Nature tour with the pure taste of Shishlik
- Address: Razavi Khorasan province, Targaba Shandiz city
If you are looking for pleasant weather, green scenery and different entertainment on your first trip to Mashhad, Targaba and Shandiz are the best choices. With its flowing rivers, summer gardens and Chalidare recreation complex, Targaba provides an ideal environment for nature tourism, boating and hiking in the heart of the mountains. At a not so far distance, Shandiz is located, which, in addition to its beautiful nature, is famous for its traditional restaurants, and its delicious shishlik is considered one of the most famous dishes in Iran.

Photographer: Mohammad Baqer Al-Kaabi / Google Map
Mashhad’s land of blue waves; Excitement and entertainment
- Address: Imam Ali Highway, Andisheh Boulevard; Andisheh corner 81 (ladies’ entrance) and Andisheh corner 83 (gentlemen’s entrance)
The Land of Blue Waves is one of the best water parks in Mashhad, which provides an exciting and unforgettable experience for all family members with various slides, wave pool, calm river, jacuzzi, sauna and restaurant. With two separate sections for men and women, this complex allows families to use it at the same time and provides a safe and lively environment with safety standards.

Photographer: Hadi Izadpanah / Google Map
Vakil Abad Park; A memorable excursion
- Address: District 9, Vakil Abad highway
Vakil Abad Park is one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in Mashhad, with an area of 70 hectares, old trees, a river, a spectacular lake, etc., it provides a pleasant environment for sightseeing, especially for the first trip to Mashhad. In this complex, in addition to the eye-catching nature, you can also visit the Vakil Abad zoo, theme gardens, museum and its various amenities. Turning dried trees into wooden sculptures and artistic elements has made the garden space more special.

Photographer: M GHLM DST / Google Map
Arman shopping center; A different experience of shopping, food and entertainment
- Address: Nawab Safavi Street, next to Soroush Hotel
Arman Mashhad shopping center is located a short distance from Imam Reza (AS) shrine and offers you a unique experience of shopping, food and entertainment on your first trip to Mashhad. This commercial complex surprises visitors every moment with its large and varied food court, eye-catching fountain and cave-restaurant. The possibility of buying various souvenirs and eating in a pleasant environment has made Arman one of the most attractive shopping centers in Mashhad.

Photographer: Reza Alizadeh / Google Map
Sons Karim Restaurant; Intimate and family atmosphere
- Khayyam branch address: Khayyam Boulevard, towards Almas Sharq, after Hedayat Square, between Khayyam 61 and 63, Marvarid Building
As one of the best restaurants in Mashhad, Pesran Karim restaurant uses fresh and healthy food, which has made it always have many customers. The most popular dishes of this restaurant are chelo musil and shishlik, which have many fans and often run out in the early hours of the day. In addition to them, the menu also includes various types of kebabs such as chicken, loqmeh, kobideh, bargh mumtaz, bakhtiari and sultani. Sons of Karim now has three branches in Khayam Street, Farhad Street and Alton Tower.

Photographer: Farhad S / Google Map
What activities and sights do you recommend for the first trip to Mashhad? If you have interesting experiences or information about any of these attractions, we would be happy to share them with the Kajaro audience.
Cover photo source: www.mysafar.com; Photographer: Unknown (Haram of Imam Reza (AS))
Frequently asked questions
Where should we go on our first trip to Mashhad?
On your first trip to Mashhad, you can visit the shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH), Kuhsangi Park, Reza Bazaar, Arman Shopping Center, Pesran Karim Restaurant, the Land of Blue Waves, Ferdowsi Mausoleum, Torqaba and Shandiz.
What is the most important tourist attraction in Mashhad?
The Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) is undoubtedly the main and most important tourist attraction of Mashhad.
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