tourist places in samarkand

The Top 14 Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

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Samarkand is one of the highlights of Uzbekistan and one of the cities that you must visit during your trip. This small town is packed with strikingly beautiful architecture and so much history. Add in delicious cuisine and cute shops, all in close proximity so it’s easy to walk everywhere. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Samarkand!

Federico Mayor, the former Director-General of UNESCO accurately described Samarkand in his touching quote – “There are such names in the world, which unwillingly lead people to the world of dreams. The magic and fame of these words immediately impact your mind when you hear or read about them. There is such a name among them that attracts our imagination to itself, it is Samarkand. It seems that this name emerged from the whirlpool of clear and diverse colours, the scent of perfume, fabulous palaces, bells of caravans, pure melodies and yet misunderstood feelings.”

So if you’re wondering what to do in Samarkand, then you have come to the right place! Read on for our list of the best things to do in Samarkand!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Samarkand, Uzbekistan Travel Basics

Know before you go.

• The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Soʻm (UZS). At the time of writing, the conversion was 8,450 UZS to $1 USD. In this post, we’ll be referring to prices in Uzbekistan currency.
• Many people in Samarkand, and Uzbekistan overall, do not speak English. Ask your hotel to write down the names of the places you want to go by taxi as taxi drivers are often the most difficult to communicate with.
• Google Maps isn’t entirely accurate in Samarkand. Restaurants that appear to be in one location aren’t actually there and some addresses are simply listed as “Samarkand”.

Getting to Samarkand

There are several trains each day from Tashkent to Samarkand. They are fast, comfortable, and generally run on schedule. The trip from Tashkent to Samarkand takes less than three hours and you’ll pay 105,000 UZS for the fast train, and 70,000 UZS for the regular train.

You can book your train tickets online but the station names are all in Uzbek which can be confusing. Plus, they’ll add a processing fee to the price of the ticket. You can save yourself some cash and confusion by buying your tickets directly at the station.

A taxi from the train station to downtown Samarkand or the historic area around Registan should cost you 20,000 UZS.

Getting Around Samarkand

Unfortunately, the Yanix.Taxi app does not work in Samarkand and none of the taxis in Uzbekistan use a meter. So you’ll have to attempt to communicate your destination with taxi drivers and negotiate the price.

The yellow taxis operate on a shared taxi system meaning they will continue to pick up additional people as long as there are extra seats. There is a flat rate of 4,000 UZS for most trips around downtown and Registan.

If you want to take a taxi further than a few kilometers, you’ll need to negotiate a taxi fare. Shoot for 2,000 UZS per kilometer as it seems to be the going rate, even though they’ll always start with a price about twice that. Never get into a taxi before first agreeing to the cost.

Where to Stay in Samarkand

L’Argamak Hotel

The L’Argamak Hotel is ideally located right near the main tourist sites in Samarkand. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed with views of the beautiful garden below. Guests love the delicious breakfast spread and the super friendly and helpful staff!

Check Prices on Booking.com

Sultan Hotel Boutique

The Sultan Hotel Boutique is located right in the heart of Samarkand and offers stunning views from the rooftop terrace. You’ll be within walking distance of all of the most popular sites in the city. Rooms are comfortable with all of the amenities that you’ll need during your stay.

Platan Hotel

The Platan Hotel is a bit further from the tourist sites of Samarkand, but closer to restaurants (including their own restaurant which is one of the top-rated in town!). Rooms are clean and spacious and the bathrooms are updated, a rare luxury in Uzbekistan.

Where to Eat in Samarkand

Our favorite place for lunch was Cafe Magistr , a small cafe that serves both Western and traditional Uzbek food . Plus, they had the best Wi-Fi that we found in the city. It’s a great place to chill, drink a coffee, and catch up on emails. Be sure to try the Magistr Pizza and the Chuchvara Soup! And if you are in the market for a manicure/pedicure or a haircut, the barbershop right next door has the best prices around and super friendly staff.

The Bibikhanum Teahouse is a cute outdoor restaurant near the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. It’s a bit touristy in that the servers are all dressed in traditional clothing but prices are reasonable and the food is delicious. Be sure to try the “Mantu” and the stuffed peppers!

We’ve included several other favorite restaurants below!

The Top 14 Things to Do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

1. visit the registan.

Of course, one of the top things to do in Samarkand is to visit Registan . This iconic landmark of Uzbekistan is a central courtyard surrounded on three sides by impossibly beautiful madrasahs.

When you enter the courtyard, Tillya-Kori is directly in front of you. It has the most striking interior area with a small mosque. The walls of the mosque are covered in intricate gold details and the ceiling is spectacular. If you walk around here, you’ll see photos on the walls of the Registan before it was restored to its current glory.

Facing the Tillya-Kori, the Sherdor Madrasa is on the right, and the Ulu Bey Medresesi is on the left. Both have beautiful courtyards in the back as well as small shops with traditional Uzbekistan souvenirs. Be sure to stop by the shop at the Sherdor Madrasa where you can dress up in traditional clothes for the small fee of 5,000 UZS per person. It’s super entertaining and the guy running the place will take as many photos of you as you want!

Around sunset, the lights come on and illuminate all three of the gorgeous buildings. Crowds dwindle and it’s a great time to enjoy the inner courtyard.

Entrance Fees: 40,000 UZS per person

Hours: Open daily from 8 am until 7 pm. From our observation, as long as you’re at the gate by 7 pm, you are allowed to stay until 8:30 or 9 pm.

2. See the Nighttime Show at the Registan

If you take our advice and stay inside the Registan courtyard for sunset, you’ll be in for another treat. At 7 pm every evening (except, apparently, when they don’t feel like doing it), there is traditional music and dance show in the courtyard of the Sherdor Madrasa.

A small group of five men plays instruments while several others sing and dance. It’s a 50-minute show and you’ll certainly be entertained the entire time. The backdrop of the performance is the beautiful interior walls of the courtyard, lit up with colorful lights.

Entrance Fees: 60,000 UZS per person to see the 50-minute show

Hours: The 50-minute show begins at 7 pm

3. Check out the Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Another one of the best places to visit in Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is directly in front of the Siab Bazaar. It’s a striking mosque with a lovely interior courtyard. Areas of the courtyard and the interior are under reconstruction so a few areas are off-limits. There are so many opportunities for beautiful photos here and it’s generally not that crowded so spend some time here enjoying the peaceful garden.

Entrance Fees: 25,000 UZS for adults, 10,000 for children. The sign says you’ll need to purchase a camera permit but it does not appear to be enforced.

4. Shop at the Siab Bazaar

The Siab Bazaar is mainly a food market meant for locals, but there are a few things here to satisfy tourists as well. If you enjoy wandering through markets and enjoying the people watching, you’ll definitely get your fill of that here. And if you’re searching for the perfect Uzbekistan souvenir to take home with you, there are several small shops off to the side of the covered market.

The candy, fruit, and nut vendors will call out to you from their stalls, offering you small tastes of their goods. Be sure to try the pistachio halva, it’s a sweet, chewy nougat that is absolutely delicious. It’s easy to get ripped off here so be sure to bargain. A bar of halva should cost no more than 5,000 UZS.

5. Appreciate the Beauty of the Gur-e Amir Complex

The Gur-e Amir Complex is a striking madrasah that houses the tombs of Amir Temur and his beloved descendants. The building was originally meant to be an Islamic school at the direction of Temur’s grandson, Muhammad Sultan. But after he died suddenly in 1403, Temur ordered that the complex be changed to a mausoleum.

Temur was originally meant to be buried in his hometown of Shakhrisabz, but his body was laid to rest at the Gur-e Amir, as well as his other infamous grandson Ulugbek. Amir Temur’s jade stone grave is in the center of the grandiose room that houses all of the tombs. Outside is a lovely courtyard and garden, with a spectacular arched gate at the entryway.

Entrance Fees: 25,000 UZS per person. Keep your ticket as it’s good for reentry for three days.

Hours: Open daily from 8 am until 7 pm

6. Admire the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum

The Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum is a magnificent work of art and a must-see during your trip to Samarkand! Once inside it feels as though you’re walking down the main avenue of a city comprised of the most beautiful mausoleums. The vibrant blue tilework is prevalent throughout the complex, making it a photographer’s dream!

The name Shah-i-Zinda translates to “Tomb of the Living King” which refers to the holiest of the shrines, what is likely the grave of Qusam ibn-Abbas. He is famed for bringing Islam to this region in the 7th century. The mausoleums here were built over the periods of the 11th to the 19th centuries as Timur and Ulugbek buried their families and closest confidants here at later dates.

If you want to snap photos here without loads of people in the background, come in the early morning.

There are several rules that visitors are asked to follow during a visit to the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum, namely to dress modestly with respect to the deceased. It is also forbidden to take photos next to the tombstones, sit on them, speak loudly, behave badly, put money on graves, or sacrifice animals on the graves.

Entrance Fees: 15,000 per person

Hours: Open daily from 7 am until 7 pm

7. Sample the Goods at the Museum of Wine-Making

At this point, you’re probably wondering what to do in Samarkand besides looking at Islamic architecture. How about sampling some Uzbekistan wine?

The Museum of Wine-Making is less of an actual museum and more of a tasting room. There is a large room with some old winemaking tools on display that you can wander around before heading into a room with a large central dining table. Here you’ll get to try 10 different alcoholic beverages for 50,000 UZS per person. There are three dry wines, four dessert wines, two brandys, and one medicinal liquor similar to Jagermeister. You’ll get some information on the varietals while you sample.

8. Take a Day Trip to Shakhrisabz

Shakhrisabz is a small town located about 55 miles south of Samarkand. You’ll need to hire a driver for the day, the going rate is generally $40 for two people and the drive takes about an hour and 40 minutes each way. You’ll want about two hours to explore the city and your driver will drop you off on one end of the complex and pick you up at the parking lot on the other side.

Shakhrisabz is an important city in the history of Uzbekistan as Amir Temur was born in the neighboring village of Hodja-Ilgar and made Shakhrisabz his residence. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several interesting architectural sites to explore. Your tour will start at the Ak Saray Palace where you’ll pay 7,000 UZS per person to visit. A large statue of Amir Temur stands proudly in front.

The next stop along your tour of Shakhrisabz is the Medrese Chubin if you choose to visit. It’s 16,000 UZS per person and the museum is poorly signed with some “artifacts” that are just paper-mâché copies of the originals. It is definitely skippable, especially if you are short on time. The Caravanserai Koba has been converted into a very fancy-looking restaurant, and the Medieval Bath is now a cafe.

You’ll wander through the central park before coming to the highlight of the city, the Dorut Tilovat Complex (entrance fee of 7,000 per person). Here, you’ll be able to see the Kok Gumbaz Mosque and two mausoleums. And directly across the park pathway is the Dor-Us Siyadat Complex (entrance fee of 10,000 per person) which houses the tomb that was meant for Amir Temur before it was decided that he would be buried at the Gur-e Amir Complex in Samarkand.

9. Visit the Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari

The Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari is about 30 minutes north of the central area of Samarkand, so you’ll need to catch a taxi to get there. The architecture of the complex is similar in architectural style to most of the buildings listed above and it is a revered pilgrimage site in Uzbekistan for the devout. Imam al-Bukhari was a theologian and authored the second most important book for Muslims after the Quran.

The complex houses a mausoleum, mosque, library and museum, and several souvenir stalls.

10. Eat Plov

No trip to Uzbekistan is complete without trying their beloved national cuisine – plov. This hearty rice dish is cooked in a cast-iron pot and topped with chunks of lamb and an assortment of veggies. And the most popular place to eat plov in Samarkand is at Osh Markazi Filial 1 . It’s a bit outside of town, but conveniently located just a few blocks from the Ulugh Beg Observatory.

11. Dress Up to Dine Out

A popular nighttime activity for locals in Samarkand is to get dressed up and go out for dinner and dancing. Restaurants serve classic Uzbekistan dishes while blasting club music and the patrons move from their tables to the dance floor throughout the night. There is a strict dress code for locals, but tourists aren’t held to the same standards. But if you show up in workout clothes, you’ll probably feel out of place.

Karimbek is a lively restaurant where you’ll find locals dressed to the nines rocking out to music in the room right off the entrance. If the music downstairs is too loud for your taste, you can grab a private room upstairs. There are no prices on the English menu which can be scary, but everything is quite reasonable. Their local red wine is only 8,000 UZS per glass. Be sure to try the kabobs!

Samarkand Restaurant is perfect if you’re looking to be entertained while enjoying your dinner. As you enter you’ll immediately see the dance floor where locals are dancing to the loud club music. The food is great, the alcohol is cheap, and you really can’t beat the people watching! The menu is quite similar to Karimbek and you’ll have to ask for the Uzbek menu to see the prices.

Oasis Garden is similar to Karimbek and Samarkand Restaurant in that there is a room dedicated to dancing and loud music. But there are also several quieter areas of the restaurant if you’re not in the mood to party. The staff members are super friendly and attentive and the decor is cute and comfortable.

12. Get a History Lesson at the Ulugh Beg Observatory

In full disclosure, our visit to the Ulugh Beg Observatory (also called Observatory of Ulugbek Samarkand) wasn’t our favorite activity in Samarkand. But if you have some extra time in Samarkand, or if you are particularly interested in astronomy, it’s worth a visit.

The Ulugh Beg Observatory was originally constructed in 1428-1429 by astronomer Ulugh Beg and at the time it was one of the finest in the Islamic world. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1449 by religious fanatics and was lost for many years before being discovered in 1908.

Some truly magnificent discoveries were made in this observatory. Ulugh calculated that the length of a star year was equal to 365 days, 6 hours, 10 minutes, and 8 seconds which is only off by less than a minute to our current calculations.

The only thing that remains of the observatory today is the sextant, which was an instrument that was used to determine midday. It is covered by a roof but you can peer down into the large hole and see a large section of it below. There is also a very small museum that gives some history of Ulugh and of the work that was done in the observatory in the 1400s.

Entrance Fees: 25,000 per person

Hours: Open daily from 9 am until 7 pm

13. Stop at the Saint Daniel Mausoleum

If you do choose to visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, it’s a fairly easy walk back to the main touristy area of Samarkand. There are a few optional stops along the way. The Saint Daniel Mausoleum supposedly houses at least part of the remains of Saint Daniel, a biblical prophet from the Old Testament. It is a religious pilgrimage site for religious people wishing to worship him.

There is also a natural spring that is considered good luck so you’ll see people drinking from it or splashing water over their faces. You’ll need to pay a small fee to enter the mausoleum and an additional 20,000 if you’d like a tour guide to explain the significance of the area.

It is a peaceful place, and it’s a nice break from your walk to sit and enjoy if your legs are tired. But it’s probably not worth going out of your way to visit unless you have a particular interest in Saint Daniel.

Entrance Fees: 15,000 UZS per person to enter. 20,000 UZS if you want a tour guide.

14. Visit the President’s Tomb

The President’s Tomb is another easy stop on your walk back from the Ulugh Beg Observatory. But unlike Saint Daniel’s Mausoleum, I would recommend going out of your way to visit this spot. You’ll be able to see both the Hazrati Khizr Mosque and the tomb of the former president.

The former Uzbekistan president, Islam Karimov, ruled Uzbek SSR in 1990 before declaring Uzbekistan’s independence on September 1, 1991. The first general election took place in December of that year which he won by a landslide. He continued to win re-elections with over 90% of the vote until his death in 2016.

As with many of the other religious and historical sites in Samarkand, the mosque and enclosed tomb are absolutely stunning. You may be able to climb the minaret after paying your entrance fee which offers views of the courtyard below. You can take photos here, just not of the actual president’s tomb.

We hope that’s enough things to do to keep you busy in Samarkand, Uzbekistan!

Want more help planning your trip to Uzbekistan? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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2 thoughts on “the top 14 things to do in samarkand, uzbekistan”.

Amazing travel blog! I am going to Uzbekistan next May. In your opinion, how much time to spend in Samarkanda, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent? We have few days and wonder which cities need more time to seet it.

Oh yeah, you’ll LOVE it! Khiva is quite small and Tashkent is more of a metropolitan city so I’d recommend less time in both of those and more time in Samarkand and Bukhara!

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15 BEST Things to Do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan [2024]

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Don’t miss out on these fascinating things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on your travels to this stunning Silk Road city!

Home to some of the world’s most intricate and exquisite architecture, Samarkand in Uzbekistan has been rising in popularity to become a real tourism hotspot.

Famous for its mind-blowing Silk Road buildings, this large city is best known amongst historians for being the base for Timur’s empire.

Also known as Tamerlane, Shuja-ud-din Timur was one of the world’s greatest conquerors.

READ MORE: Check out our brand new guide with everything you need to know to travel to Uzbekistan!

Once known as Maracada, in the 4th century BC Alexander the Great took over the city on one of his campaigns, and thus started a long history of brutal wars and battles.

During the centuries it was controlled by the Central Asian Turks, the Arabs, the Samanids of Iran and the Khwarezm-Shah dynasty.

In the year 1220 Chinggis Khan stormed Samarkand, destroying it during his conquest across Asia.

It was later on when the Empire of Timur and the Mongols fought for control of the city in 1365 that Tamerlane finally took over.

Amir Timur turned Samarkand into the main economic and cultural centre in all of Central Asia, building many of the iconic buildings that still stand today.

The buildings of Samarkand were considered so beautiful that in future years the Uzbeks and Russians couldn’t bring themselves to destroy them during their own tough campaigns.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Tashkent !

Table of Contents

Ulugh Beg Madrasah

Tilya-kori madrasah, sher-dor madrasah, bibi-khanym mosque, shop at siab bazaar, shah-i-zinda necropolis complex, afrasiab ancient site and the afrasiab museum of samarkand, hazrat khizr mosque, gur-e-amir complex, ulugh beg observatory, take a break in one of the parks, khodja abdi darun shrine, imam bukhari mausoleum, rukhabad mausoleum, the best hostel in samarkand – amir hostel, best accommodation for couples – hotel bibikhanum, best luxury hotel in samarkand –  dilimah premium luxury , best restaurants in samarkand, how to get to samarkand, tajikistan – how to get to panjakent from samarkand, the best things to do in samarkand .

Today, Samarkand is one of the best places to visit in Central Asia, and one of the real highlights of any journey along the Silk Road.

With mind-blowing buildings such as the Registan and Shah-I-Zinda, it boasts a rich history, but also has a range of awesome modern attractions to keep everybody interested.

It’s worth getting a guide for at least a day so you can learn more about the history of Samarkand, and to dive deep into the current trends that have made it an Islamic centre for scholarly study in Central Asia.

Having visited twice, first in 2015 and again in 2019, I’ve decided to put together this list of the best things to do in Samarkand to help you plan your own trip here.

Visit the Registan

By far one of the most popular places to visit in Samarkand, the Registan was the very heart of the ancient city.

It has gained worldwide fame with its grand architecture, and no trip to Samarkand is complete without spending at least a few hours here.

There are 3 madrassahs (which means ‘school’ in Arabic) that all face the centre square.

Each madrassah has its own unique door, beautiful colourful tile work and 2 grand portals. In 2001, it was included in the UNESCO Heritage List.

The name “Registan” means a sandy place. Apparently, in the past, the centre square area was covered by sand.

People would gather in the square for important announcements, special events and also to watch more brutal events such as public executions. 

There were trading rows around the square where artists and farmers sold their items.

In those days all the roads coming into Samarkand would lead to the Registan. It was a lively location where everyone would gather.

Today it is just as busy with tourists visiting independently or on a tour.

Our recommendation is to head there early or later in the day for better lighting for photos and fewer tourists. 

The three madrasahs are Islamic schools of distinctive architecture. From left to right, we have Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah and Sher-Dor Madrasah.

The exterior of each building looks similar but the interior in each one is very different.

Each exterior is decorated and designed in the Greek Style. With beautiful blue, light blue and white tiles that are organised into geometrical and epigraphic ornaments, and are all are done against a terracotta brick background.

It is stunning to simply sit and observe each place come alive. Each madrassah has a dome with bright blue, white and rosettes. 

If you are on the viewing platform looking at the Registan, Ulugh Beg Madrasah will be on your left, Tilya-Kori Madrasah will be in the centre and Sher-Dor Madrasah will be on your right.

• Address – Corner of Registan & Toshkent
• Opening Hours – 8am – 7pm (April – September)  9am – 5pm (October – March)
• Note – If there is an event on in the Registan Square it may close earlier than expected
• Price – 30,000 Som p/p

NOMADasaurus Tip – Check out our photos of Uzbekistan for ideas of where else to visit.

This Madrasah was built from 1417 to 1420 by Ulugh Beg during the Timurid dynasty.

Ulugh Beg was a scientist on the throne. He was a prominent astronomer of his times and was a big promoter of education, science and art. 

It is a religious educational institution in Samarkand. It was among the best universities of the Muslim Orient in the 15th Century CE.

There are four walls surrounding a courtyard in the centre. In the walls are a mosque, lecture rooms and dormitory cells where students lived. 

Today, on the ground level there are souvenir shops around the courtyard. There is one in the right-hand corner where you can enter the second level and look down on the courtyard and get some great photos.

Please do not sit down on the walls as they are trying to preserve the building.

Tilya-Kori Madrasah was the last madrasah to be built and was constructed between 1646–1660.

Tilya-Kori means covered in gold, and it is known as the largest and most glorious structure of the Registan Square.

This is referring to the lavish gild decoration of its mosque domed chamber. You will notice all the gold as soon as you walk in – the decorations are so grand.

In the 17th century, it was the largest mosque in Samarkand. Right up to the 19th century, this madrassah mosque was used by the people, but from the beginning of the 20th century, it served as a monument.

This Madrasah can be very busy at times but if you can find a quiet corner, do stay and observe the design as it is remarkable. 

Sher-Dor Madrasah was built on a place of ruins of Khanaka of Ulugh Beg between 1619–1636.

It was ordered by Yalangtush Bakhodur who was the ruler of Samarkand in the 17th century.

The name translates to “Madrassah of the Lions”. It was named after the mosaic motif on the upper part of its entrance portal, known as ‘Tiglon’.

You may have seen this before – Sher-Dor’s Tiglon and the sun are printed on the country’s 200 Som banknote.

It is located directly across from the Ulug Bek Madrasah. It is crazy to think there is 200 years difference between the buildings.

The Sher-Dor Madrasah is beautifully decorated with various patterns of climber flowers and quotations from the Koran in Arabic.

The layout of the madrasah is very similar to Ulug Bek Madrasah but is more modern.

The building has been restored many times and in 2001 the Sher-Dor Madrasah entered the UNESCO World Heritage List.

After you’ve visited the Registan, it’s time to head over to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the most important and top Samarkand attractions in the entire city.

The story goes that Tamerlane’s wife ordered the construction of this beautiful mosque sometime between 1399 and 1405, after his successful campaign through India.

The architect fell madly in love with his wife, and delayed the building of the mosque. He kissed the lady on the cheek, leaving a burn on her skin, which angered Timur when he returned from India.

What happened after that, nobody knows, but the mosque still stands and over the years it has been restored carefully and in style with traditional Islamic architecture.

The interior is quite stunning, and the courtyard is wonderful. Well worth checking out on any list of what to do in Samarkand.

• Address – Bibikhonim St
• Opening Hours – 8am – 8pm 
• Price – 22,000 UZS p/p + camera fee 5,000 UZS

Siab bazaar (also known as Siyob Bazaar) is the oldest and largest bazaar in Samarkand, and is literally next door to Bibi-Khanym Mosque.

Over time the bazaar has been modernised but still has its unique and interesting charm.

After you have finished visiting Bibi-Khanym Mosque, head next door through the massive arches and you will be in the bazaar.

You will be greeted with different smells and so many colourful fruits and vegetables that you won’t know where to look.

This bazaar is where locals sell bread, fruits, dried fruits, grains, spies and more.

There is also a section for skilled artists where you can pick up a souvenir if you want.

If you are going to buy any fresh produce, make sure you ask the price first. If you have a guide with you, they may be able to help you barter.

I did see some prices were written on the fruits and vegetables so no bartering was needed. The bazaar is covered so you can visit in any weather. 

The handicraft area is very impressive. Artists show off their skills and if you are lucky you can even watch engraving, carving or painting. 

READ MORE: Head over to the border and check out what it’s like to travel in Kyrgyzstan !

This is a very clean bazaar and the sellers are very welcoming. We got chatting to a few of them as they practiced their English.

If you do want to take any photos with sellers in it, please do ask first. This is their place of work and they are not a tourist attraction. 

• Opening Hours – 5am – 7pm (closed on Mondays)
• Price – Free to enter

This is one of my favourite places to visit and photograph in Samarkand.

The Shah-I-Zinda (which means “The Living King”) Necropolis is a huge complex that was formed over 8 centuries (from the 11th to the 19th).

It houses various temples, mausoleums and ritual buildings. There are 11 mausoleums there which are grouped down a narrow medieval street.

They were built one after the other in the 14th and 15th centuries, and are the burial place of old royals and noble people. 

There are many important people buried here, such as Kusam bin Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.

The story goes that he came to Samarkand with the Arab invasion in the 7th century and brought Islam to the area.

Legend has it that he was beheaded for his faith, but he didn’t die. Instead, he took his head and went into a deep well where he’s still living to this day.

People today go to the area where the deep well is located to pray. The room is beautifully decorated and should definitely not be missed. 

The rich tilework and mosaics are different in each mausoleum, making it a top Samarkand points of interest.

After surviving for all these centuries, in 2005 the city did a massive restoration project.

All of the beautiful mosaics, majolica and terracotta work you see today is not original, but they have done a magnificent job in making it look how it would have all those years ago.

Do not miss this place and definitely give yourself enough time to explore. It is worth it.

You can walk through the graveyard on the side of the site after you leave and get a different view of Shah-I-Zinda Necropolis Complex. It shuts at 7pm so you can stay here for sunset.

• Address – M-37
• Opening Hours – 7am – 7pm
• Price – 10,000 UZS p/p + camera fee – 7,000 UZS

The Afrasiab Ancient Site is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.

What was once an ancient city is now just a cluster of dirt hills, but it is still worth visiting during your exploration of the best things to do in Samarkand.

The ancient city was occupied from 500 BC to 1220AD but destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century.

Afrasiyab is the oldest part of the ancient city of Samarkand and covers 220 hectares.

If this is something that sounds interesting to you, definitely take a guide to explain the grounds and the history.

If you do walk around the site, wear proper shoes as the ground can be uneven and there are lots of hidden holes.

There is a museum located on the site. We didn’t go into it, but it has 5 dedicated rooms for the different periods of life in the fort of Afrasyab.

The museum doesn’t just have information about the settlement of Afasiyab, it explains the story of the founding of Samarkand.

In 1894, archaeologist excavated the grounds and found many different artifacts and many more have been discovered since then.

From swords to pottery to jewelry, there are over 20,000 unique artifacts displayed in the museum.

If you love history, this museum tells the story of life, culture and traditions of the people who lived in the area and in the different eras.

Through everything they discovered, the archaeologists were able to work out what Samarkand looked like in the ancient years.

• Address – Tashkent Rd. Located near Bibi Khanaum Mosque
• Opening Hours – 8:30am – 6pm
• Pricing – 22,000 sum p/p + 20,000 sum if you want a guide

Located on top of a hill on the fringes of Afrasyab is the Hazrat Khizr Mosque.

Because of its location, you get a great view overlooking the city of Samarkand.

It has vistas of Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda and Afrosiab from the minaret.

Once there was an 8th-century mosque in the same location but it was burnt to the ground by Chinggis Khan in the 13th century.

It was rebuilt in 1854 and restored in the 1990s. It is one of the newer and most beautiful mosques in Samarkand. 

There are mixed reviews on this mosque as some say it is worth it and some say you are only paying for the view there and not much else.

If you are only after the views you can get nice ones from a park area just in front of the mosque and save your money.

I personally didn’t go in and just took a photo from the outside. 

• Opening Hours – 8am – 6pm
• Price – 12,000 UZS p/p

If I had to choose three of my favourite Samarkand attractions, then they would be the Registan, Shah-I-Zinda Complex, and finally this one, the Gur-e-Amir Complex.

Gur-e-Amir means ‘Tomb of the King’ in Persian and is the final resting place of Timur himself, along with his two sons, two grandsons, and his personal teacher.

Tamerlane’s grandson, Muhammad Sultan, was actually the reason Gur-e-Amir complex was built in the 14th century, as his sudden death meant he needed a place to be buried.

Amir Timur’s body was at a smaller, nearby tomb, but eventually was brought the new complex.

The architecture here is stunning, and while it is considered to be quite simple compared to the other things to do in Samarkand, it really stands out as a special place.

Make sure you come back after dark when the entire exterior is lit up.

• Opening Hours – 9am – 5pm
• Price –  20,000 UZS

This monument has a very significant position, on top of a hill on the outskirts of Samarkand.

It was built in 1420 by the Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Amir Timur.

It is a simple and small site but was very important for Ulugh Beg to carry out his astronomical observations and calculations.

In 1424, Ulugh Beg started building the observatory to support his astronomical studies at the madasah.

It was completed in 1429 and was considered by scholars to have been one of the finest observatories in the Islamic World.

Unfortunately after his death in 1449 the observatory was destroyed by religious fanatics.

For hundreds of years, the site remained underground and only a few knew it was there.

In 1908 it was rediscovered by an Uzbek/Russian archaeologist by the name of Vassily Vyatkin from Samarkand.

He discovered that the observatory could predict the eclipses and calculate the hour of the rising sun, measuring the length of the year, determined the tilt of the earth and recorded the location of up to 1018 stars.

All this accomplished 200 years before the telescope was even invented.

Today, you can visit this site and learn about the history of this place. I recommend checking out the museum.

Do read all the descriptions (they are in English) to understand the history of the place.

It explains the work Ulugh Beg did and some of his charts were saved to examine.

Next head over to the tunnels. This will give you a view of the archaeological excavation remains of a section of the “Fakhri Sextant”.

• Address – Tashkent Rd
• Opening Hours – 9am – 6pm
• Price – 20,000 UZS. Photos cost extra

Want a break from all the mausoleums, shrines and mosques? Grab an ice cream and chill out in the park.

There are different parks located near many of Samarkand’s attractions. You can take in the scenery or get chatting with some locals.

The parks are well maintained with great walking paths and are a nice way to break up the busy day.

My personal favourite is the one next to the Registan, making it one of my favourite things to do in Samarkand.

Not as popular as the other best things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, but still worth a visit, is Khodja Abdi Darun Shrine.

This mausoleum has some beautifully decorated pillars, nice iwans and a pool in the centre of the courtyard.

Built in the 12th century, it undertook restoration works in the 15th and 19th centuries, and has been a functioning madrassah for over 400 years.

It is only 30 minutes or so to walk here from the Registan, so if you’re looking to get slightly off the beaten path in Samarkand, this is the place for you.

• Address –  Sadriddin Ayniy Street, Samarkand
• Price –  Free

Located 25km from the city, visiting the Mausoleum of Imam Bukhari is another one of top things to do in Samarkand.

The burial place of one of Islam’s most prominent scholars, this complex houses not only the body of Imam Bukhari, but also mosques, a library and even a hotel for religious pilgrims.

Being one of the important Islamic sites in Samarkand, Muslims often visit Imam Bukhari’s mausoleum as part of a small one-day ‘Hajj’, which also includes the mausoleums of Rukhabad and Shakhi-Zinda.

You can get our here by taking a taxi from the city.

• Address –  Hartang Village, 25km from Samarkand
• Price – Free

This mausoleum was built in 1380 by Amir Timur, and it is the oldest surviving monument in Samarkand.

Unfortunately though, there is not much to look at today. Still, it’s made it onto our top list of Samarkand activities for a reason.

It was built over the grave of Shikh Burhaneddin Sagaradzhi, who was known for spreading Islam among the nomads of Eastern Turkestan.

This one dome construction looks very modest in comparison with Gur-e-Amir and Ak-Saray mausoleums which are nearby.

Rumour has it that the dome has a secret box with seven pieces of Prophet Muhammad’s beard hair in it.

• Address –  Registan Square, Samarkand
• Price –  Free

Samarkand Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do in Samarkand, it’s time to find out where to stay and where to eat.

We’ve put together this mini Samarkand travel guide for exactly that!

Where to Stay in Samarkand 

There’s no shortage of awesome places to stay in Samarkand, and being Uzbekistan’s second-biggest city has meant you can find everything from budget backpacker hostels right through to 5-star hotels.

The Amir Hostel is great for a solo traveller or friends on a budget. It has dorm rooms available with lockers, curtains, light and power socket for each bed.

It has clean bathrooms, good breakfast, washing machines are available, a 24-hour reception desk, a shared kitchen and an outdoor relaxing area with a barbeque.

The staff are helpful and the location is central. You can walk to the main attractions from the hostel. 

Dorm beds start at USD$8 per night

Right in the heart of Samarkand, Hotel Bibikhanum is arguably the best value hotel for couples in the entire city.

All rooms have a work desk, private bathroom and air conditioning, which is much appreciated in the high heat Uzbekistan is known for during the summer.

With a 24-hour reception desk, free wifi throughout the whole property and just steps from the city’s best attractions, you’ll absolutely love your stay here without breaking the bank.

Rooms start at around USD$60 per night 

If you want to put a bit of luxury, check out the DiliMah Premium Luxury Hotel .

If you get a room on the top floor you will have some of the best views of Samarkand imaginable.

This hotel has a pool, 24/7 restaurant, great location, friendly staff and comfortable beds. What more could you want?

Rooms start from $120USD a night

Samarkand has a great restaurant scene, with lots of traditional Uzbek options, as well as international cuisines.

Check out these places:

• Cafe Magistr – A budget restaurant, you’ll find decent and cheap pizza and salads. Russian menu with pictures. Bostonsaroy St., 30/45
• Bibikhanum Teahouse – A very beautiful local teahouse serving great Uzbek food. Try the pumpkin manti and draft beer. Street 22a
• Platan – Very popular restaurant for locals and tourists. Good vegan and vegetarian options for those wanting to skip meat for a meal or two. Make a reservation. Pushkin 2, Samarkand

Samarkand is well connected to other places in Uzbekistan with a great train network.

You can take a very comfortable and modern train from Tashkent to Samarkand, and one from there to Bukhara.

There’s also an international airport here, servicing Uzbekistan Airways, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot and more.

You’ll find domestic flights, as well as direct connections to Moscow, St Petersburgh and Istanbul.

Buses are another option to get around from Samarkand to other Uzbek cities.

From Samarkand, you can now also cross the border into Tajikistan to Panjakent.

Where to Go Next?

After your time exploring the best Samarkand points of interest, you have quite a few options on where to go.

Tashkent is the largest city in Uzbekistan and it is the capital of the country.

There are many attractions here, from exploring the beautifully decorated metro stations to meeting locals while strolling through the park to visiting beautiful mausoleums and seeing the hustle-bustle at the local bazaar.

You could easily spend a couple of days exploring the city. 

READ MORE: Check out our post on the best things to do in Tashkent .

Another one of Uzbekistan’s most beautiful Silk Road cities, Bukhara is a must-see for anybody exploring the country’s stunning architecture and history.

Buses and trains can easily get you here from Samarkand.

READ MORE: Check out our brand new guide to the best things to do in Bukhara !

Heading into Tajikistan after visiting Samarkand is a great option. As of 2018, the border crossing towards Panjakent is now open for foreigners to use.

When I crossed through this border in August 2019, the process was very smooth and the officials were very friendly. 

If you need a visa for Tajikistan, it is very easy now and you can get an e-visa. No need to try and find your local Tajik embassy anymore!

There are money changers at the border or ATMs and banks available in Panjakent.

From Samarkand, make your way to Kaftarxona Bus Station which is east of the city.

Samarkand does not have any shared taxi apps so organise a taxi with your hotel or a shared taxi to the bus station (2000 – 3000 UZS per person).

From the bus station take a shared taxi (20,000 UZS p/p) or a marshrutka (5000 UZS p/p) to the border of Tajikistan.

You will be dropped off 1km before the border and you need to walk the rest of the way.

Once you cross into Tajikistan, you can get a shared taxi to Panjakent (10 TJS p/p) or straight to the capital city, Dushanbe (100 somoni p/p).

Panjakent will take 15 minutes to drive there and Dushanbe will take about 5 hours. 

If you cross at this border, your first destination in Tajikistan would be Panjakent.

From here I recommend visiting the Seven Lakes (Haft Kul), or doing the Lakes Loop Hike .

DISCLAIMER: This publication is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Competitiveness, Trade, and Jobs Activity in Central Asia. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of NOMADasaurus and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hi Neeharieka, Thank you for your comment. I took this photo myself and the dome it is 100% the dome of the interior of Registan. If you google “interior of Registan” you will see other peoples photos also come up. It is in the Tilya-Kori Madrasah.

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The 9 Best Things to do in Samarkand Uzbekistan in 2024 – The Complete Travel Guide to Samarkand City

The Complete City Guide to Samarkand, Uzbekistan’s magnificent Silk Road City.  In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about traveling to Samarkand Uzbekistan. I also added an itinerary to visit ancient Samarkand if you only have one day in this stunning ancient city.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan ‘s second largest city, is famous for being one of the most important Silk Road cities. Ancient Samarkand has been at the crossroads of world cultures for more than two millennia.

It’s one of the oldest cities in the world. It was founded around the 7th century BC, making it even older than Rome! It is listed today as “Samarkand, Crossroads of Cultures” in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

One of the main reasons to visit Samarkand Uzbekistan is to marvel at the stunning Islamic architecture of its mosques and mausoleums. Poets and historians described the city as “The Pearl of the Eastern Muslim World”.

If you love unique masterpieces of ancient architecture, glittering minarets, dazzling turquoise domes and hypnotic mosaics, then you’ll love Samarkand!

Tip: See my  Uzbekistan Travel Page  for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Uzbekistan!

Uzbekistan Travel Guide: 18 u s e f u l t h ings you need to know before you go

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Samarkand

Where to stay.

• Best budget pick: Amir Hostel
• Best guesthouse choice: Furkat Guesthouse
• Top boutique hotel: Sangzor Boutique Hotel

Top experiences in and near Samarkand

• Samarkand Ancient Sites City Tour
• Samarkand Wine Tasting Tour
• Best day trips from Samarkand

Plan your trip to Uzbekistan

• 18 important things to prepare your trip to Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan Itineraries: 1 to 4 weeks in Uzbekistan
• How to travel around Uzbekistan by train
• Uzbekistan Money Guide
• Travel insurance for Uzbekistan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Things to know before visiting Samarkand Uzbekistan

I’ve visited Samarkand four times. The first time was in December 2017 and I paid a second visit to the city in August 2019 , a third one in September 2022 and in April 2023, I brought my group here during the 14-day Highlights of Uzbekistan Adventure Tour .

When I traveled for the first time to Samarkand, I expected to see a scenic old town like  Bukhara . This was definitely not the case.

The main sights are quite spread out over the city and most of it has been heavily restored making it a bit similar to Khiva .

While it’s still all beautiful and magnificent, I find it lacks some authenticity. You don’t really get the feeling you’re walking around a city with a thousand-year-old history.

You’re also not going to be the only person who’s visiting this beautiful ancient city… 

The 26 most beautiful and best places to visit in Uzbekistan

It was already quite a touristic city in 2017 and since my last visit in 2022, the number of tourists has tripled!  

Samarkand is currently THE hotspot of Uzbekistan, especially since the country introduced free visas on arrival . As tourism grows, so is the number of souvenir stands spilling out of every nook and cranny around the main sights.

If you’re hoping to take beautiful pictures of the stunning Islamic architecture without any tourist bombing your photo, you’ll have to be very patient!

The best time for photography is at sunrise or sunset. Not only is the light at that time of the day the best, but you also won’t see many other tourists that could block your view. 

But don’t let the crowds put you off. Samarkand is definitely still worth visiting and will be a highlight of your travels in Uzbekistan. 

Here are some useful travel tips when visiting Samarkand:

• The train station is located at a 10-minute drive from the ancient Samarkand city center (Registan). You can get there by taxi for 20.000 UZS, or by taking bus #3 and #75. There’s also a tram that goes from the train station to the end station near the Siyob Bazaar.
• I recommend installing the  Yandex Taxi  app on your phone. This app allows you to order a taxi to easily get around and shows you the rate in advance. They’ll also save you the hustle of bargaining for a good price.
• There are nowadays plenty of ATM’s in Samarkand and you can also pay by credit card or cash in Euro or US Dollars at hotels, restaurants and shops.
• Uzbekistan is a conservative country so dress appropriately (so no short dresses, tops showing cleavage, and short shorts), even if it’s soaring hot. You should also cover your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and mausoleums.
• A last thing I would recommend is to install the app of maps.me on your phone and download the map of Uzbekistan. Out of experience, I can tell that Google Maps hasn’t been working very well in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. 

Discover the mystical Silk Road cities and travel along the ancient caravan trails in the mountains and desert of Uzbekistan during the 14-day H i g h l i g h t s o f Uzbekistan Adventure Tour !

Is Samarkand safe for tourists?

When I traveled for the first time to Uzbekistan and Samarkand in 2017, I was a bit worried about my safety.

I was traveling alone as a woman, I didn’t know many people who had been there before and the country was a bit of a mystery to me. 

But I can guarantee you, Uzbekistan is a country where you don’t have to worry about your safety and Samarkand is a very safe city, even if you’re traveling as a woman by yourself.

The Uzbeks are very friendly and have no bad intentions whatsoever. On the contrary, young people might approach you and respectfully ask if they can practice their English with you. You’ll quickly notice how kind and soft-hearted the Uzbeks are!

I walked around Samarkand with my camera exposed and I even went out alone in the evening when it was already dark and nobody ever bothered me.

There might be cases of petty crime such as pickpockets, especially in crowded places and in bazaars, but this barely happens in Uzbekistan. Just always keep your valuables in a safe place, no matter where you are in the world.

It’s always a good idea to have  good travel insurance that covers both medical health and theft.

Need Travel Insurance for Central Asia ? I use and highly recommend HeyMondo Travel Insurance . As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount off your insurance plan!

Unfortunately, as with almost every tourist destination in the world, the only thing you’ll need to watch out for are the taxi drivers and salesmen. They love overcharging ignorant tourists by doubling (or even tripling) the standard rate and prices. 

Know that the standard rate for getting around Samarkand by taxi is 8000 UZS . To get from the station to the city center is usually maximum 20000 UZS . Never get into a taxi before agreeing on the price.

If you’re at a bazaar or in a shop, bargain down the price at least 2/3 of what is asked.

Uzbekistan also introduced the ‘tourist police’. You’ll find their boots in every tourist city. So in case you’d ever feel unsafe – which I highly doubt – just go to one of those tourist police stands and they will help you. 

Is Uzbekistan safe? 1 4 useful safety tips

When is the best time to visit Samarkand

Samarkand can be visited all year round but I’d say that early autumn (September and October) and spring (April and May) would be the best time to visit the city. 

Summers (June till August) are usually very hot in Uzbekistan. I’m talking about temperatures between 35°C and 40 °C, sometimes even hotter!). If you’re not good with the heat, it might be too hot to do some sightseeing during those months.

Winters (December till February) are also lovely though. I went to Samarkand for the first time in December. It wasn’t too cold and if you’re lucky, you might get to see the stunning architecture coated in snow.

Winters are also the least touristic months so you won’t have to share the places with big crowds. 

Uzbekistan itinerary suggestions: visit Uzbekistan in 5 days up to 14 days or more!

How many days to spend in Samarkand

For being the second-largest city in Uzbekistan, Samarkand isn’t actually that big and you can easily visit all of Samarkand’s points of interest in one or two days.

The main attractions are quite spread out over the city but if you follow the order in which I listed them below, you can visit all the places on foot while getting a good sense of the city’s vibe.

Another suggestion I’d like to make is to visit Samarkand with a guide so you won’t miss any of its highlights and you’ll learn so much about the city’s history and importance. A half-day or 1-day guided trip will be sufficient and you can then always return to revisit some places in Samarkand at your own pace.

Are you looking for a customized guided tour in Uzbekistan and/or other countries in Central Asia ? Do you need help planning your itinerary ?

Have a look at my C e n t r a l A s i a tour and itinerary planning services !

Top places to see and things to do in Samarkand City

Tip: Install the app maps.me , download the map of Uzbekistan and bookmark these places in the app. Google Maps isn’t always accurate in Central Asia but Maps.me does the job and works offline as well!

Samarkand City Map

1. Walk along the University Boulevard

Most hotels and hostels are located near University Boulevard Street. If yours happens to be there as well, a nice way to start your day is to follow this street towards Gur-e-Amir, the first mausoleum on this itinerary.

The 128-meter-long boulevard is lined with oak and plane trees, making it a nice green area in the midst of the city.

The University Boulevard is Samarkand’s educational and scientific center as several universities, schools and institutes are located near it. You’ll often see students walking or sitting there with their books in the shade of the trees. 

At the end of University Boulevard Street, you’ll see the statue of Amir Timur, one of Uzbekistan’s greatest rulers (I’ll tell you more about him later on). 

This statue of Timur sitting on his throne is right at the intersection between the old Uzbek town and the Russian-designed new town in Samarkand. 

Once you’ve reached this statue, go to the right, and your next stop will be the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, the place where Amir Timur was buried.

2. Visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum or the Mausoleum of Amir Timur

Gur-e-Amir, meaning “Tomb of the King” in Persian, is a beautiful architectural complex with a ribbed turquoise dome.

The exterior decoration of the mausoleum consists of blue, turquoise and white tiles organized into geometrical and epigraphic ornaments against a background of terracotta bricks.

The interior of the mausoleum is even more spectacular!  Geometric panels shine with radiating stars, beside niches hung with stalactites molded from papier-mache painted blue and gold.

The inner dome drips an intricate gilded coating around high lattice windows. 

In the middle of the room, you’ll see ornately carved headstones, indicating the location of actual tombs in a crypt directly underneath the main chamber. These tombs are the final resting places of Amir Timur, his sons, and grandsons. 

Now, who’s this Timur guy? 

Amir Timur, also known as Tamerlane, was born in Shahrisabz , a city located 80km from Samarkand. 

He was a complex and multifaceted man that definitely left his mark as one of Uzbekistan’s and Central Asia’s most important rulers and historical figures.

He founded the Timurid Empire with Samarkand as its center and expanded his empire from the Volga River and the Caucasian ridges in the west to India in the Southwest. 

Timur wasn’t only a great conqueror but also a great builder. He’s the man behind the greatest constructions in Samarkand, including the Bibi Khanym Mosque , Shah-i-Zinda, the Ulugh Beg madrasah at Registan, the Ulug Beg Observatory and the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum.

He also built the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan, Kazakhstan.  

Tips for visiting Gur-e-Amir:

• Visit Gur-e-Amir as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds. The interior room of the mausoleum might be large but it quickly gets noisy and crowded inside when tour groups and their chatty guides visit this place. 

• Gur-e-Amir is also a great photography location during sunrise and at night when lights illuminate this stunning complex. 

Entrance fee Gur-e-Amir:

The entrance fee to visit the interior of Gur-e-Amir is 50.000 UZS (around € 4 or $4.50).

Opening hours Gur-e-Amir:  

The Gur-e-Amir mausoleum is open daily from April to October from 8.00 am until 7.00 pm and from November to March from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm

3. Explore The Registan

The Registan is about 10 minutes walking from Gur-e-Amir.  This central square THE most iconic sight of Samarkand and Uzbekistan. 

All the main roads of Samarkand lead to Registan as it was the heart of the Timurid dynasty.  It was used as a public square for royal proclamations, celebrations, and public executions. 

The square was also a place where you could buy goods from farmers and artisans from all around the world. Registan means “sandy place” or “desert” in Persian as it used to be covered by sand.

Three stunning madrassahs frame the square. Madrassah is the Arabic word for an Islamic school, college or university.

The Tilya-Kori Madrassah  is the middle one. This madrasah has a 2-storied main façade, a courtyard surrounded by dormitory rooms and a mosque in the western section of the courtyard.

The madrasah was used as a residence for the students but the dormitory rooms are now transformed into little souvenir shops. 

The interior walls of the mosque are abundantly gilded and that’s exactly what Tilya Kori means in the Persian language – “gilded”.

Facing the Tilya-Kori Madrasah, you’ll see the Ulugh Beg Madrasah on the left. It’s the oldest madrasah in Samarkand.

It was built by Ulugh Beg and the man himself gave lectures there. The Ulugh Beg Madrasah was one of the best universities of the Muslim Orient.

The Sher-Dor Madrasah is the third madrasah on the square. Sher means tiger and the name of the madrasah comes from the images on the portal: two big tigers carrying a sun on their backs. 

These images are very interesting as it’s prohibited in the Islam religion to paint images of living beings on religious buildings. 

Tips for visiting the Registan:

• The best time to visit Registan is early in the morning before the crowds arrive (most people usually arrive there between 10 and 11 am) and the souvenir shops open. 
• You don’t need more than 2 hours to visit the whole Registan complex.
• Registan is a beautiful location for sunrise photography. It’s also the best time to visit Registan as there won’t be many tourists going there so early in the day. 
• While it’s not advertised, it’s possible to climb the Sher-Dor Madrasah’s 40-meter-tall minaret. Head over to the madrasah, ask for the guard and tell him you like to climb this 400-year-old minaret. I paid him 80.000 UZS and the guard lead me halfway up the staircases. It’s a steep and narrow climb so I don’t recommend it you’re claustrophobic, have a fear of heights and/or are not in good shape. There’s a small platform at the end of the staircase on which you can stand to pop your head through the top part of the minaret. The view over Registan and Samarkand city is fantastic!

• If you’re at the Registan at 7 pm during high season, you can watch a traditional dance and music performance inside the Sher-Dor Madrasah, the building framing Registan on the right. You can buy tickets at the for 60.000 UZS at the ticket office in Registan (same place as where you buy entrance tickets for Registan).
• I also recommend visiting Registan at night. The lights come on after sunset and illuminate all three of the stunning buildings. There’s also daily at 9 pm a light show during high season (late spring to early autumn).

Entrance fee for the Registan:

The entrance fee to visit the whole Registan complex is 50.000 UZS. N ote: this is a one-entry ticket. Once you leave the complex, you have to pay again to re-enter.

Opening hours of the Registan:

The Registan is open daily from April to October from 8.00 am until 7.00 pm and from November to March from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm.

If you enter the Registan 15 minutes before closing time, they will allow you to stay for at least one hour longer. If you’re into photography, this is the moment to take beautiful captures of the lights illuminating the madrasahs. 

Top Things to do in Bukhara – Bukhara City Guide

Once you feel fulfilled by all the beauty of Registan, head right to Islom Karimov Street for the next point of interest.

You’ll see that this street is more like a fancy boulevard, framed by trees and souvenir shops.

Look out for an ice cream shop halfway through the boulevard. I have no details about its name but they have some super yummy ice cream there!!

If you’re already feeling hungry on your way to Bibi Khanym Mosque, stop at the Bibikhanum Teahouse (see where to eat in Samarkand ) for a nice lunch in their garden. 

4. Visit the historic Bibi Khanym Mosque

The Bibi Khanym Mosque is one of the most important monuments of Samarkand. It was named after the wife of Timur the Great. 

It was built by Amir Timur himself and he wanted to make it into the most magnificent mosque of the Islamic world. 

However, Timur got a bit too ambitious. He wanted to go too big too fast. He pushed the building techniques of that time to their limit and encountered so many structural problems that the mosque wasn’t built to last. 

Despite the renovation and reconstruction, the mosque slowly started to deteriorate until an earthquake in 1897 left the building in ruins.

The mosque is now slowly getting restored (with proper building techniques…). 

Some areas of the courtyard are off-limits due to the reconstruction but despite the current restoration work, the Bibi Khanym mosque is a striking building and will impress you. 

The mosque is generally not very crowded so it offers many photography opportunities and it’s nice to spend some time relaxing in the garden of the courtyard. 

Directly opposite the mosque, you can visit the mausoleum of Bibi Khanym. 

Entrance fee Bibi Khanym Mosque:

Opening hours bibi khanym mosque:.

Open daily from April to October from 8.00 am until 7.00 pm and from November to March from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm.

5. Experience local life at Siyob Bazaar

Siyob Bazaar, also called Siab bazaar, is the largest bazaar in Samarkand. It’s right next to Bibi Khanym Mosque.

It’s a typical Central Asian market where both locals and foreigners can shop for food, spices, nuts, candy, fruits, and vegetables. Vendors will call out to you, offering to taste their goods.

There are also some stalls selling Uzbek souvenirs. 

After having visited many bazaars throughout Central Asia, the Siyob Bazaar feels a bit touristy but it’s still a nice market to visit. Just get your bargaining skills up as it’s likely to get ripped off here as a foreigner. 

Entrance fee Siyob Bazaar:

Visiting Siyob Bazaar is free.

Opening hours Siyob Bazaar:

The Siyob bazaar is open daily from 5.00 am until 7.00 pm and closed on Mondays.

After visiting the Siyob Bazaar, keep walking north towards the end of the boulevard until you reach the crossroads. Cross the bridge and go to the right until you reach the Shah-i-Zinda Complex.

6. Have a photoshoot at Shah-i-Zinda Complex

Shah-i-Zinda is my favorites (photography) location in Samarkand.

I mean, there are many dazzling minarets, colorful buildings and shiny turquoise domes to be found in the city and across the country but this complex just has that little something extra. 

It’s not just only eye candy if you love colorful mosaics but there’s something magical and mysterious about this blue-tiled maze.

Shah-i-Zinda is a necropolis that consists of rows of blue tombs and various mausoleums grouped along a narrow avenue.

It’s the burial place of many royals and nobles, including a number of Timur’s relatives. 

The legend goes that the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Kusam ibn Abbas, was buried here. 

He preached Islam in this region and Shah-i-Zinda, which means “the Living King” in Persian, is now an important and sacred pilgrimage center.

Be aware that Shah-i-Zinda is a sacred place where many pilgrims come to pray and pay their respects. Be respectful during your visit and don’t go all Instagram-crazy by twirling around in dresses. Make sure to dress modestly as well. 

You’re also not allowed to take photos next to the tombstones and/or sit on them, you can’t put money on the graves and you’re not allowed to sacrifice animals on the tombs (in case you were planning to bring a sheep or a goat on your trip …)

Tips for visiting Shah-i-Zinda:

• During the day the complex receives many visitors – tourists and pilgrims – but if you go late and wait until sunset, you won’t only find the place nearly empty (great for photography), you’ll also get to see how the golden light gently caresses these beautiful mausoleums and tombs.

• If you’re a bit earlier and you’re waiting for the sunset, walk to the end of the pathway between the mausoleums. The complex opens up into Samarkand’s main cemetery, which is also worth a visit. 
• Shah-i-Zinda opens very early in the morning, which is also a good moment to photograph the complex without loads of people getting in the way

Entrance fee Shah-i-Zinda:

Opening hours shah-i-zinda:.

Open daily from 7.00 am until 7.00 pm

Once you paid the entrance fee to Shah-i-Zinda, you can walk in and out of the complex throughout the day.

My suggestion is to visit this necropolis, then walk towards the back of the complex and into Samarkand’s main cemetery. From there you continue walking to the Hazrat -Khizr Mosque (see below) and later return to Shah-i-Zinda for sunset. 

7. Walk to Hazrat-Khizr Mosque

The Hazrat-Khizr Mosque isn’t the most attractive mosque of Samarkand and is usually not mentioned on many lists of things to do in Samarkand but it’s in my opinion still worth a visit.

This mosque was built in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest mosques in the world and the very first that has been built in Samarkand and Uzbekistan. 

Hazrat Khizr was an important prophet in Islam. There is a belief that he lived in the time after Abraham and that he was granted immortal life, although Islamic theologians reject these beliefs. 

You’ll see that the Hazrat Khizr mosque has been heavily restored. It’s not as spectacular as the other mosques and mausoleums in Samarkand but the woodwork is beautiful.

If you don’t feel like paying the entrance fee to visit this mosque, which is mostly a museum now, at least walk on the hill on which it is located to enjoy the stunning panoramic view over Samarkand. You’ll see a lot of glittering domes and shiny minarets popping out in the sunlight!

Entrance fee Hazrat Khizr:

Opening hours hazrat khizr:.

Open daily from 8.00 am until 6.00 pm

8. Take a short bus ride to the Ulugh Beg Observatory

Before or after visiting Shah-i-Zinda and/or Hazrat Khizr, you can take city bus #45, #99 or #17 to the Ulugh Beg Observatory. The bus stop is across the street from the Hazrat Khiz mosque (it’s indicated on maps.me as “to Ulug Bek”). The bus ticket costs 3000 UZS.

The Ulugh Beg Observatory was built in the 1420’s by the Timurid ruler Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Amir Timur. It was one of the greatest observatories ever built and nurtured some of the best astronomers of the time.

The observatory consisted of a three-story cylindrical building constructed around three enormous astronomical instruments. The main instrument was a monumental 40-meters tall meridian arc, used to measure the angle of elevation of bright celestial objects.

One of Ulugh Beg’s greatest achievements was a thorough star catalogue containing over 1,000 stars and their exact locations in the sky. This catalogue was created 200 years before telescopes came into existence!

But Ulugh Beg was better at being a scientist and astronomer than a ruler.  In 1449, only two years into his reign, and after losing several battles, Beg got assassinated by his own son and the observatory destroyed. The Russian archaeologist Vassily Vyatkin discovered its remains in 1908.

The Ulugh Beg Observatory is a nowadays a museum where you can see a model of the ancient observatory and the remains of meridian arc.

Entrance fee Ulugh Beg Observatory

The Ulugh Beg Observatory entrance fee is 50.000 UZS per person.

Opening hours Ulugh Beg Observatory

The Ulugh Beg Observatory is daily open from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm.

9. Go on a day trip to Shahrisabz

If you have some extra time to spend in Samarkand, I’d recommend going on a day trip to Shahrisabz , a city located 88 km south of Samarkand. I’m calling it a day trip but the trip takes a total of 4 to 5 hours.

It takes about 1,5 hours to drive to Shahrisabz and the city is that small, that you can visit all its highlights in 2 hours.

You can plan this trip in the morning and enjoy the rest of the late afternoon and evening back in Samarkand.

Shahrisabz, also written Shakhrisabz and formerly known as Kesh, is one of the most ancient cities along the Silk Road. It was the birthplace of Amir Temur (yes, this guy again).

Shahrisabz has some impressive monuments that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most famous place in Shahrisabz are the gate arches of the  Ak-Saray Palace , the only remains of the palace that was built for Amir Timur.

Other places of interest in Shahrisabz are the  Dorut Tilovat Complex  with the  Kok Gumbaz mosque  and the  Dorus Siyadat Complex  which contains the tomb of Timur’s eldest son.

Travel Guide to Sharisabz and 6 more great day trips from Samarkand

How to get from Samarkand to Shahrisabz

The easiest and most interesting way to get to Shahrisabz would be by booking a guided day tour to Shahrisabz and visit this historical site with a guide.

You get picked up in Samarkand, have a photo stop at the beautiful Tahtakaracha Pass on your way to the site, and have a guided tour around the main sights of Shahrisabz.

Another way to get there is to hire a driver for the day who’ll drive you there, wait for a few hours and take you back to Samarkand. This 2-way trip costs about $45 USD and you can book a driver at the tourist office of Samarkand.

If you want to keep the costs low (and you have a full day to spare), you can also get there by shared taxi.

You can find a shared taxi from Samarkand to Shahrisabz at Suzangaran, which is about 100m south of the Registan mashrutka stop.  You shouldn’t pay more than 10.000 UZS for a seat in the shared taxi.

It might happen that the taxi only goes to Kitab, a town located at 10 km from Shahrisabz. From there you can take a mashrutka (minibus) or another shared taxi to Shahrisabz, which shouldn’t be more than 4000 UZS.

To get back from Shahrisabz to Samarkand, you can look for a taxi in the surrounding area but be aware that the taxi drivers might ask for a lot more money.

You could also take a mashrutka (minibus) from Shahrisabz to Kitab, visit the bazaar there and go to the taxi stand near the junction at the bazaar. Ask the locals for directions if needed.

Shahrisabz entrance fees

The entrance to the city of Shahrisabz is 30.000 UZS per person and this ticket allows you to visit the Ak-Saray Palace. If you want to enter the Dorut Tilovat Complex or the Dorus Siyadat Complex, you have to pay each time a separate fee of 30.000 UZS.

Samarkand City Tours and Experiences

I recommend taking a guided city tour in Samarkand . There’s just so much history in this ancient Silk Road City that you won’t learn if you visit the city by yourself.

After you’ve seen Samarkand’s beautiful sites, you can learn about Uzbekistani wine.

I recommend going on a  Wine Tasting Tour  to the Khovrenko Winery, where you’ll get to try local wines and cognacs, and the Samarkand Museum of Winemaking. Hotel transfers are included in this tour to ensure you get home safely ;).

Where to eat in Samarkand

1. bibikhanum teahouse.

Bibikanum Teahouse is a lovely restaurant with an outside seating space. They serve tasty Uzbek dishes and also have vegetarian options.

During my last visit to Samarkand, I enjoyed a nice lunch there. It’s a great place to relax and eat while sightseeing in Samarkand as it’s located on Islom Karimov street, between Registan and the Bibi Khanym mosque.  

2. Labi G’Or

Restaurant Labi G’or might not have 5-stars on Trip Advisor but I’ve always enjoyed the food there. The restaurant is conveniently located across from Registan and offers traditional Uzbek food. They also have beer and wine when you ask for it (it’s not mentioned on the menu).

3. Old City Restaurant

Old City Restaurant is a cozy restaurant that offers Uzbek, European and vegetarian cuisine. It’s also a vegan-friendly place, which is quite hard to find in Uzbekistan.

Old City Restaurant offers delicious meals for reasonable prices in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s said to be one of the best restaurants in Samarkand (and therefore a bit more pricey).

4. Cafe Magistr

Cafe Magistr is located between Gul-e-Amir and Registan Square. I went there a couple of times during my first visit to Samarkand.

They offer both Uzbek dishes as western food (I needed a break from all the plov and shashlik), the prices are very reasonable (especially when you’re on a budget) and they also serve good coffee and beer. 

Platan is mentioned as the best restaurant in Samarkand. They serve both Uzbek and Western dishes. I’ve recently had a meal there and I have to say, it was good! Platan is a bit more pricey than other restaurants (you pay for quality) and about 30 minutes walking from the Registan.

Top Things to do in Khiva – The Complete Guide to Uzbekistan’s Open-Air Museum

My Samarkand photography gear

Below is an overview of the gear I used to capture the beauty of Samarkand. You can also see my article on  photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers  for more information.

• Camera: Panasonic LUMIX DC-90
• Main lens: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6
• Wide-angle lens : Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0
• Prime lens: Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7
• Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod (Hybrid Head)

Where to stay in Samarkand

There is nowadays a wide range of hotels and hostels where you can stay during your visit to Samarkand.

The best area to stay in Samarkand is in the city center near Registan as most of the city’s attractions are just a10 to 15 minutes walk from there. Here are some of my personal recommendations:

1. best Hostel in Samarkand

• Amir Hostel

I stayed in Amir Hostel during my first visit to Samarkand and really felt very good here!

The owners were very welcoming and the location of the hostel is located within a 20-minute walking distance from Registan. Check out the rates and availability for “Amir Hostel”

2. Best mid-range guesthouses in Samarkand

• Furkat Guest House

I stayed at Furkat Guest House during my last visit to Samarkand in 2022 and really loved it there!

This family-run guesthouse is located within a 5-minute walking distance from Registan and when you go up to the rooftop terrace, you can even see the blue domes of the madrasahs on Registan!

The owner is very friendly, there’s a cozy inner courtyard and the rooms give you a homely feel. Check out the rates and availability for “Furkat Guest House”

UYUT is a family-owned business, run by very warm and helpful people.The rooms are clean and comfortable, the breakfast is very tasty and there’s even an inner yard where you can relax.

The hotel is right in the center of Samarkand and is located within walking distance of all the main sites. Check out the rates and availability for “UYUT”

3. Best Boutique and High-END hotels in Samarkand

• Sangzor Boutique Hotel

This beautiful small boutique hotel is located on the pedestrianized street within walking distance to all the main sights of Samarkand.

All the spacious rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels, and a safety deposit box. The hotel also has a garden where you can relax after a day of sightseeing. Check out the rates and availability for “Sangzor Boutique Hotel”

If you like to splurge a bit, you’ll definitely get value for your money at this 4-star hotel! Platan is a small and luxurious hotel with a well-kept garden and a good atmosphere. 

The rooms are large and clean with great facilities (like a coffee machine in the room!) and the hotel is located within a 30-minute walking distance from Registan Square. Check out the rates and availability for “Platan”

How to get to Samarkand in Uzbekistan

Samarkand is located in north-eastern Uzbekistan, close to the border with Tajikistan. It is easy to travel from other cities in Uzbekistan to Samarkand by bus and by train.

I highly recommend traveling in Uzbekistan by train as it’s the most convenient way to get around the country. In my Uzbekistan Railways Guide , I explain in detail how it works to travel by train in Uzbekistan. 

1. How to get from Tashkent to Samarkand

The easiest and fastest way to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand is by train.

There are 2 types of trains – the Afrosiyob and the Sharq – that run from Tashkent to Samarkand.

The Afrosiyob is the high-speed train and takes you from Uzbekistan’s capital to Samarkand in a bit more than 2 hours. It runs daily in the morning and in the evening.

The Sharq goes slower, the journey from Tashkent to Samarkand takes a bit more than 3 hours but is significantly cheaper than the Afrosiyob. It runs daily in the morning.

You can check the train schedules and book your train tickets on the  official Uzbek Railways website . Read my  Uzbekistan Railways Guide   with all the information on how to take trains in Uzbekistan and how to order tickets online.

You can get to this train station by taking the metro to Tashkent Station or by taxi. Don’t forget to bring your passport!

2. How to get from Bukhara to Samarkand

The easiest and fastest way to travel from Bukhara to Samarkand is by train.

There are 2 types of trains – the Afrosiyob and the Sharq – that run from Bukhara to Samarkand.

The Afrosiyob is the high-speed train and takes you from Bukhara to Samarkand in a bit less than 1.5 hours. It runs daily in the morning and in the evening.

The Sharq goes slower, the journey from Bukhara to Samarkand takes a bit more than 2 hours but is significantly cheaper than the Afrosiyob. It runs daily around noon.

Another way is to go buy your ticket directly at the ticket office right next to the train station in Bukhara.

As this train station is a 20-minute drive from the old city of Bukhara, I’d recommend you buy your train ticket upon your arrival. This will save you from making the journey to the train station twice. A taxi from the old city to the train station costs 20.000 UZS. 

3. How to get from Tajikistan to Samarkand

In case you’re traveling in the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan and you want to hop into Uzbekistan to visit Samarkand, it is possible now!

The Penjakent-Samarkand border has opened again so you can easily cross this land border between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Just check in advance if you need to apply for an Uzbek visa. 

You can take a taxi from Penjakent city center to the border for around 3 US$. It’s a 30-minute drive.

Once you’ve crossed the border, you can take a taxi there to the city center of Samarkand. This takes another 30-minute drive and costs around 40.000 UZS.

I hope you enjoyed this city guide to Samarkand and I wish you a fantastic time in this magical city! In case you want to add something to this list or if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email !

Related Posts  

• Tashkent City Guide
• Samarkand City Guide
• Shahrisabz City Guide
• Bukhara City Guide
• Khiva City Guide
• Fergana Valley Guide
• Karakalpakstan Guide

The best way to get from Tashkent to Osh and from Osh to Tashkent, crossing the Dostyk border (Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan)

The Best Uzbekistan Itinerary ideas: What to Visit in one week in Uzbekistan up to 4 weeks?

Uzbekistan Money Guide (2024) – How much does it cost to live and travel in Uzbekistan?

What are the 26 Best Places to visit in Uzbekistan in 2024?

Everything you need to know about horse riding in Uzbekistan+ 3 best horse trekking destinations in Uzbekistan

Hiking in Uzbekistan –  6 best Hiking Trails in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan

* Disclaimer: This publication is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Competitiveness, Trade, and Jobs Activity in Central Asia. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Cynthia of Journal of Nomads and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

25 thoughts on “The 9 Best Things to do in Samarkand Uzbekistan in 2024 – The Complete Travel Guide to Samarkand City”

Hello Cynthia, thanks and thanks again for this useful and complete guide! I will travel to Uzbekistan next August (I know, it will be hot…) Do you happen to know if there is an official site to purchase entrance tickets to the main attractions? I didn’t find it. Regards

Hi Adelaide, you can’t purchase tickets online, you’ll have to buy them at the entrance of the sites itself.

Very comprehensive guide. Thanks you very very much.

My pleasure!

Thank you for the detailed article and fantastic photography! We just had to scramble our trip to Egypt and decided to go to Uzbekistan instead, so this was a great intro. Will update afterwards if we discover any great cafes or restaurants.

Hi Mike, great to hear and yes, all updates are welcome! Have a great trip to Uzbekistan and Samarkand!

Great information and helped us plan our trip. Tip: visited BIBIKHANUM TEAHOUSE, unfortunately very disappointed. Charged 66,000 som for two local beers. Found the same beers at other great places, never more than 20,000 som per beer. Food was also more expensive and service not as friendly as other places nearby.

Thanks again for your very useful overview.

Thank you for the update Jenn. Which restaurant(s) would you recommend?

This is super helpful, I am already excited. I hope it won’t be too hot by the end of May. Will be going with my wife and the little ones. I hope to take some nice shots with my NIKON. THANKS for all the tips. Was wondering if we should hire a car with a driver for 50$ or YandexGo would be enough.

Hi Eslam, thank you and already wishing you a wonderful trip!

Can I ask for what reason you want to hire a car with driver? To get around the city (if so, that’s not needed as everything is within walking distance and you can easily use YandexGo) or to go on a day trip to f.eg. Shahrisabz?

Best wishes, Cynthia

Just to go around, thanks a lot for your tip. I will just use the app then 😀

Thank you so much for this article ! I am planning a short Uzbekistan trip next week and this guide is a real gem !! So detailed and with so many tips, love it, specially the restaurant tips with vegetarian options that I knew would be a struggle to find 🙂

Hi Mariana,

I’m really happy to hear that my guide helped you! Have a great trip to Uzbekistan and Samarkand!

Dear Cynthia, this is a great guide for who wants to visit Uzbekistan.I will go there on April 2023 and it helped me very much. Thank you for your efforts..

Thank you so much Bekir! Wishing you a fantastic trip (and maybe we cross paths as I’ll be in Uzbekistan this April too :))

you mention free visas on arrival. on the train pae it says you need an evisa

Hi Joe, Uzbekistan offers free visas on arrival for passport holders of the following countries . If your country is not on the list, you have to apply for an e-visa.

Thanks Cynthia. So far this has been really helpful! Traveling from Bukhara to Samarkand today:)

Have a great time Liozos!

What a great article, thank you for making our job easier. thanks alot

My pleasure! Enjoy your trip to Samarkand!

Superb guide based on first-hand experience. This will be invaluable to us as we discover the treasures of Samarkand and Bukhara. Thank you so much.

Thank you Gerry! Enjoy your time in Uzbekistan!

I think it is a good article that helps new tourists to get to know about Samarkand, and is beneficial in terms of giving tips, advice and instructions how to tour the city. Thanks to the author.

Thank you Salohiddin! I’m very happy you like this article!

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CHARLIES WANDERINGS

THE TRAVEL BLOG FOR HIKING LOVERS AND EFFICIENT TRAVEL ITINERARIES

Asia , BLOG , Citytrips , Destinations , SAMARKAND , Uzbekistan · February 6, 2022

12 Spectacular Things To Do In Samarkand Uzbekistan

Are you looking for the best things to do in Samarkand? No need to look any further cause this Samarkand travel blog covers all of the best places to visit in this remarkable city!

Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan . The city is on the old Silk Road between China and the West, and is an  Islamic centre for scholarly study .

Samarkand is a must visit place in Uzbekistan and one that certainly can not be missed! It’s one of the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan and I can’t wait for you to see it for yourself!

What’s there to see in Samarkand?

Get ready to marvel at beautifully tiled architecture, indulge in the local cuisine and spend the next couple days in complete and utter amazement.

Within this Samarkand travel guide you’ll find all of the top things to see and do but also some insider tips as where to eat, where to stay and how to photograph these iconic buildings!

The city of Samarkand was the last stop on our Uzbekistan itinerary and it was definitely worth the wait.

If you’ve already read my other Uzbekistan travel guides about Khiva and Bukhara you’ll be in for a surprise here. Cause while the old city centre in both Khiva and Bukhara are car free that’s never the case here in Samarkand.

The city is a lot bigger than Khiva or Bukhara but not to worry all of the best attractions in Samarkand are still within walking distance from each other!

A brief history of the city of Samarkand

In the 4th century BC the city of Samarkand was then known as Maracanda and was captured by Alexander the Great. Later on the city was in hands of several different rulers such as the Turks, the Arabs and the Persians. That was until it was completely destroyed by the Mongol conqueror  Genghis Khan .

After it revolted against its Mongol rulers (1365), Samarkand became the capital of the empire of  Timur , who made the city the most important economic and cultural centre in Central Asia.

Samarkand was conquered by Uzbeks in 1500 but only after it became a provincial capital of the Russian Empire and a railroad centre did it recover economically.

Samarkand today consists of an old city dating from medieval times and a new section built after the Russian conquest of the area in the 19th century.

The old city contains some of the finest monuments of Central Asian architecture from the 14th to the 20th century, including several buildings dating from the time when Samarkand was Timur’s capital city.

The principal features of Samarkand’s ancient buildings are their splendid portals, their vast coloured domes, and their remarkable exterior decorations in majolica, mosaic, marble, and gold. The historic city was designated a  UNESCO   World Heritage site  in 2001.

How to reach Samarkand

In this section we’ll discuss all of the possible ways that you can reach Samarkand, except how to reach Samarkand from Khiva. Chances are very high that you’ll make a stop in Bukhara between Khiva and Samarkand anyway and you really shouldn’t skip the city of Bukhara!

How to get to Samarkand from Tashkent

By train – There are several trains each day that run from Tashkent to Samarkand and depending on which one you choose it will take from 2 to 3 hours.

💡 TIP – The fast train is a bit more modern and spacious as the slow train. The price difference isn’t that much so if you can choose you should definitely opt for the fast train to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand.

By bus – Twice a day there’s a bus that runs from the Tashkent bus station to the Samarkand bus station. The drive takes around 4,5 hours which is more than double the time you would lose instead of taking the train.

How to get to Samarkand from Bukhara

By train – From Bukhara you can take a train straight to Samarkand every 3 hours. The train ride itself will last about 1.5 hour.

💡 TIP – On the day of departure,  arrive 1 hour in advance  at the train station. There might be long queues at the entrance (especially in Tashkent) where your luggage and passport get checked.

💡  TIP  – Don’t forget to  bring your passport  cause you need it for booking your ticket!

💡  TIP  – Especially during high season it’s best to buy your train ticket a day in advance at the local train station.

Why you should visit Samarkand

There’s plenty of reasons to visit the beautiful city of Samarkand but here are some of the best ones:

• Samarkand in Uzbekistan is famous for being one of the most important sites on the Silk Road and the city has been at the crossroads of world cultures for more than two millennia.
• The city is noted as  a centre of Islamic scholarly study and the birthplace of the Timurid Renaissance .
• Marvel at the stunning Islamic architecture of its mosques and mausoleums. Poets and historians described the city as “The Pearl of the Eastern Muslim World” .
• Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world.

When to visit Samarkand

The best time to travel to Uzbekistan is from  April until October . Outside of these months the temperatures drop immensely. We traveled to Uzbekistan at the end of October and start of November and I honestly don’t recommend it to anyone. Our toes were freezing off and we were wearing 3 layers of clothing and thermal underwear the entire time.

On the other hand you’ll also want to  avoid the months of June, July and August  cause temperatures get crazy hot and can go up to 40°C/ 104°F .

So the best month for good weather which isn’t either melting your face off or freezing your toes the months of  April, May and September  are your best option! These months temperatures will range from 14°C to 26°C/ 57°F- 87°F.

Where to stay in Samarkand

• Antica B & B Samarkand   – A cute local B & B with a main garden. Not to mention, the breakfast is absolutely amazing and freshly made every single day.
• Bibikhanum Hotel  – A cute hotel that offers rooms with a balcony and a stunning view over the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
• Kamila Hotel Boutique – A family run hotel with a view over Registan square.

What to do in Samarkand – The best things to do in Samarkand

1. explore registan in the morning.

One of the most spectacular things to do in Samarkand is to visit Registan, its crown jewel.

All the main roads of Samarkand lead to Registan as it was the heart of the Timurid dynasty.  It was used as a public square for royal proclamations, celebrations, and public executions. 

There are 3 stunning Madrasa’s standing tall in the Registan square:

• Ulugh Beg Madrasa  (built between 1417–1420 during the Timurid Empire)
• Sher-Dor Madrasa  (built between 1619–1636 by the Shaybanids)
• Tilya-Kori Madrasa  (built between 1646–1660 by the Shaybanids)

Each Madrasa has two levels of classrooms and dormitories for the students. You can go inside every single madrasa and explore their inner corners.

Opening hours : 8am – 7pm

Entrance fee – 40.000 SUM/per person  and the ticket is valid all day long for multiple entries.

I say explore Registan in the morning because it can get terribly crowded and hot by midday. If you go at opening time you’ll also be one of the first people inside which makes it that much more fun to explore.

2. Go souvenir shopping inside Registan

These days the madrasa’s inside of Registan aren’t used for education any longer. Instead a lot of locals have a small space here where they either sell handmade products or souvenirs.

I bought a beautiful blue scarf here which I still wear to this day and is super high quality.

Make sure to put your haggling cap on however, as bargaining is the only way to get good deals. Items worth bargaining for include the  tubeteika  (traditional Central Asian cap), the  pichok  (Uzbek knife), and locally-made silk products.

3. Climb up a 400 year old minaret in Registan

It’s not every day that you can climb up a minaret, well ok, except for in Khiva. But here you’ll have a wonderful aerial view over the square of Registan.

Now, how does one get up a 400 year olf minaret in Registan? Well it’s pretty simple. Just inform one of the guards that you would like to climb up. For about $10 the guard will show you the way up.

But be aware, it’s not an easy climb up, this part of the minaret isn’t that well maintained and the road up can be pretty tricky. Definitely watch where you’re going and if you’re either claustrophobic or have a fear of heights I don’t recommend doing this activity.

4. Come back in the evening to see Registan at night

The good thing about the entrance tickets for Registan is that they’re valid throughout the entire day. So you can easily visit in the morning for half a day, go have lunch and visit another place and then come back in the evening.

Right before sunset the madrasa’s inside of Registan all light up! I have to say, this was one of the most breathtaking moments of the entire trip cause the architecture comes in even more to life because of this.

5. Visit the Mosque inside Tilya-Kori Madrasa

There’s a lot more to see and do in Registan as one might think! The Tilya-Kori Madrasa, which is the one in front of you when you enter Registan, is home to one of the most beautiful mosques you’ll ever see.

You can find it in the western side of the courtyard and the main hall of the mosque is abundantly gilded.

6. Marvel at Shah-i-Zinda, a stunning avenue of mausoleums

One of Samarkand’s most beautiful places has to be Shah-i-Zinda, as it contains some of the richest tile work in the Muslim world.

The name, which means ‘ Tomb of the Living King ’, refers to its original, innermost and holiest shrine – a complex of cool, quiet rooms around what is probably the grave of Qusam ibn-Abbas, who is said to have brought Islam to this area in the 7th century.

The most beautiful tomb is the Shodi Mulk Oko Mausoleum (1372), resting place of a sister and niece of Timur, second on the left after the entry stairs.

After remarkably surviving more than seven centuries with only minor touch-up work, many of the tombs were aggressively and controversially restored in 2005. As a result, much of the brilliant mosaic, majolica and terracotta work you see today is not original.

At the end of the pathway between the mausoleums, the complex opens up into Samarkand’s main cemetery, which is a fascinating place to walk.

Entrance fee  – 25.000 SUM/per person

Opening hours – 7am to 7pm dialy

💡 TIP – Shah-i-Zinda is a very sacred place, make sure to wear more conservative and respectful clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

7. Enjoy lunch with a view at Bibikhanoum Hotel

It’s not often that you can have lunch while overlooking one of the most important monuments in Samarkand. Indulge in some of the finest local delicacies at the terrace of the Bibikhanum Hotel .

If you’re not sure yet where to stay in Samarkand this is also an excellent choice! It’s right in the centre of all of the main attractions and both Shah-i Zinda and registan are only 15 minutes walking from here.

8. Go grocery shopping at the Siab Bazaar

One o the best local things to do in Samarkand is to go and buy local produce at the Siab Bazaar. Here you’ll find rows and rows of dried fruit, fresh vegetables and all kinds of bread. It’s the perfect place to do some people watching as well cause you won’t come across many other tourists here.

Even though that Siab Bazaar is the largest market place in Samarkand it’s mostly locals that you’ll find here.

If you’re in need of a pharmacy or a new SIM-card you can also find that here.

9. Indulge in the local cuisine

Uzbekistan shares much of its culinary tradition with  Turkey  as well as serving up a wide number of noodle and dumpling dishes that bear a close resemblance to their counterparts in China , Nepal, and other Eastern Asian countries.

Food in Uzbekistan is very rich in meat and heavy. By the end of your trip chances are high that you’ll have gained a couple of kilo’s. Below I’ve listed some of the traditional Uzbek dishes that you must try for sure:

• Plov – Plov is considered as the national dish of Uzbekistan and it’s a hearty rice pilaf.
• Shashlik – Shashlik is simply skewered meat cooked on the grill but in some restaurants these portions can turn out huge! Once I got pretty much a sort of meat presented in front of me.
• Lagman soup – The most common way that lagman is served is as a hearty noodle stew that includes lamb, onions, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and garlic.
• Fried Lagman – The noodles are pan-fried with peppers, onions, tomatoes paste, and whatever other vegetables the kitchen has on hand. It basically tastes like stir-fried spaghetti.
• Dimlama – This is a stew made of vegetables on hand, potatoes and meat.
• Manti – A very popular dish in Uzbekistan are these dumplings that are either filled with meat but also come stuffed with pumpkin.

10. Learn the history of Bibi-Khanum Mosque

The Bibi-Khanum Mosque is one of the most important monuments in Samarkand. In the 15th century, it was one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the  Islamic world .

It was built under the ruling of Timur who loved nothing more than creating larger than life buildings. Some even say it’s a bold public statement of his pretensions as a ruler. Timur had many different wives but his favorite one was Bibi Khanum. That’s why this spectacular Mosque was named after her.

It is even said that they brought in architects from Iran and India to work on the project and used ninety-five elephants to haul construction material.

But legends say that it’s not Timur himself who gave the order but his wife Bibi Khanum who wanted to surprise her husband when came back from his military campaign to India . She decided to build a Friday mosque and it should have been completed within 5 years before the return of the great commander..

None of the architects except one wanted to start on the project and he also had a hidden agenda. He had fallen in love with Bibi Khanum and he wanted a kiss in return.

After the project was finished she granted him said kiss but it was so hot that it left a mark on her cheek.

After Timur came back from his siege he noticed it and asked his wife to join him on the top of the mosque to enjoy the view. Afterwards he pushed her and she fell to her death.

In his mourning he named the mosque the Bibi Kanhum Mosque.

Opening hours – 8am to 8pm daily

Entrance fee – 25.000 SOM

11. Admire the gorgeous Gur-e-Amir

The enormous Gur-e-Amir, also known as ‘ Tomb of the Commander ‘ is one of the most impressive mausoleums in Uzbekistan and a spectacular place to visit in Samarkand.

As the name might suggest it’s the last resting place of the conquerer Timur. It was completed in 1404 and was originally intended to be the tomb of Timur’s grandson Muhammad Shah. But after Timur’s death in 1405 he was interred there as well, along with other members of his family. 

The interior walls are covered with elegant turquoise arabesques and inscriptions in gold. The Gūr-e Amīr is one of the properties included in the 2001 designation of Samarkand as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Opening hours – 9am until 7pm daily

💡 TIP – As this is a very sacred place, make sure to wear more conservative and respectful clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

12. Take as many photos as possible

The city of Samarkand is a fantastic place to visit and one of the best things that you can possibly do is take hundreds of photos! You won’t find architecture like this anywhere else in the world.

One of the biggest tips I can give you is to bring a wide angle lens with you. It’s the only way to capture the grandeur of these buildings!

I used the  Canon ED 16-35  to capture 80% of all of my photos in Uzbekistan.

How many days do you need in Samarkand

I would say you need at least 2 full days to be able to explore everything at ease in Samarkand. You don’t want to rush through Registan and all of the buildings contain so many details that it would be a shame to rush through them.

Getting around Samarkand

The city of Samarkand is a lot bigger than Khiva and Bukhara but if you stay at one of the hotels that I suggested above you’ll be right in the centre of all of it!

All of the big main attractions in Samarkand are located close to each other and aren’t more than 20 minutes walking apart.

The only time we took a taxi was when we visited Shah-i-Zinda for its opening and we just didn’t want to walk in the cold and get up earlier because of that.

Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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LightRocket via Getty Images

No name is as evocative of the Silk Road as Samarkand (Samarqand). For most people it has the mythical resonance of Zanzibar or Timbuktu, fixed in the Western popular imagination by imaginative poets and playwrights, few of whom saw the city in the flesh.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

This ensemble of majestic, tilting medressas – a near-overload of majolica, azure mosaics and vast, well-proportioned spaces – is the centrepiece of the…

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

The beautiful portal and trademark fluted azure dome of the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum marks the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), along with two sons…

Shah-i-Zinda

Samarkand’s most moving and beloved site is this stunning avenue of mausoleums, which contains some of the richest tilework in the Muslim world. The name,…

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

The enormous congregational Bibi-Khanym Mosque, northeast of the Registan, was financed from the spoils of Timur's invasion of India and must have been…

Tilla-Kari Medressa

On the northern side of the Registan is the Tilla-Kari (Gold-Covered) Medressa, completed in 1660, with a pleasant, gardenlike courtyard. The highlight…

Ulugbek Medressa

The Ulugbek Medressa, on the western side of the Registan, is the square's original medressa, finished in 1420 under Ulugbek who is said to have taught…

Sher Dor Medressa

The entrance portal of the Registan's Sher Dor (Lion) Medressa, opposite the Ulugbek Medressa and finished in 1636, is decorated with roaring felines that…

Afrosiab Museum

The Afrosiab Museum was built around one of Samarkand’s more important archaeological finds, a chipped 7th-century fresco of the Sogdian King Varkhuman (r…

Latest stories from Samarkand

Apr 8, 2019 • 5 min read

Desert citadels, crumbling mud fortresses, mosaic-adorned medressas and busy market bazaars. For many centuries, the Silk Road was the world’s…

May 31, 2018 • 5 min read

Nov 6, 2017 • 6 min read

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Top 12 Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

In this travel guide, you will get acquainted with the top 12 things to do in Samarkand that are worth experiencing for every kind of traveler.

Samarqand, often spelled as Samarkand, is a city that beckons travelers with its rich history, stunning architecture, and the allure of the Silk Road.

Nestled in the heart of modern-day Uzbekistan, Samarkand has been a cultural and trading hub for centuries.

This ancient city boasts a mesmerizing blend of Persian, Islamic, and Central Asian influences, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the past.

In this article, I’ll explore the best things to do in Samarkand , ensuring you make the most of your visit to this historical gem.

Before diving deeper, let’s have a quick look at the top 12 things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Interesting Facts about Samarkand

Table of Contents

• The name of the city, Samarkand, evokes exotic ideas of caravans, turbaned traders, bazaars, veiled women, and harems. 
• The capital of the enormous empire, which included the territory of 27 modern nations, was Samarkand. 
• Samarkand is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan. Tajiks make up a large portion of the population in and around the city, which is not far from Tajikistan. 
• Among some of the major Timurid tourist attractions are also older communities with typical Uzbek courtyard homes. 
• The city can occasionally be hit by violent sandstorms in the spring and fall. Samarkand and Bukhara are both crossed by the Zarafshan River.

Suggested – Best Tours in Uzbekistan For Cultural and Historical Exploration

Best Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Now, we are going to discuss the top 12 things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan to make your trip memorable.

1. Go to Registan

Registan is one of the most visited places in Samarkand. It was the heart of the old city. Its beautiful architecture has made it famous all over the world, and no trip to Samarkand is complete without at least a few hours spent here. There are three madrassas, which in Arabic means “schools.” They all face the central square.

Each madrassa has its own door, beautiful tile work, and two large entrances. The three madrasas are Islamic schools with very different styles of buildings. Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah, and Sher-Dor Madrasah are from left to right.

• Location : Registan Ko’chasi, Samarkand
• Entry fee: 40,000 UZS per person
• Opening Hours : 8 am to 7 pm.

2. Bibi-Khanym Mosque

After you’ve seen Registan, you should go to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, which is one of the most important and best places to see in Samarkand. The beautiful mosque is said to have been built by Tamerlane’s wife between 1399 and 1405, after his successful campaign through India. 

The inside is really beautiful, and the courtyard is great. This is something that should be on any list of things to do in Samarkand. If you go to Uzbekistan, then don’t forget to visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand.

• Location : Bibikhonim Str, Samarkand
• Entry fee:  25.000 UZS for Adults

3. Shop at Siab Bazaar

Siab Bazaar, which is also called Siyob Bazaar, is the oldest and biggest market in Samarkand. It is right next to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. The bazaar has become more modern over time, but it still has its own unique and interesting appeal. 

After you’re done seeing the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, walk through the huge arches next door to get to the bazaar. You’ll smell different things and see so many brightly colored fruits and vegetables that you won’t know where to look first.

• Location : Bibikhonim St, Samarkand
• Entry fee:  Free
• Opening Hours : Open till late night.

4. Shah-I-Zinda Necropolis Complex

Shah-I-Zinda Necropolis Complexe is one of the best places to see and take pictures in Samarkand. The Shah-I-Zinda is also called “The Living King.” Necropolis is a huge complex that grew up over the course of 800 years (from the 11th to the 19th). 

It has many temples, mausoleums, and buildings used for ceremonies. There are 11 mausoleums there, and they are all lined up along a medieval street. They were built one after the other in the 14th and 15th centuries. Old royals and other important people are buried there.

• Location : M-37, Samarkand
• Entry fee:  15,000 UZS per person

5. Go to Afrasiab Ancient Site and the Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand

One of the biggest archaeological sites in the world is the Afrasiab Ancient Site. As you search for the greatest things to do in Samarkand, have a peek at what used to be a historic city that is now just a collection of dirt hills.

From 500 BC to 1220 AD, people lived in the old city. In the 13th century, the Mongols destroyed the city. Afrasiyab is the oldest part of Samarkand’s old city. It is 220 hectares big. On the site, you can find a museum. We didn’t go in, but it has 5 rooms for the different times when people lived in the Afrasyab fort.

• Location : Toshkent yo’li, Samarkand
• Entry fee:  25,000 UZS per person

6. Hazrat Khizr Mosque

The Hazrat Khizr Mosque is on top of a hill on the edge of Afrasyab. Because of where it is, you can see a great view of Samarkand from there. From the minaret, you can see the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda, and Afrosiab.

 In the same place, there used to be a mosque from the 8th century, but Genghis Khan burned it down in the 13th century. It was built again in 1854, and in the 1990s, it was fixed up. It is one of Samarkand’s newest and most beautiful mosques. It is a very important as well as worth visiting place to visit in Samarkand.

• Location : MX7M+97H, Samarkand
• Opening Hours : All day.

7. Go to Gur-e-Amir Complex

If I had to pick my three favorite places in Samarkand, they would be the Registan, the Shah-I-Zinda Complex, and the Gur-e-Amir Complex. Gur-e-Amir, which means “Tomb of the King” in Persian, is where Timur, his two sons, two grandsons, and his personal teacher are all buried.

Muhammad Sultan, who was Tamerlane’s grandson, died suddenly and needed a place to be buried. This is why the Gur-e-Amir complex was built in the 1400s. It is one of the best places to visit in Samarkand, which is in Uzbekistan. If you go to Samarkand then don’t forget to go to Gur-e-Amir Complex.

• Location : 1/4, Universitetskiy Boulevard Bustonsaroy St, Samarkand

8. Go to Ulugh Beg Observatory

This monument’s location on top of a hill on the edge of Samarkand is very important. It was built in 1420 by Ulugh Beg , who was the grandson of Amir Timur and an astronomer. It is a small, simple place, but Ulugh Beg needed it to make his astronomical observations and calculations. 

Ulugh Beg began building the observatory in 1424 so that he could study astronomy at the madrasah. Scholars thought it was one of the best observatories in the Islamic World when it was finished in 1429.

• Opening Hours : 9 am to 7 pm.

9. Khodja Abdi Darun Shrine

Khodja Abdi Darun Shrine is not as popular as some of the other best places in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, but it is still worth a visit. This mausoleum has beautifully decorated pillars, nice iwans, and a pool in the middle of the courtyard. It was built in the 12th century and has been in use as a madrassah for more than 400 years.

 It was fixed up in the 15th and 19th centuries. From Registan, it takes about 30 minutes to walk here, so if you want to get away from the crowds in Samarkand, this is the place to go.

• Location : Sadriddin Ayniy Street, Samarkand

10. To see Imam Bukhari Mausoleum

Visiting the Mausoleum of Imam Bukhari is another one of the best things to do in Samarkand. It is 25 km from the city. This complex is where one of Islam’s most important scholars, Imam Bukhari, is buried.

If you go to Samarkand then don’t forget to go to this place. It also has mosques, a library, and even a hotel for religious tourists. Muslims often visit the mausoleum of Imam Bukhari as part of a small one-day “Hajj” that also includes the mausoleums of Rukhabad and Shakhi-Zinda. This is because it is one of the most important Islamic sites in Samarkand.

• Location : Hartang Village, 25km from Samarkand
• Opening Hours : All Day.

 11. Eat Plov in Samarkand

Plov is a trademark of Uzbek food , and no journey in the country would be complete without at least one meal of it. This hearty rice meal is prepared in a saucepan made of cast iron and topped with chunks of lamb and a variety of vegetables. It is one of the best dishes in Samarkand.

The Osh Markazi Filial 1 restaurant in Samarkand is widely regarded as the city’s best spot for plov. It is a little bit outside of town, yet it is situated in a very handy location just a few blocks away from the Ulugh Beg Observatory.

12. See the Night Show at the Registan

If you listen to our advice and stay in the Registan courtyard until the sun goes down, you’ll see something else that’s worth seeing. Every night at 7 pm, there is a traditional music and dance show in the courtyard of the Sherdor Madrasa, except when they don’t feel like it.

Five men play instruments in a small group while others sing and dance. The show lasts 50 minutes, and you’ll be entertained the whole time. The colorfully lit interior walls of the courtyard are a beautiful backdrop for the performance.

• Location : Registan, Samarkand
• Entry fee:  60,000 UZS per person to see the 50-minute show
• Opening Hours : The 50-minute show begins at 7 pm.

Where to Stay in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The spectacular Islamic architecture of Samarkand, Uzbekistan’s mosques and mausoleums is one of the main attractions. The city was referred to as “The Jewel of the Eastern Muslim World” by poets and historians.

The best hotels are listed below for you to consider while you are in this lovely city.

1. Overall Best Hotel in Samarkand – Medina Hotel Samarkand

Al Madina Hotel Samarkand is a hotel with a restaurant in Samarkand. The lodging has a front desk that is open around the clock, airport shuttle service, room service, and free WiFi access throughout the building.

• Location : 53 Dubitskaya, Samarkand
• Amenities : 1 Swimming Pool, Free Parking, Free WiFi and Non-Smoking Rooms
• Food Information : Coffee House On-Site, Fruits and Restaurant

2. Best Luxury Hotel in Samarkand – Hotel DilMah Premium Luxury

Dilmah Premium Luxury Hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to the airport (available 24 hours). Sports massages are available to visitors, and Sophia, an on-site restaurant offers lunch and dinner. This upmarket hotel also features a spa tub, a bar/lounge, and an indoor pool. 

• Location : Ulugbek 79A, Samarkand 140103 Uzbekistan
• Amenities : 2 Swimming Pools, Free Parking, Airport Shuttle, and Free WiFi
• Food Information : Coffee House On-Site, Bar and Restaurant

3. Best Cheap Hotel in Samarkand – Hotel Billuri Sitora

The hotel BILLURI SITORA is located in the Havasi neighborhood in the city’s historical section. Tourists are welcome to visit the tourist attractions, including the famed Siyab Bazaar, the mosque “Bibi Xanum,” and the Necropolis Shahi-Zinda. You can enjoy the oriental and contemporary Uzbek interior design in this hotel.

• Location : Khavasi Street 5, Samarkand
• Amenities : Free Parking, Airport Shuttle, Free WiFi, and Non-Smoking Rooms
• Food Information : Coffee House On-Site, Breakfast in the Room, and Bar

Where to Eat in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

1. restaurant “karimbek”.

The restaurant “Karim Beck” is a favorite vacation spot for both local residents and visitors. Both European and Uzbek cuisine is traditional. The shish kebab and pilaf are the most well-liked meals here.

Location : 194 Gagarin St, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

2. Old City Restaurant

The restaurant serves a variety of foods, including kebabs, goat meat with honey and walnuts, chicken with cashews, and more. Another feature of this restaurant is its exquisite décor.

Location : JXX5+433, Abdurahman street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

3. Samarkand Restaurant

The restaurant has a beautiful interior with comfortable seating for the guests. The restaurant serves vegan-friendly and contemporary cuisine. You can enjoy their popular dishes which include Fried meat dumplings, Wedding Kebab of Beef, Obstbau, and Lentil Soup.

Location : MX32+R97, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Conclusion – Things to Do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

That brings an end to our conversation on the various activities available in Samarkand. Uzbekistan’s capital city, Samarkand, is one of the country’s most important cities. Founded in the seventh century BC, Samarkand, a city in Uzbekistan, features some of the world’s most stunning and detailed architecture, making it a popular tourist destination. 

You can visit Imam Bukhari Mausoleum, Khodja Abdi Darun Shrine, Registan, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Plov is a dish that should not be missed if you find yourself in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

So, my guide on the best things to do in Samarkand has come to an end. Now, pack your bag and start exploring.

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A Complete Guide to Things to Do in Samarkand Uzbekistan (incl. Map)

Author:  Caroline

The jewel of Central Asia, the center of Islamic studies, and a pitstop for the likes of Genghis Khan and Marco Polo alike. Exploring magnificent Registan, stargazing in one of the oldest observatories on earth, and bribing a guard to walk up rickety stairs for the best views over the old city are but a few of the many things to do in Samarkand.

The last stop on our Uzbekistan itinerary is the spectacular city of Samarkand in southeastern Uzbekistan. Comprised of a new city – built by the Russians – and an ancient city, built between the 11th and 17th centuries so well preserved it received UNESCO classification. We spent a glorious three days exploring the three M’s-  Madrasahs, mosques, and mausoleas, gazing up at towering domes and minarets clad in exquisite blue tiles and discovering everything there is on offer in Samarkand. Things to do are plentiful, culture is abundant, and local fare is fragrant. This Samarkand guide takes you through all the practical details for planning your visit, describes the various things to do, and will hopefully encourage you to add not only Samarkand but also Khiva and Bukhara to your bucket list.

Please note:  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).  Learn more .

Visiting Samarkand Travel Essentials

WHERE TO STAY

• Best Location: Hotel Minor
• Value for Money: Hotel Rahmon
• Best Views: Bibikhanum Hotel
• Family Run: Platan Boutique Hotel

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Book train tickets
• Get Uzbekistan eVisa
• Samarkand Local Guide
• Unique local cooking class

Uzbekistan tours including Samarkand

Traveling through Uzbekistan without an organized tour is relatively easy. Public transportation is efficient, locals are eager to help, and accommodations are a dime a dozen. Therefore I highly recommend exploring Uzbekistan without a guided tour. If however, that is of no interest to you, have a look at the following Uzbekistan tours that include Samarkand. 8 Days Uzbekistan Tour : Includes a visit to Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand with a guide. Also has the option of canceling free of charge 7 days prior to departure

7 days Golden Ring Uzbekistan Tour : Includes visits to Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand with a guide as well as the train tickets and flights between Tashkent and Khiva.

Practical details for visiting Samarkand

All prices indicated in this Samarkand travel guide are in Uzbekistani som (UZS) and reflect the prices of travel in 2022. To navigate around Samarkand download the maps.me which is more reliable than Google Maps in Uzbekistan and works perfectly offline too.

How many days to visit Samarkand

There is a lot to see both in and around Samarkand. Two full days to explore the main highlights inside the city are an absolute must, consider adding in one extra day and taking one of the many day trips from Samarkand to explore some lesser-known places in Uzbekistan (Shakhrisabz is one of the most popular day trips).

Best time of the year for Samarkand Tourism

The best months to visit Uzbekistan are March, April, the beginning of June, and September through to halfway October. Temperatures start rising in March (13°C/ 55°F) and are pleasant until the beginning of June (34°C/ 59°F). By September the blistering sun is less warm (28°C/ 82°F) and continues to be pleasant until the middle of October. Our trip was at the very end of October, the advantage of going at the end of the high season was that we had Samarkand virtually to ourselves. The disadvantage was the bitter cold, if you happen to visit at the same time make sure to bring along thermals and heavy socks.

How to get around Samarkand

The main Samarkand attractions are within walking distance from each other. The only exception to the rule is Shah-i-Zinda, located a good 30-minute walk from Registan. There is the option to take a local taxi, the standard rate is 4000 UZS ($0.35) to ride anywhere in Samarkand. Getting from the station to the center of Samarkand should cost no more than 5000 ($0.44) UZS. Never get into a taxi before you have agreed upon a price!

A brief history of ancient and modern Samarkand

Some say Samarkand is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia, dating as far back as the 8th century BC. With a strategic location smack between China and Europe, it prospered during Medieval times as the Silk Road flourished, attracting traders (Marco Polo), writers, and artisans as well as notorious marauders (Alexander the Great & Genghis Khan). It was under the patronage of these various rules that the city started transforming into the jewel it is today. The infamous Emir Timur (1370-1405) – a lover of arts – attracted flocks of craftsmen to the city building many madrassahs (Islamic schools) transforming Samarkand into the most important center of Islamic studies. His love for the arts & science was inherited by his famous grandson Ulugbek (1409-1449), to whom we owe one of the three main Madrassahs on Registan Square as well as one of the oldest observatories in all of Central Asia (the Ulugbek observatory) expanding the prestige of Samarkand into the realm of medieval sciences. The decline of the Silk Road led to a slump in the otherwise illustrious history of Samarkand until the introduction of a railway in the late 19th century by the Russian Empire where its importance as a trading post was once again reaffirmed.

Modern Samarkand

The city as can be seen today bears the traces of a long and lustrous history. Ancient Samarkand has been left virtually untouched. The soaring, tile-clad madrassahs and mausoleum have been lovingly renovated and continue to offer refuge to weary travelers on a journey to Samarkand, much like they did 600 years ago. Modern-day Samarkand lies to the West of ancient Samarkand and is where the majority of locals have their homes. With over half a million inhabitants, Samarkand is the third-largest city in Uzbekistan. It is considerably more busy than its fellow Silk Route trading outposts Bukhara and Khiva .

Samarkand itinerary overview

This sample itinerary for Samarkand entails a pretty packed 2-days of exploring. If you are lucky enough to visit Samarkand for 3 or even 4 days consider adding in a day trip to explore the neighboring Bukhara or Shahrisabz.

Day One: Registan, Gur-I-Amir Mausoleum, Old Town Samarkand, Uzbekistan Wine tasting Day Two: Shah-I-Zinda, Ulugh Beg Observatory, Siab Bazaar, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Registan at night

13 Things to do in Samarkand

There are plenty of things to do and see in Samarkand. The sheer amount of impressive mosques, awe-inspiring madrasahs, soaring minarets & domes clad in glazed tiles embellished with arabesque swirls will keep both eyes and soul entertained for any adventurous traveler on a journey to Samarkand.

Tip: Samarkand has a dense regional history. Investing in a knowledgeable local guide is a great way to uncover the many aspects of the city and learn about the local culture.

1. Explore every nook and cranny of majestic Registan

The Registan ensemble is the undisputed highlight of any trip to Samarkand. The square is adorned by three spellbinding madrasahs, from left to right: Ulugh Beg Madrasah (15th century), Tilya-Kori Madrasah (17th century), and Sher-Dor Madrasah (17th century). This arsenal of majestic buildings was devoted to prayer and learning. Typically they served the function of both campus and dorm for students and professors of Islamic studies, which explains the presence of the many different little alcoves (previously classrooms and dorms now souvenir shops) inside the courtyards of all three madrasahs.

Tickets for Registan are bought at the ticket booth in front of the square, to be paid in cash only. They include the entrance to the three madrasahs and are valid for one day. If you are planning on coming back to Registan a few times during the day, make sure to tell the guard to ensure he does not rip up the ticket completely.

Opening Hours Registan: Monday to Sunday 08.00 am – 7.00 pm Entrance Fee Registan: 40,000 UZS ($4)

2. Go stargazing at the Ulugh Beg Madrasah

The original madrasah was built by the grandson of the famous Emir Timur. It took a mere 3 years to build (1417 to 1420) and despite being the oldest of the three it is the best preserved. Take a closer look at the portal, the stars adorning the façade are a wink to Ulugh Beg’s adoration for the sciences, astronomy in particular. Step into the beautiful courtyard, filled with little souvenir stores selling colorful suzanis and traditional handicrafts. Walk to the end of the courtyard and turn left towards a small staircase leading up to the second floor of the Madrasah. Grab a tea and a traditional biscuit in the small cafe at the top of the stairs (cash payment only) and take in the impressive architecture while honing your skills in people-watching or simply rest your feet after a day of Samarkand sightseeing.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 08.00 am – 7.00 pm

3. Visit the gold-leaf mosque inside the Tilla-Kari Madrasah

As you meander out of the Ulugek Madrasah, turn left and head towards the Tilla-Kari Madrasah. The site originally housed a Caravanserai (a traditional hotel for travelers) before making way for the Tilla-Kari Madrasah (17th century), the last of the three illustrious Madrasahs to be built on the Registan Square. Tilla Kari means ‘gold-covered’ and refers to the lavishly gold-leaf adorned domed chamber of the mosque inside a true testimony to the wealth of Samarkand in the 17th century. Step over the threshold and into a beautiful tree-lined courtyard, turn left towards Tilla Kari Mosque and be prepared for one of the most lavish places to visit in Samarkand. The chamber is richly adorned by blue-glazed mosaic tiles (produced in the city of Kashan, Iran), marble mihrabs, and intricately carved golden stucco. Interestingly enough the central chamber has a domed effect, this is a mere tromp l’oeil as the roof is flat!

Opening Hours: Wed – Mon 8.00 am – 11.00 pm, Tues 8.00 am – 6.00 pm

4. Spot the lions in the Sher Dor Madrasahs

That brings us to the third and final Madrasah on the right-hand side of Registan Square. Before heading inside, take a minute to look at the façade can you spot the various animals and the Zoroastrian-suns . Both are highly unusual in traditional Islamic architecture of the day. While still an impressive feat of architecture, this 17th-century Madrasah is – in my personal opinion – the lesser starlet of the three.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 08.00 am – 8.00 pm

5. Spend hours in the world’s most picturesque cemetery: Shah-i-Zinda

Just northeast of Registan on the outskirts of the city of Samarkand lies the sumptuous avenue of mausoleums that forms the Shah-i-Zinda complex. While the idea of visiting a cemetery might feel a little morbid, the fact it contains the most spellbinding and lavish tilework in the Muslim world convinces you otherwise. The oldest buildings in Shah-i-Zinda date back to the 11-12th centuries while the largest portion was built in the 14-15th centuries. Inside you will find the holy shrine of Qusam ibn-Abbas (known as  “Tomb of the Living King” or Shah-i-Zinda), who is said to have brought Islam to the region in the 7th century AD. Family, clergymen, and aristocracy from the Timur era were also enshrined on this avenue of Mausoleums. Shah-i-Zinda is an important site of pilgrimage, please treat it as such by ensuring an appropriate style of attire (knees covered, modest dress) and respectful attitude when entering one of the most beautiful places to see in Samarkand.

Opening Hours Shah-I-Zinda: every day 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Entrance Fee Shah-I-Zinda: 45,150 UZS ($4) Dresscode: Modest (cover knees and elbows)

6. Marvel at the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

The enthralling 14th-century Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum is famous for its relative simplicity, at least in comparison with some of the other more opulent places to visit in Samarkand. Travelers are often surprised to find the famous Emir Timur himself was enshrined within its very walls, though legend has it that was in fact more of an accident than the original plan. Timur died suddenly of pneumonia while out warmongering in Kazakhstan. The roads to his – far more grand – planned mausoleum in Shakhrisabz were frozen over and so he was laid to rest in his beloved Samarkand instead. Emir Timur shares the mausoleum with his two sons and two grandsons, amongst whom the famous Ulugh Beg. All interred within the walls of this most sacred Samarkand sight. Make sure to visit the lavish interior of the mausoleum, festooned with hundreds of tiles and gold leaf – a stark contrast to the more austere exterior. We visited just before closing, upon leaving dusk started settling in around us and the lights were turned on basking the mausoleum in a soft glow and adding to the overall allure. Gur-e-Amir is a sacred place and continues to be a location for worship. Make sure to dress modestly when entering the shrine.

Opening Hours Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum: every day 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Entrance Fee Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum: 25,000 UZS ($2.20) good for 3 days Dress code: Modest (cover knees and elbows)

7. Bibi Khanym Mosque

The 14th-century Bibi Khanym Mosque is another architectural feat commissioned during the reign of Emir Timur. Entirely financed by the spoils of Timur’s many raids and built for his favorite Chinese wife, Bibi Khanym. It is said to have been one of the largest and finest mosques in the entire Islamic world, with a capacity to hold 10.000 worshippers. The Emir himself personally oversaw the works for these mosques, tearing down the first version of the entrance gate (Iwan) that was constructed in favor of a more grand model. Reportedly tossing meat and gold coins to the laborers to incite productivity. Most of the buildings in ancient Samarkand built during the Timur and Ulugbek reigns have withstood the passing of time remarkably well. Alas, this was not the case for the Bibi Khanym Mosque. Spurred on by an overzealous Timur, the Mosque was built to awe and exude power with its sheer size. It proved however to be no match for the 1897 earthquake that dealt a devastating blow to the structure.

Opening Hours Bibi Khanym Mosque: Every day 08:00 am to 07:00 pm Entrance Fee Bibi Khanym Mosque: 55,000 UZS ($4.87) Dresscode: Modest (cover knees and elbows)

8 . Try your hand at Uzbekistan Wine

With a viticulture sector dating back to ancient Roman times, Uzbekistan has a long tradition of making wine.  In fact, growing the viticulture sector has been a national priority since 2006 and the amount of vineyards and types of grapes cultivated is growing year on year. Why not try out some of the country’s most delicious wines. A two-hour wine tasting tour at the Khovrenko Winery followed by a visit to the Samarkand Museum of Winemaking should prove to be a great initiation into the world of Uzbekistani Wine.

9. Get lost in the little alleyways of ancient Samarkand

The city plan of old town Samarkand dates back to the Middle Ages and has stayed virtually in-fact. Wander the narrow alleys snaking around the fabled monuments, intersected by hawkers selling an eclectic mixture of artisanal goods and overpriced tchotchkes. Grab a cup of kuk-choy (green tea) or kora-choy ( black tea) at the folkloric Bibikhanum Teahouse and watch locals  – oftentimes dressed in colorful floral robes and headscarves for women or felt embroidered hats for men – go about their business. Samarkand does tend to get a fair amount of tourists. Those quaint alleys in Old Town can get oppressive both due to the heat (summer) and the sheer volume of people. My favorite moment to explore was early in the morning, sharing the streets with a handful of early bird locals setting up their stalls for the day.

10 . Check out Registan at night

If you thought Registan was impressive during the day, wait until it is fully lit up at night. The sweeping aiwans, glazed domes, and minarets lit up in the soft glow a stark contrast against the starry night sky look like they belong in an Aladdin movie. The Registan square is closed off by a fence at 07.00 PM. During certain months of the year, there is an impressive light show, projecting the history of Samarkand, during this time the fence in front of the square is opened!  Admission is included in the day ticket of the Registan complex.  From what I read the dates are not fixed and it is best to check with your local guesthouse when the show is held.

11. Go souvenir shopping in the Siab Bazaar

There is no better way to connect with local culture than to go shopping in one of the markets and there is no better place than the Siab Bazaar in Samarkand. Things to do include trying the various local snacks and shopping for local souvenirs to take back home. Tip: Remember to always bargain when shopping in Uzbekistan. Aim to pay 75% of the initial asking price.

12. Invest in a locally run tour

Tours by locals is a platform where locals from all over the world can offer truly locally run tours. For Samarkand, they offer a local cooking class in one of the smaller villages 15 kilometers outside of Samarkand ( in Eshim Oksok ). This 4-hour cooking class teaches you to make traditional Uzbekistani Non (bread) as well as the famous rice dish, the nation’s favorite – Plov and gives you a crash course in Uzbekistani hospitality. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.

13. Visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory

Aside from the prettiest madrassah in Samarkand, the legacy of Ulugh Beg also includes one of the oldest observatories in Central Asia. The remains of this 15th-century observatory are but a small part of what was once a three-story observatory. Sadly the original structure was destroyed after the death of its namesake Ulugh Beg. Today a 30-meter (98 feet) curved track is still standing which can be visited together with a small museum. Inside the museum, you will find a reproduction of the impressive star charts created by Ulugh Beg himself and a model of what the original observatory looked like. The observatory is a little farther out (4 kilometers from Registan) and not necessarily one of the main Samarkand sights.

Opening Hours: Every day 8:00 am until 08:00 pm Entrance Fee: 25,000 UZS ($2.35)

Samarkand things to do that are not in a traditional guidebook

Bribe a guard and climb the Minaret overlooking Registan

Remember when I told you to go to the second floor on the Ulugh Beg madrasah and have a cup of tea. There is more to this story than meets the eye. This particular madrasah has another level and a Minaret you can climb, provided you give the local guard a small fee (110,000 UZS or $10 per visit, not per person). We went in the early morning before any tourists were around and one of the early-bird vendors approached us asking if we wanted to climb the Minaret for a small fee. After we paid (cash), we were led to the staircase leading to the upper floor (the same one that leads you to the tea store), through some slightly dodgy-looking little corridors and narrow staircases, and up to the roof of the Madrasah. The views from the roof were absolutely stunning. The next part up the minaret entailed a very small and narrow staircase up to a minuscule observation deck. As I suffer from vertigo, I opted to stay on the rooftop and watch the sunrise from here (breathtaking!). The girls came back down and were suitably in awe of the views from the Minaret.

Learn about the history of the Islam School in the little shops (Ulugh Beg Madrasah)

The Ulugh Beg Madrasah really is the top Samarkand sight to visit, aside from the Madrasah, the tea shop, and the possibility to climb its Minaret it holds one additional secret. As I mentioned before, the Madrasah once held the double function of dorm and classroom for the many students of Islam. The many small alcoves that today are filled with small stores were in fact those very dorms, and remnants of their former inhabitants are still present in the shape of frescoes, furniture, and pictures. Local vendors are proud of their history and genuinely well-intentioned when they ask you to come in and take a look. We spent a good 10 minutes listening as the store owner explained the history behind the various elements. This is not a tourist trap, no fee is charged to tourists by the local vendors for this service. Purchasing a small souvenir is of course always welcomed.

Where to stay in Samarkand

Most of your time will be spent in and around old Samarkand, therefore, I highly suggest you choose a hotel in this part of town. Have a browse through these locally run hotels & guesthouses.

BEST LOCATION: Hotel Minor

Hotel Minor is located right off Registan Square and in fact, has a terrace overlooking the complex. The standard facilities are available including a restaurant, 24-hour reception, and wifi but also a shared kitchen and a shuttle service.

VALUE FOR MONEY: Hotel Rahmon

A beautiful green Oasis with abundant vines, trees and outside balconies. Guests particularly love the hospitality of the owners, the abundant breakfast and the great location close to the main tourist attractions.

BEST VIEWS: Bibikhanum Hotel

The hotel with a restaurant practically in the backyard of the Bibi Khanum Mosque. Rooms have a patio or garden view, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. Additional services include a 24-hour reception and a continental breakfast upon request.

Map of Samarkand attractions

Click on this interactive Google Map containing the top things to do in Samarkand (red pins), the Samarkand train station (purple pin), and the various accommodations in Samarkand recommended in this guide (yellow pins).

Vegetarian food in Samarkand

Traditional Uzbekistan cuisine is a true testimony to the historical significance Uzbekistan had on the Silk Route. The cuisine is an interesting mix of Persian, Indian, Mongolian, and Turik traditional dishes. An additional influence is the large planes of wheat and grain typical of the Uzbek countryside. This translates into a fragrant cuisine, using plenty of delicious spices. Uzbekistan food is traditionally not spicy and relies heavily on meats, rice, noodles, and bread. It is not uncommon to be presented with shashlik (meat skewer), a sprinkling of vegetables, and a big portion of fragrant rice. As a vegetarian in Uzbekistan, I have to admit I had a bit of a hard time. These were the staples I stuck to:

• MANTI : Dumplings stuffed with pumpkin (be sure to double-check there is no meat)
• NON : Traditional Uzbek bread
• LENTIL SOUP: Not always available in the summer months
• SALADS : Found as side dishes, usually smaller in size so order two or three dishes

How to get to Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The easiest and most sustainable way to get to Samarkand is by taking the train. Trains run on time, are clean, and a super safe way to travel around Uzbekistan. Plus they are great for cultural immersion (especially if you decide to travel 3e class on a night train). Samarkand is served by two types of trains fast (Afrosiyob) and slower soviet trains.

Tashkent to Samarkand

The easiest and fastest way to get to Samarkand is to hop on the Afrosiyob train which gets you to Samarkand in 2 hours. The slower train ride takes upwards of 4 hours. Trains run daily, multiple times a day with (one-way) ticket prices ranging between 75,000 UZS ($6.6) and 220,000 UZS ($20). Check time table and prices online . We ended up taking the Afrosiyob and were pleasantly surprised by how modern the train was (compared to the sleeper soviet trains we had taken to Khiva and Bukhara ).

Bukhara to Samarkand

Hop on a train from Bukhara to Samarkand. The Afrosiyob train will get you there in under 2 hours, while the slower train takes around 3.5 hours to reach Samarkand. One-way ticket prices start at 70,000 UZS ($7) and go up to 170,000 ($15). Check time table and prices online . Somehow we ended up on the slow train between Bukhara and Samarkand. Which, truth be told was a great experience too, the journey was very relaxed and it allowed us to make a few new local friends.

Practical information for taking the train to Samarkand

Where to purchase tickets.

Train tickets in Uzbekistan are significantly cheaper when bought at the train station vs. online. The ticket office in Uzbek train stations is usually a separate building right off the main train station. When in doubt, ask one of the local guards in the train station who will happily point you in the right direction.

Do the attendants at the station speak English ?

Yes, or rather enough to help you purchase your ticket. What I found helped was to check the timetable for trains in advance online and to write down the time and date I wanted to go to my specific location.

What to bring:

Passport and cash to pay for your ticket

Samarkand Travel – Budget Split

Good news, your Samarkand holidays are not going to break the bank. In fact, Uzbekistan in general is a very budget-friendly destination.

HOTELS: Guesthouses start at $25/night while a more upscale hotel can go up to $80/night RESTAURANTS: We paid between $6-$10 for a meal ENTRANCE TICKETS: $25 TRANSPORTATION (train & taxi) : $10

Travel Tips for Visiting Samarkand

A few last tidbits of information before sending you off on your journey to Samarkand and other parts of beautiful Uzbekistan.

What to pack for Samarkand

While there is no strict dress code to adhere to in Uzbekistan, some of the places to visit in Samarkand are places of worship (Shah-i-Zindah, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum) and ask visitors to wear modest clothing. For women, this mainly entails covering knees and shoulders (can be done with a simple scarf). Aside from this, exploring Samarkand involves a fair amount of walking. A pair of comfortable shoes or sandals are an absolute must.

Is Samarkand Uzbekistan safe?

Yes. My 2 fellow female companions and I traveled all over Uzbekistan taking local trains and taxis, sleeping in budget guesthouses, and eating in small locally run restaurants. We explored the Samarkand sights both during the day and at night and felt perfectly safe. Personally, I felt a little less safe in Tashkent and had the impression locals were a little less hospitable than in other parts of the country. But aside from that, I would say Uzbekistan is a lot safer than my hometown Brussels .

Things to do in Samarkand Uzbekistan Conclusion

Traveling to Samarkand was the highlight of my trip to Uzbekistan, this UNESCO classified city is a must on any Uzbekistan itinerary. The grandeur and opulence of Registan and the beautifully preserved Shah-i-Zinda are hard to beat. Aim to spend two full days and add on an extra day to squeeze in a day trip to Shakhrisabz.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR TRAVEL IN ASIA

UZBEKISTAN: Guide to two days in Bukhara UZBEKISTAN: Everything you need to know to visit Khiva IRAN: A complete guide to 2 weeks in Iran IRAN: Things to do in Shiraz, Iran IRAN: Travel in Isfahan like a local IRAN: The most beautiful things to see in Kashan, Iran IRAN: What to do in Yazd, Iran

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Caroline Muller is an award-winning travel blogger. She writes and photographs full-time while oscillating between Sicily and Brussels as a home base.  She has documented over 60 countries across six continents and does not plan to stop any time soon. A staunch vegetarian for over 25 years, she loves exploring local cuisine in search of that perfect (plant-based) mouthful. With this blog, she hopes to help you travel slower, more sustainably and a hella lot more meaningfully. Pack your bags!

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Thanks for dropping in! My name is Caroline , and I am a full-time writer & photographer. With this blog, I hope to harness the power of travel to do good in the world. Think connecting with local cultures, sustainable tourism , and in-depth guides to known and lesser-known adventures. Adventure awaits!

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The Best Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

This post is about the best things to do in Samarkand. One reason to visit Samarkand and Uzbekistan, is to see the magnificent Islamic architecture in the ancient Silk road cities. I absolutely loved Khiva and Bukhara , but I also felt Uzbekistan did not live up to places like Shiraz or Isfahan in Iran. That was, untill I visited Samarkand.

Samarkand had all the odds against me liking it. I don’t like big cities, while Samarkand is the second largest city in Uzbekistan . It is also the most touristic, even though it lacks a scenic old town and most things to do in Samarkand are spread out over the city.

And yet, Samarkand was one of my favourite places to visit in Uzbekistan . This was the Uzbekistan that I was hoping to see and that offered me a glimpse in the true glory of the Silk road days. It is clear to me why Samarkand attracts so many visitors. The city holds some real gems and I was left in awe more than once.

What to do in Samarkand

My first “wow” moment was right when I arrived in Samarkand at the Registan. It is hard not to be impressed by this square with its beautiful madrassah’s. The blue domes, the high minarets, the intricate patterns in the mosaics and the colourful tilework.

But the Registan is just the beginning of all the things to do in Samarkand. There are equally stunning mausoleums, shrines and mosques. Most of them are from the time of Timur the Great. However, Samarkand is not all about Islamic architecture.

Samarkand is also a great place to get a feel for contemporary Uzbek culture and its delicious cuisine. Most historical monuments remain incredibly holy places for the Uzbek people. As touristic as Samarkand may be, they still attract more local pilgrims than foreigners. Furthermore, while Islam might still rule, Samarkands history goes back much further.

A short history of Samarkand

Together with Bukhara , Samarkand claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia . Archeologists suggest that people already lived here in the Paleolithic era. Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and a number of Persians and Turks ruled the city.

Samarkand was the capital of the ancient Sogdian empire as well as the Timurid empire under Timur the Great (Tamerlane). Timur rose to power in the late 14th century and his empire spanned from modern-day Turkey and Iran to India. Although Timur was a ruthless military leader, he also had a keen interest in art, culture, and architecture.

Timur developed Samarkand in a center of Arts and Islamic learning. He patronized scholars, artists, and architects, leading to the development of a unique architectural style known as Timurid architecture. Samarkand became one of the most beautiful cities in Central Asia. However, its glory days were numbered when in 1500 Uzbek nomad warriors took over and moved the capital to Bukhara.

Samarkand fell into decline and so did its mausoleums, mosques and madrassah’s. It was only revived by the Soviets who connected Samarkand to the Trans Caspian railway and restored most of the Timurid monuments.

The renovations were not without controversy. Some believe it was done so agressively that the monuments lost their authenticity. Others felt it needed to be done to save the ruins from total destruction.

When I saw the before and after pictures , I did realize that most of the things to do in Samarkand are actually not that old. What I am looking at is a reconstruction of how the Soviets imagined Samarkand to be. Either way, Samarkand is impressive.

The best things to do in Samarkand. 

The Registan is among the top things to do in Samarkand. The central square has three beautiful madrassah’s from the 15th and 17th century.

The Ulug Begh madrassah is the oldest madrassah in Samarkand. It was a great centre of learning where scientist Ulug Beg himself gave lectures in mathematics and astronomy.

The Sher Dor madrassah is interesting for the two tigers with a rising sun that you can see on its facade. It is remarkable, because in Islam it was prohibited to paint images of living beings.

The Tillya Kari madrassah was a residence for the students, but also had a mosque. The inside is exceptionally beautiful with blue and golden tilework.

Insider tip : Come early in the morning when the sun rise creates the best light for photography and tour groups have not yet arrived.

Gur-e-Amir mausoleum

Gur-e-Amir means tomb of the kings. This is where Timur the Great, his sons and grandsons found their last resting place. The architectural model of the mausoleum was later an inspiration for Humayun’s tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra .

There is a legend about a Soviet archeologist who wanted to research Timur’s skull. Locals warned him that opening his tomb would bring bad luck, but the archeologist proceeded regardless. On the day he opened the tomb, Hitler attacked the Soviet Union.

The mausoleum remains a holy place for Uzbek people. You can see a lot of Uzbek people that come to pray. When I was there one family even offered a sheep to the mausoleum.

Hovrenko wine tasting

The Russians not only renovated Samarkand, but also brought wine making to the region. Hovrenko’s wine factory from the late 19th century is the oldest in central Asia. They give Sampling sessions to tour groups that you are free to join as an individual tourist.

Central Park

Near the Hovrenko wine factory is Samarkands Central Park with a monument to two of the greatest poets in Uzbek and Tajik literature. Alisher Navoi and Abdurakhman Jami stand before the entrance of Samarkands greenest space.

Ulug bek observatory

Ulug bek ruled Uzbekistan for a short period of time only. He wasn’t very good in governing the country, but he was a great astronomer. His real passion was with science and teaching. He built the first astronomical observatory in central Asia and two madrassah’s where he gave lectures on mathematics and astronomy.

After Ulug Beks death, religious extremists destroyed the observatory. People forgot about it, untill a soviet archeologist found documents that revealed its existence. Excavations showed the huge curved tracks used for the astronomical instruments.

Tomb of the prophet Daniel

The biblical prophet Daniel has burial sites all over the world that claim to be his. From Morroco, Iraq, Turkey, Iran to Uzbekistan. Actually the tomb in Susa, Iran has the most supporters for being the real one, but people in Samarkand will disagree.

The story goes that in the war with Syria, Timur the Great brought back some of the remains of prophet Daniel to Samarkand. Another legend even tells that during Daniels burial ceremony a natural water spring came up. Locals still believe this water has healing powers.

Uzbek pilgrims come here to pray, take along some of the holy water and see the impressive 18 meter long sarcophagus. Timur the great said that Daniels body was still growing at a rate of 5 centimeters a year and therefore he needed such a long resting place.

Afrosiab settlement & Museum

Samarkand is full of impressive Timurid monuments, but long before Timur the Great, Samarkand was the capital of the Sogdian empire and one of the richest cities on the Silk Road.

The Sogdians were a hybrid culture of both Chinese and Iranian influences. They followed Zoroastrianism and a range of other local traditions that they spread out through the region as they travelled along the Silk Road as merchants.

In that time, Samarkand was described as a wealthy city on a fortified hill surrounded by lush gardens and fertile farms. The hill is still there and holds the ruins of the ancient Afrosiob settlement that was eventually destroyed by the Mongol invasions in the early 13th century.

Few tourists come here and the green hills are now used by herders with their sheeps. Truth be told, the ruins require a lot of imagination and at first sight there is nothing spectacular to see. But look closely and you will find pottery shards, coloured glass and other obviously ancient stuff. It’s an archeologists dream come true.

Some of the most precious findings, like a frescoe of a Zoroastrian Nowruz celebration, were moved to the Afrosiob museum. However, it is obvious that much work still has to be done and if these remains were in a city like Rome they would be among the top tourist attractions with thousands of visitors.

I was all on my own here and the only company we had were the sheeps and goats. It was one of my favourite things to do in Samarkand.

Shah i Zinda complex

The Shah-i-zinda complex is one of the most important burial sites in Uzbekistan. People believe that Kusam, a cousin from prophet Muhammad, is buried here. Kusam came to Samarkand during the 7th century with the Arab invasion to preach islam. At that time his efforts were not appreciated and he was beheaded.

Somehow Mohammed’s cousin did not die, but rather took his head and went into a well where he still lives. Since then the elite, including relatives of Timur the Great, prefered the Shah I zinda to be their final resting place. From the 11th till the 16th centuries several impressive mausoleums were built.

The Soviets had a blast here with their renovations and the result is nothing less than impressive. Together with the Registan the Shah-i-Zinda complex was among the most beautiful things to do in Samarkand.

Hazrat Khizr mosque

The Hazrat Khizr mosque is rather modest compared to the nearby Bibi Khanum mosque, but it was the first religious building in Samarkand. Locals believe that it was Hazrat Khizir that gave instructions to build the mosque.

Hazrat Khizr is an important prophet in islam that lived in the time of Abraham. There is a widespread belief among muslims that he was immortal, even though Islamic scholars rejected this idea.

Karimov mausoleum

Karimov, Uzbekistan’s long time ruler was in power as soon as Uzbekistan became independent. For 27 years, he was a true Soviet leader, using the same authoritarian tactics. Then, all of a sudden he died in 2016 .

Karimov was from Samarkand. Therefore his mausoleum was built right next to the Hazrat Khizir mosque and the Shah-i-Zinda complex.

I was surprised to see how busy it was. The Uzbek visitors treated Karimov’s tomb as a holy shrine. They prayed, made donations and took their selfies. was he really that popular?

Obviously Karimovs propaganda that praises his contributions towards Uzbekistans stability and progress was succesful to some point. However, behind the scenes are stories of thousands of political prisoners , torture and forced labour in the cotton industry .

Siob bazaar

Samarkand’s Siob bazaar is a welcome change from all the shrines and mosques. It’s a typical central Asian market with spices, nuts, fruits and vegetables.

Bibi Khanum mosque

Timur the great wanted to build the largest and most beautiful mosque in his empire. It was Timur’s most ambitious project and resulted in the Bibi Khanum mosque. Big it was and with its extensive decorations it was one of the most magnificent structures in Samarkand.

However, building techniques were pushed to the limits and from the start there were structural problems. It was an ongoing struggle of reinforcements and renovations to save the mosque. By the 19th century the mosque was in ruins. Renovation work is still ongoing.

Karimov Monument

Like Karimov’s mausoleum I was in for a surprise at Karimov’s new statue. Throughout my trip in Uzbekistan I regularly met married couples taking pictures at the monuments in their city. In Samarkand it was the Karimov statue that attracted the newly weds.

When I was there one couple was carefully staging their perfect moment with their familie and a number of white doves. The next two couples were already waiting in line for their turn.

Soviet mosaics

It is clear that Uzbekistan is much more proud of its Islamic legacy under the Timurids, than of its time in the Soviet Union. Street names were changed and Lenin statues were replaced by Timur the great or famous Uzbek poets like Alisher Navoi.

Ironically it was the Soviets that restored the Islamic monuments, but you need to look hard for any Soviet heritage. Samarkand and Tashkent are the best cities in Uzbekistan where you can still see some Soviet architecture.

One of my favourite findings in samarkand was a wall with beautiful Soviet mosaics near the Registan.

The best things to do near Samarkand 

With so many things to do in Samarkand I had unfortunately not so much time to see the tourist attractions outside of the city. If you have enough time there are some interesting day trips.

Al Bukhari mausoleum

The Al Bukhari mausoleum, just 25 kilometers from Samarkand, is another important pilgrimage site for Uzbek Muslims. Al Bukhari was an influential Islamic scholar who died in 870. The current complex was built in 1998 by former president Karimov.  

How to get there : from the bus stop at Shah-i-Zinda take a bus heading towards Chelek and then get off at the village of Khoja Ismail

Urgut bazaar 

Urgut is famous for its bazaar that is much larger and cheaper than the Siob bazaar in Samarkand. It is one of the best places to buy jewellery and antique clothes. Come here on Sunday or Wednesday when the bazaar is at its biggest. On other days not all sections are open.

How to get there : At the corner of the Registan with Dagbet there are shared taxi’s or minibuses to the village of Urgut. It takes about an hour.

Shakhrisabz

Timur the Great was born in Shahkrisabz and that is where he built his palace and own mausoleum. Unfortunately his wish to find his last resting place in is home town did not materialize. He died from an illness in Kazakhstan during a military campaign. His body was brought to Samarkand to be buried in the lavish Gur-e-Amir mausoleum.

The old center of Shahrisabz with its mosques, mausoleums and palaces is now a World Heritage site. I must be honest that I did not have the time to visit Shakrisabz but the Wandering Wheatleys did and they have an excellent post on what to see in Shakrisabz and their take on whether it is worth a visit.

How to get there : Shared taxi’s leave 100 meters south of the Registan bus stop at the registan supermarket. It takes about two hours and is a scenic ride. This road might be closed between December and March because of snow on the mountain pass

Nuratau mountains

If you are tired of all the mosques and madrassah’s and you want some nature head to the Nuratau mountains . The Nuratau nature reserve is great for hiking, birdwatching and spotting wild Severtsov sheep. The sceneries are beautiful and it is a perfect place to get away from the crowds.

The Nuratau mountains are an off the beaten path destination and tourism infrastructure is basic. The eco tourism homestays are one of the few community based tourism projects in the country.

How to get there : From the Ulug bek bus station in Samarkand take a minibus or shared taxi to Jizzakh. Most likely you will arrive at the Olmachi bus station in Jizzakh and you need to take a shared taxi to the Gorod bus station in Jizzakh. From there you can take a shared taxi to Yangiqishloq (Forish) .

In Forish you can arrange a homestay in one of the villages like Sentyab , Asraf , Hayat or Uhum. To get there you need to take a private taxi from Forish

Samarkand Travel Tips

What to eat in samarkand.

Uzbek cuisine is known for its rich flavors, hearty dishes, and the use of aromatic spices. In Samarkand you can dfind all the Uzbek classics such as Plov (rice with carrots and meat), Laghman (noodles with meat and vegetables) and Manti (dumplings).

Samarkand has a few local dishes and is also famous for its good quality of Non bread from the tandoor oven and Samsa. Samsa is a popular pastry throughout Uzbekistan, but the Samarkand version has its own distinct characteristics. Samarkand samsa is typically larger in size compared to other regions and is often shaped like a triangle. The crust of Samarkand samsa is known for its flakiness and rich flavor.

Where to eat in Samarkand

Bibi Khanum teahouse : This was my favourite place in Samarkand for delicious Uzbek cuisine. Besides the usual plov, laghman and shaslick they alse serve other national dishes like dolma and flavourful stews. Especially the soups are very good.

Cafe magistr : Cafe Magistr is a nice place for lunch near the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum. It had great coffee, but also surprisingly good food. If you want a change of central Asian cuisine this is the place to be. They have decent pizza and pasta.

Platan : Platan is a bit of an up market restaurant, but with very reasonable prices. The menu is varied and you can go for either Uzbek cuisine or international cuisine. The food I had was very good

Osh Markazi : If you want to try plov you should go to the Osh Markazi. They serve only one dish, but do a very good job in making the best plov in Samarkand

Where to sleep in Samarkand

Timur the great : I stayed in Timur the Great and although it is not the cheapest option I can fully recommend this place. The owner is extremely friendly and helpful. Breakfast is included in the price and it was the best breakfast we had in Uzbekistan. It is only a few minutes walk from Registan square

Amir Hostel : Amir hostel is a popular hostel among backpackers, because of its budget prices and good breakfast buffet. It is close to the Platan restaurant, but a bit far from the main tourist attractions

How to travel to Samarkand

Samarkand has a central location and it is easy to travel to Samarkand from either Tashkent or Bukhara.

By train : Travelling by train is the most comfortable way to travel to and from Samarkand. There are several trains that run between Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent.

With the daily high speed Afrosiyob it takes less than 2 hours to reach Bukhara and about 2,5 hours to reach Tashkent. With the other trains it takes about 3,5 hours to get to Tashkent and 2,5 hours to get to Bukhara.

By bus or shared taxi : If you were not able to get train tickets, there is always the option of a mini bus or shared taxi. From Samarkand there are buses and shared taxi’s to Tashkent, Bukhara, Shahkrisabz, Urgut and also Penjikent in Tajikistan.

The border between Samarkand and Penjikent is now open for foreigners, making Samarkand a good place to cross into Tajikistan.

How to get around Samarkand

Many of Samarkand’s attractions, including the Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, are located within walking distance of each other. Exploring the city on foot allows you to take in the historical sites, admire the architecture, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this ancient city.

Taxis are a convenient option for traveling longer distances within Samarkand or reaching specific destinations outside the city center. You can easily find taxis at designated taxi stands or hail one on the street. It is advisable to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

Marshrutkas are minibusses that operate on fixed routes within the city. They are an affordable and popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists.

When to visit Samarkand

Samarkand has cold winters and very hot summers. The best months to visit Samarkand are  April, May and June (spring) and then again in  September and October (autumn).

Spring in Samarkand is characterized by mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. The weather is generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This is an excellent time to visit as the city comes alive with colorful flowers, and you can enjoy the sights without the intense heat of summer.

In spring you can also experience the Nowruz celebrations. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated in Samarkand and throughout Uzbekistan with great enthusiasm and cultural festivities.

Autumn is another favorable time to visit Samarkand. The temperatures start to cool down, and the weather remains pleasant for outdoor activities.

Sustainable travel in Samarkand

Samarkand sees more tourists every year. While Tourism is a welcome source of income it can also have negative consequences. Traveling sustainably in Samarkand, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the local community: You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, and restaurants. It is better to try Uzbek cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels. Where possible, I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can also try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Use public transport : Samarkand has a well-developed public transportation system with shared taxis and marshrutkas. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of private cars to reduce carbon emissions.

Avoid plastics : To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter that you can refill at your accomodation. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Respect the culture : Uzbekistan is an Islamic country that is just opening up to tourism. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Uzbek or Russian, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This Samarkand travel guide with the best things to do in Samarkand Uzbekistan contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

9 thoughts on “The Best Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan”

Thanks Ellis, I am now ready to go end of month, this is a useful blog, can’t wait to see it all for myself!

I love reading about your Silk Route adventures and inspires our travels there one year. kx

I love all your blogs and this one is really interesting. I’m saving as usual because we plan to tour the “stans”, hopefully in 2021.

I had never heard of Samarkand. Thanks for sharing about this gem.

I’m fascinated by the history and influences on the culture, especially from the Soviets and the impact of their renovations. There is so much about this region of the world that I am just beginning to learn, so thank you for sharing your insights and introducing me to Samarkand!

Wow, you visit the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I mosaic work on this page is so impressive.

Thanks for taking me on your detailed tour of Samarkand. I knew very little about this area but now I do!

I was booked on a trip to Uzbekistan in 2002, but then 9/11 happened and it was cancelled. Reading about your adventures there makes up for it – a little bit. Maybe one day . . . .

Hello: I am now retired and have Parkinson’s but I just wanted to wish you well. I only recently learned anything substantial about the Silk Road and the marvellous cities in Central Asia. Having been educated in the Netherlands but also got my college and university degrees d in Canada, I hardly knew anything about that part of the worl.d. Thank you for exploring. I have named my 2 cats’ Marco Polo and the Silk Road., not that that makes up for my lack of attention. Casey Huisman

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Best Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Last Updated on May 17, 2024 by admin

This complete city guide to Samarkand attractions covers things to do in Samarkand, places to visit in Samarkand, Samarkand itinerary, where to eat in Samarkand, where to shop in Samarkand as well as travel tips.

Samarkand is Uzbekistan‘s second largest city, and is famous for being one of the most important Silk Road cities. It is also one of the oldest cities in the world, founded around the 7th century BC.

If someone asked me about my favorite city in Uzbekistan that offers stunning architecture of mosques and mausoleums, has an amazing city vibe and also vibrant bazaars, it would be Samarkand. I loved my visit to Tashkent , Bukhara and Khiva , but Samarkand stole the show and how! 

No wonder, poets and historians have described Samarkand as “The Pearl of the Eastern Muslim World”.

Table of Contents

HISTORY OF SAMARKAND

Samarkand served as the capital of both the ancient Sogdian empire and the Timurid empire under Timur the Great (Tamerlane). Timur ascended to power in the late 14th century, and his empire extended from present-day Turkey and Iran to India. Despite Timur’s reputation as a formidable military leader, he displayed a profound interest in art, culture, and architecture.

Under Timur’s influence, Samarkand evolved into a hub of arts and Islamic education. He generously supported scholars, artists, and architects, giving rise to the distinctive Timurid architectural style.

Samarkand earned a reputation as one of the most enchanting cities in Central Asia. However, its golden era came to an end in 1500 when Uzbek nomadic warriors seized control, relocating the capital to Bukhara.

As a consequence, Samarkand experienced a decline, leading to the deterioration of its mausoleums, mosques, and madrassas. The city’s revival only occurred with the intervention of the Soviets, who linked Samarkand to the Trans Caspian railway and undertook the restoration of numerous Timurid monuments.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PLACES TO VISIT IN SAMARKAND

Getting to samarkand.

Samarkand is very well connected to Tashkent which is generally the first destination by international travelers in Uzbekistan. It is also very well connected to Bukhara. There are several trains each day from Tashkent and Bukhara to Samarkand. They are fast, comfortable, and generally run-on schedule. The trip from Tashkent to Samarkand takes less than three hours in Afrosiyob (bullet train) and less than two hours from Bukhara to Samarkand in Afrosiyob (bullet train).

The Samarkand International Airport also services many foreign destinations such as Moscow, Kuwait, Warsaw, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, etc. The distance from the airport to the center of Samarkand is 8 km and one can get to any point of the city both by taxi and by city buses.

Getting around Samarkand

Tourists can use local taxis or app-based taxis – YandexGo . Similar to Uber, it is widely used in Uzbekistan. This is really useful as you don’t have to haggle with the taxi drivers regarding the fares and confusion regarding the destination – the accent makes it difficult to understand. An average taxi ride from anywhere in Samarkand is approximately 12,000 – 20,000 UZS ($1 – 1.6)

Samarkand also has yellow taxis operating on a shared taxi system meaning they will continue to pick up additional people as long as there are extra seats. There is a flat rate of 4,000 UZS ($0.32) for most trips around downtown and Registan.

Where to stay in Samarkand

Registan Hostel

Located very close to the Registan Square, Registan Hostel has air conditioned dorms and private rooms. It also features complimentary WiFi access and a common lounge, shared kitchen and airport transfers.

The property can be booked here .

Muborak Hostel/Homestay

A family run hostel, it has the feel of a guest house or AirBnB. It is 1 km from Bibi Khanum Mosque and can be easily reached by a short walk.

The rooms are clean and comfortable at Muborak Hostel. And the food buffet at breakfast and dinner is incredible too. The owner has a convenience store that sells baked goods (including Uzbek bread), snacks, water, cold drinks, etc.

Muborak Hostel can be booked here .

Orient Star Hotel

The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and poolside terrace that is located in the old part of the city. Orient Star Samarkand’s rooms include a minibar, TV and wi-fi. Breakfast is provided in the hotel’s restaurant, which serves both European and regional Uzbek cuisine.

Orient Star Hotel can be booked here .

Where to eat in Samarkand

Being a vegetarian, I was quite worried about getting vegetarian food in Uzbekistan . Thankfully, Samarkand has vegetarian food options across the city.

These are some of the vegetarian restaurants in Samarkand that I tried and liked.

Mone Cafe & Bakery

Mone Cafe is a modern resto-café with a menu that contains multiple vegetarian and vegan items. Items include salads, sides, breads, and fruit platters for dessert.

Address: 32A Bobur Mirzo Str, Samarkand

Samarkand Art House Cafe

Located right next to Bibi-Khanum Mosque, I stumbled across a large sign outside advertising a vegetarian menu. The restaurant also houses an arts & crafts shop that supports disadvantaged children when you purchase something. 

The restaurant has set up tables on a veranda and a few in the garden with a view of the mosque. It offers a good variety of vegetarian items that are vegan or can be made vegan. The tea collection is also nice and the quantity of drinks and food is good.

Address: MX5J+W4W, Samarkand

3 DAYS SAMARKAND ITINERARY

I took the 9:45 am Afrosiyob from Tashkent and reached Samarkand at 11:15am. I checked-in to my homestay and had lunch. I was ready to move out by 2pm but it was extremely hot. So, I ventured out at 4pm.

I walked through inner-city roads from my homestay and reached a big wooden door. One side of the door was open and on peeping on the other side, it was such a contrast. Known as Tashkent Road or Islom Karimov Street, this road was pedestrian friendly with fancy boulevard and cafes & shops lined on both sides and an amazing vibe. I’m giving this information because everything is walking distance from here.

Day 1 (second half):

• Explore Tashkent Street
• Bibi Khanym Mosque
• Registan Night Show

 Day 2:

• Shah-i-Zinda
• Ulugbeg’s Observatory
• Konigil village and Meros Paper Mill
• Shopping at Siyob Bazaar
• Leave at 9 pm to Bukhara on Afrosiyob

THINGS TO DO IN SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN

Explore registan.

The first place to visit in Samarkand is the grand ‘Registan’.

Registan is a big square with 3 majestic and distinctive madrasas (Islamic schools) – adorned with azure mosaics, beautiful arches, open backyards and vast, well-proportioned spaces.

The Registan, which translates to ‘Sandy Place’ in Tajik , was a public square, where people gathered to hear royal proclamations, heralded by blasts on enormous copper pipes called dzharchis — and a place of public executions. In the medieval period it was Samarkand’s commercial center.

The madrasas now stand there inviting tourists to glare at their beautiful designs. Each madrasa has something intriguing inside them to keep the tourist glued!

 Tilya-Kori is the central madrasa. The two other madrasa in Registan are the Sherdor Madrasa on the right, and the Ulugbek Madrasa on the left. Both have beautiful courtyards in the back with small rooms which are now turned into souvenir shops.

Tilya-Kori Madrasa

In Uzbek, Tilya-Kori means “gilded”. It is the newest of the three madrasas in Registan Square.

It has the most striking interior area with a small mosque. The walls of the mosque are covered in intricate gold details and the ceiling is spectacular. It also has a small exhibition area where photos of Registan before restoration are displayed.

Ulugbek Madrasa

The oldest madrasa in Registan Square, Ulugbek Madrasa was built during the 15th century and quickly became a hub for Islamic scholarship, attracting some of the brightest minds of its time. It served as an educational institution where students learned about subjects ranging from theology and mathematics to astronomy and philosophy.

The madrasa played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge in various fields, and Ulugbek himself was a celebrated astronomer whose astronomical observations led to significant discoveries.

Inside the madrasa, visitors can explore the Ulugbek Museum, which is dedicated to the life and contributions of Ulugbek, who was not only a ruler but also a pioneering scientist. The museum houses a fascinating collection of astronomical instruments, manuscripts, and exhibits that showcase Ulugbek’s revolutionary work in astronomy.

Sherdor Madrasa

In Uzbek, Sherdor means “with lions”. The madrasa was constructed during the 17th century, under the reign of Yalangtush Bahadur, a descendant of the famous conqueror Tamerlane. This madrasa has a design that combines elements of Islamic architecture with Central Asian aesthetics. Its most striking feature is the twin tiger mosaics that flank the main portal.

There is an option of dressing up as a local at the Sherdor Madrasa where tourists can rent a traditional Uzbek outfit for the small fee of 5,000 UZS per person.

Registan Square Entry Fees: 50,000 UZS ($4)

Registan Square Timings: Open daily from April to October from 8 am to 7 pm and from November to March from 9 am until 5 pm.

Note: The entrance ticket is valid all day long, allowing you to come back at sunset and photograph the complex at various times of day depending upon the sunlight direction. Tell the complex security guards if you’d like to reuse the ticket, otherwise they will tear your ticket and you won’t be able to reuse it.

Attend the Registan Square Light Show

After sunset, all the three madrasa are lit up and look extremely beautiful. It is important to visit Registan square both in the day and night for this reason.

There is a Registan Square Light show at 9 pm daily where traditional music is played and lights dance on the madarasa. It is breathtaking. The Registan Light Show is free and there are steps where one can sit and enjoy the show.

Watching the night show from the inner court is also possible, but one needs to buy a ticket again. The cost is 60,000 UZS per person ($4.79).

I did not want to buy a ticket again and it was still amazing to watch it from the outer area.

Entrance Fees to Registan Square Light Show: Free

Registan Square Light Show Timings: 9pm – 10 pm

Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Named after the wife of Timur the Great, Bibi Khanym Mosque was built by Amir Timur himself and he wanted to make it into the most magnificent mosque of the Islamic world. However, Timur got a bit too ambitious and pushed the building techniques to their limit. Due to the push structural problems were encountered and the mosque slowly started to deteriorate until an earthquake in 1897 left the building in ruins.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of the looked forward attractions in Samarkand. Located on Tashkent Street in front of the Siyob Bazaar, the mosque has a beautiful courtyard. It was undergoing restoration when I visited so some of the areas were closed. Unfortunately, the dust due to the restoration was all over the place.

There were 2 workshops by local craftsmen inside – Copper plate making and wooden frames. Watching them craft beautiful items was the highlight of visiting the mosque.

Since I visited in the evening, we saw a beautiful sunset from the garden courtyard.

Bibi-Khanym Entrance Fees: 30,000 UZS ($2.40)

Timings of Bibi-Khanym Mosque: 9 am to 6 pm

Shop till you Drop at Siyob Bazaar

The Siyob Bazaar is a local food market like the one in Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent. It mainly sells bread, meat, fruits and dry fruits. The candy, fruit, and nut vendors will call out to you from their stalls, offering to taste their goods. Be sure to try the pistachio halva, it’s a sweet, chewy nougat that is absolutely delicious. But be sure to bargain.

The streets around Siyob Bazaar have been converted into souvenirs shops selling all sorts of memorabilia such ceramics, knives, purses, jewelry, ikkat shrugs, etc. as meant for locals, but there are a few things here to satisfy tourists as well. If you enjoy wandering through markets and enjoying the people watching, you’ll definitely get your fill of that here.

Entrance Fees to Siyob Bazaar: Free

Siyob Bazaar Timings: 9 am – 7 pm

Fall in love with the lanes of Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand

One of the best things to do in Samarkand is walking the lanes of Shah-i-Zinda.

Shah-i-Zinda is a mausoleum with stunning works of art. It is a necropolis that consists of rows of blue tombs and various mausoleums grouped along a narrow avenue. The vibrant blue tilework is prevalent throughout the complex, making it a photographer’s dream!

The name Shah-i-Zinda translates to “Tomb of the Living King” which refers to the holiest of the shrines, which is likely the grave of Qusam ibn-Abbas. He is famed for bringing Islam to this region in the 7th century. The mausoleums here were built over the periods of the 11th to the 19th centuries as Timur and Ulugbek buried their families and closest confidants here at later dates.

There exist multiple guidelines for visitors at the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum. These include dressing modestly as a sign of reverence for the deceased. Furthermore, it’s prohibited to take photos near the tombstones, sit on them, speak loudly, exhibit improper behavior, place money on graves, or conduct animal sacrifices at the gravesites. 

Shah-i-Zinda entry fees: 50,000 UZS ($4)

Timings of Shah-I-Zinda: Open daily from 7 am until 7 pm

Get lost in the Gur-e-Amir Complex

The Gur-e-Amir Complex is a striking madrasah that houses the tombs of Amir Temur and his beloved descendants. Which is why visiting it is one of most popular things to do in Samarkand.

The building was originally meant to be an Islamic school at the direction of Temur’s grandson, Muhammad Sultan. But after he died suddenly in 1403, Temur ordered that the complex be changed to a mausoleum. Temur was originally meant to be buried in his hometown of Shakhrisabz, but his body was laid to rest at the Gur-e Amir, as well as his other infamous grandson Ulugbek. 

The outer embellishment of the mausoleum showcases a combination of blue, turquoise, and white tiles arranged in geometrical and epigraphic patterns, set against a backdrop of terracotta bricks.

The interior of the mausoleum is truly breathtaking! Geometric panels dazzle with star-shaped motifs, while niches adorned with papier-mâché stalactites painted in hues of blue and gold add to its splendor. 

Amir Temur’s jade stone grave is in the center of the grandiose room that houses all of the tombs. Outside is a lovely courtyard and garden, with a spectacular arched gate at the entryway.

Gur-e-amir entrance Fees: 50,000 UZS ($4)

Timings of Gur-e-amir: The Gur-e-Amir mausoleum is open daily from April to October from 8.00 am until 7.00 pm and from November to March from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm.

Learn about astronomy at the Ulugh Beg Observatory

One of the most popular things to do in Samarkand is visiting the Ulugh Beg Observatory.

The observatory comprises a three-story cylindrical structure enclosing three massive astronomical instruments. Among these, the primary instrument is a towering meridian arc, reaching a monumental height of 40 meters, employed for measuring the elevation angles of celestial bodies. 

Initially erected in 1428-1429 by the renowned astronomer Ulugh Beg, the Ulugh Beg Observatory stood as one of the prominent observatories in the Islamic world at that time. Tragically, it fell victim to destruction in 1449 at the hands of religious extremists, remaining lost for many years until its rediscovery in 1908.

Within its walls, remarkable discoveries were made. Ulugh Beg’s calculations revealed that the duration of a stellar year approximated 365 days, 6 hours, 10 minutes, and 8 seconds, an accuracy only slightly deviating from modern calculations by less than a minute.

Today, the only remnants of the observatory consist of the sextant, an instrument utilized for determining midday, sheltered under a protective roof. Peering down into the sizable aperture, visitors can catch a glimpse of the substantial section below. 

Adjacent to it, stands a modest museum offering insights into Ulugh Beg’s legacy and the groundbreaking astronomical work conducted within the observatory during the 15th century.

Ulugh Beg Observatory Entrance fees: 50,000 UZS ($4)

Timings of Ulugh Beg Observatory: Open daily from 9 am until 7 pm.

Visit the President’s Tomb

The President’s Tomb provides a convenient stop on your return journey from the Ulugh Beg Observatory. Here, you can marvel at both the Hazrati Khizr Mosque and the final resting place of the former president.

Islam Karimov, the former president of Uzbekistan, governed the Uzbek SSR in 1990 before proclaiming Uzbekistan’s independence on September 1, 1991. Following this, he secured a landslide victory in the inaugural general election held in December of the same year. Karimov continued to win subsequent re-elections by a significant margin, often surpassing 90% of the vote, until his passing in 2016.

Similar to other historic and religious landmarks in Samarkand, the mosque and adjoining tomb showcase breathtaking architecture and rich historical significance. Visitors may have the opportunity to ascend the minaret upon payment of the entrance fee, affording panoramic views of the courtyard below. While photography is permitted in this area, capturing images of the actual president’s tomb is prohibited.

President’s Tomb entry fees: 20,000 ($1.60)

Timings of President’s Tomb, Samarkand: Open daily from 9 am until 7 pm

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR SAMARKAND

Shakhrisabz.

Shakhrisabz is 85 km away from Samarkand and a perfect one day trip. Shakhrisabz is an important city in the history of Uzbekistan as Amir Temur was born in the neighboring village of Hodja-Ilgar and made Shakhrisabz his residence. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several interesting architectural sites to explore.

The drive from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz crosses the Aman-Kutan Gorge and Takhta-Karacha Mountain Pass. On the way, tourists can make a stop to take a view at Teshiktosh (Stone with hole). The film “Apachen” (1973) was shot on this location – an area that looks incredibly like the American Southwest. 

Drive to Shakhrisabz and exploring various places would take about 3 hours. The tour will cover the Mausoleum of Jakhongir in Dor-us Saodat Memorial Complex, the remains of Ak Saray Palace and Kok Gumbaz Mosque.

Entry fees for each of these places varies between 10,000 – 15,000 UZS ($0.8-1.2). The car rental would be extra depending upon the car you choose.

FAQs FOR THINGS TO DO IN SAMARKAND

Is a guide required for samarkand sightseeing.

Samarkand is full of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and one can understand the history well if there is a guide with you. Although tourists can hire local guides at each tourist destination who offer services in many languages, I suggest that having a guide on the entire trip is beneficial as one can visit some offbeat spots. That being said, I hired a guide only for Registan Square and paid 1,00,000 UZS ($8) and it was worth it!

Is Samarkand safe?

Yes! Samarkand is a very safe city, even if you’re traveling as a woman by yourself. I found women drivers in app based taxis late at night and that was cherry on the cake!

The Uzbeks are very friendly and have no bad intentions whatsoever. Be prepared to take loads of photos with locals. Being an Indian, they wanted to strike a conversation with me with the few Hindi words they knew. They are huge Bollywood fans and know many actors’ names.

Best time to visit Samarkand?

Samarkand can be visited all year round but I’d say that early autumn (September and October) and spring (April and May) would be the best time to visit the city. 

Summers (June till August) are usually very hot in Uzbekistan. I went in August end and the afternoons were too hot and I am someone who lives in India. It was too much for me as well and I did not venture out between 2-4pm.

Winters (December till February) are also a good time if you want to avoid the crowds. If you’re lucky, you might get to see the stunning architecture coated in snow.

How many days to spend in Samarkand?

2 full days are enough to cover the highlights and the offbeat places in Samarkand.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR THINGS TO DO IN SAMARKAND

• Carry your own refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not trash the heritage site with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
• Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully especially in mosques and mausoleums.
• Respect the ancient structures of mosques and other structures by not sitting on them.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography.
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archeological sites and monuments.

I hope this 3 days Samarkand guide helps you plan all things to do in Samarkand. Do you have more questions? Write to me in the comment below and I will reply.

Looking for more Uzbekistan Inspiration? Read Here

• Things to do in Bukhara
• Uzbekistan Travel Guide
• Tashkent Metro Stations
• Tashkent Attractions
• Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan
• Things to do in Khiva
• Travelling by train in Uzbekistan

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Ketki Gadre

Ketki is an environmental consultant and a sustainable travel blogger, who loves nature, wildlife and heritage. She enjoys bringing places to life through her informative blogs to inspire readers to travel sustainably and become responsible travellers.

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10 Astonishing Things To Do In Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand, a jewel in the crown of the Great Silk Road and Uzbekistan, is a city like no other. Find out about the top things to do in Samarkand, the crossroad between east and west. Discover historical places in Samarkand Silk Road and get amazed by the array of historical and cultural Samarkand attractions.

Samarkand is often considered a heart of the Silk Road, an ancient trade route linking China with the Mediterranean region. The highlight of Uzbekistan , or even the whole of Central Asia , this ancient city glimmers with the splendour of turquoise mosaics and architectonic masterpieces.

Samarkand has been found the 7th century B.C. and developed mainly between 14th and 15th century. The Timurid dynasty left its signature on the city with numerous majestic structures and architectural pearls. Samarkand is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List .

TOP THINGS TO DO IN SAMARKAND

The ancient city with history dating back more than 2,500 years, shows off rich culture of Central Asia and Silk Road. It’s famous for its numerous mosques, mausoleums and madrassas. Samarkand’s crucial geographical location made it an important part of the Silk Road and, back in the days, a capital city of Uzbekistan. 

Because of its importance, Samarkand now stands on every Uzbekistan itinerary , and Central Asia itinerary , therefore it is busier with group tours than Bukhara , Khiva or other places in Uzbekistan.

It is a majestic city, and even on me, an outdoors junkie, it left a huge impression. However, you need to be prepared for the hustle and bustle in some places, and make sure to get off the main paths to find quiet streets and reflect on the old days of the Timurid empire.

Samarkand sightseeing options are endless. If you wonder what to do in Samarkand, below, you can find the list with the best of the things to do in Samarkand, to help you navigate through the city. 

I spent two days there, but even one day in Samarkand, if well planned, will give you an opportunity to see all the iconic places to see in Samarkand. 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More details here .

#1 Visit Registan square

One of the top places to visit in Samarkand, and the most famous square in the city, the Registan, is worth the hype.

If Samarkand is your first stop on your Uzbekistan itinerary , and you arrive at Registan first thing in the morning, you are going to be left speechless. 

The Registan, a centre square of Samarkand, used to be a public space for people gatherings, as well as a big marketplace. It also has been used as a place for public execution. The name means a “desert” in the Persian language.

The square is framed by three islamic schools (called madrasa hs): Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah and Sher-Dor Madrasah.

Ulugh Beg Madrasah is located on the left side of the square. 

On the right side, you can find Sher-Dor Madrasah, and in the middle Tilya-Kori Madrasah, possibly the prettiest one of the three.

It’s worth going up to the minaret, for the bird’s eye’s view of the whole Registan. Just beware that the stairs are very narrow and on the top, there is space for just one person to pop your head out. If you are claustrophobic, I do not recommend it. It also costs an extra fee.

Tips for visiting Registan in Samarkand

The Registan looks the most beautiful in the morning before all the local crowds arrive. Yes, despite Uzbekistan being off the beaten path destination, there are still crowded places there. Mainly with a local, colourful crowd. 

Make sure to also visit Registan at night, when the whole complex is lit up. Even after the entrance is closed, you can still admire the square from the outside. The chirping birds in the nearby trees add to the magical feeling.

The entrance fee seems to be varying and is around 15 000 – 30 000 som (negotiable).

The entrance to the minaret costs 10,000 additional. 

Sometimes if you come early for the sunrise, the guards might let you in before the opening hours for an additional tip.

#2 Admire the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum of Timur

The Gur-e-Amir is a mausoleum for Amir Timur, the first ruler of the Timurid empire. You can walk around the building to see people paying their respects to the emperor, or pay a fee to get inside. 

I’ve stayed in a B&B Emir hotel just around the corner from Gur-e-Amir, so every time I was heading into town, I would walk past it. It looks beautiful from the outside, during the day and also at night.

As with some other Samarkand tourist attractions, the guards will ask you if you want to enter it out of opening hours for a fee. I didn’t go inside though.

#3 Enter Bibi Khanym Mosque

Bibi Khanym mosque is one of the most important monuments in Samarkand.

The huge structure is worth visiting. It used to be one of the largest mosques in the world, but it has been destroyed with time. It still does look magnificent, from the outside and from the inside, showing off the delicate Islamic architecture design. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to enter the biggest of the domed chambers – they are not safe anymore.

The mosque is located by the busy local street, and near the market, so expect a lot of locals hanging around.

Entrance fee – 21,000 UZS.

#4 Buy local produce on the Siyob Bazaar

Siyob Bazaar is the biggest open-air market in Samarkand and the largest bazaar in the whole of Uzbekistan. It’s located just by the Bibi Khanym Mosque. T he Siyob Bazaar is a great place to wander around and explore what items you can get there – from sweets to fresh produce, meat, bread, medicines to kitchen dishes.

I also loved it for people watching and talking to locals. When they sit in the bazaar the whole day, they appreciate a chat with an interested tourist 😉

#5 Enter wooden Hazrat Khizr Mosque

A change from the tiled work, this mosque with the colourfully painted wooden roof is a popular place for prayers for the local people. You can find it on the way from Siab Bazaar to Shah-i-Zinda necropolis.

On the side of the mosque, there is a small museum you can enter for an additional fee.

#6 Admire the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

The Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis is an essential place to visit in Samarkand. A b eautiful complex of mausoleums, full of turquoise and terracotta mosaics. 

The Necropolis consists of 20 blue-domed mausoleums. They date back to the period between XI and XIX centuries.

The name of the site means “the living king” and it’s connected to the legend that Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the prophet Muhammad, is buried here.

Some of the tombs are the resting place for Timurid’s dynasty, their relatives, as well as some other important figures like Kazi Zade Rumi, the scientist and astronomer.

The Shahi Zinda Necropolis is also a place for pilgrimage. As a sacred place, it’s often visited by locals, who pray and pay their respects. Please, keep that in mind when you visit.

Opening hours: 7 am-7 pm. Entrance fee: 10,000 UZS. I recommend visiting in the late afternoon when it’s quieter and the sun creates long shadows and golden colour on the buildings. 

#7 Pay respects in the Muslim cemetery

In the backside of the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis , you will find a more modern life cemetery that is accessible to the public.

You can walk on the peaceful alleys sheltered by the trees, and wonder about the lives of people who are not with us anymore.

#8 Explore the Gumbaz Synagogue

The Gumbaz Synagogue is the only Jewish synagogue in Samarkand, located in the local neighbourhood. I went there alone and I was eagerly greeted by the man who takes care of the place.

He spotted me from afar and went ahead to open synagogue for me to see. His excitement about the place is the main reason to visit. The entrance is free, but he will ask you for a small donation into the box inside the synagogue. You can put inside whatever you feel like.

#9 Wander the back streets of Samarkand

When you visit the Gumbaz Synagogue, you will typically go off the main tourist trail in Samarkand. This will allow you to see the life of local people away from the grand buildings. 

I also recommend you to walk in other back streets. I’ve done it myself and everywhere I was greeted with friendliness and curiosity. As usual, exercise the usual safety precautions, especially if you travel alone, and do not walk in the unknown area after dark.

#10 Visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory

The Ulugh Beg Observatory is an observatory in Samarkand, considered by one of the best observatories in the Islamic world. It has been built in 1420 by the Timurid astronomer. 

The Observatory is located a bit further away from the other Samarkand attractions, but if you have some time to spare, you can visit it. 

SAMARKAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Where to stay in samarkand.

In Samarkand stayed in B&B Emir . It’s a hostel, located close to Gur Emir complex and a short walk away from Registan.

It features the traditional wooden interior, a rooftop (it wasn’t fully ready when I was there though) and nice, clean rooms. Breakfast wasn’t included, but there are plenty of places in the city where you can get food. Check prices and availability here.

If you want something on the other side of town, check Tilyakori Hotel or Hotel Caravan Serail , both traditional and with beautiful interior. 

How to get to Samarkand

If you arrive in Samarkand from Tashkent, the easiest way to get there is by train. Similarly from the other way – from Bukhara. The tickets are cheap and the trains are quite fast and efficient. You can book the tickets on the Uzbek rail website . I recommend buying them in advance, as they can get sold out. To avoid hefty bank fees, use Revolut for payments. 

You can also use a shared taxi to travel between the cities in Uzbekistan.

Safety in Samarkand

I travelled to Uzbekistan solo , and I felt safe there alone. As everywhere, exercise normal safety precautions and you should be fine. 

What to pack for Samarkand and Uzbekistan

A few things that I recommend bringing when you travel to Uzbekistan:

• Revolut card for fee-free ATM withdrawals (some of the local ATMs will still charge a small fee, but it’s not the bank fee). Order your card here .
• Cash – US dollars  
• Sunscreen. I love this 50+La Roche Posay .
• Water filter. I recommend SteriPen , that also filters viruses or LifeStraw . You can buy SteriPen here , LifeStraw here .
• Russian phrasebook & dictionary – I used the one from Lonely Planet and found it very helpful. Buy it here.
• First aid kit
• Sunglasses for the harsh sun and higher altitudes

Do you know any other things to do in Samarkand that are worth considering? Have you visited Samarkand before? Let me know in the comments!

Read more about Central Asia:

  Full backpacking Uzbekistan itinerary 

Is Uzbekistan safe? I traveled solo to Uzbekistan and this is what I discovered

21 Impressive Things to do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Central Asia Travel Guide and Backpacking itinerary

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• Is Uzbekistan Safe? 5 Things I Discovered Traveling Solo
• Full Backpacking Uzbekistan Itinerary in One Week (Or More) + Tips
• Elliq Qala – 50 Desert Fortresses Of The Golden Ring in Uzbekistan
• Bukhara, Uzbekistan – 21 Impressive Things To Do In Bukhara (+ Less Known Ones)

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11 Amazing Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in 2023

Samarkand has been voted World Tourism Capital for 2023 , so what better time to visit and discover the top things to do in Samarkand, the jewel of Central Asia? I visited the city in 2019 when travelling back home from China to London and fell in love with the incredible spirit of the place.

Nowhere is more synonymous with the ancient Silk Road than this ancient city in Uzbekistan . The very name evokes images of camels, caravansaries and conquerors such as Alexander the Great, Tamerlane and Genghis Khan.

In this post, you’ll discover the best places to visit in Samarkand and all the top attractions the city has to offer! From madrasas to the observatory, the famous Registan Square and some of the most impressive architecture in the world, take a Samarkand sightseeing trip before the secret gets out!

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Top Samarkand Tourist Attractions

Founded in the 5th Century BC, Samarkand is one of Central Asia ’s oldest cities but it is most famous for its stunning medieval Islamic architecture such as the Registan and Bibi Khanym Masjid. Below you’ll find the best things to do Samarkand to make the most out of your trip.

1. Registan Square (One of the Best Things to do in Samarkand)

The awe-inspiring Registan Square is one of Central Asia’s most iconic sights and is made up of three large madrasas (Islamic schools) surrounding the square. Azure domes sit atop yellow and red brickwork with intricate mosaics woven into the walls.

In medieval times the Registan housed a busy bazaar with traders selling goods in the square. One of the top things to do in Samarkand and is considered one of the most famous landmarks in Asia ! This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the best places to visit in Samarkand thanks to its stunning madrasas!

Although there is an entrance fee to enter the square and madrasas, you can still enjoy the view from outside for free 24 hours a day. If you’re looking for what to do in Samarkand, this should be the number one on your list.

Opening Hours: 08:00 to 19:00

Ticket Price: 55,000 Som ($5.20)

Address: Registan Ko’Chasi

Time Needed to Visit: One to two hours

2. Ulugh Beg Madrasa

Ulugbek Madrasa , also known as Ulugh Beg Madrasah, is the oldest surviving piece of architecture in Registan Square and was completed in 1420 under Timur’s grandson Ulugbek. The madrasa was a centre of learning for mathematics, philosophy, theology and astronomy.

The giant arched entrance and towering minarets are a sight to behold, and this is definitely one of the top Samarkand places to visit for its phenomenal architecture.

Tip: If you slip one of the traders inside Ulugh Beg Madrasa 10,000 Som they will let you climb one of the minarets for fantastic views of the city!

Ticket Price: included in the ticket for Registan Square

Time Needed to Visit: 30 minutes

3. Sherdor Madrasa (One of the Top Things to do Samarkand)

The Sherdor Madrasa (lion madrasa) was completed in 1636 and is famed for its lion relief decorations in the entrance. The construction took 17 years to build and this remains one of the most impressive Samarkand attractions.

Marvel at the blue domes, minarets and ornate design etched into this historic building. Inside Sherdor you will find traders selling carpets, handicrafts and souvenirs. The best views are had from climbing the minaret in Ulugbeg Madrasa across the square.

Ticket Price: included in ticket for Registan Square

4. Tilla Kari Madrasa

Tilla Kari , meaning “gold-covered” madrasa is located between Ulugh Beg and Sherdor Madrasas and is the newest of the three, being completed in 1660. There is a mosque in the courtyard with gold decorations revealing Samarkand’s history.

Although this madrasa has survived well throughout the city’s turbulent history, you can see that part of the building is leaning over, thanks to an earthquake. Tilla Kari is definitely one of the top Samarkand tourist attractions.

5. Bibi Khanym Masijd

Bibi Khanym was Timur’s Chinese wife. It is said that the architect that designed and built the masjid fell in love with Bibi and kissed her, prompting Timur to kill the architect and impose the veil on women to stop similar incidences.

The beautiful, blue, turquoise and yellow mausoleum with its towering domes is definitely one of the top places to see in Samarkand! This is one of the most interesting Samarkand places to visit thanks to the intricate design work beneath the gorgeous blue domes.

Ticket Price: 55,000 Som ($3.65)

Address: Bibikhonim Street

6. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Beautiful Gur-e-Amir is the mausoleum containing the remains of Timur/Tamerlane along with his sons (Shah Rukh and Miran Shah) and grandsons (Ulugbek and Muhammed Sultan). The mausoleum dates to 1403AD. A must-see of all the things to do in Samarkand.

The beautiful, blue, turquoise and yellow mausoleum with its towering domes is definitely one of the top places to visit in Samarkand!

Address: 1-4 University Boulevard

Time Needed to Visit: one hour

7. Shah-i Zinda Mausoleum

Shah-i-Zinda is a complex of mausoleums built between the 11th and 19th Centuries. Legend has it that a cousin of the prophet Muhammad was beheaded here and didn’t die. He took his head with him to the Garden of Paradise where he still lives.

The architecture of Shah-i-Zinda is some of the most impressive in the city with it’s glossy blue walls. One of the top things to do in Samarkand!

Opening Hours: 07:00 to 20:00

Ticket Price: 42,500 Som ($4)

Address: Shahizinda

Time Needed to Visit: one to two hours

8. Tomb of Islam Karimov

Islam Karimov was the first president of an independent Uzbekistan and ruled from 1991 until his death in 2016. His final resting place is an impressive necropolis on the edge of the ancient city. Entrance also includes the impressive Hazrati Khizr Mosque .

Ticket Price: 15,000 Som ($4)

Address: Tashkent Road

Time Needed to Visit: One hour

Top Free Things to do Samarkand

9. siab bazaar.

Not only is Central Asia famed for its staggering architecture, but also for its rich and lively bazaars. The large Siab Bazaar (sometimes spelled as Siyob Bazaar) behind the Bibi Khanym Masjid is a vibrant trading centre where you can buy fruits, nuts, grains and more.

Wandering the brightly coloured market stalls of the bazaar is certainly one of the best things to do Samarkand and a great place to pick up breakfast or supplies for a picnic.

Opening Hours: 05:00 to 19:00

10. Amur Timur Statue

Situated close to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and in the centre of a large roundabout is a statue of Amir Timur (or Tamerlane as we know him in the west). The statue marks the edge of the old town and the new Russian-built town.

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Address: Bulver Universitet

11. Samarkand Parks

There are many parks in the centre of the city which offer a slice of shade under the verdant green trees. Islam Karimov Park, Tiger Park and Bibi Khanym Park are all centered around the main attractions of the city.

A short History of Samarkand Uzbekistan

Samarkand Timeline

Born on 9th April 1336, Amir Timur was a Turkic-Mongol from Transoxania (current day Uzbekistan) who came from lowly beginnings to lead an empire. He started out as a petty thief stealing livestock and was wounded by a shepherd’s arrow which led to the moniker Timur the lame, or  Tamerlane .

As the Mongol Empire started to crumble, Timur played one ruler against another and led conquests across the Central Asian steppe and into Russia and the Caucasus, emerging in 1370 as the most powerful leader of the Muslim world at the time.

Timur made Samarkand the centre of the Timurid Empire and this would continue until the death of his grandson Ulugbek in 1449.

Timur died on 17th February 1405 on his way to attack Ming Dynasty China.

329BC The city is attacked by Alexander the Great

1221AD City beseiged by Ghengis Khan

1365AD Uprising against the Mongols

1369AD Samarkand becomes capital of Timurid Empire

1405AD Bibi Khanym Mosque and Gur-e-Amir Built

1405AD Timurid Empire moves capital to Herat and the city goes into gradual decline

1420AD Ulugbek Madrasa built

1868AD Russians take power

1886AD The city becomes capital of Samarkand Region of Russian Turkestan

1925AD Samarkand becomes the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

1930AD Capital moved to Tashkent

1991 Uzbekistan declares independence from the Soviet Union

Samarkand Weather

The Samarkand weather is influenced by the deserts of Uzbekistan. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Samarkand as the summers are incredibly hot (temperatures can exceed 40c).

Best Time to Visit Samarkand

The best time to visit Samarkand is spring and autumn (fall) when the weather is still warm, but not as intense as the summer months.

How to get to Samarkand

Air: There are daily flights between Tashkent and Samarkand and international routes include Moscow, St Petersburg and Istanbul. See Trip.com for cheap flights.

From Tashkent:

There are at least 10 daily trains between Tashkent and the city. The fastest takes just over 2 hours and costs from 50,000 Som ($5).

From Bukhara:

There are multiple daily trains from Bukhara with the journey taking around 2 hours.

From Khiva:

There is one daily train that departs Khiva at 17:30 and arrives in Samarkand at 07:29.

From Termiz:

There is a daily overnight train departing Termiz at 18:35 and arriving in Samarkand at 04:05.

A shared taxi is another great way to travel around Uzbekistan (I took a taxi from Samarkand to Termiz).

Samarkand Hotels

Looking for Samarkand hotels? The city offers plenty of accommodation options from budget hostels to 5* hotels. I stayed at the  Timur the Great Hotel  a few hundred metres from Registan Square.

The room was huge, clean and well kept, and the host/owner was very friendly. The breakfast of fresh pastries, fruits and eggs was amazing and served in a pleasant courtyard.

Looking to see more of Uzbekistan? Check out this great  Two-week itinerary  which includes Bukhara, Khiva and the Aral Sea!

So, is Samarkand Worth Visiting?

Ancient Samarkand is definitely worth visiting for its incredible Silk Road architecture and local specialty foods. The city rivals Khiva and Bukhara with its ancient madrassas, mosques and memorials. No trip to to Uzbekistan is complete without wandering around Registan Square!

How Many Days do you Need in Samarkand?

To get the most out of your visit and ensure you see all the Samarkand tourist attractions, two to three days is best. It is possible to see the main sights in one day, but two would be better and three optimal!

Now you know about the best things to do Samarkand, be sure to visit this enchanting city while it still remains off the beaten path. This secret won’t last long though as Uzbekistan is fast becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world.

Book your tour of Samarkand today:

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About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

2 thoughts on “ 11 Amazing Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in 2023 ”

Exciting place to visit. Great article!

Thanks Aleks!

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Samarkand Travel Guide | The Most Beautiful City in Uzbekistan

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: December 15, 2019  - Last updated: October 13, 2021

Categories Destinations , Central Asia , Uzbekistan

As the capital of one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen, Samarkand still inspires and lures people from all over the world to see its beauty. So if you’ve been wondering, “is Samarkand worth visiting?”. Yes, it definitely is, and this Samarkand travel guide will tell you why.

Only a few years back, Uzbekistan would hardly be a country that you would have thought about when you decided to travel to (Central) Asia. But that has changed over the last two to three years, with the visa now being a lot easier to obtain.

During my first visit to Uzbekistan in 2012, I didn’t see a single foreign tourist for three days in Samarkand. This is not that hard to understand since the visa used to be a complete nightmare to obtain. But on my recent trip, I had to wait in lines full of tourists. So Uzbekistan is gaining popularity, and for a good reason.

Sunset over the amazing Registan from the back in Samarkand.

Did you know that one of the most important cities in the world of all time was precisely located in Uzbekistan?

The city of Samarkand is a living legend of the world. With Samarkand’s history dating back more than 2700 years, it is a city that existed at the time of ancient Rome and Babylon .

Even though Samarkand is not the only historic city worth visiting in Uzbekistan, it is definitely a great starting point. 

Note: Two of the other must-visit historical places in Uzbekistan are Bukhara and Khiva .

What to Know When You Visit Samarkand

Once you set foot in Samarkand, there are a couple of things you need to know to fully understand the magnitude and glory of this city. Having a solid understanding of the city will allow you to really make the most of your visit.

Samarkand City Was the Center of an Empire

The city of Samarkand has been the playing field for a number of historical events. The city survived the destruction and conquests of Alexander the Great, who turned Samarkand into a military base.

Later, the city was smashed by Genghis Khan, who allegedly killed three-quarters of the people living in Samarkand at that time.

But Samarkand was also the center of one of the greatest empires of its time and one of the most important stops along the whole Silk Road .

The Ultimate Guide to Samarkand, the most fantastic city in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

It started and ended with the notorious Timur (Tamerlane) . Well, truth be told, he was well-known among the people he conquered and beloved among his fellows.

Timur was a ruler of the empire during the 14th century, and he was the one who brought Uzbekistan to glory. His empire was spreading from Istanbul to Delhi , and Samarkand was at the center of it.

Timur had been a great leader for his people but also a great supporter of art and science. Under his rule, Samarkand flourished and established itself as a center of not only trade but knowledge as well.

Samarkand is an Important Stop on the Silk Road

Samarkand was a place that connected the whole world. It was also one of the first bright examples of globalization. It was a place on the Silk Road where East and West came to meet and learn about each other.

Within its walls, the world gathered to exchange goods, ideas, and goals.

Traders on camels flocked into the city and looked for lucrative opportunities, and the city used the opportunity to recover and grow.

Throughout the city, you will see many reminders of the golden age of the city. To start from the core of it, go to Registan.

Top Things to Do in Samarkand

Having been around for thousands of years, there is certainly a lot to be experienced in Samarkand. You could spend weeks marveling at the detail that past artisans and builders imbued in their work, as well as the natural beauty of the city.

If you don’t have time to meander through the streets until you’ve had your fill, here are the top activities and sites to visit when you travel to Samarkand.

Registan – The Heart of Samarkand

The life of the city was and is revolving around Registan, and for you to start appreciating the city and its history, make sure you first get to know this amazing place.

I was curious to learn why some people come to Samarkand, and visiting this place gave me the answer.

Once you step into the vast Registan square, prepare for a jaw drop. The colors, geometrical shapes, and beautiful architecture spreading around are breathtaking.

The square is surrounded by stunning madrassahs. The central one is the Ulughbek madrassah, which was erected first. Once you are in front of it, you will notice that on the magnificent gate which leads the way into madrassahs, there is a sun depicted on top.

Sun was to represent knowledge that will be shining upon the students of the madrassah.

A big blue dome is lurking back on the left, bringing a surreal outlook to the whole square.

On the left and right are also two beautiful madrassahs. One is Sher – Dor madrassah, built to compete in beauty with Ulughbek madrassah.

However, this one had another purpose that is to be revealed.

It is the first place where the tigers carrying the sun on their back and chasing a deer – the national symbols of modern-day Uzbekistan – first appeared.

Another madrassah was built shortly afterward to complete the complex, the Tilla-Kori madrassah.

Spend as much time as you can in the area; admire Registan from both inside and outside.

Courtyards and small shops scattered all around will keep firing up your imagination and make your research even more fun.

Also, make sure you come back during the evening as then you will be able to enjoy a light show spectacle that is on every night.

Music, lights, and people joining to be charmed by Registan will lighten your day.

Shai – I – Zinda

Shai I Zinda is one of the most stunning mausoleums in Samarkand. Built on slightly elevated ground, it is believed to be devoted to one of prophet Mohamed’s cousins.

As such, it holds a special place in the hearts of believers. Narrow passageways between buildings, protecting tombs of important people who once lived in Samarkand, are mesmerizing.

Islamic architecture and art are showing off at this place, and you must pay it a visit. The blue color that is so typical for Samarkand is spread everywhere in abundance.

Geometric shapes, delicate and exquisite, will be hard to divert your eyes from, and there are so many of them that no matter how many pictures you try to take, you will not be able to catch them all.

Observatory of Ulughbek

One of the most striking places in Samarkand is the Observatory of Ulugbek. At the time Timur was conquering the world, Ulugbek was conquering the stars.

He was one of the greatest scientists who made discoveries to awe the world even today. In this very observatory, he calculated the length of one year, i.e. the time the Earth makes its turn around the sun.

His precision was amazing. In the 15th century, he made a calculation that differs from the one we know today by only 60 seconds.

Take your time to walk around and imagine how it might have been to be a scientist at least four centuries ahead of your time without even knowing it.

Gur – E Amir Mausoleum – Curse and Blessing

Some say this was the place that cursed and saved the Russian army during World War II. A myth or a real-life event we cannot say for sure, but it is worth a visit.

Gur E Amir holds the tomb of the great Timur, the man who ruled with clear goals and lack of mercy.

Before he died, he cursed anyone who would ever tamper with his grave and his remains.

His curse went something like this: ‘Whosoever Disturbs My Tomb Will Unleash an Invader More Terrible than I’.

But some didn’t care about it at all, maybe to their expense.

The Russians came and opened the tomb, taking Timur’s remains to Moscow. Against the warnings of the people following excavations, Russians did not bulk. It was in the middle of World War II and two days before Hitler attacked Russia.

Some say it was because of the course of the notorious Timur.

The battles in Russia continued, and Stalingrad fell under the infamous siege. At that point, even communist leader Stalin started to believe it had something to do with Timur, and he decided to get the remains back to Samarkand.

And guess what. A month later, Russians won the Battle of Stalingrad and started to push the Nazis back.

Coincidence or not, it is an amazing story that will be in your head once you visit this beautiful place.

The interior of the place is decorated with layers of gold and details to take your breath away. Simple, peaceful, and minimalistic, the tomb is living up to the role of the final destination for the great leader.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Bibi Khanym Mosque is holding the memory of Timur’s first wife. However, it is still unclear if it was Timur who ordered the mosque to be built or his wife who wanted to surprise him.

Regardless, it is one of the most amazing sites in the whole of Uzbekistan.

Its construction involved elephants; special stones pulled all the way from India, the best craftsmen they could find, and killing the supervisors once Timur was back.

He didn’t think that the complex did justice to his goal, to make the grandest place to celebrate God and himself. Supervisors were killed, and parts which Timur didn’t like, rebuilt expressly.

Come here to continue to marvel at the wisdom and ambition of the last ruler of Samarkand.

It will make it easier to understand why, even today, the people of Samarkand praise him as one of the best men who ever joined them.

Conclusion on Samarkand – UNESCO World Heritage Site

For all its glory, architecture, history, and importance, Samarkand has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Islamic architecture, at its best, helped to earn this title. And you will easily understand why.

Samarkand is truly a magnificent, mysterious, and almost magical place that every true traveler must visit at least once in a lifetime.

Walking around the narrow streets, admiring the unique shapes, lines, and decorations of Islamic architecture will take your breath away. You’re sure to wonder how it used to be when Samarkand was at its top.

Mosques, mausoleums, madrassahs, bazaars are all proof that Samarkand was once definitely a center of the world. Exploring it all will give you a great understanding of the history of Samarkand, which can only make your trip more memorable and meaningful.

15 Things To Do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Popularly known for its mosques and mausoleums, Samarkand is one of the cities that is being visited by tourists. It is also the second-largest city in the said country. And since a lot of tourists go here every year, people can also communicate in English. Some popular tourist destinations even have English explanations.

Being one of the continually inhabited cities in Central Asia, visiting Samarkand will teach you a lot about its rich history. So if you’re wondering what are the places to visit and things to do in Samarkand, we have the list for you. 

• Central Asia Travel Guide – 11 Things To Do In Uzbekistan
• Things To Do in Uzbekistan : My 5-Day Travel Itinerary to Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
• Turkmenistan Visa and Border Crossings to Iran and Uzbekistan [Central Asia]
• Balkans Local Cuisine: 10 Types of Montenegro Dishes that You have to Try
• My Dream Trip To Mongolia : A Perfect 7-Day Gobi Desert Itinerary

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Samarkand

1. registan.

Your trip to Samarkand won’t be complete if you won’t go to Registan. Registan used to be the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand during the era of the Timurid dynasty. It is a public square with the Ulugh Beg Madrasa that was built in the 15th century and two others in the 17th century. The architecture is just breathtaking and in the evening it is lit up. Really well deserved of UNESCO heritage status. This is the ideal place to start and end your trip to Samarkand. Simply sit in the plaza and breathe it in.

Suggested Tour: Samarkand City Tour

2. Shah-i-Zinda

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by SMcGoldrick (@sineadmarielmcgoldrick) on Sep 20, 2016 at 11:57pm PDT

This is one of the most beautiful attractions in Samarkand. And also one of the most sacred religious sites. Women are asked to cover their heads and shoulders. It’s an awesome place to visit to know the history of the people who sacrificed their lives for a better country. The exterior of the mausoleums are stunning, many of the interiors and especially domes are beautiful. The colors will blow your mind, different types of blue are just wonderful. Prepare your camera as you will surely get some of the most gorgeous photographs in your collection. 

Suggested Tour: Shahi Zinda – Entrance ticket

3. Gur Emir Mausoleum

This is close to Registan Square and should be on your must-visit sites. It’s a historical site where you can see also locals paying tribute. The exterior is beautiful as are many of Samarkand’s blue-tiled buildings, but the interior is also stunning and a little different from all the gold decorations. The mausoleum isn’t a large complex, 15 minutes is enough to wander around the area. Except if you will stay a little longer to take great photos.

4. Bibi Khanym Mosque

It was built between 1399 and 1404, and this was one of the Islamic world’s biggest mosques. However, the 1897 earthquake caused it to collapse. Bibi Khanym Mosque has beautifully restored buildings and tile work but it also has some areas that are perhaps not repairable. The beautiful tiles and very detailed decoration is just fabulous. This is one of many historic places that should be on your schedule. It is so worth seeing.

Suggested Tour:  Samarkand One Day Tour – Departure From Tashkent

5. Ulugh Beg Observatory

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Steeve Leulier (@steeve_leulier) on Oct 2, 2019 at 6:26am PDT

If you wish to understand the history and culture of Central Asia, this forms a significant piece of the puzzle. There’s not much architecture to see here but you will learn a lot about history. There is a small museum at this site that has some interesting exhibits. Take the time to read the information in the museum so you can have a better understanding of the history of this place.

6. Central Bazaar

If you want herbs, fruit or nuts you will all find it here. A big market with a nice atmosphere. The market is also partly covered which makes it nice to walk in the shadow. 

7. Ulugbek Madrasah

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by sapphirina_copepod (@sapphirina_copepod) on Nov 7, 2019 at 9:29am PST

This is the oldest madrasah into the Regiatan complex. It dates back from the early 15th century. And it includes one conference hall and a mosque, in addition to the original dormitories of the students. The towering gates are covered with mosaic designs. The interior is also stunning. There are many shops with merchandise and souvenir vendors that are located here.

Suggested Tour: Samarkand Full Day Private Tour: Explore, Experience and Enjoy Like A Local

8. Tillya Kori Madrasah

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Pasibrzuch w Podróży (@pasibrzuchwpodrozy) on Mar 22, 2020 at 11:42am PDT

This is the largest and the most important madrasah of Registan Square. The Interior and ceiling of the Tillya Kori Madrasa are truly magnificent. It consists of the Madrasah, Friday mosque, and courtyard. There are several small rooms in the madrasah where artists work and sell souvenirs. An absolute must in Uzbekistan for anyone’s bucket list!

9. Sher Dor Madrasah

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ?when in doubt, travel (@viajandodedia.sonandodenoche) on Jun 10, 2019 at 1:14pm PDT

Sher Dor Madrasah is one of the 3 Muslim clergy academies surrounding the Registan. And it’s probably one of the most photographed buildings. The sun gods and strange big cats on the portico are very recognizable. A must-see in Samarkand!

10. Art Gallery Happy Bird

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lena Ladik +998937204215 (@lenaladikhappybird) on Jul 17, 2016 at 10:18am PDT

The shop is amazingly decorated and offers beautifully tailored garments, designed by the shop owner herself. It is located right around the corner of Furkat Hostel. You can find stunningly beautiful products inside. A stop here will be one of the highlights of your Samarkand visit.

11. Imam Bukhari Mausoleum

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ???????? ????? (@officialmizznina) on Sep 22, 2018 at 10:39am PDT

The Imam Bukhari Mausoleum is located around 35 kilometers from the city center. Here lies the greatest and most respected scholar of Islam, Imam Bukhari. The mausoleum is tranquil and has a very beautiful design and architecture. It is big and the visit looks like a trip to a very sacred place. A very peaceful compound with beautiful courtyards and prayer halls.

12. Regional Studies Museum

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @j_gardenia on Dec 27, 2016 at 7:02pm PST

The building belonged to a well-known Jewish merchant and is now a very good museum with explanations in English. It is is located in a respectable area with pleasant two-story houses and branded shops.   One of t he most interesting things here is the restored interiors of the front hall. And on the second floor, there is an exposition dedicated to Samarkand Jews.

13. Afrasiab

An interesting place for those history buffs out there. It is the site of an ancient settlement. The museum is located on the territory of existing excavations. The age of the settlement dates back to the 4th century BC. Inside the museum, you will find a lot of interesting things. The focus is on the work of restorers to restore the fresco, which describes a certain period of time in the ancient state.

Suggested Tour: Afrasiyab – Entrance ticket

14. Saint Daniel’s Tomb

It is unlikely that there will be such a place in the world where a Muslim, Christian, and Jew would come to pray. But there is such a place in Samarkand, this is where it happens. This is the grave of St. Daniel. The place is quite cozy, secluded despite the flow of visitors. A highly recommended place to visit. You can drink holy water and touch the ancient pistachio tree.

15. Hazrat Khizr Mosque

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Masaru K (@urasam13ortsac) on Mar 23, 2020 at 2:48am PDT

This is such a beautiful place, with an excellent viewing platform. The area that surrounds is ennobled by flowers and trees. The mausoleum is wonderfully built. When you go here, remember that you have to follow the rules of strict dress code. Taking pictures inside is also forbidden, but from the elevation on which the mosque stands, you can take views of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samarkand, Uzbekistan

1. How much should be the budget visiting Samarkand?

Basically, the budget will depend on how long and what type of travel you will do in Samarkand or in Uzbekistan as a whole. Food in Samarkand doesn’t cost much. The most expensive food you can have might get up to $10 to $25. And the cheapest would be at least $1 to $2 per meal. As for accommodation, if you don’t mind staying in a dormitory, you’ll save a lot of money. Dorm bed only costs around $15 or lesser. For a good hotel, you can get up to $20 to $30. For the tours and activities, you can prepare at least $2 to $3. However, some attractions may require you to pay for several times. Some even charge for photo ops.

2. Is it safe to travel to Samarkand as a solo female traveler?

Uzbekistan is generally a safe country to visit including its cities such as Samarkand. It is rare for travelers to have any bad experiences in the city. Even solo female travelers can feel safe wandering around the area. 

3. What to Pack?

Aside from the basic needs, just remember as a female traveler, there is no dress code to follow in wandering the areas, however, wearing a conservative dress is common in the place. So don’t forget to bring long pants, long sleeves shirt, and comfortable shoes. Some attractions like mosques might require you to wear conservative clothes.

4. When is the best time to visit Samarkand?

The best to visit Uzbekistan or Samarkand might be the Spring and Autumn season. During these months, the weather is cool and dry. The summer season can get extremely hot and you might feel uncomfortable.

5. Is DIY advisable or getting a tour operator?

Traveling to Samarkand by doing a DIY trip is possible and can save you money. You’ll get to handle your own time and explore the city by yourself. However, getting a tour operator is also recommended if you wish to learn deeper about the popular mosques or other attractions other than just admiring the architectures. For the best tour experience, have Indy Guide handle everything for you.

6. Are credit cards acceptable?

Credit cards are not really common in Samarkand or in Uzbekistan as a whole. Aside from high-end restaurants or hotels, cash is always in use. If you will bring a credit card, a visa card is much accepted than a master card. But having Uzbek Som is always the best option. 

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.

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Samarkand travel blog — the fullest samarkand travel guide for first-timers.

Samarkand (Uzbek: Samarqand) is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. It was once the prosperous capital of the Sogdian Empire when Alexander the Great occupied it in 329 BC. Alexander the Great once said “Everything I have heard about Samarkand is true, except that it’s more beautiful than I imagined”.

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So, is Samarkand worth visiting, what to do in Samarkand and how to plan a budget trip to Samarkand for the first–time perfectly? Let’s check out our Samarkand travel blog (Samarkand blog) with the fullest Samarkand travel guide (guide to Samarkand, Samarkand guide) from how to get to Samarkand, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Samarkand to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Once the main trading center of the “Silk Road”, the meeting point between the two streams of Eastern and Western civilizations. And was the capital of the once Tamerlane empire (1370–1405), whose kingdom stretched from present Iraq to China in the 14th century. The beautiful ancient city of Samarkand has been likened to “the mirror of the world”. Because during the journeys on the “Silk Road”, the delegations of merchants and merchants brought here the oldest and most unique goods and cultural values from all over the Earth.

Overview of Samarkand (#samarkand travel guide)

Strategically located on the legendary Silk Route from China, Afghanistan, Iran, India and the Caucasus, Samarkand prospered and became an important center of the Silk Road. From the 6th to 13th centuries, Samarkand was ruled by many empires such as the Turks, Arabs, Persians, Mongols, and Timurs. In 1220, Genghis Khan invaded and occupied Samarkand. In 1370, Timur the Great decided to choose Samarkand as the capital and during Timur’s reign, amazing structures were built. Timur’s grandson Ulugbeck continued to rule this land until 1449 and built many other unique spectacular structures. Samarkand was considered the political and cultural center of Asia during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Founded in the 7th century BC, the city flourished during the Timurid era (14–15th centuries) with Registan Square – the heart of the ancient city with magnificent mosques and Islamic schools, the mausoleum of Emperor Amir Temur, the largest market in the city of Siab bazaar is always bustling with all kinds of goods, the necropolis of Shakhi-zinda and Gur-Emir as well as the Ulugh-Beg observatory…

Samarkand is the second city of Uzbekistan to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. With a history of nearly 3,000 years, Samarkand has as long a civilization as Rome and Athens. Not only that, Samarkand is also considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, comparable to Paris in France, Rome in Italy, New York in the US, London in the UK and Tokyo in Japan. Samarkand’s heyday was around the 1370s – this Uzbek desert oasis city was the cultural and political center of Asia. This was also the site battleground of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan.

The prosperity and power of the ancient capital of Samarkand are still intact in the stunning architecture. One of the monuments of Timur has the adage engraved: “If you want to know about us, visit our works”. These works are the most spectacular religious structures in Central Asia such as Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand, Bibi Khanym – one of the largest mosques in ancient times, the complex of Shah-i-Zinda, Gur-e-Amir and the tomb of emperor Timur as mentioned above. Besides, there are equally outstanding works such as Islamic schools, mosques and museums displaying precious artifacts of Emperor Timur’s reign that vividly recreate the golden age of Samarkand.

When to visit? (#samarkand travel blog)

Although located in an oasis on the Zeravshan River and has a very important position on the Silk Road, Samakand’s climate is still harsh, about 40 degrees Celsius in summer, and sometimes drop below -20 degrees Celsius in winter, so the population is quite sparse.

Autumn (September and October) and spring (April and May) are the best times to visit the city, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold however this is a very touristy time.

Winter (December to February) is also well worth going to Samarkand if you can stand the cold and luckily you will be able to admire the beautiful architecture when covered with white snow.

Summer (June to August) is very hot, the temperature can reach more than 40 degrees Celsius or higher, so it is very tiring to visit.

How to get to Samarkand? (#samarkand guide)

Samarkand is located in the northeastern part of Uzbekistan, near the border with Tajikistan. You can easily get from other cities in Uzbekistan to Samarkand by bus, train, taxi…

From Dushanbe (Tajikistan)

It is most convenient to rent a private car or share a taxi to the Panjakent border gate. After entering Uzebkistan, there are many taxis outside the border gate to take you to Samarkand, travel time is about 50 minutes for about 10USD/person.

From the capital Tashkent or from Bukhara (#samarkand travel guide)

By train: The easiest and fastest way to get from the capital, Tashkent, Bukhara to Samarkand is by train. There are 2 types of trains Afrosiyob and Sharq. Afrosiyob is a high-speed train that takes you from these two cities to Samarkand in more than 1.5 – 2 hours with prices from 5 USD, trains run daily in the morning and evening. Sharq is a normal train that runs daily in the morning, going slower, the journey from Tashkent/Bukhara to Samarkand takes 2-3 hours. You can check train schedules on the official website of Uzbek Railways at: https://e-ticket.railway.uz/lang-en/index.html . You can buy tickets online or buy tickets directly at the ticket office right next to Northern Tashkent Railway Station or Bukhara Station one day in advance.

By bus: Long-distance buses in Uzbekistan are slow, old and uncomfortable. Moreover, the fare is only slightly cheaper than the train or shared taxi. You can catch a bus at Tashkent’s central bus station, near Olmazor metro station.

Getting around Samarkand (#samarkand blog)

The attractions in Samarkand are quite close to each other, so you can completely explore on foot. For more remote locations, you can take a taxi.

Where to stay?

You should find a hotel around the area of Registan square because from here you can walk to most of Samarkand’s main attractions, close to many restaurants and eateries, cafes also, very convenient to travel. Some hotels and homestays are decorated in beautiful Uzbek style and are like the story of One thousand and one nights. You can refer to Furkat Guest House ( Agoda , Booking ), Amir Hostel ( Agoda , Booking ), Hotel Bibikhanum ( Booking ), DiliMah Premium Luxury ( Agoda , Booking )… or more on booking sites like Booking, Agoda, Hostelworld…

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Tillya-Kori Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Jahongir Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Minor ( Agoda , Booking )
• Antica B&B ( Agoda , Booking )
• Platan ( Agoda , Booking )
• Emirkhan Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Ishonch ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Samarkand on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Where to go and what to do in Samarkand?

Registan – the heart of samarkand.

Registan Square is a monument of oriental architecture with three massive and sophisticated Islamic academies, Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilya Kori.

Ulugbek Islamic Academy is the first building built by Ulugbek – the grandson of Timur the Great in 1417. This academy was once the largest Islamic academy in Central Asia in the 15th century, where students were taught philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and theology. Nearly two hundred years later, Sher-Dor Academy was built in 1619 and completed in 1936 by governor Yalangtush Bahadur. Sher-Dor means Lion, so on the facade of the academy is the image of two lions carrying the sun god on their backs. Ten years after the construction of Sher-Do was completed, in 1646 Yalangtush Bahadur built the Tilya Kori academy and completed it in 1660. Tilya Kori symbolizes the wealth of Samarkand at that time. Artisans have used the main decoration method of gilding, the outside is decorated by mosaic stone with geometric patterns, motifs and natural flowers.

Grand Mosque of Bibi-Khanym

Bibi-Khanym mosque, named after the most beloved wife of the great Timur, was started in 1399 and took 5 years to complete. It was once the largest mosque of that period with the dome of the main hall reaching 40 meters high. To build Bibi-Khanym, the great Timur mobilized two hundred architects, artisans, master craftsmen and more than five hundred other laborers. Hundreds of stone pillars were cut and transported by elephants from the marble quarries to Samarkand. The mosque was partially collapsed due to the earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the 1970s. However, what remains in Bibi-Khanym is enough for us to admire the wisdom and efforts of the ancients. grand. They do not have advanced technical machines that can still create such great works.

The most famous is probably Bibi-Khanym with the legend of the construction of this church. Emperor Timur’s beloved wife agreed to let the chief architect kiss her on the cheek to urge him to build the church in time to welcome the emperor’s return. But because of his deep love for the queen, the kiss left on her cheek forever angered the emperor. I don’t know if the legend is true or not, but the magnificent beauty of this mosque is absolutely worthy of a kiss of the queen.

It feels like walking in the middle of the ancient city in the sunset, we have to hold our breath to hear and feel the religious city with a long and important history just like Rome, Athens, which has witnessed the existence of religious monuments. different cultures under the rule of Alexander the Great, Arabs, Persians, Turkic, Tsar.

Gur-e Amir – Mausoleum complex of the great Timur family

Gur-e Amir originally had three structures including a mausoleum, an Islamic school and a place of prayer. Today, however, the only part of the complex that remains intact is the mausoleum and the entrance gate. The entrance is decorated with domes and geometric motifs on terra-cotta tiles in Persian architecture. The dome is made of turquoise glazed tiles decorated with patterns and Arabic inscriptions with the meaning “God is immortal”. Inside the mausoleum is gilded and is the burial place of the great Timur and his descendants.

Observatory of Ulugbek

Address: M2F4+W7M, Tashkent Rd, Samarkand, Uzbekistan Hours: 8 AM–8 PM

Ulugbek was not only a wisdom king, but he was also a famous astronomer in Central Asia in the 15th century. He built an observatory named after himself in 1420. Thanks to this work, Ulugbek and many astronomers has achieved important achievements, including determining the exact time of a year by only 25 seconds in difference from modern calculations, calculating the angle of inclination of the Earth’s axis of rotation, or compiling of Zij-i-Sultani words with the fixed positions of 994 stars in the sky. The discoveries and studies made at the Ulugbek Observatory were important at that time because astronomers could predict the eclipses and calculate the time of sunrise and altitude of a celestial body.

Shakh-i-Zinda Necropolis

Address: MX7Q+257, M-37, Samarkand, Uzbekistan Hours: 9 AM–7 PM

Shah-i-Zinda was built in the 11th century and is now located on the Afrasiyab hill north of Samarkand. The entrance to the complex is a massive archway, much of the original complex was destroyed by the Mongols when they sacked Samarkand in 1221 and restored in the 14th century. Many new structures have been rebuilt here in the 18th and 19th centuries. The architecture and decoration of Shah-i Zinda was heavily influenced by the Timur dynasty and his successors such as the blue dome, floral and botanical motifs, the star and geometric design is similar to that of Gur-e Amir and the Bibi-Khanym mosque.

Siyob Bazaar

Address: MX6H+QWW, Bibikhonim St, Samarkand, Uzbekistan Hours: 5 AM–7 PM/Monday, Friday: Closed

Syiob Bazaar is Samarkand’s largest market, inside selling everything from dried nuts, animal skins, sweets, souvenirs… Samarkand was once the capital of the Timur empire, a large trading center with many merchants and traders, shoppers come from many different regions. That is why Samarkand bazaar is always crowded and full of goods. Stepping into the market you find yourself lost between colors, scents and sounds. Colorful fruits, yellow apricots, red apples, green vegetables, nuts, colorful spices like black sesame, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom, chili and black pepper, cloves, dill, coriander and dried tomato, various types of rice, green beans, wheat, millet, barley, etc.

If you can experience once at this bazaar, you will have the opportunity to feel the life of the people here and the unique features of the trading culture in the past. Vibrant, bustling and crowded and rustic, that is the highlight that you can recognize as soon as you come to the bazaar of Samarkand. You will see images of girls standing by stalls full of bread, or men arranging watermelons into impressive towers. Watermelon in Samarkand is very famous, because it has a succulent red color and deep sweet taste. In addition, you can also find a famous silk paper here, the kind of paper on which the German poet Gothe wrote the poem “West-ostlichen Divan”,…

Syiob Bazaar also has a foot court with typical Central Asian dishes such as kebab, lagman noodles, pilaf rice, vegetable soup, yogurt, bread…

Samarkand tips before you go:

Internet and SIM card: There are 5 telecom network providers in Uzbekistan namely Ucell, Uzmobile, UCell, UMS and Beeline. Beeline’s package costs 6 USD for 5GB. You must bring your passport when registering and you can top up the SIM at supermarkets and convenience stores.

What and where to eat?

Uzbek cuisine is rich in taste, Samarkand has many restaurants serving local dishes and cuisines of other countries for you to choose from. Some must-try local dishes are:

• Plov – delicious rice cooked with lamb, dried apricots, carrots and cooking oil
• Naan bread – fragrant flat bread, very spongy and soft
• Shurpa – lamb and vegetable soup
• Lagman – fresh noodles cooked with potatoes, lamb, carrots
• Manti – steamed dumplings filled with meat or pumpkin
• Shashlik – skewers grilled on a griddle
• Samsa – Patatoes chips fried with different fillings

Some restaurants in Samarkand:

• Cafe Magistr – Bostonsaroy St., 30/45
• Bibikhanum Teahouse – Street 22a
• Platan – Pushkin 2, Samarkand

Day trips from Samarkand

Founded more than 2,700 years ago, Shahrisabz is the home and former residence of the Timur royal family. It is also one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Shahrisabz has a lot of historical sites dating back to the Timur period, and most of them have kept their original appearance. Some of the notable attractions are Ak-Saray Palace, Dorut Tilovat, Amir Timur Museum (inside Chubin islamic school), Chorsu complex and Dor-us Siyodat. From Samarkand you can go to Shahrisabz and return the same day by taxi with the usual price of 40 USD, the driver will wait for you while you go for sightseeing.

Wine tasting tour

Uzbekistan is the main wine-producing country in Central Asia and its grapes are sweet thanks to the warm, sunny weather. The best way to sample local wines is to join a two-hour Wine Tasting Tour at Khovrenko Winery and Samarkand Wine Museum. You can ask the hotel reception where you stay to book a tour, buy a tour at the tourist office or book directly at the website .

How long should I spend in Samarkand?

You should spend a minimum of 2 days exploring Samarkand, ideally 3-4 days. Here is the suggested itinerary for 3 days:

• Day 1: Registan Square, Gur-E-Amir and Makhdumi Khorezm Mosque.
• Day 2: Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Syiob Bazaar, Hazrat Hyzr Mosque, Ulughbek Observatory, and Shah-i Zinda Mausoleum
• Day 3: Shahrisabz and wine tasting tour.

With these attractive and unique architectural features, Samarkand has become an ideal destination for many world tourists to visit and learn. A city with many unique cultural features and mysterious beauty captivates travelers.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Uzbekistan you can refer to

• Khiva: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
• Bukhara: Guided Grand Tour
• Tashkent: Private Sightseeing Day Tour
• Tashkent: Guided City Tour at Night with Hotel Pickup
• Tashkent: Half-Day Guided City Sightseeing Tour

Read more Uzbekistan guide here .

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Trip to Uzbekistan: Where to go, the best time to visit, recommendations for tourists

Uzbekistan, the heart of Central Asia, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural marvels. Nestled along the ancient Silk Road, it offers a rich tapestry of experiences that beckon the intrepid traveler. From the majestic minarets of Samarkand to the bustling bazaars of Tashkent, Uzbekistan is an enchanting destination that promises to leave visitors spellbound. If you are planning a trip to Uzbekistan, where should you go and see, and when is the best time to travel to this gem of a country?

Must-Visit Places

Samarkand: No journey to Uzbekistan is complete without a visit to Samarkand. This city, one of the oldest in the world, boasts the magnificent Registan Square, flanked by three grand madrasahs adorned with intricate tilework. Each madrasah — Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori — showcases the exquisite artistry and architectural prowess of the Timurid dynasty. The Shahi-Zinda necropolis, with its stunning blue-domed mausoleums, offers a poignant tribute to Islamic architecture and craftsmanship. The Bibi-Khanum Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the world, stands as a testament to the city’s historical significance and grandeur.

Bukhara: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bukhara is a living museum of Central Asian history. The Ark Fortress, a massive citadel that once served as a royal town, invites visitors to explore its labyrinthine halls and courtyards. Nearby, the Poi Kalyan complex, with its towering minaret and exquisite mosques, provides a glimpse into the spiritual life of ancient Bukhara. The Lyab-i Hauz, a serene pool surrounded by madrasahs and teahouses, offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city. The city's bustling bazaars and ancient caravanserais evoke the vibrant trade that once flourished along the Silk Road.

Khiva: Enclosed within ancient walls, the historic city of Khiva is a well-preserved example of medieval Islamic architecture. The Itchan Kala, the inner town, is home to over 50 historical monuments, including the iconic Kalta Minor minaret, intended to be the tallest in the Islamic world but left unfinished, and the ornately decorated Juma Mosque, with its 213 wooden columns. The Kunya-Ark Citadel, a fortress within the city, offers panoramic views of Khiva and its intricate network of streets and alleys. Exploring Khiva feels like stepping back in time, with every corner revealing a new architectural marvel.

Fergana Valley: Known as the "Garden of Uzbekistan," the Fergana Valley is a lush and fertile region renowned for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. The valley is dotted with charming towns such as Kokand, where the opulent Khudoyar Khan Palace stands as a symbol of the region's regal past. Rishtan, famous for its exquisite ceramics, offers visitors a chance to witness the creation of intricate pottery using age-old techniques. Margilan is another gem in the valley, celebrated for its silk production. At the Yodgorlik Silk Factory, visitors can observe traditional silk-weaving techniques and purchase beautiful silk products directly from the artisans.

Tashkent: The capital city, Tashkent, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends the old with the new. The Hazrati Imam complex, housing the world's oldest Quran, is a spiritual and historical treasure. The bustling Chorsu Bazaar, with its maze of stalls and vibrant atmosphere, offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Modern Tashkent is home to a plethora of dining and entertainment options, reflecting its dynamic and cosmopolitan spirit. The city’s numerous parks, museums, and theatres provide ample opportunities for cultural exploration and relaxation.

Recommendations for Tourists

Embrace Local Cuisine: Uzbekistan's culinary delights are a highlight of any visit. Sample the national dish, plov, fragrant rice pilaf with meat and vegetables. Try the succulent shashlik (grilled meat skewers) and savor fresh bread from the tandoor (clay oven). Do not miss out on traditional sweets like halva and dried fruits, best enjoyed with a cup of local green tea.

Engage with the Locals: Uzbeks are known for their hospitality. Engage in conversations, learn about their customs, and perhaps even partake in a family meal. This immersive experience enriches the travel experience and fosters meaningful connections.

Explore the Silk Road Heritage: Uzbekistan's cities are interwoven with the legacy of the Silk Road. Delve into the history of this ancient trade route at local museums and heritage sites. The country’s vibrant markets offer a glimpse into the bustling commerce that once thrived along this route, with an array of handicrafts, textiles, and spices on display.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Uzbekistan is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Springtime brings blooming flowers and lush landscapes, while autumn offers a bounty of fresh fruits and vibrant foliage. The summer months can be scorching, especially in desert regions, while winter can be harsh and cold, though it does provide a unique, quieter charm.

Uzbekistan, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality, is a destination that captivates and enchants. Its blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy creates an unforgettable experience for those who venture to this Central Asian gem. As the world rediscovers the wonders of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan stands out as a beacon of culture and heritage, waiting to be explored.

By embracing the allure of Uzbekistan, travelers are not merely visiting a country but embarking on a journey through time, experiencing the heart and soul of Central Asia.

Doniyor Tukhsinov

• #tourism #Samarkand #Bukhara #travel #trip