places to visit tashkent

The 15 Best Things to do in Tashkent Uzbekistan – Tashkent City Guide

Tashkent will be very likely the first city you’ll arrive in when you travel to Uzbekistan. What are the best places to see in Tashkent Uzbekistan? Read this travel guide to have a wonderful stay in Tashkent city!

Uzbekistan’s modern capital Tashkent lives a bit in the shadows of the more attractive-looking Silk Road cities Samarkand ,  Bukhara  and  Khiva . 

It’s a shame because Tashkent is a really nice destination to visit and spend some time if you know where to go.

Tashkent city can be seen as an introduction to the stunning Islamic architecture – probably the reason why you’re going to travel to Uzbekistan – as it has some beautiful historical sites.  It’s also a very modern city with many parks and fountains, beautiful statues, nice cafes, and great restaurants.

Tashkent city is a fantastic base from which to explore the rest of Uzbekistan.  It’s very easy to take buses or trains from Tashkent to all the other interesting destinations around the country.

You’ll very likely begin and end your trip to Uzbekistan here as it’s home to the country’s international airport. If you prefer to travel overland, it’s also very straightforward to travel from Almaty (Kazakhstan),   Bishkek   (Kyrgyzstan) or Osh (Kyrgyzstan) to Tashkent by bus or train. 

It’ll also be a nice place to hang out at the end of your travels in Uzbekistan because trust me, after spending days and/or weeks of staring intensely at radiant colors and interlaced patterns of architectural masterpieces, you’ll be feeling a little “ tiled-out” !

Tip: See my  Uzbekistan Travel Page  for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Uzbekistan!

The 26 most beautiful and best places to visit in Uzbekistan

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Plan your trip to Uzbekistan

• 18 important things to prepare your trip to Uzbekistan
• 26 beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan Itineraries: 1 to 4 weeks in Uzbekistan
• How to travel aroun d Uzbekistan by train
• What to pack for Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan Safety Guide
• Uzbekistan Money Guide
• Tours & Experiences: Guided City Tours in Uzbekistan, Adventure Tours in Uzbekistan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tashkent City – Things you need to know before you go

Tashkent is the economic and cultural center of Uzbekistan and one of the wealthiest cities in Central Asia. It used to be the most populated city of ex-Soviet Central Asia and the 4th largest city of the Soviet Union. 

It’s very easy and cheap to get around Tashkent by metro. It only costs $0.15, there are metro stations near all the must-see places to visit in Tashkent and one of the top things to do in Tashkent is riding its metro as the city has some of the most beautiful metro stations in the world! 

Another way to get around Tashkent is by taxi. Install the Yandex Taxi app on your phone to easily order a taxi and see the rate in advance. This saves you the hustle of bargaining or the risk of paying triple the standard rate.

Tashkent is also a very clean and green city filled with Soviet, Islamic and modern-day architecture. It’s really not as conservative as you might think and I was even surprised to see young women walking around in cute little dresses.

This doesn’t mean you can start wearing tank tops and shorts that barely cover your bum but you also don’t need to cover yourself completely. 

Tashkent has many banks where you exchange your money for Uzbekistani Som (UZS). There are also ATMs in the city where you can withdraw Uzbekistani Soms or US Dollars.

The best time to visit Tashkent (and Uzbekistan) is during spring (April – May) and fall (October – November). The weather during those seasons is very pleasant and the temperatures are usually around 20°C (68°F). 

Summers in Tashkent (July-August) are dry and hot with average temperatures of 35°C (95°F). Once the sun has set though, it’s nice to walk around the parks and boulevards as this is the time when the city and its inhabitants come to life. 

Winter in Tashkent can also be a nice time if you want to see the city covered in snow. The average temperature during the winter is usually around 5°C (41°F).

Uzbekistan Travel Guide: 18 u s e f u l t h ings you need to know before you go

Discover the mystical Silk Road cities and travel along the ancient caravan trails in the mountains and desert of Uzbekistan during the 14-day H i g h l i g h t s o f Uzbekistan Adventure Tour !

Is Tashkent safe for tourists?

The capital of Uzbekistan is very safe for travelers and it has even become safer now that the government introduced a ‘tourist police’. You’ll find their boots in every tourist destination in Uzbekistan.

So in case you’d ever feel uncomfortable or in danger – which I highly doubt – just go to one of those touristic police stands and they will help you.

When I traveled for the first time to Tashkent in 2017, I was a bit worried about my safety. 

I was a woman traveling alone, I didn’t know many people who had been there before, and the country was a bit of a mystery to me.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or not, you shouldn’t worry too much about your safety in Uzbekistan and in Tashkent.

The Uzbeks are very friendly and have no bad intentions whatsoever. If they see you’re lost or you’re in need of help, they’ll kindly approach you and offer you their help.

When I traveled for the second time to Tashkent with my friend, we had a bit of an awkward situation in the metro.

A group of young guys surrounded us and our first instinct was to walk away as we thought they might want to rob us. But they were students and just wanted to have a chat so they could practice their English with us!

There might be cases of petty crime such as pickpockets, especially in crowded places and in the bazaars of Tashkent, but they don’t happen often. Just always keep your valuables in a safe place, no matter where you are in the world.

Is Uzbekistan safe? 1 4 useful safety tips

What I recommend to avoid being pickpocketed is to always keep your wallet in your front pocket or carry a money belt . Another great option is to travel with a slash-resistant and lockable anti-theft bag .

I would also recommend getting good travel insurance that covers theft .

The 3 most budget-friendly travel insurance companies compared!

Need Travel Insurance for Central Asia ? I use and highly recommend HeyMondo Travel Insurance . As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount off your insurance plan!

15 places to visit and top things to do in Tashkent in one day

While Tashkent is a nice place to relax and do some sightseeing for a couple of days, you might not have much time on your trip around the country.

That’s why I made a 1-day itinerary for Tashkent so that even if you only have one day to spare in Uzbekistan’s capital city, you won’t miss out on the highlights and main tourist attractions in Tashkent. I would also recommend going on a guided city tour in Tashkent as you’ll learn so much more about the history and importance of Uzbekistan’s capital.

If you follow the map below, you’ll have an enjoyable time and you’ll also find out what Tashkent is famous for!

Tashkent Tourist Places – Map

I marked the places and attractions on the map below. You can open this map on your phone and also quickly find your way to and from the nearest metro stations.

1. See the world’s oldest Koran at the Hazrat Imam Complex

The Hazrat Imam Complex , also known as the Hast-Imam Ensemble or Khast Imam, is the religious heart of Tashkent. It’s the perfect place to start your Tashkent sightseeing trip.

While you walk around the complex, you’ll see some beautiful architectural monuments, such as the Barak Khan Madrasah, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi. 

They are a nice introduction to the impressive Islamic architecture that you’ll find in other Uzbek cities like Bukhara . You can freely enter the courtyard of the Barak Khan Madrasah.

Barak Khan Madrasah

Hazrat Imam is also home to the Muyi Mubarak Library, a library with oriental manuscripts and the Uthman Koran, which is claimed to be the world’s oldest Koran. The entrance fee to visit this library is  30,000 UZS (around €3/ US$3). 

How to get to Hazrat Imam Complex

Get out at the Gafur Gulom Metro Station . Follow Abdulla Qodiriy Street to the left and turn into Qorasaroy Street (see map).

The Hazrat Imam Complex is a 10-minute walk from the metro station and on your way there, you’ll get a glimpse of the old town of Tashkent. 

2. Shop at Chorsu Bazaar

The Chorsu Bazaar is Uzbekistan’s largest market where locals can buy anything from raw food products, fresh fruits and veggies, honey and spices to clothing, jewelry, beauty products and more. You can find everything here!

The central part of the bazaar is covered by an impressive blue dome but you’ll also find many outdoor food, textile and household stalls in the surrounding streets and alleys. It seems like this market just goes on forever!

Even if you don’t want to buy anything, the Chorsu Bazaar is an ideal place to do some people-watching and observe the cultural blend Tashkent is famous for. 

How to get to Chorsu Bazaar

The moment you walk out of Chorsu metro station , you’ll be in the midst of bread and cheap Chinese products stalls. You’ll also quickly see the blue dome.

If you’re coming from the Hazrat Imam Complex, walk back to Abdulla Qodiriy Street and go right at the intersection. Follow the road towards Zakaynar Street (see Tashkent Tourist Places map above).

It’s about 15 minutes walking from Hazrat Imam to the Chorsu Bazaar.

3. Visit the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Dzuma Mosque

The Kukeldash Madrasah is the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical places in Tashkent.

While Kukeldash is not as impressive as the three madrasahs surrounding Registan Square in Samarkand , the building still is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture and worth a quick visit.

Kukeldash was originally an educational institution (madrasah means ‘school’ or ‘college’ for Islamic education) but over the centuries the building has been used as a caravanserai for merchants, a fortress of the Kokand rulers and even as a place of execution.

The Madrasah survived several earthquakes and has repeatedly been repaired and restored. Today Kukeldash functions again as a spiritual institution.

You can enter the courtyard of the madrasah where you’ll find a small wood carving workshop. The entrance fee to the courtyard is 10000 UZS .

The Dzuma Mosque is right next to the Kukeldash Madrasah and worth a quick stop to admire the architecture.

How to get to Kukeldash Madrasah and Dzuma Mosque

Kukeldash Madrasah and Dzuma Mosque are right outside the Chorsu Bazaar and the Chorsu Metro . Just walk between the outdoor stalls in the direction of Beruniy Street (see the Tashkent Tourist Places Map above). 

4. Admire the Minor Mosque

Minor Mosque is a striking new mosque in Tashkent. It was built in 2014 on the banks of the Ankhor Canal.

Locals call it the “Snow Mosque” because it’s completely made of white marble. It’s particularly beautiful when the sun rays hit its walls, making the mosque sparkle and shine. 

How to get to Minor Mosque

Take the metro (at Chorsu metro station if you’re following this itinerary) and get out at Bodomzor Station . Walk along Amir Temur Avenue until you reach the intersection with Kichik Halqa Ring Road.

Turn right and keep walking along Little Ring Road until you reach Minor Mosque. It’s about 15 minutes walking from Bodomzor metro station.

Top Things to do in Samarkand – Samarkand City Guide

5. Climb the Tashkent TV Tower

The Tashkent Tower is at its 375 meters, the 11th tallest tower in the world. You can take the elevator to the 6th floor and enjoy the panoramic views over the city from the observation deck.

There’s also a restaurant on the 7th floor where you can have a beer and/or enjoy a meal at a reasonable price. 

The entrance fee to go to the observation deck is  40,000 UZS . You’ll also need your passport to go up the tower. The Tashkent Tower is open daily from 10 am until 8 pm. 

It could be a nice spot to return in the evening and see how the sun sets over the city’s skyline.

How to get to Tashkent TV Tower

Get out at  Bodomzor Station   and walk along Amir Timur Avenue in the direction of “Tashkent Land”. The Tashkent TV Tower is a 5-minute walk from the metro station.

6. Visit the Memorial to the Victims of Repression and the surrounding park

  I really enjoyed spending some time near the Memorial to the Victims of Repression and the park surrounding it.

The memorial itself is a large gazebo-shaped structure with a blue dome.

The museum of the Victims of Political Repression is also a beautiful building but the story behind it is a bit sad.

The museum is dedicated to the people who fought for the independence of Uzbekistan during the Soviet Union time and who were killed by the government. Inside you can find photographs, documents and personal belongings of those killed.

If this sounds a bit too heavy, just stroll around the complex and enjoy the peace and quiet of the park near the river bank.

How to get to the Memorial to the Victims of Repression

The museum and Memorial to the Victims of Repression are across the Tashkent TV Tower. You have to cross Amir Timur Avenue to reach it.

7. Have lunch at Besh Qalan, the Central Asian Plov Center

Plov is the most famous Central Asian dish. This traditional Uzbek dish consists of rice fried with raisins, carrots, and spices with meat on top of it. It’s usually cooked in lamb fat and served with pieces of lamb meat. 

You can find this dish anywhere in Uzbekistan and Central Asia but Besh Qozon claims to have the best Plov of the whole region.

What is really cool about this Plov Center is that you can see how the plov is made in huge pots that can serve hundreds of people!

Eating plov at the Central Asian Plov Center is an activity you can’t skip while in Tashkent!

For about 25000 UZS ($2.50) you get a big bowl of plov, freshly baked bread, pickled veggies, and lemon tea. Keep in mind that the Plov center closes at 2 pm . 

How to get to the Central Asian Plov Center

The Central Asian Plov Center is located across the Memorial to the Victims of Repression and next to the Tashkent TV Tower. The nearest metro station is  Bodomzor .

8. Ride the metro

Another top thing to do in Tashkent is to ride its metro. It’s the perfect activity to do in the early afternoon during the summer when it’s scorching hot outside as the metro has air conditioning. 

Tashkent has some of the most beautiful metro stations in the world! Visiting Tashkent’s subway was one of the most memorable highlights of my time in the city!

Almost every metro station in Tashkent is fascinating. They all have their own unique architectural features and artistic elements.

The 1 3 m o s t b e a u t i f u l m e t r o s t a t i o n s i n T a s h k e n t

9. Leaf through some books at the Book Bazaar 

If you love books and old magazines, you might enjoy this small Book Bazaar. 

We stayed in an Airbnb next to the park where this bazaar is located so we stumbled upon it by chance.

The Book Bazaar has little bookstalls lined up along a pedestrian street in a nice green park.

Most books are only in Russian but it’s quite fun to leaf through the books and find some old-school English books as well.

At one side of the bookstalls, you’ll also find some souvenir stalls and people selling antique items. 

On the other side of the book bazaar, you’ll pass some ice-cream shops and little dining places selling Uzbek and western food. 

How to get to the Book Bazaar

Get out at the  Kosmonavtlar metro station . This is a metro station you really can’t miss when visiting Tashkent! 

Cross the intersection of Afrosiyob and Mirabad Street and walk towards the park. That’s where you’ll find the book bazaar. 

10. Learn about Uzbekistan’s history in the State Museum of History

If you want to learn a bit more about Uzbekistan’s history, then the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan is the place to be.

This museum has 2 floors with a range of exhibits showing the history of Uzbekistan over the past 2500 years. 

The entrance fee is  10000 UZS, 25000 UZS  if you want to take photos (not really worth it in my opinion) and you can get an English-speaking guide for  8000 UZS  (this is worth it if you want to learn more).

The museum is open daily, except on Mondays, from 10 am until 6 pm. 

If you’re not really into musea, it’s worth passing there anyways as the architecture of the museum is quite interesting to see.

It’s built in the form of a cube, blending a Soviet approach with oriental decorative patterns. This Soviet-Modernism architecture can also be found back in other places in Central Asia. 

How to get to the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan

The nearest metro station is  Mustakilik Maydoni , one of the most beautiful metro stations in Tashkent!

If you’re following this itinerary, it’s a 7-minute walk from the Book Bazaar to the museum. You’ll pass the beautiful Alisher Navoi Opera on the way. 

If you want to see a performance in the opera building, you can check the program at the small ticket office outside the building. I didn’t go inside the opera building but I’ve heard it’s quite grandiose. 

Top Things to do in Bukhara – Bukhara City Guide

11. Watch the stunning fountains and monuments at Independence Square

Independence Square , also known as Memorial Square, is a popular gathering place for the residents of Tashkent. It’s located right in the center of Tashkent. 

This square used to be known as Lenin Square during the Soviet Union but upon declaration of independence in 1991, it was re-named Mustakillik Maydoni, which translates to Independence Square in English.

It’s used for large gatherings and performances on festive days, like Uzbekistan Independence Day (1st of September) and New Year (1st of January). 

Independence Square has some of the most beautiful fountains of the city and a number of significant monuments.

Among them, 16 marble columns joined by a bridge and sculptures of storks on top of it that symbolize peace, the Independence Monument itself and a statue of a woman holding a baby, the symbol of Motherland. 

How to get to Independence Square:

Mustakilik Maydoni   metro station is right at Independence Square. It’s a stunning metro you definitely have to see!

If you’re coming from the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, just keep walking down the road. Independence Square is just a 5-minute walk from the museum.

12. Go for a stroll around Amir Timur Square

Amir Temur, also known as Tamerlane, is Uzbekistan’s national hero and the most famous Central Asian conqueror.

You’ll hear his name very often in Uzbekistan, especially in  Samarkand   as this city was the center of his Temurid Empire. 

The Amir Temur Square is a little park and ideal for an afternoon stroll or to take a break from all your sightseeing in Tashkent. 

The highlight of the square is the 7-meters high statue of Amir Temur on his horse, which is a popular spot for the locals to take photos and selfies. 

How to get to Amir Timur Square:

Get out at  Amir Temur   metro station. 

If you’re following this itinerary, you can make the pleasant 7-minute walk from Independence Square to Amir Temur square along Sailkogh Street (see #15 below). 

Travel Guide to Sharisabz and 6 more great day trips from Samarkand

13. Have a beer at Hotel Uzbekistan

Hotel Uzbekistan is one of the most iconic sights of Tashkent. It’s a must-see place in Tashkent if you like Soviet architecture.

The inside of the hotel isn’t really spectacular but you can walk in and go to the bar on the 17th floor for a beer and a good view of the city.  Tip: Go there for sunset!

How to get to Hotel Uzbekistan

Hotel Uzbekistan is behind the Amir Timur statue so get out at Amir Temur metro station. The hotel is so massive that you can’t miss it. 

14.  Visit Amir Temur Museum

As I’ve mentioned already above, Amir Temur is the national hero of Uzbekistan and this museum is dedicated to him.

The architecture of the building is quite photogenic. The inside of the museum is also very beautiful with its golden-domed ceiling.

The entrance fee to visit the Amir Temur Museum is 16000 UZS  ( 30000 UZS  if you want to take photos).  You’ll find some paintings and belongings of Amir Temur, as well as a copy of the Qoran and small-scale models of the most important mosques of Uzbekistan.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am until 5 pm. It’s closed on Mondays.

How to get to Amir Timur Museum

The Amir Timur Museum is located next to Amir Timur Square. Get out at  Amir Temur metro station.

15. Enjoy the evening on Broadway Boulevard (Sailkogh Street)

Sailkogh Street is a pedestrian street that unites the two most important squares of Tashkent: Amir Temur Square and Independence Square. 

The street is known as Broadway Boulevard is a very popular place for the locals to enjoy time with their friends and families.

You can find all kinds of food, souvenir, and art stalls on this boulevard, along with street artists and carnival games for kids. 

It’s particularly nice to walk there during the early evening when Broadway Boulevard is illuminated by all kinds of lights. 

How to get to Broadway Boulevard

You can get out at Amir Temur metro station   and walk from Amir Temur Square or the museum to the boulevard.

You can also get out at Mustakillik Maydoni metro station  and walk along Broadway Boulevard after you’ve visited Independence Square.

Tashkent City Tours and Experiences

There are several guided city (walking) tours you can do in Tashkent. I often like taking a guided tour around a city as it allows me to learn more about the local culture and the history of a destination.

Tashkent is also on the itinerary of my Uzbekistan Adventure Tours .

Here are a couple of city tours in Tashkent I recommend:

Uzbekistan itineraries: 1 to 4 weeks in Uzbekistan

Where to eat in Tashkent – Tashkent Restaurants

Tashkent is a big city so the restaurant options are practically endless. There’s a wide selection of restaurants that can satisfy travelers with different budgets.

Whether you want a traditional restaurant where you can try some Uzbek Plov or you’re craving some western food, you’ll find plenty of savory options in Tashkent.

Here are the restaurants I suggest:

1.Besh Qozon

This is the place you don’t want to miss in the capital of Uzbekistan. Eating at Besh Qozon is one of the top things to do while in Tashkent (see above). 

This restaurant is a bit outside of the city center but believe me, eating there is absolutely worth it! If you arrive there a bit before noon, you’ll witness hundreds of kilograms of rice being cooked right in front of you.

The ambiance of this place is fantastic. When you’ll walk in, you’ll see men stirring the rice in a giant pot. It’s mainly locals who eat there. This is great because the best way to capture the spirit of Tashkent is to eat where the locals do.

The plov served here is delicious and it only costs 25000 UZS (around $2.50) for a big bowl of plov. You’ll find the Central Asian Plov Center in Tashkent near the metro station of  Bodomzor . 

2. National Food

National Food is one of Tashkent’s best restaurants. You’ll get a wonderful culinary experience of Uzbekistan’s cuisine and the restaurant is set in a traditional Uzbekistan decor that offers a warm and welcoming ambiance. National Food is located at walking distance from Gafur Gulom Metro Station .

Caravan is another great budget-friendly Tashkent restaurant that offers delicious traditional food, rustic decor, and live music. It’s located in a small suburb, about 30 minutes walking from Tashkent Metro (best would be to take a taxi to get there). They have great manti (Central Asian dumplings ), salads, and Uzbek wine. Caravan has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Afsona is a modern Uzbek restaurant with a terrace, located near Ming O’rik metro station . The budget-friendly menu offers traditional Uzbek dishes such as plov, somosa, manty and dolma, as well as vegetarian options. There’s often some live music so it’s a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Uzbekistan Budget Guide: How much does it cost to travel in Uzbekistan?

Where to stay in Tashkent?

Tashkent offers a wide choice of hostels for budget travelers to top-end hotels for those who enjoy that extra bit of luxury. I also stayed a couple of times at an Airbnb in Tashkent.

1. Budget Hostels (less than $20 per person)

• Topchan Hostel

Topchan hostel’s location is ideal if you’re traveling by yourself and visiting Tashkent for the day. It’s at a 30-minutes walking distance from the railway station to start (or finish) your travels in Uzbekistan. See the rates and availability for “Topchan Hostel”

• Light Hostel

This is another hostel conveniently located in Tashkent. It’s about 40-minutes walking from the train station and a 20-minute walk from Oybek metro station, from where you can easily travel to Tashkent’s city center. See the rates and availability for “Light Hostel”

• Jules Verne Hostel

Jules Verne is a lovely hostel located near the Minor Mosque in Tashkent. You don’t have to go far to get to a metro station or walk to the city center of Tashkent. Click to check out rates and availability for “Jules Verne Hostel”

2. Mid-range (between $20 and $50 per night)

• Leader Hotel

I stayed at the Leader hotel while hiking in Uzbekistan and it was my base across the trip. It has beautiful rooms (one of mine had a *chandelier*), hot showers, great food, and excellent service. The rooms average around $50 per night.  Check out rates and availability for “Leader Hotel”

• Great Trip Mini-Hotel

Great Trip Mini-Hotel offers comfortable rooms with a shared lounge, free private parking and a garden. It’s located in a quiet residential area close to the Tashkent TV-Tower and Japanse Garden and other places of interest in Tashkent. See rates and availability for “Great Trip Mini-Hotel”

• Hotel Suzuk-Ota

Hotel Suzuk-Ota is a highly-rated hotel in the center of Tashkent. It offers clean and nice rooms, a shared lounge and a garden and is located in a park next to the Suzuk Ota Mosque, at walking distance from a mall and many restaurants. The closest metro stations are Chorsu and Bunyodkor. Click to check out rates and availability for “Hotel Suzuk-Ota”

3. High-end (+ $50 per night)

• Hyatt Regency Hotel

If you like to splurge a bit, you can stay at the  Hyatt Regency Hotel   with its stunning rooms, indoor swimming pool and a restaurant on the 7th floor. Check out rates and availability for “Hyatt Regency Hotel”

• Ichan Qal’a Hotel

Another stunning luxurious hotel we’d recommend is the Ichan Qal’a Hotel. This hotel doesn’t only offer beautifully decorated rooms but also an indoor fitness center and swimming pool.  See rates and availability for “Ichan Qal’a Hotel”

6 Best Places to visit in the Fergana Valley – The Complete Travel Guide

My Tashkent photography gear

This is the gear I used to capture Tashkent. You can also see my article on photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers for more information.

• Camera: Panasonic LUMIX DC-90
• Main lens: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6
• Wide-angle lens : Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0
• Prime lens: Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7
• Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod (Hybrid Head)

How to get to Tashkent?

Tashkent is very well connected by train with other Uzbek cities such as Bukhara , Khiva or Samarkand .

It’s a city that is also very easy to reach from Almaty in Kazakhstan or from Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan .

1. How to get from Tashkent airport to the city center

It’s a 30-minute drive to get from the airport to the city center of Tashkent by taxi.

As soon as you exit the airport, you’ll be greeted by eager taxi drivers who are happy to bring you to the city center of Tashkent for 50.000 UZS.

This is the same rate as the “official” taxi office in the airport, which doesn’t make sense as the standard price for a taxi from the airport to the city center of Tashkent is between 20.000 and 25.000 UZS (around US$2 – US$3).

This means you’ll have to negotiate the price with the driver and you might not feel like playing the bargaining game after a long flight. So here’s a good tip.

When you exit the airport, ignore the taxi drivers who are standing at the gate. Walk to the left towards the parking lot across ‘Departures’. There you’ll find taxi drivers who just drove travelers from the city center to the airport.

They’ll be happy to quickly return to the city center and therefore are a lot easier to negotiate with. Offer the driver 20.000 UZS, max 25.000 UZS.

Show him the money and tell him to take it or leave it. He’ll probably try to ask for more but as soon as you start walking towards another taxi, he’ll very likely take it…

Another way is to install the Yandex Taxi app on your phone. You can easily order a taxi through the app and it shows you how much you have to pay upfront.

2. How to get to Tashkent from Almaty by public transport

It’s possible to travel from Almaty to Tashkent by bus and by train. Although the bus and train rides can take a long time (13 and 16 hours respectively), it’s a very relaxing journey.

It’s definitely a good option to travel this way if you’re on a budget and/or if you have plenty of time to spare.

How to get from Almaty to Tashkent by bus or by train. 

3. How to get to Tashkent from Bishkek by public transport?

There is now a bus line connecting Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan with Tashkent in Uzbekistan.

Traveling between the two cities by bus takes about 8 to 13 hours depending on how long it takes to cross the borders and this bus runs at night.

How to get from Bishke k to Tashkent by bus. 

4. How to get to Tashkent from Bukhara by public transport?

Getting from Bukhara to the Uzbek capital is very easy. There is a high-speed train that connects the two cities as well as a standard train. It’s also possible to take a night train towards Tashkent. It leaves Bukhara at 10:30 PM and arrives in Tashkent around 6:30 AM.

Traveling between the two cities by bus is also super convenient.

Getting from Bukhara to Tashkent by train

Bukhara’s train station is about twenty minutes by taxi from the old town. It’s located in the newer part of Bukhara called Kogon.

You can reach it from the old city center by taxi for 20000 som. Taxi drivers tend to overcharge tourists but you shouldn’t pay more than this.

You’ll need your passport to buy a train ticket. The train station is usually very crowded with people so it’s preferable to arrive there early in the day.

You can book your tickets online on the official Uzbek Railways website . It also shows you the train schedules. Read my Uzbekistan Railways Guide with all the information on how to take trains in Uzbekistan and how to order tickets online.

In Tashkent, you will arrive at the Northern train station. It’s right next to a metro station so it’s easy to reach the city center from the station. You can also reach the city center of Tashkent from the station for 16000 som.

It’s possible to take a bus from Bukhara to Tashkent from the northern bus station on Gijduvon street, north of town.

How to get from Bukhara to Tashkent by bus?

Reaching Tashkent from Bukhara by bus takes around 8 hours and costs around 60000 som. You can buy your ticket directly at the bus station or through the official website where you can also check the bus schedules.

5. How to get to Tashkent from Khiva by public transport?

How to get from khiva to tashkent by train.

It’s possible to take trains from Khiva to Tashkent. There are currently 2 trains a day connecting Tashkent and Khiva and the journey takes around 16 hours.

I hope this guide was useful and that you’ll have a great time in Tashkent.

If you have any questions or updates about Tashkent, let me and other readers know in the comments below!

Related posts

• Tashkent City Guide
• Samarkand City Guide
• Shahrisabz City Guide
• Bukhara City Guide
• Khiva City Guide
• Fergana Valley Guide
• Karakalpakstan Guide

The best way to get from Tashkent to Osh and from Osh to Tashkent, crossing the Dostyk border (Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan)

The Best Uzbekistan Itinerary ideas: What to Visit in one week in Uzbekistan up to 4 weeks?

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Hiking in Uzbekistan –  6 best Hiking Trails in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan

12 thoughts on “the 15 best things to do in tashkent uzbekistan – tashkent city guide”.

hello Cynthia, what an incredible journey you’re sharing with us! Your adventures in Uzbekistan are truly captivating. I’ve been planning my own trip there next month, and your vlogs have only heightened my excitement and really a great help for me. Your insights into the culture, the food, and the breathtaking landscapes are invaluable for someone like me who’s about to embark on a similar adventure. Thank you for taking us along with you on this unforgettable expedition!”

Hello Eloisa, thank you so much for your kind words, it means a lot!! Wishing you a fantastic time in Uzbekistan!

Enjoyed reading your page and learning about you, Cynthia. We are planning a 5-day trip to Tashkent and Samarkand in November. Will let you know abour our experiences there.

Have a great time Suresh and always happy to hear more about your experiences!

Is the Central Asian Plov Center will be opened during Ramadan? I will be visiting Uzbekistan next month, and my visit to Tashkent still falls during Ramadan.

The Plov Center should be open as Ramadan isn’t as strictly followed in Uzbekistan as in other countries. Have a great trip!

Very help full information, currently planning a backpacking budget tour to Kazahstan & Usbekistan. Your detail information will definitely help me a lot, thanks.

Hi Jayshree, I’m very happy to hear that my travel guides are helping you! When are you planning to travel to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan?

Dag Cynthia Vermits jij in België woont veronderstel ik dat je Nederlands spreekt…indien niet dan zal ik de mail opnieuw sturen maar dan in ‘t Engels. Ik ga op m’n eentje van 9-26 oktober naar Uzbekistan. De route ligt vast. Maar ik zou je advies knn gebruiken ivm kiezen tussen een dag meer in Tashkent (1 dag of 2 dagen) ipv Khiva (2 ipv 3 dagen) . Het verschil is een ochtendvlucht in Tashkent (7.25u dus vroeg uit de veren) of een avondvlucht om 19.00u. Super dankje voor je advies en de prachtige foto’s !!. Fijne, zonnige groetjes uit Boechout. Peggy.

Nu begrijp ik wat je in je mailtje bedoelde 😀 Ik had je reactie hier nog niet gezien! Je hebt vermeld dat je intussen al je beslissing hebt gemaakt. Eigenlijk kan je alles in Khiva in 2 dagen bezichtigen, tenzij je nog een daguitstap vanuit Khiva naar de woestijn wil maken.

Groetjes! Cynthia

It is nice journey to know about Uzbekistan

I’m happy you enjoyed the post!

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16 EPIC Things to Do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From exploring imposing Soviet Architecture to marvelling at gorgeous mosques and museums, here’s our list of the best things to do in Tashkent.

The biggest city in Central Asia has never received much love from the travelling community.

Articles on Uzbekistan tend to focus on the countries’ big hitters and more well-known destinations like Samarkand , Bukhara or the fabled Aral Sea.

Even when compared to other Central Asia cities, Tashkent is usually trailing behind the regions big hitters; Ashgabat and Astana.

Most travellers blast through on their way in or out of Uzbekistan and this really is a crying shame.

However, as tourism to the region increases, this is slowly starting to change. Tashkent is starting to show itself as a fascinating destination in its own right.

Tourism is really starting to take off in the Uzbek capital and travellers are starting to take advantage of Tashkent’s awesome tourist spots.

It is a city brimming with culture, architecture, history and good food.

Whilst having all of the Uzbek and Central Asian staples, if you need a break from plov, manti and shashlik then this is the place!

READ MORE: Check out our epic Uzbekistan travel guide to make the most of your trip here!

Table of Contents

Tashkent Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do in Tashkent, here’s my mini travel guide to the city to help you plan the rest of your trip.

Transport in Tashkent

Getting to Tashkent and around the city has never been easier. Here’s my guide to help you plan your next trip.

Most people enter Tashkent at the city’s international airport. In the past there were strict limits on how much cash you could bring into the country.

However the restrictions have been lifted somewhat, but you need to declare if you are bringing in between $2000 and $5000.

Anything over $5000 requires the completion of another form at the airport.

The most convenient way of getting to and from the airport is by taxi. When you exit the airport you will be harassed by taxi drivers charging extortionate prices.

Ignore them and keep walking. The further away you get from the entrance the cheaper the prices will get.

We stayed around Kosmonavtlar subway station and paid $2 (16,000 som) from the airport.

Alternatively you may arrive in Tashkent by train. Again, taxi’s are the best way to get to and from the station. From the station to Kosmonavtlar it cost us $2 (16,000 som).

Tashkent is serviced by two train stations handling both high speed and slow trains travelling from all over Uzbekistan.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or from ticket offices in the city centre.

However the chances of encountering an English speaker at these ticket offices is slim.

If you come across the border from Kazakhstan you will need to get a taxi into Tashkent itself which should cost around $5.

However do be warned that this border with Kazakhstan is extremely chaotic and as a result it can take a few hours to get through.

Tashkent’s metro is famous for its extravagant designs, although not quite at the level of Moscow or St Petersburg there is some fantastic artwork on display. Aside from that, it’s taxis or marshrutka.

In Uzbekistan, every car is a potential taxi. Stand on the side of the street and try and flag one down and you will probably get a regular car before you get a taxi.

When we hopped into regular cars we never felt unsafe or ill at ease. However if this isn’t for then just get a regular taxi.

Expect journeys within the city centre to be between $1-2 (8000-16000 som).

Generally the months to avoid are June, July and August when Tashkent and Uzbekistan swelter under the desert heat.

Spring and Autumn are excellent times to visit.

In the past the only way to get local currency was through the bank or black market. Uzbek som was traded for dollars by any international visitor, due to the lack of ATM’s.

However the bank rate was much worse than the black market rate. This is because the bank rates were fixed by the government and the black market rates reflected the actual value of the som against the dollar.

Banks set $1 at being worth 4210 som, on the black market it was worth around 8,000 som.

You were better off changing money with some shady looking characters round the back of the Chorsu bazaar than going into a bank.

However in 2017 this all changed. The government abandoned the fixed rates and the black market and bank rates were the same.

In addition the government introduced 10,000 and 50,000 som bills, although the 50,000 som bills are not that common yet.

Prior to this the only notes available were 1000 som.

This gave Uzbeks the reputation of being the worlds fastest money counters, certainly something we are no position to disagree with after seeing them in action.

Nowadays you don’t need to bring all of you money in with you, but ATMs are not widespread, may not work and there can be issues with them accepting foreign cards.

Therefore it’s still probably a good idea to bring most of your cash with you. In Tashkent you shouldn’t have too many issues finding an ATM, but elsewhere is much trickier.

Another piece of good news is that a number of major currencies are now accepted by all Uzbek banks: US Dollars, Euros, Pound Sterling, Japanese Yen and increasing the Chinese Renminbi.

When changing money you will need to bring you passport and you money needs to be crisp and clean. They will not accept ripped or old notes.

You can change som back, usually into dollars as that’s the currency most banks hold.

However do this in Uzbekistan as it’s a nightmare to do it outside of the country.

Accommodation – Where to Stay in Tashkent

Being the largest city in Central Asia, there are certainly plenty of accommodation options in Tashkent ranging to cheap and cheerful dorms to luxury suites.

The nearer you are to a subway station the easier life will be. We stayed a two different places during our time in Tashkent – Anvar’s Guests and Top Chan.

We felt Topchan was too far away from everything for us. Anvars on the other hand was just a 15 minute walk to Kosmonavtlar station.

This is probably the most popular hostel in Tashkent. With wifi and free breakfast as well as a variety of private and shared rooms this could suit couples and solo travellers.

However bathrooms are shared so it may not be for everyone. It even has a pool, perfect for escaping the Uzbek summer. Additionally staff are friendly and can offer plenty of helpful advice where necessary.

This excellent guesthouse is something of a stalwart on the Tashkent travel scene.

Offering decent rooms and free breakfast it’s also close to the subway as well as numerous restaurants and shops.

There’s also an excellent cafe just opposite serving great coffee and cakes. The rooms do need a little bit of TLC in places and the bathrooms are a bit on the small side.

However for price and private bathrooms this is an excellent option.

Anvar himself is full of helpful advice and information and speaks flawless English alongside Uzbek and Russian. He was able to recommend taxi drivers, restaurants and the best place to pick up a cheap sim card.

Located near the Minor Mosque this hotel has large rooms and free breakfast.

The wifi connection is quick and reliable and being located up here means that it’s in one of the more secluded accommodation options in Tashkent.

Luxury hotels in Central Asia usually run into the issue of not being up to international standards.

There are a number of luxury options in Tashkent however this issue is a consistent area of complaint.

However Sharq hotel seems to be one of the few that has overcome this. It has everything you would expect form a luxury hotel; large rooms, great food and a pool. This really is a superb luxury option in Tashkent.

For great Uzbek food, you can’t go wrong with checking out some of the stands at the Chorsu bazaar. The plov and shashlik are both excellent.

Do check the price before ordering as you may end up with a bigger bill than you anticipated.

Most small hole in the wall restaurants offer good cheap eats, so if you’re watching the pennies these are excellent options.

You won’t find too many of these in the city centre, however.

One thing that sets Tashkent apart from other cities and towns in Central Asia is the variety of cuisine.

As good as plov, manti, lagman and shashlik are, you will at some point crave something different.

Tashkent can provide this in oodles, but it is more expensive than local cuisine.

The excellently named Jumanji has a huge menu offering local, European and Asian cuisine. Functioning as both a bar and restaurant it usually has live music as well.

However our favourite non-Uzbek eatery was an excellent Korean restaurant located on the corner of Vosit Vokhidov Street and Shota Rustaveli Street, just east of the Mir Hotel.

The dishes are certainly not cheap, but taste wise it is exactly what you would get if you walked into a restaurant in Seoul.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The Perfect Uzbekistan Itinerary (2024 Guide)

The 25 best things to do in uzbekistan [2024 edition].

The 14 BEST Places to Visit in Uzbekistan [2024 Guide]

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14 best things to do in khiva, uzbekistan [2024], 19 awesome things to do in bukhara, uzbekistan [2024], 1 thought on “16 epic things to do in tashkent, uzbekistan (2024 guide)”.

You don’t say exactly where are the mosaics nor posted any pictures. I walked that road you mentioned and could not see anything to be honest…

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10 Top places to visit in Tashkent – A complete guide

By Joan Torres 9 Comments Last updated on April 9, 2024

Overlooked by most travelers in favor of the stunning Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a city filled with Islamic and Soviet architecture, home to more than 4 million people, making it the largest city in Central Asia.

With extremely wide avenues and plenty of modern restaurants and posh buildings, the surprisingly clean and fancy Tashkent is, definitely, quite different from the idea you have of a Central Asian city.

Tashkent is the cultural and economic center of Uzbekistan and one of the wealthiest cities in Central Asia.

For some reason, many people believe that Tashkent is a pretty new city but, in fact, its history dates back to the 4th century B.C., as suggested by the evidence found at the  ruins of Kanka , an archaeological site located 80km from Tashkent.

Furthermore, Tashkent has been an important place in the region for millennia, benefiting from its highly strategic location, on the way to Bukhara, Samarkand, and China.

For this reason, over the years, the capital of Uzbekistan has been targeted, sacked and invaded by many groups and civilizations, including the Russian Tsars and, of course, the Soviet Union.

Spare a couple of days to pay Tashkent the visit it deserves and I am pretty sure that it won’t disappoint you. Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Tashkent plus a couple of accommodation suggestions and transportation tips.

Remember that, for practical information for traveling to Uzbekistan, including visas, transportation, etc, you should read: 75 Useful tips for traveling to Uzbekistan

In this Tashkent travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Things to do in Tashkent

Where to stay in Tashkent

• Transportation – How to move around Tashkent
• More Information

Travel insurance for Uzbekistan I recommend IATI Insurance : COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount Get your discount when buying through this link

Things to do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tashkent tourist places  – map.

Chorsu Bazar

If you have just arrived in Central Asia for the first time, you should go straight to Chorsu Bazar, one of the most important markets in Central Asia and a fascinating place to get a vague feeling of what the ancient Silk Road trade used to be.

The market has been going for centuries, but it was the Soviets who constructed and covered it with the blue-domed building. All the locals come to the bazaar, which means that this is also a great place to observe the ethnic and cultural blend Tashkent is famous for.

From all kinds of fruit and meat to underwear and handicrafts, here you can find absolutely anything you want. I strongly recommend you buy  kurut,  a Central Asian snack which consists of dried cheese balls.

They are eaten all across the region but, here, you will find one hundred types of kurut , filled with all kinds of herbs and other ingredients. Chorsu Bazar is one of the best things to do in Tashkent.

Read: Backpacking in Uzbekistan: 1 to 3-week itinerary

Hotel Uzbekistan

One of the things I love the most about traveling to ex-Soviet countries is visiting Soviet buildings. They are massive, old-fashioned and made of concrete.

In Tashkent, my favorite Soviet building would be, definitely, Hotel Uzbekistan, whose size won’t leave you indifferent. I believe that each window must be a room.

Can you get an idea of its dimensions?

Tashkent Metro

In 1966, a 7.5 Richter-scale earthquake destroyed a significant part of Tashkent, especially the old part of the city.

The capital had to be completely restored and, as a consequence, architects and planners from all over the Soviet Union came to Tashkent with the sole objective of building a new city which, not surprisingly, followed the classic Soviet city model, consisting of wide roads, concrete buildings and plenty of parks.

Among all the projects, the metro was, perhaps, one of the most ambitious as, following the already constructed metro of Moscow and Saint Petersburg, they wanted the Tashkent metro to also be an artistic masterpiece.

Built extremely deep in the ground, almost every station of the Tashkent Metro is absolutely gorgeous, all very different from each other.

From beautiful mosaics to massive, goldish-candelabras, we spent many hours just going up and down on the metro, while stopping at its many gorgeous stations.

Definitely, one of the top places to visit in Tashkent.

Weird statues

Some places in Tashkent are filled with very strange things that seem like a joke. From statues of animals that look like they were stoned to creepy characters and the weird couple from below, I seriously wonder if they are aimed at unhappy kids or the artist was just completely high.

One interesting place to see these things is the park next to Gafur Gulom station.

Central Asian Plov Center

Plov is, perhaps, the most famous dish in Central Asia. Consisting of rice fried in lamb fat, with raisins, carrots and different kinds of meat, Uzbekistan is the country where it is eaten most often.

The locals consider it a real delicacy and, actually, they eat it practically every day.

The Central Asian Plov Center in Tashkent is believed to serve the best plov in the region.

They cook it in massive pans ( kozon ), which can feed hundreds of people. After 5 months of traveling through Central Asia , I came to the conclusion that I seriously hate plov, but many travelers love it and you want to come here for the experience, not for the food.

A plov meal costs from 10,000UZS to 15,000UZS (1.20USD to 1.80USD). If you want to see the chefs in action, try to go there before 12pm.

Tashkent TV tower

Five minutes walking from the Plov Center, you find a 375-meter TV tower, the highest building in Central Asia.

You can actually visit it, but the observation deck is at only 96 meters, even though you get a pretty good panoramic view of Tashkent’s skyline.

Price for foreigners is 15USD but I heard from a traveler who managed to pay the local price, which is 36,000UZS (4.30USD).

However, bear in mind that you are not allowed to take any photos and, actually, they force you to leave your phone downstairs.

It’s not really one of the top things to see in Tashkent but, if you can afford it, it’s a nice way to pass 2 hours.

Read: A guide for traveling to Tajikistan

Hazrat Imam Complex

This is the official religious center in the city and, of course, one of the top Tashkent tourist attractions.

Composed of mosques with turquoise domes, not very different from the ones in Samarkand, Hazrat Imam Complex is the main reason to visit Tashkent and the place where you will understand why this Central Asian metropolis had been such an important place.

Among all the buildings, Muyi Mubarak Library is the most important, as it contains the world’s oldest Quran and a relic which is nothing less than a hair from Prophet Muhammad, or at least that’s what they claim.

Kulkedash Madrassa

From being an old Islamic school in the 16th century to a caravanserai two hundred years later, a fortress and a place where public executions were held, Kulkedash madrassa is one of the most historic buildings in town.

Earthquakes damaged it very badly but it was beautifully reconstructed in the middle of the 20th century.

Inside the madrassa you will find a colorful courtyard.

Entrance fee: 5,000UZS (60¢). Another of the top tourist places in Tashkent.

The food scene

After my long journey through Kyrgyzstan , traveling the Pamir Highway , trekking the Fann Mountains and a short visit to the Fergana Valley , when we arrived in Tashkent and saw the large list of restaurants, offering all kinds of food, our lives suddenly changed for the better.

From pretty good Italian restaurants to pubs serving international food and good seafood restaurants, we really appreciated having a break from lagman , manty , and shashlik .

Timur and Independence Squares

Containing the most important monuments and political and cultural buildings, Timur and Independence Squares are some of the most important landmarks in town. Strolling these two squares is pretty pleasant, as they are filled with greenery and fountains.

The top highlights would be the Uzbekistan Independence monument and a 7-meter bronze statue of Amir Timur.

Backpacker hostel – Top Chan Hostel – This is the hostel that can arrange the Letter of Invitation needed to get your visa for Uzbekistan . We only stayed here for one night because it then was fully booked. It has several dorms and rooms and the only bad thing I would say is that the common area consists of only a large table, without many places to sit. Breakfast is included and, for what a dorm costs, it’s actually fair.

Budget Hotel – Star Hotel – We stayed here for the rest of the time and it was great. For just 2 extra USD, we had a super clean 3-bedroom and the best shower facilities we had in months. The location is great, on a street which has all kind of bars and restaurants where young local people hang out. I would definitely come back here if I ever return to Tashkent.

Mid-range hotel – Hotel Uzbekistan – For a real Soviet Union experience, staying here must be pretty cool. Not much has changed since it was this Soviet building was inaugurated and guests absolutely love the old-fashioned style it has. However, the internet is very slow apparently and people complain that some of the furniture and facilities urge to be renewed.

Top-end –  Ichan Qal’a Hotel – One of the top-rated hotels in Tashkent, people love this place because of its beautiful oriental design, pretty old-fashion but with so much taste at the same time. It may be slightly far away from the main monuments, but they within a very short taxi ride.

How to move around Tashkent

Metro – Depending on where you go, the metro is a fast way to travel around town. Nevertheless, bear in mind that distances in Tashkent are huge and there might be several kilometers between stations. That’s why, depending on where you plan to go, it might be better to take a cab.

Taxi –  In Tashkent, everybody is a taxi driver. Local people just stand on the road, as if they were hitchhiking and someone random always stops, as most taxi drivers are private cars without a license. I moved around Tashkent quite a lot, as I had to collect a few visas and do some personal staff, so I moved quite everywhere around the city and all trips costs me between 5,000 and 12,000UZS (60¢ – 1.40USD).

Marshrutka – They run regularly to everywhere in the city but, seriously, unless you really know where you are going, given the low price of a taxi ride or a metro ticket, I would not take a marshrutka because you will be wasting your time.

More information for visiting Tashkent

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Uzbekistan destination

• Travel Guide to Fergana Valley
• Travel Guide to Moynaq
• Travel Guide to Uzbekistan
• Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border crossing
• Uzbekistan Itinerary

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An excellent article – thank you! We’re currently in Shymkent and are heading to Tashkent on Monday – will basically just follow your recommendations Have really enjoyed your other posts on Uzbekistan as well!

Cheers! Enjoy Uzbekistan 🙂 !

Currently staying in the Hotel Uzbekistan. This note is right about the HORRIBLE wi-fi! (hint – it is marginally better in the lobby, which has a different password, available at the desk.) Also no work table in the room – since I need to do some typing, I had to remove the TV from its small table and use that. But the bed is comfortabale, the water hot when required, the breakfast generous and varied. Not many places to eat visible from the hotel, and the coffee shopt is pretty limited. A good bet is a building behind the huge white marble block building across thes street from the hotel (built as an amazingy fancy speaking hall for the late president) – on the other side is a set of univeristy buildings, and one building has several restaurants and cafes. Search for the Book Cafe – which is itself quite nice, though probably not for a real meal – and just walk door to door to find something (incuding around the corner to the right of the Book Cafe).

Thanks for thr update! And yes, I remember about Book café. I went there to work for a few hours during my visit

Work while on a visit or Tourist visa is that acceptable because I did like to do same when I visit and least make some money spent back.

Hello Dear, Thank you for comprehensive information, it helped me a lot in my tour to Tashkent. Brova

Is really useful information , helped me a lot

Thanks publisher

Really useful information. I have recently been in Tashkent and want to mention one interesting place that I have discover, the local brands shop – Teplo Store (located near Oybek Metro, Nukus 31/2)

Very nice shop full of all the designers from Uzbekistan from clothes, scarfs, accessories to ceramics, home textile and etc. Staff is really nice and welcoming, recommend everyone to attend!

Their instagram and Facebook page: teplostore_2022

Thanks for the Reco!

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Sprawling Tashkent (Toshkent) is Central Asia’s hub and the place where everything in Uzbekistan happens. It's one part newly built national capital, thick with the institutions of power, one part leafy Soviet city, and yet another part quiet Uzbek town, where traditionally clad farmers cart their wares through a maze of mud-walled houses to the grinding crowds of the bazaar. Tashkent is a fascinating jumble of contradictions that's well worth exploring over several days.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan

The History Museum is a must-visit for anyone looking for a primer on the history of Turkestan from its earliest settlements 5000 years ago to the present…

Chorsu Bazaar

Tashkent’s most famous farmers market, topped by a giant green dome, is a delightful slice of city life spilling into the streets off the Old Town’s…

Museum of Applied Arts

The Museum of Applied Arts occupies an exquisite house full of bright ghanch (carved and painted plaster) and carved wood. It was built in the 1930s, at…

State Fine Arts Museum

The four floors of this excellent museum walk you through 1500 years of art in Uzbekistan, from 7th-century Buddhist relics from Kuva and the Greek…

Earthquake Memorial

The New Soviet men and women who rebuilt Tashkent after the 1966 earthquake are remembered in stone at the Earthquake Memorial just north of Mustaqilik…

Moyie Mubarek Library Museum

The primary attraction of Khast Imom square is this library museum, which houses the 7th-century Osman Quran (Uthman Quran), said to be the world’s oldest…

Minor Mosque

The striking new Minor Mosque, also known as the white mosque for the colour of its marble, is proof that Uzbekistan still knows how to create sublime…

Assumption Cathedral

It's impossible to miss the handsome gold onion domes, pastel blue walls and 50m bell tower of the impressive Assumption Cathedral. Built in 1958 and…

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16 Things To Do In Tashkent + Tashkent Travel Guide

Updated March 2024 ,   15 Things To Do In Tashkent + Tashkent Travel Guide was originally written in January 2020

Tashkent gets skipped over by many visitors to Uzbekistan for its more glamourous Silk Road cities of  Samarkand ,  Bukhara , and  Khiva , but Tashkent actually has quite a bit to offer. If you’re flying into the country, you’ll likely arrive in Tashkent, so why not allow for a couple of days to explore the Uzbek capital?

In this Tashkent travel guide, you’ll find everything to plan your Tashkent visit from the best things to do in Tashkent, where to stay,  Tashkent’s best restaurants , day trips, and more. For more ideas to help you plan the perfect trip to Uzbekistan, I recommend purchasing a copy of the Bradt Uzbekistan guidebook.

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The Best Time To Visit Tashkent

Start planning here: The  Uzbekistan Travel Guide

How Long To Visit Tashkent?

How long you choose to visit Tashkent, of course, will greatly depend on your interests. I’d say for most travelers two days is probably enough time to hit the highlights in Tashkent, though on my most recent visit to Tashkent in 2019 I had three days there and could have easily spent double that.

With that said I wanted to visit and photograph every Tashkent metro station (there’s 29) and see a number of sites (many were revisits), so much more than 2-3 days I think would be overkill for most travelers on limited time in Uzbekistan.

Like much the rest of Uzbekistan, it’s boiling hot in the summer and can be quite chilly in winters. The best months to visit Tashkent with the most comfortable weather are April, May, September, and October. Unfortunately, those months are the most popular for this reason so prices are a bit higher and good-priced and quality accommodations can book up fast.

Shoulder months such as March and November can be good months to opt for to get fewer crowds and a bit more of a bargain, though plan to bundle up, especially in the evenings.

Need help planning you itinerary? Check out my  two week Uzbekistan itinerary

Things To Do In Tashkent

Take A Ride On The Tashkent Metro

Tashkent Metro is among the most beautiful and ornately designed metro systems in the world. Starting in 2018 the Tashkent Metro was declassified as a military installation so photography is finally allowed in the Tashkent underground. So not only is the Tashkent Metro a cheap and fast way to zip between the sites on this list, but it’s also a sight to behold all itself (and thus making it pretty much my favorite things to do in Tashkent!).

Cost: 1,400 UZS per ride

The Tashkent Metro In Photos & Travel Guide

Mustaqillik Maydoni (Independence Square)

The square is a great place to plop down for a rest between sites in Tashkent and a great place to meet friendly locals. Situated around the square are the Senate Building, Romanov Palace, Crying Mother Monument, and the 1966 Earthquake Memorial.

Metro stop:  Mustaqillik Maydoni

Besh Qozon (formerly the Central Asian Plov Center)

Head over at about lunchtime to see the Plov Center in action, in the covered outdoor area, watch cooks fry up plov in front of a line of hungry onlookers armed with bowls from home and even trash bags to carry off plov to-go in.

Home to the world’s largest qazan, the metal pan plov is fried up in. Once your done drooling over plov being cooked up in front of you, head over to the dining hall where you can put in an order and enjoy a bowl of plov.

Metro stop:  Bodomzor or Shahriston

Tashkent? A foodie destination? Yes! Check out my  Best Restaurants in Tashkent Guide

Hotel Uzbekistan

The massive Hotel Uzbekistan is a Soviet fixture, looming over Amir Timur Square. Even if you’re not staying in the communist-era monstrosity, head in and have a drink at the Bar Vienna downstairs or grab dinner at the upstairs restaurant.

Metro stop:  Amir Timur Hiyobuni or Yunus Rajabiy

Khast Imam Complex, Abu Bakr Kaffal Shoshi Mausoleum, & Barak Khan Madrasa

Among my favorite things to do in Tashkent is visit the Khast Imom Complex, the official religious center of Tashkent that is comprised of the Hazrati Imom Mosque, Moyie Mubarek Library Museum, and the sprawling Khast Imom Square. Try to visit early to avoid the massive tour bus groups.

On the same grounds, you’ll also find the Abu Bakr Kaffal Shoshi Mausoleum dedicated to the Shaybanid era poet and scholar, and the souvenir-shop filled Barak Khan Madrasa. The Moyie Mubarek Library Museum houses (allegedly) the world’s oldest Uthman Quran, which dates back to the 7th century.

Metro stop:  Gafur Gulom

Want to see more grand Silk Road architecture? Check out the  Samarkand Travel Guide

Chorsu Bazaar

The frenetic and bustling core of Chorsu Bazaar is covered by a Soviet-era blue dome, but the bazaar sprawls out from underneath it and feels almost like a city of its own. If you’re on the hunt for literally anything, this is the place you’ll likely find it.

Metro stop:  Chorsu

International Islamic University & Sheik Khantaur Complex

The Islamic University has an impressive facade that faces out toward Abdullah Qodiri Street, with three 15th century mausoleums to Yunus Khan, Tole Bi, and Sheikh Hovendi Takhur.

Metro stop:  Alisher Navoi or Pakhtakor

Minor Mosque

Minor Mosque is a new addition to Tashkent, built in 2016, but the large mosque complex is quite unique being decorated in blinding white marble.

Metro stop:  Bodomzor or Minor

Have more time in Uzbekistan? Why not check out the Uzbek Fergana Valley ?

Tashkent Tower

This monstrosity is the tallest structure in all of Central Asia at 395 meters. The TV tower itself, in my opinion, isn’t really worth the 120,000 UZS admission fee to go up in, but you can easily admire it from a distance. The Tashkent Tower is located very close to the Central Asian Plov Center.

Metro stop:  Bodomzor or Shahriston

Oloy Bazaar

Oloy Bazaar is a bit pricier, but far more chill than Chorsu Bazaar. The bazaar has a modern look to it, but it’s argued whether the bazaar originated in the 12th century or the 17th century.

If you wanna grab a bite to eat while shopping at Oloy Bazaar, I recommend heading toward the back and grabbing a plate of lagman at Injis Restaurant (it’s probably the best lagman I’ve had in Tashkent, and I do love my lagman, so you should trust me). Injis Restaurant is unfortunately gone.

Metro stop:  Abdulla Qodiri

Kulkadesh Madrasa & Joma Mosque

Kulkadesh Madrasa and Joma Mosque sit side by side atop a hill overlooking Chorsu Bazaar. Entrance to Kulkadesh Madrasa is 10,000 UZS.

Navoi Theatre

Most evenings the theatre puts on a show, which can be a great way to spend one of your evenings in the city. Tickets typically fall in the 10,000-100,000 UZS price range depending on the seat but make sure to get there early to wander the halls and foyers to appreciate the architecture.

Metro stop:  Mustaqillik Maydoni or Kosmonavtlar

Plan a perfect two week Uzbekistan & Tajikistan itinerary

Cathedral of Assumption

The gold-domed Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin is a Russian Orthodox cathedral originally built in 1871. On the opposite corner of Nukus and Avliyuta Ko’chasi you’ll find the Mirobad Bazaar. The neighborhood off of Nukus and Oybek Ko’chasi still has some good Soviet apartment blocks that still have Soviet-style mosaics on display (many of the old apartment blocks are being updated and mosaics disappearing).

Metro top:  Tashkent or Oybek

Amir Timur Maydoni (Amir Timur Square)

Amir Timur Maydoni feels like the center of Tashkent with the streets of the city spiderwebbing out from it. You’ll find the Amir Timur Statue at the center of the square, but also around it, you’ll find the Amir Timur Museum, the Dom Forum, the House of Photography, and Hotel Uzbekistan.

Metro stop:  Amir Timur Hiyobuni or Yunus Rajabiy

Tashkent Museums

State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan

Even if you’re not a history buff, the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan is definitely worth a stop for anyone looking to learn a little about the history of Uzbekistan from the days of Turkestan to present day. Admission is 10,000 UZS, cameras are an additional 25,000 UZS.

Metro stop:  Mustaqillik Maydoni

Art Gallery of Uzbekistan

The Art Gallery of Uzbekistan houses a combination of the rotating international exhibits and permanent exhibits displaying Uzbek contemporary artists’ works.

Amir Timur Museum

The Amir Timur Museum houses displays that explain the history of the Timirid Empire. The museum opened in 1996, the year the late president Islom Karimov declared ” the year of Amir Timur”. Admission is 15,000 UZS, and an additional 30,000 to take photos.

Metro stop:  Amir Timur Hiyabuni or Yunus Rajabiy

Railway Museum

The Railway Museum displays a collection of Soviet locomotives that were in use from the 1930s-1950s. Admission is 25,000 UZS.

Metro stop:  Toshkent

State Fine Arts Museum

The State Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan houses artwork that spans over 1,500 years of history. The highlight (at least I think) is the Uzbek Applied Arts section which showcases carvings and suzanis (an embroidered tapestry). Admission is 10,000 UZS, and cameras are an additional 50,000 UZS.

Metro stop:  Oybek or Ming Orik

Museum of Applied Arts

The Museum of Applied Arts is housed within the former home of Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev, who collected Uzbek handicrafts inside his mansion decorated in grand Uzbek style. It’s quite colorful and a great introduction to Uzbek decorative styles and architecture. Admission is 21,000 UZS for admission + camera.

Metro stop:  Kosmonavtlar

Check out the  Bukhara Travel Guide  &  Khiva Travel Guide  to plan further travels

Museum of the Victims of Political Repression

Located just across Amir Timur Ko’chasi from the Central Asian Plov Center and the Tashkent Tower, the Museum of the Victims of Political Repression pays tribute to those repressed and killed by the government as well as the history of the country when Uzbekistan was under control of the Soviet Union

Newly built, Magic City is akin to an Uzbek Disneyland with a princess castle, replicas of several famous monuments around the world, and even a replica of the Registan and Samarkand. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to visit (we happened to be passing by in the evening and wandered in), but if you are traveling Uzbekistan with kids, this will likely keep them occupied for a bit.

Entry to Magic City is free and they even have weekly firework displays. There are heaps of restaurants and shops to wander through here as well including several foreign chains.

Metro stop: Xalqlar Dostigli or Milliy Bog

How To Travel To Tashkent

By Flight:  Tashkent is easily reached by air with Uzbekistan Airways, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, Air Manas, Air Astana, Turkish Airlines, and several more airlines offering services to the city. Uzbekistan Airways, of course, offers the most routes including several throughout Central Asia, Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and even a new direct flight to New York City.

By Shared Taxi:  Tashkent is easily reached by shared taxi and marshrutka from just about any city or town in Uzbekistan. International connections include Shymkent, Kazakhstan; Osh, Kyrgyzstan; and Khujand, Tajikistan, but do expect to have to change to a different vehicle on the other side of the border.

By Train:  Major cities in Uzbekistan such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench, Termez, Nukus, and more are all connected by rail as well as international destinations in Kazakhstan, Russia. You can book tickets within Uzbekistan  here , but do note that many have difficulty booking online with the Uzbek Railways site (I gave up when I was there in October and just took a shared taxi). You’ll typically want to book at least a couple of days in advance, so if the site isn’t working for you ask a local (many times your guesthouse can lend a hand) to book a ticket for you and pay them in cash.

Where To Stay In Tashkent

Topchan Hostel |  Booking.com  |

Art Eco Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Ichan Qala Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Best Restaurants In Tashkent

Another of my favorite things to do in Tashkent is to gorge out on great food. Here are a few of my recs for best Uzbek, general Central Asian, and international fare. For more info, you can also check out my  Best Restaurants in Tashkent Guide .

Uzbek Cuisine

Central asian plov center.

Heralding itself for frying up the best plov in Central Asia (debatable, but also I’m not a plov fanatic), the Central Asian Plov Center is still a must-see if not just for viewing the giant qazans full of plov in the entrance. A bowl of plov, salad, a slice of qazi (house sausage), and a glass of compote (juice) will cost you about 32,000 UZS. The plov isn’t half bad either.

Note that the Central Asian Plov Center has changed its name to Bosh Qazan.

Afsona is a popular restaurant, so I’d recommend making a reservation in advance if traveling in the peak seasons. Afsona cooks up delicious modern and contemporary twists on classic Uzbek and Central Asian favorites (think Central Asian dishes with flavor). A plate of lagman, salad, pumpkin samsa, and chai set me back 80,000 UZS.

Navat is a Central Asia chain that has sprung up in other major cities such as Almaty and Bishkek. Navat offers modern twists on many traditional Central Asian dishes. You can expect to pay about 100,000 UZS for a meal, appetizers, and drink.

International Cuisine

Gruzinski Dvorik

Gruzinski Dvorik offers up delicious Georgian dishes for those looking for a break from Central Asian food that has been on the road in the region for a good while, but do note the prices are fairly expensive for Uzbekistan (but still worth it to me). The fried Sulguni, Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplant rolls stuffed with garlic, pomegranate, and walnut), and khinkali are great items on the menu. Don’t forget to pair dinner with Georgian wine.

This scattering of dishes with a glass of wine will cost you about 170,000 UZS.

Metro stop:  Oybek or Ming Orik

Forn Lebnen

Forn Lebnen opened up in 2020 and serves up Lebanese as well as other dishes from the greater Middle East. The food, as well as the staff, is excellent.

This is a good option for vegetarians, but prices are a bit expensive for the region. Expect to pay around 100,000 UZS for a spread of mezze-type dishes.

Afghan Pudding

Most people seem to call in orders and pick up, but Afghan Pudding does give the option of dining in. If you’re looking for bulani, Qabuli palau, kebab, doogh or other delicious Afghan dishes this is a good place to head. Expect a dish and drink to set you back about 30,000 UZS.

Metro stop:  Minor

Tacos Mexican Cuisine

I stumbled across this little gem as we were walking back to the guesthouse we were staying in on my latest trip in the fall of 2021. Outside the front door was a little sign that just said “tacos”. Needless to say, my interest was piqued and I was hungry anyway so we went on in.

The menu is relatively small, but the tacos are pretty excellent, considering that I hadn’t found any Mexican restaurants in Uzbekistan at all over the years.

Metro stop:  Kosmonavatlar

B&B Coffeehouse

On Shota Rustaveli Ko’chasi this western-style coffee shop offers up decent coffee and snacks. Definitely try the french toast. A coffee and snack or pastry will cost around 35,000 UZS.

Blackbear Kofi

Blackbear Kofi is a local chain, one of which is located right on Shota Rustaveli Ko’chasi (just a couple minutes walk from the Rooms Stay Boutique Hotel that I like to stay in) offers up good espresso and coffee as well as pastries. A flat white and a samsa set me back 25,000 UZS.

French Boulangerie & Patisserie

A bit out of the way from most sites, but just outside Novza Metro Station, the French Boulangerie & Patisserie is a great place for breakfast, coffee, and treats. The chicken croissants are my favorite thing to grab here.

Metro stop:  Novza

Ovqat Bozori at Chorsu Bazaar

Outside the colorful blue domes of the Chorsu Bazaar, you’ll find an alley lined with men and women in stalls draped with a strip of the famous Uzbek ikat fabric selling cheap Central Asian dishes such as plov, shashlik, naryn/beshbarmek, and more.

Master Food

Master Food offers up cheap fast food, think hamburgers, döner kabab, lavash, etc. This place is packed with locals in the evenings and is located right next to the roundabout on Shota Rustaveli Ko’chasi, out front of the Grand Mir Hotel.

National Food

National Food is located next to the old circus on Sabzar Ko’chasi and dishes up several Uzbek and Central Asian staples, such as plov, naryn, dimlama, and more.

Tashkent Tours

There are a handful of tours on offer around Tashkent including this  full day walking tour of the city , and this  night tour of Tashkent . Shop all the tours on offer in Tashkent as well as the rest of Uzbekistan  here  on Viator.

Things To Do Outside Tashkent: Tashkent Day Trips

At only 45 km from Tashkent, the Solar Furnace that sits on a hill above the town of Parkent makes for a perfect day trip from the city. The Solar Furnace’s staff will give tours of the fascinating facilities for 100,000 UZS on weekdays during normal business hours (though it is best to call in advance to arrange it).

The solar furnace uses thousands of mirrors to reflect light in order to achieve temperatures of over 3,000ºC to create energy, melt metals and elements, and more. Read up more about the Solar Furnace .

The easiest way to visit is to order a Yandex Taxi from Tashkent to the Solar Furnace and back (it’s still quite cheap, especially if you have a few of you going). However, it is possible to get to Parkent from Tashkent by marshrutka and then hire a taxi in Parkent to take you the remaining 7 km and up the hill to the Solar Furnace.

Plan your visit to the fascinating Solar Furnace

Ugam Chatkal National Park

Ugam Chatkal National Park is located in the Chimgan Mountains, a portion of the Western Tien Shan that Uzbekistan shares with  Kyrgyzstan . The national park is only about an hour’s drive from Tashkent. This is the best place to head if you’re in Tashkent and want to get out into nature, whether it be a day trip to the mountains or a multi-day trek.

Not to worry if you don’t want to figure out the logistics of visiting on your own, you can book this  day trip to Chimgan , or this  3 day trekking tour .

Chimgan, as well as nearby Beldersay, are great places to head if you’re visiting in the winter and want to get in some skiing.

Wanna get off the beaten path in your Uzbekistan travels? Check out the  Karakalpakstan Travel Guide

Have Any Questions About This Tashkent Travel Guide Or About Any Of The Things To Do In Tashkent Mentioned?

Ask your Tashkent travel questions in the comments section below.

More Posts from Uzbekistan:

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Khorezm Fortresses: Uzbekistan’s Castles of a Forgotten Empire

Crossing The Uzbekistan-Afghanistan Border At Hairatan

Samarkand Travel Guide: The Best Things To Do In Samarkand

Two Week Uzbekistan Itinerary

Uzbek Food: 33 Must-Try Dishes in Uzbekistan

A Beginner’s Guide To Central Asia Travel: Discover The Silk Road

Tashkent Travel Guide + 16 Things To Do In Tashkent

The Best Restaurants In Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Panjakent-Samarkand Border Crossing Between Tajikistan & Uzbekistan

Secret Soviet Bioweapons Lab of Aralsk 7 on Vozrozhdeniya Island  

Qarshi Travel Guide, Uzbekistan

Solo Female Travel In Uzbekistan

Visiting the Solar Furnace in Parkent, Uzbekistan 

Exploring the Frontier Town of Termez, Uzbekistan 

Travel Karakalpakstan: The Stan Within A Stan

Visiting the Aral Sea Disaster, Uzbekistan 

A Simple Guide To Central Asia Visas

30 Best Things To Do In Uzbekistan

7 Tips For Solo Female Travel In Central Asia

Khiva Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Khiva

Uzbek Fergana Valley Travel Guide

Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Two Week Tajikistan & Uzbekistan Itinerary

Tashkent Metro In Photos & Guide

Shahrisabz Travel Guide + Best Things to do

2 thoughts on “tashkent travel guide + 16 things to do in tashkent”.

I’m pretty sure Afghan pudding is closed, I just went to the maps.me location but there was only a closed restaurant :/ 09/06/2023

Good to know, thanks for the update! Sad to hear it’s shut

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The Best Places to Visit in Tashkent: a travel guide

This post is about the best places to visit in Tashkent. Tashkent might be the capital of Uzbekistan , but it receives little attention from tourists. It’s a city that travelers come through or where they start their journey, but often spend as little time as possible. They rather skip all the places to visit in Tashkent for the Silk Road attractions in Khiva , Bukhara and Samarkand . 

Are people right in doing so? Maybe. Tashkent is for sure no silk road city, despite its age. Modernization projects are changing Tashkent rapidly, for better and for worse. There is not much of the scenic neighbourhoods of old Tashkent left. And yet, I loved Tashkent.

Despite stories that there is nothing to see in Tashkent I wanted to give it a chance and I am glad I did. I was not only in Uzbekistan to see history, but also to get a sense of modern Uzbek culture. Tashkent was a great place to do so and there are in fact lots of interesting places to visit in Tashkent that makes the city a great start of any Uzbekistan itinerary .

Why visit Tashkent?

With almost two million people, Tashkent is the biggest city in central Asia. However, for its growing size, Tashkent remains a very pleasant and green city. Even though Almaty in Kazakhstan is still my favourite in this region, Tashkent is a close second. 

Tashkent might lack the impressive Islamic architecture you see elsewhere in Uzbekistan , but there are many great places to visit in Tashkent. The colourful bazaars, the pleasant parks, the interesting museums, the great restaurants and the Soviet era architecture. 

Although Uzbekistan has done much to erase their communist past, it still feels like a Soviet city in many places. This is not a surprise. When an earthquake destroyed Tashkent in 1966 the Soviets had a blast rebuilding the city. The result are some of the finest examples of brutalist architecture.

What I liked most is that Tashkent’s Soviet heritage is pretty unique and almost always has it’s own Uzbek twist to it. Tashkents metro being a great example where the beautiful stations are decorated with Uzbek symbols. 

What I also loved about Tashkent was the food. Whether you want traditional Uzbek cuisine or something else. Tashkent has the best restaurants in the region with a wide range of international kitchens available. That alone made me happy to stay here for almost a week exploring the best places to visit in Tashkent. 

The best places to visit in Tashkent

Tashkent metro.

One of my favourite places to visit in Tashkent were the Tashkent metro stations . Like many Soviet metro systems they have some of the most unique and ornate stations in the world.

For years it was forbidden to take pictures, but the new president realized the esthethical value of Tashkents historical metro stations. The Guardian was one of the first to show its beauty to the world and you can now happily snap away.

Hotel Uzbekistan

Hotel Uzbekistan is a typical Soviet hotel. During the Soviet Union every big city had a state run hotel. Examples are the Hotel Kazakhstan in Almaty , the Cosmos hotel in Chisinau and the hotel Moldova in Iasi .

The architecture of these communist era hotels is impressive, but they are huge and often have a hard time finding enough clients these days. Hotel Uzbekistan has changed rather succesfully into one of the best up market hotels in Tashkent.

Insider tip : From the top floor you have a beautiful view over Amir Timur square.

Nearest metro station : Amir Timur Xiyoboni (red Chilonzor line)

Amir Timur square

Tashkents central square is one of the main places to visit in Tashkent. It was built in 1870 to become Tashkent’s central park.

Now the main monument in the park is Amir Timur on his horse, but several men have stood here before him. First it was Lenin, then Stalin, and finally Karl Marx untill Uzbekistan’s independence when Timur was reinstalled as hero of the past.

Most of the buildings you see have historical importance such as the Hotel Uzbekistan, The Law university, the Forum’s palace, the clock towers and the Amir Timur museum.

The large white International Congress hall is a recent addition from 2009 when the municipality also decided to remove the century old chinor trees. The result is a barren park. The men that used to play chess under the shadows of the trees have now moved elsewhere.

Romanov palace

In Tashkent you will find a rather modest and small palace of the Romanovs. It belonged to the first cousin of Tsar Nikolai the second, who after a scandalous affair with a prominent American lady was deported to Tashkent to mine gem stones. 

Nearest metro station : Mustaqilik Maydoni (red Chilonzor line)

Independence square

In Soviet times this square surrounded by important government buildings used to be called Lenin square and was the place for celebrations of important days like Labour day and Victory day. It is still used for this purpose, but has now become a symbol for Uzbekistan’s independence.

Lenin was removed and in its place is the independence monument . A globe with the current borders of Uzbekistan. The fountains and buildings were renovated. At the right bottom of Independence square you can still find the memorial area with the crying mother monument to remember the 400,000 Uzbek soldiers that died in the second World war.

State history museum

The State History museum is a great example of a Soviet building with an Uzbek influence. The latticework around the building made use of Pandzharas. The decorative pandzharas are traditionally used in Uzbekistan as a facade to provide shade. The architecture alone makes it worth a visit.

The museum already opened its doors in 1876 as the National Museum of Turkestan. In Soviet times it became the Lenin museum. Now the exhibitions focus on the history of Uzbekistan from ancient times to president Karimov’s time.

I am normally not that much into museums, but because it was raining that day I decided to have a look. I must say that for central Asia it is a pretty good museum showing the long and complex history of the country. For sure it gives more context and background information on the things you will see in Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand.

Alisher navoi opera & ballet theatre

For a night out in Tashkent you can head to the Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre . Worth a visit for its high quality and value for money performances and its architecture.

Khast Imom complex

The Khast Imom complex is one of the best places to visit in Tashkent for Islamic architecture. It has been the religious center for Tashkent for centuries after the first imam of Tashkent was buried here.

Unfortunately, most of what you see today in the large empty square is the result of a modernization project in 2007. The Hazrat Imam mosque and the Muyi Mubarak library were constructed at that time. The library has a collection of ancient Qurans and claims to have the oldest Quran in the world.

For some of the older buildings you can visit the Tellya Sheikh mosque and the 16th century Barak Khan madrassah that is now full with souvenir shops. North of the madrasssah is the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Mohammed Kaffal Shashi , a scholar and poet from the tenth century. Legend goes that women who are unable to conceive should smear the dust of the tomb on their face for a succesful pregnancy.

Nearest metro station : Gafur Gulom (blue Ozbekiston line). As the Khast Imam complex is still rather far from the metro, it is better to take a taxi.

Tashkent Circus

The Tashkent circus is another great example of Soviet architecture and almost looks like a stranded blue UFO, much like the circus in Almaty and Chisinau . The Tashkent circus is still very popular and tickets often sell out.

Nearest metro station : Gafur Gulom (blue Ozbekiston line).

Chorsu bazaar

Chorsu bazaar is the commercial heart of Tashkent and the giant domed structure is a mayhem of merchants selling spices, meat, vegetables, dairy and other stuff. The beautiful oriental style dome was built after the earthquake in 1966, but there has been a market at this spot since at least the Mongol invasion.

Chorsu translates as four waters that was a symbol for the place where four neighbourhoods came together to trade. The four neighbourhoods were like four independent cities with the bazaar in the middle. The market now extends well beyond the dome with different sections all well worth exploring.

For foodies this is a heavenly place with lots of things to try. Bakeries sell fresh non bread straight out of the oven, barbecues have sizzling shaslycks on offer and in the dairy section you can buy different types of dried cheese and yoghurt ( kurut ). As souvenir you can bring back home plenty of spices or dried fruits and nuts .

Uzbek cuisine has its own specialities, but is also influenced by its neighbours and ethnic minorities. At Chorsu bazaar look out for the Uzbek Koreans that sell pickled vegetable salads . A visit to the meat section makes you understand why coronary heart disease is a major killer in Uzbekistan. The sheeps fat is a priced commodity and you have shops selling nothing but pure animal fat. Of course there is horse meat available as well.

Nearest metro station : Chorsu (blue Ozbekiston line).

Kukeldash Madrassah

The Kukeldash Madrassah was built in the 16th century. An earthquake in 1868 damaged the building and it was reconstructed into a caravanserai. During the Soviet times it became a museum of atheism and folk music untill Uzbekistan became independent and the building was used once again for its original purpose.

The Navoi Park is Tashkent’s largest park. There is lots of greenery, flowers and canals with a small lake as the cherry on top. It was founded by the Komsomol in 1932, but now has a new monument to Islamic poet Alisher Navoi in the centre. From there you can see the impressive dome of the Oliy Majilis or the parliament of Uzbekistan.

Nearest metro station : Miliy Bog (red chilonzor line).

Istiklol Palace

From the Navoi Park it is a pleasant walk to the Istiklol Palace. This is probably one of the best places in Tashkent for Soviet architecture and the brutalist design is impressive. The concrete facade was apparently supposed to represent the ancient desert fortresses in Khorezm , but I couldn’t see the similarities.

The palace of friendship of the peoples was the main concert and event venue for the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. Now it is called the Istiklol Arts palace and still hosts cultural events and conferences. It overlooks a large public square with flowers.

Nearest metro station : Bunyodkor (red chilonzor line).

Museum of Applied Arts

Tashkent has some of the best museums in central Asia and the Museum of applied arts is another small gem with a nice collection of traditional Uzbek art. From ceramics, to jewellery and traditional clothes.

Nearest metro station : Kosmonavtlar (blue Ozbekiston line).

State Fine Arts museum

The State fine arts museum was another museum in Tashkent that I really enjoyed. In four floors you get to see the history of art in Uzbekistan starting from the 7th century onwards. There is also a collection of Russian art that belonged to the Romanov prince that was deported to Tashkent after an affair.

Insider tip: Because there is also a section with applied arts it is better to visit the state fine arts museum rather than the museum of applied arts.

Nearest metro station : Oybek (blue Ozbekiston line).

Russian orthodox church

Although many Russian people have left Uzbekistan after independence there is still a large Russian minority in Tashkent. The bright blue Holy Assumption Cathedral is the biggest Russian orthodox church in Tashkent and the religious centre for Uzbek Russians.

Nearest metro station : Toshkent (blue Ozbekiston line).

The Tashkent tv tower is the tallest in Central asia and an icon of the city. There are restaurants and an observation deck from where you have a beautiful view over the city. It is relatively nearby the Plov centre so it makes a great combination.

Nearest metro station : Shahriston (green Yunubod line).

The Best Places to visit near Tashkent

There are not a lot of day trips from Tashkent. Personally, I feel there are enough places to visit in Tashkent to occupy you for a couple of days. If you really want to escape the city your options are the beautiful Chimgan mountains in the Ugam Chatkal National Park.

Uzbekistan is not really known for its natural beauty. The neighbouring countries Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are much better at that. Except for a small mountainous part north of Tashkent.

Only 2 hours away you will find Tashkent’s favourite weekend get away. A ski resort in winter and a way to escape the heat in summer. More about the practicalities of visiting this part of Uzbekistan is in my post on the Chimgan mountains and Charvak lake .

The Beldersoy Soviet era chair lift is especially fun in winter when it is a ski resort. In summer, the views are still nice, but there is not much going on. Personally I was a bit hesitant with the ski lift as it didn’t look very safe and with my fear of heights I decided not to go.

Chimgan is the main town in the Uzbek part of the Ugam Chatkal National Park. Again, most of the activities are in the winter sports season from November till March. Outside of that, you can still go horse riding or quad biking and enjoy Chimgan’s scenic location.

Charvak Lake

Charvak lake was definetly the highlight of my day to the Ugam Chatkal National Park. Honestly, Beldersoy and Chimgan town were a bit of a disappointment and I wasn’t sure this area was worth the effort, especially considering the fact I was going to see more than enough mountains in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. That was untill I saw the bright blue Charvak Lake.

This artificial lake was created during the Soviet Union to provide cheap energy to Tashkent. Not everybody was happy with the new Charvak Hydro power station. Archeologists quickly researched and photographed a number of ancient petroglyphs that are now under water.

Insider tip : On your way from Charvak lake to Tashkent are several nice restaurants. We had a late lunch at 555 restaurant, that was absolutely delicious. 

Tashkent Travel Tips

The best places to eat in tashkent, national food.

Without doubt this is the best place to visit in Tashkent for cheap Uzbek food. It’s not your most cozy restaurant. Furthermore its chaotic and always busy, but so much worth the effort. The most difficult part is choosing what to eat. The menu is extensive and there is lots of stuff going on.

Outside women are stirring in huge kazans with haleem, a mixture of wheat, lentils and meat. Men are pouring water into shurpa clay pots with delicious lamb and vegetable stews. Inside there is a large table where ariound 20 women are preparing Naryn, a cold noodle salad with horse meat. The bakery works on full speed, handing out fresh breads from the oven by the dozen.

This restaurant goes far beyond the standard plov and it is an excellent place to try something else. The dolma and the Naryn I took were absolutely delicious. It shows that Uzbek cuisine is so much more than just plov and shaslyck.

Read more about this restaurant in my post on National Food in Tashkent .

Plov centre

Like National food, the Plov centre is low on decor, but high on local culture. It serves just one dish, plov. Uzbek’s most famous foood is popular all over central asia. The basic recipy is pretty simple with rice, carrots and meat cooked in sheeps fat. However, there are several varieties on this standard recipy.

The Plov centre has about 10 huge kazans with different types of plov. Most of them will be sold out by noon. When I arrived for lunch at 1 PM there were just three types left.

I was already one month in central Asia and felt I had enough plov, but I must say that they do a pretty good job and I did enjoy my plov here. This is not the overcooked mush you get in a lot of roadside restaurants. The meat was tender, the rice still had a bite and the nuts and barberries added a unique flavour.

Testo is the best place in Tashkent for all kinds of dumplings. From the central Asian manti’s to Russian pelmeni’s, Georgian khinkali and Italian Ravioli. They also serve good breakfasts and soups for lunch.

Meryam dessert house

The best place to visit in Tashkent for cake and pastries is the Meryam dessert house and cofee shop. They alse serve nice breakfasts and are a good place for lunch as well.

Best places to stay in Tashkent

Art hostel : Art Hostel is a good hostel in a nice neighbourhood of Tashkent. They have a good breakfast buffet and a swimming pool for those hot summer days. The staff is very helpful in giving tips and advice. 

When to visit Tashkent

Winters are cold and cloudy, while summers get unbearingly hot in the city. The best time to visit is either spring or autumn.

Spring runs from March till June and starts with Nauruz. A huge festival celebrating the end of winter with several activities in the capital around the 21st of March. It’s a wonderful time in Tashkent when the trees bloom and temperatures are pleasant.

Autumn has even better weather with clear blue skies. This is when the trees turn red and gold. It is also harvest season and Chorsu bazaar will be full with melons, apricots and plums.

How to travel to Tashkent

By plane : Tashkent has an international Airport. Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines and Air baltic have relatively cheap flights to Tashkent, but in general Tashkent is not the cheapest city to fly into the region. It is sometimes cheaper to fly into Almaty in Kazakhstan if you have the time to take the night train to Shymkent and Tashkent.

By train : Tashkent is connected by train to Almaty and Shymkent in Kazakhstan and even all the way to Moscow. There is a twice weekly overnight fast train between Almaty and Tashkent (24 hours) and some slower trains that take longer (28 hours). The journey to Moscow takes 66 hours.

Within Uzbekistan there are daily fast trains to Samarkand and Bukhara. Overnight trains run several times a week to Urgench and Nukus .

Read more about how to travel by train in Uzbekistan in my post about trains in Uzbekistan .

By bus : I travelled to Tashkent by Kaznetwork bus from Shymkent in Kazakhstan. There are daily buses between Shymkent and Tashkent and the journey takes 5 hours. The border is easy nowadays without too much hassle.

Sustainable travel in Tashkent

Tashkent sees more tourists every year. While Tourism is a welcome source of income it can also have negative consequences. Traveling sustainably in Tashkent, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the local community: You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, and restaurants. It is better to try Uzbek cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels. Where possible, I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can also try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Use public transport : Tashkent has a well-developed public transportation system with shared taxis and marshrutkas. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of private cars to reduce carbon emissions.

Avoid plastics : To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter that you can refill at your accomodation. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Respect the culture : Uzbekistan is an Islamic country that is just opening up to tourism. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Uzbek or Russian, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This Tashkent travel guide with the best places to visit in Tashkent Uzbekistan contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

6 thoughts on “The Best Places to Visit in Tashkent: a travel guide”

I’ve been following your posts on Uzbekistan and they have definitely made me add this amazing country to our must visit list.

Uzbekistan’s nature is amazing. My husband and I have been planning to visit this summer but went to other destinations instead. Hopefully we’ll get to visit next year and I know whose guide I will be referring to 🙂 great post, Ellis!

Zaamin mountains are beautiful. Why didn’t you mentioned them too?

I haven’t heard of the Zaamin mountains before. I looked it up and it looks beautiful. I will definetly try to go there on my next visit to Tashkent

very perfect article thanks a lot

Thanks for informative blog

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Tashkent Attractions | 10 Amazing Places to visit in Tashkent

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by admin

Wondering if it is worth spending a few days in Tashkent before exploring other Silk Route cities of Uzbekistan? I say it is and this guide will help to plan to visit all the Tashkent attractions. Read this blog to know about all the places to visit in Tashkent and things to do in Tashkent.

The capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is probably the first city to start a tour in Uzbekistan after arriving on an international flight. While most people use Tashkent as a transit point to get to other cities like Samarkand , Bukhara and Khiva , the capital needs much more attention as it is the melting pot where ancient history meets modern vibrancy.

Tashkent has been an important city historically due to its presence on the Silk Road. And currently, it functions as a cultural and economic hub in Central Asia.

Tashkent is a mix of urban and traditional landscapes, with these best destinations that include the bustling bazaars, historical monuments as well as the vibrant and modern architecture scattered across the city. It is also a very modern city with many parks and fountains, beautiful statues, cafes, restaurants and great nightlife in Tashkent.

Its robust metro system which is efficient, convenient and extremely affordable which also makes for an offbeat tourist destination.

Table of Contents

PRACTICAL TIPS ABOUT PLACES TO VISIT IN TASHKENT

Arriving in tashkent.

Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport is located in Tashkent city and most visitors are likely to fly here from other countries. Uzbekistan Airways is probably the flight you will fly.

By Shared Taxis

Tashkent can be reached by train and taxi from neighbouring countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Marshrutka or marshrutnoe taksi or routed taxicab, are shared taxis that connect Shymkent in Kazakhstan, Osh in Kyrgyzstan and Khujand in Tajikistan to Tashkent. These shared taxis drop visitors at border where after passport verification, they change into another taxi of the destination country.

Uzbekistan is well connected by train network across the country. There are trains that run from major cities within Uzbekistan such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Urgench. There is a train that connects Kazakhstan to Tashkent as well.

Best time to visit Tashkent

The best time to visit Tashkent is during fall months September- October or spring months April-May. Summer months (June to August) are extremely hot and uncomfortable. Walking around the historical sights becomes actually difficult and uncomfortable. And I am saying this even though I live in an Indian city that experiences 40 degrees summer for 3 months straight. The roads look deserted and everything kind of shuts down between 1-4pm.

Winter (December to February) months are extremely cold with chilly winds and it may snow.

How to get around in Tashkent | Tashkent Metro

Tashkent Metro is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. One way ticket costs 1400 UZS ($0.15). The metro network is spread across the city and one can easily navigate it if you have the map handy. The instructions are spoken in Uzbek, however it is easy to understand the next stop. 

How to get around Tashkent in Yandex (taxi)

Taxis are incredibly cheap in Tashkent. While one can hail a cab but making the driver understand your destination could be a challenge. App based taxi called Yandex is the best rescue for this. On an average, a taxi ride would cost 25000 – 30000 UZS ($2 – 2.4) anywhere to get to Tashkent tourist attractions. The cars are clean with boot (in case you have luggage) and the drivers are very polite.

This is also the best way to get from Tashkent airport to the city centre as the local taxis will charge 2-3 times the money than Yandex. In case you have less luggage, best is to use the Yandex app rather than requesting your hotel for pick-up.

Tip: Download the Yandex Go app and complete the registration and phone verification in your home country in case you are relying on wi-fi. 

Where to stay in Tashkent

Tashkent offers a wide choice of hostels for budget travellers to top-end hotels for those who want to indulge in luxury. There are also homestays and airbnb in Tashkent. 

Hostels in Tashkent

I heard about this hostel from a lot of backpackers and they had great reviews about it. So I decided to stay here and it lived up to its promise. Tucked in a small alley in a residential area, it is a peaceful place. Metro station is 500 metres aways and there are a couple of banks and convenience stores near the hostel so it’s easy to get around. The hostel is clean and cosy.

They serve breakfast with a good variety of vegetarian options. Only disappointment was that they didn’t accept card payments. Cash is acceptable in SOM or USD.

Other options for Tashkent Hostels are

Mid-Range Hotel

Michelin Hotel

Located close to Art Hostel, I promised myself to stay here the next time. This 3-star hotel features a fitness centre, a restaurant and a bar. The premises also has an ATM. The accommodation features a concierge service, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests. 

Other options of Mid-range hotels in Tashkent are

Hotel Uzbekistan

One of the most luxurious properties in Tashkent, the hotel is a landmark in itself. Located at the posh Amir Temur square, the property has a pool, spa and indoor game options. There are 2 restaurants that cook up quite a storm with lip-smackingly delicious Uzbek and global cuisine.

Other options of Luxurious hotels in Tashkent are

TASHKENT ATTRACTIONS

As international flights can be taxing on the body, I feel it is best to relax in Tashkent for a day or even two and get oriented towards the Uzbek culture, the breads and blue tiled architecture. Sightseeing in Tashkent can be quite rewarding as the city is full of gems catering to all kinds of travellers.

While the places to visit in Tashkent mentioned in this blog need 2 days, the highlights can be completed in one day.  

Hazrat Imam Complex

Situated in the heart of Tashkent, the Hazrat Imam Complex, also known as the Hast-Imam Ensemble or Khast Imam, is a great introduction to Uzbek heritage and architecture.

The complex is home to many beautiful architectural monuments, such as the Barak Khan Madrasah, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi.

Each Madrasah has blue tiles arches at the entrance that opens into a square full of souvenir shops. While you may be tempted to buy the souvenirs here, being your first stop, I will suggest you to hold on.

The highlight of the Hazrat Imam Complex is the Muyi Muborak Library, which houses a library with oriental manuscripts and the Uthman Koran, which is claimed to be the world’s oldest Koran. The Hazrat Imam Complex is very peaceful throughout the day which makes it one of the best Tashkent attractions for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

Hazrat Imam Complex Timings: 9 am until 9 pm

Hazrat Imam Complex entrance fee: While the entrance to the complex is free, tourists have to pay 30,000 UZS (US$3) for entry to the library.

Amir Timur Square

One of the most popular places to visit in Tashkent amongst the tourists and locals, Amir Timur Square offers many things to do in Tashkent.

The square is actually a park that has a statue of Amir Timur on horseback. Timur or Tamerlane was a Turco-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire in and around modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia, becoming the first ruler of the Timurid dynasty. He is Uzbekistan’s hero and there are a lot of places dedicated to him and his family around the entire country.

The square is surrounded by hotels, cafes, government buildings and monuments. The square especially comes alive with fountains in the gardens and people coming here for a walk and indulging in local increams.

The best part is that there is an underground Tashkent Metro which takes you directly to the square! Get out of Amir Temur metro station and walk to Amir Timur Square.  

Amir Timur Museum

Right across the Amir Timur Square is the Amir Timur Museum. Since I was walking aimlessly, I did not notice that there was a museum here but I got attracted to the beautiful exterior. 

I went in and was pleasantly surprised with the grandeur of the golden-domed ceiling. The museum has paintings and belongings of Amir Temur, a copy of the Quran and small-scale models of the important mosques around Uzbekistan.

Amir Timur Museum Timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am until 5 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Amir Timur entrance fee: 20000 UZS ($2). Another 10000 UZS if you want to take photos.

Chorsu Bazaar

Local’s favourite Bazaar is now one of the major Tashkent attractions for its beautiful circular blue dome and buying local products. The bazaar is an indoor shopping mall with two storeys.

The outside of the dome sells fresh fruits, vegetables, ceramics and clothes. The ground floor stores majorly sells raw meat, cheeses and spices. While the first floor store sells dried fruits of all kinds!

Around Chorsu Bazaar are many streets and alleys selling jewellery, clothes, breads and souvenirs which ultimately leads to the main dome. The bazaar starts from the Chorsu Metro station up until the actual Chorsu Bazaar dome.

Chorsu Bazaar is one of the most affordable places in the entire country to buy souvenirs such as ceramics, painting, scarfs, stoles, jewellery, refrigerator magnets etc. 

Kukeldash Madrasah & Dzuma Mosque

Kukeldash Madrasah and Dzuma Mosque are right outside the Chorsu Bazaar and the Chorsu Metro. Just walk between the outdoor stalls in the direction of Beruniy Street and you will see the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical places in Tashkent.

Kukeldash is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture and worth a visit during Tashkent Sightseeing.

Like all madrasahs in Uzbekistan, Kukeldash was a school imparting Islamic education but over a period of time, got converted to caravanserai for merchants, later a fortress of the Kokand rulers and even as a place of execution.

The most interesting thing about Kukeldash Madrasah is that it has survived several earthquakes and has repeatedly been repaired and restored. 

The Dzuma Mosque is right next to the Kukeldash Madrasah and worth a quick stop to admire the architecture.

Kukeldash Madrasah Timings: 8 am until 6 pm

Hazrat Imam Complex entrance fee: Tourists are allowed to enter the courtyard of the madrasah with a small entrance fee of 10000 UZS ($0.82).

Minor Mosque

The newest mosque in Tashkent is a strikingly beautiful monument. Built in 2014 on the banks of the Ankhor Canal, it is also known as Snow Mosque as it is made of white marble.

Kukeldash Madrasah Timings: Always Open

Kukeldash Madrasah entrance fee: Free

Tashkent TV Tower

One of the most popular Tashkent attractions is the TV tower. At a height of 375 metres, Tashkent Tower is the 11th tallest tower in the world. It can be seen from most tall buildings around the city.

There is a garden around the tower and visitors are allowed to go till the 6th floor which is the observation deck of the tower to enjoy the panoramic views of Tashkent city. There is also a restaurant on the 7th floor where visitors can have a meal overlooking the city views.

Tashkent TV Tower Timings: Monday to Sunday from 10 am until 8 pm. 

Tashkent TV Tower entrance fee: 40000 UZS ($3.25)

Note: Visitors wanting to go to the observation deck need to show their passport.

Tashkent Metro Stations

One of the best Tashkent attractions as well as one of offbeat things to do in Tashkent is the hop-on and hop-off at Metro stations. Almost every station has its own unique architectural features and artistic elements.

Some stations look like ballrooms with huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling while others look like heritage sites.

There are 50 stations across 4 different lines. I took the Blue line and explored the following stations in an hour.

– Kosmonavtlar

– Uzbekistan

– Pakhtakor

– Gofur Gulom

– Tinchlik

I bought a ticket for 1400 UZS ($0.15) that is valid for one hour. I hopped on and off at each station to photograph it and got on the next upcoming train. I was in absolute awe of the beautiful stations and how nicely it was maintained.

Broadway Street

Broadway Street is a pedestrian street that unites the two most important squares of Tashkent: Amir Temur Square and Independence Square.

Originally known as Sailkogh street, the Broadway Boulevard is a very popular place for the locals as well as tourists to enjoy an evening walk or enjoy a cup of coffee.

The street also has many vendors selling street food, souvenirs, and art stalls.

State Museum of History

The State Museum of History of Uzbekistan gives a broad idea about Uzbekistan’s history. This museum has 2 floors with a range of exhibits showing the history of Uzbekistan spanning 2 millenia.

It’s built in the form of a cube,a modern take on blending a Soviet approach with oriental decorative patterns. 

State Museum of History timing : The museum is open daily, except on Mondays, from 10 am until 6 pm. 

State Museum of History Entrance fee: The entrance fee is 10000 UZS ($0.81) and another 15000 UZS ($1.2) for photography.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Monument

Being an Indian citizen, I had to visit and pay my respects to the former Prime Minister of India who died in Tashkent in 1966. A small statue, dedicated to him has been erected in central part of Tashkent.

The Government has named a road in his memory.

TASHKENT CITY TOURS | TASHKENT WALKING TOURS

There are several guided walking tours in Tashkent. There are several combinations to choose different routes and places that cover most of Tashkent attractions. The tours generally last for 2.5 – 3 hours and are conducted by an English speaking guide. Charges are $35 for a group of 3 people and $45 for 4-6 people.

I did not go on a walking tour and explored all the places by myself.

WHERE TO EAT IN TASHKENT | TASHKENT RESTAURANTS

Tashkent being the modern capital of Uzbekistan and a very important city in Central Asia, there are endless food options. From Uzbek cuisine to Korean, Mediterranean to Indian, Continental to Mexican there are options for everything. 

Uzbek cuisine as well as the restaurants serving food in Tashkent are meat heavy. If you are a vegetarian or vegan like me and wondering if there is vegetarian food in Uzbekistan , then read on!

I used an app called Happy Cow which helped me find a vegetarian or vegan restaurant in the area with directions, menu and phone numbers. It was a huge relief and I relied on that app heavily here.

Here are some of the restaurants I tried while in Tashkent.

Navaat Art Restaurant 

Navat was the first vegetarian option that popped up. It had great reviews and a diverse menu which is why I tried the food here. 

Navat offers a modern and vegetarian twist to many traditional Uzbek dishes. There are soups, salads, pizza and great options for a drink. It also has an outdoor bar and open club area which plays funky music at night.

Address: 9 Matbuotchilar Street, Tashkent 100012

Instagram: Navvat Art Restaurant

Caravan is another vegetarian restaurant in Tashkent that offers delicious traditional food, rustic decor, and live music. They have great manti (Central Asian dumplings ), salads, and Uzbek wine. 

Address: 22 Abdulla Kahhar Street, Tashkent

Eco cafe Tashkent

Suggested by the hostel where I was staying, I ordered food through Yandex Food App and got it delivered within 30 minutes. They have great vegan and vegetarian bowl options that are wholesome and healthy.

Address:Olmachi 37, Тashkent

Instagram: Eco Cafe

If you are looking for an upscale dining space then head over to Cafe 1991. The cafe offers Uzbek and Lebanese cuisine and has top notch dining reviews. From the ambience, service, and quality of food and beverages everything is amazing. It even features a separate vegetarian menu where the majority of the dishes are also vegan.

The best part is most staff can speak English so you discuss your food preferences and allergies with them.

The cafe is open till 1 am in case you want to dine in till late.

Address: 7 Mustaqillik shoh ko’chasi, Тashkent

Instagram: Cafe 1991

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT UZBEKISTAN

Is tashkent worth visiting.

Yes! While Tashkent is only used as a transit to visit other heritage cities in Uzbekistan, there are many Tashkent attractions such as historical monuments, incredible architecture, gardens and delicious food. The accommodation, local travel and food is extremely affordable. 

With a daily average travel budget of around $30-75 per day, travellers can enjoy all that the country has to offer without breaking their savings. 

Is travel to Tashkent safe?

Yes! Tashkent is considered a safe destination for tourists. Incidents of violence against tourists are rare. There are police in every tourist site and a helpline number specially for tourists which makes it very reassuring. I met many solo women travellers throughout my journey and everyone said they felt safe at all times.

I took a late night cab once or twice and did not ever feel unsafe.

I also found women taxi drivers in Tashkent making me feel absolutely safe.

How many days to spend in Tashkent?

While there are many things to do in Tashkent and places to visit in Tashkent, the city deserves atleast a 2 days’ visit. 

Do you need a guide in Tashkent?

There are guided walking tours in Tashkent that one may register to and join. There are English and Russian speaking guides available for singular monuments too around the ticketing area. 

Do you need Registration slips from hotels and hostels?

I read about this before going that there are random checks at immigration for registration slips. The registration slip is basically a paper given by the hostel/hotel claiming that you stayed with them. It has your name, date of stay and passport number.

I diligently collected it from all my accommodations but I was not asked to produce it at the immigration.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR VISITING TASHKENT ATTRACTIONS

• Carry your own refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not trash the heritage site with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
• Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully especially in mosques and mausoleums.
• Respect the ancient structures of mosques and other structures by not sitting on them.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography.
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archeological sites and monuments.

I hope this guide on Tashkent attractions helps you plan a trip to this beautiful and underrated city in Uzbekistan. Do you have more questions? Write to me in the comment below and I will reply.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Ketki Gadre

Ketki is an environmental consultant and a sustainable travel blogger, who loves nature, wildlife and heritage. She enjoys bringing places to life through her informative blogs to inspire readers to travel sustainably and become responsible travellers.

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Very useful tips. Thanks a lot. We intend to visit uzbekistan in second half of April. Can you pls suggest the kind of clothes needed there.

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Tashkent, Uzbekistan: The Top 13 Things to Do in the City

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and where you’ll likely begin and end your trip. It’s home to the country’s international airport so most people fly into Tashkent and spend less than 24 hours in the city before heading west to Samarkand . But Tashkent has its own charm and it’s worth spending a few days here to experience what life is like outside of the touristy towns.

Instead of just passing through, we’d recommend spending at least a few days in Tashkent as it actually has a lot to offer! There are loads of delicious restaurants, the historical sites are beautiful, and the people are so friendly. So if you’re wondering what to do in Tashkent, read on to discover our favorite sights in Uzbekistan’s capital city!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Tashkent Travel Basics

Know before you go.

• The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Soʻm (UZS). At the time of writing, the conversion was 8,450 UZS to $1 USD. In this post, we’ll be referring to prices in Uzbekistan currency.
• Bring some cash with you to exchange at the airport. There are only three ATMs at the airport in Tashkent and they are often out of order. You can exchange money at the small window right outside of immigration at a decent exchange rate.
• It’s not nearly as conservative as you might think. You’d probably feel a bit out of place in daisy dukes and a tube top, but pretty much anything else goes. Just cover yourself when you visit any religious sites.
• Tipping is not common, in fact, most taxi drivers actually round down. So if your ride should cost 8,300 UZS and you give them 10,000, you’ll likely get 2,000 back.

Getting to Tashkent

Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport is located in Tashkent and you’ll likely need to fly into and out of it. There aren’t many airline options to get into and out of the country other than Uzbekistan Airways.

Check Flight Prices on Skyscanner

Getting Around Tashkent

Taxis are incredibly cheap in Tashkent. You should only pay 1,000 UZS per kilometer so most trips will be less than a dollar. The only difficulty is that many taxi drivers don’t speak any English so getting them to understand where you need to go can be a challenge. Download the Yandex.Taxi app ( iPhone | Android ) so you can easily input your destination.

The metro will also get you where you need to go for next to nothing (1,000 UZS per trip) but be aware that none of the signs are in English. And none of the announcements are in English either. So unless you’ve really researched your stops, you’ll have a challenging time figuring out where you need to go.

Getting Around Uzbekistan

Trains in Uzbekistan are fast, convenient, and comfortable. The train from Tashkent to Samarkand takes less than three hours and the most you will pay is 105,000 UZS for the fast train. The slower train, which takes closer to three hours, will save you about 35,00 UZS.

You can book your train tickets online although the train station names are in the Uzbek language which can be confusing. Plus, they’ll add a processing fee to the price of your ticket. You can also buy directly at the train station if you want to avoid the additional cost.

Where to Stay in Tashkent

Hyatt Regency Tashkent

Finding a hotel in Tashkent can be difficult as most of them are old and dated. By far the nicest accommodation around is the Hyatt Regency Tashkent . Offering gorgeous rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a revolving restaurant, you’ll never want to leave your hotel!

Check Prices on Booking.com

Ichan Qal’a Premium Class Hotel

The impeccably decorated rooms at the Ichan Qal’a Premium Class Hotel are fit for a king! Plus, they are super spacious and comfortable. You’ll love the well-equipped fitness center and the refreshing pool. It’s certainly one of the nicest hotels in the city! The location is just outside of the center but it shouldn’t matter since taxis are so cheap!

Navruz Hotel

If you are looking for something more mid-range, then Navruz Hotel is a great choice! It’s close to the Tashkent Tower and Minor Mosque, as well as a metro stop to get you anywhere you need to go in the city. Rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable with updated, modern decor.

Where to Eat in Tashkent

Kafe-Restoran Ogni Tashkenta is a darling little restaurant with delicious salads, yummy desserts, and the most delicious mulled red wine. The service here is stellar, you’ll think you’re dining at a super fancy restaurant but prices are actually quite reasonable.

Our favorite restaurant in the city is Socials Cafe , a spacious coffee shop located in downtown Tashkent. They have delicious food, huge portions, and great coffee. Everyone there is super friendly and it’s quite affordable, especially the “Working Lunch Special” which is a salad, a sandwich or pasta, and coffee all for only 55,000 UZS (~$6.50). Plus the Wi-Fi is some of the best we encountered in the entire country of Uzbekistan.

Qorasaroy is a very local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek food just a block north of the Hazrati Imam Complex. Their signature dish, “lag’mon” is one you must try during your trip to Uzbekistan. It is made of noodles, veggies, meat, and a sauce that tastes eerily similar to pizza. Beware that the menu is written in Uzbek so just order the lag’mon, bread, and lemon tea. Your bill will be less than 50,000 UZS for two people.

Where to Drink in Tashkent

Silk96 WineLounge is a chic bar with a large imported wine list. If you have a hankering for a good bottle of wine, this is the place to go. But because it’s all imported, it’s also pretty pricey. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, opt for the mulled wine instead. They also have reasonably priced (and delicious) food and cocktails.

Caravan is a restaurant and bar that serves Georgian food and often has nightly live music. Beer and wine are reasonably priced and it has a nice, local vibe. The food is good but if you’re short on time, we’d recommend just enjoying a few drinks here while listening to live music and enjoying dinner at one of the spots we recommend above.

The 13 Best Things to do in Tashkent

1. people watch at the chorsu bazaar.

The Chorsu Bazaar is a great place to experience the local flavor of Tashkent! The covered area of the bazaar, under the massive blue dome, is full of vendors selling various raw food products. Behind the central dome, you’ll find a huge tented market full of fresh fruit, veggies, honey, and spices. Continue on toward Ko’kaldosh Madrasasi and you’ll pass little stalls selling clothing, fresh bread, jewelry, beauty products, and more.

This isn’t a tourist market, it’s mostly locals here. There are a few shops that have souvenir-type products, but you’re better off saving your treasure shopping for Bukhara or Samarkand. This is just a great place to do some people-watching in Tashkent.

2. Stop at the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Dzhuma Mosque

The Kukeldash Madrasah ( Ko’Kaldosh Madrasasi ) and the Dzhuma Mosque are right outside of the Chorsu Bazaar. Both are beautiful examples of Islamic architecture and are certainly worth a stop when you’re in the area.

You’ll have to pay a small fee to enter the courtyard of the madrasah, 10,000 UZS per person. Inside is a small shop with intricate wood carvings and if you’re lucky, you can see several wood carvers hard at work.

3. Check out the View from the Tashkent Tower

The Tashkent Tower is the 11th tallest tower in the world. The building has an interesting shape, almost like a spacecraft that is getting ready to launch. The entire structure stands 1,230 feet high and the observation deck is 328 feet above the ground. You’ll get off the elevator on the 6th floor for the observation deck, or you can continue to the 7th floor to have a beer in the revolving restaurant. The decor is really funky and the food and drinks are surprisingly reasonably priced.

If you’re in the area, head back to the Tashkent Tower after dark. It comes alive with blinking white lights after the sun goes down. It’s a must-see during your trip to Tashkent!

Entrance Fees: 40,000 UZS per person. You’ll need your passport to enter the tower, don’t forget!

Hours: Open daily from 10 am until 8 pm

4. Try Plov

Plov is the traditional cuisine of Uzbekistan and a must-try during your visit! This dish is comprised of rice, onion, carrots, and meat (usually lamb or beef), cooked in a large cast-iron pan. It’s a bit like fried rice but without the egg. Plov is a heavy dish so plan to take it easy after eating a massive bowl of this yummy dish.

You can find restaurants serving plov all over Tashkent but the most popular one is Central Asian Plov Center . Here you can get freshly baked bread with dip, pickled veggies, lemon tea, and two big bowls of plov, all for under $5 USD. But keep in mind that it’s more of a lunch spot and they close at 6 pm. You’ve got to try it at least once during your trip to Uzbekistan!

5. See the Memorial to the Victims of Repression

The memorial to the Victims of Repression is a large gazebo-shaped structure topped with a bright blue dome. It’s easy to see from the Tashkent Tower observation deck. The park surrounding it is gorgeous and is quite popular for wedding photos.

The Museum of Victims of Repressions is right next door and is worth wandering around to see the intricately carved wooden details. There is also a nice view of the Tashkent Tower all lit up at night from the park.

6. Admire the Minor Mosque

The Minor Mosque is the most spectacular mosque in the city of Tashkent. It is stark white with a large blue dome and intricately carved wooden doors. The gardens in the front are perfectly manicured, as are the trees in the inner courtyard. Women can enter the mosque if their shoulders, knees, and head are covered and men have a separate entrance on the right side of the courtyard.

You’ll be in awe of how incredibly beautiful this mosque is, inside and out. It’s arguably the most popular attraction in Tashkent and you’ve got to see it in person!

7. Wander Around the Hazrat Imam Complex

The library of oriental manuscripts is a small area where several mosques and madrasas are in close proximity. Plus, there is a huge mosque currently being built right next door. It’s awesome to stroll around this complex, admiring the architecture of these beautiful structures.

Make sure to visit the library of oriental manuscripts (Entrance Fee: 15,000 UZS) where you find a treasure trove of ancient Qurans and other books. The highlight is the Quran of Caliph Uthman-Ottoman (also known as the Samarkand Kufic Quran ) which was written over 1,200 years ago.

The Barakhan Madrasah is the most impressive building in the complex. Anyone can enter the inner courtyard (no head covering required) and the classrooms have been transformed into small shops selling traditional Uzbekistan souvenirs. Don’t miss it during your stay in Tashkent!

8. Visit the Amir Temur Monument and Square

Amir Temur (sometimes spelled “Timur”) has been officially recognized as Uzbekistan’s national hero due to his conquering of Western, South, and Central Asia during the 14th century. You’ll see his name all over Tashkent, including the Amir Temur Monument and Square.

Temur is a controversial figure as he sacked and destroyed many cities during his reign. But for Uzbekistan, he is a unifying figure of strength and courage. In fact, his name and image have replaced the previous landmarks bearing the names of Marx and Lenin.

The Amir Temur Square is a nice place for an afternoon stroll. It’s peaceful and beautiful and really popular with Uzbekistan families. The large monument of him on a horse is at the center of the park.

9. Get a History Lesson at the Amir Temur Museum

As mentioned above, Amir Temur is a hero in Uzbekistan and you’ll see his name everywhere. The Amir Temur Museum houses a few depictions of his likeness as well as some of his belongings. The most impressive area of the museum is the central rotunda. A copy of the Quran sits in the center with a vibrantly colored mural behind it. The domed ceiling is painted gold with a fantastic chandelier hanging from the center.

The rest of the museum houses small-scale models of the most important mosques around Uzbekistan, as well as copies of important cultural artifacts. You won’t need more than 30 minutes here to see all of the highlights.

Entrance Fees: 16,000 UZS per person. 30,000 UZS to shoot photos and 40,000 UZS for video.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am until 5 pm. Closed Mondays.

10. Snap a Photo of the Uzbekistan Hotel

Tashkent is full of post-Soviet era architectural remnants and the Hotel Uzbekistan is one of the best examples. It’s a large, cream-colored concrete building with patterned slabs over the windows. It’s impossible to miss while you’re wandering around Amir Temur Square as it towers over the eastern edge.

Don’t bother going inside the hotel, the interior isn’t nearly as interesting as the exterior.

Be on the lookout for other post-Soviet architecture during your stay in Tashkent. You’ll find similar buildings all over the city.

11. Shop for Antiques on Sailgokh Street

Sailgokh Street lines the park just to the west of the Amir Temur Monument and is quite a popular spot in the early evenings. Vendors selling antiques and unique paintings line the pedestrian street as do artists vying to sketch your portrait. Local entrepreneurs have games for kids (and adults!) to enjoy and motorized cars are available to rent for small children.

It’s the perfect place to find unique Uzbekistan treasures or just enjoy watching the locals enjoy time with their families. Don’t be surprised if you get approached by young people who want to practice speaking English or take a selfie.

12. Ride the Metro

Taxis are so cheap and easy in Tashkent that we would recommend using them as your primary means of transportation. However, it’s worth taking the Tashkent metro to see the impressive and unique stations. Every one of them is different.

When you enter the metro station, you’ll need to buy a small plastic token from the window, it’s 1,000 UZS per person. Then you’ll have your bag inspected and head down the steps to the trains.

The Tashkent metro stations have different features – some have gorgeous light fixtures, others have ceramic artwork on the walls, and still, others have impressive archways. They are old and you’ll feel like you’re in a museum or a ballroom, somewhere much fancier than a metro station.

Keep in mind that the metro is difficult to use as none of the signs are in English. Check the Uzbek names of the stations that you need to get off at and don’t be nervous about asking someone, most people will be happy to help you get where you need to go!

13. Visit the State Museum of Arts

The State Museum of Arts is a well-organized museum with a wonderful collection of Uzbekistan artifacts. The second floor is the highlight of the museum, with intricate wood carvings and beautiful handwoven tapestries. It’s definitely worth a stop while you’re in Tashkent, even if it’s a short visit, as the entrance fee is only about $1 USD.

We found it to be the most interesting of the museums that we visited in Tashkent and would recommend checking it out!

Entrance Fees: 10,000 UZS per person to enter, 50,000 UZS if you want to take photos inside

Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm

Enjoy your time in Tashkent!

Want more info to help you plan your trip to Uzbekistan? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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7 thoughts on “tashkent, uzbekistan: the top 13 things to do in the city”.

Is there people can speak Russian language ?

Yeah, it seems Uzbek and Russian are used interchangeably around Uzbekistan. And most people here can speak Russian.

If you are short on time in Tashkent, take the red city tour bus from the front of the Hotel Uzbekistan.

The correct word for describing people and things is Uzbek. Uzbekistani and Uzbeki are not.

Well then it’s a good thing we don’t call them that! We refer to the currency as the “Uzbekistani Soʻm” as that is the information we found on several financial websites and Wikipedia if that’s what you’re referencing. Thanks for keeping an eye out – the more eyes catching any errors on our posts, the better!

Thank you very much from Dhaka-Bangladesh for your nice guide lines and beautiful pictures. I like to visit Tashkent very soon.

Thank you for reading! Tashkent is amazing!

Preparing the travel for the great Uzbek, got one question, we should pay to shoot with camera, phone as well?

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33 Best Things to Do in Tashkent in 2024 (many FREE!)

OK, so you are in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan! You’ve read online that you should spend only 1, max 2 days, and then go to Samarkand to admire the beautiful madrasahs there.

NO, WAIT! Don’t book that Afrosiyob train ticket yet! I’m here to tell you that you can easily spend 3 or more days without running out of things to do in Tashkent! This list right here can easily last you 5 whole days!

The places that are close to one another are also close in numbers on the list.

Why do Tourists Skip Tashkent?

There are two main reasons why tourists spend less time in Tashkent: the 1966 Earthquake and the Soviet city planning.

A devastating earthquake hit Tashkent on 26 April 1966. It obliterated the Old City, which would’ve been very similar to the ones in Samarkand and Bukhara.

Not that many people died ( at least according to the official statistics, which for a Soviet Republic are never trustworthy ), but up to 300.000 were left homeless.

The Soviet Authorities, instead of rebuilding the Old City and restoring its heritage, saw an opportunity to build a modern communist city .

Thus, they created a model Soviet city, but let its old glory as a fabulous Silk Road stop be lost to the annals of history.

1. The Metro – easiest way to explore Tashkent!

• Opening times: Every day: 05:00 to 00:00;
• Price: 1400 UZS (0.12$)

Yeah, in Tashkent everybody with a car is a taxi and they are very affordable too, but at 1400 UZS per ride, 48 stations, and 4 lines , the Tashkent Metro is unparalleled.

Moreover, many of the stations are works of art ! Similar to other Soviet-built metro systems (like Moscow and Almaty ), they were decorated to inspire and induce awe.

Once inside, you can get off at as many stations as you want, so you can technically visit all 48 stations with just 1 ticket !

The most beautiful stations are:

• Kosmonavtlar (my favorite)
• Alisher Navoi
• Gafur Gulom
• Xalqlar Dustligi

Here is all you need to know about the best Tashkent Metro stations .

2. Hotel Uzbekistan

• Address: 45 Mirzamakhmud Musakhanov Street
• Nearest Subway: Amir Temur Avenue & Yunus Rajabiy
• Opening times: It’s a hotel, come on;
• Price: FREE to look at, 55-80$ per night. Click here to book .

This massive hotel has been receiving guests since 1974. Its imposing facade faces the nearby Amir Temur Square. In the spirit of Soviet Hotels, it’s big, it’s grand, it’s impressive !

Unlike many of its brethren in other post-Communist countries, Hotel Uzbekistan has managed to transition into the market economy as an eschelon of luxury and upscale accommodation in Uzbekistan. Nowadays, it’s almost always full .

There’s a bar on the top floor with nice views of Tashkent.

3. Amir Temur Square

• Address: 4 Amir Temur Avenue
• Opening times: Open 24 hours
• Price: FREE

Amir Temur, aka Tamerlane, is Uzbekistan’s national hero and probably the most famous Central Asian in the world. The capital of his massive empire ( which at one point in the 14th century was from the mouth of the Mediterranean to China ) was Samarkand and you will see his tomb there.

But before that, take a moment to check out his 7-meter statue in the middle of Amir Temur Square.

4. Sailgokh Street (Broadway)

• Address: Sailgokh Street ( duh )
• Nearest Subway: Amir Temur Avenue & Yunus Rajabiy OR Mustakillik Maydoni
• Opening times: Open 24 hours ( but visit in the evening )
• Price: FREE ( but you might want to buy something )

Let me be straight – this street has nothing to do with New York’s Broadway. It connects Amir Temur Square with Independence Square (see #7).

There are many food stalls on this pedestrian street selling anything from ice cream and popcorn to burgers and hotdogs. Maybe that’s why it’s called Broadway, no one really knows for sure.

5. Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

• Address: 28 Bukhara Street
• Nearest Subway: Mustakillik Maydoni
• Opening times: Admire during daylight. To visit: https://gabt.uz/
• Price: To look at: FREE; Tickets: 20.000-100.000 UZS

This is one of the only buildings that survived the devastating 1966 earthquake. And of course it did- it was built by the Japanese!

Okay, let me elaborate – it wasn’t really a Japanese construction company contracted for the project. It’s a bit more sinister than that.

In reality, the theatre was finished using the labor of Japanese prisoners of war at the end of the Second World War. It really is a fascinating story, read all of it here .

6. The palace of Grand Duke Nicholas Constantinovich (Romanov Palace)

• Address: Sharaf Rashidov Avenue
• Opening times: To look at: 24/7
• Price: FREE to look at; CLOSED for visitors ( expected to reopen in 2025 )

This small, but exquisite-looking palace was built for Grand Prince Nikolay Konstantinovich Romanov (1850-1917), first cousin of Tsar Nikolay II , who was deported here in 1881 to mine precious stones.

It was then closed in 1919 after the Revolution and reopened as a museum. In 1935 the museum was closed and the building became a Young Pioneers Palace – a place for the training (both physical and ideological) of young pioneers (i.e. kids) into communist propaganda.

It once again became a museum in 1980 to display the lavish jewelry that the aristocracy wore before the Revolution. However, in 1991, the museum was once again closed. It remains closed to this day and you can only see it on the outside.

It’s undergoing restoration works and according to my offline sources, it will once again reopen as a museum in 2025 in time for the Asian Youth Games.

7. Mustakillik Maydoni /Independence Square

Located in the heart of Tashkent, this main square serves as a popular meeting spot within the city. The most outstanding thing about it is the many fountains that grace the square.

Behind the fountains is the great marble arch of 16 columns to symbolize peace and the prosperity of nations.

8. Chorsu Bazaar

• Address: Sakichmon Street
• Nearest Subway: Chorsu
• Opening times: Mon-Fri: 5 AM-8 PM; Sat, Sun: 5 AM-9 PM
• Price: FREE ( but the food isn’t )

Chorsu Bazaar is the city’s most famous bazaar located in the heart of old Tashkent. Its enormous blue dome is visible from afar. Here you can buy a wide variety of fruits and veggies, raw meat, souvenirs, textiles, and my favorite – nuts and dried fruit ( I recommend the big black raisins! )

The Bazaar isn’t contained just within the building and under the dome. No, no, no. It has alleys all around it and feels like a small city of its own.

Outside the domed building is the cooked food, but I shouldn’t have to tell you this – let your nose lead you to the nearby kebabs, fresh bread, and samsas .

People are always in a hurry here – it’s either business time or time to buy groceries. Get ready to join the bustle!

9. Alay Bazaar

• Address: 7 Yahyo Gulyamov Street
• Nearest Subway: Abdulla Kodiriy
• Opening times: Mon-Sun 9 AM – 5 PM

Talking about bazaars, I must mention the other popular favorite – Alay Bazaar. It’s smaller than Chorsu and way less chaotic, but the prices are higher as the tourist flow is bigger.

Nevertheless, it is a good place to buy some dried fruit, nuts, or souvenirs to take home, and deserves a spot on this list of things to do in Tashkent.

10. Kukeldash Madrasah

• Address: Beruni Avenue Relief Road
• Opening times: Mon-Sun 9 AM – 6 PM
• Price: Grounds: FREE; Second Floor: 10000 UZS

Kukeldash Madrasah is the biggest one in Tashkent. It doesn’t get as much love as the three madrasahs that form the Registan Square in Samarkand, but it’s still an impressive example of Islamic architecture.

It has had a tumultuous history with several destructions and rebuilding since its construction in 1570, but most importantly, it survived the 1966 earthquake so you and I can visit it today.

11. Tashkent City Park

• Nearest Subway: Alisher Navoi & Pahtakor OR Ozbekiston OR Xalqlar Dustligi
• Opening times: Mon-Sun 11 AM – 11 PM

The Tashkent City Park is a relatively new park in the heart of the city. There are lots of trees, benches, green areas, playing grounds, a fountain as well as small restaurants and food stalls.

Being surrounded by tall buildings, one might easily make the comparison with Central Park of New York.

12. Hazrati (Khast) Imam Complex

• Address: Karasaray Street
• Nearest Subway: Gafur Gulom
• Opening times: Mon-Sun 9 AM – 9 PM

The Khast Imam Complex is to Tashkent what the Registan is to Samarkand and what the square in front of the Kalyan Mosque is to Bukhara. This is the heart of the religious part of Tashkent and the most popular tourist attraction in the city.

The whole complex consists of several mosques, a couple of madrasahs, a few mausoleums, and a library . This isn’t just any library though – it claims to hold the world’s oldest Quran – the Uthman Quran .

While visiting the complex and ensemble of beautiful buildings is free, if you want to enter the library, you have to pay a 15000 UZS / 1.30$ entrance fee.

13. Minor Mosque

• Address: Little Ring Road
• Nearest Subway: Bodomzor

The Minor Mosque is one of the newest places to visit in Tashkent. Built in 2014, it’s as spectacular, as it’s bright. Its main component is white marble, which makes it glisten on a sunny day.

It has a capacity of 2400 people and since it’s a mosque, anyone can visit and stay as long as desired.

I think I stayed way too long though ( excuse me, but it was cold outside and the carpet inside was so soft ). So much so, that a few people came up to me and gave me money, thinking I was perhaps homeless. Oh, Uzbek hospitality at its finest.

14. National Circus of Tashkent

• Address: 1 Zarkaynar Street
• Opening times: To look at: during daylight; To visit: http://cirk.uz/
• Price: FREE to look at; Tickets: 20000-50000 UZS

The circus culture in Uzbekistan is more than 200 years old. The first permanent circus was constructed in 1819, but its building didn’t survive the 1966 earthquake.

The new building is from 1976, renovated in 1999 and its most recognizable feature is the massive blue dome with the words “SIRK” on top.

While it’s worth it to visit just to see, performances are carried out and aren’t very expensive. If you’re looking for entertainment in Tashkent, go watch the circus perform every Saturday at 16:00, Sunday, 12:00, and 16:00 .

Check their official website for tickets and schedule .

15. Tashkent Television Tower

• Address: 109 Amir Temur Avenue
• Opening times: To look at: during daylight; To visit: 10 AM – 8 PM
• Price: FREE to look at; To go up: 40000 UZS

Who would’ve thought that the 12th tallest tower in the world would be in Uzbekistan? Certainly not me!

At 375 meters, it’s impressive, even though its main function is just a TV and radio tower and not an architectural masterpiece like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

You can look at the tower from the Japanese Garden Lake just south of it for free, or go up to the observation deck at 97 meters above ground for 40.000 UZS / 3.5$.

You must bring your passport with you for some weird reason. There’s also a restaurant on the 7th floor

16. Besh Qozon (The Plov Center)

• Address: 1 Guards Colonel Khodjaev Street
• Opening times: Mon-Sun 9 AM – 11 PM
• Price: FREE ( food not included )

Where are you going to eat in Tashkent, huh? Why not pop over to the home of the plov and have a look at the massive qazans ( frying pans basically ) in which they prepare this delicious meal?

If you’re not hungry, it’s still worth it to visit and observe as masses of people line up to take home some food. Otherwise, their plov portions are big and go for about 30000-35000 UZS / 2.60$-3.00$.

17. Monument of Courage

• Address: 74 Sharof Rashidov Shoh Ko’chasi
• Nearest Subway: Mustaillik Maydoni OR Abdulla Qodirii
• Opening times: To look at: best during daylight

I’ve decided to include the Monument of Courage out of all other statues and monuments in Tashkent, first because it’s a perfect example of a Soviet sculpture, and second because it is dedicated to the 1966 earthquake that I have referenced so many times in this article.

The earthquake (and its aftermath) had such a profound effect on Tashkent, that we can easily just call it New Tashkent nowadays.

The monument base is a black cube installed on a granite pedestal . On the two sides of the cube facing forward read the date 26 April 1966 and a clock that shows 5:24

The cube is split by a crack symbolizing the break of the earth. The crack splits the ground too and leads to the statue of a woman embracing a child and a man protecting them. Behind the monument, there is a relief telling about the restoration of Tashkent.

18. Friendship of Nations Palace / Istiklol Palace

• Address: 3 Furqat Ko’chasi
• Nearest Subway: Xalqlar Dustligi
• Opening times: To look at: 24/7; To enter: Mon-Fri 9 AM – 5 PM

Set at the back of the Friendship of Nations Square ( Ploshchad Druzhby Narodov ), this is the leading concert venue in Tashkent.

It reminded me a bit of my home city – Sofia – and its eye-catching National Palace of Culture (NDK). Not the building, but the concept – a brutalist architecture example created to host events to promote Socialist culture and values.

Nowadays there are regular concerts in the Palace. If you want to attend, you might want to check the schedule here .

19. Book Bazaar

• Address: 77 Sharaf Rashidov Avenue
• Nearest Subway: Kosmonavtlar
• Opening times: Mon-Sun 8 AM – 8 PM

The book bazaar is an informal collection of stands of booksellers situated in a marvelous park in the center of Tashkent. There’s green all around, ice cream stalls, a ton of benches, and even bicycle rentals in the park.

As for the books – they are mostly in Russian, but if you dig deep enough, you should be able to find English literature.

20. Navoi Park / Milliy Bog

• Address: Rasulov Street (main entrance)
• Nearest Subway: Milliy Bog
• Opening times: 24/7

It’s a very cute park to visit, especially in the summer, when Tashkent will be very hot, but in the park – moderate. There are many statues commemorating famous Uzbek poets, writers, musicians, and religious leaders, including of course Alisher Navoi’s monument.

21. Magic City Park

• Address: Beshyogoch Square, Furkat Street
• Nearest Subway: Milliy Bog OR Xalqlar Dustligi
• Opening times: Mon-Sun 10 AM – 10 PM

At the eastern side of Navoi Park is the Tashkent Disneyland – Magic City Park . It’s perfect for kids, but even if you don’t qualify in this category, it could still induce a “Ha! That’s {insert famous world attraction} “ from you. If not, then there is food there. Food is good.

22. Holy Assumption Cathedral Church (Russian Orthodox Church)

• Address: 91 Avliyoota ko’chasi
• Nearest Subway: Toshkent

The Cathedral was built in 1871 and has been the seat of the Tashkent Diocese ever since (or its various forms, due to historical events). It’s an impressive architectural landmark in the city and is well worth a visit. There’s a nice park around too.

23. St. Alexander Nevsky Church (Russian Orthodox Church 2.0)

• Address: Botkin Cemetery, Botkin Street
• Nearest Subway: Mashinasozlar

This is just such a cute church that if you’re into Orthodox architecture and churches, why not visit it too? Yeah, it’s situated in a cemetery, but I promise it’s a nice, well-kept one.

24. Soviet Murals

• Address: Everywhere

Soviet murals are an intrinsic part of any ex-USSR city and Tashkent is no exception. You can see some as big as the side panels of blocks and some as small as a street electricity box.

You can see murals in open places like squares and popular streets or tucked in small alleys in quaint neighborhoods. There are also many in the Metro stations, especially Amir Temur , Xalqlar Dostigli , and Chilonzor stations.

The best street to discover Soviet murals is the 6km long Shota Rustaveli street running north-south in the east part of town.

Museums in Tashkent

As Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent has some of the country’s best museums.

Even the most expensive one on the list is not more than 5$ and this is a massive bargain considering the number of exhibits and the time you can spend there.

Nevertheless, I’ve included some free museums , because who doesn’t like free stuff?

25. State History Museum

• Address: 3 Buyuk Turon ko’chasi
• Nearest Subway: Mustaillik Maydoni
• Opening times: Tue-Sun 10 AM – 5 PM
• Price: 50000 UZS

This has to be the best museum in all of Uzbekistan . If you only have time for one, let it be this one. It will give you a good overview of the history of the region with hundreds of exhibits and information about various eras from prehistory to modern times.

Also, the building is a fine example of brutalist architecture (if we can use “ fine ” at all together with “ brutalist “).

26. State Museum of the Temurids

• Address: 1 Amir Temur Avenue
• Opening times: Tue-Sun 10 AM – 6 PM

This museum has everything you need for good background knowledge before you go off to Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.

Since it’s all about the Timurids (chiefly Amir Temur), expect a lot of family trees, manuscripts, letters, and replicas of famous monuments. It’s very beautiful on both the outside and the inside.

27. Museum of Victims of Repressions

• Address: Amir Temur Avenue ( on the other side of Tashkent Tower )
• Nearest Subway: Shahristan
• Opening times: Mon-Sun 9 AM – 5 PM (Lunch break 1 PM-2 PM)
• Price: 25000 UZS

Islam Karimov may have been bad, but guess who was worse? The Communists.

That’s why the former dictator himself built this Museum of the Victims of Political Repressions in 2002 (and then went on to conduct a massacre in Andijan in the Fergana Valley 3 years later).

The museum has 10 halls with information about the most controversial periods of Uzbek history, including the October Revolution, Stalin’s Regime, and the Cotton Cases .

28. State Museum of Art

• Address: 16 Amir Temur Avenue
• Nearest Subway: Mingo’rik & Oybek
• Opening times: Tue-Sun 9 AM – 6 PM
• Price: 30000 UZS

Here’s everything related to art in Uzbekistan. You can easily spend a whole day in this museum if you’re into art ( not me, I’m more of a history buff ). The museum has several thousand art pieces.

Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be Central Asia, if there wasn’t some controversy.

In this case, the previous curator used to sell original works of art on the black market, replacing them with forgeries. He was caught eventually, but come on, that’s a Hollywood blockbuster right there!

There’s a section on applied arts, that kind of overlaps what the next museum on the list.

29. Museum of Applied Arts

• Address: 15 Rakatboshi Street

This gem of a museum was founded in 1937 as a temporary exhibition and then grew and grew until it was promoted to a permanent museum.

The works inside are mostly from the ’80s and ’90s, not that old, but they look beautiful. Worth an hour-long visit.

30. Railway Museum

• Address: 6 Turkiston ko’chasi
• Opening times: Mon-Sun 8:30 AM – 6 PM
• Price: 20000 UZS

Located just off the main entrance to Tashkent’s North Train Station ( Severniy Vokzal ), it can easily be visited if you have an hour to spare before your train to Samarkand.

Kids will have a blast here.

You can also take a ride on one of the museum’s oldest trains.

31. Islam Karimov Museum

• Address: Samarqand ko’chasi
• Nearest Subway: Kosmonavtlar OR Ozbekiston
• Opening times: Tue-Sun 9 AM – 5 PM

This museum used to be the late Islam Karimov’s working place, called Aksaray (the White Palace). It was transformed into a museum in 2017 by the next president of Uzbekistan.

Unfortunately (but not surprisingly), the museum portrays Karimov as an all-powerful, all-benevolent great leader. That was simply not the case. Visit to get an idea for yourself.

32. House of Photography

• Address: 4 Istiqbol ko’chasi

If you’re into photography, this free exhibition space is an awesome spot to visit when exploring Amir Temur Square and the surrounding area.

33. Yunus Radzhabi Historic House Museum

• Address: 20 Yunus Rajabiy str.
• Opening times: Mon-Fri 10 AM – 6 PM
• Price: 15000 UZS

Yunus Rajabi (1897 – 1976) is one of the most recognizable and probably the most beloved Uzbek musician and composer. He left a deep mark on Uzbek society and his house museum is the most visited one in Tashkent.

It was founded by his son in 1997 commemorating the 100th year since the birth of Yunus Rajabi.

The museum does tours that provide insights and useful information.

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Best Things to Do and Top Sights in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, often finds itself overshadowed by the allure of more renowned destinations like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva.

However, although frequently dismissed as a mere transit point, Tashkent quietly boasts its own distinctive charms that merit exploration. It is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity — from its historic monuments and bustling markets to contemporary attractions and a burgeoning nightlife.

Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit to Tashkent.

Table of Contents

Overview of Tashkent

Tashkent, has a storied history dating back over two millennia. It has been a crucial center along the Silk Road, witnessing the influence of various cultures, including Persian, Turkic, and Islamic civilizations. The city has experienced periods of conquest by Alexander the Great, the Mongols, and Tamerlane, contributing to its diverse cultural heritage.

In the 20th century, Tashkent became the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic and later, in 1991, the independent Republic of Uzbekistan.

Situated in the eastern part of the country, Tashkent is located on the northern edge of the fertile Fergana Valley. The city lies along the Chirchik River and is surrounded by the Tian Shan mountain range to the south. Tashkent’s geographic position has historically made it a significant trade and cultural hub.

As of the last available data in 2022, Tashkent is one of the most populous cities in Central Asia, with an estimated population of over 2.5 million residents. The city’s population is diverse, reflecting Uzbekistan’s multicultural identity, and includes Uzbeks, Tajiks, Karakalpaks, Russians, and other ethnic groups.

Uzbek is the official language of Tashkent and Uzbekistan as a whole. Russian is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among older generations. English is gaining popularity, particularly in the tourism and business sectors.

Islam , predominantly Sunni, is the predominant religion in Tashkent and Uzbekistan. The city is home to numerous mosques and religious sites, contributing to its rich Islamic heritage.

Best Time to Visit Tashkent

The best time to visit Tashkent is during the spring ( April to June ) and autumn ( September to October ) months when the weather is mild and comfortable, with minimal rainfall.

During these periods, temperatures are generally pleasant, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit), making it ideal for exploring the city’s historical sites, markets, and outdoor attractions.

Spring brings blooming flowers and green landscapes, while autumn offers clear skies and a respite from the summer heat.

I visited for two days in late October and the weather was sunny for the most part, but gloomy and rainy on my second morning there. Temperature-wise, I was comfortable walking around in my sweater and jeans, but I brought along a jacket in case in got chilly after the sun set.

You may also consider planning your visit during events like Navruz (Uzbek New Year) in March for a cultural celebration.

How to Go to Tashkent

Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is the largest airport in Uzbekistan, located about 12 km from the city center. Major international airlines operate flights to Tashkent, connecting it to cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Getting from Tashkent Airport to the City

From the airport, taking a taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the city center. The fare should be around 25,000 som (approximately USD 2). Upon exiting the airport, unofficial taxi drivers will approach you. Walk past them towards the authorized taxi stand about 50 meters away. 

However, do note that the airport official taxis cost significantly higher — potentially three to four times the amount you would find through ride-hailing applications.

There are also buses that run from 6 am till midnight. You can use the app 2GIS to see which bus(es) to take to get to your destination. Next, just hop on, and the bus conductor will come around to collect the fare from you.

Buses are another option to reach Tashkent from other cities in Uzbekistan and surrounding countries. When traveling by bus between countries, be aware of the border crossing procedures and ensure that you have the necessary visas and documentation.

However, even if you have everything ready, keep in mind that the entire process at the immigration can be lengthy. It is not uncommon to have to wait for a few hours for your bus to get through the border crossing.

You can also reach Tashkent from various other cities in Uzbekistan like Bukhara and Samarkand, or Almaty in Kazakhstan, on the high-speed or normal trains. Uzbek trains are clean, comfortable, and remarkably efficient.

Tickets can be purchased online through their official website or third-party apps:

How to Get Around in Tashkent

Getting around in Tashkent is a breeze. The Tashkent Metro is an efficient and affordable way to travel. It is very well-connected, and the most interesting part is that every station has its own unique interior design. Buses and trolleybuses cover various routes, providing an economical means of transportation.

Since Google Maps does not work very well in Central Asia, you can download another app called 2GIS that will not only help you navigate the city on foot, but also give you accurate information on public transportation.

On top of that, taxis and rideshare services like Yandex are readily available. With taxis, you will need to negotiate prices before starting your journey, whereas the rideshare services will state the exact amount you need to pay before the journey starts.

Things to Do in Tashkent

1. shop at chorsu bazaar.

A visit to the huge Chorsu Bazaar is a sensory journey through a kaleidoscope of fresh meats, spices, clothes, handicrafts, jewelry, beauty products, and many more.

Stalls brim with the bounty of the region, from the iconic Uzbek bread (non) to meticulously arranged piles of dried fruits and nuts.

Some of my favorite things in Chorsu Bazaar are the food court where you get to enjoy an authentic Uzbek meal, the dried fruit and nut section where you get to sample the goods on sale, and the bread section where you can observe the whole baking process and even try your hand at it too.

I think it’s pretty obvious now that food plays a major part in my travels!

The Chorsu Metro Station is right in the midst of the bazaar.

2. See the World's Oldest Koran

This sacred site, located on the fringes of the old city, houses an ensemble of architectural marvels and revered religious structures. At its heart lies the Barak-Khan Madrasah , home to an ancient Quran believed to have belonged to the third Caliph, Uthman Ibn Affan — the world’s oldest Quran to date.

Other important structures within the complex are the Tillya-Sheikh Mosque, adorned with intricate tilework, and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, honoring one of Tashkent’s venerated figures.

The Hazrati Imam Complex is about 15 minutes’ walk from Chorsu Bazaar.

3. Pay Tribute at Amir Timur Square

Amir Timur, commonly known as Tamerlane, was a 14th-century Central Asian conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire, which encompassed much of present-day Uzbekistan and surrounding regions.

He is revered in Uzbekistan as a national hero and is credited with expanding the empire, promoting arts and culture, and leaving a lasting legacy of architectural marvels and cultural achievements.

Today, the expansive Amir Timur Square in the city center serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy.

At the center of the square stands a majestic equestrian statue of Amir Timur, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, fountains, and ornate monuments, each symbolizing different aspects of Uzbekistan’s heritage.

The square is not only a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike but also a hub of cultural activity, hosting festivals, concerts, and public events throughout the year.

4. Visit Kukeldash Madrasah and Dzuma Mosque

Dating back to the 16th century, the Kukeldash Madrasah reflects the grandeur and sophistication of the Timurid era. While the madrasah no longer functions as a traditional Islamic school, it still occasionally hosts cultural and educational events, exhibitions, and performances that showcase the country’s arts and traditions.

Adjacent to the madrasah lies the Dzuma Mosque, a historic place of worship that has witnessed centuries of prayer and contemplation.

5. Discover Uzbekistan History at the State Museum

Housed within a grand architectural complex, the Uzbek State Museum of History features artifacts, manuscripts, and archaeological treasures that chronicle the nation’s millennia-old history. From the ancient civilizations of the Silk Road to the Timurid Empire’s grandeur, each exhibit offers insight into Uzbekistan’s cultural evolution and contributions to world history.

Highlights include intricately crafted pottery, exquisite textiles, and priceless artifacts from archaeological sites across the region.

6. Explore the Metro Stations

Beyond its practical function, the Tashkent metro is a living museum. Each station is a masterpiece of Soviet-era design, adorned with intricate mosaics, elegant chandeliers, and grand marble columns that reflect the city’s rich history and artistic heritage. From the ornate motifs of Alisher Navoiy to the celestial themes of Kosmonavtlar, every station tells a unique story, capturing the spirit of Uzbekistan’s past and present.

Get your metro ticket at the counter or simply use your credit / debit card at the gate, and visit as many stations as you have time for.

8. Watch Sunset at Hotel Uzbekistan

Perched majestically in the heart of the city, this historic hotel is another spot that offers panoramic views of the sprawling urban landscape. It is best visited when the sun is dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues.

From the comfort of its elegantly appointed rooms or the bar on the top floor (that is free to enter), guests are treated to a spectacle of natural beauty that unfolds against the backdrop of the iconic landmarks of Tashkent.

9. Browse at the Book Bazaar

The Tashkent book bazaar is a narrow strip of stalls along a tree-lined pedestrian path near the city center. While the selection of literature might be limited, especially for non-Russian speakers, the charming shops are still worth a leisurely browse during your stroll.

At one end, visitors can find several respectable souvenir stalls, while scattered throughout are vendors selling old medals, coins, and other collectibles displayed on blankets.

10. Admire Art at the Art Gallery of Uzbekistan

From classical masterpieces to contemporary works, the Art Gallery of Uzbekistan showcases a stunning array of paintings, sculptures, textiles, and decorative arts that span centuries of creativity and innovation.

Each exhibit offers a glimpse into Uzbekistan’s artistic traditions, reflecting influences from Silk Road civilizations to modern-day expressions.

11. Independence Square

The Independence Square in Tashkent is a sprawling urban oasis that serves as a tribute to the country’s independence and resilience. At its center stands the Monument of Independence and Humanism, a soaring architectural masterpiece embellished with symbolic motifs and inscriptions that commemorate Uzbekistan’s path to sovereignty.

Surrounding the monument are walking paths, ponds, and flowerbeds, inviting visitors to stroll or have a picnic amidst the serene surroundings.

12. Stroll Along Broadway Boulevard

The Broadway Boulevard is a lively promenade lined with an eclectic array of shops, cafes, and entertainment venues that cater to locals and tourists alike.

Visitors can indulge in a leisurely stroll, soaking in the lively atmosphere and admiring the diverse architecture that dots the boulevard. In the evenings, the street comes alive with the sounds of live music, street performers, and bustling cafes.

13. Get Inspired at Tashkent House of Photography

The House of Photography in Tashkent showcases a diverse collection of photographic works that captures the essence of Uzbekistan’s landscapes, people, and traditions.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the power of imagery as each exhibit provides a unique perspective into the country’s cultural heritage through the artistic vision of local and international photographers.

14. Sample Traditional Uzbek Cuisine

Begin your gastronomic adventure by savoring the quintessential Uzbek dish, plov (also known as osh), where the fragrant rice blends harmoniously with the succulent lamb and aromatic spices. Another staple in Uzbek meals is non, a traditional bread characterized by its round shape, soft, fluffy interior, and a golden crust often carved with intricate patterns. Also, don’t miss out on local sweets like halva and sherbet.

While good restaurants are scattered throughout the city, you can find pretty much everything at the Chorsu Bazaar — a culinary haven offering an array of street food delights, from samsa (savory pastries) to manti (meat dumplings) and shashlik (grilled kebabs).

15. Bring Out Your Inner Child at Tashkentland

A visit to Tashkent Land theme park promises an exhilarating escape into a world of fun and excitement for families and thrill seekers of all ages. Located adjacent to the Tashkent TV Tower, this sprawling amusement park offers a myriad of thrilling rides and entertainment options, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to whimsical carousels.

Operating exclusively during the warmer months, “Tashkent Land” Park typically commences its season from late March and continues until approximately the end of October.

How Long to Stay in Tashkent

Is 1 day enough for tashkent.

I stayed in Tashkent for 2 days and 1 night — a trip that had to be shortened from its original plan due to some transportation issues.

Nonetheless, even with the limited amount of time, and the leisurely pace at which I explored, I still managed to see some of Tashkent’s top sights, including Chorsu Bazaar, Amir Timur Square, Hazrati Imam Complex, Uzbekistan Hotel, and Tashkent City Park.

Had I moved a little faster (and woken up earlier), I would have been able to visit the Minor Mosque, Dzuma Mosque, Kukeldash Madrasah, Tashkent TV Tower, and maybe squeeze in a museum or two.

One day would allow you to see major highlights like the mosques, bazaar, and TV Tower, depending on your pace and preferences. A longer stay would let you slow down a little to explore the local cuisine, visit museums, and hang out at the square or the park.

Is Tashkent Safe for Tourists?

Tashkent, and Uzbekistan in general, is considered a safe destination for tourists. The city maintains a low crime rate, and instances of violent crime are rare.

As a a solo female traveler, I felt quite safe in Uzbekistan, even when I walked alone on the streets, took public transports and overnight trains, and stayed in hostels. I didn’t even experience minor annoyances that are common in some other countries like staring or over-persistent sellers.

However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable for tourists to exercise common safety precautions, such as safeguarding belongings, being vigilant in crowded areas, and using reliable transportation options.

Uzbek people are known for their hospitality and friendliness, contributing to the overall positive and secure atmosphere for tourists.

Where to Stay in Tashkent

I stayed with a Couchsurfing host for my entire stay in Tashkent, but here are three top-rated accommodation options to suit different budgets:

Topchan, Tashkent –  Located in the Mirabad district of Tashkent, 3 km from the airport, 2 km from the Central Station, and 800 m from Furkat Recreation Park, Topchan offers dormitory rooms with a desk, seating area, wardrobe, and private lockers. There is also free WiFi, a communal kitchen and lounge, and daily activities. From USD 6 for a Single Bed in Dormitory Room, inclusive of breakfast.

Corner Hotel Tashkent – The hotel provides air-conditioned rooms with a desk, kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV and private bathroom. There’s an ATM on-site. From USD 70 for a Standard Twin Room, with free one-way airport transfer.

Hyatt Regency Tashkent –  This luxury hotel in the heart of Tashkent features restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and luxurious guest rooms. The metro station is a 12-minute walk away. From USD 260 for a Twin Room.

Final Thoughts

Is tashkent worth visiting.

After Bishkek, which I found a little underwhelming to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much of Tashkent. After all, it’s just another capital city, not one of those historic old towns that I would have preferred.

However, I did find myself having a good time, especially at Chorsu Bazaar and the Hazrati Imam Complex. The Amir Timur Square and Tashkent City Park were also cool places to chill out at, giving me a short break after a long day of exploring.

Although it is often overshadowed by more renowned Uzbek cities, I feel like Tashkent gave me a more genuine glimpse into the daily rhythms of the country in a less touristy setting, making my experience feel more authentic and enriching.

Have you been to Tashkent before? What was your experience like? Share in the comment section below.

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15 Amazing Things to Do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 2024

Things to do in Tashkent – Quick Look Best Tashkent Tours 1. Tashkent City Tour 2. Tashkent Walking Tour 3. Day Trip to Bukhara 4. Day Trip to Samarkand 5. 3-Day Private Uzbekistan Tour Tashkent Accommodation 1. Topchan Hostel 2. Hotel Uzbekistan 3. Ichan Premium Hotel

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and is the largest city in the country. With so many incredible things to do in Tashkent, this city is fast becoming a tourist attraction and is a must-visit if you are travelling through Central Asia.

I’ve travelled to Tashkent on numerous occasions and love exploring this laid-back city with a Soviet air and distinctly Central Asian feel. From museums charting the rise and fall of the Timurid Empire to parks, churches and mosques, there are plenty of great places to visit in Tashkent.

Tashkent is known to be one of the main cultural and economic centres within Central Asia, and so is a great destination to visit. In this article, we will go through everything you need to know about this city including the most popular Tashkent attractions and the authentic dishes you need to try.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

15 Best Things to Do in Tashkent Uzbekistan

Below you’ll find a diverse list of Tashkent things to do from exploring bustling bazaars to interesting museums, the city’s incredible architecture and a lot more. This Tashkent travel guide will help if you’re a first-time visitor looking for things to do in the city.

1. Take a Tashkent City Tour

One of the best things to do in Tashkent for first-time visitors is to take a city tour . This full-day (6-7 hours) tour takes in the major places to see in Tashkent including Amir Temur Square, Independence Square, the Minor Mosque and Chorsu Bazaar.

You’ll travel between the Tashkent famous places in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle and get to eat an authentic Uzbekistan lunch. Entrance to all the museums, including the Amir Timur Museum, Hazrat Imam Complex, and Uzbekistan state museum. Click here to book .

2. Take in the Smells and Sights at Chorsu Bazaar

One of the first things I do when in Central Asia is head to the local Bazaar. The buzzing Chorsu Bazaar is one of the most popular places to visit in Tashkent and is one of the most important markets in Asia. It has been around for centuries and is a reminder of the ancient Silk Road.

Today you can find an array of items at Chorsu Bazaar including fruit, meat, clothes and crafts. If you are looking for an authentic travel experience, then this is one of the top things to do in Tashkent. Visit Chorsu Bazaar on a guided tour of the city. Click here to find out more .

Address: 57 Tafakkur ko’chasi, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions . Nearest Metro: Chorsu Opening Hours: 5am to 9pm Monday to Sunday

3. Ride on the Tashkent Metro

Aside from being the best way to get around, the Tashkent metro is also worth seeing for its beautiful architecture . It was designed to be an artistic masterpiece and it doesn’t disappoint. When travelling, look out for beautiful mosaics, murals and candelabras.

The design of the metro was based on those in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. It was the seventh metro system to be built in the USSR and was opened in 1977. No Tashkent sightseeing trip is complete without a ride on the metro.

It’s also one of the deepest in the world as the Soviets loved to bury their subways deep underground. I’ve visited some incredible metro stations in my time, including Moscow, Pyongyang and Almaty, and Tashkent is definitely one of the most impressive.

Tickets cost around 1,400 Som ($0.15) for any journey across the city, making it one of the cheapest ways to get around.

4. Visit the Hazrat Imam Complex

The Hazrat Imam Complex is one of the top Tashkent tourist attractions and is known as the official religious centre of the city. This part of Tashkent is known for its beautiful Islamic architecture and is not to be missed.

The complex is home to some incredible monuments including the Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, the Tila Sheikh Mosque and Barak Khan Madrasa.

You can also find the Muyi Mubarak Library here which is home to oriental manuscripts and the world’s oldest Koran. See the incredible Hazrat Imam Complex on a guided tour of Tashkent. Click here to book .

Address: Karasaray Street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions . Nearest Metro: Gafur Gulom Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday

5. See Independence Square (Mustakillik Maydoni)

During the era of the Soviet Union, this square was used for celebrations of labour day and Victory day and was named Lenin Square. After Uzbekistan gained its independence in 1991, the square was renamed Mustakillik Maydoni (which translates to Independence Square in English).

Today the square is used to celebrate Independence Day and New Year among other festivities and is a popular spot among locals and one of the major things to see in Tashkent for tourists.

The square is surrounded by important government buildings including the cabinet office and the senate and has some pretty impressive monuments. However, the most beautiful part of the square has to be the fountains and the Independent monument itself.

This full-day guided tour of Taskent includes a visit to Independence Square among other top Tashkent places to visit. Click here for more info .

Address: Independence Square, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions . Nearest Metro: Mustakillik Maydoni Opening Hours: 24/7

6. Climb the Tashkent Tower for Incredible Views

The TV Tower in Tashkent is actually the 11th tallest tower in the world at an impressive height of 375m and one of the top things to do in Tashkent for visitors.

If you are feeling adventurous and aren’t afraid of heights (I am), then you can take the elevator up to the 6th floor and marvel at the views of the city from the observation deck.

There is also a restaurant located on the 7th floor if you are looking for a tasty meal and a beer. The TV Tower is one of the best places to visit in Tashkent as it gives your panoramic views and is a great spot to take photographs of the city.

Address: Amir Temur ASve, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions . Nearest Metro: Shahriston Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday Ticket Price: 40,000 Som ($3.50)

7. See Hotel Uzbekistan

The Hotel Uzbekistan is a huge soviet hotel that is located in the centre of Tashkent. The architecture is typical of other communist-era hotels and is one of the top places to see in Tashkent. The hotel is made up of 17 floors and has over 250 rooms.

The hotel accepted its first guests in 1974 and has been a popular choice ever since and a symbol of the city. You can book a stay at the hotel, but even if you are not a guest, you can still pop in and have a look around (I went there to change USD to Som).

If you head up to the top floor, you can even get an amazing view over Amir Temur Square. Rooms are surprisingly cheap with singles from around $50 and doubles from $65. Click here to book your room .

Address: 45 Mirzamakhmud Musakhanov Street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions . Nearest Metro: Amir Temur Hiyoboni Opening Hours: 24/7 Book a room: Hotel Uzbekistan

8. Visit the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan

The State History Museum is one of the best museums in Tashkent for its incredible collection of exhibits dating back to antiquity. It opened in 1876, and the exhibitions focus on Uzbekistan’s rich history dating from 2,500 years all the way up to President Karimov’s time.

The museum is open daily, and if you want to make the most out of this experience then it’s best to hire an English guide (which costs less than one dollar). It is one of the oldest museums in Central Asia and has over 250,000 listed exhibits.

Some of the most unique exhibits in this museum include a stone sculpture of two snakes from the 2nd millennium BC, the decor of the Bukhara governor’s palace and fragments of a 7th-8th century mural painting.

However, one of the most impressive is probably the remains of a primitive man from Sel-Ungur cave that dates back to 1.5 million years BC. For history lovers like myself, the State Museum is one of the top Tashkent tourist places.

Address: 3 Buyuk Turon Street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions . Nearest Metro: Mustakillik Maydoni Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday Ticket Price: 10,000 Som ($1) single entry. 25,000 Som ($2.50) camera pass.

9. Amir Temur Square (One of theTop Places to Visit in Tashkent)

Amir Temur Square is one of the most popular Tashkent tourist attractions, and so is a must for any itinerary. Built in 1870, this square has seen various monuments including statues of Lenin, Stalin and Karl Marx.

Today, the monument that stands here is Amir Timur on his horse. Amir Timur is the national hero of Uzbekistan and the most famous Central Asian conqueror. This monument has stood proud since it was built after Uzbekistan’s independence and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Aside from the monument, Amir Temur Square is a great place to take a walk and unwind. Some of the other popular spots located here include the Amir Timur Museum (one of the top museums in Tashkent), Hotel Uzbekistan and the Clock Towers.

Address: 4 Amir Temur Avenue, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions . Nearest Metro: Amir Temur Hiyoboni Opening Hours: 24/7 Ticket Price: Free

10. Visit the Amur Timur Museum

The Amur Timur Museum is one of my favourite Tashkent tourist attractions and one of the best museums in Tashkent. Inside you’ll find a selection of displays charting the Timurid Empire that lasted from 1370 to 1405.

Amur Timur, or Tamerlane as he is known in the west (Timur the lame due to an arrow injury), was a Turkik-Mongol warlord that oversaw an empire stretching across Central Asia and including what is now Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. Click here to book a tour of the museum .

Address: 1 Amir Temur Avenue, Tashkent 100000, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions . Nearest Metro: Amir Temur Hiyoboni Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday Ticket Price: 8,000 Som ($0.70) Website: temurid.uz

11. Broadway Boulevard

A trip to Tashkent isn’t complete without an evening stroll along Sailkough Street. Also known as Broadway Boulevard, this street connects the two main squares in the city; Independence Square and Amir Timur Square.

During the evening, Broadway Boulevard is lit up with beautiful lights and is filled with food stalls, art stalls and street artists. It is also popular with families as there are plenty of carnival games located down this street for children.

Places to Visit Near Tashkent

There are lots of popular day trips you can take from Tashkent. Here are the places you need to visit:

12. Charvak Lake

Charvak Lake is located in the Northern area of the Tashkent region and offers beautiful views. It is an artificial lake that was made during the Soviet Union to provide cheap energy to the city of Tashkent. The construction of the dam started in 1964 and was completed in 1970.

Aside from the surrounding snow-capped mountains, lush greenery and the beautiful blue waters, there is something even more special about this place. When the reservoir was filled, about 150 archaeological sites ended up being submerged underwater.

There are no direct public transport options to Charvak lake from Tashkent, however, there are a few options. You can either get a public bus part of the way and then get a taxi, or you can book a day trip from the city centre. However, the easiest way would be to hire a car.

13. Samarkand

Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and was founded in the 7th century BC. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has jaw-dropping architecture that will leave you amazed.

Samarkhand was invaded by Alexander the Great and then destroyed by Genghis Khan, which meant the city was in need of a serious rebuild. Amir Timur took on the task and made it the capital city of the Timurid Empire in the 1370s. The stunning architecture that you will see all across Samrkhad is from this time period, so make sure you bring your camera.

When it comes to travelling to Samarkand, the most popular options are train and bus. The train journey from Tashkent is a lot quicker, taking around 3 hours whilst the bus takes about 6 hours.

See my full guide to Samarkand for more information.

14. Bukhara

Silk Road Bukhara is the 5th largest city in Uzbekistan and is located along the ancient Silk Road. The city has around 140 architectural monuments, so there is plenty of history to explore.

The most popular places to visit in Bukhara include the Chor Minor, the Ark of Bukhara and Bolo Hauz Mosque. However, aside from visiting the architectural masterpieces, there are also plenty of opportunities to shop, as there are lots of bazaars located within the city.

When travelling from Tashkent to Bukhara, there are a couple of choices. The most popular option is the train which takes about 6 hours, although a hire car would probably be more convenient.

If you’re looking for accommodation, check out this useful guide on where to stay in Bukhara .

This excellent six-hour guided tour of Bukhara’s top attractions is the perfect way to see the city if time is tight.

15. Khujand

The city of Khujand dates back around 2,500 years to the Persian Empire. It is situated on the Syr Darya River and is actually located in Tajikistan. Khujand is located close to the borders of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and was once a major city along the famous Silk Road.

Khujand is the largest city in Tajikistan and so has plenty to offer. The most popular places to visit include the Panchshanbe bazaar, the Citadel and the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum. You can also take a cable car over the Syr Darya River if you are feeling adventurous.

The most direct way to get to Khujand from Tashkent is by bus, and the journey takes about 5 and a half hours. However, if you choose to hire a car instead of taking public transport you will cut your journey in half. The one thing to be mindful of with this day trip is that there will be an immigration point and border control, as you are travelling to another country.

Getting to Tashkent

Tashkent International airport is located about 10km outside the city centre. There are plenty of direct flights from various countries making the city easily accessible.

If you are travelling into Uzbekistan from neighbouring countries, then there are a couple of journeys you can do. You can travel by rail into the city of Tashkent from various cities in Russia, the city of Kharkov in Ukraine and Almaty in Kazakhstan. If you don’t mind changeovers and multiple visa’s you can also arrive from China.

More info: Almaty to Tashkent Train

Getting Around Tashkent

There are plenty of different ways to get around Tashkent. The most popular and easiest way is the metro which runs between 5 am and midnight. Waiting times in the metro are pretty short, and the system is easy to use. It is very well signposted and security is tight so police will check any belongings.

Getting a taxi is another popular way to get around, but it can be quite complicated. There are two types of taxi in Tashkent – licensed taxis and ‘independent’ taxis. Independent taxis are quite flexible with fares, and are just random cars with a little taxi sign on the roof. Licensed taxis are a lot more expensive, so make sure a price is negotiated beforehand.

Food in Tashkent

There are lots of different authentic food dishes for you to try in Tashkent. Here are a couple of the most popular ones!

Plov – Plov is Uzbekistan’s national dish, and is a must-try during your visit. The dish consists of rice, meat, onions and carrots boiled within a light broth. There are so many different variations of this dish, and you’ll often find it served with eggs, sausages and many other foods.

Lagman – Lagman is a dish that consists of noodles with meat and veg, and there are different ways it can be served. It is either served as a soup or light broth, or it is fried in a sticky sauce.

Shashlik – Shasklik kebabs are often found on street markets and roadsides throughout the country. They are cubes of meat that are placed onto skewers, alongside peppers, onions and tomatoes. They are usually grilled over coal or wood and make a great snack.

One of the best places to sample local cuisine is the Central Asian Plov Center. Click here for directions .

Tashkent Weather

The climate in Tashkent varies throughout the seasons. Summer is known for being hot, arid and very clear. Winters are known to be very cold, with plenty of snow.

The warmest month to visit Tashkent is in July when temperatures can reach up to around 36°C. The coldest month is January with an average low temperature of around -2°C. Tashkent’s summer season lasts between May to September, and the cold season lasts between November to March.

Best Time to Visit Tashkent

The best time to visit Tashkent is between the months of May to June, as the weather is starting to turn but isn’t too uncomfortable.

The summer months are also a popular time to visit as Tashkent receives around 10 hours of sunshine a day. However, the heat can become pretty unbearable if you are exploring the city all day, which is why many people choose to visit in the spring.

Is Tashkent Safe to Visit?

Although Tashkent isn’t at the top of many bucket lists, it is a relatively safe city to visit for tourists. Violent crime is known to be incredibly rare in this city. However, petty crime like pickpocketing is still common in touristy areas. It is also a good idea to be careful where you choose to exchange your money. Only change money at banks to avoid scams.

As with the police in some former Soviet countries, they can be corrupt so best to try and avoid any contact with them unless absolutely necessary. Tashkent has a reputation for police trying to scam tourists, however, it is not as bad as in the past. I’ve visited Tashkent on multiple occasions and never had any problems.

The most likely problem you will encounter is being ripped off by a taxi driver!

Accommodation in Tashkent

There are plenty of different accommodation options in Tashkent. Here are some great options for each budget:

Budget: Topchan Hostel

I’ve stayed at Topchan on every visit to Tashkent and have found it an excellent place, especially for backpackers. The location isn’t perfect as it’s a little way out from the centre, but it’s walkable from the station.

On my last visit, I hired a 50cc scooter from the hostel which made getting around much easier. Click here to book on Hostelworld .

Mid-range: Hotel Uzbekistan

Tashkent is famous for the Hotel Uzbekistan which is located close to Amir Temur Square and makes an excellent option. Rooms are excellent value with singles starting from just $50. Click here to check prices .

Luxury:: Ichan Qal’a Premium Class Hotel

Things to Do Tashkent FAQs

Tashkent is definitely worth visiting for its excellent museums about the Silk Road, the beautiful Hazrat Imam complex and its excellent nightlife. It also makes a great base for exploring nearby places such as Samarkand and Bukhara.

Tashkent is famous as the seat of the Timurid Empire and its interesting array of architecture charting the city’s past from a stop on the ancient Silk Road to its time as part of the Soviet Union.

I often spend around three days in Tashkent when visiting and find this is enough to see the main sites and enjoy the nightlife. You can also make the city your base and explore other parts of Uzbekistan.

Tashkent has an excellent nightlife and some of the best bars and clubs in Central Asia. Whether you’re a lover of craft beer, gourmet food, or dancing ’til dawn, you’ll be sure to find plenty of things to do in Tashkent at night.

Now you know what to do in Tashkent, the charming capital of Uzbekistan. If you are a fan of architecture, tasty dishes and culture, then this city should be on your bucket list.

There are so many incredible places to visit in Tashkent including the History Museum, Chorsu Bazaar and Navoi Park. If you are looking for a destination that is off the beaten path and often overlooked by other tourists then this is your place.

You might like my other guides about cities in Central Asia:

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

One thought on “ 15 Amazing Things to Do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 2024 ”

Really interesting and helpful article! I’d love to visit Tashkent, it’s been on my bucket list for years!

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Places To Visit In Tashkent

• Filter (17)
• Monument (2)
• Garden & Park (2)
• National Park (1)

1. Independence Square

3 km from city center 1 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

The Independence Square, known as Mustaqilliq Maidoni, resembles a vast park adorned with monuments and fountains, surrounded by notable public buildings. The open park area has fountains, pools, and lush green surroundings, making it a perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon. It is also the venue of various Uzbek celebrations, such as Uzbekistan Independence Day and New Year.

2. Tashkent City Park

2 km from city center 2 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

The Tashkent City Park spread across 18 hectares is located in the central area of the city. The park consists of beautiful gardens, pools, restaurants, a basketball court, and two children’s playgrounds. One of these playgrounds has paid entry while the other one is free to access. The main attraction is the musical fountains that shoot water streams up to 80 meters and light up in the evening.

3. Chorsu Bazaar

3 km from city center 3 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Chorsu Bazaar, also known as Charsu Bazaar is over a hundred years old and is the biggest market in Tashkent. The market is divided into three floors; the shops can be found on the top and middle floors. The market provides a cultural experience, from locally produced food items to handmade crafts made by local artisans here. The regional specialties like colorful nuts, spices, and candies make the stalls look kaleidoscopic.

4. Museum of Applied Arts Tashkent

1 km from city center 4 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

The Museum of Applied Art in Uzbekistan showcases more than 7000 art pieces. These pieces are grouped into three categories and present the history of traditional Uzbek art. You can find exhibitions on silk making, musical instruments, jewelry, embroidery, and other similar crafts along with miniature and ceramic art from different periods. The walls of the museum, adorned with traditional tiles and Uzbek designs, add to the list of exhibits.

5. Magic City Park

1 km from city center 5 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Magic City Park is the largest all-season amusement park in Central Asia. With a fairy-tale theme, the park features a fairy-tale castle with towers as high as 60 meters. The castle has multiple shops, cafes, food courts, and entertainment facilities. These include the first laser cinema in Uzbekistan, bowling and gaming arcades, an amphitheater for live shows, and an aquarium 3.8 meters deep and in a 20-meter-long tunnel. The aquarium features 100 species of fish, snakes, jellyfish, insects, and giant sharks.

6. Minor Mosque

5 km from city center 6 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

The Minor Mosque is situated along the Ankhor channel. It stands out among the other mosques in Tashkent with its white-marbled architecture and turquoise-colored domes. It has an open front part with terraces and a large round hall for prayer. The altar at the mosque is like a curved niche and points towards Mecca.

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7. Hazrati Imam Complex

4 km from city center 7 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Hazrati Imam Complex is an architectural gem in the heart of Tashkent’s old town. It is known by many names, such as Khazrati Imam, Hast Imam, and Hastim. The central attraction of the complex is the Hazrat Imam Mosque. Its tall minarets showcase intricate woodcarvings representing various Uzbekistani schools. Several architectural landmarks such as the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, the mausoleum honoring Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari are located within the complex.

8. Tashkent TV Tower

6 km from city center 8 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

The Tashkent TV Tower is an iconic landmark and one of the tallest structures in Central Asia at  a height of 375 meters. Its unique design features a cylindrical shaft with a gradually tapering top and a distinctive observation deck, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Tashkent.  There are high-speed elevators to go to the tower's observation deck situated 97 meters above ground and the highest restaurant in just 30 seconds.

9. Kukeldash Madrasah

3 km from city center 9 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Kukeldash Madrasah, located on a high hill in Chorsu Square is a historic Islamic educational institution that stands as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region. Built in the 16th century the madrasah served as a center for religious studies. It was originally built with baked bricks, following the 16th-century architecture. Today, the madrasah stands as a functioning religious institute with facilities like classrooms, computer rooms, a calligraphy hall, a library, a gym, a cafeteria, and a dormitory. It is open to the public throughout the year.

10. Amir Timur Museum

3 km from city center 10 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

The Amir Timur Museum, located in downtown Tashkent, is a tribute to the legacy of Amir Timur. Also known as Tamerlane, he was a Turko-Mongol conqueror and the founder of the Timurid Empire in the 14th century. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of Timur's life, military conquests, and the cultural achievements of his era. Exhibits at the museum include jewelry, clothing, musical instruments, tools, manuscripts, and artworks from the Timurid period.

11. Tashkent Zoo

7 km from city center 11 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Spanning over 22 hectares, the Tashkent Zoo is homes up to 373 species of animals including mammals, reptiles, birds, and fishes. It is popular for its “predator” section which has Tigers, Lions, Kangaroos, and Giraffes. The “birds of prey” section which holds buzzards, vultures, griffon vultures, and saker falcons is another popular feature of the zoo. You can also catch sight of exotic animals like the Asian elephant and Malayan bear here. There is a park inside the zoo with fountains, artificial lakes, and waterfalls making it a great spot for a day out with family.

12. Charvak Reservoir

70 km from city center 12 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Charvak Reservoir is an artificial lake that was made in 1970 by building a dam to store the water of mountain rivers like Pskem, Kok-Su, and Chatkal. It is a popular day trip from Tashkent. Here you can indulge in swimming, hiking, paragliding, or simply bask in the fresh mountain air and witness unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. There are multiple beaches around the lake. Some of them are paid and fenced while others are open to the public.

13. Alisher Navoiy Theater

3 km from city center 13 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Alisher Navoiy Theater is located near Amir Temur Square, on Islam Karimov Street, and is one of the largest cultural and entertainment facilities in Central Asia. Named after the revered 15th-century poet Alisher Navoiy, the theater is a prominent venue for performing arts, hosting a diverse array of theatrical productions, ballets, and operas. The theater's auditorium, adorned with gilt ornaments and light paint, features a parterre and two tiers, providing seating for up to 1440 people. There are both Uzbek and European works performed throughout the year.

14. State Museum of History of Uzbekistan

3 km from city center 14 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Founded 136 years ago, the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan was formerly known as the Lenin Museum and is one of the oldest museums in Central Asia. The museum has four floors that showcase over 250,000 exhibits, including 60,000 archaeological, 80,000 numismatic, and 16,000 ethnographical items. The collection spans Uzbekistan's history from primitive times to the present day. Guided tours are available.  

15. Tashkent Botanical Garden

8 km from city center 15 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Spread across 66 hectares, the Botanical Garden at Tashkent features flora from all over the world. These species are mainly categorized under 5 groups- Central Asia, East Asia, the Far East, Europe, and North America. There are 6000 species and varieties of plants, including 170 coniferous, about 800 species of tropical and subtropical plants, and more than 2000 species of perennial grasses. With its lush green surroundings, ponds, lakes, and a huge variety of plants from all over the world, it is one of the most popular spots for picnics and excursions in the city.

16. Amir Temur Square

3 km from city center 16 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

Formerly known as Konstantinovsky Square, Amir Temur Square is located in the center of Tashkent and is the best spot to start your tour of the city. The Square is marked by a bronze statue of Amir Temur riding horseback. It is surrounded by many buildings like “Uzbekistan” Hotel, the University of Law, the Amir Timur Museum, Tashkent Chimes, and the Forums Palace. The main square is covered with grass and pavements around the square are decorated with flowers. The roads surrounding the square lead to all parts of the city.

17. National Park of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi

1 km from city center 17 out of 17 Places To Visit in Tashkent

The Alisher Navoi National Park occupies a 65-hectare area, featuring a 9-hectare lake and canal network. It is popular for activities such as biking, roller-skating, boating and also swimming in the artificial lake during warm seasons. The park also hosts a miniature railway with a locomotive, rails, carriages, and signals which is operated by children from ages 12 to 16, under adult supervision.

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Tashkent: 15 Amazing Places To See In Uzbekistan’s Capital

Whilst it may not receive as much attention as the infamous Silk Road cities like  Bukhara , Samarkand and Khiva , Tashkent is definitely not a place to skip. It is a capital city that has an intriguing mix of Soviet-era architecture and religious mausoleums of several faiths, yet it is also a clean and modern city with many parks, fountains and beautiful statues. Despite stories that there is nothing to see here, we wanted to give it a chance and did not regret at all.

Instead of just passing through, we highly recommend to spend at least a few days in Tashkent as a great start of any Uzbekistan itinerary. Read on to discover our favorite sights in Uzbekistan’s capital city!

Don’t Miss: Useful Tips To Know Before Travelling to Uzbekistan

Getting to Tashkent

Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport is located in Tashkent which we flew in and out of it. There aren’t many airline options that fly directly to the country other than Uzbekistan Airways , Air Hamburg, Air Astana, Aeroflot, UTair, Ural Airlines, S7 Airlines and Alitalia. However, Tashkent may not the cheapest city to fly into the region. Most travellers fly into Almaty in Kazakhstan and make their way to Shymkent where the border to Tashkent is.

Taking trains in Uzbekistan is an inexpensive way to get around the country with daily trains to visit cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva,  Nukus or Ferghana Valley. We had very nice experiences with the locals on all of our train rides.

Tashkent is connected by train to Almaty and Shymkent in Kazakhstan and even all the way to Moscow. There is a twice weekly overnight fast train between Almaty and Tashkent which takes about 24-hours. However, the cost of the train ride is almost the same as the flight ticket.

Taking bus is super cheap but it can be quite a hassle as the borders are usually at the outskirt, so you have to find a local bus or shared taxi to go to city. We took buses in and out from Tashent and the hassles are just another fun part of travelling.

Getting Around Tashkent

• Taxis – There are incredibly cheap in Tashkent. You should only pay 1,000 Som per kilometre so most trips within the city should cost less than a dollar. The only difficulty is that many taxi drivers don’t speak any English. So you can either show them the picture of the destination or use  Yandex Taxi app .
• Bus – Buses cost 1,200 Som per trip and run from 6 am until midnight. It is convenient if you would like to go to places where there’s no metro nearby, e.g Tashkent Railway Station. The best way to catch the correct bus is to ask the staff from your accommodation, or any young locals at bus station.  
• Metro – Same as bus, the fare is 1,200 Som per trip and you get to admire one of the most beautiful train station in the world. Metro takes you to most tourist places in Tashkent but take note that none of the signs are in English and announcements are in English. So do your research on your stops before taking the metro because you’re entering a bomb shelter with no sign of reception at all.

Best Time To Visit Tashkent

Spring (April to June) or Fall (September to October) is generally considered the best time to visit. The weather during those seasons in Tashkent is enjoyable and the temperatures are usually around 20°C. Unfortunately, these months are also the most popular for this reason so good-priced and quality accommodations fill up fast. Shoulder months such as March and November can be good months to opt for to get fewer crowds.

Winter in Tashkent can also be a nice time if you want to see the city covered in snow. The average temperature during the winter is usually around 5°C.

What to see in Tashkent?

Minor Mosque

Locally known as “Snow Mosque”, Minor Mosque is the most recently built mosque in Tashkent. Different from other blue-tiles mosques across Uzbekistan, Minor Mosque is completely made out of white marble, making it a great architecture of how history meets modernity.

Nearest Metro Stations:   Bodomzor or Minor (Green Line)

Central Asian Plov Center

Plov is an iconic dish in Central Asian and the national dish of Uzbekistan. This exotic dish consists of rice fried with raisins, onions, carrots, and spices topped with variety of meat like lamb, beef and even horse! The rice is usually soaked in lamb fat and cook with large cast-iron pan on top on charcoal stove to get the fragrance. Though it may not be the best plov we had tasted but what really cool about the Plov Center is that you can see how the plov is made in huge pots that can serve hundreds of people! For about 40,000 Som (US$4), we got a large plate of plov, 2 side dishes and 1 jug of refreshing ice tea to share. The plov center closes at 6 pm daily.

Nearest Metro Stations:   Bodomzor or Shahriston (Green Line)

Tashkent TV Tower

Standing at 375-meters tall, Tashkent TV Tower is the 11th tallest tower in the world and the tallest in Central Asia. Nearby to Central Asian Plov Center, this unique building is shaped almost like a spacecraft getting ready to launch. For a small fee of 40,000 Som (US$4) and a brief check of your passport, you are able to enter the observation deck on the 6th floor and enjoy the panoramic views over the city. The Tashkent TV Tower is open daily from 10 am till 8 pm. 

Memorial to the Victims of Repression

Across the road from Tashkent TV Tower, you will notice a gorgeous park with a large gazebo-shaped structure with a blue dome. It is the memorial to the Victims of Repression, dedicated to the people who fought for the independence of Uzbekistan during the Soviet Union time. There is a museum nearby where you can find photographs, documents and personal belongings of those killed.

Chorsu Bazaar

The frenzied and bustling core of Chorsu Bazaar is covered by a Soviet-era blue dome, but the bazaar underneath feels almost like a city of its own. The Chorsu Bazaar is the biggest market and a great place to experience the local flavor of Tashkent! This isn’t a tourist market and you can mostly see locals shopping from raw food products, fresh fruits and veggies, honey and spices to clothing, jewelry, beauty products.

Nearest Metro Station:   Chorsu (Blue Line)

Kukeldash Madrasah and Dzhuma Mosque

The Kukeldash Madrasah is the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical places in Tashkent. Though it might not be as impressive as the three madrasahs surrounding Registan Square in Samarkand, the building still is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture and worth a visit just outside Chorsu Bazaar. You can enter the courtyard of the madrasah for an entrance fee of 10,000 Som (US$1). The Dzuma Mosque is right next to the Kukeldash Madrasah and worth a quick stop to admire the Islamic architecture.

Holy Assumption Cathedral Church

Although many Russian have left Uzbekistan after independence but there is still a large Russian minority in Tashkent. The golden-domed Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin is a Russian Orthodox cathedral originally built in 1871.

Nearest Metro Stations:  Toshkent or Oybek (Blue Line)

Hotel Uzbekistan

Tashkent is full of post-Soviet era architectural remnants and Hotel Uzbekistan is one of the most iconic sights of Tashkent. It is a large, cream colored concrete building with about 250 patterned slabs over the windows!

Nearest Metro Station:  Amir Temur Xiyoboni (Red Line)

Amir Temur Square

Amir Temur is officially recognized as Uzbekistan’s national hero and the most famous Central Asian conqueror. The highlight of the square is the 7-meters high statue of Amir Temur on his horse, which is a popular spot for the locals to take photos and selfies. It is also a nice place for an afternoon stroll and really popular with Uzbekistan families.

Sailgokh Street

Locally known as Broadway, Sailgogh Street is a pedestrian street that unites Amir Timur Square and Independence Square. There are vendors selling antiques and unique paintings, a perfect place to find unique Uzbekistan treasures or just enjoy watching the locals enjoy time with their families.

Nearest Metro Stations:  Amir Temur Xiyoboni or Mustakillik Maydoni (Red Line)

Opened in 2017, Eco Park is the first ecological park in the city of Tashkent meant to promote the environmental awareness. The basic concept of the park is to reduce, reuse and recycle which is a great concept. All the entertainment facilities which are built in the park are made using recycled products.

Central Garden

The reason why we visited this place was because we saw some rides from Eco Park. Out of curiosity, we decided to go and take a look. The garden has a larger sector for amusement rides priced around 50 cents to US$1.50 per ride. Surprisingly, the park is very popular among locals, a great place to see how diverse Tashkent is!

Nearest Metro Station:  Hamid Olimjon (Red Line)

Independence Square

Independence Square, also known as Memorial Square, is another popular gathering place for the residents of Tashkent. It’s located right in the center of Tashkent. It is used for large gatherings and performances on festive days, like Uzbekistan Independence Day (1st of September) and New Year (1st of January). We were lucky to be there at the right time to witness some military ceremony.

Nearest metro station: Mustakillik Maydoni (Red Line)

Tashkent Circus

The Tashkent circus is another great example of Soviet architecture and almost looks like a stranded blue UFO, much like the circus in Almaty. The Tashkent circus is still very popular and tickets often sell out. We didn’t watch the circus, but we did find it entertaining to people watch at that area.

Nearest metro station: Gafur Gulom (Blue Line)

Metro Stations

One of our favourite thing to do in Tashkent were exploring the metro stations. Like many Soviet metro systems, they have some of the most unique and ornate stations in the world. All the stations has their own unique designs with marble, ceramics, alabaster and chandeliers. The metro stations have been kept a secret until 2018 when photography is finally allowed! Each trip is a flat rate of 1,200 Som (10 cents) so it’s definitely a cheap thrill to do.

Is Tashkent safe for tourists?

The capital of Uzbekistan is very safe for travelers and it even became safer especially after the government introduced a ‘tourist police’. The Uzbeks are very friendly and have no bad intentions whatsoever. There were a couple of times when the locals approached us and offer their help. There might be cases of petty crime such as pickpockets, especially in crowded places and in the bazaars of Tashkent, but they don’t happen often. Just always bear in mind to keep your valuables in a safe place, no matter where you are in the world.

Lastly, if you want to keep a track of all my photos and travels, remember to follow  @wanderrsaurus  on Instagram!

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• Travel Tips

What To Know Before You Go To Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Published: November 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Nicole Beardsley

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan! Nestled in Central Asia, Tashkent is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern development. With its stunning architecture, bustling bazaars, and warm hospitality, Tashkent has become a must-visit city for travelers seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

As you plan your trip to Tashkent, there are a few key things you should know to make the most of your visit. From visa requirements and currency exchange to transportation options and must-see attractions, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information to ensure a memorable and hassle-free trip.

Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in a different culture, Tashkent has something to offer everyone. From exploring the ancient Silk Road sites to savoring the flavorful Uzbek cuisine, you’ll find yourself captivated by the city’s charm and allure.

So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure to remember. This guide will take you through all the essential details you need to know before you go to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Let’s dive in and discover the wonders that await in this hidden gem of Central Asia.

Getting to Tashkent

Getting to Tashkent is relatively convenient, thanks to its well-connected international airport, the Tashkent International Airport (TAS). The airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, making it easily accessible from various destinations around the world. Multiple airlines, including Uzbekistan Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Aeroflot, operate regular flights to and from Tashkent.

If you’re traveling from neighboring countries, you also have the option of traveling by train. Tashkent is well-connected to cities like Moscow, Almaty, and Dushanbe, with comfortable overnight train services available.

Once you arrive at the airport or train station, you can easily reach the city center by taxi or public transportation. Taxis are readily available, and it’s advisable to use official taxis or arrange a taxi through your hotel. Public transportation, such as buses and the metro, is also a convenient and inexpensive option to get around the city.

For those who prefer to drive, it’s worth noting that renting a car can be a bit challenging for foreigners due to local regulations. However, if you’re comfortable with the idea of navigating the roads in Tashkent, several car rental agencies offer services at the airport and in the city center.

Overall, whether you choose to fly or take a train, getting to Tashkent is relatively straightforward, and once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the city’s warm hospitality and a myriad of remarkable experiences that await you.

Visa Requirements

Before traveling to Tashkent, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Uzbekistan. The visa policy of Uzbekistan varies depending on your nationality, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements for your country.

Many nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for a specified duration. As of 2021, citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European Union member states can enjoy visa-free travel for up to 30 days.

However, it’s crucial to note that visa regulations can change, so it’s recommended to consult the official website of the Embassy of Uzbekistan or your local consulate for the most up-to-date information before traveling.

If you require a visa, the process is relatively straightforward. You can apply for an e-visa online through the official Uzbekistan e-Visa portal. The e-visa application usually takes around three business days to process, and once approved, you will receive an electronic visa that you can print and present upon arrival.

For those who prefer to apply for a visa in person, you can do so at the Uzbekistan Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. It’s recommended to start the visa application process well in advance to ensure sufficient time for processing.

When applying for a visa or entering Uzbekistan, it’s important to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. It’s also advisable to carry a copy of your travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance for the duration of your stay.

By familiarizing yourself with the visa requirements and ensuring all necessary documents are in order, you can enter Tashkent with ease and focus on exploring and enjoying all that this incredible city has to offer.

Currency and Exchange

The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som (UZS). When traveling to Tashkent, it’s important to exchange your currency for the local currency to ensure smooth transactions and convenience during your stay.

Exchanging money in Tashkent is relatively straightforward, as there are numerous exchange offices and banks located throughout the city. It’s recommended to exchange your currency at authorized exchange offices or banks to ensure fair rates and avoid counterfeit currency.

While US dollars and euros are widely accepted in some tourist areas, it’s advisable to have Uzbekistani som for day-to-day expenses and transactions. Keep in mind that smaller shops, local markets, and food stalls may only accept local currency.

It’s important to note that credit and debit cards are not widely accepted in Tashkent, especially outside of major hotels and upscale establishments. ATMs are available in the city, but it’s recommended to carry sufficient cash for your daily expenses, especially when traveling to more remote areas.

When exchanging money, be sure to check the exchange rates and fees to get the best value for your money. Additionally, it’s advisable to keep small denominations of banknotes, as some establishments may not be able to provide change for larger denominations.

Before leaving Tashkent, remember to convert any remaining Uzbekistani som back into your home currency or into a widely accepted currency like US dollars or euros. Some exchange offices may require you to show your original exchange receipts when converting your money back.

Overall, by being prepared with the appropriate currency and keeping some cash on hand, you’ll be able to navigate financial transactions in Tashkent with ease and enjoy a stress-free experience during your visit.

Language and Communication

The primary language spoken in Tashkent is Uzbek. However, due to the city’s multicultural nature, you’ll also find people who speak Russian and English, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

While it’s not necessary to become fluent in Uzbek before visiting Tashkent, learning a few basic phrases and greetings can go a long way in terms of cultural appreciation and making connections with locals. Simple greetings like “salam” (hello), “rahmat” (thank you), and “omad” (good luck) will be greatly appreciated by the locals.

If you’re more comfortable communicating in Russian, you’ll find that many residents of Tashkent are bilingual and can understand and converse in Russian. Street signs, menus, and other public information are often displayed in both Uzbek and Russian, making it easier for Russian speakers to navigate the city.

English is also becoming more widely spoken, especially in areas frequented by tourists. However, it’s still more common to encounter English-speaking staff in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions rather than in everyday interactions. It’s a good idea to carry a pocket-sized English-Uzbek or English-Russian phrasebook to assist with communication.

It’s worth noting that Tashkent has reliable mobile phone coverage and internet access. Many hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected during your visit. It’s also recommended to purchase a local SIM card for your mobile phone to have access to affordable local calls and data.

If you have any emergency situations or require immediate assistance, dial the local emergency number, 101, for police assistance, and 103 for medical emergencies.

Overall, while knowing a few phrases in Uzbek or Russian can enhance your experience, communication in Tashkent is manageable with a mix of English, Russian, and basic gestures, allowing you to navigate the city and interact with locals with relative ease.

Transportation in Tashkent

Getting around Tashkent is relatively easy, thanks to its well-developed transportation system that includes taxis, buses, and the metro.

Taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Tashkent. You can easily hail a taxi on the street, or you can opt for ride-hailing services like Yandex or Uber. It’s advisable to negotiate the fare or ensure the meter is used before starting the journey. Using registered taxis or those recommended by your hotel is generally safer and more reliable.

The bus system in Tashkent is extensive and covers most areas of the city. Buses are a budget-friendly option for getting around, but they can be crowded during peak times. Bus fares are usually paid in cash when boarding the bus, and it’s important to have small change for the fare.

The Tashkent Metro is a convenient and efficient way to travel around the city. It is known for its beautifully designed stations, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan. Metro fares are relatively inexpensive, and you can purchase tokens from the ticket booths at the entrance of each station. The metro operates from early morning until late evening, with trains running at regular intervals.

For those who prefer a more active mode of transportation, cycling is also an option in Tashkent. The city has bicycle lanes along certain streets, and some hotels or bike rental shops offer bicycle rentals for exploring the city at your own pace.

When using any mode of transportation, it’s important to keep in mind a few safety precautions. Make sure to buckle up if you’re taking a taxi or private car. Be cautious of your belongings and keep an eye on your valuables in crowded places. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid traveling alone late at night and to use well-lit and populated areas.

With its range of transportation options, getting around Tashkent is convenient and allows you to explore the city’s many attractions and hidden gems with ease.

Accommodation Options

Tashkent offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, you’ll find a comfortable place to stay that fits your needs.

In the heart of Tashkent, you’ll find a selection of internationally renowned luxury hotels that offer top-notch amenities, including spas, swimming pools, restaurants, and concierge services. These hotels cater to business travelers and tourists looking for a luxurious and pampering experience.

For those seeking a more boutique experience, there are charming guesthouses and bed and breakfasts available in residential areas of Tashkent. These accommodations provide a more intimate atmosphere, allowing you to get a glimpse of local life and interact with friendly hosts.

If you’re traveling on a budget, there are also budget-friendly options including hostels and budget hotels. These accommodations provide affordable rates without compromising on comfort and cleanliness.

When choosing your accommodation, it’s advisable to consider the location and proximity to major attractions, public transportation, and dining options. Being closer to the city center or near metro stations can provide easier access to explore Tashkent.

Booking your accommodation in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Popular online booking platforms such as Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb offer a wide variety of options to choose from.

It’s important to note that when you check into your hotel or guesthouse, you will be asked to provide your passport for registration, as it is a requirement for all visitors.

Overall, with the range of accommodation options available in Tashkent, you’ll be able to find a comfortable and convenient place to stay that suits your budget and enhances your experience in this vibrant city.

Must-See Attractions in Tashkent

Tashkent is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. Here are some of the must-see attractions that you should not miss during your visit:

• Khast Imam Complex: This complex is not only a religious site but also a treasure trove of Islamic artifacts. It houses the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman, one of the oldest copies of the Quran in the world.
• Chorsu Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of one of the oldest and largest markets in Tashkent. Explore the lively stalls selling spices, textiles, fresh produce, and traditional crafts.
• Amir Timur Museum: Learn about the life and achievements of the legendary conqueror, Amir Timur, at this museum. Admire the collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and heritage of Uzbekistan.
• Tashkent TV Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck of this iconic tower. It offers a bird’s-eye view of Tashkent’s skyline and is particularly mesmerizing at sunset.
• Independence Square: Explore the heart of Tashkent at this grand square, adorned with fountains, statues, and government buildings. Take a stroll and admire the impressive architecture surrounding the square.
• Navoi Theater: Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Navoi Theater, which hosts opera, ballet, and theater performances. Catch a show to experience the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan.
• Abdul Khasim Madrasah: Step back in time as you visit this historic madrasah, which dates back to the 19th century. Admire the intricate tile work and explore the small shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs.
• Minor Mosque: Visit this stunning mosque, known for its turquoise dome and intricate tilework. Take some time for reflection and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this architectural masterpiece.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Tashkent has to offer. As you explore the city, you’ll discover hidden gems, beautiful parks, and charming neighborhoods that add to the unique charm of this Central Asian metropolis.

Remember to check the opening hours of attractions, as some may have specific visiting hours or days of the week when they are closed. Don’t forget your camera and be prepared to capture the beauty and history that Tashkent has to offer.

Local Cuisine and Dining Options

When it comes to culinary delights, Tashkent is a food lover’s paradise. The city boasts a rich and diverse culinary tradition, influenced by both Central Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Here are some must-try dishes and dining options to explore:

Plov: Considered the national dish of Uzbekistan, plov is a flavorful rice dish cooked with meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, onions, and various spices. It’s a hearty and aromatic dish that showcases the culinary heritage of the region.

Samsa: Samsa is a savory pastry filled with minced meat, onions, and spices. It is traditionally baked in a tandoor oven, resulting in a crispy and flavorful treat. Samsa is often enjoyed as a quick snack or appetizer along with tea.

Laghman: Laghman is a popular noodle dish with Chinese and Central Asian influences. It typically consists of hand-pulled noodles served with a savory sauce, vegetables, and your choice of meat or tofu. Laghman is a filling and satisfying meal that is a favorite among locals.

Shashlik: Shashlik is a type of skewered meat, usually lamb or chicken, grilled over an open flame. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices and served with fresh bread and accompaniments like pickles and onions. It’s a popular street food option and a must-try for meat lovers.

Chaykhana (Teahouse): Tashkent is dotted with teahouses, known as chaykhanas, where you can relax and enjoy a cup of hot tea along with traditional snacks such as pastries, halva, and nuts. These teahouses offer a cozy atmosphere where you can unwind and soak in the local culture.

Restaurants: Tashkent is home to a wide range of restaurants that serve international cuisine as well as traditional Uzbek dishes. From upscale dining establishments offering a fusion of flavors to casual eateries specializing in local favorites, you’ll have plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds.

When dining in Tashkent, it’s customary to greet the staff and fellow diners with a friendly “Assalomu alaykum” (peace be upon you) and “Kuni chay” (have a good day) before and after the meal. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors and ask for recommendations from the locals or your hotel staff.

Be sure to try some locally brewed green tea or a refreshing glass of “ayran” (a salty yogurt-based drink) to complement your meal. And if you have a sweet tooth, indulge in traditional desserts like “halva” (a nutty confection) or “shirin qurut” (sweet cottage cheese).

Exploring the culinary offerings of Tashkent is a delightful experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the flavors and traditions of Uzbekistan.

Shopping in Tashkent

Shopping in Tashkent is a vibrant and diverse experience, offering a mix of traditional crafts, modern boutiques, and bustling markets. Here are some shopping options to explore during your visit:

Chorsu Bazaar: Located in the heart of Tashkent, Chorsu Bazaar is one of the oldest and most iconic markets in the city. Here, you’ll find a wide array of goods including spices, dried fruits, nuts, textiles, ceramics, and traditional crafts. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and practice your bargaining skills to snag some unique souvenirs.

Malls and Shopping Centers: Tashkent is home to several modern shopping malls and centers, offering a variety of international and local brands. Explore places like Samarqand Darvoza, Next Mall, and Mega Planet to find clothing, electronics, cosmetics, and more.

Abdulla Qodiriy Booksellers Street: If you’re a bookworm or appreciate literary treasures, a visit to Abdulla Qodiriy Booksellers Street is a must. This street is lined with bookshops selling a vast collection of books, including works by Uzbek authors, translated literature, and academic texts. It’s a haven for book lovers and a great place to discover new reads.

Art and Craft Shops: Tashkent is known for its rich artistic heritage. Explore the city’s art and craft shops to find intricate ceramics, handwoven textiles, traditional costumes, and intricate embroidery. These shops offer unique pieces that showcase the skill and talent of Uzbek artisans.

GUM Department Store: Located on Independence Square, GUM Department Store is a historic landmark that offers a mix of local and international brands. Browse through fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, and household goods in this elegant shopping destination.

Souvenir Shops: Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs to commemorate your time in Tashkent. Look for items like traditional embroidered textiles, hand-painted ceramics, miniature paintings, and intricately carved wooden crafts. Souvenir shops can be found in popular tourist areas and markets.

When shopping in Tashkent, it’s customary to bargain at local markets to get the best prices. However, in malls and branded stores, fixed prices are the norm. Keep in mind that some traditional items, such as antiques and archaeological artifacts, may require special permits for export.

Remember to bring cash as credit card acceptance may be limited, especially in smaller shops and markets. It’s also helpful to have small denominations, as it may be challenging to get change for large bills in certain places.

Shopping in Tashkent offers a unique opportunity to bring home authentic and culturally significant items that will serve as lasting reminders of your time in this vibrant city.

Cultural Etiquette and Customs

When visiting Tashkent, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local customs and cultural etiquette to show respect and appreciation for Uzbek traditions. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Greetings and Respect: Uzbek culture places great importance on greetings and respect. When meeting someone, greet them with a firm handshake and direct eye contact. Address older individuals and those in positions of authority with deference and respect.

Dress Modestly: Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and it’s respectful to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing and cover their shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl may be required for women when entering mosques.

Shoes and Feet: It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, as well as in certain sacred places like mosques. Pay attention to cues from the locals and follow their lead when it comes to footwear.

Accepting and Giving Gifts: Uzbek hospitality is renowned, and it is customary to exchange gifts as a sign of goodwill. If invited to someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift such as chocolates, sweets, or a token from your home country. When receiving a gift, accept it with both hands and express gratitude.

Respecting Religious Customs: Uzbekistan predominantly follows Islam, and it’s essential to respect religious customs and practices. When visiting mosques or other religious sites, dress modestly, remove your shoes, and be mindful of your behavior. It is also polite to ask for permission before taking photographs in places of worship.

Polite Gestures: Politeness is highly valued in Uzbek culture. Use “please” (“iltimos”) and “thank you” (“rahmat”) when interacting with locals. It’s customary to offer or accept tea or food when invited and to express appreciation for the hospitality.

Photography: When taking photographs of people, especially locals, it’s polite to ask for their permission beforehand. Some individuals may decline, and it’s important to respect their wishes. In certain places, like markets, it’s always a good practice to avoid taking photos if someone objects.

Language Etiquette: While English is becoming more widely spoken, it’s still appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn a few basic words or phrases in Uzbek or Russian. Locals will appreciate your attempts to communicate in their language.

By respecting the local customs and cultural traditions of Tashkent, you’ll not only have a more enjoyable experience but also foster positive connections with the locals and gain a deeper appreciation for Uzbekistan’s rich heritage.

Health and Safety Tips

Tashkent, like any other city, requires some precautionary measures to ensure your health and safety. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Medical Precautions: It’s advisable to check with your doctor before traveling to Tashkent to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. Consider obtaining travel health insurance to cover any potential medical expenses during your trip.

Food and Water Safety: While Uzbek cuisine is delicious, it’s essential to choose food and beverages carefully to avoid foodborne illnesses. Stick to cooked foods, avoid street vendors with questionable hygiene practices, and drink only bottled water or water that has been properly purified.

Personal Safety: Tashkent is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to take basic safety precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, particularly in less populated neighborhoods. Keep your valuable possessions secure and be cautious of your surroundings in crowded places.

Scams and Petty Crime: As a tourist, be mindful of potential scams and petty crime. Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or trying to sell you counterfeit goods. Keep your personal belongings secure and be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Transportation Safety: When using taxis or public transportation, choose registered and reliable options. Confirm the fare or use the meter before getting into a taxi, and avoid sharing taxis with strangers. If you’re driving, follow traffic rules and be cautious of reckless drivers.

Weather Awareness: Tashkent experiences hot summers and cold winters. Dress accordingly and stay hydrated during the summer months. In winter, bundle up and wear appropriate footwear to avoid slips on icy surfaces.

Travel Documentation: Keep copies of your passport, visa, and other important travel documents in a safe place, separate from the originals. It’s also helpful to have electronic copies stored securely on your smartphone or cloud storage.

Emergency Services: Familiarize yourself with the local emergency contact numbers, such as 101 for police assistance and 103 for medical emergencies. Be aware of the location of the nearest hospital or healthcare facility in case of any urgent medical needs.

By following these health and safety tips, you can enjoy your time in Tashkent with peace of mind and focus on creating unforgettable memories in this captivating city.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Tashkent experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Understanding the weather patterns will help you plan your visit and make the most of your time in the city.

Summer (June to August): Tashkent’s summers are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). The weather can be quite dry during this time, so be prepared for intense heat and carry sun protection. Despite the heat, summer can still be a good time to visit if you can handle the high temperatures.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings more moderate temperatures and pleasant weather to Tashkent. The days are warm with cooler nights, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s attractions. This season is considered by many as the best time to visit Tashkent due to the comfortable weather conditions.

Winter (December to February): Tashkent experiences cold winters, with temperatures dropping to below freezing. Snowfall is common, creating a beautiful winter landscape. If you enjoy a winter wonderland and colder temperatures, this can be a good time to visit. However, be prepared to bundle up and pack warm clothing.

Spring (March to May): Spring is another pleasant time to visit Tashkent, with milder temperatures and blooming flowers throughout the city. The weather starts to warm up gradually, and the city comes alive with vibrant colors. Spring is an excellent time for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying the beauty of Tashkent.

The best time to visit Tashkent ultimately depends on your preferences, with spring and autumn being the most popular seasons due to the comfortable temperatures. It’s worth noting that the city can get crowded with tourists during the peak travel seasons, so consider planning your visit during the shoulder seasons for a more relaxed experience.

Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Regardless of the season, it’s always a good idea to carry a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or unexpected weather changes.

With its diverse climate, Tashkent offers unique experiences throughout the year. Whether you’re exploring historical sites, strolling through colorful bazaars, or enjoying cultural festivals, there is something to enjoy in every season.

Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and hospitality. From its ancient Silk Road heritage to its modern developments, Tashkent offers a unique experience for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

In this comprehensive guide, we have covered essential information to know before you go to Tashkent. We have discussed how to get to the city, visa requirements, currency exchange, language and communication, transportation options, accommodation choices, must-see attractions, local cuisine, shopping options, cultural etiquette, health and safety tips, and the best time to visit.

As you explore Tashkent, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage, visit historic landmarks, indulge in traditional cuisine, and shop for unique local handicrafts. The warm hospitality of the Uzbek people will make you feel welcome and cherished.

While Tashkent has its own customs and cultural practices, embracing them will enhance your experience and show respect for the local traditions. Remember to greet locals with a smile, try a few words in Uzbek or Russian, and follow the dress code when visiting religious sites.

As with any destination, it’s important to prioritize your safety and take necessary precautions. Be mindful of your belongings, choose reliable transportation options, and take care of your health through proper hygiene practices and medical preparedness.

Whether you visit during the pleasant autumn, the snowy winters, the blooming springs, or the hot summers, Tashkent is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.

So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery in Tashkent. Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that await you in this hidden gem of Central Asia. Don’t forget to savor the flavors of Uzbekistan, explore the bustling markets, and connect with the friendly locals.

Tashkent welcomes you with open arms. Get ready to create lifelong memories in this enchanting city!

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Best places to visit in Tashkent

A deep impact in people’s lives was left by the severe earthquake of April 26, 1966. It caused massive damage and destruction in Tashkent, destroying many historical buildings, including more than half of the Old City, and leaving thousands of people homeless. After the disaster, the city was rebuilt and constructed in the Soviet architectural style. After the collapse of the USSR, Tashkent began to develop very fast. Nowadays, a special business district has been created with skyscrapers, chained-brand hotels, malls, shops and other entertainments. However, here are some of the best places to visit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Chorsu Bazaar

Chorsu Bazaar is one of the most important markets in Central Asia and a fascinating place where you can see and feel the essence of the Silk Road. It is a very large market with open air stalls with hundreds of vendors. At its center is the covered, blue-domed building full of merchants selling various raw food products.

Here you will find absolutely anything you want – fruit, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, meat, spices, cooked food, sweets, breads, souvenirs, handicrafts etc. Chorsu is a really cool place to wander around. This isn’t a tourist market, it’s mostly locals here, which gives it authenticity.

I highly recommend buying some souvenirs here as the prices are cheaper than Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva.

Nearest Subway: Chorsu (on the blue ‘Uzbekistan’ line).

Kukeldash Madrasah

The Kukeldash Madrasah is just near the Chorsu Market. It is one of the most famous historical sites in Tashkent and one of the few buildings that survived the 1966 earthquake. This building has been used for many purposes. In the 18th century the madrasah was converted into a caravanserai for merchants trading in the local bazaars, then it served as a fortress. In the 20th century Kukeldash Madrasah was used for atheistic museum exhibitions, and later for folk music. In the 1990s, the building was made a madrasah again.

Generally, it is nothing special when compared to Bukhara and Samarkand, but if you are not planning to visit those cities then this is a must see.

Hazrati Imam (Khast Imam)

Hazrati Imam Complex is the largest place of worship in Tashkent, and it is a center of religious and cultural heritage. It is a complex of several architectural monuments of madrasas, mosques, mausoleum and museums. Among all the buildings, Moyie Mubarek Library Museum is probably the most important building in the Hazrati Imam complex, as it holds the oldest Quran in the world. Another impressive building is Hazrati Imam Mosque, built in 2007. The mosque is beautifully decorated with charming ornaments.

Another important structure in the Hazrati Imam Complex is the Barak Khan Madrasah. This 16th century building has a colourful facade, and it was the symbol of the greatness of the city’s history.

Nowadays, the classrooms have been transformed into small shops selling local souvenirs.

Hotel Uzbekistan

Hotel Uzbekistan is a typical massive Soviet hotel. It’s an enormous concrete building with an interesting facade. It’s absolutely impossible to miss it while you’re wandering around the city. The hotel has a superb location near to Amir Timur Museum and the Monument of Amir Temur.

There is a small coffee & beer bar on the top floor where you can have a stunning view over Amir Timur square.

Nearest Subway: Amir Timur Xiyoboni (red Chilonzor line).

Amir Temur Square

Amir Temur square and the surrounding park is a must visit place while in Tashkent. In the center of the square there is a large epic statue of the national hero and conqueror Amir Temur (sometimes spelled Timur). The large monument shows Timur on horseback, with shield and sword on his left, and upraised right hand. The monument pedestal is engraved with Amir Temur’s famous motto in four languages “Strength in Justice” . The park itself is beautiful with well-kept gardens.

On the edge of the square, you’ll find several other impressive buildings such as the famous Hotel Uzbekistan, the Palace of international Forums, Tashkent State University of Law, and the Amir Temur Museum. Broadway Alley, a pedestrian street, is also nearby.

State Museum of the Temurids (Amir Timur Museum)

The State Museum of the Temurids is one of the best places to visit in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. It was opened in 1996 in honour of the 660th anniversary of the warlord Amir Temur. The museum is dedicated to Amir Temur, great ruler of ancient Uzbekistan. Here you will find a lot of information and exhibits related to representatives of the Temurid dynasty. There are more than 5,000 artefacts in the museum, with more than 2,000 displayed in the exhibition halls.

Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)

Independence Square is the main square of the country. It used to be called Lenin Square during the Soviet era. It is a very nice and well-maintained area surrounded by gardens, parks, impressive public buildings, fountains, and several monuments. Here you can see the Arch of Independence and the Independence Monument. The silver arch with figures of storks marks the entrance to the Independence Square.

Unfortunately, some of the parts were inaccessible during my visit so I cannot comment much on this place.

Nearest Subway: Mustaqilik Maydoni (red Chilonzor line).

Tashkent Metro

Tashkent’s metro system was opened in 1977, built in the former USSR. Like many Soviet metro systems, they have some of the most unique and impressive stations and each of them is a work of art. Almost every station of the Tashkent Metro is absolutely stunning, each with its own theme.

My favourite Tashkent metro station is Kosmonavtlar. It is dedicated to the cosmonauts of the Soviet Union with space themed pillars and mosaics. The interior is decorated with blue ceramic medallions with portraits of famous Soviet cosmonauts like Valentina Tereshkova, Mirzo Ulugh Beg, Yuri Gagarin, and Vladimir Dzhanibekov, while the ceiling resembles the Milky Way, which shows glass stars.

Definitely, Tashkent Metro is one of the best places to visit in Tashkent.

Tashkent TV tower

The Tashkent TV tower is the tallest in Central Asia and the 12th tallest tower in the world. The entire structure stands 375-metre-high, while the observation deck is 97 metres above the ground. Don’t forget your passport as it is required for getting the ticket.

Nearest Subway: Shahriston (green Yunubod line).

Minor Mosque

Minor mosque is one of the newest attractions of Tashkent. It was built in 2014 on the initiative of Islam Karimov, the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The mosque has a special importance because of a rich blend of both modern and traditional architectural styles with its impressive white marble and large manicured gardens and fountain. Entrance is free. Definitely worth to see when in Tashkent.

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16 Places to Visit in Tashkent: Sightseeing and Tourist Activities

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, has a population of approximately 2 million.

We entered Tashkent from Kuala Lumpur and spent one and a half days exploring the city.