Samarkand is best explored starting from Registan Square — three madrasahs with richly decorated portals that form the city's main architectural ensemble. The best time to visit is early morning, when there are fewer tour groups and the light is soft for photos. Next, head to the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a corridor of mausoleums covered in ceramic mosaics, which is worth walking through slowly. The Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the burial place of Tamerlane, is closer to the center and fits naturally into the route after Registan. Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the nearby Siab Bazaar offer a contrast between monumental architecture and everyday city life. The Ulugh Beg Observatory is worth adding to the plan if you have time for a second day.
