Overview
Mazar-e Sharif is Afghanistan's 4th largest city and the most open and liberal urban center after Kabul, drawing visitors primarily to the luminous Blue Mosque, said to shelter the tomb of Ali bin Talib, the Prophet's cousin. The city sits at a historic crossroads of trade, giving it ethnic diversity rare elsewhere in Afghanistan, and serves as a transit hub for overland routes to Central Asia.
Architecture · Budget Travel · History · Transit Hub
Before you go
Culture
Most open and liberal city in Afghanistan after Kabul. Diverse ethnic population from trade crossroads.
Money
Local currency is Afghan afghani (AFN). Taxis cost 30 Afg or less within the city. Some prices quoted in US dollars.
Safety
Mazar is relatively peaceful but security can change quickly. Avoid night walking and maintain situational awareness.
Transport
Airport is 9 km east (15-minute taxi). Taxis plentiful; negotiate fares before departure.
Weather
Summers hot, winters cold with mountain snow. Best months: April-June and September-October.