Central Asia is a region that is gaining increasing popularity among travelers. Its countries are becoming more accessible to tourism, and in a single trip, you can experience a bit of history, culture, and landscapes of mountains, lakes, and deserts.
Among them, Uzbekistan stands out, a country known for its mosques, mausoleums, madrasas, and other historical buildings that still retain part of the essence of past centuries. Furthermore, it was for centuries a key point on the trade routes connecting East and West. One of its most famous cities is Samarkand, the former capital of the Timurid Empire and one of the main historical centers of Central Asia. Its location on the ancient Silk Road made it an important meeting point for different cultures and civilizations for centuries. Today, Samarkand is one of the best places to learn about the history and culture of this empire and discover the legacy they left in the region.
I had the opportunity to spend several days in the city, and in addition to its historical significance, I found it to be a modern, very touristy city with many interesting places to explore. In this article, I’ll tell you about the 5 places I consider essential to visit in Samarkand, so you can discover some of its most important sites and, perhaps, start putting Uzbekistan on your radar for your next trip.
Table of Contents
Registan
If there’s one place that appears in every photo when you look for Samarkand, it’s the Registan. For centuries, it was one of the centers of public life in Samarkand. Passersby, merchants, and caravans gathered there to buy and sell the goods they transported. But it doesn’t stop there; it is also surrounded by three of Uzbekistan’s most impressive madrasas: Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori, and together they form one of the most recognizable architectural ensembles in Central Asia.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Very close to the Registan is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, another of Samarkand’s great symbols. Its enormous dome and entrance portal make it impossible to pass through the area without stopping to admire it.
Although much of the original structure was destroyed by earthquakes and the passage of time, it was restored, and today much of its former appearance can be appreciated. And, it is located right next to the Siab Bazaar, so you can visit both places in the same area.
Siyob Bazaar
Right next to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is Siyob Bazaar, Samarkand’s largest and most famous market. It’s a vast space filled with stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, fruits, nuts, spices, sweets, and various local products. It’s also a great place to sample some typical Uzbek flavors and buy something to eat while you continue exploring the market or its surroundings. It’s a blend of tourist and local market, so you’ll experience both.
Shah-i-Zinda
Another of the best things to do in Samarkand is to visit Shah-i-Zinda, a cemetery unlike any other in the world. The site is filled with mausoleums characterized by their facades decorated with tiles in different shades of blue, and their equally striking interiors. The complex was built over several centuries and houses the mausoleums of important figures in Samarkand’s history. The oldest dates back to the 11th century, although most of the structures we see today were built between the 14th and 15th centuries. While the narrow passageways are often crowded with people using their phones, it remains an extraordinary place, and in my opinion, a must-see if you’re in Samarkand.
Gur-e-Amir (Mausoleum of Tamerlane)
When I introduced this article, I mentioned that Samarkand was the capital of the Timurid Empire for many years. Well, if you want to know where the man behind such a massive military campaign is buried, you have to visit Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of Timur, also known as Tamerlane. Its large blue dome and the decoration of its walls make it one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.
The mausoleum was built at the beginning of the 15th century and was originally intended as the final resting place of Muhammad Sultan, Timur’s grandson. However, after Timur’s death, the complex became his mausoleum and also that of other members of his family. Inside, you can see not only Timur’s tomb but also those of several of his descendants. Although the building is smaller than the Registan or the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, its interior decoration and enormous dome make it a must-see in Samarkand.
In addition to the places I mentioned, there are many other monuments, museums, and hidden gems to explore in the city. If you have the time, I recommend dedicating at least three days to explore it at a leisurely pace.
Tips for visiting Samarkand
- Where to stay: The most practical option is to find accommodation near the Registan and the historic center. From there, you can easily walk to many of the main attractions.
- When to go: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with more pleasant temperatures for walking. Summer can be very hot, and winter quite cold.
- How to get there from Tashkent: The most convenient way to get there from the capital is by high-speed train, which connects both cities in about two hours. There are also slower trains and buses, but the train is usually the most practical option.
