Things to do in Samarkand
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Top 10 attractions in Samarkand
Registan Square
Registan Square, known as the "Heart of Samarkand", is one of the famous historical and cultural sites in Central Asia. The square is surrounded by three magnificent Islamic academic buildings: Ulugbek Madrasah, Sheldor Madrasah and Tila Kali Madrasah. These buildings are famous for their exquisite tile decorations, complex geometric patterns and solemn architectural style, showing the architectural art of the Timurid Empire. Visitors can stroll around the square, admire the exterior and interior decoration of these buildings, and feel the heavy history and the fusion of culture. Each madrasah has its own unique historical and architectural features, which are worth savoring. The square looks particularly spectacular under the lighting at night, making it an ideal shooting location for photography enthusiasts. Registan Square is located in the center of Samarkand and is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and prepare their cameras to capture the beautiful moments of this historic city. When visiting, knowing some background knowledge about the Timurid Empire and Islamic architecture will make the tour more enriching and interesting.Samarkand · 2.4 km from downtown
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
Located in northeastern Uzbekistan, Shaysinda is one of the famous mausoleums in Central Asia, consisting of three groups of structures connected by four arched passages. Its name, Shaisinda, means "the immortal king" and is related to the legend of Kusamibn Abbas. According to legend, he took his head and plunged into a deep well after being decapitated, and he still survived in the deep well. The Shay Sinda Cemetery is spectacular with its many ornately decorated colorful tombs and ancient mosaic tiled mausoleums.Samarkand · 3.5 km from downtown
Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex
The Gur Amir Mausoleum is located in the city of Samarkand. It is the mausoleum of Timur and his descendants and was built in the 15th century. The mausoleum has a spectacular shape, bright colors, a spherical cone-shaped dome, and strong oriental architectural features. It is a treasure of Central Asian architecture. The dome consists of 64 circular ridges.Samarkand · 2.1 km from downtown
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
The Bibi Hanem Mosque, located in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, was built by Timur the Great in the late 14th century to demonstrate the prestige and religious faith of the Timurid Empire. The architectural design blends Persian and Central Asian styles, showcasing the splendor of Islamic architecture. The main entrance is adorned with exquisite tiles and intricate geometric patterns, fully demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of the artisans of the time. The main structure of the mosque consists of a large prayer hall with magnificent arches, and the interior is spacious enough to accommodate thousands of worshippers. Despite numerous historical damages, much of the mosque remains well-preserved, and some areas have been restored and are open to visitors. It is not only a major tourist attraction in Samarkand but also a valuable resource for the study of Islamic architecture and Central Asian history.Samarkand · 2.8 km from downtown
Observatory of Ulugbek
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
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 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
Samarkand · 3.8 km from downtown
Aksaray Mausoleum
Samarkand · 2.2 km from downtown
Amir Temur Monument
Samarkand · 1.7 km from downtown
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What travellers say about Samarkand
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
