9 Spectacular Things to Do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand is Uzbekistan’s second largest city after its capital, Tashkent. Well-known for its mesmerising blue/turquoise-tiled madrasahs, mosques, and minarets, Samarkand hosts some of the most impressive Islamic architecture in the whole country, which has even gained it UNESCO status.

If you travel to discover architecture, history, culture, and photography, this is your place! This guide will talk you through all the best things to do in Samarkand, plus where to eat, accommodation, and how to get there.

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Brief History of Samarkand

Samarkand is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to the 7^th century BC. The city has changed hands under many different empires and conquerors over its history from Ancient Persia, Alexander the Great, Turkic, Mongol, Uzbek, Russian, and Soviet.

When the USSR collapsed, and the Central Asian republics were given independence, the territory lines drawn meant that Samarkand’s (disputed) ethnic majority is actually Tajik. All of these factors, plus its strategic location in the centre of Asia on the Silk Road have helped the city acquire the name of ‘Crossroads of Cultures’.

How to Get to Samarkand

Samarkand has Uzbekistan’s second largest airport after Tashkent, and it services international as well as domestic flights. Direct flights from big transport hubs like Istanbul and Abu Dhabi mean that the city is not a mission to reach!

If arriving into Tashkent, there are internal flights to Samarkand that will get you there in about an hour, but I recommend the high speed trains that will get you there in about two and a half hours.

Just make sure you definitely book the high speed trains and not the old rickety Soviet ones!

How Long to Spend in Samarkand

You could visit all attractions in one full day, but to allow for more photography opps, wandering, and tea stops, a leisurely two days would also be perfect.

Where to Stay in Samarkand

Where to Eat in Samarkand

So, full disclosure here, I was not able to explore Samarkand’s restaurant scene to its fullest because I had one of the worst bouts of food poisoning that I have ever had right here.

However, the one place that I do recommend is Bibikhaoum Tea House. They actually have a page in their menu just of vegetarian food. Granted there isn’t much on it, but salad, rice soup, pumpkin manti, and chips isn’t a bad deal. The pumpkin manti are pretty good, and even with a particularly unhappy belly, they went down well.

Is Samarkand worth visiting?

Yes yes yes! Samarkand has a great mix of ancient architecture, modernity, and green spaces. It feels completely different to the other Silk Road cities. It is a only a quick hop from Bukhara by train, and also works as a perfect half-way point between Tashkent and Khiva if you’re heading up that way.

Things to Do in Samarkand

All of the major landmarks kind of line themselves up if you look at the map, so it’s a pretty simple route to follow. You won’t easily get lost, and you might even be able to see the next stop from the one you’re exploring first!

1. Wander University Boulevard

I was so surprised to see how green Samarkand is, especially coming from dusty, deserty Khiva. University Boulevard is a paved path with benches, trees, and a couple of vendors selling snacks. Wander right down to the end to the statue of Timur before heading to your first major attraction.

2. Gur-e-Amir

Literally meaning the ‘Tomb of the King’ in Persian, Gur-e-Amir is the final resting place and mausoleum dedicated to Emperor Timur. As well as being a barbaric, ruthless nomadic conqueror, Timur lead the Timurid Empire in what is now modern day Uzbekistan. Samarkand became a centre of culture, arts, science, and architecture.

The mausoleum is beautifully decorated on the outside, with a huge blue dome and turquoise tiling, but step inside and you will be wowed. Floor to ceiling intricate artwork with blue tiling and gilding.

3. Street Art Mural

On your way to the Registan complex, stop by this street art mural!

4. Registan Square

Back during the Timurid Empire, Registan Square was the heart of the city, a central meeting point, and public square. The square is surrounded by three intricately decorated madrasahs (Islamic schools) with detailed mosaics, arches and domes.

This monument is one of the biggest highlights of a Samarkand trip (though my personal favourite is still to come later on the list!), so the site sees a lot of tourists and can get busy very quickly. In the evenings, the site is illuminated with colourful lighting, which you can also see from beyond the barriers, so you don’t have to buy another ticket to see it again, unless you want to get close-up shots.

5. Bibi Khanum Mosque

The dome of this historic mosque is really impressive, though it has had to go through significant restoration to get it back in shape. Surrounded by a beautiful courtyard with seating shaded by trees, this site is much more peaceful and relaxed than the other busy attractions. Make sure you check out the stone Quran stand too.

7. Siyob Bazaar

A classic Central Asian bazaar, you can buy anything from veg to dried fruit to bread. And it’s all under shelter, so again take a wander, buy some snacks, and get a little respite from the sun.

8. Hazrat Khizr Mosque

This mosque isn’t like the others with their traditional turquoise mosaics; it has more of a Bolo Hauz (in Bukhara) feel about it with wooden pillars and decorated flat ceiling. When we visited, there was no entrance fee, now however, it seems a tad hefty in comparison to what you get to see at the other sites. Still worth checking out though!

9. Shah-i-Zinda

And this is (in my opinion) is the jewel in Samarkand’s mighty crown! The necropolis is the burial place of many prominent figures. It is a stunning site to behold full of mausoleums with blue, turquoise and gold tiling, extravagant domes, and archways all in a small complex. The photography opportunities here are endless, but it is still a pilgrimage site for many, so remain respectful and dress appropriately.

Onward Travel from Samarkand

Khiva, Bukhara and Tashkent are very often the next stops on Uzbekistan itineraries, and all are easily accessible by train. Book your tickets with 12GO.

Or you could even cross the border into Tajikistan via Panjakent!

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