The Best Places to Visit in Mashhad (with Address)

As the most popular tourist destination of Iran, Mashhad attracts millions of tourists every year. Many of them are pilgrims who want to visit the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza. But the Holy Shrine isn’t the only reason for the popularity of Mashhad, as the city has multiple other attractions and recreational facilities. Continue reading for a list of the best places to visit in Mashhad.

Mellat Park, the first in the list of places to visit in Mashhad

It is impossible to finish up your trip to Mashhad without visiting its biggest and oldest park. Losing track of time in Mellat park is very easy because of its numerous facilities, which include an amusement park, sporting squares, library, or the swimming pool.

The amusement park holds in itself the largest Ferris wheel in the middle east and the 18th largest in the world. In the eastern section of the park you can find a big lake, and in the western part a swimming pool, a volleyball and football field, tennis court, and a skating rink.

Address: Azadi Square, Vakil Abad Broadway, Western Mashhad

Vakil Abad Park

Second on the list of places to visit in Mashhad is Vakil Abad park. There are multiple reasons to visit this aged park. Vakil Abad has the only zoo in Mashhad, where you can find a variety of birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. But if you don’t like zoos (like myself!), then you can visit Vakil Abad’s amusement park. This big amusement park is called Koohestan Park Shadi and has the potential to entertain you for hours.

During certain times of the year, like spring and summer, a very cool stream runs through the park. If you want to picnic outdoors in the shade of tall trees, pack your stuff and head for the beautiful Vakil Abad park.

Azadi Square, Vakil Abad Boulevard, Mashhad

Shandiz Village

The serene Shandiz recreational village is one of the special places to visit in Mashhad. If you ride 38 kilometers west of Mashhad, you will come across an area that is filled with rivers, valleys, and tall plane, cottonwood, and Eastern Redbud trees echoing the chirping of birds. This is the Shandiz recreational village, beautiful like a scene cut out of a painting.

If you feel hungry, the Padideh Shandiz restaurant will serve both Iranian and international dishes. The Shandiz souvenir shop is also a great place to shop for local gifts and souvenirs.

ََAddress: Shandiz village, 37 kilometers northwest of Mashhad

Torghabeh

If you ride 18 kilometers southwest of Mashhad, you will come across Torghabeh, a beautiful town with a beautiful Yaylaki weather. Longe rivers, tall trees, and large fruit gardens all make Torghabeh the perfect getaway from the bustling life of city.

When you’re packing for Torghabeh, remember that you will be staying for quite a few hours because the town has multiple attractions of its own. These attractions include the Chalidareh dam, Golestan dam, Arghavan Valley, Daghestan Valley, and the Dehbar river which is considered the beating heart of Torghabeh. If you have time, visit the green Noghondor village just 10 kilometers away.

Torghabeh is one of the best places to visit in Mashhad for summer and spring when the weather is warm. But during cold seasons Torghabeh becomes one of the coldest parts of Khorasan, so watch out.

Address: Vakilabad road, 18 kilometers southwest of Mashhad

Chalidareh Dam

Don’t forget to visit the Chalidareh Dam when you are in Torghabeh. You can go fishing or rowing inside the water. There are also multiple restaurants scattered around where you can have a variety of dishes. If you enjoy having picnics in gazebos and near water, then Chalidareh is one of the must-see places to visit in Mashhad for you.

Address: Anbaran Road, Torghabeh

Ferdowsi’s Tomb

Ferdowsi is one of the most famous Iranian poets and the writer of the well-known Shahnameh. His tomb is located in a beautiful garden 20 kilometers north of Mashhad in the ancient city of Tous. The tomb’s architecture is inspired from the Achaemenid times. There is a museum and a library near the Tomb which have been built to educate visitors on the Ferdowsi and his works. As one of the most popular places to visit in Mashhad, this great poet’s tomb attracts over a million visitors every year.

Address: Shahnameh Boulevard, Toos, 20 kilometers North of Mashhad

Mashhad Botanic Garden

The 25-hectare Mashhad Botanic Garden was opened in 2014 for educational and aesthetic purposes. The Garden includes sections such as the Garden of Roses, the theatrical and educational center, the Cliff Garden, and the Garden of Indigenous Fruits of Iran, among many others.

Address: Qadir Square, Jomhuri Eslami Boulevard, Mashhad

Naderi Museum

The Naderi Museum exhibits armors and weapons from the time of Nader Shah’s rule. It also has the tomb of Nadershah and Mohammad Taghi Khan Pasian (the ruler of Khorasan at the time) inside.

Address: Shohada Crossroad, Mashhad

Mashhad Bread Museum

The Mashhad Bread Museum is the first of its kind in the country. It exhibits the equipment that are involved in making bread, as well as various kinds of bread.

Address: Gandom Gasht Factory, Shahid Yazdi Alley, Ferdowsi Junction, the 17th kilometer of Asiyayi Broadway

Professor Bazima Scientific Park

The Professor Bazima Scientific Park is an ideal educational center for people who are interested in science. Travel to Mars, study a gyroscope, look at the solar system and partake in the Biology Academy in this creative scientific park.

Address: Vesal Complex, Sepad Tourism Center, Khayyam Boulevard, Mashhad

Bagh Melli Park

Bagh Melli is located in the middle of the urban life of Mashhad. The park features statues of famous figures in the Persian literature.

Address: Imam Khomeini Street, Khosravi Street, Mashhad

If you are visiting Mashhad to pray at the shrine of Imam Reza, make sure to give the list of hotels in Mashhad near the Holy Shrine a visit.