One-Day Exploration of Samarkand: The Jewel of the Silk Road

Day 1: Cultural Highlights

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Tashkent

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Tashkent, featuring traditional Uzbek dishes like plov (rice with meat and vegetables) and fresh bread.
Located in the city center, just a short walk from most attractions.
UZS 50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Registan Square

After breakfast, stroll to Registan Square, the centerpiece of Samarkand and a stunning example of Islamic architecture featuring three magnificent madrasahs.
It's a 10-minute walk from Café Tashkent.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Proceed to the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a serene complex holding the graves of a line of Islamic saints, characterized by mesmerizing tile work and intricate designs.
A 15-minute walk from Registan Square.
UZS 20,000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bukhara Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Uzbek lunch at Bukhara Restaurant, where you can savor delicious kebabs and fresh salad with local herbs.
Located just a 5-minute taxi ride from Shah-i-Zinda.
UZS 100,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Bibi Khanym Mosque

After lunch, head to the Bibi Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the world, it's a must-visit for its massive structure and intricate architecture.
A 10-minute taxi ride from Bukhara Restaurant.
UZS 30,000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Wander through the Siab Bazaar

Spend some time at Siab Bazaar, the lively market where you can experience the pulse of local life and pick up some handcrafted souvenirs and spices.
It’s a short 5-minute walk from the mosque.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory

To wrap up your day, visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, which dates back to the 15th century and is one of the finest astronomical sites from that era.
A 10-minute taxi ride from Siab Bazaar.
UZS 15,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Samarkand Restaurant

End your exploration with a dinner at Samarkand Restaurant, where you can try the regional specialty of manti (steamed dumplings) along with refreshing yogurt.
Located a 15-minute taxi ride from the observatory.
UZS 90,000, 1.5 hours
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