How to Visit Samarkand: A Complete Budget Travel Guide

Samarkand, known as the jewel of the ancient Silk Road, is home to some of Central Asia’s most stunning architecture. In this budget travel guide, I’ll show you exactly how to visit Samarkand independently. From the best things to do, to tips on transport, accommodation, and local food, this post will help you plan your trip with ease and confidence.

With its majestic turquoise domes, intricately tiled madrasas, and lively bazaars, Samarkand feels like a place suspended in time – where centuries of culture, trade, and conquest have left their mark on every corner. This is not just a city of monuments, but of stories of Persian poets, Mongol invaders, and master craftsmen who shaped one of Central Asia’s most legendary destinations. Whether you’re wandering through the renowned Registan, marvelling at the mosaics of Shah-i-Zinda, or sipping tea in a shaded courtyard, Samarkand invites you to slow down and soak in its rich tapestry of past and present. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or a cultural traveller on a budget, Samarkand is a place that will leave you spellbound.

How to Get to Samarkand on a Budget

Getting to Samarkand is quick and easy, especially by train. The city is well connected to other major Silk Road destinations in Uzbekistan, including Tashkent and Bukhara. There are two main types of trains: the Afrosiyob, a high-speed modern train, and the Sharq, a slower but more budget-friendly option with traditional seating. Tickets for both trains can be purchased through the Official Uzbek Railways website. It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance, especially for the Afrosiyob, as it tends to sell out quickly during peak season.

From Tashkent, the Afrosiyob takes around 2 hours, while the Sharq takes approximately 3 hours. From Bukhara, the journey is even shorter, about 1.5 hours on the Afrosiyob and 2 hours on the Sharq.

How to Get Around in Samarkand

Samarkand is a fairly spread-out city, but getting around is still simple and affordable. Most of the major tourist sights – like the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque – are located relatively close to each other and can easily be explored on foot if you’re staying nearby.

For places that are further apart, like the Ulugh Beg Observatory taxis and Yandex Go (a ride-hailing app similar to Uber) are the most convenient options. Rides around the city usually cost between 10,000–20,000 UZS (€0.75–€1.50), and the app makes it easy to avoid tourist price negotiations.

If you’re on a tight budget or want a more local experience, you can also use marshrutkas (minibuses) or shared taxis. These are extremely cheap but can be tricky to navigate if you don’t speak Russian or Uzbek.

Top Things to Do in Samarkand

With its dazzling mosaics, ancient madrasas, and a history that stretches back thousands of years, Samarkand is the crown jewel of Uzbekistan. Once a thriving Silk Road hub, this city still stuns travellers with its grandeur and it’s surprisingly easy to explore on foot.

Stand in Awe at the Registan Square

No trip to Samarkand is complete without a visit to Registan Square – the city’s most iconic and breathtaking landmark. Once the beating heart of the ancient Timurid Empire, the Registan is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and one of the most impressive squares in the world. The square is flanked by three majestic madrassas (Islamic schools):

Each building is richly decorated with intricate tile-work, geometric patterns, and calligraphy that reflect the grandeur of the Timurid era. Visit early in the day to avoid the crowds and admire the details up close, and return in the evening when the square is beautifully illuminated.

Entry to Registan Square usually costs around 40,000 UZS (approx. €3), and you can freely wander through all three madrassas. Some upper floors are also open to visitors and offer great views of the square from above. Inside, you’ll also find small souvenir shops and local artisans selling handicrafts.

Wander through Shah-i-Zinda

Shah-i-Zinda (translated as “The Living King”) is one of Samarkand’s most unbelievable sites. This sacred complex is a necropolis that features a stunning series of mausoleums and tombs, some dating back to the 11th century. Known for its intricate tile work, this peaceful site is a key destination for those seeking a deeper connection to Samarkand’s spiritual and architectural history. It’s also an incredibly photogenic place so prepare to be there a while taking some pretty cool photos.

The main attraction is the tomb of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, whose burial here made the site one of the most revered in the Islamic world. His mausoleum, along with others in the complex, is adorned with some of the most spectacular glazed blue tiles, intricate mosaics, and calligraphy that showcase the height of Timurid craftsmanship.

Shah-i-Zinda is a series of interconnected buildings along a narrow, shaded street, giving visitors a chance to stroll through the quiet passageways while admiring the elegant decorations. Entry to Shah-i-Zinda typically costs 25,000 UZS (around €2), and the site is open every day and you can enter more than once with the same ticket. I was there early morning to beat the crowds and returned in the evening for sunset. Both of these are the less crowded times to visit the complex, it get’s very busy during the day.

Visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

The Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum is one of Samarkand’s most significant and impressive monuments, and a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Timurid Empire. This stunning tomb is the final resting place of Timur, the 14th-century conqueror who founded the Timurid dynasty. The mausoleum also holds the graves of his descendants, including his grandson Ulugh Beg, a renowned astronomer and scholar.

The architecture of Gur-e-Amir is an exquisite example of Timurid design, blending Persian, Mongol, and Islamic elements. The structure is dominated by its large, blue-domed tomb, which stands out against the backdrop of Samarkand’s skyline. The interior is equally striking with intricate golden details.

Entry to Gur-e-Amir costs around 30,000 UZS (approximately €2.50). The mausoleum is open daily, and visiting it provides a glimpse into the lavish history of one of Central Asia’s most powerful empires. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Check out Bibi-Khanym Mosque

The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of the most monumental and impressive structures in Samarkand, showcasing the grandeur and ambition of Timur (Tamerlane) himself. Built in the 14th century, it was once the largest mosque in the Islamic world, and its sheer size and stunning architectural details make it a must-see for visitors to Samarkand.

Named after Timur’s wife, Bibi-Khanym, the mosque was constructed to commemorate her, and its design reflects the grandeur Timur envisioned for his empire. The mosque’s towering main dome, which was once the largest in the world, and its majestic entrance portal are among the most striking features. The exterior is decorated with intricate tilework, combining vibrant blues, greens, and golds that are characteristic of Timurid architecture.

Entry to Bibi-Khanym Mosque is typically around 30,000 UZS (approximately €2.50), and the site is open daily for visitors to explore. Visit it in the early morning or late afternoon when the soft light beautifully illuminates its architectural features.

Explore Ulugh Beg Observatory

The Ulugh Beg Observatory is one of Samarkand’s hidden gems, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of medieval astronomy. Built in the 15th century by Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Timur and a renowned astronomer, the observatory was one of the most advanced scientific institutions of its time. Ulugh Beg’s dedication to the study of the stars and the universe helped establish Samarkand as a centre of astronomical research.

The observatory was once home to a large astrolabe (a device used to measure the positions of stars and planets). While much of the original structure has been lost over the centuries, you can still explore the ruins of the observatory, including the impressive remains of its giant meridian arc, which was used to measure the movement of celestial bodies.

Entry to the Ulugh Beg Observatory is usually around 20,000 UZS (approximately €1.50). While the observatory itself is not as grand as some of Samarkand’s other landmarks, it offers a fascinating insight into the scientific achievements of the Timurid era.

Catch the Sunset at Hazrat Khizr Mosque

Climb the hill near the Hazrat Khizr Mosque for a lovely panoramic view of Samarkand, especially around golden hour. This lesser-known, serene mosque is dedicated to Hazrat Khizr, a revered figure in Islamic tradition believed to possess eternal life and wisdom. The entry is free and it’s a quiet escape from the main sights and a great place to unwind.

Visit a Local Silk Carpet Factory

A visit to a local silk carpet factory in Samarkand offers a fascinating insight into one of Uzbekistan’s most cherished traditions. Samarkand has a long history of carpet weaving, with techniques passed down through generations. The carpets here are renowned for their intricate designs, vibrant colours, and luxurious feel, making them highly sought after both locally and internationally.

At the factory, visitors can witness the meticulous process of creating these masterpieces. From hand-spinning the silk threads to the painstakingly detailed weaving done by skilled artisans, the timeless craftsmanship is nothing short of extraordinary. Some carpets take months, or even years, to complete, with each knot tied by hand to create the fine patterns that are so characteristic of Samarkand’s silk carpets.

Experience the Incredible Uzbek Hospitality: A Short Story

While walking down a quiet suburban street in Samarkand with another traveller I’d met at the hostel, we were stopped by a man on our way to visit a silk carpet factory. He asked where we were going and where we were from. The other traveller was Russian, so they could easily communicate. Without hesitation, the man invited us into the courtyard of his home for tea.

Even though we were on a schedule and the factory would close soon, we were so touched by his kindness that we agreed to step inside. He first showed us some motorbikes he was fixing in his yard, then called out to his family. Within moments, five men flood the courtyard seemingly out of nowhere, all smiling and full of questions. While we chatted, he went inside to ask a woman – presumably his wife – for tea. She came rushing out, clearly curious about her unexpected visitors, and quickly ushered us into the house.

We entered a simple, rustic kitchen. After removing our shoes, we sat on the carpeted floor as instructed as she glides to the stove to boil some water. Soon, all the men came inside as well, followed by a few more women and at least five children. The room was buzzing with warmth and chatter.

I had one of those surreal, out-of-body moments: ten minutes earlier I was just walking down a street, and now I was sitting in a stranger’s home, surrounded by smiling faces. If you believed everything the media says, you might think I was in danger – in a “-stan” country, no less. Weren’t these places supposed to be full of terrorists and war? At least that’s what people kept telling me when I told them I was going to Central Asia.

“Why would you go there? It’s so dangerous.” – said by people who’ve never been and probably couldn’t even find it on a map.

But they were wrong.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through travel, it’s that kindness exists everywhere – and it’s always more apparent in the most unexpected places. Uzbekistan was no exception. On trains, locals had shared their food with me without hesitation. Strangers struck up conversations out of genuine curiosity. People helped me find my way without expecting anything in return. And now, we were being taken off the street and into someone’s home, simply because they wanted to welcome us.

How many times has that happened to you as a tourist in a so-called “developed” Western country?

As more people gathered and questions were translated back and forth, the woman laid a towel on the floor and began setting down what turned out to be a full meal – not just tea. We politely tried to decline, saying we had to leave soon, but she ignored our protests and unwaveringly kept bringing more food. What was supposed to be just a quick cup of tea turned into chicken soup, fresh bread, sliced apples, and even coffee. Ironically, tea – the actual reason we stepped inside – was still nowhere to be seen.

Looking around, what struck me most was that this family clearly lived with limited means. And yet, without a second thought, they chose to feed two complete strangers walking past their gate. It’s a strange mix of guilt and gratitude – feeling humbled by their generosity and so deeply touched that they would share what little they had to make us feel welcome.

After the impromptu feast (and several rounds of photos on everyone’s phones), we were finally released back onto the road: full, warm, and smiling. We continued walking toward the carpet factory, reflecting on the unexpected encounter.

Looking back, these serendipitous moments are what make travelling so special. Yes, Samarkand has stunning monuments and centuries-old architecture. But if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t just visit the sights. Look for the moments that touch your soul, the ones that stay with you long after the trip is over.

When I’m old, I probably won’t remember every mosque or minaret I’ve ever seen. But I’ll always remember sitting cross-legged on the floor of that kitchen, surrounded by laughter, warmth, and the unwavering hospitality of people who had absolutely no reason to take us in – and yet, did so without hesitation.

Where to Stay on a Budget in Samarkand

Samarkand offers a wide range of accommodation options, catering to all budgets, and the number of choices continues to grow as Uzbekistan becomes an increasingly popular tourist destination. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, or luxury stays, you’ll find something to suit your needs on the usual platforms like Booking.com.

I stayed at B&B Emir, a charming budget-friendly option located right next to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. The location was fantastic, which allowed me to easily explore the city’s key attractions on foot. The guesthouse had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable rooms and friendly staff, making it an ideal base for my stay in Samarkand.

Amir Hostel is a also a popular option for most budget backpackers. It has a good location, less than 30 min walk to Registan Square.

Where to Eat on a Budget in Samarkand

Samarkand’s food scene is a delightful reflection of its rich cultural heritage, offering a mix of traditional Uzbek dishes, hearty meals, and international influences. Whether you’re craving a homey, local experience or a more modern dining setting, the city has something to satisfy every palate.

As a budget backpacker, I spent much of my time exploring the local markets, where I could sample the authentic flavours of Samarkand without breaking the bank. The Siab Bazaar, located just next to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, is a fantastic spot to dive into the local food scene. Here, you can find an array of fresh produce, including juicy fruits, along with dried nuts and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice – a sweet and refreshing treat perfect for the sunny days in Samarkand.

For a real taste of Samarkand street food, don’t miss the shashlik (grilled skewers of meat) and samsa (flaky pastries filled with meat or vegetables), which are sold by local vendors. The bustling market atmosphere, along with the tempting food on offer, creates a truly authentic experience. It’s a perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal as you take in the sights and sounds of the city.

If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, the area near Registan Square has plenty of options, though prices tend to be a bit higher here due to the influx of tourists. You’ll find a variety of restaurants offering traditional Uzbek dishes like plov and lagman, with many places boasting comfortable seating and beautiful views of the square.

Where to Go After Samarkand

After exploring the wonders of Samarkand, you might be wondering where to head next in Uzbekistan. Luckily, this country is filled with fascinating destinations, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few ideas for your next adventure:

No matter where you go next, Uzbekistan has a wealth of history, culture, and adventure waiting for you. Happy travels!