Getting to Samarkand
The high-speed Afrosiyob train runs from Tashkent in roughly 2 hours 10 minutes, and the international airport is just 6 km from the centre. Plus intercity buses, shared taxis and the border crossing to Tajikistan.
Practical information
Etiquette and local customs
Samarkand's people are warm and welcoming, but shrines come with their own rules on dress, photography and greetings. A few simple habits will make your visit all the more rewarding.
At mosques and shrines
Shah-i-Zinda, the Hazrat Khizr Mosque, the Tomb of Daniel and the Imam al-Bukhari complex are not just architectural landmarks but active places of pilgrimage. Visit them with shoulders and knees covered; women are advised to carry a headscarf. Shoes come off before entering the inner rooms of a mosque or mausoleum.
Don't walk in front of people at prayer or photograph them, and keep your voice low. On Fridays, avoid entering working mosques as a sightseer during the midday prayer. Restaurants stay open during Ramadan, but be considerate towards those who are fasting.
Greetings and hospitality
The usual greeting is 'Assalomu alaykum', with the right hand placed over the heart. Men shake hands with one another; if a woman doesn't offer her hand, a hand on the heart is enough. Elders are treated with particular respect.
If you're invited into a home, bring a small gift such as sweets or fruit, and take off your shoes at the door. Bread is held sacred: never place it upside down or throw it away, and break it by hand rather than cutting it with a knife. Your host will pour tea a little at a time — a sign of respect and an invitation to keep talking.
At the dastarkhan, a short prayer may be said before or after the meal, ending with everyone passing their palms over their face. Guests needn't join in; sitting quietly is respect enough.
Photography and everyday manners
Ask before photographing people, especially women and older people; most will happily agree. Photography may be restricted inside some museums and mausoleums, so check at the ticket desk. Everyday casual clothes are fine around town, but shorts and revealing outfits are out of place at shrines. Bargaining is part of bazaar life — do it with a smile. Uzbek, Tajik and Russian are all widely spoken in Samarkand, and a word or two in the local language — 'rahmat' (thank you), 'salom' (hello) — always earns a warm response.
Sources (5)
Details may change — please check before you visit.
Practical information
Before you go
Getting around the city
The historic centre is compact enough to walk between the main sights. For longer hops there are ride-hailing apps, buses and a tram; since April 2025 paying by card is cheaper than cash.
Visas and registration
Citizens of many countries can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, and most others can apply for an e-visa. Hotels register you automatically; if you stay in a private home, you must register within three days.
Money, cards and tipping
The currency is the Uzbek som. Visa and Mastercard work in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but bazaars, teahouses and street taxis run on cash. ATMs are plentiful in the centre.
Phones, internet and Wi-Fi
A local SIM card takes a few minutes to set up with your passport and is by far the cheapest way to stay online. 4G is solid in town but fades in the mountains. Staying longer than 30 days means registering your phone's IMEI.
Climate and when to go
Samarkand sits around 700 metres above sea level, with hot, dry summers and cool, relatively wet winters. The best months to visit are April–May and September–October.
Safety and emergency numbers
Samarkand is considered a safe city for visitors, though pickpockets work the crowded spots. The single emergency number is 112, and a dedicated Safe Tourism call centre answers on 1173.
Where to stay
Family guesthouses in the historic centre, larger hotels in the leafy 'new town' or the Silk Road Samarkand resort on the city's edge — the right choice depends on your trip and your budget.
Food: what and where to eat
Samarkand plov, the city's famous tandoor-baked bread, samsa and shashlik — the local food is a reason to visit in itself. Here's what to know about teahouses, bazaars and restaurants.
Health, pharmacies and drinking water
No vaccinations are required to enter Uzbekistan, and there is no malaria. The main concerns are drinking water, food hygiene and the summer heat. Sort out travel insurance before you go.
Accessible travel
Samarkand is slowly becoming easier to get around: the Registan has ramps and the newer districts are flat. But the historic monuments are full of steps, uneven paths and thresholds, so plan ahead.
