Top 10 Things to Do in Samarkand
Authentic, original and incredibly colorful, Samarkand is like a rare treasury of jewels, full of extraordinarily beautiful places and impressive sights. The rich decoration of ancient madrasahs, mysterious medieval mausoleums and majestic mosques with their slender minarets pointing upwards are all priceless jewels that form the foundation of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage. When planning your trip, it's important to find out in advance top 10 things to do in Samarkand so that you can make the most of your time. Our tips will help you make your trip to this ancient city rich and vibrant!
1. Take a Photo at Registan Square
Registan Square is Samarkand's calling card and one of the most majestic architectural ensembles in the world. This is where the heart of the city beats and the oriental fairy tale comes to life before your eyes, opening the door to the mysterious world of the Middle Ages. Three magnificent madrasahs - Ulugbek, Tillya-Kari and Sherdor - tower over the square, creating a unique harmony of colours, patterns and shapes. Each building is adorned with vibrant mosaics, intricate ornamentation and colourful arabesques, creating a harmonious dance of light and shadow.
Thousands of travelers from all over the world eagerly seek out the blue domes of these monumental buildings. To take home a piece of Samarkand's soul, all you need to do is capture the unique beauty of the stately madrasahs of Registan Square and yourself against their magnificent backdrop! A smartphone camera or a traditional camera lens - any modern means will show Samarkand's main attraction in all its glory!
2. Visit the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis at dawn
The Shahi-Zinda Necropolis is a mysterious and majestic place where legendary figures of the past are buried. Royalty and nobility found their last refuge within the walls of the monumental tombs, silent witnesses to the passage of centuries and entire historical epochs. During the day, the complex is bustling with tourists eager to touch Samarkand's great heritage. The best time to visit is at dawn, when the narrow alley that winds between the enigmatic crypts is filled with peace and tranquility.
If you arrive at the Shahi-Zinda necropolis at dawn, you will witness the awakening of this ancient city. The first rays of the sun gently touch the turquoise and azure domes, bathing the whole ensemble in a soft golden light. The most astonishing aspect of Shahi-Zinda in these early hours is the phenomenal silence that seems to stop time and make each moment seem like an eternity.
3. Buy a Flatbread at the Siab Bazaar
Siab Bazaar is one of the most colorful places in Samarkand, where you can dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the East and practice your bargaining skills. It's an essential stop if you're not sure what to do in Samarkand.
As you enter Siab Bazaar, you are greeted by a fragrant section filled with Uzbek bread - traditional flatbreads known as 'non'. These round, generously sized loaves have a distinctive recessed center. Glazed with oil, they gleam with golden sides, tempting every passer-by. On holidays, you can find special varieties of non (bread) decorated with colorful sesame seeds, adding a festive touch. These hearty and savory flatbreads are a must! You may find it hard to resist a bite or two of the fluffy, warm bread, so be sure to buy two or three to share with family and friends.
4. Try Kebab in a Samarkand Restaurant
Kebab (shashlik) in Samarkand is not just a dish; it is a true gastronomic delicacy, accessible to all. Juicy meat, fragrant spices, pungent herbs and crispy onions come together in a symphony of flavours created by the skilled hands of Samarkand's chefs. Local chefs expertly marinate the meat with a blend of spices and herbs, ensuring it retains its juiciness and tender texture. The flame of the grill adds a distinctive smoky flavour that will whet your appetite with each passing moment.
The ambience of Samarkand's restaurants, often set in cosy courtyards adorned with grapevines, adds to the dining experience. Enjoying kebabs in these inviting settings becomes an essential ritual for anyone wishing to savour not only the local cuisine, but also the spirit of this historic city.
5. Visit the Ulugbek Observatory
About 600 years ago, the Timurid Empire was under the leadership of Ulugbek, the grandson of the formidable Tamerlane. He was a talented ruler and exceptional scientist, with a keen interest in mathematics, astronomy and other exact sciences from an early age. By his order, a magnificent observatory was built in Samarkand in the first half of the 15th century, transforming the city into a centre of scientific progress and enlightenment. Within its walls, Ulugbek meticulously studied the positions of celestial bodies and accurately documented the coordinates of over a thousand stars.
Through centuries of tumultuous history, only one part of the observatory's impressive calculating mechanism - the sextant - has survived. This remarkable device had an arc of more than 40 metres in diameter on which precise scales were marked.
Today, visitors to the Ulugbek Museum, built on the site of the original observatory, can see the remains of this scientific marvel, which Ulugbek himself designed and used in his research. The arc-shaped underground trench extends deep into the earth, allowing visitors to stand next to this significant artefact of science and history. At this moment, you can almost travel back in time and imagine yourself as a contemporary of the great Ulugbek, gazing intently into the vast dark sky from this very spot.
6. Take a Break at the Bibi-Khanum Mosque
While exploring the stunning sights of Samarkand, a visit to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque is a must. This grandiose structure was commissioned by Tamerlane, who wanted to create the largest and most majestic mosque in Central Asia. Hundreds of craftsmen, architects and artisans were involved in its construction and, impressively, it was completed in just five years.
In the courtyard of the mosque, you'll find a colossal marble lectern designed to hold the Holy Quran. Legend has it that the revered Quran of Khalif Uthman once rested here, adding to the spiritual significance of the place. This tranquil place invites you to stop and reflect, whether to ponder an important question, pray or make a wish. Many believe that childless couples come here to seek God's blessing for parenthood, and it's said that the Almighty never overlooks the heartfelt wishes of those who pray. Regardless of your intentions, this sacred space within the mosque grounds offers a perfect oasis of peace and harmony, providing a much-needed moment to recharge during your explorations.
7. Do a Photo Quest in the Gur-Emir Mausoleum
The tomb of the great Tamerlane, known as the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, is famous for its breathtakingly rich decoration and the opulent ornamentation of its halls. Every inch of this magnificent structure was created with deep respect for the illustrious founder of the Timurid Empire. The decorative elements have a profound meaning, inviting visitors to reflect on the harmony of existence through their masterful details.
Go on a captivating photo quest to find the most intricate and mysterious patterns and colours that adorn the mausoleum. Capture the shimmering play of light and shadow as it dances across the austere harmony of the grand arched vaults. The journey of discovering unique angles and hidden motifs carved into the stone turns into an addictive game that allows you to fully dive into the exploration of this majestic resting place of Amir Timur.
8. Create a Piece of Samarkand Paper with Your Own Hands
If you're looking for fun and educational things to do in Samarkand, look no further than the Meros Paper Factory, where paper is handmade from mulberry bark using ancient techniques. Here you'll discover the historical significance of Samarkand paper, once highly prized in the bustling bazaars of the Great Silk Road. At the factory, you'll have the chance to make your own piece of paper to take home as a unique souvenir. Each piece is a miniature masterpiece with its own unique character and texture. Under the expert guidance of a skilled artisan, you'll learn to focus on the intricate details of the craft, allowing you to create a unique sample of Samarkand paper that embodies the spirit of ancient traditions and the warmth of human craftsmanship.
9. Visit the Silk Carpet Factory
For those who love oriental handicrafts and appreciate unique creations, visiting the Hudjum Silk Carpet Factory is a must. This remarkable place is home to masterpieces that are the result of months of dedicated work and meticulous craftsmanship. The carpets often feature popular motifs inspired by the natural world, such as vines, flowers and lush green leaves, as well as intricate geometric designs that come together to make vibrant, harmonious canvases. Some artisans even create stunning paintings and portraits with amazing photographic precision.
At the silk carpet factory, you'll have the opportunity to watch skilled craftsmen at work, deftly weaving knots to create true works of art. Throughout the tour, the welcoming factory owners will guide you through the various stages of material preparation and provide detailed insights into the complex process of creating the finest silk threads. This experience is a testament to the process's artistry and an immersion in the rich traditions of this exquisite craft.
10. Taste Samarkand's Wine
Rounding off our list of the top 10 things to do in Samarkand is the delightful experience of tasting local wines at one of the country's oldest wineries. Founded in the 19th century, Khovrenko Winery has been producing exceptional wines, brandies and infusions for over 150 years. The winery has consistently participated in international exhibitions and competitions, winning numerous prestigious awards and accolades. Tastings are combined with a visit to the Museum of Winemaking, where curious artefacts illustrate the rich history of winemaking in Uzbekistan. After exploring the exhibits, guests are treated to a generous tasting of ten of the winery's finest beverages.
Another fantastic venue for wine tasting is the Bagizagan Winery, located on the outskirts of the city. Visitors can tour the vineyards and watch the harvesting and processing of the grapes. Thanks to the region's unique natural conditions and mild climate, even the most delicate grape varieties thrive here. The winery produces a variety of wines including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and others. If you want to take home a bottle of your favourite wine, there is a shop with a wide selection. In addition, the Bagizagan Winery has opened a themed boutique hotel near Samarkand railway station, where you can also enjoy tastings and purchase their exquisite products.
Bonus For the Most Active
Travel to Shakhrisabz and explore the enchanting Demon Plateau!
Tamerlane's hometown of Shakhrisabz promises to add another gem to your collection of Samarkand treasures. Here you will find the majestic ruins of the Ak-Saray Palace, a mighty citadel commissioned by the founder of the Timurid Empire upon his rise to power. In addition to the palace, Shakhrisabz is home to the medieval Dorut-Tilovat memorial complex, the Kok-Gumbaz mosque and a 16th-century trading dome.
Travelling to Shakhrisabz via the scenic Takhtakaracha Pass, you can visit the mysterious Demon Plateau, which has captured the imagination of mystics. This enchanting area features boulders of the strangest shapes scattered across lush, rolling fields. Here you can find the 'Heart Stone', the 'Bogatyr Giant' and even the 'Devil's Helmet'. Adventurous travellers will enjoy spotting bizarre creatures in the intricate stone formations! We recommend you take this unique journey with an experienced guide, as they will share the romantic and sometimes eerie legends that have been passed down by the locals for centuries, adding an extra layer of excitement to your adventure.