15 Incredible Things to Do in Samarkand: Uzbekistan’s Jewel (2025 Guide)
Ah, Samarkand! Just saying the name conjures images of towering turquoise domes, intricate mosaics, and the whispers of silk road traders from centuries past. When I first stepped into Registan Square with its three magnificent madrasas, I literally gasped out loud – and I’ve been to 47 countries!
This UNESCO World Heritage city in southeastern Uzbekistan has been a crossroads of cultures for over 2,500 years, making it one of Central Asia’s most enchanting destinations. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning Islamic architecture, fascinating history, or vibrant bazaars, Samarkand offers an unforgettable journey through time.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the absolute best things to do in Samarkand based on my multiple visits, plus share insider tips on accommodation, transportation, and local cuisine to make your adventure truly spectacular.
🌟 My Experience: “If you only have time for one stop in Uzbekistan, make it Samarkand. No photograph can capture the grandeur of standing in Registan Square at sunset.”
✈️ Start Planning Your Unforgettable Samarkand Adventure
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Best Time to Visit Samarkand
Before diving into all the amazing things to see in Samarkand, let’s talk timing. I’ve visited in multiple seasons, and I can definitively say that spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant experience.
Samarkand Weather By Season
| Season | Temperature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) |
15-25°C (59-77°F) |
Blooming gardens, moderate crowds, comfortable temperatures | Occasional rain showers |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) |
35°C+ (95°F+) |
Long daylight hours, clear skies | Extremely hot, uncomfortable for sightseeing |
| Autumn (Sep-Oct) |
15-25°C (59-77°F) |
Golden light for photos, harvest season, fewer tourists | Weather can be variable |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) |
Below 0°C (32°F) |
Snow-covered monuments, very few tourists | Cold temperatures, shorter daylight hours |
💡 Pro Tip: I found mid-September to be absolutely perfect. The summer crowds had thinned out, temperatures were pleasant even in the middle of the day, and the light was magical for photography, especially at Registan Square during golden hour.
Top Things to Do in Samarkand
1. Marvel at Registan Square
Must-See UNESCO Site
If there’s one place that defines Samarkand, it’s undoubtedly Registan Square – the heart and soul of the city. This architectural ensemble of three madrasas (Islamic schools) represents the pinnacle of Islamic architecture and will literally take your breath away.
The square consists of:
- Ulugh Beg Madrasa (completed in 1420) – the oldest of the three and once a prestigious center of astronomy and mathematics
- Sher Dor Madrasa (finished in 1636) – famous for its mosaic depicting two roaring tigers (an unusual sight in Islamic art!)
- Tilya-Kori Madrasa (completed in 1660) – featuring a stunning gold-decorated mosque and intricate tilework
Visitor Tips:
- Entry fee: 29,500 soms (~$7/€5)
- Visit early morning (around 8am) for the fewest crowds
- Return for sunset when the buildings glow golden
- The interior courtyards are just as impressive as the facades
- Bring small bills to tip the unofficial “guides” who might show you hidden corners
🌟 My Experience: I spent three hours here on my first visit and still didn’t feel it was enough! The intricate geometric patterns and swirling Arabic calligraphy are mesmerizing, making this the absolute must-see among all Samarkand attractions.
2. Visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Historical Site Must-Visit
The striking blue dome of Gur-e-Amir houses the tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), the fearsome 14th-century conqueror who made Samarkand the capital of his vast empire. This architectural masterpiece actually inspired later buildings like India’s Taj Mahal!
When I stepped inside, the walls adorned with gold leaf, intricate paintings, and onyx panels left me speechless. The central chamber houses Timur’s massive jade tombstone, along with the graves of his sons and grandsons (including the astronomer Ulugh Beg).
Visitor Details:
- Entry fee: 19,000 soms (~€2)
- Open: 9am-7pm daily
- Located a 10-minute walk from Registan Square
- Photography is permitted (though a special pass for professional equipment costs extra)
⚠️ Fun Fact: A local guide told me that when Soviet archaeologists opened Timur’s tomb in 1941 (despite warnings of a curse), they found an inscription reading “Whoever disturbs my tomb will unleash an invader more terrible than I.” Coincidentally, Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union the very next day! Spooky, right?
3. Explore Shah-i-Zinda Complex
Necropolis Photography Hotspot
Shah-i-Zinda (meaning “The Living King”) is perhaps my favorite place in all of Samarkand. This stunning avenue of mausoleums contains some of the finest tile work in the Islamic world, with each tomb trying to outdo the others in beauty and intricacy.
The complex is a necropolis housing the tombs of Timur’s family members and nobles, built between the 11th and 19th centuries. It’s also a pilgrimage site, believed to contain the tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
As you climb the steps and weave between the structures, you’ll discover hidden alcoves and quiet corners where you can appreciate the architectural details away from other tourists. The variety of blues in the tiles is simply mind-boggling – turquoise, cobalt, azure, sapphire – creating a heavenly atmosphere.
Visitor Information:
- Entry fee: 10,000 soms (~€1)
- Open: 7am-7pm daily
- Located north of the center, near the Afrosiab settlement
- Local tip: Enter via the back entrance to potentially avoid the entrance fee (though I recommend paying to support preservation efforts)
💡 Pro Tip: I recommend coming in the late afternoon when the light is soft and the crowds thin out. For photographers, this is the absolute highlight of Samarkand – the varying shades of blue tiles against the golden stone create stunning contrast, especially around 5pm in summer months.
4. Be Amazed by Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Historic Mosque Architectural Marvel
The massive Bibi-Khanym Mosque was built between 1399 and 1404 to honor Timur’s favorite wife. According to legend, the architect fell in love with the queen, and when he demanded a kiss in exchange for completing the mosque, his kiss left a mark on her cheek that couldn’t be hidden from the emperor.
Though much of what you see today is reconstructed (the original structure partially collapsed in a 1897 earthquake), the sheer scale and ambition are still impressive. The enormous blue dome and towering entrance portal give you a sense of what was once one of the Islamic world’s largest mosques.
Good to Know:
- Entry fee: 19,000 soms (~€2)
- Located northeast of Registan Square
- The courtyard houses an enormous marble Quran stand
- Modest dress is required (women should bring a scarf to cover their heads)
🌟 My Experience: During my visit, I was fascinated by the ongoing restoration work. While some purists argue that the reconstruction has robbed the site of authenticity, I found the blend of ancient and modern craftsmanship quite interesting. Try to visit both early in the day and again at sunset – the changing light completely transforms the blue domes.
5. Shop at Siob Bazaar
Local Experience Food Market
Ready for a sensory overload? The vibrant Siob Bazaar near the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is where locals have shopped for centuries, and it offers a welcome break from monumental architecture.
This is where I love to watch everyday Samarkand life unfold: vendors calling out their wares, the scent of fresh bread from clay tandoor ovens, mountains of colorful spices, and the sweet smell of fresh fruits. The market is especially known for its non (round Uzbek bread), which makes for both a tasty souvenir and a great snack.
Bazaar Details:
- Open: 5am-7pm daily (busiest in mornings)
- No entry fee
- Located next to Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Best buys: dried fruits, nuts, spices, and traditional crafts
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t miss trying the local pistachios and almonds – Uzbekistan produces some of the best! Just remember to bargain (start at about half the initial price) but keep it friendly. I found the vendors to be incredibly welcoming when I showed interest in their products and asked questions about traditional foods.
6. Visit Ulugbek’s Observatory
Scientific Heritage Archaeological Site
For science and astronomy buffs, the remains of Ulugbek’s Observatory are a fascinating stop. Built in the 1420s by Timur’s grandson, this was one of the most advanced astronomical observatories of the medieval world.
Ulugbek, who was more scholar than ruler, used this facility to create star catalogs and calculate the length of the year to within minutes of the modern calculation – all without telescopes!
While only the underground portion of the main instrument survives, the small museum does a good job explaining the significance of the work conducted here. I was amazed to learn how accurate Ulugbek’s measurements were with the technology available at the time.
Observatory Information:
- Entry fee: 19,000 soms (~€2)
- Located about 3km northeast of the center
- Easiest to reach by taxi (about 15,000 soms round trip)
- Combined with the Archaeological Museum, it takes about 1-2 hours to visit
🌟 My Experience: While there isn’t much left of the original structure, standing in the same spot where groundbreaking astronomical observations were made over 600 years ago gave me goosebumps. The museum displays help put everything in context, and I was especially impressed by the detailed star maps created here.
7. Discover Afrosiab Museum and Settlement
Archaeological Site Pre-Islamic History
Before Samarkand became Samarkand, it was Afrosiab – an ancient Sogdian city destroyed by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. The archaeological site offers a glimpse into pre-Islamic Central Asia, with the museum housing incredible 7th-century frescoes discovered during excavations.
The colorful wall paintings depict ambassadors bearing gifts, royal hunts, and festival scenes, giving us a rare look at life in this cosmopolitan trading center. While the site itself might seem like just a series of dusty hills, knowing you’re walking through a city that was already ancient when Alexander the Great visited is truly humbling.
Museum Details:
- Entry fee: 19,000 soms (~€2)
- Located north of Shah-i-Zinda
- Combined with the observatory, makes a good half-day excursion
- Hire a guide here – the context makes a huge difference to appreciation
💡 Pro Tip: The frescoes in the museum are the real highlight here, showing a multicultural society with Chinese, Persian, and Turkic influences. Look for the famous “Ambassador’s Painting” depicting envoys from different countries in their traditional dress – it’s like an ancient fashion catalog!
8. Pay Respects at the Tomb of Daniyar
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Destination
The Tomb of Daniyar (Prophet Daniel) is one of Samarkand’s more unusual sites. According to legend, Timur brought some of Daniel’s remains from Persia, and the tomb was built to a length of 18 meters because it was believed Daniel’s body grew an inch every year!
While the biblical connection might be tenuous, the site remains an important pilgrimage destination for Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. The peaceful setting above a small stream provides a nice contrast to the grander monuments in the city center.
Site Information:
- No entry fee
- Located east of the city center
- A sacred spring near the tomb is believed to have healing properties
- Modest dress recommended
🌟 My Experience: I visited in the early morning and had the place almost entirely to myself. The location on a hillside overlooking a small river valley is quite serene, and I enjoyed watching locals come to fill bottles from the sacred spring. It’s a wonderful place to escape the crowds and reflect.
9. Visit Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex
Day Trip Islamic Heritage
Though located about 25km outside Samarkand, the Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex is worth the trip for those interested in Islamic history. This beautiful modern complex honors the 9th-century scholar who compiled one of the most authoritative collections of hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad).
The tranquil grounds include a mosque, museum, and the imam’s tomb, and I found the peaceful atmosphere a welcome respite from the busier sites in the city. Even if you’re not familiar with Al-Bukhari’s significance, the contemporary Islamic architecture is impressive.
Complex Details:
- Entry fee: 10,000 soms (~€1)
- Located in Payaryk district, approx. 30 minutes by taxi
- A taxi should cost around 100,000-150,000 soms round trip
- Modest dress required (women must cover their heads)
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to visit, arrange a taxi for the round trip and have them wait for you, as finding transportation back to Samarkand can be difficult. I recommend negotiating the waiting time and total price before departing.
10. Experience Samarkand Paper Factory
Cultural Experience Traditional Crafts
For something a bit different, visit the Samarkand Paper Factory to see traditional paper-making techniques that date back to the 8th century. Before Europe had paper, Samarkand was famous for its high-quality paper made from mulberry bark.
The small workshop demonstrates the entire process, from stripping the bark to creating the pulp in stone mortars powered by a waterwheel, then forming and polishing the paper. You can purchase beautiful samples of the paper, which makes for unique souvenirs.
Factory Information:
- Entry fee with demonstration: 25,000 soms (~€2.50)
- Located in Konigil village, about 10km from Samarkand
- Taxi ride costs approximately 60,000-80,000 soms round trip
- Allow 1-2 hours for the visit and demonstration
🌟 My Experience: I bought several beautiful notebooks and paper samples here that became favorite souvenirs from my trip. Watching the artisans transform rough mulberry bark into delicate paper using the same methods employed during the height of the Silk Road was fascinating. The small on-site café also serves excellent tea and local snacks.
11. Relax at Siyob Teahouse
Food & Drink Local Experience
After a day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than relaxing at Siyob Teahouse near the bazaar. This traditional chaikhana (teahouse) offers the perfect spot to rest tired feet while enjoying endless cups of green tea and people-watching.
The restaurant serves excellent plov (Uzbekistan’s national rice dish), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and samsa (savory pastries). Sitting on the raised platforms covered with colorful carpets and cushions gives you a taste of authentic Uzbek hospitality.
Teahouse Tips:
- Budget around 40,000-60,000 soms (~€4-6) for a hearty meal
- Located near Siob Bazaar
- No alcohol served (as with most traditional establishments)
- Especially lovely in the evening when they sometimes have live music
💡 Pro Tip: Order the “tea set” which includes dried fruits, nuts, and sweets to accompany your endless pot of green tea. It’s the perfect way to experience Uzbek hospitality and tea culture. Don’t be surprised when your teacup is only filled halfway—it’s traditional to pour small amounts and refill frequently!
12. Take a Hammam Experience
Relaxation Cultural Experience
For total relaxation, treat yourself to a traditional bath at Anhor Hammam. This recently renovated bathhouse offers an authentic experience with a modern touch of cleanliness that I greatly appreciated.
The process involves relaxing in a steam room, followed by a vigorous scrub with a special glove (kisseh) that removes an alarming amount of dead skin, and finished with a massage. Trust me when I say you’ll feel absolutely renewed afterward!
Hammam Details:
- Cost: 200,000-300,000 soms (~€20-30) depending on services
- Located in the old city
- Men and women have separate facilities or different hours
- Book in advance during high season
- Bring swimwear, though traditional locals go without
🌟 My Experience: After a week of dusty sightseeing, this was exactly what I needed! I was initially a bit nervous about the cultural differences, but the staff were incredibly respectful and professional. The exfoliation was intense—I’ve never been so scrubbed in my life—but my skin felt amazing for days afterward.
13. Visit the Hazrat Khizr Mosque
Viewpoint Lesser-Known Gem
The Hazrat Khizr Mosque sits on a hill overlooking the city and offers one of the best panoramic views of Samarkand. According to legend, the original mosque was built where the prophet Khizr (Al-Khidr) appeared, making it a site of pilgrimage long before the current structure was built in the 19th century.
What I love about this mosque is its more modest scale and the relative lack of tourists compared to the major sites. The gleaming white structure with its azure dome provides a perfect contrast to the city spread out below.
Mosque Information:
- Small donation expected (5,000-10,000 soms)
- Located south of Afrosiab
- Wonderful place for sunset photography
- Modest dress required
💡 Pro Tip: This is my favorite sunset spot in Samarkand. From here, you can see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the Registan, and Shah-i-Zinda all in one panoramic view as they glow in the golden evening light. Bring your camera and arrive about 45 minutes before sunset to get the perfect shot.
14. Attend a Folk Show at Restaurant Samarkand
Evening Entertainment Cultural Performance
For evening entertainment, I highly recommend dinner and a show at Restaurant Samarkand. The restaurant offers a traditional setting with low tables and cushioned seating, while the folk performance includes classical Uzbek music, dance, and sometimes even fashion shows of regional costumes.
The music features instruments like the dutar (two-stringed lute) and doira (frame drum), and the dancers perform elements of traditional Uzbek dance that tell stories of daily life, love, and celebration. It’s touristy, yes, but also genuinely entertaining and culturally informative.
Evening Show Information:
- Cost: 150,000-200,000 soms (~€15-20) for dinner and show
- Located in the city center
- Performances usually start around 7pm
- Reservations recommended in high season
🌟 My Experience: I wasn’t expecting much from what seemed like a typical tourist show, but I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the music and dance performances. The energy of the musicians was infectious, and I found myself completely absorbed in the rhythms and melodies. The food was excellent too—a perfect sampling of Uzbek cuisine.
15. Wine Tasting at Hovrenko Wine Factory
Unique Experience Food & Drink
For something unexpected in a predominantly Muslim country, visit the Hovrenko Wine Factory, founded in the late 19th century. The small museum explains the history of viticulture in the region, which dates back thousands of years, and offers tastings of local wines and cognacs.
While Uzbek wines might not compete with those from more famous wine regions, the experience is unique and the setting in a historic building adds to the charm. I was particularly surprised by the quality of their dessert wines!
Wine Factory Details:
- Tasting fee: 100,000 soms (~€10)
- Located in the city center
- Tours in English available with advance booking
- Closed on religious holidays
⚠️ Warning: While alcohol is legal in Uzbekistan, it’s still a predominantly Muslim country. Be respectful and discreet about alcohol consumption, especially during Ramadan or near religious sites.
Where to Stay in Samarkand
After exploring the best things to do in Samarkand, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest. I’ve stayed at several hotels in the city and can recommend options for different budgets:
Luxury Accommodations
Dilimah Premium Luxury Hotel
Central Location Rooftop Views
This elegant hotel combines modern amenities with traditional design elements. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the city, and the attentive staff make every guest feel special. Located within walking distance of Registan Square, it’s perfect for those who want comfort and convenience.
Hotel Highlights:
- Spacious rooms with authentic Uzbek decor
- Excellent on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine
- Helpful concierge for arranging tours and transportation
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property
Price Range: Rooms from $120 per night
Mid-Range Options
Timur the Great Hotel
Boutique Hotel Traditional Design
My personal favorite in Samarkand, this boutique hotel offers excellent value with its central location, beautiful courtyard, and generous breakfast. The rooms blend traditional Uzbek designs with modern comforts.
Hotel Highlights:
- 10-minute walk to Registan Square
- Helpful staff who can arrange guides and transportation
- Beautiful inner courtyard perfect for relaxing
- Traditional Uzbek breakfast included
🌟 My Experience: I stayed here for five nights and felt completely at home. The owner, Timur (yes, really!), went out of his way to help with restaurant recommendations and even arranged a last-minute day trip to Shakhrisabz for me. The courtyard is perfect for enjoying breakfast or evening tea.
Price Range: Rooms from $60-80 per night
Hotel Platan
Quiet Location Garden Setting
This reliable mid-range option offers comfortable rooms in a quiet location. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of Uzbek and European dishes, and the garden provides a pleasant space to relax after sightseeing.
Hotel Highlights:
- 15-minute walk to Registan Square
- Good Wi-Fi and air conditioning
- Peaceful garden setting
- Family-friendly accommodation options
Price Range: Rooms from $40-60 per night
