Samarkand is Uzbekistan's Silk Road showpiece, a 2,700-year-old city of turquoise domes, the Registan's three madrasas, Timur's tomb and the tiled mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Samarkand.
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1
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.
Tip: Arrive at opening (about 08:00) or in the last hour before closing for softer light and fewer groups. · Buy tickets at the counters on the approach from Registan Street; each visit takes 1.5-2 hours. · Keep the ticket or its QR code in case an evening re-entry or light show is offered. · Cover shoulders and knees inside Tilya-Kori, a former mosque. · Haggle politely in the craft shops inside the courtyards; ask for the final price before agreeing. · Check the evening light-show schedule at the ticket counter, as it varies by season.
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2
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
The Timurid mausoleum of Tamerlane and Ulugh Beg, with a ribbed turquoise dome and gilded interior.
Tip: Visit at opening or late afternoon; midday tour groups fill the small main chamber. · Dress modestly and keep voices low in the tomb chamber. · Photography is allowed in the courtyard; flash and tripods are not welcomed inside. · Combine with Rukhabad and Ak-Saray mausoleums next door, then walk to the Registan (about 15-20 minutes). · Buy the ticket at the counter by the entrance; carry some cash.
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3
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
A hillside street of Timurid mausoleums covered in carved terracotta and blue-turquoise tile.
Tip: Arrive at opening or in the last hour for fewer groups in the narrow alley. · Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees; women may be asked to cover hair at the shrine. · Wear shoes with grip; the stairs and old paving are worn. · Ask before photographing worshippers. · Allow 45-60 minutes and combine with the Afrosiyab Museum and the Ulugh Beg Observatory nearby.
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4
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Timur's giant 15th-century mosque, partially restored, with a 35-metre portal and a marble Quran stand.
Tip: Visit with Siab Bazaar in one stop, about 1.5-2 hours together. · Allow 30-40 minutes inside the mosque. · Late afternoon gives warm light on the domes. · Cover shoulders and knees. · Some interiors may be closed for repairs; check at the ticket counter.
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5
Siab Bazaar
Samarkand's main market beside the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, famous for round Samarkand bread and dried fruit.
Tip: Go in the morning (before about 11:00) for freshest produce and bread. · Carry small notes in som; many stalls do not take cards. · Taste before buying dried fruit; prices are per kilo and the scale is read in front of you. · Ask before photographing sellers. · Keep bags zipped in the crowded aisles.
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6
Ulugh Beg Observatory and Museum
Remains of the 15th-century observatory of Ulugh Beg with the underground sextant trench and a small museum.
Tip: Combine with Shah-i-Zinda and the Afrosiyab Museum (a few minutes apart by taxi). · Read the panel texts or hire a licensed guide at the gate for context on the star catalogue. · Allow 40-60 minutes. · Steps lead down into the trench; wear non-slip shoes. · Buy tickets at the counter; keep cash in som.
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7
Afrosiyab Museum
Museum of the ancient hilltop city of Afrasiab with Sogdian wall paintings from the 7th century.
Tip: Combine with Shah-i-Zinda and the Ulugh Beg Observatory in one morning. · Allow 45-60 minutes; the wall paintings are the main reason to visit. · Check whether photography inside needs a separate fee. · Wear walking shoes if you plan to stroll the mounds. · Buy tickets at the museum counter.
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8
Hazrat Khizr Mosque
A hilltop 19th-century mosque with a carved porch and a terrace overlooking old Samarkand.
Tip: Dress modestly and avoid prayer times, especially Friday midday. · Take the terrace for the best view over old Samarkand. · Combine with Shah-i-Zinda and the Afrosiyab Museum. · Allow 20-30 minutes. · Ask before photographing worshippers.
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9
Ishratkhana Mausoleum
A ruined Timurid mausoleum of 1464 away from the tour groups.
Tip: Pair with the nearby Abdi Darun shrine; allow 15-20 minutes at the ruin. · Wear sturdy shoes; the ground around the ruin is uneven. · Follow posted fencing and notices around unrestored sections. · Bring water in summer, as shade is scarce. · Check on arrival whether the interior is open, as access varies.
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10
Rukhabad and Ak-Saray Mausoleums
Two small Timurid tombs beside Gur-e-Amir.
Tip: Visit together with Gur-e-Amir; allow 10-15 minutes per tomb. · Check whether entry is included in the Gur-e-Amir ticket. · Dress modestly, as these tombs are still treated as shrines. · Focus on the exterior tile and dome, since the interiors are plain. · Afternoon light gives the best colour on the facades.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Museums
Religious_historic
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Workshops_and_crafts
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most monuments open about 08:00-09:00 and close 17:00-19:00 depending on season; markets open about 07:00 and close by late afternoon.
- Fees
- Registan about 65,000-100,000 UZS (~$5.40-8.30); Gur-e-Amir 40,000-75,000 UZS (~$3.30-6.25); Shah-i-Zinda 50,000-80,000 UZS (~$4.20-6.70); Bibi-Khanym 40,000-75,000 UZS (~$3.30-6.25); Ulugh Beg Observatory 35,000-75,000 UZS (~$2.90-6.25). Prices change; each site has its own counter. FX used: 1 USD = 12,000 UZS.
- Best Times
- April-May and September-October; start early in summer to avoid heat above 35 C.
- Booking
- Tickets are sold at each site; there is no combined pass. The Afrosiyob high-speed train from Tashkent (about 2 hours) is booked at eticket.railway.uz or at the station.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit the Registan at opening time, then the Gur-e-Amir quarter, and return to the Registan boulevard at dusk.
Combine Shah-i-Zinda, Hazrat Khizr, the Afrosiyab Museum and the Ulugh Beg Observatory in one morning (about 3-4 hours).
Bring cash in som for bazaars and small sites; cards work at larger ticket counters.
Dress modestly at shrines and mosques: shoulders and knees covered.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to see in Samarkand?
Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siab Bazaar and the Ulugh Beg Observatory.
How many days does Samarkand need?
Two full days cover the main monuments; three days allow day trips to Konigil and the Imam al-Bukhari complex.
Is there a combined ticket for Samarkand monuments?
No; each monument sells its own ticket at its own counter.