population: 0.53 million

extension: 47.5 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Mazar-i-Sharif and interested in visiting museums, you could check out the Balkh Museum, which is located in the city's ancient citadel. It features exhibits on the history of the region, including artifacts from the Buddhist era, Islamic period, and more recent Afghan history. Additionally, you might want to visit the Afghanistan National Museum in Kabul, which has a wider range of exhibits spanning the country's history and culture.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Mazar-i-Sharif, according to local people, include:

1. Kabuli Pulao: This is a rice dish made with lamb or beef, carrots, raisins, and various spices, such as cardamom and cumin.

2. Mantu: These are steamed dumplings filled with spiced ground beef or lamb, onions, and sometimes topped with yogurt and split peas.

3. Qabili Palau: Another type of pilaf, but this one includes caramelized onions, raisins, carrots, and tender lamb or chicken.

4. Ashak: These are similar to mantu but are bigger and have leek and scallion filling instead of meat.

5. Shola-e-Gosht: This is a hearty soup made with lamb, chickpeas, lentils, and spices.

6. Bolani: These are savory flatbreads stuffed with vegetables like potatoes, spinach, and pumpkin.

7. Kebabs: Grilled meats like lamb, chicken, and beef on skewers, often served with bread and salad.

8. Firnee: A sweet dessert made with milk, sugar, cornstarch, and cardamom, garnished with chopped pistachios or almonds.

9. Sheer Yakh: A refreshing drink made with yogurt, water, and sometimes mint, which is perfect for hot summer days.

These dishes represent some of the most beloved and classic flavors of Afghan cuisine, and they are often enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals in Mazar-i-Sharif enjoy include visiting the Blue Mosque (also known as the Shrine of Hazrat Ali), exploring the bustling markets like the Chaman-e-Hozori or Shor Bazaar, and taking a stroll through the Bagh-e-Jahan Nama park. You could also check out local restaurants and cafes to sample traditional Afghan cuisine, such as mantu (dumplings), qabili pilau (rice dish with lamb and carrots), and chai (tea).