10 Best Places to Visit in Samarkand

Looking best places to visit in Samarkand? 

The reason for that is, this city is like a living museum with colour and history oozing from every corner.

Trust us,  it is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. It’s been around for over 2,700 years—yes, that’s ancient . And it was a major spot for silk material, which means it saw traders, travelers, and empires passing through for centuries.

As a matter of fact, it became quite famous under Timur (also known as Tamerlane), who made it his capital. Under him, Samarkand became a center of science, art, and architecture. Where you can think of it as the Renaissance-era Paris of its time—but way more colorful.

Anyway, as of today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and going through its streets feels like you are walking into another world due to the beauty that you can see here.

So, whether you’re into history, architecture, or just want to see somewhere totally different, Samarkand should definitely be on your list. And we will be sharing with you the best ten places to visit here to get that experience.

10 Best Places to Visit in Samarkand

Alright, let’s dive into the beautiful spots of Samarkand—the places that make this city so special. 

Spoiler Alert: You could easily spend a week here and still find hidden corners you missed, but these ten spots are the ones you really don’t want to skip.

Registan Square – The Crown of Samarkand

Let’s start with the most popular place, which is the Registan Square.

This is the place that everyone pictures when they think of Samarkand. It’s like the city’s front porch.

Speaking of which, the square is with three massive madrassas (ancient Islamic schools) that are quite equally fascinating. 

In fact, those are in deep blue tiles, geometric patterns, and calligraphy that goes across the walls. 

Plus, we must mention that the sunlight catches the mosaics just right by making everything sparkle in the daytime.

Seriously, you could honestly stand here for an hour just by looking up and around. 

With that being said, there’s something about the scale and symmetry that makes your brain go “Whoa.” And if you visit early in the morning or just before sunset, the golden light turns the whole area into a dreamland for sure.

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis – A Walk Through the History

A short walk from Registan Square brings you to Shah-i-Zinda, which is a peaceful spot in the hillside. 

As for the history of this place, the name of it means “Living King,” and locals believe it’s the burial site of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.

Trust us, walking through the complex feels like you are in a different time zone due to the vibe that is around. 

This is because the alleyway is lined with tombs that are all covered in tiles. 

Whereas some are simple and others are actually a work of art. This is because the colours seem to glow in the sunlight, and the quiet makes it feel sacred.

Anyway, one of the standout tombs is the one with the dragon motif—a rare design in Islamic architecture. Plus, another is the tomb of Timur’s sister-in-law, which has incredibly detailed tilework.

So, if you think about it, this isn’t just a graveyard; it’s a spiritual space that people still visit today. Whereas locals bring flowers and pray to relax their minds. 

So take a deep breath, slow down, and enjoy the calm while you are around.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque – Timur’s Vision

If Registan Square is the heart of Samarkand, Bibi-Khanym Mosque is its soul. 

Built by none other than Timur himself (Tamerlane) after returning from a campaign in India, this mosque was meant to impress—and it still does.

At the time, it was one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. Though earthquakes and time have taken some part of the structure, restoration work has brought much of it back to life.

Anyway, the entrance arch is massive—like, you wouldn’t even believe it. 

However, once you are inside, you can find a courtyard and three prayer halls, with columns made from ancient ruins. 

Speaking of which, legend says slaves carried marble slabs all the way from India to build it.

Plus, there’s also a small pool in the centre that gets the touch of sky by adding a sense of peace. 

With all that, on Fridays, locals gather here for prayers, and the atmosphere becomes even more alive during that time.

Siyob Bazaar – Where Local Life Comes Alive

Hungry? Then it’s time for Siyob Bazaar, the best place in town to eat, shop, and experience the Uzbek life.

Speaking of which, this market isn’t just for tourists—it’s where locals come to buy fresh fruit, spices, meat, bread, and sweets. Whereas everything is piled high in colourful ways, and the smell that is around will hit you long before you get close.

So, once you are here, grab a warm piece of non (flatbread), try some plov (the national dish—rice cooked with lamb, carrots, and spices), or snack on dried apricots and melons. 

Plus, if you’re feeling like eating something unique, ask for shashlik (a grilled skewered meat), which is usually served with flatbread and onions.

Moreover, the bazaar is also a great spot to pick up souvenirs. Such as handmade ceramics, embroidered clothes, and spices in cute little cloth bags.  

Pro tip: Remember that bargaining is part of the fun here.

Ulugh Beg Observatory – Looking at Stars

Did you know Samarkand was a major centre for science? Well, yes, to get this experience you must visit Ulugh Beg Observatory, which was named after Timur’s grandson, who was not just a prince but also one of history’s greatest astronomers.

Built in the early 1400s, this observatory was a piece of art back in time. Whereas Ulugh Beg mapped the stars with incredible accuracy without using any electricity or computers.

In fact, these calculations were done with math and mirrors.

Anyway, today, you’ll see the remains of a giant sextant in the hillside, along with a small museum that shows the star charts and instruments from the era. 

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – Final Resting Place of a Giant

Now we are heading to Gur-e-Amir, which is the final resting place of Timur himself. 

Speaking of which, this is one of the most important buildings in the city—not just because of who’s buried here, but because of how stunning it is.

Anyway, at night, it glows under the lights like something out of a fairy tale. And inside of it, you can find walls that are covered in gold leaf and lapis lazuli, and the acoustics are amazing as in you can whisper and hear it echoing around the room.

Legend has it that Napoleon once tried to steal Timur’s body, but his ship sank on the way back to France. Which is quite fun to imagine, right?

Shendur Art Gallery – A Wonderful Spot for Culture Lovers

Want to see something a little different? Well, then you must head to Shendur Art Gallery, which is a fascinating little spot that is in a quiet neighbourhood.

Run by local artists, this gallery showcases traditional and contemporary Uzbek art, from unique paintings to handcrafted jewellery and textiles. 

Anyway, what makes Shendur special is the vibe that is around. 

Speaking of which, friendly owners, cool music, and lots of colour add a layer to its depth.

And hey, supporting local artists never hurt anyone. So, if you can, please show some love to motivate them.

Afrasiyab Museum & Ancient City Ruins – Digging Into the Past

Before Timur, before Islam, before the Silk Road reached its peak, there was Afrasiyab, an ancient Sogdian city that stood on this land thousands of years ago.

Therefore, the Afrasiyab Museum gives you a glimpse into that lost world. 

Anyway, once you are inside of it, you’ll find murals, pottery, coins, and statues that date back to the 5th century BC. 

In fact, one of the highlights is the huge wall painting that shows ambassadors from different lands visiting the Sogdian king by proving that Samarkand was already a global spot long before Timur came along.

Moving on, outside, you can walk through the ruins of the old city, including the foundations of homes and temples. 

Therefore, for history lovers, this place is pure gold.

Tilla-Kari Madrassa – Golden Touch Beauty

Back at Registan Square, let’s zoom in on one of the three madrassas, which goes by the name Tilla-Kari Madrassa. 

While all three are impressive, this one stands out because it’s covered in gold.

With all that, inside the main hall, the ceiling and walls are decorated with gold leaf by creating a dazzling effect which is quite hard to describe. 

Whereas it was said that the mosque inside took nearly 10 years to complete, which was all done by hand.

Anyway, climbing the narrow stairs to the upper levels gives you a chance to look down at the courtyard and appreciate the craftsmanship from above. 

Trust us, the acoustics here are wild, where if you clap once, you can listen to the echoes that go on.

Samarkand Railway Station Mosaic – A Surprising Slice of Art

Last but not least, let’s talk about something totally unexpected: the Samarkand Railway Station Mosaic.

Sounds random, right? But hear us out—this massive Soviet-era mural inside the train station is a full-on history lesson that is with art.

In fact, it stretches across the entire wall by telling the story of Uzbekistan from ancient times through the Soviet era. 

Anyway, once you are here, you’ll see scenes of farming, battles, scientists, and cultural traditions that are all in detail.

Trust us, since it is strangely beautiful, it’s the kind of thing you’d never expect to find in a train station.

So if you’re passing through or catching a train, take five minutes to stop by. Who knows? You might just leave with a new appreciation for Soviet art after that.

Best Time to Visit Samarkand

Timing your trip can make a big difference in how much you enjoy Samarkand.

Therefore, the best time to go is in spring or early autumn. Whereas April to June is perfect, as warm days and mild nights would give you the best experience when it comes to exploring. 

September and October, on the other hand, are also great, especially if you like cooler weather and fewer people around.

However, summer gets pretty hot. Like, really hot. 

In fact, July and August can go over 40°C (that’s 104°F), which is not ideal for walking around ancient ruins or shopping at markets. Unless you really love sweating.

Finally, winter is quite amazing as always, with temps sometimes dropping below freezing. But hey, if you don’t mind bundling up and dodging snowflakes, it can be peaceful and less crowded.

Also, keep an eye on festivals. Speaking of which, Navruz in March is a big celebration that marks the new year in the Persian calendar. 

So, as a celebration, there’s dancing, music, and lots of food with great vibes!

How to Get Around Samarkand

Getting around Samarkand isn’t hard, and honestly, it’s kind of charming.

Whereas most of the main sights are within walking distance of each other. Especially around Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda.

Moving on, if you’re heading further out, like to the Ulugh Beg Observatory or Afrasiyab ruins, taxis are your best bet. 

In that case, just hop in a shared taxi (called a marshrutka) or get a regular cab. 

Either way, most drivers speak a bit of English other than Uzbek or Russian, and those fare prices are reasonable. 

Moreover, you can also rent a bike for the day if you’re feeling like having an adventure. 

In fact, some hotels offer rentals, or you can ask your guesthouse to set something up for you.

Finally, guided tours are another option, especially if you want to learn more about the history behind the buildings. 

This is because local guides know the stories, legends, and secrets that most tourists miss. 

Plus, it’s nice having someone else handle the directions.

Where to Stay in Samarkand

Where you sleep matters—especially when you’re exploring a city as beautiful as Samarkand.

In fact, most travellers stay near Registan Square because everything’s close. That makes sense, right?

On the other hand, there are plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses and mid-range hotels in this area as well. 

Whereas some are basic but comfortable while others have rooftop views of the blue domes which is super romantic if you’re traveling with someone special.

Finally, for backpackers or solo travellers, hostels like Old Radio Hostel are clean, affordable, and social which is perfect if you want to meet fellow travellers.

Anyway, the bottom line is that, no matter where you stay, book ahead during peak season (April–June), as these places can fill up fast!

Samarkand Travel Tips

Before you pack your bags and head to Samarkand, here are a few quick tips to keep things smooth.

First, visas. Citizens of many countries including Sri Lankans need a visa to enter Uzbekistan, but the process is easier now thanks to e-visas. Where you just need to apply online before your trip which just takes like 10 minutes.

Safety-wise, Samarkand is pretty safe. In fact, people are friendly, the crime rate is low, and locals often go out of their way to help tourists. However, just use your common sense as in don’t walk alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.

When it comes to dress code: While Uzbekistan is quite relaxed, dressing modestly is appreciated, especially when entering mosques or religious sites. Plus, ladies wearing a scarf might be quite suitable if you are visiting there. 

On the other hand, bargaining is normal in markets like Siyob Bazaar. So, start at half when asking the price and meet somewhere in the middle. Also, remember to be friendly throughout the process, whereas you’re not haggling for your life, it’s just for a better deal.

Also, carry cash. This is because credit cards aren’t widely accepted outside major hotels and restaurants. 

Note: ATMs are available, but it’s safer to withdraw before you arrive.

Lastly, drink bottled water. Whereas tap water isn’t recommended for foreigners. 

Conclusion

Samarkand is one of those rare places that feels like magic.

It’s not just the blue domes or the ancient buildings—it’s the vibe. 

In fact, the way the sun hits the tiles at sunset. The smell of baked bread in the morning. The warmth of the people who call this place home are the main factors for it to become magical.

Therefore, whether you’re into history, photography, architecture, or just curious about the world, Samarkand won’t disappoint you.

So yes, plan that trip, walk those streets, take a million photos, talk to locals and eat their traditional sweets as much as you want.

That is because Samarkand isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience.

Contact Travelco Holidays to book Uzbekistan tour packages from Sri Lanka.

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