Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Registan Square is Samarkand's main attraction with tourist police presence and generally safe atmosphere. More expensive than local areas but accessible for tourists.
Registan Square is the main tourist area with three madrasahs featuring turquoise-tiled facades. During the day, the square fills with tour groups and people photographing the buildings. Tourist police are around and some speak English. There's a light show at 8pm and a laser show at 9pm about Samarkand's history. Street vendors sell dried fruits, spices, and handicrafts - they're not as pushy as in some other tourist spots. You'll see other women eating alone at cafes around the square, so solo dining feels normal here. The area stays lit and busy until around 10pm, then gets quiet but security patrols continue. You can walk to Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Shah-i-Zinda from here, so you don't need transport for a day of sightseeing.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
Very HighHomelessness Visibility
Very HighGetting By in English
Good"Felt safe walking alone at night around the lit monuments"
"Tourist police were visible and helped when I needed directions"
"No harassment - vendors were friendly but not pushy"
"Spent hours just sitting and looking at the architecture"
"Saw other solo women travelers so didn't feel out of place"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
New Town has modern amenities and shopping malls showing contemporary Uzbek urban life. Safe and practical but lacks the historic charm.
Silk Road Samarkand has international resort standards with high safety and comfort but lacks cultural immersion and costs more. Good if you prioritize security and Western amenities.
The Jewish Quarter has a 19th-century synagogue and traditional architecture showing Samarkand's multicultural past. Safe during the day but quiet with no amenities.
Help other women stay safe in Registan Square & Historic Center
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.