🏛️Main Attractions
- ✓Registan Square
- ✓Bibi Khanym Mosque
- ✓Shahi Zinda Mausoleums
- ✓Gur-Amir Mausoleum
- ✓Ulugh Bek Observatory
- ✓Afrasiyab Museum
- ✓Siab Bazaar
- ✓Hazrat Khizr Mosque
Samarkand
Samarkand
The jewel of the Silk Road and one of Central Asia's oldest continuously inhabited cities. UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning Islamic architecture, azure-tiled mosques, and 2,700 years of history.
🌐Other Cities in Uzbekistan
Recommended Hotels in Samarkand
Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (20 properties)
🏨Recommended Hotels
- ★Emirkhan Hotel
- ★Grand Samarkand Superior
- ★Registon Plaza Hotel
- ★Hotel Malika Prime
- ★L'Argamak Hotel
🍜Restaurants & Food
•Karimbek Restaurant
¥¥Traditional Uzbek plov and shashlik
•Platan
¥¥Uzbek national dishes
•Samarkand Restaurant
¥¥Regional Uzbek cuisine
•Cafe Magistr
¥Casual Uzbek and European
🛍️ Shopping
- •Siab Bazaarmarket
Traditional market for fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and Uzbek bread
- •Registan Area Souvenirsstreet
Handicrafts, suzani embroidery, ceramics, and traditional textiles around Registan
- •Konigil Paper Workshopworkshop
Traditional Samarkand paper-making using ancient methods. Buy unique handmade paper souvenirs.
- •Urgut Bazaarmarket
Sunday market 30km from city. Textiles, suzani, carpets, and local crafts. Authentic experience.
💡 Travel Tips
- • Best visited spring (Apr-May) or autumn (Sep-Oct) - summer extremely hot 35-45°C
- • Dress modestly when visiting mosques - cover shoulders and knees
- • Photography allowed at most sites but check at active mosques during prayer
- • Registan spectacular at night with illumination - free evening sound & light show
- • Cash (Uzbek som) essential - ATMs available but bring USD/EUR for exchange
- • Learn basic Russian or Uzbek phrases - English limited outside hotels
🔗 Related Information
📋Quick Info
📅Best Season
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
💰Daily Budget
$30-60/day
👥Popular With
History enthusiastsArchitecture loversSilk Road travelersPhotography buffs
🗓️Recommended Stay
2-3 days
🌐Timezone
UTC+5
💬Local Language
Uzbek, Russian
💱Currency
UZS (Uzbekistani Som)
📅Samarkand 3-Day Itinerary
Recommended plan for efficient sightseeing
Registan & Timur's Legacy
🌅
Morning3h
🎭
Registan Square
💡 Arrive at opening (9 AM) for best light and fewer crowds. Climb minarets for views. Buy combined ticket for all three madrasahs.
☀️
Afternoon1.5h
🎭
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
💡 Timur's tomb with stunning interior decoration. Photos allowed. Beautiful gardens. Nearby Rukhabad Mausoleum also worth visit.
☀️
Afternoon1.5h
🛍️
Siab Bazaar
💡 Traditional market near Bibi-Khanym. Sample dried fruits, nuts, fresh bread (non). Bargaining acceptable. Cash only.
🌙
Evening1h
Registan Night Illumination
💡 Return to Registan after sunset (free entry to square). Sound and light show in summer. Magical atmosphere.
💡Tips
- •Combined tickets save money - buy at Registan for multiple sites
- •Download offline maps - data expensive, WiFi at hotels
- •Early morning best for photography - harsh midday light
- •Negotiate taxi fares beforehand - use Yandex for fixed prices
- •Uzbek plov (rice pilaf) best eaten at lunchtime at local cafes