What are the best things to do in Samarkand?
Top picks in Samarkand include Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. See the full list and itinerary on this Samarkand travel guide.
Why visit Samarkand
Travel guide for Samarkand, Uzbekistan — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Samarkand is a stop in Uzbekistan, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Bibi-Khanym Mosque instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–95 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Samarkand
1
Registan Square
2
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
3
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
4
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
5
Ulugh Beg Observatory
6
Siyob Bazaar
7
Afrasiab Museum
8
Evening light show at Registan
Budget travel
Free things to do in Samarkand
Registan Square
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Siyob Bazaar
Khazrat-Khizr Mosque
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Samarkand itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Visit Khazrat-Khizr Mosque
- Visit Tomb of Prophet Daniel
- Eat at Historic
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Gur-e-Emir Mausoleum
- Visit Rukhabad Mausoleum
- Visit Eternal City and Eternity Square
- Eat at Cafe Magistr
Budget
Samarkand trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–95
per person / day
Luxury
USD 110–180+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Samarkand
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Samarkand mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–95 · luxury 110–180+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Historic
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 vo
Cafe Magistr
Slick central place with veggie choices, staff speak good English.
Old City Restaurant
Good choice for trad Uzbek cuisine.
Joni Osh
Reputedly the best plov in Samarkand. Get there early before they run out!
Karim Bek
Hearty portions of Uzbek specialties.
Istiqlol
Family-friendly place serving trad dishes.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Old Station Hotel
Small modern hotel right by the railway station.
- $
Rayyan Hotel
Clean modern chain hotel very near the railway station.
- $
Bahodir Hotel
Backpacker place around a courtyard, with dorm and private rooms. Friendly and mostly clean, very central.
- $
Jahongir Hotel
Comfortable modern rooms near the historic centre.
- $
Uyut Hotel
Friendly small B&B in a quiet neighbourhood.
Shopping
- Samarkand Silk Carpets and Craft Factory
- Art&Antique Shop "Mubarak" by Mr. Haydar
- Siyab Grand Bazaar
- Yangi Bazaar
- Makon Mall
- Family Park
Museums & culture
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Khazrat-Khizr Mosque
In pictures
Samarkand gallery
Good to know
Samarkand travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Samarkand?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Samarkand?
Plan at least 2 days in Samarkand for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Samarkand?
Popular stays in Samarkand include Old Station Hotel, Rayyan Hotel, Bahodir Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Samarkand cost?
On the ground in Samarkand (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–95, and luxury about 110–180+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
