UZBEKISTAN BLOG

Samarkand: The Complete Guide to Sights, Food & Local Insights

Samarkand is truly a unique city! The world’s greatest poets and philosophers have bestowed upon it many names: “the garden of the soul,” “the pearl of the east,” “the mirror of the world,” and even “the face of the earth.” Yet, they could not fully describe its beauty and richness. Stepping into Samarkand feels like travelling back in time. With its grand madrasas, tiled domes, and the echoes of Silk Road caravans, it is one of Uzbekistan’s most historically rich and visually stunning cities.

Unlike some destinations that hide their charm in obscure corners, Samarkand’s beauty is plainly evident in its magnificent monuments—that is the very heart of its appeal. It is incredibly pretty and pleasant to walk around, with a lot to see. Once you arrive, Samarkand seems much more like an older city or town, with a distinct charm different from Tashkent. While many tourists zip in and out in a day, we recommend staying at least one night to truly soak in the magic, especially at dusk when the monuments glow under soft lighting and crowds disperse. At the beginning of the 21st century, the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name ‘Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures,’ recognising its significant cultural heritage as a key centre of the Great Silk Road for many centuries.

Getting to Samarkand from Tashkent

The quickest and most convenient way to reach Samarkand is by train. The Afrosiyob high-speed train is very comfortable and takes just over two hours. However, it sells out quickly, especially in peak tourist season it might be sold out days before. We recommend booking via the UzRailways app or website, which accepts international credit cards.
We were spontaneous, so the Afrosiyob was sold out by the time we checked. Instead, we traveled by the slower Nasaf and Sharq trains. Despite being four-hour journeys, both rides were extremely comfortable. We had the entire compartment to ourselves on both trips—once a sleeper and once a coupe. If you have the time, or prefer night journeys, slower trains are quite comfortable, so you won’t feel the longer travel time. We used the journey time to relax and catch up on some work. The ride itself may not be particularly scenic for the entire duration, partly because the train windows are not necessarily clean.

Top Things to See & Do in Samarkand

Even if you have seen photos, nothing compares to witnessing the grandeur of Samarkand in person. Here are the must-see attractions that capture the essence of the Silk Road. While we did not visit all of them, we are listing these attractions for your inspiration, so you can include the most relevant ones in your itinerary depending on the length of your stay and our suggested priority.

Registan Square The beating heart of Samarkand and Uzbekistan’s most iconic spot. This trio of madrasas—Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari—is jaw-dropping during the day and magical at night. We paid 60,000 UZS (approximately $4.8 – $5 USD) for entry.

Our Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and if you are staying closeby return at night for a peaceful illuminated view and the spectacular light and sound show.
If you’re crunched for time, this is the must-visit no-brainer.
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis A necropolis of intricate turquoise mausoleums, each tomb with its own story and stunning tilework. This is quieter and more spiritual than Registan. The entrance fee is typically 30,000 UZS (approximately $2.4 – $2.6 USD). Even from the outside, its beauty is evident.
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum The resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), this building’s azure dome and richly decorated interior are well worth a visit. The entrance fee is around 30,000 UZS (approximately $2.4 – $2.6 USD).
Bibi-Khanym Mosque Once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, built by Timur. While it is partially in ruins, its sheer scale and historical significance make it fascinating. The entrance fee is typically 40,000 UZS (approximately $3.2 – $3.5 USD).
Siab Bazaar: Located next to Bibi-Khanym, this lively traditional market is a feast for the senses, perfect for picking up local snacks, dried fruits, spices, and the famous Samarkand bread. Comparable to Tashkent’s Chorsu bazaar. If you are only able to visit one bazaar in Uzbekistan you can pick between one of these.
Ulugh Beg Observatory Discover ancient science at this fascinating site dedicated to Timur’s astronomer grandson, Ulugh Beg. The accompanying museum explains his groundbreaking work. The entrance fee is around 40,000 UZS (approximately $3.2 – $3.5 USD).
Hazrat Khizr Mosque One of Samarkand’s oldest mosques, beautifully restored and offering panoramic views of the city. There is typically no official entrance fee, though donations are appreciated. It is a beautiful site with free entry.
Mausoleum of Prophet Daniel (Khoja Daniyar) A unique long mausoleum housing the remains of the biblical prophet Daniel, with a natural spring nearby. The entrance fee is around 20,000 – 25,000 UZS (approximately $1.6 – $2.2 USD).
Afrasiyab Archaeological Site & Museum Explore the ruins of ancient Samarkand and see fascinating frescoes and artefacts from pre-Mongol times in the accompanying museum. The entrance fee is typically 40,000 UZS (approximately $3.2 – $3.5 USD).
Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex An important pilgrimage site for Muslims, housing the mausoleum of the renowned Islamic scholar. It is located about 25 km outside Samarkand. Often there is no official entrance fee, but visitors may be asked for a small donation for upkeep.
President Islam Karimov’s Tomb The mausoleum of Uzbekistan’s first president.
Eternal City (Samarkand) within Silk Road Samarkand Complex A newly developed tourist complex offering a modern take on historical architecture and a variety of entertainment options. The entrance fee is around 50,000 UZS (approximately $4 – $4.5 USD) for the main Eternal City area.
Sultan Said Complex Another significant historical and architectural complex to explore.
Ak-Saray Mausoleum A notable mausoleum, often associated with the Timurid period’s distinct architectural style.
Hodja Nasruddin Monument A statue dedicated to the legendary Sufi philosopher and satirist.
Rukhobod Mausoleum A humble but historically significant mausoleum located near Gur-i Amir.
Konigil Tourist Village (Meros Paper Mill) Witness the traditional process of making Samarkand paper from mulberry bark. The entrance fee is around 10,000 – 25,000 UZS (approximately $0.8 – $2.2 USD).
Art Gallery Happy Bird A place to explore local contemporary art.
Museum of History of Samarkand Offers a broad overview of the region’s rich past.

Warmth & Curiosity from Locals

Something we didn’t expect was the warmth of the people, especially towards Indians. When we checked in, the hotel manager smiled and gently warned us: “Don’t be surprised if people stare, wave, or want selfies. Everyone loves Indians here!”
At Registan Square, a group of schoolgirls on a field trip greeted us with wide-eyed enthusiasm. They were excited to practise their English and ask us about Bollywood, Indian food, and culture. This wasn’t a one-off—throughout our time in Samarkand, we were approached by students, waiters, and locals just curious to chat or connect.
It reminded us how India’s cultural soft power—through cinema, music, and food—has forged connections across borders. In Samarkand, we didn’t feel like strangers. We felt like honoured guests.

Recommended Restaurants and Cafes

When exploring Samarkand’s vibrant culinary scene, you’ll come across everything from authentic, no-frills eateries to charming cafes that blend traditional flavours with international comfort. While many food spots are conveniently close to major attractions, some of the best meals are found just a little further out or in places that don’t always show up on typical tourist guides.

Here are some of the places we visited or had highly recommended to us by locals and friends:

Authentic Local Experience
These places are where locals go, offering a real taste of Uzbek food:

Samarqand Osh Markazi N1 (Plov Centre): The ultimate spot for plov. This busy, canteen-style eatery is where locals head for their daily plov fix, cooked in massive cauldrons. Go for lunch between 11 am and 2 pm, as plov is mainly a midday meal and tends to sell out early.
Ikrom Shashlik: Famous for its grilled meat, this spot specialises in shashlik and draws a steady local crowd.
Siab Bazaar: This isn’t just a market, it’s a buzzing food destination. You’ll see locals buying fresh non (bread), dried fruits, nuts, and grabbing street snacks like hot samsa straight from the tandoor.
Mahalla Osh: A no-fuss place recommended by locals for its plov. Very few tourists, very local, very worth it.
Shokhrukh Nur: Often mentioned by locals for its solid kebabs and well-cooked traditional dishes at reasonable prices.

Local Favourites with Tourist-Friendly Vibes
These restaurants strike a balance between local charm and a more polished experience:

Restaurant “KARIMBEK”: A popular family-style restaurant with big portions, classic Uzbek dishes like shashlik and lagman, and a warm, traditional interior.
Old City Restaurant: Tucked away in the Russian part of town, this spot has an old-world charm and a diverse menu with both Uzbek and European dishes, including veggie options.
Platan: A refined restaurant offering a mix of Uzbek and European cuisine, often in a garden setting. Great service, tasty food, and a nice ambience.
Bibikhanum Teahouse: Right near Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar, this cosy outdoor restaurant is perfect for enjoying plov, samsa, or tea in a peaceful setting.
Registan Restaurant & Cafe: Located directly opposite Registan Square, this place is convenient for sightseeing breaks and offers a mix of local and international dishes.

Cafes & Coffee Shops
Samarkand also has some lovely cafes to take a break or grab a light meal. Whether you’re craving good coffee, sweet pastries, or a relaxed vibe, these are great picks:

Magistr Cafe: Found between Gur-e-Amir and Registan Square, this bright spot serves good coffee, fresh pastries, and light meals. Friendly and welcoming.
Coffee House El-Merosi: A chic cafe known for its coffee, croissants, cheesecakes, and a nice terrace to unwind.
Chocolate: A patisserie-style cafe offering a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks, teas, lemonades, milkshakes, and lots of baked goods. Also great for breakfast.
Coffee and More: A chill cafe with great coffee, desserts, and snacks. Ideal for a midday break.
Imbir Café: Cosy and casual, serving all your favourite coffee drinks along with refreshing juices and smoothies.
National Tea House (Milliy Choyxona): Located close to Registan Square, this traditional tea house offers an authentic Uzbek experience with floor seating (optional), green or black tea served in ceramic teapots, and small bites like dried fruit, nuts, and non. It’s more of a cultural experience than a modern cafe, but peaceful and pleasant.
Tea & Coffee Khona: A newer addition that blends traditional tea service with a slightly modern touch. They serve a variety of teas (herbal, black, green) and coffee, along with local snacks and sweets. Nice for a quiet break away from the crowds.

Tips for Finding Local Spots

If you want a more local, authentic food experience, here are a few things that worked for us:

Ask your hotel manager. They usually know the best local spots and can steer you away from tourist traps.
Walk a little further. Restaurants right next to major landmarks are often pricier and catered to tourists.
Look for crowds. If it’s packed with locals during lunch or dinner time, it’s probably a great pick.
Specialist places are worth it. A plov-only spot or a shashlik grill usually means they know what they’re doing.
Check the menu language. Places with menus mostly in Uzbek or Russian, and less in English, tend to be more authentic and focused on the local crowd.

Nightlife & Bars

Samarkand’s nightlife is more modest than Tashkent’s, focusing on relaxed pubs and lounges rather than big clubs. While we dint have the opportunity to visit these are our top recommendations from friends.

Blues Bar: A contemporary bar offering a relaxed and inviting ambience.
Sam Craft Pub: A local pub with craft beers.
Cafe 40: Offers a mix of local and international drinks, a reliable spot for a relaxed evening.
Green Bear BAR: A restaurant with a European atmosphere, good for evenings with friends.
Bochka (Pivo-Bar): A laid-back beer bar known for its beer selection.

Where we stayed in Samarkand: Budget Options Close to the Action

Tillakori Registon Hotel
This hotel is one of the top-rated on Booking.com. We paid approximately $33.25 / AED 122 per night when we stayed. This amount includes the $3 city tax charged per person. Its location, just steps from Registan Square, is exceptional. The rooms are average.

We wholeheartedly recommend it, primarily for its location. It is right next to Registan Square and within walking distance of most major tourist attractions. The manager was notably warm and helpful. When we had an early train back to Tashkent, they gladly served us breakfast much earlier at 7 am, even though we said it was fine and that we would skip it. It was a lovely gesture that truly showcased their hospitality. Tip: The reception has an excellent illustrated map of all the main attractions in Samarkand. This makes it easy to plan your walking route from here or to take a quick Yandex ride to rest between sightseeing.

Green House Eco Hotel

Unlike what the name may suggest this is a guest house, meaning you’re staying in a local home. The host is kind, and the setting is cosy and peaceful. While it’s not centrally located, Yandex rides are cheap, so getting to the tourist sites is still convenient. Just remember that it’s someone’s house, so be respectful and follow guest house etiquette like taking off your shoes before entering the room. There’s also a pool and a projector outside, but more optimal for the summer months. Overall, the room was clean and apt for the price.

General Impressions

Samarkand truly feels like stepping back in time, embodying the Uzbekistan you often see on travel shows. It’s a city steeped in history, with grand madrasas, tiled domes, and the echoes of Silk Road caravans that create an incredibly rich and visually stunning experience. The beauty of Samarkand isn’t hidden away; it’s immediately apparent in its magnificent monuments, which are the very heart of its charm. Unlike the modern bustle of Tashkent, Samarkand has a distinct, older-world allure, making it a delight to explore on foot. While many visitors try to see it in a day, staying at least two nights allows you to more fully immerse yourself and truly feel the magic of the city, especially as the monuments glow under soft lighting at dusk, and the crowds begin to disperse. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List as ‘Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures’ perfectly captures its centuries-long significance as a pivotal centre of the Great Silk Road. Beyond Samarkand’s stunning sights, you’ll find its true charm in the warmth and hospitality of its people. Their genuine smiles and eagerness to help truly enhance the travel experience, and if you are Indian, you’ll definitely feel like a beloved guest or a family member./