Things to do in Mazar E Sharif
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Shrine of Hazrat Ali
The twin blue domes of the Shrine of Hazrat Ali are one of Afghanistan’s most iconic sights, and pilgrims come from across the country to pay their respects at the tomb contained inside. Although non-Muslims are forbidden entry to the shrine building itself, views of the building are to be much enjoyed from the pleasant park that surrounds the complex. Popular Muslim tradition contends that the Ali is buried in Najaf in Iraq, near the site where he was murdered in 661AD. Afghans typically tell another story. Instead, Ali’s followers reputedly took his body to be secretly buried near Balkh. The burial was carried out in secret for fear of reprisals from Ali’s enemies, a…
reviewed
-
Carpets
There is a line of carpet shops along the east side of the shrine, stocked high with rugs, embroidery, lapis lazuli, and antiques (old and new). Prices are slightly cheaper than Kabul and the sell isn't so hard.
Mazar-e Sharif is an excellent place to pick up gilims and needlework, the traditional handicrafts of north Afghanistan. Most of these are Uzbek, while the carpets tend to be made by Turkmen. Suzanis (spreads embroidered with either silk or wool) make particularly good souvenirs.
reviewed
-
Ibn Sina Restaurant
An Afghan place worth making the effort to get to, the Ibn Sina has a well-stocked menu including mantu,ashak and a variety of soups and qorma. The white tiles give it a canteen appearance, but you can spread out on the takhts (raised seats) as well as sitting at tables. The restaurant’s sign is fairly inconspicuous, so look out for the big tree outside the entrance.
reviewed
-
Delhi Darbar
This trusty Indian restaurant is something of an institution among Mazar-e Sharif’s expats. The menu is mainly north Indian cuisine, with a refreshing choice of vegetable dishes. The meat/vegetarian thalis (South Indian all-you-can-eat meal) are excellent at US$6. Eat inside, or in the walled garden in summer, enjoying a cold beer at the same time. There’s a sister branch in Kabul.
reviewed
-
Bahaar Restaurant
There aren’t so many surprises at this restaurant in terms of the menu, but it’s better quality than most, with several interesting pulao and qorma on offer. With the restaurant on three glitzy storeys above its own supermarket, this is about as fancy as Afghan dining gets in Mazar-e Sharif.
reviewed
-
Grilled Chicken
A seemingly endless round of kebabs and pulao can get pretty boring at times, something this place addresses wonderfully, with great chunks of delicious barbecued chicken. Next to the Bahaar Supermarket, there’s a small off-street seating area hidden behind a wicker screen where you can tuck in.
reviewed
-
Ice Cream Shops
If you’re hankering for dessert, head here for a bowl of thick hand-churned ice cream, piled high in tiny bowls. There are a couple of un-named shops – several locals claimed that the one with the flame decor serves the best ice cream in the north.
reviewed
-
Juice Stands
This cluster of juice stands are a great refreshment stop. The banana or mango smoothies with cream and chopped almonds make a breakfast in themselves, while the sharp lemonade will cool you down on a scorching summer day.
reviewed
-
Tashkent
In the middle of the divided road, this is an Afghan fast-food place that delivers exactly what is promises. The pizzas (200Afg) aren’t bad, but the burgers (110Afg) are tastier, served with a handful of chips.
reviewed
-
Pisarni Hamidi Restaurant
One of the better chaikhanas near the shrine, this basic place has good mantu amid the expected piles of meat and rice – a reliable standard.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
