Samarkand

Samarkand is the city that is the bejewelled crown of the Silk Road, a rhapsody of ornate Islamic architecture with turquoise domes and soaring tiled minarets. It's one of the twin pillars of the Samarkand through Bukhara region of Uzbekistan, and a must-see destination. With a population of 585,000 in 2024 and as many again in the broader metropolis, much of Samarkand is blandly modern, but its extensive Old Town has been well-preserved, and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. == Understand == The name "Samarkand" is said to derive from words meaning "stone fort", but there are about as many other names and claimed origins as there were varieties of goods traded in its bazaars - some of them of dubious value, far from being genuine silk. Stone fort? - it was sun-baked mud, adobe as it's called in the west, and whoever reckoned it would repel invaders was sold a dud. This area has been inhabited for millennia, but the first entity that could be called a town was about the 8th century BC. It grew into a citadel protected by stout mud-brick walls on the site now known as Afrosiab (though that name is relatively modern). Not stout enough however, as it was conquered again and again, notably by Alexander the Great in 329 BCE bringing in a Hellenistic period, by the Sogdians in the 7th century AD, and by the Arabs in the 8th who made it a great centre of Islamic culture. Samarkand was destroyed by the Mongol ruler Genghis Khan in 1220, but flourished again when Timur-i-Leng (known as Tamerlane in the West) adorned it as the capital of his empire from 1369. Its glory days followed as a trade centre on the Silk Road, the great plexus of overland trading routes between China and the Mediterranean region, and the magnificent buildings you come here to see were mostly erected in that heyday. That empire weakened, and nomadic Uzbeks (Shaybanids) took Samarkand in 1500. Over the next century the entire Silk Road declined, when western merchants became able to sail to and from China and no longer risked the perils and hardships of the overland route. In 1784 the emirate of Bukhara conquered it, and by this time western nations were trying to muscle in on the orient. Britain got the upper hand by sea, gaining India, while tsarist Russia tightened its grip inland; neither could ever subdue Afghanistan. Russia captured Samarkand in 1868, bringing railways, industry and their language and culture. Under communism from 1924, Samarkand was the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, until that role passed to Tashkent in 1930. Stalin was paranoid that the peoples of Central Asia would rebel and slay him, as they would have, given half a chance. His grand scheme was to create five Soviet Socialist Republics cutting across ethnic and linguistic boundaries, so they would feud against each other and not unite against him. Thus the large chunk of Tajik territory containing Samarkand and Bukhara, and speaking a language akin to Persian, was assigned to Uzbekistan, where the majority spoke a language akin to Turkish. And it worked: those cockamamie borders stand a century later, and Russian is the lingua franca for all the "Stans". It was not difficult for foreigners to visit in the days of the Soviet Union, so long as they joined an approved Intourist group and admired what they were scheduled to admire. When that empire collapsed, the first leader of independent Uzbekistan was Islam Karimov, an old-style hardline communist and isolationist, who restricted travel and much else. A thaw ensued after his death in 2016, and the country became tourist-friendly - they needed the income. Most visitors still arrive in tour groups but the entire country is easy to visit independently, especially its twin jewels of Samarkand and Bukhara. The Tourist Information Centre is on Tashkentskaya, 200 m south of Bibi-Khanym Mosque, open daily 10:00-17:00. == Get in == === By plane === 1 Samarkand Airport (SKD IATA), ☏ +998 66 232 3659. This has daily flights from Moscow (several airports), Saint Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi, less often from Almaty, Istanbul and Abu Dhabi. Uzbekistan Airways are the main carrier. Domestic flights have withered since the trains improved, but twice a week the flight between Nukus and Tashkent calls here. You can also fly with Centrum Air to Urgench (Khiva). The airport was rebuilt in 2021 so it's clean and spacious. It's only 6 km north of city centre and taxis are inexpensive, i.e. 22,000 so‘m (2025). Buses M1, 31 and 52 run from Arrivals hourly to the railway station. (updated Dec 2024) === By train === Four trains a day run from Tashkent Central, taking about four hours - quickest is the "Afrosiob". Two more run from Tashkent Janubiy (South), less convenient for most travellers. Trains continue west to Navoi, Bukhara (2½ hr), Alat on the Turkmenistan border, Urgench, Khiva, Nukus and Kungrad, and south to Qarshi and Termez on the Afghan border. One train per week is from Volgograd (with connections from Moscow and St Petersburg), via Atyrau in Kazakhstan, then Kungrad, Nukus, Urgench, Bukhara and Navoi, continuing from Samarkand to Tashkent. These trains may sell out, see Uzbekistan#Get in for how to book. 2 Samarkand Railway Station (Вокзал Самарканд) is clean and modern. It's 5 km northwest of city centre, take the tram or marshrutka as below, or a taxi (price in the night is US$10-15 (2025)). The station doesn't have much retail, but there's a shopping centre and market 200 m south at the corner of Berumi and Rudakhi, open daily 05:00-22:00. In Uzbek, Tajik and Russian, it is called "vokzal". === By road === Samarkand is 290 km southwest of Tashkent, about four hours to drive; buses and shared taxis leave from Sobir Rahimov bus station. Follow M39 via Jizzah: this crosses a corner of Kazakhstan, which is treated as no-man's-land with no passport checks but keep yours handy. From Bukhara is 270 km by M37. 3 Samarkand Central Bus and Taxi Station (Route M37). Opened in 2025, a modern large station from which you can take a taxi or bus to Tashkent, Bukhara, Khiva, Shahrisabz, Jizzakh, and to neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan (Almaty, Shymkent, Turkestan and others), Kyrgyzstan (Issyk Kul) and Russia. Buses do not go to Tajikistan due to the high altitude. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Ulughbek Taxi and Bus Station (Route M37, very close to Mirzo Ilughbek Observatory). From this station, you can take a taxi or a bus to Tashkent and Jizzakh. When you arrive at this place, many drivers will come running to you, shouting the names of the cities they are going to and their prices. You will negotiate with them, and you will usually have to wait for the car to fill up. There are usually three people in the back seat. If you do not want other people to travel with you, you will have to pay for everyone or travel with others, but it will be cheaper. It takes 5 hours (320 km) to drive to Tashkent, and another couple of hours to take the bus. There is a large complex near the station where you can buy food and water, as well as have a bite to eat at the cafes. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Taxi Station to Bukhara and Khiva (Route M37). From here, you can take a taxi to Bukhara (4-5 hours and 280 km) and Khiva (10-12 hours and 700 km). If you are going to Khiva, then check with the driver, if he will not stop on the way to Bukhara. If he says yes, then the journey to Khiva will stretch out for another 2-3 hours. The rules of this station are the same as at the Ulughbek Station. (updated Dec 2025) 6 Kaftarkhona Station to Urgut and border of Tajikistan (Panjakent Street). Taxi from Registan to the station costs 15,000-20,000 so‘m. From this station you can go to Urgut, about 45 km away, where there is a famous plane grove with a spring lake Chor-Chinor, and you can also go to the border with Tajikistan (about an hour and 40 km), at the checkpoint Jartepa-Sarazm. Drivers usually take you to the border (minivans for 40,000-50,000 so‘m), and then you have to walk it and on the side of Tajikistan find already another taxi to your destination, for example to Panjakent or Dushanbe. (updated Dec 2025) == Get around == The main sights of Samarkand are in two nearby clusters: Gur-i Amir and the Registan, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i Zinda, and Afrosiyab. It's simplest to walk between all of these. Take a bus or taxi for sights further out, such as Ulugh-Beg Observatory 2 km beyond Afrosiyab. There are two tram lines from the railway station. T2 is the one you want, heading southeast to Siyob Bazaar about 1 km north of the Registan. T1 goes south to Sartepa and is always about 5 km west of the main sights. Yellow taxis can be taken all over. 5000 som is a standard fare pretty much anywhere in the city, add 2000 for the outskirts. Yandex Taxi app works well in the city center and will offer you a variety of prices. A local SIM card is recommended, as drivers may phone you if they can't find you. Marshrukas - white city minibuses - are tired, wheezy and crowded. 2000 som is a standard fare in 2024. == See == 1 Registan, ☏ +998 66 235 7052. Daily Apr-Oct 08:00-23:00, Nov-Mar 09:00-20:00. This magnificent square is the defining image, not only of Samarkand but of the whole Silk Road. It became the city's main square from the 15th century, Timurid times, after Afrosiab was abandoned. It's lined by three madrasahs, all with grand portals and richly adorned. Ulugbek on the west side is the oldest madrasah, from 1417; its upper floor has been lost. Shirdor facing it on the east side was built from 1619; "Shir" means tiger, from the motif on its portal. Tilya-Kori on the north side was built from 1646 and was also the grand mosque; the name means "gilded". Each madrasah is set around a courtyard, with student lodgings and classrooms. Adult 100,000 som. (updated Feb 2026) Shaybanid Mausoleum is in the small park next to Tilya-Kori Madrasah, free to access. Muhammad Shaybani (1451-1510) ousted the Timurids from Samarkand and established an Uzbek proto-state, but it did not outlast his death in battle. 2 Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Tashkent Road. Daily 09:00-20:00. Named after the principal wife of Timur, this was erected after his capture of Delhi in 1399. But design was muddled and construction rushed, so for the next 150 years it had to be patched and mended as bits fell off, until it was given up as a lost cause. It actually stood for another 200 years before collapsing in 1897. It was rebuilt from 1974. Adult 75,000 som, child 30,000 som. (updated Feb 2026) Bibi-Khanym Mausoleum opposite the mosque is the resting place of Saray Mulk Khanym (1341-1408). She had been a member of the harem of Amir Husayn of Balkh, but Timur defeated and slew him, and took over the harem. Same hours and prices as the mosque, which most visitors reckon is not worth the money and you see enough from outside. Siyob Bazaar is just north of the mosque, see Buy. Use the footbridge to cross Shah-i-Zinda to reach Khazrat Khizr. 3 Khazrat-Khizr Mosque, Tashkent Road. Daily 08:00-18:00. This was built from 1855 over much earlier foundations: first was a Zoroastrian temple, then a mosque built in 712 but destroyed in Genghis Khan's invasion of 1220. Since 2018 it's also held the mausoleum of Islam Karimov (1938-2016), First President of Uzbekistan. Free. (updated Sep 2024) 4 Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble. Daily 07:00-22:00. Necropolis ranged over a small hill south of Afrosiab, named for the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. The best structures are 14th-16th century, such as the Kusam-ibn-Abbas complex, the Turkan Ago Mausoleum, and Kazi Zade Rumi mausoleum. It remained in use into the 19th century. It can feel crowded, as the area you can visit is along a staircase thronged with tour groups. Adult 80,000 som. (updated Feb 2026) 5 Afrosiab, Tashkent Road. Daily 09:00-18:00. This was the earlier site of Samarkand, occupied from 500 BC until 1220 AD when the Mongols smashed it. It's within a triangle of mud-brick walls, each over 1 km long, and most of it is a bare vista of ditches and hummocks. The museum displays murals, ceramics and other artifacts recovered from the site. Adult 3000 som, child 2000 som. (updated Nov 2024) 6 Tomb of Prophet Daniel (Khoja Daniyor Mausoleum), Termez Rd. The Prophet Daniel is a mythical figure, and the Biblical Book of Daniel is thought to be a jibe against Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who persecuted the Jews in the 2nd century BC - with just enough disguise for its authors to escape imperial wrath. Six cities claim to be have Daniel's tomb, and pride of place goes to Susa in Iran. The Samarkand tomb and shrine is along the north wall of Afrosiab but outside that ticketed area. Adult 30,000 som. (updated Nov 2024) 7 Gur-e-Emir Mausoleum (Amir Temur Mausoleum), Universitetskiy Boulevard, off Bustonsaroy. Daily 09:00-19:00. The warlord Timur or Tamerlane (c 1320-1405) preferred to campaign in spring / summer and lay up during the cruel steppes winter. On his last sortie, already in his eighties, in a hurry to attack Ming China, he sickened and died at Farab (nowadays Otrar), to no great sorrow by the Chinese ambassadors he'd imprisoned. It was impossible to transport him through the snow to the tomb he'd prepared at Shahrisabz, so he was laid here, in the tomb intended for his grandson who'd died of battle wounds in Turkey in 1403. Both bodies were reburied in 1409, as it became the Timurid dynastic crypt. The mausoleum is richly tiled and decorated: the piece of jade over Timur's headstone, the largest in the world, is a poke in the eye of the Emperor of China, since it was purloined from his palace. Adult 75,000 som. (updated Aug 2025) 8 Rukhabad Mausoleum, Bustansaroy (200 m north of Gur-e-Emir). Daily 08:00-17:00. Burial place of the Sufi teacher Burkhan ad-Din Sagardji, who died in the 1380s. It became engulfed by later buildings around Gur-e-Emir, which were cleared away in 1996 so the mausoleum complex was rediscovered and rebuilt. (updated Nov 2024) 9 Ulughbek's Observatory, Tashkent Road, ☏ +998 66 235 0345. Daily 08:00-19:00. Ulughbek (1394 – 1449) was grandson of Timur, and at age 16 he was appointed governor of Samarkand. A cultured talented fellow, he built the Ulughbek Madressa in Registan, and then this observatory. Astronomy in that era was by naked eye, but you could improve observation with a big sighting-line, and he built a whopper, the Fakhri sextant of radius of 36 m. He catalogued over 1000 stars and computed the earth's rotations and tilt with unprecedented accuracy. Meanwhile his 13 wives were busy discussing his shortcomings, the region rebelled, and he was defeated in battle by his oldest son Abdal-Latif Mirza. He was graciously permitted to leave for pilgrimage to Mecca, but Abdal-Latif made sure he didn't get far. The observatory was destroyed at the same time, and its underground portion was only re-discovered in 1908. Adult 75,000 som. (updated Feb 2026) 10 Imami A'zam Grand Mosque (Usta Umar Juraqulov Street). One of the largest active mosques in Samarkand. The mosque building was rebuilt from yellow stone, and the domes are dark turquoise. (updated Dec 2025) 11 Namazgah Grand Mosque (Namazgah Street). An old but still active large mosque built in the 17th century. The exterior decoration is minimalistic, as the colorful tiles have been lost. It was built with funds from Nadir Divanbegi, a high-ranking official in Bukhara. The name of the mosque is translated as a "place for namaz (praying)". (updated Dec 2025) 12 Khoja Is'haqi Vali Mosque (Near the Samarkand International Airport). The mosque is named after a famous theologian who lived and was buried in this area (there is a cemetery in the back). It has a beautiful hall. (updated Dec 2025) 13 Galaasiya Mosque (Shahi Zinda Street). The mosque is named after the neighborhood, which is known as the birthplace of the famous Samarkand bread. (updated Dec 2025) 14 Abu Mansoor Al Matrudi Mausoleum. Al Matrudi (853-944 AD) was a theologian whose teachings underlie one of the major strands of Sunni Islam. His original mausoleum was destroyed in 1940 and this is a retro creation of 2000. (updated Nov 2024) 15 Ishrat-khana Mausoleum, Sadriddin Ayniy. Daily 09:00-18:00. Built in the 1450s / 60s, probably as a burial place for the Timurid dynasty women, it was wrecked in an earthquake of 1903 and is now a hollow ruin. Free. (updated Nov 2024) 16 Abdi Darun Complex. Daily 08:00-20:00. Abd-al Maziddin was a notable Islamic judge who died around 861 AD - "darun" means his burial plot was outside the city wall. A small mausoleum was built in the 12th century, then a larger version in the 15th, replaced by another in the 19th then the version you see today in the early 20th. (updated Nov 2024) 17 Khodja Ahrar Complex (6 km south of Registan). 24 hours. This ornately tiled mausoleum with mosque and medressa was erected from 15th to 17th century. This would be a major attraction elsewhere but is overshadowed by the Registan and other central sights, and few tourists come this far out. 35000som. (updated Aug 2025) 18 Al-Bukhari Mausoleum, Xoʻja Ismoil (13 km north of city). Closed until 2026. Al-Bukhari or Buxori (810-870 AD) compiled a Hadith, a huge collection of the sayings of the Prophet Mohammed, and related commentary. A grand mausoleum was built over his tomb in 1997. Since 2021 this has been closed for reconstruction. (updated Nov 2024) 19 Mahdumi Azam Islamic Memorial Complex, Dahbet town (15 km north of city). The complex takes its name from Mahdumi Azam, who lived between the 15th and 16th centuries and was a famous theologian and founder of the Dahbediya Sufi order (which is closely related to the Naqshbandi order). There is a 17th-century mosque, and centuries-old wide and tall plane trees grow here. The historical building of the Khanaqah is also worth seeing. Interestingly, the Yalangtush Bahadur, who built two of the three madrasas in the Registan Ensemble (Sherdar Madrasa and Tilla Kari Madrasa), is buried here. It is more convenient and faster for tourists to get here by taxi from Samarkand. (updated Dec 2025) 20 Sayyid Ibrahim Shrine and Imamzadeh Shia Mosque, Durdona Street, 1 (on the outskirts of Samarkand, in the Pulimughab). A Shiite shrine and new mosque, where local Iranians live. The interior of the mausoleum is similar to Shiite shrines and mosques in Iran and Iraq, and is truly stunning. It is home to the burial of one of the sons of the 7th (Musa al-Kazim) of the 12 Imams, named Sayyid Ibrahim ibn Musa al-Kazim. Admission is free. (updated Dec 2025) 21 Panjab Shia Mosque and Panjab Madrasah, Panjab Street (in the Panjab district, where local Iranians mostly live). Samarkand's largest active Shia mosque. Shia religious ceremonies, including Ashura, are regularly held here. Next to the mosque is an inactive madrasa of the same name, turned into a landmark, where souvenirs are sold, people gather for socializing, a center for learning Persian, and a friendship society between Uzbekistan and Iran. (updated Dec 2025) 22 Murad Avliya Shrine and Mosque, Jarariq Street (near the Railway Station, next to the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan's Culture). Samarkand's Shia-Sunni Shrine. The mausoleum houses the tomb of the renowned theologian and saint, Khodja Said Musa ibn Said Murtaza, better known as Murad Avliya. (updated Dec 2025) 23 Roman Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, Mahmud Qashghari Street, 86. The city's only Catholic Church. It was built in 1916 in the neo-Gothic style by Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war brought here by the Russian Empire during World War I. Most of the priests in this church are Polish. In Samarkand, Catholics include local Poles, local Ukrainians with roots in Western Ukraine, and expats from Catholic countries. The church is part of the Apostolic Administration of Uzbekistan, which is subordinate to the Vatican. Services are held in Russian and English. (updated Dec 2025) 24 Armenian Church of the Holy Mother of God, Mahmud Qashghari Street, 70 (300 m northwest of the aforementioned Catholic Church). The place's only Armenian Church, built in 1903 by local Armenian residents with the permission of the Russian Imperial authorities. Samarkand is home to the second-largest Armenian diaspora in Uzbekistan, after Tashkent. Armenians have been living in Central Asia since the late 14th century, and their population increased during the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the USSR, most of the local Armenians remained in independent Uzbekistan and obtained local citizenship, while a small number of them moved to Armenia, Russia, Europe, and the United States. Local Armenians belong to the category of so-called Eastern Armenians. In Samarkand, they have shashlik (barbecue) bars where you can try pork shashlik, as well as local homemade wine and cognac. (updated Dec 2025) 25 Orthodox Cathedral of St. Alexei of Moscow, Babur Mirza Street, 1 (within walking distance of the two churches mentioned above, but south-east of them, in "Russian Samarkand" or "Southern Petersburg"). Daily, 9:00 - 19:00. It is one of the city's three active Orthodox churches, and the largest one (there are others which are inactive), subordinate to the Samarkand Deanery of the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese (Central Asian Metropolitan District) of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Named after Metropolitan Alexei of Moscow, who lived in the 14th century, the church was built in 1912 in the Russian Revival architecture style, originally for a military garrison. Orthodoxy is the main Christian denomination in Samarkand. Most of the local Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Georgians, some of the local Koreans, and other small ethnic groups (for example, Greeks, Latvians, and Moldovans) that arrived during the Imperial and Soviet periods are Orthodox. (updated Dec 2025) 26 Orthodox Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God, Abdurahman Jami Street, 12 (next to the now-defunct military barracks). The main Orthodox church, although slightly smaller than the cathedral mentioned above, and since the rector of this particular church is the main Orthodox priest in Samarkand. It was built in 1903, in the Russian style, originally for the Russian Empire's rifle regiment. After the establishment of Soviet power, the church was closed in 1930 and reopened in 1998, under the current name, in honor of the Feast of the Protection of the Holy Virgin (Intercession of the Theotokos). During its construction and until its closure, it was known as the Church of the Ascension of the Lord. According to some sources, during the Soviet era, this was the only active Orthodox church in the city, apart from a small chapel inside the Bratskoe cemetery. By 1998, the church had been reopened after restoration. (updated Dec 2025) 27 Orthodox Church of St. George the Victorious, Birlik Street, 66 (within walking distance of the Bratskoe (Brotherly in Russian) cemetery). The third and smallest of the three active Orthodox churches. What is interesting here is the colorful free-standing bell tower at the entrance to this church. It has a modest but beautiful interior. Like the other Orthodox churches, it is part of the Tashkent-Uzbekistan diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. (updated Dec 2025) 28 The former Orthodox Church of St. George the Victorious, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Street, 12 (in the heart of "Russian Samarkand", inside a picturesque park with a lake). It houses a Museum of Religious and National Tolerance, as well as an art gallery. The building was constructed in 1882. During the Soviet era, the large bell tower and domes on the roof of the church were destroyed by communists and atheists. A small airplane was placed in place of the bell tower, and the building was used for various purposes, such as housing the paramilitary organization DOSAAF. After the collapse of the USSR, the church was no longer suitable for worship due to its destroyed bell tower, and was therefore turned into a museum. This is one of the 3-4 inactive former churches in Samarkand. (updated Dec 2025) 29 Seventh-day Adventist Church, Gagarin Street, 4 (next to Samarkand Railway Station). A large Seventh-day Adventist Church, built after Uzbekistan's Independence. In addition to Orthodox, Catholic, and Armenian Christians, Samarkand has many churches and adherents of other Christian denominations, including Protestants, Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Lutherans, and Korean Christian churches. Services of all these denominations are held mainly in Russian, as well as in Uzbek and Tajik. (updated Dec 2025) 30 Samarkand Presbyterian Church, Buyuk Ipak Yuli Street, 131A (on the border of the Soviet part of Samarkand and the Iranian Quarter, near a small shopping mall). It has an interesting architecture and was built after Uzbekistan gained independence. Since Uzbekistan is a secular state, the Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and religion. (updated Dec 2025) 31 Baha'i Spiritual Center, Lahuti Street, 15 (on the way from the Railway Station to the historical center). Samarkand is home to a small number of Bahais, who have their own official community spiritual center in the depths of a one-story residential area. The Bahais of Samarkand, like the so-called "non-traditional" Christian denominations, are multi-ethnic. (updated Dec 2025) 32 Gumbaz Synagogue, 5th lane Yelizarov Street, 24 (in the depths of the Jewish Quarter, in the historical center). This is one of the two local active synagogues, opened in 1891. It was closed during the Soviet era and reopened after Uzbekistan gained independence.. Unlike the second synagogue, this is primarily attended by so-called Bukharian Jews, although it also has a separate Ashkenazi hall. Services are conducted in Bukhori, a Jewish-Tajik language. In the past, there were over 30 synagogues in this Jewish quarter, catering to various professions. The name of the synagogue translates to "dome". There are now only a few Jews left in the city. Since the 1970s (their flow increased in the 1980s and 1990s), they have mostly moved to Israel and the United States, as well as to Europe, Canada, and Australia. (updated Dec 2025) 33 Or Avner Synagogue, Yalangtush Bahadir Street, 47 (in "Russian Samarkand"). The second active local synagogue, built in the late 19th century and being rebuilt as of 2026 to include a mikvah, a Jewish Center, and classrooms. (updated Dec 2025) 34 Confucius Square, University Boulevard and Abdurahman Jami Street (in the center). A large Chinese-style square, named after Confucius, with characteristic gazebos, an entrance arch in the appropriate style, and Chinese and East Asian elements. (updated Dec 2025) == Do == 1 Eternal City and Eternity Square, Route M39. Opened in 2022, a very beautiful tourist complex near a large Samarkand Rowing Canal, about 10 km east of the historical center of Samarkand. The Eternal City is an island with buildings built in an authentic style, including shopping pavilions and restaurants. The Eternity Square features a stage in the shape of Ulughbek's Observatory, as well as fast food outlets and amusement rides. Visitors can also enjoy boating and gondola rides on the canal. Additionally, there is a Quran Museum located within the complex. the place is really very instagrammable. There are several five-star skyscraper hotels around the complex, which are part of the Silk Road Samarkand tourist complex. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Afrasiyab. If you don't mind dust and love archaeology, then in the historical center of Samarkand, there are the ruins of ancient Samarkand, now called Afrasiyab. The territory covers 200 hectares, and is located behind the Shahi Zinda Complex and the Hazret Khizr Mosque, behind the Jewish Cemetery. Here you can see a large number of excavations of different depths, and touch history. In the settlement, you can enter from any convenient part. The entrance is free and not controlled by anyone. But keep in mind that Afrasiyab is now in the form of faceless hills with huge layers of cultural layer, and there may be street dogs in the depths, and after sunset, there are snakes and scorpions. From the harmless, you will see shepherds with herds of sheep and cows, and only turtles and lizards. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Football, Mirzo Ulughbek Street, 54. The main football club in Samarkand is Dinamo Samarkand, which participates in the Uzbekistan Super League (the highest level of the country's leagues). The season runs from March to November. You can find the match schedule on the official website of the Uzbekistan PFL. Matches are played in the evening and tickets for matches are affordable. The stadium is located near the historical center of the city, and there is a so-called "Pub Street" (officialy Davlatabad Street) near the stadium, as well as the Samarkand Brewery, where you can try local (and non-local) beers and enjoy snacks. Local fans are not aggressive and are friendly to foreigners. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Samarkand Regional Anton Chekhov Russian Drama Theater, Buyuk Ipak Yuli Street, 45. If you understand Russian, there is an Anton Chekhov Russian Drama Theatre in the Soviet part (West) of Samarkand, where performances are entirely in Russian. Many of the actors and actresses are ethnic Slavs (mostly Russians), so sometimes it feels like you are in some provincial theater in the backwoods of Russia. This theater also occasionally hosts performances and concerts by invited troupes and singers from other Russian-speaking theaters in Uzbekistan, as well as Russian-speaking troupes and singers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and, of course, Russia. The architecture of the theater building is also of interest to tourists. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Samarkand Regional Theater of Musical Drama, Kuksaray Square, 3. If for personal experience you want to see a performance in the Uzbek language, then in the center of Samarkand on the Theater Square, not far from the Ruhabad Mausoleum there is the main theater of Samarkand. The theater building was built in Soviet times, and somewhat resembles the building of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, but only without sculptures on the roof of the portal. In addition to performances in Uzbek, there are also performances in Russian and Tajik. (updated Dec 2025) 6 Samarkand Grand Concert Hall, Mirzo Ulughbek Street, 2A. The main concert hall of Samarkand is located near the Dinamo Stadium, where not only singers from Uzbekistan, but also from neighboring countries (such as Tajikistan) and other countries of the former USSR (such as Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Georgia), and also, for example, from Turkey perform concerts. (updated Dec 2025) 7 Tash Hammam, Spitamen Avenue, 11. An old-fashioned stone hammam near (2 km) Samarkand's Railway Station. It is popular among locals and is cheap, and the cleanliness is acceptable. (updated Dec 2025) 8 Sayid Hammam, Yuqari Khoja Soat, 20. Another antique-style hammam at the entrance to the Iranian quarter of Samarkand, called Panjab. The building of the active Korean Presbyterian Church, which is located very close to this hammam, will also be of interest to tourists. (updated Dec 2025) === Parks === 9 Yoshlik Attraction Park, Baghdad Street (within walking distance of Samarkand's Railway Station). Surrounded by Soviet-era apartment buildings, the park features a variety of amusement rides (including several from the Soviet era) and fast-food outlets. The prices for the rides are quite affordable for tourists from Europe or the United States. The technical condition of the rides may vary, although there are many new ones. (updated Dec 2025) 10 Amir Temur Park, Registan Street and Ruhabad Street (in the historical center of Samarkand, next to the Ruhabad Complex). A large green park with a minimum of amenities and benches, not far from the Gur-e Emir Mausoleum. You will definitely pass through this park if you continue walking towards Registan Square. The park has many coniferous and chestnut trees. There is a spring and a monument to the two Tiger Guards of Samarkand. (updated Dec 2025) == Buy == There are lots of ATMs ("bankomats") in city centre, accepting most western credit cards. The mark-up for drawing cash is modest, say 1.5%, but your bank will pile on extra. Currency can be exchanged in banks, currency exchange service in the airport, and with men at the northern entrance to Siyob Bazaar (ask around). 1 Samarkand Silk Carpets and Craft Factory, Jami Street, 12A. A well-known place in Samarkand where you can see firsthand how handmade silk and wool carpets are woven in large quantities, as well as buy them. The place has large rooms where, in addition to handmade carpets, other silk products (such as scarves and the like) are also sold. You can bargain. It is within walking distance (south-east) of the Shahi Zinda Memorial Complex and the Jewish Quarter (to the east of it). (updated Dec 2025) 2 Art&Antique Shop "Mubarak" by Mr. Haydar, Abu Lays Samarqandiy Street, 61/63 (former Khudzhum Street). A very colorful antique shop in the depths of Samarkand's Jewish Quarter. It is located in a former Jewish traditional house and is filled with old items (clothes, badges, figurines, dishes, and more). You can bargain. The owner is a friendly elderly man who speaks very little English but knows Russian. Opposite the shop is a small neighborhood mosque with a low, detached minaret. The store is easier to find if you enter the neighborhood through pedestrian Islam Karimov Street. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Siyab Grand Bazaar, Imam Al Bukhari Street and Islam Karimov Street. One of the most famous bazaars in Uzbekistan, and the largest bazaar in Samarkand, is located in the historical center of Samarkand, near the popular tourist pedestrian Islam Karimov Street, and the Bibi Khanum Grand Mosque. This bazaar is approximately 800 years old. Here, you can bargain for a wide range of souvenirs and traditional clothing, as well as national sweets, dried fruits, and nuts, fresh vegetables and fruits, food products, and even everyday clothing. The bazaar is divided into several themed sections. The bazaar is open from Tuesday to Sunday (it is closed on Mondays), from 08:00 to 19:00. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Yangi Bazaar, Usta Umar Juraqulov Street. A very large clothing bazaar to the east of the historical center of Samarkand, within walking distance of the Shahi Zinda Complex and the Jewish Quarter. There are several shopping malls and many large clothing and appliance stores around the bazaar. The bazaar is open every day (except Monday) from morning to evening. You can also bargain here. There are a lot of clothes and accessories of different quality and price. There are both local textiles and products from China, Turkey, the UAE, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Russia, and Belarus. It is officially known as the Silk Road Bazaar (Ipak Yo'li bozori), but it is commonly referred to as the Yangi Bazaar (New Bazaar), as it was opened in the mid-2000s. Interestingly, there is a bird market located to the northwest of the bazaar, where pets are sold. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Makon Mall, Shahruh Mirza Street, 17. A large 4-storey shopping center in a former historic Soviet "GUM". There are many clothing and household appliance stores, as well as cosmetics, jewelry, and similar items. On the top floor, there is a large food court with numerous establishments. In addition to local cuisine, there is Turkish, Asian, and Italian cuisine. Open from 10:00 to 22:00. It is located in the so-called "Russian Samarkand" (near the city center). Next to this shopping center, there is also a small bazaar called the Marmar (Marble) Bazaar (popularly known as the "Kryty Rynok" in Russian). Behind the Makon Mall shopping center, there is a Soviet-style cinema called "Sharq Yulduzi" (Star of the East), and the rather picturesque and long pedestrian Mustaqillik Street (Independence Street) begins there. (updated Dec 2025) 6 Family Park, Narpay Street, 76. Samarkand's largest shopping mall has three floors. There is a large food court on the top floor. There is an original KFC. The only drawback is its location in the western part of Samarkand, away from the historical center. Behind the shopping mall, you can see an entire neighborhood of Soviet-era apartment buildings. (updated Dec 2025) 7 Festival Mall, Narpay Street, 76. A 4-storey mall on the way from the historical center to the Railway Station, in the Soviet part of Samarkand. But it's smaller in scale than the previous two malls. (updated Dec 2025) 8 M.Baraka, Mir Said Baraka Street, 2. A small mall near the Dinamo Stadium. There is a large supermarket Korzinka.uz, shops, and a children's entertainment center and bowling alley on the upper floors. (updated Dec 2025) 9 Centrium Hall, 'Turkistan Street'. If you find yourself in the heart of Samarkand's southwestern, non-touristic area, where the residential district is Soviet-style, this mall will provide you with convenience. This area is called Sattepo. (updated Dec 2025) Carpet Shop, Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Registan (ask staff inside or ask a guard at ticket booth). If you're heading home from your travel in Central Asia and you haven't got a chance to buy a carpet, go straight here. Even if you were in Registan before and don't want to buy another ticket just to buy a carpet, ask a guard at ticket booth, explain that you just want to buy a carpet and not see Registan, and he or someone will let you in for free and guide you straight to the shop. There, a man has a good selection of carpets, both traditional and more modern, for a decent price. Do bargain. (updated Feb 2026) == Eat == Plov is the staple dish, rice stewed with meat and veg. The local version uses more oil and yellow carrots than elsewhere, sometimes enlivened by an otherwise useless horse. Samarkand Non, the local bread, is almost a bowl or cake. === Budget === 1 Historic, Suzangaron, ☏ +998 98 573 2111. Daily 08:00-22:00. Great local restaurant in a side street only a few meters from the Registan. They offer good shashlik and other Uzbek food, plus beer and vodka. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Cafe Magistr, 30/45 Buston Saroy, ☏ +998 66 250 1551. M-Sa 08:00-23:00, Su 12:00-23:00. Slick central place with veggie choices, staff speak good English. (updated Nov 2024) Old City Restaurant, Abdurakhmon Jomiy (opposite Zarafshon Parkside Hotel), ☏ +998 93 346 8020. Daily 10:00-23:00. Good choice for trad Uzbek cuisine. (updated Sep 2024) 3 Joni Osh (Джони Ош), Lochin Ko'chasi 3A, ☏ +998 97 930 00 02. Opens 11:00; closes when they run out of Plov, usually before 14:00. Reputedly the best plov in Samarkand. Get there early before they run out! 70,000 som for a "half" portion, salad, bread and drink. (updated Jul 2026) === Mid-range === 4 Karim Bek, Gagarin 194, ☏ +998 66 237 7739. Hearty portions of Uzbek specialties. (updated Nov 2024) Istiqlol, Amir Temur 157 (next to Karim Bek), ☏ +998 90 505 8111. Daily 06:00-23:00. Family-friendly place serving trad dishes. (updated Nov 2024) 5 Merci, Orzi Makhmudov 14, ☏ +998 95 508 0002. Daily 08:00-23:00. This gets mixed reviews. (updated Nov 2024) == Drink == Bars in city centre include Sam Craft outside Registan, Blues Bar on Amir Temur St, Green Bear at Bazarova 11, and Botchka nearby. == Sleep == === Budget === Old Station Hotel (100 m east of station), ☏ +998 95 412 7575. Small modern hotel right by the railway station. B&B double $50. (updated Sep 2024) Rayyan Hotel, Navoi St (100 m south of station), ☏ +998 99 271 0086. Clean modern chain hotel very near the railway station. B&B double $50. (updated Sep 2024) Registan Hostel, Registan 38 (southwest side of Registan), ☏ +998 94 675 5701. Friendly comfy hostel in a great central spot. Dorm $25 ppn. (updated Sep 2024) Hostel Nabi next door gets poor reviews. 1 Bahodir Hotel, Mullokandov 134 (200 m northeast of Registan), ☏ +998 93 340 2817. Backpacker place around a courtyard, with dorm and private rooms. Friendly and mostly clean, very central. B&B double $40. (updated Sep 2024) Sandhill Hotel is within the same building at Mullokandov 136. 2 Jahongir Hotel, Chirokchi 4 (500 m south of Registan), ☏ +998 91 555 0808. Comfortable modern rooms near the historic centre. B&B double US$50. (updated Sep 2024) Jahongir Premium Hotel is close by at Chirokchi 11. 3 Uyut Hotel, Tursunova 67 (1 km northwest of Registan), ☏ +998 88 395 3312. Friendly small B&B in a quiet neighbourhood. B&B double US$50. (updated Sep 2024) 4 Zarafshon Parkside Hotel, Abdurakhmon Jomiy 65 (1.5 km southeast of Registan), ☏ +998 55 703 0003. Slick modern hotel by the park. B&B double US$150. (updated Sep 2024) 5 Amir Hostel, Abdurakhmon Jomiy 45 (1.5 km west of Registan), ☏ +998 97 916 8899. Basic but clean, friendly and in good repair. Dorm $30. (updated Sep 2024) Mehmonxona Hostel, Registan street 38A, ☏ +998 93 359 59 11, +998 93 335 98 09, +998 98 273 89 92. Inexpensive and central hostel with friendly staff that speaks Russian. The place also hosts Pilav center (Osh markazi) where you can eat osh. No breakfast at the hostel, but other side of the street is a little bar. Dorm bed 150,000 soʻm. (updated Jan 2026) Mahalla Hostel (Mahalla Old City), Qush Xovuz Ko‘chasi 44 (after passing Registan on Registan street, turn left (north) and go straight about 600 m (keep left when needed)). Nice place and host. Breakfast is 70,000 so‘m extra, but good. Double US$25. (updated Feb 2026) === Mid-range === 6 Konstantin Plaza, Ibn Kholdun 7 (1 km south of railway station), ☏ +998 78 210 0100. Clean and comfy, good service. B&B double US$150. (updated Sep 2024) 7 Mövenpick Hotel, Shokhrukh 53, ☏ +998 55 703 0808. Big glassy place, mostly good reviews, but cleanliness and service erratic for this price band. B&B double US$200. (updated Sep 2024) Hotel Malika Prime, Universitetskiy Blvd Y, Okhunboboyev St (opposite Mövenpick), ☏ +998 66 239 1333. Pleasant inexpensive hotel in a central location. B&B double US$50. (updated Sep 2024) 8 Hotel Malika Classic, Khamraev 37 (3 km southwest of Registan), ☏ +998 66 239 1333, info@malika-samarkand.com. Clean quiet hotel ranged around a peaceful courtyard. (updated Sep 2024) 9 Orient Star Hotel, Dakhbed Yuli 33 (2 km north of Registan), ☏ +998 66 232 1019. Comfy enough but no lift to upper floors. B&B double $80. (updated Sep 2024) === Airport === Qadim Hotel, Vohid Abdullaev 2 (100 m from Terminal), ☏ +998 94 669 9415. Efficient and convenient. B&B double $60. (updated Sep 2024) Tiny Art House Hotel is 200 m from the terminal. == Connect == As of Nov 2024, Samarkand and its approach highways have 4G from all Uzbek carriers, and city centre has 5G from Uzmobile. == Go next == Shakhrisabz 100 km south has the tomb intended for Timur, but he never reached it. So whose are the two bodies interred there? Bukhara 270 km west is a must-see for its old town grouped around hauz, ancient communal pools. Tashkent the capital is 310 km northeast. It's modern but with many mausoleums, museums and national monuments. Panjakent 60 km east is the first town you come to across the border in Tajikistan. Most of its antiquities have ended up in museums in Dushanbe the capital, but you can visit remains of 5,500 years old (one of the oldest in Asia) Sarazm settlement and beautiful Fann mountains. You can find a taxi to the border from the center for 80,000-100,000 so‘m (bargain hard) or go to Kaftarkhona Station first and get a minivan from there. At the border you have to walk and on the side of Tajikistan find another taxi that gets you to Panjakent. You can change money at the border. Khiva has compact and charming old town. You can go there by train or bus via Bukhara, but a nice and inexpensive alternative is to fly to Urgench (i.e. with Centrum Air for about 330,000 som in 1.5 hours).