Mashhad, Iran-2-day-itinerary

Mashhad Travel Itinerary (2 Days)

Day 1: Historical Landmarks and Local Life

Morning

  • 8:00 AM - Breakfast Start your day at a local café like Café Noor. Enjoy traditional Iranian breakfast items like flatbread, feta cheese, herbs, eggs, and tea.

Places to Visit

  • 9:00 AM - Goharshad Mosque Begin your sightseeing tour with the historic Goharshad Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Iran.

  • 10:30 AM - Naderi Museum The museum is dedicated to the history and relics of Nadir Shah. It’s a place where you can see the treasures of India that were captured by the Afghans.

Lunch

  • Have lunch at a traditional Iranian restaurant like Mahak or Khorasan. Try their local dishes such as fesenjan, baghali polo, or kofte tabidi.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM - Imam Reza Shrine Visit the magnificent shrine of Imam Reza, one of the holiest places for Shia Muslims worldwide. It is a beautiful place to learn about and experience the rich culture of Iran.

  • 4:00 PM - Bazaar-e-Bozorg Explore the traditional Mashhad bazaar where you can find everything from local handicrafts to food.

Evening

  • Enjoy your dinner at another local restaurant, maybe trying something new like shirazi fried fish or Iranian ice cream.

Day 2: More Historical Landmarks and Local Life

Morning

  • 8:00 AM - Breakfast Continue with a traditional breakfast.

Places to Visit

  • 9:30 AM - Ferdowsi Square Visit the square named after Iran’s national poet, where you can see his statue.

  • 10:30 AM - Museum of Contemporary Art of Mashhad Explore Iranian contemporary art and learn about its artists.

Lunch

  • Have lunch at a restaurant near the museum. Try local dishes again or something new.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - Shapurabad Visit the ancient city of Shapurabad, which is known for its historic architecture and natural scenery.

  • 4:00 PM - Return to your accommodation Relax at your hotel before checking out and heading home.

Accommodation

For a comfortable stay in Mashhad, consider hotels like:

  • Hotel Parsian
  • Novotel Mashhad
  • Hotel Arya

Transportation

Mashhad has a comprehensive bus network. You can also use taxis for shorter trips.

Tips

  • Always wear respectful clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Learn some basic Persian phrases to communicate with the locals and show your respect.
  • Be prepared for crowds at popular tourist spots, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Things to Know

  • Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR), though it’s more convenient to use credit cards or foreign currencies in tourist areas.
  • Language: Persian is the official language. English is not as widely spoken outside major cities but becoming more common, especially among younger people.
  • Food: Traditional Iranian cuisine includes rice, bread, herbs, vegetables, meat, and fruits. Try local dishes for a unique experience.

Enjoy your trip to Mashhad!