About
Samarkand is a city in the Samarkand Region of Uzbekistan, in Central Asia. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the region, and its historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors also know it by the spelling Samarqand.
What to see
The city is best known for its Islamic architecture. Registan Square is the centrepiece of most visits, a large public space framed by tall, richly decorated buildings. Nearby, the tomb of Tamerlane, the ruler whose name is tied to the city, draws visitors who want to see one of its most important monuments up close.
Planning a visit
A trip to Samarkand suits travellers interested in architecture, history and the old cities of the Silk Road region. The historic core is compact enough to explore on foot, so you can move between the main monuments at your own pace, stopping to look at tilework and domes as the light changes through the day.
- Who it suits: people drawn to historic architecture and heritage sites.
- Where to start: Registan Square, then the tomb of Tamerlane.
- Pace: allow time to wander the streets between monuments rather than rushing from one to the next.
Around the city
Because Samarkand is one of the longest-settled cities in Central Asia, the surrounding Samarkand Region adds further layers of history to a stay. Plan your days around the monuments, and leave room in the evening to walk back through the city as it quiets down.
