Things to do in Samarkand

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan

Shah-i-Zinda necropolis

Shah-i-Zinda necropolis is a complex of mausoleums located northeast of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, situated on the slopes of the ancient city ruins of Afrasiyab. Dating back to the 11th century, it currently houses over 20 mausoleums and ritual buildings, divided into lower, middle, and upper groups, connected by four domed entrance halls to form a long, sloping corridor of tombs. The building facades are adorned with lapis lazuli blue and turquoise glazed tiles and mosaics, featuring geometric patterns, floral scrolls, and Arabic calligraphy, resembling an open-air museum of blue tiles. On a sunny day, taking a low-angle shot of the layered arches from the entrance steps, or looking back at the blue facades on both sides from the middle of the corridor, are unmissable scenes during a trip to Samarkand.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Uzbekistan

Registan Square

Registan Square is the central square of the old city of Samarkand and an important center for the city's social life, once surrounded by markets and commercial streets. Today, its most prominent feature is the architectural complex formed by three large madrasas. During the day, you can walk into the courtyards of each madrasa to examine the arcades, painted domes, and small rooms where students once lived. From the second-floor corridors of some courtyards, you can even overlook the city. After nightfall, the lights come on, and the architectural outlines are clearly defined by the warm glow. In the evening, there are often light projection shows using the facades as screens. Dusk to night is a great time to experience the atmosphere of this ancient Silk Road city.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan

Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex

Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex is the family mausoleum of the Timurid dynasty, located in Samarkand. It is an octagonal building crowned with a large, azure ribbed dome. Several ridges radiate evenly from the apex, and blue, light blue, and white tiles form geometric patterns on it, creating a highly recognizable silhouette on the Samarkand skyline. The entrance portal is adorned with carved bricks and mosaics, with a tower standing on each side. Stepping inside reveals a different world, where the lower half of the walls is covered with onyx slabs, and the arches and inner dome are filled with gilded high-relief paintings, their opulence undimmed even in the dim light. The sarcophagi in the hall are merely markers. The actual burial chamber containing the remains is hidden beneath the ground. Standing in the courtyard and looking up at the large blue dome is also a stop worth making on your Samarkand itinerary.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Bibi-Khanym Mosque is located in the old town of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It adopts the classic layout of a courtyard enclosed by four towering arches, creating an open courtyard over 100m long. The arch is over 30m high, and the main dome is about 40m high. The facades and arches are covered with glazed tiles and geometric patterns, and the blue dome is particularly striking in the sunlight, making it a masterpiece of the Timurid era that showcases the empire's grandeur through its magnificent scale. The giant marble Quran stand in the center of the courtyard is a highlight for visitors. This stone carving from the Timurid dynasty was used to hold a giant scripture, and locals can still often be seen stopping by it today.

No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan

Observatory of Ulugbek

Observatory of Ulugbek is one of the great archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Ulugbek is perhaps better known for his achievements as an astronomer than as a ruler. The celestial instrument he designed to observe the positions of stars was 30m long and part of a three-story observatory built in the 1420s; now, only the curved track of the instrument, unearthed in 1908, remains. The small site museum features some miniatures depicting Ulugbek and some old pottery and other artifacts unearthed from Afrasiyab.

No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan

Afrasiyab Museum

The Afrosiab Historical Museum houses some artifacts from the "Hill Fortress" (Afrosiab). From the 6th century BC to 1220 AD, the Sogdians who lived in the fortress were a link in cultural and commercial exchanges between the East and the West.

Hazrat Khizr Mosque

Hazrat Khizr Mosque is a historic mosque with a unique architectural style that blends architectural elements from Central Asia and Persia. The mosque's exterior is exquisite, featuring many intricate details and decorations, such as colorful tiles and beautiful murals. The interior has a strong religious atmosphere and serves as a place of worship and prayer for locals. Although the interior decoration of the mosque is simple, it is rich in religious significance. The architecture and decorations here are very refined, showcasing the unique charm of Central Asian and Persian cultures. Visitors can admire the exquisite murals, carvings, and decorations here and learn about the history and culture of Uzbekistan.

The Eternal City

Samarkand is a shining pearl of this region, known as "The Eternal City." This city is world-renowned for its long history, magnificent architecture, and rich culture. As a key transportation hub on the Silk Road, Samarkand was once a major city of the Persian Empire, the Timurid Empire, and many other empires. The city has witnessed many historical events and cultural exchanges, leaving behind a wealth of historical sites and architecture. The core area of Samarkand is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These buildings are famous for their ornate tilework, intricate carvings, and magnificent spires, showcasing the essence of Persian architectural style. In addition to historical buildings, Samarkand also has many museums and art institutions that showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Uzbekistan. Visitors can explore the Samarkand Museum to learn about the history and culture of this region, or enjoy local traditional music, dance, and handicrafts.

Ulugh Beg Madrasa

Ulugh Beg Madrasa is one of the most representative historical buildings in Central Asia, located on the west side of the famous Registan Square. Built between 1417 and 1421, it was one of the most important institutions of higher learning in Central Asia at the time. The college was not only a religious building but also an academic center integrating mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and theology. Its architectural style reflects the mature artistic aesthetics of the Timurid dynasty: the imposing arches on the facade are magnificent, and the exterior walls are decorated with exquisite blue, cyan, and gold mosaic tiles, with geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy interwoven, creating a sense of solemnity and rhythm. The interior of the college is laid out around a courtyard, with classrooms and student dormitories arranged in a rigorous and orderly manner. Today, as an important part of the World Heritage Site, the college not only bears witness to the past glory of Samarkand but also showcases to the world the high achievements Central Asia once made in science, education, and art.

Ancient Afrasiyab / Maracanda