bigtravelbuzzSamarkand, Uzbekistan is a beautiful city full of amazing architecture, history, good food, art and very kind people. Deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily accessible by bullet train, it should be on your Uzbekistan travel guide. Plan a few days to discover this ancient Silk Road city in Samarkand by:
Things to do in Samarkand
City life in Samarkand is quiet and somewhat relaxed. Almost all major attractions are within walking distance from the centre. Avoiding the strong sun during the day is highly recommended, so plan your visit in the morning.
Magnificent Registan of Samarkand
A calming and picturesque square surrounded by three huge seminaries visible from anywhere in the city. This complex in the heart of the Old Town is probably the most famous and largest attraction in Uzbekistan. All three have their own architectural mosaic tile designs, with striking detailing both inside and out.
Climb the 30-metre-high minaret, enjoy the view from the second floor, visit the golden interior of Tiliya Kori and stroll through the beautiful courtyard.
Optimal travel time: early morning
Admission fee: 50,000 SOMs ($5.30)
Get a local experience at Siab Bazaar
Join the locals at the sprawling Siab Bazaar to sell fresh Uzbek produce. Be sure to sample fresh fruits, vegetables, sweets, nuts, crafts, and traditional, delicious clay pot breads. It is within walking distance of the Registan and next to the Bibi Khanym Mosque, one of Samarkand’s other attractions.
People of uzbekistan
It’s the people that make this bazaar so special. In case you didn’t know, Uzbeks are some of the friendliest and warmest people in the world.
A good example is when I asked if I could take a picture, and after being given free fruit when I arrived in Uzbekistan, he took no money. Optimal travel time:
one day
“King’s Tomb” Gur-e Amir, visit Samarkand
The Gur-e Amir is a mausoleum and a building housing a tomb, with a lively courtyard with his four minarets at each corner. It’s a little far from the main attractions, but the spectacular tilework on the floor, entrance and azure dome make it worth the walk or short taxi ride.
Originally built as an Islamic school by former military leader Amir Timur, it became a mausoleum after the sudden death of his family.
This site in Samarkand is quite small and can get very busy during the day, so it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Optimal travel time: early morning or late afternoon
Admission fee: 22,000 SOMs ($2.30)
Shakhi-Zinda
Stunning azure tiles make Shaki his Jinda one of his finest buildings in Samarkand. Shakhi-Zinda was his 14th-century sanctuary, and the craftsmanship and creativity of that era still inspire today. Many local visitors come to pray during the day, so please be respectful and dress appropriately. Exploring the tomb is easy. Because there is a narrow road that goes past the tomb at a very beautiful end.
Optimal travel time: early morning
Admission fee: 30,000 SOMs ($3.20)
Bibikhanum Teahouse
Samarkand is famous for tourism, but it is also famous for its food. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a lovely atmosphere at the cute Bibikhanum Tea House. At this open-air restaurant, the staff serve meals in traditional attire, located on the same promenade of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
The huge Bibi-Khanym Mosque next to Siab Bazaar was he one of the tallest mosques in the world at the time, with a height of 41 meters. Unfortunately, this design risk took its toll when the mosque collapsed in an earthquake in the late 19th century.
The lush courtyard is a relaxing space with a huge marble Qur’an. The ongoing restoration work inside the back of the main mosque also shows how badly it was damaged.
Optimal travel time: early morning or late afternoon
Admission fee: 25,000 SOMs ($2.60)
Art Gallery Happy Bird
At the beginning of Samarkand’s promenade is his gallery of authentic art, which sells clothing in ethnic colors with contemporary designs. The shop is located in a small shopping yard selling handicrafts, Suzani textiles and more.
How to get to Samarkand
On the train
Samarkand is very well connected by high-speed trains from the capital, Tashkent. The best way to get to Samarkand is to fly to Tashkent and take a train from the nearby train station called Tashkent Pass. Departure time is 07:28 AM, 08:00 AM, 18:50 PM.
Get a train ticket
Express train tickets sell out quickly, so buy them in advance. Booking through the Uzbekistan Railways website is very difficult (2019), so we recommend using Advantour. Tickets are a bit pricey, but they take care of all the paperwork and waiting in line for you.
Train tickets to Samarkand cost between US$45 and US$65 depending on class.
From station to city center
It takes only 15 minutes by taxi from Samarkand railway station to the city center and about 15-20,000 SOM by private taxi.
By Airplane
Samarkand has an international airport, but flights are limited to a few major cities such as Istanbul, Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can also fly from Tashkent to Samarkand, but the 2-hour train seems a better and faster option.
Getting around in Samarkand
Promenade Street (Tashkent Street) is a quiet and beautiful pedestrian street, with safe roads and pavements, within walking distance of all of Samarkand’s major attractions.
All taxis are yellow, and if you don’t speak Russian or Uzbek, be prepared to negotiate and agree on a price before getting in the car. A fair price is around 2,000 SOM per km.
Best hotel in Samarkand
Samarkand hotels and guest houses are suitable for every budget. I highly recommend B&B Antica. Lovely guesthouse with beautiful gardens with the best breakfast in town! It is also right next to the Gur-e Amir.
Samarkand Restaurants
Samarkand has some good restaurants serving both Western and Uzbek cuisine. Most of them offer WiFi, but buying a SIM card is a much better option.
- Bibikhanum Teahouse – Delicious Uzbek Cuisine
- Platan – Uzbek and international dishes (vegan option)
- Art Cafe Norgis – great coffee and cake
- Oasis Garden – International Cuisine, Delicious Pasta
- Cafe Magistr – International Cuisine, Fine Pasta, Pizza