Discover the allure of Samarkand with my guide to the best things to do in this ancient city. From stunning architecture to tasty plov and vibrant bazaars, these are 12 of the best things to do in Samarkand.
1. Registan Square – a Unesco heritage heart of Samarkand
Begin your journey at the heart of Samarkand, where three grand madrasahs — Ulugh Beg, Tilya-Kori, and Sher-Dor — showcase the grandeur of Timurid architecture. Each madrasah is adorned with intricate tilework, geometric patterns, and towering minarets. In the courtyards, you can find little souvenir shops.
The name “Registan” translates to “sandy place” in Persian, reflecting the square’s origins as a bustling marketplace in the midst of the city’s desert surroundings. In fact, the square has been a hub of activity since the 15th century, witnessing academic gatherings, royal ceremonies and public events – even executions.
Today, Registan Square continues to mesmerise visitors worldwide, offering breathtaking photo opportunities and a glimpse into Uzbekistan’s rich and beautiful heritage.
2. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – a glittering tomb of an emperor
Pay homage to the great conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) at his final resting place. The mausoleum’s azure dome and ornate interior are a fabulous testament to the opulence of Timurid design.
Timur was the father of the powerful Timurid Empire. He reigned from 1370 to 1405 in an area covering west, south and central Asia.
I have stayed at Hotel Dilshoda, just around the corner from the Amir Temur Mausoleum (doubles starting from 57€) and can highly recommend it. Another, more upscale hotel I’ve tested and liked is the Samarkand Regency Amir Temur Hotel (doubles from 120€), near the Eternal City.
3. Bibi-Khanym Mosque – an ambitious relic
Explore the colossal remnants of Bibi-Khanym Mosque, commissioned by Timur for his beloved wife. The grandeur of its blue domes and towering entrance arches is a prime sample of Timurid Renaissance architecture. When built in the 15th century, Bibi-Khanym was one of the most magnificent mosques in the world.
Timur’s ambitious scale of construction stretched the building techniques of the time to their utmost limit. This was exacerbated by the hurried pace of construction, which ultimately compromised the structure’s durability. Various reconstructions were undertaken to save the mosque. However, after just a few years, the first bricks began to fall.
During the 16th century, the mosque slowly deteriorated, aided by wind, weather, and earthquakes. The inner arch of the portal finally collapsed in an earthquake in 1897. Today, it’s said to bring good fortune if you walk around the stone Koran stand in front of the entrance.
4. Siab Bazaar – nuts, spice and souvenirs
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Siab Bazaar. Shop local fruits, spices, and crafts while experiencing the everyday life of Samarkand’s residents. The bazaar is located right next to Bibi-Khanym mosque. Surrounding the bazaar, you’ll also find streets lined with little souvenir shops.
5. Shah-i-Zinda – possibly the best thing to do in Samarkand
Wander through Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, where intricately adorned mausoleums line the narrow alleys.
This sacred site is a series of elaborately adorned mausoleums steeped in centuries of legend and lore. In fact, the name Shah-i-Zinda means “The Living King,” referring to a belief that the site holds the tomb of Qutham ibn al-ʿAbbās (624–677), a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Other tombs include, for example, Amir Temur’s relatives. Visitors are greeted with a dazzling array of turquoise tiles, intricate mosaics, and ornate Islamic calligraphy, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled beauty.
Shah-i-Zinda is, in my opinion, the best thing to see and do in Samarkand.
6. Invisible Samarkand – a walking tour behind Samarkand’s facades
My first visit to Samarkand was a press trip, and we were given a 100-minute, immersive audio walking tour with Invisible Samarkand. Taking part in a walking tour is also one of the best things to do in Samarkand, as you learn the city’s ancient secrets while you go. The tour started from Bibi Khanym mosque and zig-zagged through the old Jewish neighbourhood. The tour was one of Samarkand’s highlights because if I’d do it on my own, I doubt I would have known my way through the maze.
7. Ulugh Beg Observatory – delve into the scientific legacy of Timur’s grandson
This celestial haven was crafted by the visionary Timurid astronomer, Ulugh Beg, in the 1420s, and the remnants of the massive sextant are a reminder of Samarkand’s contributions to astronomy.
As I didn’t have the chance to visit the Observatory on my first trip to Samarkand, it was the first thing on my list when I returned. The museum consists of two small buildings. One is dedicated to Ulugh Beg and his work in astronomy and mathematics. Opposite is another building where you can see the trench with the lower section of the meridian arc. This, in Ulugh Beg’s time, was lined with polished marble. Today, it’s a long and curved cave-like structure that gives you an idea of how astronomy was practiced centuries ago.
Uncover the mysteries of Samarkand’s past at Afrasiab Museum. Artifacts from the ancient city of Afrasiyab offer insights into the region’s rich history, spanning from the Sogdian civilization to the conquests of Timur.
Designed by Bagdasar Arzumanyan in 1970, the museum opened its doors on Samarkand’s 2500th anniversary. Here’, you’ll find five thematic rooms that trace the evolution of life within the Afrasiyab fortress. The museum’s collection exceeds 22,000 artifacts, ranging from ancient swords and books to intricately preserved murals. Notably, it houses the renowned Afrasiab murals from the 7th and 8th centuries, offering a glimpse into the city’s bygone glory.
In 2015, the museum also welcomed an Azerbaijani Pavilion, highlighting the rich heritage of Azerbaijan, such as the country’s famed carpet-weaving traditions.
9. Taste plov and other delicacies – a mini guide for vegetarians
I have found Samarkand an easy city for all sorts of foodies, even for vegetarians – there are a bunch of delicious foods to try. Plov is Uzbekistan’s National dish, based on rice, vegetables and meat, and can often be ordered without the meat, too. Another local treat is samsa, a meat-filled bread baked on the inside walls of a tandoor (a clay oven). Samsas come in tasty pumpkin or spinach versions too, which I highly recommend. One of my go-to foods is the manti, normally available on all menus with meat filling but also at times with pumpkin.
Coming from Finland, I also find Uzbekistan’s fruits, vegetables, salads and breads juicy and delicious – not to mention the tea, which, luckily, is served with all meals!
If you want to explore Samarkand’s culinary scene at ease, head to the newly built Eternal City. This is a collection of replicas of Samarkand’s famed sites, housing shops and souvenir sellers as well as various types of restaurants. If you travel with kids, Eternal City might come as a handy solution to relax a bit amid sight-seeing the historic city.
10. Shopping in Samarkand
I’m not a big shopper but I do enjoy making vintage finds. The best shop I’ve found (so far) in Samarkand is the Happy Bird Art Gallery. The little complex is located on Islama Karimova Road, formerly Tashkent Road. And when I say ‘complex’, I mean a historic caravanserai building, now the Samarkand Center of Crafts.
Apart from the fabulous collection of clothing made from vintage and contemporary natural fabrics, you’ll also find kitchenware and accessories here. Other shops in the gallery consist of exquisite handcrafted Uzbek carpets, national-style clothing and ceramics. Antique jewelry, paintings, intricate suzane embroidery and graphic arts can also be found here, all surrounded by the atmospheric setting of the ancient caravanserai.
11. Make a day trip – head to the hills, or Shahrisabz
Located in the sun-kissed plains of southern Uzbekistan, Shahrisabz has been known by many names throughout history, from Kesh to its modern iteration. Timur was born nearby, and Shahrisabz’s Unesco heritage status is an accolade to the city’s architectural splendour.
Here, it’s not just the turquoise domes that catch the eye as Shahrisabz’s lush gardens line its pathways, bringing to life the city’s nickname, ‘green city’. The only way to get from Samarkand to Shahrisabz is by car, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours (and costs just under 10€). For example, a taxi from Samarkand to Shahrisabz is relatively easy to find from around Registan Square. But bear in mind that you should have also secured a ride back. You can also book a driver to pick you up from your hotel and look after you for the day trip (40-50€) or participate in a guided tour (around 75€). However, as I’ve visited outside season, no tours were available.
You can also get a driver and head to the hills surrounding Samarkand. I went towards the South-East and encountered many unforgettable sights, from a hilltop roadside market and herds of goats to tea rooms, kiosks and even a chef preparing for a family restaurant opening.
12. Take the train
Samarkand is also a great base to explore Uzbekistan by train. I’ve taken the train from Khiva in the north through Bukhara and Samarkand to the capital city Tashkent, and you can read more about this Silk Road train odyssey in an article I wrote for Lonely Planet.
An easy option is to hop onto the modern Afrosiyob train to Tashkent. This trip takes just over 2 hours. For the fans of retro travel, I recommend testing the Soviet-era Sharq trains. They take a bit longer, up to around 4 hours, but cost less, c. 5,70 € (77,590 Uzbek som) for the second class and c. 8 € (108,730 som) for the first class. The Afrosiyob has three classes: economy (7,50€), business (10,30€) and VIP (15€).
For more hard-core train travellers, I recommend taking the train across the Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva, stopping at Bukhara on the way.
The man in seat 61 website has detailed information on the timetables and other practicalities. Tickets are easily bought on O’ZBEKISTON TEMIR YO’LLARI website – create an account and you’ll receive the tickets in your email to be printed before the trip.
