Top Sights To Visit In Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand, the historic Silk Road city, is Uzbekistan’s oldest and largest city, with a rich history, architecture, and bazaars. You should experience Samarkand’s many attractions. It also boasts bright scenery, busy bazaars, and stately architecture. Walking around Samarkand is like entering a realm of historical grandeur, with its Silk Road spirit, spectacular mausoleum, blue dome, and vibrant markets.

The past is inscribed into every old landmark in Samarkand, where history is depicted in vivid colors. All of this can be experienced on a fulfilling excursion to Samarkand, a Silk Road city in Uzbekistan. If you want to visit Samarkand and need clarification on which places to visit, we are here to help. We’ve compiled a list of sites to visit in Samarkand. You simply need to go through this list once to identify the most popular destinations.

1. Bibikhanum Hotel

Bibikhanum Hotel is a new addition to Samarkand’s hospitality business. It is among the greatest places to stay in Samarkand. It is one of the main Samarkand tourist attractions. Nestled adjacent to the walls of the Bibikhanum mosque, this hotel’s balconies overlook the mosque’s vivid blue domes.

There are numerous renowned sites near this hotel that guests can readily access. Aside from that, the inside and outside of the Bibikhanum Hotel are worth exploring. This hotel’s rooms are ornamented with wood carving, Uzbekistani traditional crafts, ganch decoration, and other handcrafted features. If you visit Samarkand, make sure to stay at this beautiful hotel.

2. Tilla-Kari Madrassa

Tilla-Kari Madrassa is a renowned architectural marvel from the mid-17th century. It is one among the madrassas located within the Registan Square complex. The mosque is ornately decorated in vibrant blue and gold, representing Samarkand’s richness. It is one of Samarkand’s most impressive tourist attractions. It distinguishes itself from the majority of Central Asian madrasas. The madrassa’s walls are ornamented with beautiful wall carvings.

3. Afrasiab Museum

The Afrasiab Museum is an ancient site that should be on your list of things to see in Samarkand. Ceramics, tools, coins, and other artifacts from a lost civilization can be found there. It’s the world’s largest archaeological site. Tourists can also find traces of Sogdian culture, which controlled Afrasiab from 500 BC to 1220 AD. They were Silk Road trade masters with diverse backgrounds, including performers, artisans, and businessmen. You must walk inside the museum to learn more about this location. If you enjoy exploring museums, the Afrasiab Museum is a must-see.

4. Samarkand Bukhara Silk Carpets Factory

The Samarkand Bukhara Silk Carpets Factory is the highlight of the Uzbek tour. Silk carpets have a rich history in Central Asia. Locals in Central Asia make and sell silk carpets. Samarkand is among them. Samarkand Bukhara Silk Carpets Factory, located in the center of the Great Silk Road, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Samarkand.

As you enter this facility, you will be immersed in the rich tradition of raw materials, natural dyes, and multicolored threads that are skillfully woven together to make stunning carpets. In this facility, you can see how a silk carpet is made and learn about its history.

5. Hazrat-Khizr Mosque

The Hazrat-khizr Mosque is one of Samarkand’s medieval marvels. Hazrat-khizr is one of the most popular Samarkand tourist attractions. It is a well-preserved mosque with bright blue tiles and a dome. It is a tranquil sanctuary with breathtaking views of the city. The Hazrat-khizr mosque is a blend of old and modern design, with history engraved into its walls and a sense of serenity around it. If you enjoy taking a tranquil stroll through the city with a sense of history, this is the place to go.

6. Ulugh Beg Observatory

Ulugh Beg Observatory was established in 1420. It is one of the most prestigious observatories in the Islamic world. It is now one of the top tourist attractions in Samarkand. It served as a science hub during the Timurid Empire’s control. It is now a science center where visitors and residents can learn about the history of famous astronomers as well as other advanced astronomy studies. The star catalog, which contains over 1000 stars and their locations in the sky, is a must-see at this observatory. This observatory is more than only about investigating the cosmic realm; it is also about admiring the facility’s infrastructure.

7. Siab Bazaar

Siab Bazaar is the ideal area to visit in Samarkand to experience local life and shop for unique products. It is a community market that sells everything from groceries to souvenirs. It is a big marketplace for retail therapy that is usually active. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. If you enjoy wandering around markets, Siab Bazaar in Samarkand should be on your must-see list. You can purchase items to take home for your family and friends.

8. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

The major attraction in Samarkand is the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, an ancient palace. It was built to honor Uzbekistan’s ruler, Timur. The most important attraction in Samarkand is the mausoleum, which was built in the 14th century. This landmark’s Persian architecture is like nothing you’ve ever seen. It is also considered to be the final burial site of King Amir Timur. This majestic mausoleum is just stunning. If you visit this stunning landmark in Samarkand, you will be unable to stop admiring its architecture and wall carvings and photographing it. It ranks among Samarkand’s major tourist attractions.

9. President’s Tomb

President’s Tomb is a must-see sight in Samarkand. It is the final resting place of Uzbekistan’s first President, Islam Karimov. Following his death, a stunning mausoleum was constructed over his grave, featuring an unprecedented architectural combination of modern and medieval elements. The tomb’s walls are embellished with gold leaf and magnificent carvings of quotes by Islam Karimov inscribed in English, Arabic, and Uzbek. It is a very serene and peaceful area to visit during your trip to Samarkand.

10. Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Bibi-Khanym Mosque was built for King Timur’s wife, Bibi-Khanym. Bibi-Khanym Mosque, built in 1399, is one of Samarkand’s most stunning mosques to explore. It is one of the biggest attractions in Samarkand. Bibi-Khanym Mosque is a symbol of love that represents Timur’s love for his bride. The mosque’s grandeur left an elegant impact on the hearts of everybody who visited this magnificent location. Each minaret and exquisite architecture of the Bibi-Khanym Mosques depicts the glory of a bygone period. Thousands of tourists visit this sight each year.

11. Registan

Registan is one of Central Asia’s most stunning sights. Registan used to host big events and announcements. It is full with tall madrassas embellished with turquoise, mosaics, majolica, and gleaming turrets. Registan is home to the world’s oldest madrasas. Registan has three primary buildings: the Tilla-Kari Madrassa, the Sher Dor Madrassa, and the Ulugbek Madrassa. The Ulugbek Madrassa is among the oldest. It was designed by Ulugbek, the best astronomer. Registan is the main feature in Samarkand. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Samarkand.

12. Shah-i-Zinda

Shah-i-Zinda is another extraordinary attraction in Samarkand. This blue-hued sacred necropolis is one of the most stunning sites to see in Samarkand. The stunning and elaborate work on the wall is the most valuable tilework in the Muslim world, dating back to the 14th century. Walking through Shahi-Zinda’s lanes is one of the nicest things to do here. Every part of this location is a work of beauty. Every photographer hopes of catching the brilliant blue tilework. The exceptional carvings pique the interest of a photographer. The Shah-i-Zinda, which translates Tomb of the Living King, is the hallowed shrine that houses Qusam ibn-Abbas’ burial.

13. Platan Restaurant

Platan Restaurant is a great spot to visit in Samarkand. If you enjoy wonderful meals, Platan is the perfect spot to go. It is Samarkand’s most highly rated fine dining destination. This restaurant’s interior is also worth checking out. This location’s attractiveness stems from its illuminated wood and stone buildings. It is a lovely location to enjoy a delicious supper. If you’re on vacation with friends or family, Platan is an excellent destination. You can sample every type of food here at reasonable costs.

14. Meris Paper Mill

The Meris Paper Mill is a historic paper mill in the city that demonstrates the importance of papermaking in Uzbekistan. It is one of the top spots to see in Samarkand for history buffs. Papermaking has a rich history in Samarkand. Samarkand’s paper is of the highest quality, derived from mulberry trees.

These papers are among the highest quality available anywhere. Meris Paper Mill offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Samarkand’s most significant goods. Visitors may watch how the mill’s workers make gorgeous sheets of paper from mulberry bark.

15. Khovrenko Winery

Aside from viewing the unique monuments of Samarkand, one of the interesting destinations in Uzbekistan is Khovrenko Winery. It is a well-known winery in Uzbekistan where you may enjoy exquisite wines. Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s largest wine producer, so sample a glass of wine in Samarkand.

A Samarkand wine-tasting trip is available for those interested in sampling the local wine. This tour takes place in the Samarkand Winemaking Museum.