Samarqand independent travel guide (2025): top things to do, popular tourism attractions, itinerary planning, accommodation, food, transportation, weather, and more - everything you need to know (updated August 2025) | Trip.com
Dien.Jalan2:“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.”
zinnia_615:“Bibi-Khanym Mosque is an important historical site in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Don’t miss it. The entrance fee is 40,000sum. Opposite is the Tomb of Bibi Khanum (Picture 11)
Historical background:
-This mosque was built on the order of Timur, ca.
1399 to 1405. After Timur returned victoriously from his campaign in India, he decided to build a grand Qingqi Temple in his capital, Samarkand, to show the majesty and glory of the empire. Its name "Bibi Khanum" is the name of Timur's wife. Legend has it that Timur used this to commemorate his Chinese wife. However, the "China" here does not refer to the dynasty, but the east of Timur's empire, which is actually the Mongolian region. Timur's wife is a Turkic Mongolian and the princess of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate.
Xin building scale and structure:
- Magnificent size: The Bibi Khanum Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, with a 38-meter-high porch and a 41-meter main dome. It was also a huge building in the Islamic world at that time, able to accommodate about 10,000 people. Pilgrims.”
Ncholck:“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.”
舍讷费尔德柳如是:“It's so beautiful! I didn't feel like I was visiting a cemetery at all! It was like a beautiful park! The ticket was not expensive. The first few dozen steps were a bit high because it was hot, so it was a bit tiring to climb up. But once I got to the arch, it was super comfortable. It was cool and I didn't want to leave after sitting there.”
天然卷不是天然呆:“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!”
Invisible Wind:“Hazrat Khizr Mosque is the best place to take photos of Bibi Khanym Mosque from a distance. It is the southernmost part of the ancient city of Afrasiab. The mosque, which was originally built in the 8th century, was razed to the ground by Genghis Khan and was not rebuilt until 1854.
The ceiling of the sunk panel on the side porch of the mosque is decorated with bright and colorful murals. From this exquisite side porch, you can see Bibi Khanym Mosque and Bibi Khanym Mausoleum from a distance. From the hill where Hazrat Khizr Mosque is located, you can also overlook the scenery of the surrounding old city of Samarkand, but only a few scattered high-rise buildings can be seen.”
mikestoff:“Lia! by Minyoun Stars of Ulugbek is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to unwind in a peaceful and well-equipped hotel. Tucked away in a quiet part of the city, it’s ideal for a relaxing getaway or a comfortable base for leisure travel. The front desk team is incredibly professional and genuinely helpful, nothing is too much trouble for them.
Breakfasts are a real highlight, with a great selection and a restaurant team that speaks fluent English and Chinese, which makes the experience even smoother for international guests. And the cherry on top? Each room comes with a private balcony offering a stunning view of the nearby canal, such a peaceful spot to start or end the day.
I would absolutely recommend this property for families, groups of friends, or business travelers. It’s a gem!”
Guest User:“Nice hotel with good Ambiance and facilities. Special thanks to Sharofat at the reception who helped us booking a city tour and was very helpful even during her leave. It had 24x7 bar and restaurant with good food. Would strongly recommend this hotel to all kind of tourists.”
Emily Kh:“I stayed at a hotel in Samarkand City and had a wonderful experience. The hotel is new, very beautiful, and exceptionally clean. Everything was great, and the service overall was very good. The only minor issue I encountered was with one staff member at the reception who was a bit rude. However, this did not affect my overall stay, and I truly enjoyed my time there.”
Ian Lim Teck Soon:“We got upgraded to a bigger room but they put us at the wheelchair bathroom. The floor was wet bcz no barrier to stop the water.
U need car to go around & 15mnts to train station but 10mnts to the airport”
Guest User:“Hotel itself was amazing. Very clean & posh. Breakfast was wide of selections. Swimming pool & spa was fun way to relax.
When we ask, they happily made us late check out. Very grateful! Vey much enjoyed staying.
Only downside was location, although it's close to a park, we found it hard to find yandex. It was quite expensive & took 10-15 mins to arrive. Since we have been using yandex many different cities, this time was the most hassle.”
Cameo19:“Beautiful lobby area, great location, lovely selection at breakfast, little disappointed with the actual room, it didn’t reflect the exterior or public areas, but it was manageable. Over satisfied with our two nights stay.”
Guest User:“The hotel was centrally located which is the best part of this hotel! Although the breakfast spread was only alright, the spaciousness and cleanliness of the room made up for it.”
What to Eat
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Samarqand dishes and foodie spots.