
Registan Square: With its varied sights, including stunning mosques, mausoleums and madrassas, Samarkand is a must-visit Uzbekistan city. Among its major highlights is the stunning Registan Square.

Gur-e-Amir : Many Samarkand sites are connected to Temur, the celebrated 14th century ruler. Among the most famous is his final resting place, Samarkand's Gur-e-Amir -- or Amir Temur Mausoleum.

Bibi Khanum Mosque: Legend has it that this Samarkand mosque was commissioned by Timur's favorite wife in honor of his homecoming after a long pillaging trip. Today it remains one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.

Ulug Bheg's Observatory: Timur's grandson, Ulug Bheg, had a passion for astronomy. His work is remembered at the historic Ulug Bheg's Observatory, which was built in the 1420s on a hill overlooking Samarkand.

Siab Bazaar: Samarkand's lively Siab Bazaar offers shopping and local eats.

Mausoleum of St. Daniel: According to local legend, the Mausoleum of St. Daniel contains a collection of the Old Testament prophet's relics.

Beef plov: Uzbekistan's national dish is plov -- similar to pilaf or pilau. This rice dish can be made with a wide variety of ingredients including carrots, beef, raisins and onions.

Obi non: Accompanying most meals. obi non is a style of bread that's made in a clay oven, then stamped and decorated.

Samsa: A popular Samarkand treat, samsa are similar to samosas and come with various meat fillings.

Kurt: These dried cheese snacks are made from soured, fermented milk sourced from local animals.

Afrosiyob Express: This high-speed train takes travelers to Samarkand from the capital, Tashkent, in around two hours.