City Guide

Samarkand Travel Guide

Uzbekistan

5.0M
Population
$117
Daily Budget
75
Walkability
HIGH
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Samarkand

Arriving

  • Samarkand International Airport · 6 kmTaxi and Bus
  • Main stationsSamarkand Railway Station

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G · good
  • NetworksUcell, Beeline and Uzmobile
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1 GB a day
  • Weak signalSome rural outskirts
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Useful apps

  • TransportUzbekistan Railways App
  • Food deliveryYandex.Eats
  • AttractionsVisit Samarkand App

Top Attractions

1
Registan
A stunning public square surrounded by three beautiful madrasahs.
2h $5
2
Shakhi-Zinda
A necropolis with stunningly tiled mausoleums.
1.5h $3

Best Areas to Stay

Old Town
Close to major attractions and restaurants.
TouristsFamilies

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Respect local customs and dress modestly.
Common Mistakes
  • Not trying local food
  • Ignoring local customs

Food & Drink

Must Try:Plov, Samsa, Lagman
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Unsafe
Khalifa RestaurantSamarkand Bazaar

Getting Around

Public Transport:Fair
Walkability:75/100
Bus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Warmest monthJul35°C average high
Coolest monthJan-1°C average low
Wettest monthMar73 mm of rain
Driest monthJul2 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan7.4-1.34114
Feb9.6-0.15213
Mar15.34.77315
Apr21.59.86313
May27.114.24011
Jun32.518.175
Jul34.519.622
Aug33.318.022
Sep28.713.532
Oct22.07.8166
Nov14.53.34010
Dec9.2-0.13912

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Samarkand, 3 km from Samarkand).

Samarkand travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Samarkand?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Samarkand. Average daytime highs range from about 7°C in January to 35°C in July.

How much does a day in Samarkand cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport. These are estimates and vary by season.

How do I get around Samarkand?

Public transport includes bus and is rated fair. Walkability scores 75/100.

Which airport serves Samarkand?

The nearest airport is Samarkand International Airport, about 6 km away. Transfer options include taxi and bus.

Is Samarkand safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated high. Watch for overcharging by taxi drivers. Areas generally considered safe include Registan Square and Shakhi-Zinda. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Samarkand?

4G coverage is provided by Ucell, Beeline and Uzmobile, rated good. Plan for about 1 GB a day for maps, messaging and social media. A Uzbekistan travel eSIM lets you get online on arrival without buying a local SIM.

Is tap water safe to drink in Samarkand?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe. If in doubt, follow local advice or choose bottled water.

Explore more of Uzbekistan

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Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.

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