Located on the famous Silk Road, Samarkand is a treasure of a city. History buffs and photographers will find plenty of things to do in Samarkand—top picks include visiting the Registan Square at opening time or for its evening light show; checking out the Guri Amir Mausoleum Complex; and climbing up Ulugh Beg Madrasa’s minaret if you’re feeling fit. Balance the sightseeing with some shopping and haggling at the Siyob Bazaar, and then sit down to a hearty meal of plov (pilaf rice dish) and shashlik (skewered, grilled meat).
For warm weather and perfect temperatures for touring, visit Samarkand in either spring (April to June) or fall (September to early November). July is extremely hot and the winters get bitingly cold. March 21st is the Persian New Year which is fun to celebrate. Also, check when Ramadan is each year, as many residents will be fasting during the day, but there will still be restaurants open for tourists.
Taxis are the way to go in Samarkand, but make sure that you’re ready to bargain. Your driver will probably start with a request for at least double what it really should cost, so bear that in mind. Yandex ridesharing app often works and is cheap, too. There’s also a slow but cost-effective tram that runs from the train station, so give this a try if you’re not in a hurry and want to do some people-watching.
After a day visiting Smarkand’s spectacular Ms—madrasas, minarets, and mosques—take some time out and relax at the local Blue’s Bar with a beer and a bite. Another spot to try if you fancy some international cuisine is the local Korean restaurant, Shikugyoug, for some Korean BBQ, kimchi, kimbap, and a beer brewed on the premises. Before dinner, visit the alley of mausoleums at dusk for a fresh perspective of the attraction.
