Qom, known as the religious capital of Iran and a cultural hub, is the second most visited pilgrimage city in the country, attracting numerous domestic and international tourists every year. Located on one of Iran’s main thoroughfares, Qom is ideally positioned to welcome travelers. While this city is historically significant due to its ancient structures and buildings, it is primarily renowned for the shrine of Hazrat Masumeh.
The Jamkaran Mosque and the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Masumeh make this historic city one of the most important pilgrimage centers in Iran and even the world, drawing many visitors.
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Best Time to Visit Qom
Qom has a hot and semi-arid climate, so the best times to visit are April, May, September, and October. As a desert city, it experiences hot weather and has limited potable water.
Essential Information for Qom
- Contact Code for Qom: 025
- Distance from Tehran: 148 kilometers
- Travel Time by Car from Tehran: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Transportation to Qom
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Qom, located on one of the main transportation routes in Iran, serves as a connection between Iran’s industrial provinces and Tehran. The best ways to travel to this city are by private car, bus, or taxi. Travelers using public transportation will find numerous yellow taxis upon entering the city (at 72 Tan Square at the beginning of the Qom-Tehran highway), most of which head to the holy shrine of Fatima Masumeh (SA). Qom’s public transportation system includes several buses providing services to residents and tourists, with the first bus station located on Shahid Sayyad Shirazi Boulevard, guiding passengers to Motahari Square (Clock Square).
If you plan to explore the sights of Qom or visit its religious sites, consider using special tour packages.
Accommodation in Qom
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Iran Hotels
Accommodation is a top priority for travelers. Hotel costs vary based on their distance from the holy shrine and the amenities provided. Most hotels offer facilities such as internet in the lobby, cafes, restaurants, prayer rooms, and parking.
During special occasions, hotel managers often provide unique discounts, significantly reducing accommodation costs. You can find the best hotels in Qom to suit your budget by checking out various options.
Guesthouses are another popular accommodation choice, offering more affordable rates than hotels and hotel apartments near the shrine. Most guesthouses are located on the main streets connected to the shrine, providing convenient and budget-friendly accommodation close to the holy site.
Public Transportation in Qom
Transportation is a crucial aspect for tourists upon arrival. In Qom, more than 5,700 taxis serve the public, including 2,200 line taxis and over 2,400 roaming taxis.
Additionally, free buses are available from Motahari Square to the nearest gates of the holy shrine for the convenience of visitors and pilgrims.
Dining in Qom
Qom is known for being one of the most affordable cities in Iran, with low costs for food and beverages. Numerous eateries and restaurants are located around the holy shrine, such as on Arak Street, Bahar Boulevard, Astaneh Square, and Eram Street, offering good quality and reasonable prices.
Other notable dining areas include Shohada (Safaiyeh) Street, Jomhouri Street, Mohammad Amin (PBUH) Boulevard, Dorshar, Shahid Sadooghi (Zanbil Abad) Street, and Salariyeh, where you can enjoy excellent meals. For fast food lovers, options in Shohada Street, Mohammad Amin Boulevard, Salariyeh Street, and Shahid Sadooghi Street (Zanbil Abad) are recommended, offering good quality at reasonable prices. In addition to numerous restaurants, street food vendors are also prevalent in Qom, catering to a diverse array of tastes due to the migration of many people from Arab countries, especially Iraq.
Attractions in Qom
Many historians consider Qom one of the ancient cities of Iran, historically situated on the Silk Road. This has led to the city housing many historical buildings and landmarks. Some of the notable historical sites include:
- Qomrud Castle
- Sultan’s Pool Caravanserai
- Timcheh of Qom Bazaar
- Qom Grand Mosque
- Qom Mosque
However, the most significant religious and tourist attractions are Jamkaran Mosque and the holy shrine of Hazrat Masumeh (SA). As the second most important religious center in Iran after the holy city of Mashhad, Qom attracts countless pilgrims and tourists from around Iran and the world.
Shopping Centers in Qom
Qom is famous for its Sohan (a traditional Iranian sweet), making it a must-buy souvenir for visitors. Numerous shops around the shrine sell high-quality Sohan, produced by local factories. Most of Qom’s shopping centers are located near the shrine. For clothing, the Musa bin Jafar Shopping Center, Alghadir Commercial Complex, and Hojjat Commercial Complex are the best options. The Old Bazaar of Qom is another major shopping destination.
Souvenirs and Handicrafts of Qom
Apart from Sohan, Qom offers various handicrafts as souvenirs. Some of the local arts and crafts include:
- Carpet weaving
- Wood carving
- Palan-making
- Hat making
- Horn carving
- Turning
- Stone carving
- Embroidery
- Silk weaving
- Shoemaking
- Tahini production
Qom is the world’s largest center for silk carpet production. Although Sohan is the primary souvenir, with around 2,000 to 2,500 Sohan shops and factories in the city, selling over 500 tons of Sohan monthly.
