Walking through Registan Square today feels less like touring ruins and more like stepping into a living mosaic where ancient turquoise domes clash joyfully with Soviet-era concrete. It is a city that balances profound historical weight with an unpretentious, bustling energy, inviting you to linger over plov in shaded courtyards rather than rush through monuments.
Do Samarkand the way locals do: start slow at The Eternal City, eat where the regulars do at Emirhan Restaurant, let the evening run long at Sam Craft PUB.
Top things to do in Samarkand Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Registan Square
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.8 (16,384 reviews)
Ornamental public square flanked by 3 historic madrasas built in the 15th & 17th centuries.
Check tours & tickets 2
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.8 (5,528 reviews)
Cemetery site with many ornately decorated, colorful tombs & ancient mosaic-tiled mausoleums.
Check tours & tickets 3
Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex
Historical Place · ★ 4.7 (5,869 reviews)
A 15th-century mausoleum of Turko-Mongol conqueror Timur featuring tombs, mosaics & ornate carvings.
Check tours & tickets 4
Siyob Bozori
Farmers' Market · ★ 4.5 (4,198 reviews)
Colorful stalls piled high with specialty breads, nuts, dried fruit & spices, plus household goods.
Check tours & tickets 5
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Mosque · ★ 4.6 (2,848 reviews)
Vast, partially restored ruins of an ornate 1400s mosque with a landmark, blue-tiled dome.
Check tours & tickets 6
Observatory of Ulugbek
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.3 (4,122 reviews)
Islamic observatory, built in the 15th century, featuring a celestial measuring stone & a museum.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Emirhan Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (4,936 reviews)
Website 12
Boulevard Restaurant & Bakery
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (1,122 reviews)
Website 13
Zarqand
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (1,154 reviews)
Website 14
Shokhrukh Nur
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (930 reviews)
15
Restaurant "KARIMBEK"
Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (1,362 reviews)
16
Gruzinka Restoran
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (545 reviews)
17
Afandi Food
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (695 reviews)
18
Samarkand Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.1 (1,698 reviews)
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Samarkand
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Registan Square
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.8 (16,384 reviews)
Ornamental public square flanked by 3 historic madrasas built in the 15th & 17th centuries.
Check tours & tickets 20
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.8 (5,528 reviews)
Cemetery site with many ornately decorated, colorful tombs & ancient mosaic-tiled mausoleums.
Check tours & tickets 21
Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex
Historical Place · ★ 4.7 (5,869 reviews)
A 15th-century mausoleum of Turko-Mongol conqueror Timur featuring tombs, mosaics & ornate carvings.
Check tours & tickets 22
Siyob Bozori
Farmers' Market · ★ 4.5 (4,198 reviews)
Colorful stalls piled high with specialty breads, nuts, dried fruit & spices, plus household goods.
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
The Eternal City
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.5 (644 reviews)
Website 26
Amusement Park
Amusement Park · ★ 4.3 (419 reviews)
27
Musical fountain Silk Road Samarkand
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (214 reviews)
Website 28
Central Park
Park · ★ 4.5 (241 reviews)
29
Boqiy Shahar
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (202 reviews)
After dark 30
Sam Craft PUB
Bar · ★ 4.6 (382 reviews)
Website 31
Green Bear Bar
Bar · ★ 4.3 (259 reviews)
32
Blues Bar
Bar · ★ 4.1 (313 reviews)
33
Club Gorod
Night Club · ★ 4.6 (128 reviews)
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