Do in Samarkand – Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan’s Ancient City
✨ Why Visit Samarkand?
Samarkand is not just a city — it’s a legend.
One of the most ancient and iconic cities along the Silk Road, Samarkand blends awe-inspiring Islamic architecture, bustling local life, and centuries of history into one magical destination. If you’re planning a trip to Uzbekistan, Samarkand is unmissable.
Wondering what to do in Samarkand? Here’s your essential guide.
🏛️ 1. Stand in Awe at Registan Square
No trip to Samarkand is complete without visiting the majestic Registan — the heart of ancient Samarkand.
- Three grand madrasahs with colorful mosaics
- Intricate Islamic calligraphy and tilework
- Perfect spot for sunrise or evening golden hour photos
- Cultural performances sometimes held at night
🎟️ Tip: Buy a ticket to enter the madrasahs and climb the minarets for a stunning view.
🌿 2. Walk the Sacred Path of Shah-i-Zinda
A mystical avenue of mausoleums, Shah-i-Zinda is known as the “street of the living king.”
- Bright blue domes and glowing turquoise tiles
- Resting place of noble families and saints
- Peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and photography
📸 Don’t miss the geometric patterns — they’re among the most detailed in all of Central Asia.
🕌 3. Explore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, Bibi-Khanym was built by Timur as a tribute to his queen.
- Monumental scale and impressive architecture
- Located near Siyob Bazaar
- Great for understanding Timurid legacy
🌟 Fun fact: Legend says Bibi-Khanym’s kiss cracked a wall of the mosque.
🛍️ 4. Shop & Snack at Siyob Bazaar
Experience local life at the Siyob Bazaar, a traditional open-air market next to Bibi-Khanym.
- Fresh fruits, nuts, dried apricots, spices
- Handmade crafts, scarves, and souvenirs
- Try Samarkand non (bread) and halva from local vendors
💡 Bring cash and a smile — you’ll get better deals!
🍽️ 5. Eat Plov Like a Local
In Samarkand, plov isn’t just food — it’s culture.
- Visit a traditional “Plov Center” for an authentic experience
- Join a cooking masterclass with local families (KalishTrip offers this!)
- Try plov with yellow carrots, raisins, and tender lamb
🍛 Vegetarian? Ask for a meat-free version, and you’ll still enjoy rich flavors.
🧵 6. Discover Uzbek Handicrafts
Samarkand is famous for paper-making, embroidery, and ceramics.
- Visit a silk paper workshop in Konigil village
- Browse colorful Suzani embroidery and blue ceramics
- Take home a piece of the Silk Road with you
🛍️ Support local artisans and get unique souvenirs.
🗺️ 7. Venture Out to Ulugh Beg Observatory
The grandson of Timur, Ulugh Beg, was not just a ruler — he was a visionary astronomer.
- See one of the world’s oldest astronomical instruments
- Learn about medieval astronomy
- Peaceful hilltop location with great views of the city
🌠 Inspiring for kids and science lovers alike!
📸 8. Catch the Sunset from Afrasiab Hill
For a breathtaking end to your day in Samarkand, hike or drive up to Afrasiab Hill, the ancient site of the original Samarkand settlement.
- Beautiful city views
- Visit the Afrasiab Museum to learn about ancient Sogdian culture
- Great picnic or reflection spot
🔖 Bonus: Hidden Gems to Do in Samarkand
- ☕ Try green tea at a chaikhana near Registan
- 🕋 Visit Hazrat Khizr Mosque – spiritual and scenic
- 🎭 Attend a folk performance or miniature art demo
🎒 Plan Your Trip to Samarkand with KalishTrip
KalishTrip helps you explore Samarkand with ease and authenticity:
✔️ English-speaking guides
✔️ Small group or private tours
✔️ Cultural workshops & food experiences
✔️ Comfortable transport & accommodations
✔️ Customizable itineraries
🌐 Book now at kalishtrip.uz
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🕌 Do in Samarkand: Top 10 Experiences You Can’t Miss
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✨ Discover Samarkand — A Timeless Crossroad of Civilizations
Located in the heart of Central Asia, Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world — a true jewel of the Silk Road. Whether you’re a history lover, a cultural explorer, or just a curious traveler, here’s exactly what to do in Samarkand to make the most of your visit.
✅ 1. Visit the Iconic Registan Square
The most famous landmark in Uzbekistan — and for good reason.
- Three breathtaking madrasahs
- Stunning mosaic and tilework
- A photographer’s paradise at sunrise or sunset
- Often hosts open-air musical shows
🎟️ Don’t just take pictures — go inside and climb the towers!
✅ 2. Walk Through the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
A sacred street lined with mausoleums, full of mystical energy.
- Turquoise domes and glazed tiles
- Burial site of royal families and Islamic saints
- Quiet, spiritual, and absolutely unforgettable
📸 It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Uzbekistan.
✅ 3. Marvel at the Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Built by Timur for his wife — now one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.
- Grand arches and massive entrance
- Located next to Siyob Bazaar
- Reconstructed, but retains ancient charm
💡 Local legend: Bibi-Khanym’s kiss caused one of the arches to crack!
✅ 4. Shop & Taste at Siyob Bazaar
Right next to Bibi-Khanym — a true local food and culture hub.
- Buy dried fruits, spices, nuts, Uzbek sweets
- Try freshly baked Samarkand bread (non)
- Great place to interact with locals
🍉 Don’t leave without trying halva or kurut (dried yogurt balls)!
✅ 5. Taste Traditional Plov
Samarkand-style plov is different — and delicious.
- Cooked with yellow carrots and tender lamb
- Often includes raisins or chickpeas
- Available in local cafes or home-cooked experiences
🍽️ Book a plov cooking class with KalishTrip to try it yourself!
✅ 6. Visit Ulugh Beg’s Observatory
One of the earliest astronomical centers in the Islamic world.
- Built by Timur’s grandson, Ulugh Beg
- Giant sextant remains still visible
- Great view over the city
🔭 A must-visit for science and history lovers.
✅ 7. Wander the Afrasiab Museum & Hill
See the ruins of ancient Samarkand, long before Timur’s empire.
- Beautiful murals and Sogdian artifacts
- Calm hilltop view over the modern city
- Learn about pre-Islamic history of the region
📖 It’s where you feel just how old Samarkand really is.
✅ 8. Sip Tea in a Traditional Chaikhana
Slow down with a pot of green tea in a shady Uzbek tea house.
- Local chaikhanas often decorated with carpets and pillows
- Tea served with sugar cubes, dried fruit, or sweets
- Ask for “shurdan” or samsa as a snack
☕ Tea is not just a drink in Uzbekistan — it’s a ritual.
✅ 9. Explore the Jewish Quarter & Synagogue
A lesser-known but meaningful part of Samarkand’s multi-faith history.
- 19th-century synagogue still active
- Peaceful Jewish mahalla (neighborhood)
- Locals are friendly and welcoming
🕍 Add this to your cultural understanding of the city.
✅ 10. See the Night Lights at Registan
Return to Registan after sunset.
- The facades are beautifully illuminated
- Fewer crowds — more atmosphere
- Magical spot to end your day
🌙 One of the best night views in Uzbekistan.
📌 Bonus Experiences
- 🎨 Buy miniature art or suzani embroidery
- 🚴 Rent a bike and explore the city streets
- 🧵 Watch silk paper being made in nearby Konigil village
🧭 Travel Samarkand with KalishTrip
Whether it’s your first time in Uzbekistan or you’re returning for more, KalishTrip makes Samarkand come alive with:
✔️ Local expert guides
✔️ Custom itineraries (private or group)
✔️ Cooking classes, workshops & performances
✔️ Smooth transfers and local support
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