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
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.
The historic centre
For most visitors, the old town around the Registan, Gur-e-Amir and Bibi-Khanym is the place to be. It is packed with family-run guesthouses in traditional courtyard houses, boutique hotels and hostels; the main monuments are within walking distance, and you won't need a taxi to see the Registan lit up at night.
Budget travellers gravitate to the guesthouses around Suzangaron Street, just south of the centre, about ten minutes' walk from the Registan. Cars can't always squeeze down the narrow lanes of the old mahallas, so be ready to carry your bag a short way. Breakfast is usually included at family guesthouses, and hosts are often happy to help arrange onward travel.
The 'new town' and Silk Road Samarkand
West of Gur-e-Amir, around University Boulevard and Amir Temur Street, lies the late-19th- and 20th-century 'new town', with broad shady avenues, cafés and restaurants, and larger hotels. The Registan is a 15–20-minute walk away.
Some 7–8 km east of the centre, beside a rowing canal, the Silk Road Samarkand complex opened in 2022 with eight hotels, a congress hall and the Eternal City ethnographic park. It suits families, conference-goers and anyone after resort-style calm, but every trip to the old town means a taxi ride. If you're catching an early train, hotels near the station are worth a look too.
Booking tips
In April–May, September–October and during major events, rooms go quickly, so book ahead. Licensed accommodation registers you in the E-mehmon system automatically; in a rented flat you'll need to sort this out with the owner. Foreign guests pay a nightly tourist levy that depends on the type of property and is shown separately on the bill. Check in advance whether there's air conditioning in summer and heating in winter, and whether your guesthouse accepts cards.
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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.
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.
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.
