The landmarks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Registan Square | Three madrasas with domes and turquoise façades, the heart of Samarkand. | Ticketed, and lovely lit up at night |
| The Gur-e-Amir | Timur's mausoleum, with a ribbed blue dome and gold decoration. | South of the Registan |
| Shah-i-Zinda | An avenue of mausoleums clad in blue tiles. | North-east of the old city |
| Bibi-Khanym Mosque | One of Central Asia's largest mosques in its time. | Next to Siab Bazaar |
| Ulugh Beg Observatory | The remains of a 15th-century observatory and its museum. | North of the city |
Around Samarkand
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Imam al-Bukhari complex | The resting place of Imam al-Bukhari, compiler of the Sahih, reopened after a major expansion in March 2026 with a mosque for 10,000 and a museum. | About 25 km from Samarkand |
| Siab Bazaar | A market of Samarkand bread, dried fruit and sweets. | Next to Bibi-Khanym |
| Afrasiyab and its museum | The ruins of ancient Samarkand and wall paintings from the 7th century. | North of the city |
| Konigil paper village | A village making paper from mulberry bark the traditional way. | About 15 minutes |
Tips before you go
- The high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand takes about two hours.
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons; summer is hot.
- Saudis can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days.
Hotels in Samarkand
Flights to Tashkent
More places nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Samarkand?
Registan Square, the Gur-e-Amir, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Ulugh Beg Observatory, the Imam al-Bukhari complex and Siab Bazaar.
Where is Imam al-Bukhari buried?
At the Imam al-Bukhari complex, about 25 km from Samarkand, reopened after its expansion in March 2026.
How do I get to Samarkand from Tashkent?
By high-speed train in about two hours.
Planning your trip to Uzbekistan? Read Travel to Uzbekistan from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.