The holy city of Qom
Qom city, the second most important religious city in Iran after Mashhad, is famous for its historical and religious landmarks. This city, considered the religious capital of Iran, is located south of Tehran in the heart of the desert region.
Main features of Qom city:
- Geographical location: Near Tehran, bordered by the provinces of Isfahan, Markazi, Semnan, and Tehran.
- Climate: Very hot and dry summers, cold winters.
- Population: One of the major cities in Iran with an area of about 11,000 square kilometers.
Religious and historical landmarks in Qom:
- The shrine of Lady Masoumeh (peace be upon her): One of the most important holy sites for Shia Muslims.
- Jamkaran Mosque: A famous religious and historical site.
- Feyziyeh School: One of the largest scientific centers in Iran.
- Hoz-e Soltan Caravanserai and Timcheh Bazaar of Qom: Among the most prominent historical landmarks.
Famous souvenirs:
- Qom Sohan: One of the most famous souvenirs widely known in Iran.
Reasons for Qom’s fame:
- Scientific center: Qom is considered a center for religious seminaries.
- Strategic location: Easy access to other provinces, making it a destination for visitors and pilgrims.
Qom is a city with a rich history, religious and cultural landmarks, and a suitable geographical location for living and studying.
Advantages of studying in Qom city for international students
- Scientific and religious center in Iran
Qom city is one of the prominent scientific and religious centers in Iran and the Islamic world. The presence of the religious seminary and leading scholars and professors makes it a unique destination for those interested in Islamic studies. - Prestigious universities and advanced educational facilities
Qom hosts prestigious universities such as Al-Mustafa International University, offering diverse programs for international students, along with advanced research and educational facilities.
- Quiet and suitable environment for studying
Unlike busy industrial cities, Qom provides a calm and organized environment ideal for students seeking focus and academic progress. - Low living costs
Living expenses in Qom are lower compared to major Iranian cities like Tehran or Isfahan, making it an economically attractive option for international students. - Welcoming culture and international interaction
The people of Qom are known for their hospitality and respect for different cultures. The presence of many international students creates a rich environment of diverse cultural interactions. - Easy access and available transportation
Qom is very close to the capital (only one hour from Tehran) and features a developed transportation system, including a high-speed train station, making it easily accessible. - Rich history and culture
Qom is a city with a deep history, containing prominent religious and historical landmarks such as the shrine of Lady Fatima Masoumeh (peace be upon her), Jamkaran Mosque, and important libraries. These sites are not only religious but also hold great value for historical research and study. - Diverse social and religious activities
Qom hosts religious and cultural programs and international conferences throughout the year, providing a great opportunity to learn about Iranian and Islamic culture and traditions. - High level of security
Qom is one of the safest cities in Iran, an important factor for international students and their families.
Persian language education
Many educational centers in Qom offer specialized courses in Persian language teaching, an excellent opportunity for students interested in learning about Iranian culture and language.
Recreational activities and tourist attractions in Qom city
- Shrine of Lady Fatima Masoumeh (peace be upon her)
This shrine is one of the most important religious landmarks in Qom, attracting visitors and tourists due to its spiritual significance and distinctive Islamic architectural design. - Jamkaran Mosque
A mosque with beautiful architectural design and a spiritual atmosphere, its history is linked to Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), attracting thousands of visitors and tourists from around the world annually. - Salt Lake in Qom
This lake is one of the most stunning natural landmarks, reflecting sunlight on its white crystalline surface, offering a unique opportunity for photography and enjoying natural beauty. - Mount Khidr Nabi (peace be upon him)
This mountain is a natural and historical site for visiting and climbing, offering a breathtaking view of Qom city, making the experience unforgettable. - Qom Old Bazaar
A traditional market with authentic architectural design, offering opportunities to buy local souvenirs like handicrafts, saffron, and “Ghuzz” sweets, along with experiencing the city’s culture. - Museums of Qom
Qom has many museums such as the Holy Shrine Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and Carpet Museum, showcasing valuable artistic and historical works. - Parks and green areas around Qom city
Green spaces like Salariyeh Park and local gardens provide great places for strolling and relaxing in a peaceful natural setting. - Historical caravanserais
Qom is home to many historical caravanserais such as Dir Kajin Khan, known as “the mother of Iranian caravanserais.” These sites highlight Iran’s rich history and architecture. - Natural and therapeutic springs
Qom has natural springs with healing properties, such as the “Ain Ali” spring, which is a great place for relaxation and recreation. - The Silk Road and its historical sites
Qom was part of the historic Silk Road and still preserves some landmarks of this route, making it an interesting destination for history and culture enthusiasts. - Astronomical observatory in Qom
This observatory is a unique scientific and recreational center for astronomy enthusiasts, offering an exceptional opportunity to observe the night sky and explore the stars.
Festivals and cultural events
Qom hosts cultural, religious, and artistic festivals and events throughout the year, providing tourists with opportunities to learn about Iranian culture and traditions.
The best restaurants in Qom are:
- Morvarid Restaurant and Banquet Hall
- Best Food Multi-Story Restaurant
- Sirang Rotating Restaurant
- Shandiz Grand Restaurant
- Arg Soltaniyeh Restaurant
- Khadem Grand Restaurant
- Mortezavi Restaurant
- Traditional Qom Restauran
- Alborz Restaurant
- Omid Restaurant
Morvarid Restaurant and Banquet Hall
One of the most well-known banquet halls in Qom, Morvarid Restaurant and Banquet Hall is always bustling with customers thanks to its spacious and clean environment. The restaurant offers a wide variety of high-quality Iranian dishes. What sets Morvarid apart is its excellent food quality combined with affordable prices. The staff at Morvarid work with great skill, patience, and organization to serve guests efficiently. These qualities have made Morvarid one of the top choices in Qom for hosting both joyful and solemn events with a large number of guests.
Address: Amin Boulevard, Intersection of Alley 12
Cafe Restaurant
It is one of the best fast food restaurants in Qom. This cafe-restaurant stands out for having two separate menus: one for food and another for drinks and desserts, which is a great advantage for customers. The food menu at Best Food Restaurant includes a variety of items such as pizza, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, salads, and more. The café menu offers drinks like coffee, tea, herbal infusions, milkshakes, cakes, ice cream, and other desserts. This multi-story café-restaurant features three floors and an attractive rooftop terrace with a beautiful view of the shrine and the city of Qom. Best Food Multi-Story Restaurant is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a quick and delicious meal while traveling.
Address: Jomhouri Boulevard, Ayatollah Hakim Boulevard, Intersection of Alley 1
Sirang Rotating Restaurant
It is one of the best restaurants in Qom. This restaurant is one of the most luxurious and elegant in the city, offering a stunning view of the entire city. The Sirang Rotating Restaurant is located in a residential complex, occupying the eleventh floor of a tall tower. Just like Milad Tower Restaurant in Tehran, this restaurant offers a unique experience as it rotates in a circle, providing different views of the city. Sirang Rotating Restaurant has a classy and luxurious atmosphere. Its menu includes all kinds of Iranian and international dishes, fast food, salads, soups, desserts, drinks, appetizers, and more. It is worth mentioning that the menu prices at Sirang are slightly higher compared to other restaurants in Qom.
Address: Ayatollah Saeedi Square, Sirang Commercial Complex
Shandiz Grand Restaurant in Qom
It is one of the recommended restaurants in “Charter 118.” Shandiz is a beautiful mountainous area in Mashhad, famous for preparing the most delicious Iranian dishes. The Shandiz Grand Restaurant in Mashhad is one of the best restaurants there, and the Shandiz Restaurant in Qom with the same name reflects the quality of food and high level of service of that restaurant. Shandiz Grand Restaurant in Qom offers a variety of traditional and Iranian dishes on its menu. When ordering any type of food here, especially grilled dishes, you can enjoy the same authentic and delicious taste as the Shandiz food in Mashhad. The restaurant features a calm, clean, and elegant atmosphere and welcomes guests for both lunch and dinner.
Address: Ghadir Boulevard, after the gas station, Street 11, inside the alley
Arg Soltaniyeh Restaurant
It is one of the best restaurants in Qom. This restaurant is known for its peaceful, green atmosphere and distinctive dishes that have earned a special place in the hearts of its customers. When you enter Arg Soltaniyeh Restaurant, you will completely forget you are in a desert area because the environment resembles Lushan and Fasham, with green spaces and a mild climate. Beautiful tables and chairs, royal-style beds, old music playing, equipped glass booths, and other details create an attractive and calm atmosphere for visitors. The kebab with fresh bread, along with the restaurant’s dizi, are among the excellent dishes. In addition to traditional Iranian food, this restaurant offers a variety of modern dishes, making it easier for people with different tastes to choose.
Address: Mohammad Amin Boulevard (PBUH), next to Salarieh Triangle
Khadem Grand Restaurant
It is the ideal choice if you are looking for a clean, elegant restaurant with a sophisticated atmosphere and reliable food. This restaurant is one of the oldest in Qom and has proven its good intentions toward the city’s people. By choosing Khadem Grand Restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious meal with peace of mind and become a fan of this place. The restaurant features a spacious hall without any showiness or luxury and serves its customers quickly with tasty dishes. Among its best dishes are “Chelo Kebab” and “Jujeh Kebab,” which satisfy most customers.
Address: Shaheed Sadooghi Boulevard, before Sadooghi Square, between alleys 20 and 22
Mortezavi Restaurant
It is one of the top 10 restaurants in Qom. This restaurant is known for the quality and great variety of its food in the city. Additionally, Mortezavi Restaurant is a modern place with a luxurious and elegant design. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is the main reason behind the lasting taste and aroma of Mortezavi’s dishes. The chefs were carefully selected from among the best in Qom. The service staff at Mortezavi are polite and well-organized, providing excellent service to customers. Thanks to its wonderful atmosphere and elegant design, it is highly recommended for hosting parties and special events.
Address: End of Amin Boulevard, Ghadir Boulevard, beginning of Qods City
Old Qom Traditional Restaurant
Also known as Old Qom Restaurant, it is an exceptional place. If you love traditional Iranian food, Old Qom Traditional Restaurant will be a paradise for you. Here, any traditional or Iranian dish you desire is prepared. The atmosphere matches its name and dishes, featuring traditional Iranian decor. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Qom, and from the past until today, remains one of the city’s best dining spots. Sitting on couches, leaning on soft cushions, and choosing your favorite dish like “Dizi,” “Kebab,” or “Chicken” is all part of the dining experience here.
Address: Zanbalabad, before Dastgheib Square
Alborz Restaurant in Qom
It is a trusted and well-known restaurant chosen by travelers and visitors with full confidence. Alborz Restaurant in Qom is directly supervised by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Qom. Although the restaurant doesn’t have a large or elegant space, its simple appearance does not affect the quality of the food. Alborz serves delicious, high-quality dishes to its customers. What distinguishes this restaurant and attracts customers is the perfect food quality along with affordable and reasonable prices. Among the best dishes at Alborz Restaurant are “Chelo Kebab,” “Fish,” and “Ribs with Rice.”
Address: Amin Boulevard, intersection of Alley 27
Omid Restaurant
It is one of the old restaurants that has proven its worth. Some believe this is the oldest restaurant in Qom. Like any old restaurant, you can’t expect a luxurious atmosphere, but you can definitely expect delicious food. Omid Restaurant meets all your expectations with its simple, traditional vibe while serving tasty and flavorful dishes. A sure sign of its quality is that customers often wait in line for hours to eat here or enjoy their meal in their cars. Omid offers a variety of kebabs, traditional Iranian dishes, and chicken.
Address: Shohada or Safaie Street, next to Peyman Pharmacy