View of Registan square in Samarkand at sunset

Things to do in  Samarkand

Mosaics at every turn

Located on the famous Silk Road, Samarkand is a treasure of a city. History buffs and photographers will find plenty of things to do in Samarkand—top picks include visiting the Registan Square at opening time or for its evening light show; checking out the Guri Amir Mausoleum Complex; and climbing up Ulugh Beg Madrasa’s minaret if you’re feeling fit. Balance the sightseeing with some shopping and haggling at the Siyob Bazaar, and then sit down to a hearty meal of plov (pilaf rice dish) and shashlik (skewered, grilled meat).

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Top 4 attractions in Samarkand

#1

Gur-e-Emir Mausoleum

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Completed in 1404, Gur-e-Emir Mausoleum serves as the final resting place for Timur and two of his sons and grandsons. Timur ordered the construction of the mausoleum for his favorite grandson, Muhammad Sultan, but when Timur died suddenly in 1405, he was interred there as well.A geometric courtyard surrounds the tomb, which is easily identified by its ribbed azure copula and tiled minaret towers. Each burial place is marked with an ornate carved headstone, while the actual remains are interred in the mausoleum’s basement. Blue glazed tiles, gilt, and painted plaster and onyx cover the interior of the vault, including its dome.According to local legend, an inscription was found within the sarcophagus of Timur when opened by Soviet scientists in 1941. The inscription read, “Whomsoever opens my tomb shall unleash an invader more terrible than I.” Mere hours later, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union.More
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#2

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

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Shah-i-Zinda, one of Samarkand’s most popular sites, is a street of tombs containing some of the most spectacular tile work in the world. Established over a millennia ago, temples, mausoleums, and other religious structures have been added over the centuries – mostly between the 14th and 19th centuries – making it a fascinating study in architectural style.The innermost shrine (and the holiest structure) comprises a complex of quiet rooms believed to be the tomb of Qusam ibn-Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Mohammed who brought Islam to the region in the 7th century. The Shodi Mulk Oko Mausoleum, one of the most beautiful tombs in the Shah-i-Zinda complex, is covered in majolica and terracotta that needed little restoration when the rest of the complex was aggressively restored in 2005.More
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#3

Registan Square

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The city of Samarkand is more than two and a half millennia old, and the Registan once served as the main city square, where people from around the globe traveling the Silk Road stopped to trade in its bustling markets. Today, it’s one of Uzbekistan’s must-visit attractions and a study in medieval architecture.The madrassas that surround the square on three sides – among the world’s oldest – are covered in azure tile work. A photo exhibit within the Tilla-Kari Madrassa shows what old Samarkand once looked like in the early 1900s, including photos of the ruined madrassas before they were restored by the Soviets beginning in 1918. The Ulugh Beg Madrassa is the oldest of the three, dating back to the early fifteenth century, while the seventeenth century Sher-Dor Madrassa is notable for the tiger mosaics on its facade.More
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#4

Bibi-Khanym Mosque (Bibi Khanum Mosque)

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Built between 1399 and 1404, shortly before Timur’s death, the enormous Bibi-Khanym Mosque(Bibi Khanum Mosque) was once the largest mosque in the Islamic world. After years of decay, the building partially collapsed during an earthquake in 1897 and wasn’t rebuilt until the 1970s. While portions of the mosque have been completely restored, other parts remain in need of further restoration. This semi-ruined state takes nothing away from its architectural majesty.A giant parade portal leads into the courtyard with the main mosque straight ahead and two smaller mosques to either side. A huge Quran stand made from marble blocks sits at the center of the courtyard, and according to local legend, women who crawl beneath it will be blessed with many children.More
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Explore Samarkand by interest

Top activities in Samarkand

Samarkand City Tour

Samarkand City Tour

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8
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$129.00
Yurt Camp - "One Day as Nomads" from Samarkand / Bukhara

Yurt Camp - "One Day as Nomads" from Samarkand / Bukhara

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$180.00
Guide / excursion service in Samarkand

Guide / excursion service in Samarkand

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22
From
$20.00
Samarkand city history, architecture and the culture tour (standard)

Samarkand city history, architecture and the culture tour (standard)

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13
From
$150.00
per group
Samarkand Walking Tour

Samarkand Walking Tour

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3
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$45.00
Samarkand day trip

Samarkand day trip

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10
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$65.00
Samarkand Airport / Railway Station - Samarkand City Transfer

Samarkand Airport / Railway Station - Samarkand City Transfer

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1
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$12.50
Wine Tasting Tour in Samarkand

Wine Tasting Tour in Samarkand

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18
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$65.00
The Golden City of Samarkand: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

The Golden City of Samarkand: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

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3
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$6.99
Day tour to Shahrisabz

Day tour to Shahrisabz

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5
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$100.00
per group
Penjikent Day Trip From Samarkand

Penjikent Day Trip From Samarkand

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2
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$160.00
Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan 7d6n

Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan 7d6n

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$1,150.00
Shakhrisabz day trip from Samarkand

Shakhrisabz day trip from Samarkand

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1
From
$77.00
Shakhrisabz One Day Tour from Samarkand

Shakhrisabz One Day Tour from Samarkand

From
$105.00
Samarkand One Day City Tour

Samarkand One Day City Tour

From
$99.00
Train station and airport transfer

Train station and airport transfer

From
$50.00
per group
Explore Samarkand as a Local

Explore Samarkand as a Local

From
$90.00
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (13d12n)

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (13d12n)

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$2,399.00
Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan 11d10n

Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan 11d10n

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$2,099.00
Seven Beauties Of Shing – Haftkol Tour From Samarkand

Seven Beauties Of Shing – Haftkol Tour From Samarkand

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All about Samarkand

When to visit

For warm weather and perfect temperatures for touring, visit Samarkand in either spring (April to June) or fall (September to early November). July is extremely hot and the winters get bitingly cold. March 21st is the Persian New Year which is fun to celebrate. Also, check when Ramadan is each year, as many residents will be fasting during the day, but there will still be restaurants open for tourists.

Getting around

Taxis are the way to go in Samarkand, but make sure that you’re ready to bargain. Your driver will probably start with a request for at least double what it really should cost, so bear that in mind. Yandex ridesharing app often works and is cheap, too. There’s also a slow but cost-effective tram that runs from the train station, so give this a try if you’re not in a hurry and want to do some people-watching.

Traveler tips

After a day visiting Smarkand’s spectacular Ms—madrasas, minarets, and mosques—take some time out and relax at the local Blue’s Bar with a beer and a bite. Another spot to try if you fancy some international cuisine is the local Korean restaurant, Shikugyoug, for some Korean BBQ, kimchi, kimbap, and a beer brewed on the premises. Before dinner, visit the alley of mausoleums at dusk for a fresh perspective of the attraction.

Attractions
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Tours
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Reviews
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People Also Ask

What is Samarkand best known for?

Samarkand is best known for its seat on the Silk Road, and the ornate tilework of its beautiful architecture of the Registan, Guri Amir mausoleum, Shah-i-Zinda, and many more incredible buildings. Several mosques, madrasas, minarets, and mausoleums occupy Samarkand, making excellent backdrops for photographs and pondering life on the Silk Road.

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How many days should I spend in Samarkand?

It’s good to spend around two full days in Samarkand, since there’s a lot to take in. From the architectural design, history, and mosaics of the Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda, and more, to the local buzz of the Siyob Bazaar, there will be plenty to keep you occupied and stimulated.

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How should I spend a day in Samarkand?

Wake up early and visit the Registan for your first stop—doors open at 8am. Next you can head to Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum. If you’re feeling energetic, climb up Ulugh Beg Madrasa’s minaret for a great view of the city. Finish the day watching the Registan’s lightshow at dusk.

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When is the best time to visit Samarkand?

Samarkand is best for touring from either April to June, or from September to early November. The peak summer months get too hot, but it’s a dry heat. Winter is bitingly cold and bleak. Persian New Year, March 21st, is a vibrant time for celebration, and a great time to visit.

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What is the typical food in Samarkand?

Samarkand, and all of Uzbekistan, is known for its hearty fare. You’ll find shashlik (lamb, chicken, or beef skewers), plov (rice pilaf cooked with lamb and carrots), laghman (hand pulled noodles stir-fried with meat and veggies or as a soup), and manti-dumplings. You can also find a few vegetarian options in town.

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Is Samarkand worth visiting?

Yes, Samarkand is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture and mosaics, and the multiple layers of history it holds. From its prominence on the Silk Road, to the well-preserved mausoleums of famous rulers—plus its madrasas, minarets, and mosques—Samarkand is a treasure of a city not to be missed.

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