Registan Square
Three monumental madrasas from the 15th-17th centuries around a vast paved square, the defining sight of Samarkand and a UNESCO World Heritage monument.
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About Samarkand
Samarkand sits in the Zarafshan valley at about 700 m, a crossroads city that Timur made his capital in the 14th century and Ulugh Beg turned into a centre of astronomy. UNESCO lists it as a Crossroad of Cultures. Most sights are within a few kilometres: Registan, Bibi-Khanym, Siab Bazaar, Shah-i-Zinda, Gur-e-Amir and the Ulugh Beg Observatory. Afrosiyob high-speed trains from Tashkent take about 2 hours and Samarkand airport (SKD) has domestic and some international flights. Two full days cover the main monuments; a third adds the Afrosiyob museum and a day trip to Shakhrisabz.
- Capital
- Tashkent
- Largest city
- Tashkent
- Population
- ~600,000 (city)
- Languages
- Uzbek, Russian
- Currency
- Uzbekistani som (UZS)
- Time zone
- UZT (UTC+5), no daylight saving
Explore Samarkand by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Samarkand
The 15 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
The Timurid mausoleum of Tamerlane and Ulugh Beg, with a ribbed turquoise dome and gilded interior.
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
A hillside street of Timurid mausoleums covered in carved terracotta and blue-turquoise tile.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Timur's giant 15th-century mosque, partially restored, with a 35-metre portal and a marble Quran stand.
Siab Bazaar
Samarkand's main market beside the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, famous for round Samarkand bread and dried fruit.
Ulugh Beg Observatory and Museum
Remains of the 15th-century observatory of Ulugh Beg with the underground sextant trench and a small museum.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Samarkand Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Samarkand, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Samarkand
- Days 1-2Samarkand city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Samarkand
- Days 1-3Samarkand comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Samarkand, departure
Where to stay in Samarkand
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ~$30-60 (360,000-720,000 UZS)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ~$90-170 (1,080,000-2,040,000 UZS)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ~$210-500 (2,520,000-6,000,000 UZS)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Mövenpick Samarkand
Mövenpick Samarkand is a five-star hotel in the Registan district area of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, about 1.2 km from Registan Square. The 162-room Accor property is the city's main international-brand five-star within reach of the old sights, and it has both an indoor and an outdoor pool.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Samarkand Regency
Hilton Samarkand Regency is a five-star hotel in the Konigil area of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, about 7.2 km from Registan Square. A 22-floor, 232-room tower renovated in 2024, it sits in the Konigil resort area east of the centre rather than in the old town, so the hotel works best as a self-contained base with a taxi into the city.
Check rates on Booking.comDilimah Premium Luxury Hotel
Dilimah Premium Luxury Hotel is a upscale luxury hotel in the Mirzo Ulugbek Street area of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, about 3.7 km from Registan Square. A newer premium hotel on the western side of the city along Mirzo Ulugbek Street, away from the tourist crowds.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Garden Inn Samarkand
Hilton Garden Inn Samarkand is a four-star hotel in the Dahbed Road, Oqsaroy area of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, about 2.2 km from Registan Square. A modern international-chain hotel on Dahbed Road north of the old town; guest reviews mention a pool, a hammam and a Finnish sauna that hotel guests can use.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Samarkand
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Platan Restaurant
Central restaurant with two halls, a bar and live music some evenings.
Emirhan Restaurant
Registan-view terrace restaurant on three floors.
Boulevard Restaurant & Bakery
All-day bakery-restaurant on the pedestrian boulevard.
Sogdiana Cafe
Italian-leaning cafe with a long opening day.
Samarkand Restaurant
Large hall with grilled meat and live music.
Sirius Restaurant
Stylish terrace restaurant open until 03:00.
Book a food tour in Samarkand We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Samarkand
Samarkand's sights cluster in the old centre, while the railway station and airport are a taxi ride away.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in UZS (1 USD ≈ 12,000 UZS), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ~$12-30 (144,000-360,000 UZS) hostel or guesthouse | ~$50-100 (600,000-1,200,000 UZS) | ~$110-250 (1,320,000-3,000,000 UZS) |
| Food (per day) | ~$8-12 (96,000-144,000 UZS) | ~$20-35 (240,000-420,000 UZS) | ~$50-100 (600,000-1,200,000 UZS) |
| Transportation | ~$2-4 (24,000-48,000 UZS) taxis and buses | ~$5-12 (60,000-144,000 UZS) taxis | ~$20-50 (240,000-600,000 UZS) private car |
| Activities | ~$8-15 (96,000-180,000 UZS) monument tickets | ~$12-25 (144,000-300,000 UZS) | ~$30-100 (360,000-1,200,000 UZS) private guide |
| Daily total | ~$30-60 (360,000-720,000 UZS) | ~$90-170 (1,080,000-2,040,000 UZS) | ~$210-500 (2,520,000-6,000,000 UZS) |
Best time to visit Samarkand
Weather through the year in Samarkand
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Samarkand.
Mild weather and clear days make spring and autumn ideal.
Pack layers for evenings.
Essential travel tips
- Withdraw som from ATMs or exchange at banks; avoid street changers.
- Visit Registan at first opening or after sunset when the buildings are lit and crowds are thinner.
- Book the Afrosiyob 1-2 weeks ahead at eticket.railway.uz in spring and autumn.
- Dress modestly at Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym and Hazrat Khizr.
Safety information
Use Yandex Go or a hotel-called taxi rather than unmarked cars.
Keep a passport copy and the original in the hotel or guesthouse safe.
Watch for pickpockets in Siab Bazaar and around Registan.
Do not photograph military or government sites.
Keep hotel registration slips; police can ask foreign visitors to show proof of where they stayed.
Ignore unofficial people offering minaret climbs or private access at Registan.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Tashkent to Samarkand?
Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train, about 2 hours. Book at eticket.railway.uz and verify the current fare, from roughly 300,000 UZS (~$25) economy. The station is about 4 km from Registan; use a Yandex Go taxi (about 10,000-20,000 UZS).
How much does the Registan cost?
The foreigner ticket was reported at about 100,000 UZS (~$8.30) in 2026; confirm at the ticket office. Hours are roughly 08:00-19:00 in summer and 09:00-17:00 in winter, and the square is lit in the evening.
How many days do I need in Samarkand?
Two full days cover Registan, Gur-e-Amir, Bibi-Khanym, Siab Bazaar, Shah-i-Zinda and the Ulugh Beg Observatory. A third day adds the Afrosiyob museum and a day trip to Shakhrisabz.
When is the best time to visit Samarkand?
April-May and September-October give mild weather. July-August often exceeds 35C and winter is cold.
Do I need a visa for Samarkand?
Many nationalities (EU, UK, Japan, South Korea, and US citizens from 1 January 2026) can stay up to 30 days visa-free; CIS nationals up to 90 days. Others can apply for an e-visa (about $20) at e-visa.gov.uz. Verify on the official portal before booking.
Explore Samarkand by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.