Samarkand: 7 Places to Discover
Samarkand is probably the city I'd give myself the most time in. Not because you need days and days, but there’s so much history and information that taking your time is perhaps better.
The city has been around for more than 2,500 years, with its roots in ancient Afrasiab, but its most spectacular development came during the 14th and 15th centuries, when it was the capital of the Timurid Empire. That's where most of the huge blue-tiled monuments you probably associate with Samarkand come from.
I stayed almost five days because I was working while I was there and wanted to take it slowly — breakfast, wander around, swim, work a bit, get ready for dinner — but three days is plenty for the main sights.
If you're visiting for the first time, these are the seven things I'd prioritise seeing.
1. Registan Square
We’ll start with the most obvious one. Registan is one of the defining monuments of Samarkand's Timurid-era architecture and one of the key reasons the historic city is UNESCO-listed.
The square is surrounded by three enormous madrasahs, Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari. intricately decorated with blue, turquoise and gold tilework. It’s remarkable to think that people really built these.
I'd recommend seeing it at least twice if you can: once during the day and again after dark when it's illuminated. There’s also a short light show in the evening, with music and bright projections on the buildings.
Entrance: around 100,000 UZS (€6–7), for the main complex.
Register Square at night
2. Shah-i-Zinda
If you’re a big fan of architecture and details, look no further. Shah-i-Zinda is a necropolis made up of mausoleums, mosques and madrasas (no longer functioning), with a long passageway lined with stunning tilework.
Every section has different patterns, colours and little elements, so take your time walking through.
Note: A lot of people come to get those infamous photos you see on social media, so best to go very early. Opening times on Google maps says around 7 but they seem to let people in even earlier.
Entrance: 80,000 UZS (€6-ish)
3. Gur-e-Amir
This is the final resting place of Amir Timur, the ruler who turned Samarkand into the capital of his enormous empire.
The turquoise dome is beautiful from the outside, but the interior is where you really get a feel of the extravagance of the place.
Entrance fee: 75,000 UZS (€5.50- 6.00)
4. Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Another huge Timurid monument, and one of the most recognisable buildings in Samarkand.
Bibi-Khanym was built on an enormous scale and was once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. It has been heavily restored over the years after earthquakes and centuries of deterioration, so what you see today isn't entirely the original structure, but it's still seriously impressive. UNESCO lists the mosque among the city's major monuments and notes its importance to the development of Islamic architecture across the region.
I'd combine this with Siyob Bazaar, which is literally next door.
Entrance fee: Approx 65000 - 75,000 UZS (€5.00 - 6.00)
The dome with birds circling around it
5. Siyob Bazaar
After all the grand architecture, go and see something a little more alive.
Siyob Bazaar is right beside Bibi-Khanym and is the city's biggest traditional market, with stalls selling bread, dried fruit, nuts, sweets, spices and plenty of things I couldn't identify.
It's not really about ticking off another historical monument — it's just a good place to wander around, pick up some snacks and see a bit of everyday Samarkand.
And if you want some traditional sweets or little things to take home, this is where I'd look.
6. The Eternal City
The Eternal City is part of the Silk Road Samarkand complex and is a much more modern recreation of Uzbek culture, with traditional-style buildings, artisan workshops, food, performances and shops.
I loved spending an evening here, walking through the streets, trying local food and watching traditional performances at the unique amphitheater (different artists every night, free entrance). There are even rides, paddle boats, cable cars and other activities.
Funny story: I actually ended up making friends with the Chief of Tourist police while here & we went on rides together.
7. Hazrat Khizr Mosque
Sitting up on the hill just opposite Shah-i-Zinda, Hazrat Khizr Mosque is a smaller and quieter site than some of Samarkand's other massive monuments. It dates back to the 19th century, although the site itself has a much older history.
I really liked the contrast of designs, varying from carved wooden columns and pretty tiles, which seemed different from the enormous facades elsewhere in the city. Also, you have a beautiful view over Samarkand from here.
Note: It's easy to combine with Shah-i-Zinda, as they're practically opposite each other, so I'd definitely add it while you're in this part of the city.
Entrance fee: Free
If you’ve got a bit more time
Ulugh Beg Observatory
A bit of a different side of Samarkand, which looks at the city's history of astronomy and science rather than grand monuments.
Afrasiab
The archaeological site of ancient Samarkand, dating back to around the 7th century BC. This is where you can get a sense of the city long before the Timurid period.
Konigil Paper Mill
A little outside the centre, where traditional paper is still made using old techniques. A nice change of pace if you've had your fill of madrasahs and mausoleums.