Samarkand

Uzbekistan

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Sunrise

5:56 AM

Sunset

7:09 PM

About

Samarkand, Uzbekistan is an ancient city located along the famous Silk Road. Known for its stunning Islamic architecture, the city boasts some of the world's most well-preserved examples of Timurid-style buildings. Visitors can marvel at the colorful tilework and intricate calligraphy of landmarks such as the Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. Surrounded by colorful bazaars and vibrant markets, Samarkand is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and art.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Registan Square

One of the most picturesque spots in Samarkand, the Registan Square is a huge complex consisting of three majestic madrasahs - Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah and Tilya-Kori Madrasah.
2. Bibi-Khanym Mosque

The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of Samarkand's most iconic monuments, built by Timur in the 15th century. It's recognized as one of the largest mosques in the world.
3. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum is a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. It’s the resting place of Timur, his sons and Grandsons.
4. Ulugh Beg Observatory

The Ulugh Beg Observatory is a wonder of the medieval world, built in the 15th century by the astronomer and ruler, Ulugh Beg.
5. Shah-i-Zinda

Shah-i-Zinda is an architectural ensemble comprising a series of mausoleums- some dating back to the 11th century.
6. Afrasiyab Museum

The Afrasiyab Museum is an eclectic display of artifacts from Samarkand's ancient Sogdian city. It chronicles the city's history, from prehistoric times to its flourishing under the Samanids.
7. Siab Bazaar

The Siab Bazaar is a bustling market that's located on the banks of the Siab River. It's famous for its fresh produce, spices, and nonalcoholic beverages.
8. Hazrat Khizr Mosque

The Hazrat Khizr Mosque is an architectural masterpiece that's hidden away in the backstreets of Samarkand's old town.
9. Tomb of Prophet Daniel

The Tomb of the Prophet Daniel is a pilgrimage site in Samarkand and holds great importance to the people of Uzbekistan.
10. Konigil Silk Factory

Konigil Silk Factory is an educational center where visitors can learn about the silk-making process and purchase souvenirs.
11. Ulugh Beg Madrasah

Ulugh Beg Madrasah is located on the east side of Registan Square and was started by Amir Temur’s grandson.
12. Khodja Abdi Darunee Mausoleum

The Mausoleum of Khodja Abdi Darunee is dedicated to the memory of Hazret Shaykh Khwaja Abu-Layl, an Islamic scholar from the 12th century.
13. Tamerlane’s Summer Palace

The Summer Palace of Timur dates back to the 14th century and was used by Timur as his summer residence.
14. Mirzo Ulugbek’s Observatory Museum

The Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory is a museum dedicated to the work of the famous astronomer, Mirzo Ulugbek.
15. Imam Bukhari Mausoleum

The Imam Bukhari Mausoleum is a shrine dedicated to Imam Bukhari, a central figure in Islamic theology.
16. Abdulrahman ibn Samarkandi Mausoleum

The Mausoleum of Abdulrahman ibn Samarkandi is a memorial to a revered saint of Islam.
17. Chorsu Architectural Ensemble

The Chorsu Architectural Ensemble is a collection of religious buildings- a mosque, madrasah and minaret.
18. Afrasiab

Afrasiab is the site of ancient Samarkand city that dates back to the 6th century BC.
19. Tomb of Prophet Shokh-i-Mardon

This tomb is a pilgrimage site and was built in the 9th-century.
20. Museum of Medicine History

The Museum of Medicine History is dedicated to the development of medicine in Uzbekistan and showcases the first medical instruments used in the region.
21. Sher-Dor Madrasah

The Sher-Dor Madrasah is one of the most beautiful buildings in Registan Square.
22. The Mausoleum of Al Bukhari

The Mausoleum of Al Bukhari is dedicated to one of the greatest Islamic theologians, Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari.
23. Architectural Complex Khoja Doniyor

A Muslim pilgrimage site, the complex contains a mausoleum, ruins of a palace complex, and a mosque.
24. Memorial Complex of Imam al-Maturidi

The Memorial Complex of Imam al-Maturidi is dedicated to a renowned Islamic scholar from the 10th century.
25. Afrasiab Palace Ruins

The Afrasiab Palace Ruins are the remains of a Zoroastrian royal residence that dates back to the 6th century BC.
26. Kukeldash Madrasah

Kukeldash Madrasah is one of the largest civil buildings of Samarkand that was built in the 16th century.
27. Konigil Stained Glass Centre

The Konigil Stained Glass Centre produces ornate, colorful glass pieces and visitors can watch the artists at work.
28. Memorial Complex Ishratkhana

The Memorial Complex Ishratkhana is a tribute to the famous medieval painter and poet of Central Asia, Khoja Ahror Vali.
29. National Museum of Uzbekistan

The museum is filled with interesting artifacts from Uzbekistan's rich cultural and historical past.
30. Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum

Pakhlavan Mahmoud was a famous wrestler and poet from the 14th century who is immortalized in the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum.