About This Blog: Samarkand is one of the most important cities in the famed Silk Road and Uzbekistan’s best attraction. This Samarkand Travel Guide will give you all the information about the best things to do in Samarkand, Registan Square, day trips from Samarkand, where to stay and other practiocal tips. There is also a Samarkand itinerary included.

I could understand why they call Samarkand the “Jewel of Central Asia” as I stood literally bedazzled by the sparkling and brilliant interiors of Gur-e-Amir. That was the first place we visited in Samarkand. We were yet to visit the famous Registan Square in Samarkand. The first place we visited gave us an idea of what this ancient city of the Silk Road has to offer.

Samarkand is perhaps the star attraction of Uzbekistan and the jewel of Central Asia. Your Uzbekistan trip can never be completed without marveling at the magnificent Registan Square in Samarkand, visiting one of the oldest observatories in the world, or getting awestruck by the striking interiors of Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum.

These are undoubtedly some of the best things to do in Samarkand, but definitely not the only one. In this Samarkand Travel Guide, you will find all the relevant information for traveling to and exploring Samarkand Uzbekistan. I have also added a Samarkand itinerary so that it can help plan your travel.

We spent 3 amazing days at Samarkand almost at the end of our Uzbekistan trip, exploring the madrasas, mosques and mausoleums. There are a lot of things to do in Samarkand, especially for those who love ancient architecture, those dazzling turquoise domes, towering minarets and the intricate mosaics.

Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures

Samarkand is grand and the home to the world’s most elegant and exquisite architecture. It is the second largest city in Uzbekistan and the main highlights of the country. Being one of the oldest towns in Central Asia, Samarkand had been at the crossroad of various cultures for more than two millennia. In fact, Samarkand is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as “Samarkand, Crossroads of Cultures”.

Samarkand – A brief History

Samarkand is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. While there is no direct evidence when the city was formed, historians usually point to the 7th Century BC.

It was once known as Maracanda and in the 4th Century BC Alexander the Great had taken control over this city and made it his base. When the Silk Road was opened, Maracanda was an integral part of it. until the 7th Century CE, the city was controlled by the Central Asian Turks. In the 8th Century, the Samanid Arabs took over and the city came to be known as Samarkand. The city flourished during the Samanid reign making it into one of the most important cultural  and learning centers of Islamic world.

In 1220, Genghis Khan destroyed the city completely during his conquest of Asia.

Finally, Amir Timur took control over the city from the Mongols in 1365. He was a lover of arts and turned Samarkand into the main economic and cultural centers of Central Asia. Most of the iconic buildings that we see in Samarkand today were built during his time.

Timur’s grandson Ulugh Beg (1409-1449) was a noted astronomer and he too inherited the love for art and culture from his grandfather. He was the patron behind the one of the three madrasas that we see today at the Registan Square, as well as, one of the oldest observatories in Central Asia, Ulugbek Observatory.

In 1500, the Shaybanids conquered Samarkand and included it into their Bukhara Khanate. They had built two of the madrasas of Registan Square in Samarkand.

Samarkand was abandoned by the late 18 th century.

The city was revived again after the construction of a railway system in the 1890s by the Russian Empire and its importance as a trading hub was once again established.

Best Things to Do in Samarkand

There are plenty of things to do in Samarkand. There are impressive architecture to see that not only boasts of rich history, but also exquisite pieces of art.

Samarkand has a lot of regional history. It is worth getting a guide for at least a day, so that you can learn more about the history and culture of this city.

So, here is our recommended list of things to do in Samarkand and the must visit places.

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

Gur-e-Amir was the first place we visited in Samarkand and we were quite taken by it. Gur-e-Amir literally means “Tomb of the King” in Persian and is the final resting place of Amir Timur himself. The mausoleum is also the final resting place for Timur’s sons and grandsons.

The monument built with terracotta bricks has an exterior decoration consisting of turquoise, blue and white tiles. The geometrical designs look quite beautiful. But it is the interiors of Gur-e-Amir that will stun you.

The interior of the mausoleum is designed with glittering geometrical panels, radiating stars and gold leaf. It looked quite fetching. In the middle of the room, there are ornately carved headstones.  These tombs are the final resting place of Amir Timur, his sons and grandsons.

We visited Gur-e-Amir in the morning, and we found a lot of tourists there. The place was so crowded that we hardly got a chance to take pictures without people in it!

2. Explore Registan Square

The Registan Square is undoubtedly the main attraction of Samarkand, as well as, Uzbekistan. All the main roads of Samarkand lead to the Registan Square, which was once the heart of the Timurid Empire.

Registan literally means “sandy place” or “desert” in Persian, and in all probability, this place used to be covered by sand in the earlier days. The place was used as a public square for royal proclamations, celebrations and even public executions. It was also a place where farmers and artisans used to display their goods for sale.

There are 3 magnificent Madrasahs facing the square. Madrasah means school in Arabic. The 3 Madrasas from left to right are the Ulugh Beg Madrasah (15 th Century), Tilya-Kori Madrasah (17 th Century) and Sher-Dor Madrasah (17 th Century).

Ulugh Beg Madrasah

Ulugh Beg Madrasah is the oldest madrasa in Samarkand. The original madrasah was built by Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Amir Timur. It took almost three years to build (1417 to 1420) and was one of the best Islamic universities of that time. It nurtures numerous famous Persian poets and philosophers.

When you enter the Registan Square in Samarkand, the Ulugh Beg Madrasah will be on your left. If you look carefully, you will see stars on the façade – a tribute to Ulugh Beg’s inclination towards astronomy.

You can enter the courtyard and you will find several souvenir shops selling colorful suzanis and traditional handicrafts. There is a small door at the left end of the courtyard that leads to the second floor of the Madrasah. There is also a small café at the corner of the courtyard.

Tilya Kori Madrasah

Tilya Kori Madrasah is the middle one. This one has a two-storied façade, a courtyard surrounded by dormitory rooms and a mosque in the courtyard. The madrasah was once used as a residence for students.

Tilya Kori literally means gilded or covered with gold. The interiors of the walls are lavishly gilded and it is definitely going to dazzle your eyes.

Sher-Dor Madrasah

 This is the third Madrasah on the Registan Square. Sher means tiger and the Madrasah got such a name from the images of the 2 big tigers carrying a sun on their backs.

The best time to visit Registan Square is early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

If you are at Registan Square at 7.00 PM during the peak season, you can watch a traditional song and dance show inside the Sher-Dor madrasah.

3. Watch the Spectacukar Light and Sound Show at Registan Square

There is also a light and sound show every evening at around 9.00 PM during the peak season (late spring to early autumn). At other times, the show takes place on a few days of the week. The light and sound show displays the history of Uzbekistan as well as the modern time. It is undoubtedly a spectacle to watch and one of the top things to do in Samarkand.

4. Marvel at the Towering Bibi Khanym Mosque

After the visit to Registan Square, head towards Bibi Khanym Mosque. This is one of the most important monuments and top attractions in Samarkand. Bibi Khanym mosque is towering. We were awed by the sheer size of the mosque. Commissioned by Amir Timur himself and funded by the spoils of his multiple raids, the mosque was built for his favorite wife Bibi Khanym. It is said to be one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world with a capacity to hold 10,000 worshippers.

However, while the mosque was built, Timur got over ambitious. He demanded such structural feats that were unprecedented of the times. As a result, the mosque was not built to last for long. The mosque was in a deteriorating condition, but during the earthquake of 1897 left a devastating blow on it.

The mosque, along with many other monuments in Samarkand, is gradually being renovated.

The interior of the mosque is quite beautiful and the courtyard is quite peaceful. We visited the mosque in the late afternoon and sat inside the courtyard for some time. It was such a beautiful and calming place.

Directly opposite the Bibi Khanym Mosque, stands the mausoleum of Bibi Khanym.

5. Get Awed at Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis Complex

To be honest, I had never seen such a picturesque necropolis. Shah-i-Zinda is one of the most beautiful places I have visited in Samarkand. It consists of a row of blue tombs and mausoleums grouped down a narrow medieval street. The blue-glazed tilework on these structures are just mesmerizing, especially when the rays of sun fall on them.

Shah-i-Zinda literally means “the living King”. This huge complex was formed between 8 centuries (from 11th to the 19th century CE). The oldest tombs here date back to the 11-12th century, while the largest portion of it was built in the 14-15th century. This is the burial place of royals and noble men, including a number of Timur’s relatives.

A cousin of Prophet Muhammad, Kusam Bin Abbas is also buried at the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. It is believed that he had come to Samarkand in the 7th century and introduced Islam in the region.

Shah-i-Zinda was restored in 2005, and most of the tileworks and designs that you would see there are not original. Nevertheless, the designs are intricate and absolutely breathtaking.

Shah-i-Zinda is    an important place of pilgrimage where many come to pay their respects. You are expected to dress modestly, that is, wear something that covers your shoulders and knees. And also have a respectful attitude while visiting one of the most beautiful places in Samarkand.

6. Clinb to Hazrat Khizr Mosque

Located on a hilltop beyond Bibi Khanym Mosque and Siyob Bazaar, stands Hazrat Khizr Mosque. The mosque was built in the 7th or 8 th Century making it one of the oldest mosques in Samarkand. However, the mosque was completely destroyed by the forces of Chengis Khan in the 13 th Century.

The mosque was rebuilt in 1854 and restored in the 1990s. The original mosque no longer remains and this is one of the newer mosques in Samarkand.

The mosque has a 50,000 UZS entry fee and there are mixed reviews about the mosque. Even if you do not enter the mosque, just walk on the hills and you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Samarkand. You will see the blue domes of Bibi Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda and a few other monuments of Samarkand.

 7. Shop at Siyob Bazaar

One of the best things to do in Samarkand is experiencing daily life at Siyob Bazaar or Siab bazar, the largest market in Samarkand. The market is located just right to the Bibi Khanym mosque. So after visiting one of the most impressive mosques in Samarkand, head towards Siyob Bazaar. And once you are inside the arched entrance, you will encounter a variety of sounds, colors and smells. It is a cacophony of senses.

The bazaar is just like any central Asian market, full of life. There are shops selling fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and fishes, local snacks, spices and nuts, tea, candy and dry fruits and so much more. There are shops selling the famous Uzbek bread.

There are also some stalls selling Uzbek souvenirs.

It is from here that you can pick up some souvenirs for home. But please bargain before buying anything from the market.

Opening Hours: 5.00AM to 7.00PM everyday. Siyob Bazaar is closed on Mondays.

8. Know About Astronomy at Ulugh Beg Observatory

The observatory is located on a hill top at the outskirts of Samarkand, a little away from the Registan Square.

Ulugh Beg Observatory was one of the best observatories in the world during that period. It was built in 1420 by the Timurid ruler Mirza Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Amir Timur. Ulugh Beg was a learned ruler and an accomplished astronomer. Under his rule, Samarkand nurtured several scientists and astronomers and the observatory was a place of some of the world’s most advanced astronomical studies, under the leadership of Ulugh Beg.

Ulugh Beg discovered that the observatory could predict the eclipses and the hours of the rising sun. In this observatory, he was able to record the exact location of 1018 stars. He achieved this feat almost 200 years before the invention of the telescope.

However, the observatory was destroyed in 1449 after he was assassinated by his own son. Russian archaeologist Vassily Vyatkin discovered its remains in 1908.

The Ulugh Beg observatory is now a museum where you can see the model of the ancient observatory, a copy of a world map made in 1605, and an engraving that shows Ulugh Beg seated with Ptolemy and Tycho Brahe, the fathers of European astronomy.

The descriptions at the exhibits explain a lot of the work that Ulugh Beg did and helps understand the history of the place.

Opposite the museum is a tunnel where you will find the archaeological excavation remains of a part of the “Fakhri Sextant”.

If you have interest in astronomy, a visit to the Ulugh Beg Observatory is one of the things to do in Samarkand.

9. Learn About the History of Samarkand at Afrosiyob Settlement

The Afrosiyob settlement is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world that dates back to the pre-Islamic period. It is the oldest part of Samarkand and covers an area of 220 hectares.

The ancient settlement was believed to be the ancient city of Marcanda founded in the 7 th Century BC by the Sogdians, an ancient Iranian civilization. The settlement was captured by Alexander the Great and later became a part of the Persian Empire. The city was then destroyed in the 13 th century CE by the Mongols.

The ancient city is now just a cluster of dirt hills and mounds. It has the ruins of a citadel, a palace and temples.

There is a museum located at the site that explains the history about Afrosiyob and also about the foundation of Samarkand. If history and archaeology is something that interests you, give this place a visit.

10. Take the Offbeat Route to Tomb of Saint Daniel

This is one of the lesser visited places in Samarkand. Tomb of Saint Daniel is located at the outskirts of the Afrosiyob settlement in the northeast of Samarkand. The tomb is believed to be the burial place of Saint Daniel, a Biblical prophet who was revered by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike.

Saint Daniel’s tomb sits on a 5-domed mausoleum on top of a hillock by the river Siab. The tomb is 18 meters long covered in green cloth with golden lettering. There are many myths and stories associated with the tomb.

The location of the Tomb of Saint Daniel is a bit far from the center of Samarkand, but the place is very beautiful and peaceful. It feels really lovely to walk down by the river. This is also a place that the locals revere and come for prayers.

11. Wine Tasting in Samarkand

After you have seen the beautiful sites, there are other interesting things to do in Samarkand. Uzbekistan has a long tradition of making wine. Infact, the viticulture sector of the country has been given a priority by the government since 2006. So why not indulge yourself in the taste of Uzbek wine.

We recommend going to Khovrenko Winery where you will get to taste the local wines followed by a visit to the Samarkand Museum of Winemaking.

12. Day Trip to Shakhrisabz

If you have some extra time to spend in Samarkand, you can go for a day trip to Shakhrisabz or Shahrisabz. It is located about 88 km from Samarkand and is the birthplace of Amir Timur.

Shahrisabz has some interesting monuments that are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The way from Samarkand to Shahrisabz is quite beautiful, passing through the Tahtakaracha Pass. You can see the mountains and winding roads and the drive is beautiful.

You can take a guided tour to Shahrisabz from Samarkand.

You can also hail a taxi from Registan Square and travel to Shahrisabz and back. In this case, bargain with the taxi driver for the rate before finalizing him. We got a taxi from Registan Square for a day trip to Shahrisabz. It took us around 5 to 6 hours from Samarkand and back.

Samarkand Travel Guide

How many Days are required to visit Samarkand?

Samarkand is unarguably the highlight of Uzbekistan tour and there are a lot of places to see and things to do in Samarkand. At least 2 days are recommended in Samarkand to explore the main attractions. For a more relaxed trip or exploring day trips from Samarkand, 3 days are needed. A trip to Shakhrisabz is a popular day trip from Samarkand.

The main attractions of Samarkand are spread across the city and you can visit these places in a day. But if you want to revel in the details, more time is required. For example, we spent almost half a day exploring Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda.

Samarkand Itinerary for 2-3 Days

Day 1: Registan Square, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Registan at night.

Day 2: Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Ulugh Beg Observatory, Shah-i-Zinda, Wine-tasting tour/ Afrosiyob Settlement.

Day 3: Day trip to Shakhrisabz or any other things that you have missed.

What is the Best Time to Visit Samarkand?

The best time to visit Samarkand is the spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October). You can visit Samarkand any time around the year, but spring and autumn has the best weather overall.

Summers (June to August) are usually very hot in Uzbekistan with temperatures going to 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. With the scorching heat, it becomes difficult to explore all the monuments and attractions in Samarkand.

Winters (December to February) are good as well, if you do not mind the snow and cold. Temperatures drop and there might be snowfall. But it is also the least tourist season. So things are cheaper and there are not many people around.

March and November are good too, as it is just the shoulder season with the leaving or onset of winters.

We visited Samarkand for the first time in late October. Even though we visited in late October, Samarkand was quite crowded and we encountered a lot of tourists.

How to Get around Samarkand?

Samarkand is a big city, but most of the attractions are concentrated near the city center and are within a walkable distance of 15 to 30 minutes. Only Ulugh Beg Observatory, Saint Daniel’s Tomb and the Afrosiyob Settlement are a little far from the city center.

You can also take a taxi in Samarkand from the road side. Please bargain the rate before hopping on to a taxi. The drivers usually quote more.

You can also book a Yandex cab. Yandex is the Uzbek version of Uber. But to book a Yandex taxi, you need to have a local SIM card.

How to Get to Samarkand?

Samarkand is located in the north eastern part of Uzbekistan and is well connected to all the other major tourist attractions in Uzbekistan. The best and economical way to reach Samarkand is by taking a train. Trains in Uzbekistan are clean, safe and punctual. Fast trains (Afrosiyob trains) are available from Tashkent to Samarkand and you will reach there within 3 hours.

You can also reach Samarkand by taking a bus from other cities in Uzbekistan.

Tashkent to Samarkand

The easiest and fastest way to get from Tashkent to Samarkand is by taking a train. Afrosiyob trains (fast trains) run from Tashkent to Samarkand and it will take 2.5 to 3 hours to do the journey. Sharq and sleeper trains are also available on the route.

Buses are also available from Tashkent to Samarkand.

Bukhara to Samarkand

Here also, the easiest and fastest way to reach from Bukhara to Samarkand is by taking a train. You will get the Afrosiyob trains in this sector also.

Samarkand also has an international airport where you will get flights of Uzbekistan Airways, Turkish Airlines and others. You can take domestic flights to Samarkand. You will also get direct international flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Istanbul.

It is now possible to reach Samarkand from the Panjakent in Tajikistan. The Samarkand- Penjikent border is open and you can now cross the land border to enter Samarkand, or vice versa.

Where to Stay in Samarkand?

There is a wide range of hostels, hotels and guest houses around Samarkand where you can choose to stay. The best area to stay is in the city center near Registan Square in Samarkand, as most of the attractions are just 15 to 20 minutes from there.

Budget Stays in Samarkand

Amir Hostel: This is one of the best places to stay for budget travelers and backpackers. The hosts are welcoming and it is located at a 20 minutes walking distance from Registan Square.

Furkat Guest House: This is a family-run guest house and is about 5 minutes walking distance from Registan Square. You can even see the blue domes of the madrasas from the rooftop terrace of this guest house.

Uyut: This is another family owned guest house, known for its good breakfast. This is also located within a walking distance from the Registan Square.

Hotel Registon Zargaron: We stayed at Hotel Registon Zargaron and absolutely loved their hospitality. The rooms are basic and clean. The breakfast is great. But the best part of the property is their hospitality. We arrived at the guest house at 11.00 PM. Not only they welcomed us with a smile, they also served us hot tea at that time. Another great thing about the place is its location. Registan Square is just 5 minutes walk from there. 

Hotels With Great View

Bibikhanum Hotel: The hotel is located very near the Bibi Khanym mosque and has good service.

Hotel Minor: This hotel is located right off the Registan Square and you can see the square  from its terrace. All the standard facilities are available here.

AirBnbs are also available at Samarkand.

Where to Eat in Samarkand?

Bibi Khanum Tea House: This is a very beautiful tea house serving Uzbek cuisine. It has a traditional and cozy topchan (outdoor sofa) seating arrangement.

Labi G’or: It is located close to the Registan Square. It is a two-storeyed building with live music on the upper floor. The food is good too.

Café Magistr: This is located between Gur-e-Amir and Registan Square. It serves both Uzbek and western dishes at reasonable prices.

Platan: It is said to be one of the best restaurants in Samarkand serving both Uzbek and western dishes. It is located at a 30 minutes walking distance from Registan. The food is a bit pricey here.

Is Samarkand Safe to Travel?

Uzbekistan, in general, is a safe place to travel for tourists. We have taken local trains in Uzbekistan, stayed at budget guesthouses and ate at local eateries. The locals are helpful. Some of them might even approach you to speak to you in order to practice their English.

We were approached by a group of students at Registan Square who simply told us that they wanted to speak with us in English to improve their speaking. They were quite cool kids and also told us a few stories about Samarkand. Some might approach you to take photographs with you as well.

Overall, Samarkand is a safe place to travel.

In Conclusion

Samarkand is truly the gem of Central Asia. We loved traveling and exploring this ancient city of the Silk Road. There is so much history and so many stories to find in Samarkand. And of course, we were dazzled by the blue tiles, turquoise domes and the enchanting minarets. The 2.5 days we spent there was quite enjoyable and memorable. It is a magical city.

I hope you have enjoyed reading the blog on Samarkand and it helped you to find your best things to do in Samarkand. In case you have any questions, please ask in the comments below or drop us an email.

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