Top 10 Things To Do In Samarkand, Uzbekistan

1. Visit the majestic Registan

The Registan is one of the top tourist attractions in Samarkand. It is an iconic landmark featuring a central square engulfed in three beautiful madrassahs that date back to the 15th and 17th centuries. The greatest attraction to this landmark lies not only in the history of the square but also in the grand Islamic architecture displayed by the structures. Each of the madrassahs has a unique door, is colored with different tiles, and has two grand portals. This is arguably one of the most beautiful single sights you will find in Central Asia.

Registan

Address: Registan St, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Opening hours: Fri - Tue: 8am - 7pm; Wed: 8am - 8:15pm

Price: 4 USD

2. Delve into some incredible history at Ulugh Beg Observatory

Ulugh Beg Observatory was constructed between 1428 and 1429, making it one of the oldest historic structures in the country. It was constructed by Ulugh Beg – an astronomer whose work at that time was regarded as the best within the Islamic world. It was the site for some great discoveries, including the calculation of a stellar year which was found to be 365 days, 6 hours, 10 minutes, and 8 seconds. One of the notable attractions at this observatory is the sextant. This is a large instrument covered by a roof and which is used to determine midday. There is also a small museum housed within the observatory where you can learn about Ulugh as well as the works he did in the observatory during the 1400s.

Ulugh Beg Observatory

Address: Tashkent Rd, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

3. Go on a shopping spree at Siab Bazaar

A trip to Central Asia will never be complete without sampling the region’s shopping experience, and when you are in Samarkand, the place to check this out is Siab Bazaar. This is primarily a food market for the locals but also has in excess of shops that will satisfy tourists as well. Whether you want to shop for some unique souvenirs, or you simply want to check out the shopping culture in Uzbekistan, this is among the top places to visit.

Siab Bazaar

Address: Bibikhonim St, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 5am - 7pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free

4. Tour Hazrat Khizr Mosque

This mosque is reputed for being the very first religious building in Samarkand. The local legends believe that the instructions to construct the mosque, including the details of the architecture, were handed down by Hazrat Khizr - an important Islamic prophet believed to have lived during the times of Abraham. Apart from the Islamic historic lessons, you will also marvel at the gorgeous Islamic architecture from several centuries ago.

5. Take a walk down the memory lane at Afrasiyab Museum

The Afrasiyab museum and ancient site happen to be among the largest archeological sites in the entire world. It is believed that the city was first occupied between 500 BC and 1220 AD before its destruction by the Mongols. The museum is located in the oldest part of the ancient Samarkand City and it houses a lot of information about the settlement in the city as well as how the city was originally founded. You will find more than 20,000 artifacts ranging from jewelry to swords that will give you a glimpse into the way of life during the ancient times.

Afrasiyab Museum

Address: Tashkent Rd, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 7pm; Mon: 9am - 6pm

Price: 3.40 USD

6. Tour the 19th-century Gumbaz Synagogue

Gumbaz Synagogue was constructed in 1891 to serve the Samarkand Jewish community. Apart from its architectural grandeur, you will find lots of photos of past rabbis on the walls, as well as beautiful carvings of the Star of David on the doors as well as inside the domed hall. It is believed that the Jewish population in Samarkand has shrunk considerably with the current approximation being just 50. If you are interested in the Jewish religion, then this is a place you have to visit when you are in Samarkand. Note, however, that you need to call ahead to make arrangements.

Gumbaz Synagogue

Address: Ulitsa Khudzhumskaya, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

7. Dress in traditional regalia at Sherdor Madrasa

Sherdor Madrasa is one of the three buildings at the Registan and it is a great place to visit if you want to experience some intricacies of the Samarkand culture. At this place, you will find lots of cultural information ranging from food to dressing. However, the most alluring attraction here is always the chance to dress in various Uzbekistan traditional clothes for a small fee. The memories you make here will be incredible, with the assistants happy to take as many photos as you will want in the traditional clothes.

Sherdor Madrasa

Address: Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 4 USD

8. Tour the Tomb of Imam Bukhari

The Tomb of Imam Bukhari is one of the top religious tourist attractions in Uzbekistan. It is a domed shrine with the casket bearing the remains of Imam Bukhari. Imam Bukhari is best remembered for his reputable collections of the prophet’s sayings as well as authoring various works about the prophet. If you are a Muslim faithful, or you are generally interested in learning more about the religion, then this is another place you just have to visit.

Tomb Of Imam Bukhari

Address: Hartang (Payarik District), Uzbekistan

9. Sample the city’s culinary diversity at Restaurant Karimbek

Restaurant Karimbek is a vibrant restaurant and one of the best places to check out if you want to sample the city’s culinary diversity and indulge in a bit of their culture. A walk through the entrance will introduce you to lively scenes of locals donned to the nines shaking to the music in the room. Should you find the music downstairs to be too loud, there is always enough room upstairs where you can enjoy a variety of local cuisines.

Restaurant Karimbek

Address: 194 Gagarin St, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)

10. Enjoy the nightlife at Kings Nightclub

Sample the vibrant nightlife of Samarkand at Kings Nightclub. Just as the name suggests, this nightclub fits kings, but you have a chance to walk in, interact with the locals, enjoy a couple of drinks, and watch as the night simply melts away. It is a popular place for both tourists and locals, and apart from enjoying nice drinks, you will also love the entertainment belted out by the karaoke or other live performances usually held at the joint.

Kings Nightclub

Address: 49 A. Nawai St., Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Website: Kings Nightclub

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Create incredible memories in Samarkand

Don’t let life pass you by when you visit Samarkand. With the rich history, culture, traditions, and architectural masterpieces, you should have more than enough to see, do, and eat. Use our recommendations for the top things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to make the most of your visit.