Samarkand is best known for its Registan square, its mausoleum devoted to conqueror Amir Timur, and its local variation of national dish plov.
It’s one of the last cities you’d visit to have a party.
Nonetheless, the city does have a small number of cool bars, a whole street of pubs and even a nightclub!
In this guide we talk you through some of the best bars, pubs and clubs in Samarkand.
1. Sam Craft Pub
Sam Craft Pub is a friendly bar with craft beer, English speaking staff, and the perfect location. It’s the only place in Samarkand with quality craft beer.
They offer a variety of beers from two different breweries—one local to Samarkand and the other from Tashkent. There’s also a small menu with light meals.
Located just a 5 minute walk from the Registan, it’s the perfect spot for a beer if you’re waiting for the Registan light show at 9pm.
They also have a takeaway beer shop on the main street with a couple of street side tables.
2. Samarkand Blues Bar
The blues bar is another popular bar for tourists, featuring live music and serving as a restaurant offering Mexican cuisine, steak, and bar snacks.
There are two separate bars inside: one is a small, cozy space with limited seating, and the other is a much larger area where live bands perform. It’s a great spot to unwind with a drink or two after a day of sightseeing.
Address: 66 Amira Temura St., Samarkand, 140164
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3. Green Bear Bar
Green Bear Bar is a spacious pub and restaurant designed in the style of a beer hall that serves locally brewed Pulsar beer, cocktails and spirits. It’s located on Samarkand’s beer street and is quite easily the best bar in this area.
They also offer hearty meals such as steak and pasta, elegantly presented with garnishes on wooden boards. It’s the best pub for food in Samarkand.
It’s a very friendly place and staff can speak at least some English, so you won’t feel out of place.
Address: 11 Bazarova st., Samarkand, 140100
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4. Bochka
Bochka is another pub located on Samarkand’s Beer Street. It’s an unpretentious, loud and smoky ‘Pivo-Bar‘ (beer bar). Beer takes center stage here, a fact emphasized by the unique entrance that involves passing through a massive beer keg.
Inside, Bochka showcases a rustic aesthetic, with wooden walls, tables, and chairs all contributing to its down-to-earth vibe.
With a small menu offering a selection of sausages and shashlik, this place caters to traditional beer enthusiasts. It’s not the most foreigner-friendly place to go so best if you can speak some Russian or Uzbek or go with a local.
Address: 2 Ozod Sharq St., Samarkand
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5. Samarkand Beer Street – Other Bars
The same street is also home to around a dozen bars all with their unique characteristics. Notable other pub options are Beer Time Restaurant, Beer Essen Bar, Pivnoy Bar Legend and Rezident Resto&Bar.
There’s even a small take-out beer stall in the middle of the street.
The bars on this street all tend to be gastropubs rather than a spot for a quick beer so staff may not be used to casual drink drop-ins!
6. Sky Bar, Samarkand Regency Amir Temur Hotel
Located on the 20th floor of the Samarkand Regency Amir Temur hotel on the outskirts of the city, Sky Bar has a view that stretches for miles.
A part of Samarkand’s luxury Silk Road Resort, this lounge bar sits above the resort’s man-made canal where you can enjoy cocktails and a romantic dinner until 2am.
The bar is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so unfortunately we couldn’t visit it to review it during our last trip to Samarkand. To get there it’s a 20 minute taxi out of the city center.
Address: 20th Floor, Konigil massif, Samarkand, 140319
7. Bassiani Night Club
Conveniently located next to Samarkand Central Park, this is Samarkand’s main nightclub, open until the early hours. Here you can enjoy cocktails, hookah and late night DJs.
The bar is quite formal so dress well and understand that you’ll probably have to pay a deposit to book a table. Your drinks and food will then be taken from the deposit amount.
English speakers might not have the easiest time but staff will try to accommodate you.
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While Samarkand may be renowned for its historical treasures, its nightlife scene offers a surprising and diverse range of experiences. From cozy beer halls to lively clubs with DJs, the city invites visitors to extend their explorations into the night, adding another layer to the enchanting tapestry of Samarkand’s offerings.