About Samarkand
Samarkand is one of Uzbekistan's major cities, home to around 595,200 people.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Samarkand
1
Registan Square
2
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
3
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
4
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
5
Ulugh Beg Observatory
6
Siyob Bazaar
7
Afrasiab Museum
8
Evening light show at Registan
Budget travel
Free things to do in Samarkand
Registan Square
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Siyob Bazaar
Khazrat-Khizr Mosque
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Visit Khazrat-Khizr Mosque
- Visit Tomb of Prophet Daniel
- Eat at Historic
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Gur-e-Emir Mausoleum
- Visit Rukhabad Mausoleum
- Visit Eternal City and Eternity Square
- Eat at Cafe Magistr
Where to eat
Local favourites
Historic
Great local restaurant in a side street only a few meters from the Registan. They offer good shashlik and other Uzbek food, plus beer and vo
Cafe Magistr
Slick central place with veggie choices, staff speak good English.
Old City Restaurant
Good choice for trad Uzbek cuisine.
Joni Osh
Reputedly the best plov in Samarkand. Get there early before they run out!
Karim Bek
Hearty portions of Uzbek specialties.
Istiqlol
Family-friendly place serving trad dishes.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Old Station Hotel
Small modern hotel right by the railway station.
- $
Rayyan Hotel
Clean modern chain hotel very near the railway station.
- $
Bahodir Hotel
Backpacker place around a courtyard, with dorm and private rooms. Friendly and mostly clean, very central.
- $
Jahongir Hotel
Comfortable modern rooms near the historic centre.
- $
Uyut Hotel
Friendly small B&B in a quiet neighbourhood.
Shopping
- Samarkand Silk Carpets and Craft Factory
- Art&Antique Shop "Mubarak" by Mr. Haydar
- Siyab Grand Bazaar
- Yangi Bazaar
- Makon Mall
- Family Park
Museums & culture
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Khazrat-Khizr Mosque
In pictures
Samarkand gallery
Keep exploring
