Samarkand, the best tips for the city of the Silk Road!

Samarkand, it is perhaps the most famous city in Uzbekistan. As an important city on the Silk Road, Samarkand has developed over history into an important city between the East and West. The city still houses many treasures from that time. A visit to Samarkand should not be missed on your Uzbekistan trip. Just like Tashkent Bukhara and Khiva are the most worth seeing cities on the Uzbek Silk Road. Although Samarkand is the most visited, and can therefore feel more touristy than you may be used to from this corner, Samarkand can be called a real highlight of your trip!

The highlights of Samarkand!

Registan, Uzbekistan's pride As soon as you arrive at this square you will notice how beautiful and impressive this beautiful complex is. Enjoy the beautiful colorful and shapely buildings of the Registan. This has been the hub of Samarkand since the 15th century, making it an important city on the Silk Road between Europe and Asia. The central square is surrounded by 3 large Madrassas. Islamic schools. To get to the Registan you have to go through a security check and a cash register. The entrance fee is a few euros. Be sure to take your time for the Registan, the entire complex contains several beautiful courtyards that are just as colorful and beautifully detailed as the central square. Don't forget to come in the evening. There is a light show every day at 9:00 PM. We were so impressed by the Registan that we eventually entered the complex in the evening, because the colors of the buildings shine in the light!

The ancient Shohi-Zinda cemetery

The wealth of Samarkand is clearly visible everywhere, including in the old Islamic cemetery Shohi-Zinda, which clearly shows the architecture of Uzbekistan. Enjoy the beautiful colors of the many graves and tombs here. They sometimes look like little Registans. Due to the narrow setting of the complex, it can be a bit busy here, so come early or towards the end of the afternoon. It is also a little less hot. Entrance costs you one euro.

Bibi-Khanum and the Siyob Bazaar

Located next to each other, and all within foliage distance, is the ruin of Bibi-Khanum. This old mosque from the 15th century is also a beautiful example of that typical image of Samarkand. Just next to the mosque is the central market of Samarkand. The Siyob Bazaar. Enjoy the wonderfully hectic atmosphere here, with a beautiful backdrop of the Bibi-Khanum. For those who want to experience Silk Road culture, the Siyob bazaar is a perfect place for that!

Ruhabad Mausoleum and the Soviet Mosaics of Samarkand

Not tired of the many historic buildings yet? The Ruhabad Mausoleum is another great example of how rich the history is here. In the past, Samarkand was one of the most important places in Islam. Emir Temur decided in the 19th century to build a mausoleum here as a tribute to the rich history of his ancestors. We thought this was a photogenic place 🙂

Practically next to this complex, and next to the Registan you will also find remnants of a slightly more recent history. Namely those in the sense of Soviet mosaics. Although religion was prohibited during the Soviet Union, the Soviets used cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara as museum cities. They knew very well that you could not simply erase the identity of the population.

Practical tips for Samarkand:

Allow at least 1 to 2 full days for Samarkand. There are so many sights that you can see in one full day. But at least 2 would be better. It can be very hot there and although everything is close by, you still have to walk quite a bit.

We stayed in Hotel Minor, a lovely hotel practically next to the Registan for a good price and everything very clean. The best part is their roof terrace where you can sit with a beer overlooking the Registan.

In terms of restaurants, there is a huge choice of various cuisines. We had a very nice meal at Oasis garden, a bit out of the center but a nice atmosphere in a kind of large garden-like atmosphere.

How to get to Samarkand?

Samarkand is very easy to reach by train. See our travel blog about it Uzbekistan about this. From the train station it is best to take a taxi to the center which should cost you a few euros with Yandex. You can also take a tram that takes you to the edge of the city. There is also an international airport.