Samarkand

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Top 10 attractions in Samarkand

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Registan Square
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Uzbekistan

Registan Square

6
4.8/5
43 reviews
Registan Square is the central square of the old city of Samarkand and an important center for the city's social life, once surrounded by markets and commercial streets. Today, its most prominent feature is the architectural complex formed by three large madrasas. During the day, you can walk into the courtyards of each madrasa to examine the arcades, painted domes, and small rooms where students once lived. From the second-floor corridors of some courtyards, you can even overlook the city. After nightfall, the lights come on, and the architectural outlines are clearly defined by the warm glow. In the evening, there are often light projection shows using the facades as screens. Dusk to night is a great time to experience the atmosphere of this ancient Silk Road city.Samarkand · 2.4 km from downtown
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Uzbekistan

Shah-i-Zinda necropolis

5.8
4.7/5
12 reviews
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis is a complex of mausoleums located northeast of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, situated on the slopes of the ancient city ruins of Afrasiyab. Dating back to the 11th century, it currently houses over 20 mausoleums and ritual buildings, divided into lower, middle, and upper groups, connected by four domed entrance halls to form a long, sloping corridor of tombs. The building facades are adorned with lapis lazuli blue and turquoise glazed tiles and mosaics, featuring geometric patterns, floral scrolls, and Arabic calligraphy, resembling an open-air museum of blue tiles. On a sunny day, taking a low-angle shot of the layered arches from the entrance steps, or looking back at the blue facades on both sides from the middle of the corridor, are unmissable scenes during a trip to Samarkand.Samarkand · 3.5 km from downtown
Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan

Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex

5.6
4.2/5
6 reviews
Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex is the family mausoleum of the Timurid dynasty, located in Samarkand. It is an octagonal building crowned with a large, azure ribbed dome. Several ridges radiate evenly from the apex, and blue, light blue, and white tiles form geometric patterns on it, creating a highly recognizable silhouette on the Samarkand skyline. The entrance portal is adorned with carved bricks and mosaics, with a tower standing on each side. Stepping inside reveals a different world, where the lower half of the walls is covered with onyx slabs, and the arches and inner dome are filled with gilded high-relief paintings, their opulence undimmed even in the dim light. The sarcophagi in the hall are merely markers. The actual burial chamber containing the remains is hidden beneath the ground. Standing in the courtyard and looking up at the large blue dome is also a stop worth making on your Samarkand itinerary.Samarkand · 2.1 km from downtown
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

5.3
4.7/5
16 reviews
Bibi-Khanym Mosque is located in the old town of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It adopts the classic layout of a courtyard enclosed by four towering arches, creating an open courtyard over 100m long. The arch is over 30m high, and the main dome is about 40m high. The facades and arches are covered with glazed tiles and geometric patterns, and the blue dome is particularly striking in the sunlight, making it a masterpiece of the Timurid era that showcases the empire's grandeur through its magnificent scale. The giant marble Quran stand in the center of the courtyard is a highlight for visitors. This stone carving from the Timurid dynasty was used to hold a giant scripture, and locals can still often be seen stopping by it today.Samarkand · 2.8 km from downtown
Observatory of Ulugbek
No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan

Observatory of Ulugbek

4.6
4.0/5
6 reviews
The Urubek Observatory is one of the great archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Perhaps Urubek is better known for his achievements as an astronomer than a ruler. The 30-meter-long astronomical instrument he designed to observe the positions of stars was part of a three-story observatory built in the 1520s, and now only the curved trajectory of the instrument, which was unearthed in 1908, remains. The small ruins museum has some miniatures depicting Urubek and some old pottery and other artifacts from Aflossiab.Samarkand · 5.3 km from downtown
Afrasiyab Museum
No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan

Afrasiyab Museum

4.5
5.0/5
6 reviews
The Afrosiab Historical Museum houses some artifacts from the "Hill Fortress" (Afrosiab). From the 6th century BC to 1220 AD, the Sogdians who lived in the fortress were a link in cultural and commercial exchanges between the East and the West.Samarkand · 4.1 km from downtown
Ulugh Beg Madrasa

Ulugh Beg Madrasa

3.5
5.0/5
1 reviews
Ulugh Beg Madrasa is one of the most representative historical buildings in Central Asia, located on the west side of the famous Registan Square. Built between 1417 and 1421, it was one of the most important institutions of higher learning in Central Asia at the time. The college was not only a religious building but also an academic center integrating mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and theology. Its architectural style reflects the mature artistic aesthetics of the Timurid dynasty: the imposing arches on the facade are magnificent, and the exterior walls are decorated with exquisite blue, cyan, and gold mosaic tiles, with geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy interwoven, creating a sense of solemnity and rhythm. The interior of the college is laid out around a courtyard, with classrooms and student dormitories arranged in a rigorous and orderly manner. Today, as an important part of the World Heritage Site, the college not only bears witness to the past glory of Samarkand but also showcases to the world the high achievements Central Asia once made in science, education, and art.Samarkand · 2.4 km from downtown
Ancient Afrasiyab / Maracanda

Ancient Afrasiyab / Maracanda

3.5
Samarkand · 3.8 km from downtown
Aksaray Mausoleum

Aksaray Mausoleum

3.3
Samarkand · 2.2 km from downtown
Amir Temur Monument

Amir Temur Monument

2.7
5.0/5
1 reviews
Samarkand · 1.7 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Samarkand

Featured Food & drink in Samarkand

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Samarkand: Famous Plov Cooking Masterclass
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Samarkand Cooking Class Traditions Menu Options Local Home
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Samarkand: Village Tour with Homemade Dinner & Local Snacks
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The Rich History of Samarkand city walking tour
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Featured Day tours in Samarkand

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Tour From Samarkand To Tajikistan: Seven Lakes
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4.8/5
· 13 reviews· 83 booked
Duration: 10–12 hrs
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A City Tour Of Samarkand: The Pearl Of The East
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Duration: 4 hrs
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Seven Lakes Tajikistan: Day Tour
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Samarkand: Traditional Suzani Embroidery Workshop Experience
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All in One Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent
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4.7/5
· 38 reviews
Duration: 9–14 hrs
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Samarkand: Uzbek Silk Scarf Painting Workshop
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Samarkand: Timurid Blue Mosaic Art Workshop
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Featured Cultural experiences in Samarkand

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Samarkand Highlights Audio Tour: Gur-e-Amir, the Registan and Shah-i-Zinda
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Samarkand: Mulberry Bark to Handmade Paper-Making Experience
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1-day tour to Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Shah-i-Zinda necropolis + Afrasiyab Museum※
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Shahrisabz Highlights Audio Tour: Timur's Birthplace, Ak-Saray and Dorut Tilavat
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Samarkand

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Samarkand: All Inclusive Seven Lakes Day trip with Lunch
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All-inclusive Daytrip to Seven Lakes and Panjakent from Samarkand
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From Samarkand: Seven Lakes Day trip with small group
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Shahrisabz Private Excursion From Samarkand.
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From Samarkand: Shahrisabz via Urgut Mountains & Lake
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Free things to do in Samarkand

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What travelers say about Samarkand

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Dien.Jalan2August 17, 2025
5.0
Why Go?Registan Square is the jewel of Samarkand 💎—three dazzling madrasahs, stunning mosaics, and a history that takes you straight back to the Silk Road. Magical in daylight, unforgettable when lit up at night ✨.Tips🌅 Go early or at sunset for epic photos.🎆 Stay for the night light show if you can.💵 Bring cash for entry (about $5–6).🕌 Dress modestly & grab a guide to unlock the stories.

Registan Square

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Anastasiya818May 15, 2026
5.0
Shah-i-Zinda is a "city within a city." A necropolis where you feel like you're in the past, strolling through the narrow streets between the bright blue tombs.

Shah-i-Zinda necropolis

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PamelinaAugust 31, 2026
5.0
One of my favorite places in Samarkand, the interior is majestic and elegant. Definitely worth a visit, in my opinion.

Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex

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LikeGorOctober 17, 2020
5.0
This ancient city in Uzbekistan makes people feel a very slow pace of life. There is no hustle and bustle of the city, and there are not so many troubles. The culture and environment here are fascinating.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

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ROADIEJanuary 31, 2025
5.0
The Ulegh Beg Observatory visit was one of my most anticipated planned visits on my trip and it did not dissapoint. Beutiful tranquil place with nice little museam and park benches around it to sit and reflect on how much the mans early discoveries has meant to mankind.

Observatory of Ulugbek

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天然卷不是天然呆April 12, 2025
5.0
Although the exhibits are not as rich as those in domestic museums, some of them are very cute. The most important thing is the four-sided murals from the seventh century in the central exhibition hall. There is a small room next door that breaks down the various parts of the murals for explanation, which is a great way to display. What's even better is that you can go in and stroll around the ancient ruins area at the back, and locals also date, run, picnic and herd sheep there🐑. The scenery is very good, and it feels like life is a wilderness!

Afrasiyab Museum

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hazzeapiJune 11, 2025
5.0
An incredible experience, a must-visit.

Ulugh Beg Madrasa

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BeMa354July 30, 2026
5.0
This monument of Amir Temur, also known as Timur or Tamerlane, is located in the middle of the traffic circle of Qarshi Samarqand Magistral Yul near the Registan Square, a majestic-looking memorial statue of one of the most celebrated figures in the region's history.

Amir Temur Monument

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Samarkand?

Don't miss these attractions in Samarkand: Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, and Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex. If you like Food & drink, try Samarkand: Famous Plov Cooking Masterclass. If you enjoy Day tours, try Tour From Samarkand To Tajikistan: Seven Lakes.

You can give Samarkand: Famous Plov Cooking Masterclass and Samarkand Cooking Class Traditions Menu Options Local Home a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Tour From Samarkand To Tajikistan: Seven Lakes, A City Tour Of Samarkand: The Pearl Of The East, and Seven Lakes Tajikistan: Day Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 18, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Samarkand is around USD 18 – USD 275. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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