Travel guide · Uzbekistan
Samarkand: what to see and when to go
Samarkand is a jewel of the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, with turquoise domes, tiled madrasas and the mausoleums of Timur's empire. With Bukhara and Khiva a train ride away, it anchors one of the most spectacular trips in Central Asia.
What to see and do in Samarkand
The Registan
Three madrasas covered in glittering tilework around a vast square.
Gur-e-Amir
Timur's mausoleum, crowned by a fluted turquoise dome.
Shah-i-Zinda
An avenue of mausoleums with the finest tilework in the city.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar
A colossal mosque next to the city's busiest market.
Bukhara and Khiva
More Silk Road cities, reached by high-speed train.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Apr – May.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 7 hr, 15 min | ≈ €430 · See flights |
| New York | 13 hr, 45 min | ≈ €620 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 15 hr, 45 min | ≈ €660 · See flights |
| Dubai | 3 hr | ≈ €190 · See flights |
| Singapore | 7 hr, 45 min | ≈ €460 · See flights |
| Sydney | 15 hr, 45 min | ≈ €670 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €570 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Uzbekistan
- Currency
- Uzbekistani Som
- Good for
- culture · food
- How long to stay
- 2–3 days
- Where to stay
- Close to the Registan, to walk to the main sights.Find a place to stay in Samarkand
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Samarkand, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €430 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Samarkand (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Samarkand and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Apr – May. Average highs range from 8° in January to 37° in July.
How many days do you need in Samarkand?
2 to 3 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Samarkand cost?
Accommodation runs at around €50 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €570 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 7 hr, 15 min.
Where should you stay in Samarkand?
Close to the Registan, to walk to the main sights.
