Samarkand

"Samarkand is a must-see on any Uzbekistan itinerary, packed with some of the country’s most iconic attractions. Highlights include the stunning Registan, the mystical Shah-i-Zinda complex, the grand Gur Emir Mausoleum, and the historic Ulugbek Madrasah, just to name a few. While there’s plenty to explore, two days is usually enough to cover the main sights—though you could stretch it to three if you prefer a more relaxed pace. I also recommend getting a guide. I did a ton of research beforehand, reading multiple guidebooks to try and do a self-guided tour, but after speaking to other travelers, I felt like we missed out on some valuable insights. Guides can be pricey, though, so it’s worth shopping around before committing. If anything, consider hiring a guide for just one or two key sights rather than for each stop. There’s a lot of information online, but you’ll need the time to sift through it all if you go that route. We stayed at a hotel just behind the Registan, which not only gave us fantastic views in the morning but also put us in the heart of the action, making it easy to walk to all the key sites. Just a heads-up: it can get pretty hot in the afternoons, especially in summer, so it’s best to start your day early to avoid the heat."