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Samarkand, Uzbekistan - Things to Do in Samarkand

Things to Do in Samarkand

Samarkand, Uzbekistan - Complete Travel Guide

Samarkand's astronomical observatory used a 40-meter sextant to track stars in the 1400s. This former Silk Road capital, built over 2,500 years, showcases some of the world's most impressive Islamic architecture with blue-tiled domes and soaring minarets. Total visual overload.

Top Things to Do in Samarkand

Registan Square

Three massive madrasas surround this legendary square. The tilework shifts color and shadow throughout the day, making return visits essential for photographers and architecture lovers. Evening lights transform the already spectacular complex into something genuinely magical.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $7 USD and includes access to all three madrasas. Visit early morning (8-9 AM) or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Evening illumination shows run from sunset until about 10 PM.

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

This avenue showcases the Islamic world's finest ceramic work. Each mausoleum displays unique patterns and colors while maintaining deep spiritual meaning that creates a contemplative atmosphere. Legend claims counting the steps brings luck—you'll lose track admiring the tiles.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is about $3 USD. Visit mid-morning when the light illuminates the tiles perfectly but crowds are still manageable. Dress modestly as this is an active pilgrimage site.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Tamerlane built the world's largest mosque here. The partially ruined complex demonstrates his architectural goals through an enormous portal and courtyard where the main dome looms overhead. The weathered state adds grandeur rather than detracting from it.

Booking Tip: Entrance costs around $3 USD. Best visited in combination with the nearby Siyob Bazaar. Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and better photo opportunities without harsh shadows.

Ulugbek Observatory

Only underground portions survive of this 15th-century astronomical instrument. The massive sextant revealed Samarkand's role as a medieval science center where remarkable calculations took place. The small museum explains Ulugbek's scientific achievements clearly.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately $2 USD. The site is relatively small, so 45 minutes is usually sufficient. Combine with a visit to Ulugbek's mausoleum at Shah-i-Zinda for the complete story.

Siyob Bazaar

Spice pyramids and fresh nan emerge from traditional ovens. This covered market buzzes with Central Asian commerce where locals shop for dried fruits and handwoven textiles. The sensory overload makes it essential—sights, sounds, and aromas you can't experience elsewhere.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, but bring small bills for purchases. Morning visits (9-11 AM) offer the freshest produce and most active atmosphere. Bargaining is expected, especially for souvenirs and textiles.

Getting There

Uzbekistan Airways flies direct from Tashkent, Istanbul, and Moscow. The high-speed Afrosiyob train from Tashkent takes 2 hours through rolling Uzbek countryside—comfortable and scenic. Overland borders mean visa planning and long waits.

Getting Around

Walk everywhere in the compact center. Most major sites sit within 20 minutes of each other, and taxis cost almost nothing if you negotiate upfront. Private drivers run $20-30 daily and beat wrestling with buses when you're carrying luggage.

Where to Stay

Old City Center
Registan Square Area
Tashkent Street District
University Quarter
Gur-Emir Vicinity
Modern City Center

Food & Dining

Plov here reaches legendary status. Local spots like Bakhtiyor and Central Bazaar food stalls serve this rice pilaf alongside excellent lagman noodles, manti dumplings, and fresh nan bread. Hotel restaurants offer international food, but you won't need it—the local food delivers too much flavor to ignore.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Uzbekistan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Besh Qozon

4.6 /5
(5749 reviews)

Forn Lebnen

4.6 /5
(393 reviews)
bakery bar store

Tanuki

4.5 /5
(292 reviews)
meal_delivery

AZUR - Terrace Garden

4.7 /5
(255 reviews)

Sushi Time

4.5 /5
(254 reviews)

Fillet Restaurant

4.8 /5
(232 reviews)

When to Visit

April-May and September-October bring perfect sightseeing weather. Summer hits 40°C regularly, making midday exploration brutal even though the heat stays dry. Winter means fewer crowds and dramatic light on the monuments—worth it if you pack warm clothes.

Insider Tips

Buy the combined ticket first. It covers multiple sites, saves money, and eliminates queuing time at each location.
Dawn and dusk prayers echo beautifully citywide. The call to prayer creates atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the historical setting throughout your visit.
Fresh nan bakes multiple times daily. Follow the aroma to find the best bakeries where you can watch traditional baking processes unfold.

Explore Activities in Samarkand

Continue Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Samarkand

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Samarkand

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Samarkand

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Samarkand

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