Urgut Market Samarkand
A vast, bustling local market near Samarkand, famous for textiles, food, and an authentic, energetic atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Busiest day for local experience
Urgut Market Samarkand
Best Time
Busiest day for local experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, bustling local market near Samarkand, famous for textiles, food, and an authentic, energetic atmosphere.
"It's a huge bustling market even on a Tuesday.
"Negotiate Like a Pro
Be persistent and compare prices for textiles; some vendors are pushy. :moneybag:
Taste the Local Delights
Don't miss the delicious and affordable food, especially samsa and pilaf. :foodie:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bustling Bazaar Experience
Immerse yourself in a vast, energetic market with a wide array of goods and local life.
Textile Treasures (Suzani)
Discover traditional Suzani textiles, but be prepared for spirited bargaining.
Local Flavors
Savor delicious and affordable local food, a highlight for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hustle: Prepare for a Lively Market
Logistics: Getting There and Back
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Negotiate Like a Pro
Be persistent and compare prices for textiles; some vendors are pushy.
:moneybag:Taste the Local Delights
Don't miss the delicious and affordable food, especially samsa and pilaf.
:foodie:Plan Your Return Trip
Yandex might not be available for return; factor in taxi costs.
:taxi:Suzani Shopping Savvy
Consider buying Suzani in Samarkand for better quality and prices unless seeking antiques.
:shopping_bags:Tips
from all over the internet
Negotiate Like a Pro
Be persistent and compare prices for textiles; some vendors are pushy.
:moneybag:Taste the Local Delights
Don't miss the delicious and affordable food, especially samsa and pilaf.
:foodie:Plan Your Return Trip
Yandex might not be available for return; factor in taxi costs.
:taxi:Suzani Shopping Savvy
Consider buying Suzani in Samarkand for better quality and prices unless seeking antiques.
:shopping_bags:Market Hours
The market is open on Sundays and Tuesdays, with Sundays being the busiest.
:clock:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Urgut Market offers a vibrant, authentic local experience with delicious and affordable food. However, visitors should be prepared for aggressive sales tactics, especially for textiles like Suzani, and potentially challenging return transportation. The market's bustling atmosphere is a major draw, but facilities like restrooms are often poorly maintained.
"I visited Urgut Bazzar on a Sunday, which I understand is the busiest day. If you are looking for local experience this is the place for you. Took a taxi here from Samarkand, around 45 minutes each way."
Pinky Wong
"It's a huge bustling market even on a Tuesday. We tried to look at suzanes but there was constant hastle and people in our faces so we ended up just walking away. One of the sellers followed us for about 20 minutes hassling us around the rest of the market despite asking him repeatedly to go away. Filthy toilets.
Yandex wasn't available for the return journey so had to pay twice as much for the return trip.
Our worst day in Uzbekistan"
Mark Piazza
"It is a very good Bazar. Prices are affordable."
Ogabek Najimov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by taxi, which takes about 45 minutes each way. Negotiate the fare beforehand. Some visitors have noted that ride-sharing apps like Yandex may not be available for the return journey, so be prepared for potentially higher taxi costs.
It can be challenging to find readily available transportation, especially ride-sharing services, for the return trip. It's advisable to arrange your return with your initial taxi driver or be prepared to negotiate with local taxis, which might be more expensive.
The journey from Samarkand to Urgut Market typically takes around 45 minutes by taxi.
While taxis are the most convenient, local buses might be an option, though less direct and potentially more time-consuming. Information on specific bus routes can be scarce for tourists.
Taxi fares can vary, but expect to pay a negotiated price. Be aware that return journeys might be more expensive if you haven't pre-arranged with your driver.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Urgut Market is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore the bustling stalls and vendors.
Urgut Market is generally open on Sundays and Tuesdays. Sundays are considered the busiest day for the market.
While Sundays are the main market day, it's also reported to be open on Tuesdays. It's always a good idea to confirm locally if you're planning a visit on a specific weekday.
While it's a bustling market, visiting on a Tuesday might offer slightly fewer crowds than the peak Sunday. However, the vibrant atmosphere is part of the experience.
The market is primarily active on Sundays and Tuesdays. It's advisable to avoid other weekdays if you're seeking the full market experience.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Urgut Market is known for its Suzani textiles. However, be prepared for aggressive sales tactics and high initial prices. Persistent negotiation is crucial, and some visitors suggest that newer, better-quality Suzani might be found in Samarkand itself.
Yes, prices are highly negotiable, especially for textiles like Suzani. Be prepared to bargain firmly, as vendors often start with inflated prices.
Beyond Suzani, you can find a variety of local crafts, textiles, spices, dried fruits, and everyday goods. It's a great place to experience local commerce.
This is debated. While Urgut is known for Suzani, prices can be inflated, and negotiation is intense. For newer, higher-quality Suzani, Samarkand might offer better value and less hassle. Antique Suzani might be more unique to Urgut.
Be prepared for persistent vendors who may follow you. Compare prices across different stalls and be firm in your negotiation. Some visitors have felt pressured into buying at inflated prices.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food stalls are a highlight! Try delicious and affordable samsa (savory pastries) for breakfast and pilaf (plov) for lunch. These are often cited as very tasty.
Food prices are very affordable. Breakfast items like samsa and tea can cost around 8,000 Sum, while a hearty lunch like pilaf might be around 35,000 Sum.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find options like bread, fruits, and vegetable-based sides. It's best to inquire at individual food stalls.
Simply approach the food stalls that look appealing. Pointing and using basic phrases can help. Many vendors are accustomed to tourists.
Unfortunately, reviews indicate that the toilet facilities at Urgut Market are often described as filthy. It's advisable to use facilities elsewhere if possible.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their goods, especially if they seem hesitant.
Capture the vibrant atmosphere, colorful textiles, bustling crowds, and local food stalls. The interactions between vendors and shoppers make for great candid shots.
There are no widespread official restrictions, but be mindful of people's privacy. Avoid intrusive photography.
Morning hours, especially when the market is setting up or in full swing, offer good natural light and dynamic scenes.
While not mandatory, a small tip or purchase can be a polite gesture if you've taken many photos of a vendor's stall or products.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for crowded conditions and keep a close eye on children at all times. The enthusiastic vendors might be a bit much for very young or sensitive children, so gauge their reactions. While there are many interesting items to see, the intense bargaining for textiles might not be engaging for kids. Consider it more of an adventure and a cultural immersion rather than a leisurely shopping trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
When it comes to transportation, be mindful of the return journey. While taxis are convenient, they can be costly if not pre-arranged or if ride-sharing apps aren't available. Negotiate taxi fares carefully for both arrival and departure. For souvenirs, remember that while prices are negotiable, the initial quotes can be high, so don't be afraid to walk away if you don't get a price you're comfortable with.
🛍️ Shoppers & Bargain Hunters
Pro-tip: Don't be afraid to walk away if the price isn't right. Sometimes, this can lead to a better offer. Also, remember that while Urgut is known for Suzani, the quality and price can vary wildly. Some visitors find better deals and quality in Samarkand for newer items, so it's worth comparing. However, for the thrill of the hunt and potentially unique finds, Urgut is unparalleled.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Urgut Market Experience
Key to enjoying Urgut is embracing the hustle. Vendors are often enthusiastic and persistent in their sales pitches, particularly for textiles like Suzani. While this can be overwhelming for some, it's an integral part of the market culture. Visitors are advised to have a strong sense of negotiation and to compare prices across multiple stalls before making a purchase. Some travelers have found that while Urgut is famous for Suzani, the prices can be high, and newer, better-quality items might be found in Samarkand. However, for those seeking antique pieces or a truly immersive bargaining experience, Urgut is the place to be.
Beyond shopping, the culinary offerings at Urgut Market are a significant draw. Numerous food stalls serve up delicious and incredibly affordable local specialties. Breakfast favorites like samsa (flaky meat or vegetable pastries) and tea are a must-try, while a hearty lunch of pilaf (plov) is highly recommended. These food experiences are often cited as a highlight, offering a taste of authentic Uzbek cuisine in a lively setting.
The Art of Bargaining for Suzani
Tips for buying Suzani:
* Do your research: Have an idea of what a fair price might be before you start.
* Compare prices: Don't buy from the first stall you see. Walk around and compare quality and pricing.
* Be polite but firm: Express your interest, but don't be afraid to walk away if the price isn't right.
* Consider the condition: For antique Suzani, inspect for any damage or wear.
Some travelers suggest that for newer, more refined Suzani, Samarkand might offer a less aggressive shopping experience and potentially better prices. However, if you're looking for a unique find or a more traditional market experience, Urgut remains a prime destination for Suzani enthusiasts.
Culinary Delights at Urgut Market
For lunch, pilaf (plov) is a must-try. This iconic Uzbek dish, a flavorful rice pilaf cooked with meat, carrots, and spices, is prepared in large cauldrons and served piping hot. The portions are generous, and the taste is rich and authentic. Other common offerings include various grilled meats, fresh bread, and seasonal fruits. The affordability of the food makes it an excellent option for travelers looking to savor local cuisine without breaking the bank.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit