Registan Square
The heart of Samarkand and one of the most stunning architectural ensembles in the world, Registan Square is home to three grand madrasas: Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori. Visiting at sunset or nighttime when the square is beautifully illuminated is a must.
Estimated time to visit : 3 hours
Price : 4$
2. Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
A mesmerizing avenue of mausoleums, Shah-i-Zinda is known for its intricate tilework and historical significance. It is a place of pilgrimage and one of the most atmospheric spots in Samarkand.
Estimated time to visit : 2 hours
Price : 2$
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3. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
The final resting place of Tamerlane (Amir Timur), the great conqueror, Gur-e-Amir is a masterpiece of Timurid architecture, featuring a striking blue dome and golden interiors
Estimated time to visit : 1-2 hours
Price : 3$
4. Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, Bibi-Khanym is an architectural wonder with a fascinating legend attached to it. Built in the late 14th century under Timur’s orders, it was meant to be a grand symbol of his empire
Estimated time to visit : 1-2 hours
Price : 3$
5. Siab Bazaar
A lively and colorful market where you can experience local culture, buy traditional Uzbek sweets, spices, dried fruits, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Estimated time to visit : 1 hour
Price : Free
6. Ulugh Beg Observatory
Founded by the Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg in the 15th century, this observatory was one of the most advanced of its time. A great stop for history and science enthusiasts
Estimated time to visit : 1-2 hours
Price : 2$
7. Afrosiyab Ancient Settlement & Museum
Afrosiyab is the oldest part of Samarkand, an ancient city dating back to the 6th century BCE. It was once a thriving center of Sogdian civilization before being destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century.
Estimated time to visit : 1 hour
Price : 2$
Where to stay in Samarkand? Find our hotels' recommendations
Samarkand offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels with grand courtyards to charming budget-friendly guesthouses. Whether you prefer modern comforts or a stay infused with traditional Uzbek decor, there are plenty of great places to choose from. Here are some recommendations for every budget, click on hotel's names :
Sangzor Boutique Hotel – Our stay, outstanding, and the breakfast OMG!
Meros Boutique Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel with a great location and comfortable rooms.
Bibikhanum Hotel – Located near Bibi-Khanym Mosque, this hotel offers a traditional Uzbek ambiance.
Emirkhan Hotel – Comfortable and stylish with great hospitality.
How to Get to and Around Samarkand ?
Train
Themost convenient way to reach the city is by train, which links major Uzbek destinations:
From Tashkent: Around 2 hours by high-speed Afrosiyob train ($7-$10)
From Bukhara: Around 1.5 hours by Afrosiyob train or 3.5 hours by regular train ($10-$15)
From Khiva: Around 10-12 hours by overnight train ($20-$25)
Walking
Many of Samarkand’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps
Taxis are the most common way to get around. It’s best to negotiate a price before starting the ride. Alternatively, apps like Yandex Go can be used for fairer pricing.
Public Transport
Minibuses (marshrutkas) and buses operate in the city, but they can be crowded and tricky for non-locals.
Bicycles
Some hotels and hostels offer bike rentals, which is a great way to explore the city at your own pace
Discover the best restaurants in Samarkand
Platan ($$): Platan offers a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, with several vegetarian options. The ambiance is cozy, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Old Town Restaurant ($$): In Samarkand we loved this restaurant called "Old Town". It is hands down the best food we had during our entire trip
Samarkand Plov Center ($): For an authentic taste of Uzbekistan's national dish, the Samarkand Plov Center is a must-visit. They specialize in various types of plov, offering an affordable and genuine local dining experience
Oasis Garden ($$): Oasis Garden offers a variety of traditional dishes in a serene garden setting. They are known for their fresh ingredients and accommodating service, including vegetarian options.
