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.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Registan Square
Three monumental madrasas with tiled facades; open courtyards suit children, and the evening light show is a highlight.
Duration: 1–2 hours
Siab Bazaar
Lively market beside Bibi-Khanym Mosque; children can watch bread being baked and try dried fruit and nuts.
Duration: 1 hour
Konigil Meros Paper Mill
Working workshop making silk paper by hand in a garden setting, just outside the centre.
Duration: 1–2 hours
Ulugh Beg Observatory and Museum
Remains of a 15th-century observatory with a small museum on medieval astronomy.
Duration: 1 hour
Afrosiyob Museum
Museum of ancient Samarkand with a famous wall painting from the 7th century.
Duration: 1 hour
Samarkand Boulevard and Fountains
Pedestrian promenade with fountains and ice cream stalls for an evening walk.
Duration: 1 hour
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hilton Garden Inn Samarkand Sogd
An international-brand hotel with a pool, set a short taxi ride from Registan. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Family features: Family rooms or suites; check the current room configuration
Hotel Registan Plaza
A mid-range hotel within walking distance of Registan. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Family features: Family rooms or suites; check the current room configuration
Family guesthouses near Registan
Small courtyard guesthouses with breakfast included; look for family rooms when booking. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Family features: Family rooms or suites; check the current room configuration
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Uzbek restaurants welcome children; ask for non-spicy plov or samsa.
Kids' menus are rare; order shared dishes.
Fresh bread, fruit and nuts at Siab Bazaar make easy snacks.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Carry bottled water for children.
Strollers are hard on the cobbled old town and monument steps; a carrier helps.
Use Yandex Go; car seats are rarely available, so bring one if essential.
Visit monuments early or at dusk in summer.