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Registan Square Area
sightseeingThe iconic heart of Samarkand - three madrasas forming the most stunning square in Central Asia.
Gur-e-Amir Area
historyTamerlane's mausoleum - the architectural masterpiece that inspired Taj Mahal.
Shah-i-Zinda
photographyAvenue of Mausoleums - most atmospheric Samarkand site with stunning blue tilework.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
architectureOnce the largest mosque in the Islamic world. Massive ruins being restored. Siab Bazaar nearby.
Ulugbek Observatory
science15th century astronomical observatory. Remarkable sextant remains. Museum of astronomy history.
Afrosiyob
historyAncient Sogdian city ruins (500 BC - 1220 AD). Archaeological site and museum with famous frescoes.
Siab Bazaar
shoppingLargest traditional market. Famous Samarkand bread, dried fruits, spices. Best local experience.
faq.title
faq.subtitle Samarkand
Three magnificent madrasahs (Islamic schools) around a central plaza - 15th-17th century. One of Central Asia's most iconic sights. Stunning tilework, minarets, and domes.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Samarkand
Individual tickets 2025: Registan 100,000 som (~$8), Shah-i-Zinda 75,000, Gur-e-Amir 65,000, Ulugbek Observatory 75,000. Prices rose ~40% in 2025. Consider multi-site passes for savings.
Visit Registan at sunset for best photos, then stay for night illumination (free, until 11pm). Crowds thin after 6pm. Early morning also excellent for fewer tourists.
High-speed Afrosiab train from Tashkent: 2 hours, from $10. Also connects to Bukhara (1.5h). Book at uzrailway.uz or at station. Much better than bus.
For Russians: MIR cards work at some banks. Visa/Mastercard from Russian banks don't work. Bring USD cash - widely accepted and exchanged everywhere. ATMs dispense som.
Try Samarkand plov - different from Tashkent style, with chickpeas and quince. Samarkand bread (obi non) is famous across Central Asia. Fresh lagman, manti, somsa everywhere.
Paper making workshop in Konigil village (15 min from center) - see ancient Silk Road craft. Also silk carpet workshops around the city. Great souvenirs.
Summer (June-August) extremely hot (35-40°C). Best seasons: April-May and September-October. Mild weather, fewer tourists. Winter cold but sites less crowded.
Combine with Bukhara (1.5h by train) and Khiva (overnight train or fly). The 'Golden Triangle' of Uzbekistan. Allow 2 days Samarkand, 2 days Bukhara, 1 day Khiva minimum.
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
2°
2°46%9 м/с
Today
15°1°
15°1°Tomorrow19°4°
19°4°Thu
12°6°
12°6°Fri
6°-1°
6°-1°Sat1°-3°
1°-3°Sun1°-3°
1°-3°Mon2°-3°
2°-3°3°
-5°Jan
4°
-4°Feb
10°
2°Mar
15°
6°Apr
22°
11°May
26°
14°Jun
29°
16°Jul
27°
15°Aug
23°
11°Sep
16°
7°Oct
9°
1°Nov
5°
-4°Dec
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Safety
High safety level
Tourist area with low crime rate
Very safe city for tourists. Watch for pushy souvenir sellers at monuments. Avoid photographing government buildings. Summer heat can be extreme - stay hydrated. Police are helpful but may not speak English.
What to see
Attractions and points of interest
