Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan? Here are the most beautiful sights

Samarkand… The name itself sounds like a fairy tale. This legendary city on the Silk Road is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is one of the absolute highlights of any trip to Uzbekistan. For centuries, Samarkand attracted traders, scholars, poets, and adventurers. And it continues to do so today—with its blue domes, golden mosaics, fragrant bazaars, and an atmosphere that feels simultaneously mystical and vibrant.

We arrive in the evening, just in time to see Samarkand at its most magical moment: Registan at night .

Arriving in Samarkand: Registan by night as the first wow moment

After a delicious dinner at Emirhan Restaurant , where the aroma of spices and grilled meat immediately welcomes us, we walk towards the city's most famous square: Registan Square .

And honestly? No photo can prepare you for what you see there.

The three impressive madrasas are bathed in warm light, their blue tiles gleaming as if freshly laid, and the domes seem to float in the night. The square feels monumental yet intimate—as if the city is whispering: welcome to the heart of the Silk Road.

Tip: If you only experience one moment in Samarkand, make it the Registan at night . Book your moonlight tour here .

Things to do in Samarkand? Here are the main attractions:

Gur-e Amir Mausoleum: the impressive tomb of Amir Timur

The next morning we start with one of Samarkand's most impressive sites: the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum , the final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the mighty conqueror who made Samarkand the capital of his empire. Gur-e Amir literally means "tomb of the king."

Originally, this building was intended as a madrasa for his grandson, but after his death, it was converted into a mausoleum. And what a mausoleum it was.

Inside you will literally be amazed:

• the ceiling is richly decorated with gold and deep blue

• the walls are an explosion of mosaics

• and the burial chamber exudes an almost sacred silence

  
  

This is no simple monument—it feels like a cathedral of Islamic art.

TIP: It's best to go early in the morning, as the monument closes between 5 and 6 PM. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing.

Registan Square: the beating heart of Samarkand

Registan Square is Uzbekistan's most iconic square. Its name comes from the Persian word for "sand place"—a place where markets were once held and city life gathered.

Today you can admire three madrasas here, once universities where not only theology was taught, but also science, philosophy, history and astronomy.

1. Ulugbek Madrasa

Built by Ulugbek himself (more on this later), and a symbol of his intellectual legacy.

2. Sherdor Madrasa

Famous for the tigers on the facade — unique, as animals are rarely depicted in Islamic architecture.

3. Tilla-Kori Madrasa

Literally: “covered with gold” — and the moment you enter the prayer hall you’ll understand why.

You don't just stay here to look... you stay because you sense that this square was once the center of a global empire. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Practical: Go as early as possible (the complex opens at 8 a.m.), and also walk around the back of the complex; it's worth a visit. Entrance fee: 50,000 som (UZS)

Things to do in Samarkand, recommendations to get to know the locals better:

El-Merosi Theatre: a journey through history in costumes and dance

In the evening we experience Samarkand in a completely different way: through culture and spectacle in the El-Merosi theatre .

The performance is a colorful mix of dance, music, and a fashion show featuring traditional costumes from throughout Central Asia's history—from Silk Road costumes to richly embroidered dresses, with shimmering fabrics that catch the lights.

It is the kind of experience you won't find on the first page of any travel guide, but that is precisely why it stays with you so much.

Cooking class with locals: make Uzbek ravioli and dine together

One of the most beautiful moments of our trip was without a doubt the cooking class with a local family.

We learn to make traditional Uzbek ravioli (think dumplings with meat filling) and then sit together around the table. It's warm, simple, and genuine.

These kinds of experiences are worth their weight in gold: not only for your trip, but especially because you really connect with the people behind the culture.

Ulugbek Observatory: Samarkand as a world center of science

On day three we visit the Ulugbek Observatory — and this is perhaps one of the most surprising stops in the entire city.

Ulugbek was not only a ruler, but above all an exceptional astronomer and scientist . In the 15th century (long before Europe's astronomical breakthroughs), he built one of the world's most advanced observatories in Samarkand.

The observatory housed a gigantic sextant, partially buried in the ground, which allowed him to measure the motions of stars and planets with incredible precision. His star catalog (the Zij-i Sultani ) was used for centuries and remained one of the most accurate in the world well into the 17th century.

You can almost feel here how Samarkand was once the intellectual centre of the Islamic world.

Practical: Entrance fee to the observatory and museum: 75,000 som (UZS)

Shakhi Zinda: the most beautiful necropolis in Uzbekistan

Then we visit Shakhi Zinda , a necropolis that feels like a sacred street lined with gleaming blue mausoleums.

The road winds up between impressive tomb buildings, each richly decorated with mosaics and calligraphy. Many mausoleums are dedicated to women from royal families and noble circles. But the most remarkable tomb here is that of Kusam ibn Abbas, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.

It is both a cemetery and an art gallery — but in the open air, with an atmosphere that is deeply moving.

Practical information: Entrance fee: 50,000 som (UZS). Visit this special place preferably in the early morning (open from 8am) or around sunset (open until 7pm).

Bibi Khanoum Mosque: a gigantic monument of power and faith

We continue walking to the Bibi Khanoum Mosque , once the largest mosque in Central Asia.

Amir Timur commissioned its construction to demonstrate his power, but also as a religious symbol for the city. Its scale is gigantic: soaring arches, enormous domes, and courtyards reminiscent of the grandeur of empires past. Its name refers to Amir Timur's wife, Saray Mulk Khanum, who co-authored its construction.

Nearby is also a place where the container of one of the oldest Qurans is kept — a special religious heritage.

Practical: entrance fee 25,000 som (UZS)

Book your visit to Samarkand here .

Siyab Bazaar: the fragrant end point of Samarkand

We end our visit as it should be: at the Siyab Bazaar , the largest and oldest market in Samarkand.

Here you really discover the atmosphere of the city:

• mountains of dried fruit

• freshly baked bread in round shapes

• herbs that you smell before you see them

• pottery, nuts, honey, colorful fabrics

  

  

  

  

  

  

We buy a jar of cotton honey — a local product that tastes wonderfully soft and sweet — and continue walking around much longer than planned.

This is Samarkand at its most vibrant.

Practical: Best in the morning, ideally between 7 and 10 a.m. Bring cash and sample the delicious local snacks, such as traditional round bread, freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, a delicious assortment of nuts and dried fruit, various cheeses, and much more.

Where to stay in Samarkand: Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel

Our favorite place to stay in Samarkand is without a doubt Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel .

A charming boutique hotel with authentic features, a peaceful courtyard, and comfortable rooms. It's the kind of place where you come home after a day full of experiences and immediately want to stay.

Perfectly located for exploring the city, but also ideal for relaxing in the evening.

Practical tips for Samarkand

Best time to visit Samarkand:

• April – June and September – October (pleasant temperatures, clear light)

• July/August can be extremely hot and in the winter months December-March extremely cold (-25°C)

How to get there? Samarkand is easily accessible by high-speed train from Tashkent and Bukhara. There is also an international airport.

Dress code for mosques and holy places:

• cover shoulders, knees and chest

• Women should bring a scarf for their heads (especially at mausoleums)

Safety: Samarkand is very safe for tourists, but stay alert in crowded places.

Visiting Registan:

• also go in the evening → most beautiful light experience and less crowds

Time needed: Minimum 2 full days, ideally 3 days for a relaxing visit.