Tourist Attractions in Samarkand

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Samarkand

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Samarkand

Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. The heyday of Samarkand was during the reign of Tamerlane. He made the city the capital of his empire. In addition, many architectural beauties of the area were created during that period. Followers of the Timurid ruler continued his work.

How much they succeeded can be eloquently stated by the high evaluation of UNESCO. Several architectural complexes are included in the list of World Heritage Sites. Mausoleums and mosques, even built at different times, look harmonious. And the Siab Bazaar seems to have not changed at all for six centuries of its existence. Registan Square – “the place covered with sand” – deserves special attention. It is the pride of the whole Middle East.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Samarkand

Registan Square

 4.8/5

9774 reviews

The name of the main square of Samarkand translates as “a place covered with sand”. Registan was once the name of all squares in the Middle East. The Samarkand one dates back to the 15th century and is known far beyond the country’s borders. In different periods, the square was an assembly point for troops, as well as a scientific centre. Now it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The complex of three madrasahs played not the least role in such a high evaluation. Ulugh Beg was created almost simultaneously with the Registan. Sherdor and Tillya-Kari were built in the XVII century. The madrasahs are not only beautiful, but also fulfil important missions: cultural, spiritual and educational.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Afrosiyab Settlement

 4.5/5

583 reviews

It is located in the north of Samarkand. The loess hills occupy an area of about 200 hectares. In the past, the Sogdian capital was located here. Archaeologists began to explore the territory back in the 70s of the century before last. Terracotta statuettes, glassware and samples of tools were found during excavations. There is little reliable information about the appearance of the ancient city. By the XIII century Afrasiab began to decline.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex

 4.7/5

3489 reviews

The ancient tomb of Tamerlane. Hence the name, which translates as “tomb of the king”. The building is impressive in area and has one high dome. With all the historical and cultural importance, externally the mausoleum is almost unadorned. The decoration used tiles of calm colours: white, blue, light blue. But the tombstone in the crypt is much more unusual: it was made of dark green jade.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Shah-i-Zinda

 4.8/5

2837 reviews

A complex of mausoleums in the north of the city. Its name translates as “living king”. The attraction was formed during the XIV-XV centuries. On the “Street of the Dead” one tomb for representatives of royal houses and nobility was attached to another. The main mausoleums are 11, but during excavations were found and earlier numerous burials. The latest of them dates back to the 12th century.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

 4.7/5

1549 reviews

It was built at the turn of the XIV-XV centuries in honour of the favourite wife from Amir Timur’s harem. In total, the complex included three mosques: a large main mosque with a blue dome and two smaller ones. The best masters of the East were invited for construction and finishing works. The courtyard was paved with marble and surrounded by a covered gallery. The outer walls were covered with ornaments, the inner walls with carvings, patterns and mosaics. Now the reconstruction is underway.

Open time

Bibi-Khanym Mausoleum

 4/5

118 reviews

It was built simultaneously with the mosque. Judging by its external appearance, it was originally attached to the madrasah. Externally, the mausoleum is not decorated in any way. Only a bright dome stands out against the general background. But inside visitors are fascinated by the silhouettes of stalactites, which are coloured under ivory. The sarcophagi in the crypt are marble. They were explored in the 1940s. The remains of one of the women probably belong to Sarah Mul Hanim.

Open time

Siyob Bozor

 4.5/5

2165 reviews

About 600 years have passed since it was founded in the Old City. Not much has changed in the Eastern Bazaar. On an area of more than 7 hectares, there are many trade pavilions and rows. It is always noisy and bustling here. Bargaining is an obligatory component of any transaction. Many goods are sold. Spices, oriental sweets and dried fruits prevail. It takes 10 minutes to get here from Registan.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Hazrat Khizr Mosque

 4.6/5

356 reviews

The first shrine appeared on this site as early as the 8th century. It was named after a prophet who was a patron of travellers. Destroyed almost to the foundations, the mosque was rebuilt in the middle of the century before last. The works lasted for more than 60 years. Khazret-Khyzr’s appearance is characteristic of the Samarkand school of architecture. In the interior decoration, the ceiling painting catches the eye at once.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Khoja Daniyor Mausoleum

 4.5/5

482 reviews

The Old Testament prophet Doniyor, aka Daniel or Daniyar, is honoured in three faiths at once: Islam, Christianity and Judaism. His remains were brought to the city by Tamerlane. A mausoleum was built over his grave, there is a spring nearby, and an almond tree grows. It withered, and then for inexplicable reasons came back to life. In 2001, the tomb with other city sites was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Open time

Rukhobod Mausoleum

 4.5/5

269 reviews

It is located in the central part of Samarkand. Amir Timur ordered to build a mausoleum in 1380 over the tomb of Sheikh Burhaneddin Klych Sagardzhi. The latter was known as a preacher, theologian and scholar. The cubic-shaped building has an area of 168 m² and a height of 24 metres, including the dome. The decoration of the walls is practically absent. The walls are covered with alabaster and only the entrance-arches are decorated with carved tiles.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Abu Mansura Maturidi's Mausoleum

 4.7/5

65 reviews

The building was erected over the tomb of the interpreter of the Koran. According to legend, about three thousand of his colleagues are buried nearby. Over the years, the architectural monument became dilapidated and began to deteriorate. At the beginning of the noughties it needed reconstruction. The mausoleum was not only repaired, but also supplemented with decorative elements. For example, Abu Mansur’s own quotes appeared on the snow-white marble tombstone.

Open time

Ishratkhana

 4/5

1 reviews

An architectural monument of the 15th century. It is currently in a state of ruins. It was destroyed in stages, not least by earthquakes. There is no clear idea what Ishrathona was used for. As an option – a burial place for representatives of the noble Timurid family. It was decided to reconstruct the site, and restored fragments of mosaic on one of the arches have already appeared.

Open time

Memorial Komplex of Imam Bukhariy

 4.8/5

527 reviews

It is located some distance from the city. It is one of the most important Islamic shrines of Central Asia. In the central part of the complex there is a mausoleum where the remains of the imam are buried. The tomb, as well as its dome, is made in soft blue colours. A khanaka with a mosque is built on the left and a spacious museum on the right. In it, Islamic exhibits neighbour with gifts from the heads of other countries.

Open time

Khoja Akhrori Vali

 4.6/5

105 reviews

200 years after the death of Sheikh Khoja-Ahrar, it was decided to build a mosque and a madrasa near his tomb. As the region is seismically active, the buildings were damaged by earth tremors over time. They were reconstructed, which distorted the initial idea of the authors of the project. However, they were restored again to restore the complex to its former splendour. Now this place is one of the most visited in the city.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Afrasiyab Museum

 4.1/5

418 reviews

The building was built in 1970 in the northern part of the city. The exposition is divided into 5 halls. The first one contains archaeological finds. The second tells about the early history of Samarkand up to the VI century. The third contains evidence of the history of Alexander the Great’s conquests. The fourth is devoted to the main religion of the city until the IV century – Zoroastrianism. And the fifth refers to the spiritual life of the local inhabitants.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Church Of St. Alexius Metropolitan Of Moscow

 4.5/5

34 reviews

It was built in Neo-Russian style for a military unit at the beginning of the last century. It was consecrated in 1912 and named after the Metropolitan. The green arch over the entrance and the roof of the same colour stand out against the background of the cathedral walls. After the revolution the premises were given to the military. The dome and bell tower were destroyed. Later a branch of the local history museum was located here. In 1996 the church was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, and the re-consecration was conducted by Patriarch Alexy II.

Open time

Samarkand Bukhara Silk Carpets factory

 4.3/5

85 reviews

Although the company is called a factory, it is handmade using only the primitive tools of the past. It takes about a year to create one carpet. It all depends on its size and the complexity of the pattern. Mostly national ornaments and their variations are used. During a visit to Khujum, tourists can observe all stages of the production process, starting with the disassembly of the silkworm cocoon.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sadriddin Ayni House Museum

 4.4/5

48 reviews

The exposition is housed in the house where Aini lived for more than 30 years. He is a poet and writer known in many countries. Sadriddin stood at the origins of modern literature of his native country. He was persecuted for his views. The interior of the house has been perfectly preserved. The museum covers not only the creative path and personal life of the writer. There is an exhibition of household items from the pre-revolutionary period.

Open time

Amir Temur Monument

 4.7/5

251 reviews

The majestic monument is located on the university boulevard. Amir Temur is depicted sitting on a bench with both hands resting on his sword. His face expresses equanimity. This area was developed in the century before last. An alley of tall plantings divides the avenue into two parts. In the modern period there are illuminated fountains. The first European-style buildings in the city were built nearby.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Observatory of Ulugbek

 4.5/5

2117 reviews

It is named in honour of its founder, a Turkic astrologer and astronomer. Here in the 30s of the XIV century an astronomical catalogue with more than a thousand stars was compiled. It was named Gurgan zij. The medieval historical monument was found in 1908 on the Kuhak hill. A complete study had to wait about 40 years. The observatory was reconstructed. One of the valuable finds is a sextant of impressive size.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM