Samarkand, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, beckons tourists to Uzbekistan. As a pivotal Central Asian Silk Road destination, the city boasts numerous mausoleums, mosques, and other ancient marvels.
The good news is that unlike Tashkent, Samarkand is relatively small, ensuring convenience with short walks or 20-minute taxi rides to your desired spots.
In this guide, we’ll present the best areas to stay in Samarkand, catering to travelers of all needs and budgets.
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Where to Stay in Samarkand: Quick Answer
For sightseeing in Samarkand’s popular historical sites, the best area to stay is the city center. From here, you’ll be no more than 2km away from major tourist attractions like the Registan, Amir Temur Mausoleum, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda, and more.
See All Hotels in the Center of Samarkand
For budget travelers, the area around Suzangaron Street, south of the city center, offers many highly rated guest houses and hostels. While restaurants and other amenities may be lacking, its location is just a 10-minute walk from the Registan, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
See All Hotels by Suzangaron Street
The European Town, west of the city, has plenty of green space, restaurants, and a growing number of upscale hotels. Just a 10-minute taxi ride to the center, it’s one of the best areas for eating and nightlife, with plenty of restaurants and several bars.
See All Hotels in the Russian Quarter
For travelers looking for a luxurious experience in Samarkand, the Silk Road Samarkand offers a strip of modern luxury hotels and restaurants just outside the city. It’s only a 20-minute taxi ride away and boasts 8 world-class hotels, catering to both tourists and business visitors to Samarkand.
Best Areas to Stay in Samarkand
1. City Center for Cultural and Historical Tourists
Are you a culture vulture and can’t wait to visit all of the historical sites? Or perhaps your visit to Samarkand is a short one and you want to squeeze in all the sightseeing you can.
The city center is home to the majority of the cultural and historical attractions in Samarkand. The Registan, Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and many more sites are all within a walkable distance along a 2km strip.
Staying in this area you’ll always be a short walk to all of the city’s main attractions and will be able to navigate your way around without the need for taxis.
Being a tourist area, it’s not the best area for quality restaurants. Some notable restaurants include the Emirhan restaurant for its beautiful terrace, Ikat Boutiques Cafe for quick eats and Zargaron Restaurant for its amazing views of the Bibi-Khanum Mosque.
Some of the best hotels in this area include Sangzor Boutique Hotel ideally located in the very center of the city, Hotel Jasmina placed next door to the Registan, and budget-friendly Old Radio Hostel.
- ✨ Best Luxury – Shohjahon Palace Hotel & Spa (9.1)
- 📍 Best Location – Hotel Minor (9.3)
- 👪 Best for Families – Aziz Hotel (9.2)
- 🛎️ Best Boutique – Sangzor Boutique Hotel (9.4)
- 💵 Best Budget – Old Radio Hostel (9.6) or Registan Hostel (8.9)
2. For Travelers on a Budget
Budget travelers should head south of the Registan to Suzangaron Street, where many budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are located within a 10-minute walk of the city center and tourist attractions.
This neighborhood is a down-to-earth residential area where elderly locals often pause for a chat, and children can be seen playing in the streets. With few tourist amenities available, you’ll need to walk to discover restaurants and cafes. While taxis can reach the area, be aware that the roads are narrow and rough, so it’s often easier to walk.
In this area, you’ll find multiple great options for cheap hotels, including Sitora Star Guest House with an excellent location and great value for money, family-friendly ANTICA Family Guest House, and OQSAROY Guest House, conveniently located right behind Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Complex.
- ✨ Best Luxury – Shohjahon Palace Hotel & Spa (9.1)
- 📍 Best Location – Amirshox Guest House (9.6)
- 👪 Best for Families – ANTICA Family Guest House (9.1)
- 🛎️ Best Boutique – Samarkand Amira (9.3)
- 💵 Best Budget – Sitora Star Guest House (9.5)
3. European Town: For Foodies and Adventurers
This area, also known as the Russian Quarter, offers a charming setting ideal for tasting Samarkand cuisine or finding a spot for an evening drink. Home to Navoi Park, University Boulevard, and various churches and Russian colonial architecture, it provides a blend of green space and urban amenities.
The area around Amir Temur Street and Firdavsiy Street is just a 10-minute taxi ride to the city center and is home to plenty of restaurants, several cafes, and even an entire street filled with gastronomic pubs and bars.
Hotels in this area are more upscale, including Zarafshon Parkside with a swimming pool for evening unwinding, the beautiful yet cozy Boutique Hotel Arka, and Silk Road Empire Hotel known for its hospitality.
- ✨ Best Luxury – Zarafshon Parkside (9.2)
- 📍 Best Location – Silk Road Empire Hotel (10)
- 👪 Best for Families – The Loft Guest House (9.6)
- 🛎️ Best Boutique – Boutique Hotel Arka (9.7)
- 💵 Best Budget – Amir Hostel (9.0)
4. Silk Road Samarkand: For Luxury Stays
Tourists in search of luxury accommodations should consider the Silk Road Samarkand resort. Comprising eight luxury hotels, it boasts a variety of upscale restaurants, bars, swimming pools, gyms, and spas.
The resort is centered around a long strip of canal and covers over 150 hectares of gardens, divided into 14 landscape types. It also features Eternal City, an attraction with “turquoise domes, mosaics on palaces, and high minarets,” intended to recreate the ancient Silk Road cities.
After spending a total of two weeks at the resort, we can attest that while it may not provide the most authentic experience, its hotel facilities are the best in Samarkand.
The resort is just a 20-minute taxi ride to the center, offering an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The resort’s premium hotel is the 5 star Hilton Samarkand Regency, while Silk Road by Minyoun offers a slightly cheaper alternative.
Among the most popular hotels in this area are Savitsky Plaza, rated 9.4 by customers, and Wellness Park, which features a spa and massage center.
- 👑 Top Luxury – Samarkand Regency (9.5)
- ✨ Best Overall – Savitsky Plaza (9.4)
- 👪 Best for Families – Wellness Park (9.4)
- 🛎️ Best Boutique – Silk Road by Minyoun (9.0)
- 💵 Best Value – Lia by Minyoun Stars (9.4)
Still undecided? Check all hotels rated 9+.
Read more about 5 star luxury hotels in Samarkand.
No matter what your preferences or budget are, Samarkand offers a perfect stay for every traveler. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture, explore its vibrant dining scene, or indulge in luxury amidst picturesque landscapes.
Samarkand’s allure will undoubtedly leave you with cherished memories of your Uzbekistan journey.
Related articles:
- Hotels with a Pool in Samarkand
- Where to Stay in Tashkent
- Where to Stay in Bukhara
- Where to Stay in Khiva
Traveling to Uzbekistan? Read our full guide to tourism in Uzbekistan.