20 Best Things to Do in Samarkand [2026 Guide]
If there’s one city that convinced me Uzbekistan deserves far more attention, it was Samarkand.
Home to the magnificent Registan Square, towering turquoise domes, and centuries of history, Samarkand was one of the most impressive stops on my Central Asia trip! It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia and once sat at the heart of the Silk Road.
Beyond its famous landmarks and postcard views, you’ll discover peaceful backstreets, lively markets, traditional teahouses and some awesome food. With every corner is another reminder that this was once one of the greatest trading cities on Earth!
So whether you’re travelling the Silk Road, backpacking Central Asia, or planning your first trip to Uzbekistan, Samarkand absolutely deserves at least a couple of days.
In this guide, I’ll share the very best things to do in Samarkand, including prices, opening hours, and my honest opinions!
1. Registan Square
If there’s one place you can’t miss in Samarkand, it’s Registan Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Surrounded by three enormous madrasas (Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori), it’s perhaps the most iconic sight along the entire Silk Road!
I’d seen photos beforehand, but nothing prepared me for the scale of seeing it in person. Standing in the middle of the square, I genuinely stopped for a minute (or 5) and just took it all in.
Take your time wandering through each madrasa, where you’ll find peaceful courtyards, restored classrooms, small museums, and local craft stalls tucked beneath the arches. The details are incredible, with each madrasa covered in intricate blue mosaics!
Although many people admire Registan from outside for free, I think it’s one of the activities in Samarkand that’s genuinely worth paying to go inside.
My Tip: It might sound strange, but visit twice if you can! Registan is impressive during the day, but after sunset, the buildings are beautifully illuminated, and the atmosphere is completely different.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00-20:00
- Cost: 100,000 som ($8.31)
- Allow: 1-3 hours
- Location: Google Maps
2. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Although Registan often steals the spotlight, don’t skip Gur-e-Amir. This magnificent blue-domed mausoleum is the final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the ruler who transformed Samarkand into the capital of his empire.
From the outside, the fluted turquoise dome is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. But it’s the interior that really surprised me. Rich gold detailing, intricate mosaics, and the jade tombstone marking Timur’s grave make it feel every bit as grand as its reputation suggests.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in history, it’s worth visiting to better understand the man responsible for shaping much of the Samarkand you see today.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00-22:00
- Cost: 75,000 som ($6.24)
- Allow: 30 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
3. Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Shah-i-Zinda, was potentially my favourite place in Samarkand!
This remarkable avenue of turquoise mausoleums was built between the 11th and 15th centuries. It holds the remains of Quthan ibn Abbas (cousin of Prophet Mohammad) at the heart of the complex, as well as several members of Emperor Timur’s royal family. Each tomb is stunning, featuring its own intricate tilework!
As you climb towards the upper terraces, don’t forget to look back. The views over the domes and surrounding city are almost as impressive as the mausoleums themselves.
Many locals visit to pay their respects, so remember it’s an active religious site rather than just a tourist attraction.
I recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the day, since the narrow walkways can become incredibly busy (especially at the end by Quthan ibn Abbas’s mausoleum). The blue tiles also look much more vibrant under the softer light!
- Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00-22:00*
- Cost: 50,000 som ($4.16)
- Allow: 1-2 hours
- Location: Google Maps
*You can enter multiple times with the ticket, but it’s valid for one day only.
4. Bibi-Khanym Mosque & Mausoleum
Once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque still manages to impress despite centuries of earthquakes and reconstruction.
Built by Timur after his victorious campaign in India at the end of the 14th century, the mosque was intended to showcase the wealth and power of his empire. Today, the enormous entrance portal and towering blue dome (standing over 40m tall) give you a glimpse of just how ambitious that vision was.
Even after visiting impressive mosques elsewhere (particularly Istanbul and Accra), Bibi-Khanym still stood out and felt completely different!
It’s an easy stop to combine with Siab Bazaar, making it one of the most convenient attractions to visit. And while you don’t need as long here as at Registan or Shah-i-Zinda, it’s well worth walking inside the peaceful courtyard before continuing your day.
- Opening Hours: Weekdays 07:00-22:00, Weekends 09:00-22:00
- Cost: 75,000 som ($6.24)
- Allow: 30 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
Directly opposite the Mosque is the Bibi-Khanym Mausoleum, not my favourite mausoleum in this list, but worth popping in.
5. Siab Bazaar (Siyob Bozori)
If you want to experience everyday life in Samarkand, spend some time wandering around Siab Bazaar.
Located directly opposite Bibi-Khanym Mosque, this is Samarkand’s largest and busiest market. You’ll find stalls piled high with fresh fruit, spices, dried nuts, sweets, locally made ceramics and the famous round loaves of Uzbek non bread.
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s worth walking through just to soak up the atmosphere. I found it to be one of the best places in Samarkand for people-watching, with locals doing their daily shopping rather than souvenir hunting (though there are souvenirs available).
My Tip: Come hungry. This is one of the best places in Samarkand to try fresh fruit, local pastries or grab a cheap lunch before continuing your sightseeing.
- Opening Hours: Daily except Mondays (best in the morning)
- Cost: Free
- Allow: 30-60 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
6. Ulugh Beg Observatory
Long before telescopes existed, Samarkand was home to one of the greatest observatories in the world.
Built in the 15th century by the astronomer and ruler Ulugh Beg, this site helped produce some of the most accurate star charts ever created. Although much of the original observatory has disappeared, you can still see part of the enormous underground sextant that made these discoveries possible.
The small museum opposite helps bring the site to life, explaining why Ulugh Beg is remembered not just as a ruler, but as one of the greatest scientists of the Islamic Golden Age.
It’s a bit further from Samarkand’s main monuments, but if you’re interested in history or science, it’s worth making the trip.
It’s not expensive, but compared with other things to do in Samarkand, the observatory felt overpriced for what you get. Perhaps combine your visit with the nearby Afrasiyab Museum to make the journey across the city worthwhile.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00-19:00
- Cost: 75,000 som ($6.24)
- Allow: 30-45 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
7. Afrasiyab Museum
If you’re interested in the history behind Samarkand, the Afrasiyab Museum is one of the best places to visit.
Built beside the ruins of ancient Afrasiyab (the original settlement that existed long before modern Samarkand), the museum tells the story of the city’s earliest days.
Inside you’ll find archaeological discoveries, pottery, coins, and one of the museum’s biggest highlights: beautifully preserved 7th-century wall paintings that once decorated a royal palace.
I wouldn’t make this your first stop in Samarkand, but after visiting the city’s grand monuments, it helps put everything into context.
- Opening Hours: Daily except Sundays (09:00-18:00)
- Cost: 80,000 som ($6.65)
- Allow: 45-60 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
8. Hazrat Khizr Mosque
Although Samarkand is full of spectacular buildings, Hazrat Khizr Mosque quietly became one of my favourite spots in the city.
Perched on a hill overlooking Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the surrounding rooftops, it’s the perfect place to appreciate just how impressive Samarkand’s skyline really is.
The mosque itself is elegant, with colourful painted ceilings and traditional Uzbek architecture, but it’s the views that make the short climb worthwhile.
The nearby gardens and peaceful atmosphere also make it a nice place to escape the crowds for a while before continuing your sightseeing.
It’s easy to walk here from Bibi-Khanym Mosque or Shah-i-Zinda so it’s an easy one to add to any Samarkand itinerary.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00-19:00
- Cost: Free
- Allow: 20-30 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
9. Karimov’s Mausoleum
Located almost inside thee Hazrat Khizr Mosque Complex, the mausoleum of Islam Karimov is hard to miss. Plus it’s a great stop if you’re interested in Uzbekistan’s more recent history.
This elegant memorial marks the resting place of their first president. He served for 27 years, from Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991 until his death in 2016.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00-19:00
- Cost: Free
- Allow: 10-15 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
10. Try Authentic Samarkand Plov
You can’t visit Samarkand without trying Uzbekistan’s national dish.
Although you’ll find plov all over the country, every region has its own variation. Samarkand’s version is quite rich – typically layered rather than mixed, with fragrant rice, slow-cooked lamb or beef, carrots, chickpeas and raisins.
One thing I quickly learnt in Uzbekistan is that plov is traditionally eaten for lunch rather than dinner, so if you want the freshest batch, arrive before mid-afternoon. Many restaurants sell out long before the evening.
Even if you’ve already tried plov elsewhere in Uzbekistan, it’s worth ordering another plate here to experience one of the country’s most famous regional styles.
11. Tomb of Saint Daniel
One of Samarkand’s most unusual attractions is the Tomb of Saint Daniel.
According to local tradition, the remains of the prophet Daniel were brought to Samarkand by Timur, and his tomb is said to continue to grow over time. Whether or not you believe the legend, it’s a fascinating place to visit and offers a different perspective on the city’s rich religious history.
Located in the outskirts of the historic centre, it feels much quieter than Samarkand’s major landmarks and is a pleasant place to spend half an hour.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Cost: Free
- Allow: 20-30 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
12. Wine Tasting at Khovrenko Winery
I was surprised to learn that Uzbekistan has been producing wine for over a century.
The Khovrenko Winery is the country’s oldest commercial winery and offers guided tours where you can learn about Uzbekistan’s unique wine industry before sampling several local wines and spirits. The sweet dessert wines are particularly well known, although you’ll also find dry reds, whites and even brandy.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for something different from Samarkand’s historical sights, it’s a fun way to spend an hour or two. And given some of the stronger ‘wines’ at the end of the tasting, you’ll probably leave feeling pretty good!
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00-18:00
- Cost: Varies
- Allow: 1-2 hours
- Location: Google Maps
13. Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari
Located around 30 minutes outside Samarkand, the Mausoleum of Imam Al-Bukhari is one of the most important Islamic pilgrimage sites in Central Asia.
Imam Al-Bukhari was one of the most influential scholars in Islamic history, best known for compiling Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most respected collections of Hadith. Today, pilgrims from across the Muslim world come to pay their respects.
Even if you’re not religious, the peaceful complex, beautiful architecture and landscaped gardens make it a pleasant excursion from the city.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Cost: Free
- Allow: 1-2 hours (including travel)
- Location: Google Maps
14. Walk Registan Street & University Boulevard
After a busy day of sightseeing, University Boulevard and Registan Street are a couple of the nicest places to slow down.
These wide, tree-lined avenues stretch through the heart of Samarkand. You’ll pass students chatting on benches, families out for an evening stroll, and plenty of cafés where you can stop for a coffee or ice cream. At the top of University Boulevard is the Amir Temur Monument, whilst Registan Street has some unique Soviet Graffiti and tiger statues at one end too!
There’s no single major attraction here, but it’s a pleasant way to relax in between Silk Road sights, and get a glimpse into everyday life. If you want, you can detour into Alisher Navoi Central Park.
Whilst there’s no major attraction here, I actually enjoyed walking the boulevard (and other nearby streets) because it felt like a glimpse into everyday life beyond the Silk Road history.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Cost: Free
- Allow: 30+ minutes
- Location: Google Maps (intersection of both streets)
If you’re looking for similar vibes in the evening, the Islam Karimov Monument gathers a lot of families.
15. Konigil Village & Silk Paper Workshop
Just outside Samarkand lies Konigil Village, home to one of Uzbekistan’s oldest traditional crafts.
Here you can watch artisans produce handmade paper using centuries-old techniques introduced along the Silk Road. Mulberry bark is transformed into beautiful sheets of paper using wooden water-powered machinery before being turned into notebooks, paintings and souvenirs.
It’s a fascinating demonstration that offers something completely different from Samarkand’s mosques and mausoleums. Plus, it’s probably one of the best places to get an authentic souvenir from Uzbekistan.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Cost: Free to enter
- Allow: 1-2 hours
- Location: Google Maps
16. Ruhobod Mausoleum
Built in the 14th century during Timur’s reign, Ruhobod Mausoleum is one of Samarkand’s oldest surviving monuments.
Unlike the city’s grander attractions, the building is relatively simple, with an understated dome and peaceful courtyard that make it feel quite different from nearby Registan or Gur-e-Amir.
It’s believed to contain the remains of the Islamic scholar Sheikh Burhaneddin Sagarji, making it an important pilgrimage site.
Since it’s located between Gur-e-Amir and Registan Square, it’s an easy stop if you’re exploring the city centre on foot. I only really passed through by accident!
- Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00-19:00
- Cost: Free
- Allow: 15-20 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
17. Ak Saray Mausoleum
Tucked away behind Gur-e-Amir, the Ak-Saray Mausoleum is one of Samarkand’s lesser-known historical sites.
Although much smaller than the city’s headline attractions, it’s worth visiting to admire the intricate blue tilework and peaceful atmosphere without the crowds. I was the only person in there which made a pleasant change!
The mausoleum was built during the Timurid period and is believed to have been intended for members of Timur’s family.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Cost: 20,000 som ($1.65)
- Allow: 15-20 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
18. Explore the Eternal City
One of Samarkand’s newest attractions, the Eternal City is a modern cultural complex designed to recreate the atmosphere of an ancient Silk Road settlement.
Inside you’ll find traditional craftsmen, restaurants, souvenir shops and performances celebrating Uzbek culture. While it isn’t a genuine historical site, it’s an attractive place to spend an evening, particularly if you’re staying at the nearby Silk Road Samarkand resort.
Personally, I wouldn’t prioritise it over Samarkand’s historic monuments, especially if you plan on visiting Bukhara or Khiva. But if you have extra time or you’re travelling with family, it’s an enjoyable addition to your itinerary.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Cost: Free to enter
- Allow: 1-2 hours
- Location: Google Maps
19. Rooftop Beer
There are plenty of open-air restaurants in Samarkand, particularly around the Registan area. Having some food, a snack or some drinks is a great way to relax after a busy day of exploring.
One of my favourites (pictured below) is located round the back of Registan Square and is called Emirhan Restaurant.
20. See Registan Square at Night [Light Show]
If you only take one piece of advice from this guide, make it this: come back to Registan after sunset.
During the day, it’s one of the most impressive architectural landmarks in the world. But once the sun goes down and the floodlights illuminate the three madrasas, the entire square feels completely different.
There’s a light show every evening. In the summer it usually starts at 9pm, meanwhile it’s a bit earlier in winter (7pm Winter, 8/8:30 in Autumn/Spring).
The show feels like pro-Uzbekistan propaganda, celebrating Uzbekistan’s history and culture, but it’s still a good watch! And after spending a day exploring Samarkand’s monuments, it’s a nice way to slow down and appreciate everything.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Cost: Free (from the outside)
- Allow: ~1hr
- Location: Google Maps
FAQs
How many days should you spend in Samarkand?
In my opinion, two full days in Samarkand is the perfect amount of time to spend here.
That gives you enough time to visit the major attractions like Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, Gur-e-Amir and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, while also exploring Siab Bazaar, trying authentic Samarkand plov and slowing down enough to enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
If you’re on a whistle-stop tour of Uzbekistan, you could see the highlights in a single day, but it would feel rushed. On the other hand, if you have three days, you can add places like Konigil Village, the Mausoleum of Imam Al-Bukhari or simply spend longer wandering Samarkand’s quieter streets and cafés.
Is Samarkand worth visiting?
Absolutely! In fact, if I could only recommend one city in Uzbekistan, it would probably be Samarkand.
While Bukhara feels more authentic and Khiva is arguably more photogenic, nowhere matches the sheer scale and grandeur of Samarkand’s architecture. Seeing Registan Square for the first time genuinely stopped me in my tracks, and attractions like Shah-i-Zinda and Gur-e-Amir easily lived up to the hype.
Beyond the famous landmarks, Samarkand also has excellent food, lively markets and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it enjoyable to explore between sightseeing.
If you’re travelling through Central Asia or following the Silk Road, I’d consider Samarkand an essential stop. It’s one of those rare destinations that actually exceeds expectations.
Can you visit Samarkand independently?
Yes, you can easily explore Samarkand independently. I’ve even written a full Samarkand itinerary for you to follow to make things easier.
Once you’re there getting around is easy using Yandex (taxi hailing) or by walking. Signs are frequently in English and people are almost always happy to help!
What is the best thing to do in Samarkand?
If I could only pick two or three things to do in Samarkand for your trip, it would undoubtedly be Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda. Together, they perfectly capture the city’s Islamic architecture and Silk Road history.
The bazaar and wine tasting were also great, and helped split up the more ‘sightseeing’ activities.
What are free things to do in Samarkand?
Unfortunately, a lot of the activities in Samarkand are ticketed. It might not be much, but it certainly adds as you explore the city.
Some of my favourite free things to do in Samarkand are: Siab Bazaar and Hazrat Khizr Mosque. Also the light show at Registan Square is also free to watch every night!
What is there to do in Samarkand at night?
Although Samarkand isn’t known for its nightlife, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the city after dark!
One of the best things to do in Samarkand at night is the Registan Square light show. After which you could go out for traditional Uzbek food, and then wander the boulevard where
If that’s not your scene, there are plenty of bars where you can have a drink.
The city generally felt very safe, so wandering around and looking at the architecture when nobody else is around was also lovely.
Is Samarkand expensive?
Samarkand is nowhere near as expensive as other destinations in the world like in Europe or North America, but it is more expensive than other stops in Uzbekistan (especially near Registan Square).
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to boutique guesthouses, while eating at local restaurants is excellent value. Even entrance fees to the city’s biggest attractions are relatively inexpensive, especially considering their historical significance.
However, the pull of Registan Square and other impressive sights has raised the prices considerably in recent years. Since 2025, prices have gone up significantly, and I suspect they will continue to do so…
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