Registan Square
Registan Street, Samarkand, Central Uzbekistan
The Registan Square is at the heart of Samarkand and is one of the most famous landmarks you will visit. The three main madrassas are some of the oldest and best preserved in the world. In addition to the majolica and mosaic-covered madrassas, you will also find a beautifully painted mosque and several old dormitories now converted into shops.
The basics
The Registan complex is a highlight of tours to Samarkand. It bustles with vendors selling all kinds of handicrafts and tourists snapping photos. There is a lot to learn about education that happens inside the madrassa walls, so it’s best to have a guide with you. Tours to Registan Square are usually part of Samarkand, and one- or two-day tours can either start and finish in Samarkand, Tashkent, or also incorporate a trip to Bukhara.
Things to know before you go
Since Samarkand is generally conservative, wear clothes covering the knees and shoulders. Loose-fitting light garments are best for the warmer months.
Bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. The air can be dry and the sun intense, so it is best to continue drinking fluids throughout the day.
Entrance tickets allow multiple entrances, so you can return when the light is perfect for your photos. Just let the guard know you’ll be back.
Ask your guide to find out if the sound and light show is going on and when so you can be prepared to be there on time.
How to get there
The Registan is in the heart of the Square and within walking distance of several other attractions. Depending on where your hotel is, you can walk or get a taxi. If you hire a driver for the day, that can be ideal, so you can cover more ground than if you were only on foot.
When to get there
A great thing about the Registan is that your ticket is valid all day, and you can return more than once. This takes the pressure off you, balancing the best light for photos of the Registan with all the other photogenic sites you’ll inevitably see on a tour of Samarkand. There’s a light and sound show in the evening, so check that out when you’re in town.
Top attractions in Uzbekistan
Besides Samarkand's grand architectural structures, other spots in Uzbekistan shouldn’t be missed. Tours of the country take you to places like Khiva, where you’ll be transported back in time. Bukhara is another city with fabulous bazaars, the Kalon Minaret, and more. A trip to the Ships Cemetery in Nukus, with its unforgettable landscape, is a top spot, and a few days touring Tashkent's historical and modern sites round out a tour to Uzbekistan.
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