tashkent travel guide

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?

Uzbekistan Money Guide (2024) – How much does it cost to live and travel in Uzbekistan?

What are the 26 Best Places to visit in Uzbekistan in 2024?

Everything you need to know about horse riding in Uzbekistan+ 3 best horse trekking destinations in Uzbekistan

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!

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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]

Related posts, 19 awesome things to do in bukhara, uzbekistan [2024], 15 best things to do in samarkand, 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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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.

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Uzbekistan?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

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Stay online across Uzbekistan Rent a UZWifi mobile pocket router

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:

Bukhara Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do

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 modern metropolis

Tashkent – The modern metropolis

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and also the largest city in Central Asia.

For many years, Tashkent has been the most important business and cultural center of the country, attracting tourists and businessmen from various countries of the world.

Popular landmarks

Tashkent has a large list of attractions. It will take several days to visit all of them.

✔️ Wide avenues, green alleys, fountains and eco-parks for leisurely walks;

✔️ Unique artifacts about the history and culture of the peoples of Central Asia in the numerous museums of the city;

✔️ Majestic architectural ensembles, mosques and minarets;

✔️ Theaters and galleries for every taste.

Here everyone can create his or her own itinerary through the top attractions of the city!

Alley of Writers in Tashkent

The state museum of the temurids history, the state museum of history, suzuk-ota complex, the complex of khazrati imam, barak khan madrasah, kukeldash madrasah, muyi muborak madrasah, the minor mosque, the state museum of arts of uzbekistan, islam karimov museum, museum of literature named after alisher navoi, the state museum of applied atrs of uzbekistan, museum of nature, ancient settlement of ming urik, national library of uzbekistan named after alisher navoi, monument to shamakhmudovs family, “tashkent land” park, the ruins of aktepa, amir temur square, the sacred heart cathedral of jesus in tashkent (catholic church), tashkent tv tower, tashkent botanical garden, metro in tashkent, mirzo ulugbek central park, tashkent ecopark.

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Tv tower view.

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Palace of Prince Nikolai Konstantinovich Romanov

Palace of international forums "uzbekistan".

Most time of the summer in Tashkent is hot, so do not forget about sunscreen and hats! Winter is mostly mild and snowless, but do not neglect warm things, it is so cool in the evening that you want to wear a scarf!

Gifts and souvenirs 🛍

Walking along the streets of Tashkent, you can find many memorable things, ranging from small trinkets to huge memorable souvenirs. Most of the souvenir workshops are located in old madrassas and at Chorsu Bazaar. There you can find absolutely everything: crafts carved from wood, pottery, national clothes, and even knives and daggers forged in local forges.

Tashkent restaurants with their variety and the level of service can surprise any gourmet. In the city, you can find not only national cuisine, which in Tashkent differs in taste from the identical dishes in the other parts of the country, but also the best representatives of the foreign gastronomic industry. In Tashkent, you can try Uyghur, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, European and even molecular cuisine. However, the most delicious cuisine is naturally Uzbek! Did you know that in December 2016 pilaf was included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List? Now you know it! Come to see and taste the most delicious food in the world! You can read more about the national cuisine of Uzbekistan at this  link .

Photo zones 🙋‍♂️

An integral part of every trip is photography! In this section, we introduce you the most beautiful places in this city, where you can make the best shots.

P.S. Do not forget that during the visit the religious sights of Uzbekistan, women are advisable to cover the exposed parts of the body (shoulders, back and legs). Such attractions will be marked with

☪️ The Minor Mosque was built in 2014 and immediately fell in love with all residents and guests of the capital. It is made of white marble and is located in a picturesque place.

☪ The Khazrati Imam complex  (popularly known as the Khast Imam) is  one of the main attractions of Tashkent. It appeared about four centuries ago. Now many tourists come to appreciate the beauty of the architecture of this place every day.

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and, concurrently, the largest city in Central Asia. In 2008, the archaeologists announced that the city is already 2,200 years old. One of the first mentions of the city was found in the chronicles written in the II century BC. In the ancient Chinese sources, Tashkent was called “Shi”, which means stone, and in the early Middle Ages, Shash or Chach.

The scientists concluded that the Turkic tribes who settled on this territory later borrowed the name, as “tash” in the Turkic languages also translated as stone. Due to its favorable location, the city was considered one of the main points on the Silk Road.

In Tashkent, you can see historical monuments and modern mosques, stroll through the oriental bazaars, get acquainted with the thousand-year history and culture of the people in the capital’s museums, and, of course, relax in the parks, restaurants and nightlife of the city.

Tashkent region

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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…

Latest stories from Tashkent

Feb 4, 2019 • 3 min read

On a busy weekday morning, trains arrive and depart and passengers stream through Alisher Navoi to the interchange between the central Uzbekistan and…

May 31, 2018 • 5 min read

Nov 6, 2017 • 6 min read

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How to spend a great day in tashkent: itinerary and guide.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan, definitely is a runner for the city that’s most ‘at a crossroads’ in the world. It’s a city that blends Soviet, Middle Eastern and European features, with some very typical Uzbek features that make it unmistakably unique.

It’s Central Asia’s largest city, and while it’s not loved anywhere near as much as Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city which is located a  16 hour train ride away, it’s thought by most travelers to be a fairly pleasant place with a few solid things to do.

That being said, the main draws to Uzbekistan are its silk road cities: Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, all located further west. Tashkent is the main transport hub of the country, meaning that while a lot of travelers visit, many are just passing through.

I actually spent three days in Tashkent, but I thought I’d condense all of what I deemed the best things to do in Tashkent into a one day itinerary – as well as some helpful tips so you can save some of the stress that I had while in the city (which took up a lot of my time!).

You can definitely get a feel for the city in a day – by all means, stay a little longer if you want to relax some more, meet up with locals via Couchsurfing and see some of the more unusual things to do in Tashkent, but a day is fine for the highlights.

How to Get to Tashkent

From Kazakhstan: you can take a 16 hour train from Almaty direct to Tashkent. I did this and it was great – the trains are clean and modern, with free drinking water. They travel overnight to Shymkent, near the border, and you reach the border at around 10am – once you’ve crossed it’s only half an hour to Tashkent.

These trains don’t leave every day, so do check your dates to make sure there is a train going, and book in advance – trains sell out quickly, especially in the summer.

I used Bilet.railways.kz to book my train tickets.

From Kyrgyzstan: I haven’t personally been to Kyrgyzstan, but my friend was travelling from Tashkent to Bishkek on a 23 hour train, so you could get the train in the opposite direction. You can also go via Fernangha and cross the Kyrgz border by marshrutka into the city of Osh.

From elsewhere in Uzbekistan: high-speed rail connects (most of) the country. These trains are clean, modern, quick, and you sometimes get snacks! You can also get the slow Soviet trains, which are a lot more dated, but definitely an experience.

Where to Stay in Tashkent  

Hostel: Central Perk Hostel

I stayed here, and it was great. The staff are so incredibly helpful and go out of their way to make sure you’re having a good time. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, so you can make your own food, but breakfast is included. The dorms are spacious and each bunk has its own plug. It’s fantastic value too. Click here for rates and to book.

Budget Hotel: Art Rakat

This value hotel in Tashkent has friendly staff, clean rooms, a good breakfast and strong WiFi. Click here for rates or to reserve.

Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Uzbekistan

I first heard about this hotel in the British TV show Race Across the World. It’s quite iconic, and harks back to Soviet times, but reviewers say that it’s a bit dated and run down. It might be worth it for the experience though, especially if you’re interested in Soviet architecture. Click here to reserve your spot.

However, if you’re visiting Almaty in Kazakhstan as well, I’d highly recommend staying at the Hotel Kazakhstan instead; it has similar architecture but the rest of the features are great as well, and it’s a third of the price. I spent a night here and loved the experience!

Luxury Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tashkent

One of the only five star hotels in Tashkent, the Hyatt Regency offers comfortable, clean rooms , a fitness centre, a pool and a bar. Click here for rates and to reserve. 

One Day in Tashkent Itinerary

So, let’s dig into what to do on one day in Tashkent. This Tashkent itinerary will cover:

Barak-Khan Madrasah

Chorsu bazaar.

• A self-guided metro tour
• The buildings around Amir Temur and Independence Square
• The National History Museum

Plus some recommendations for places to eat!

Buying Tickets and Admin

I promise that there are more exciting things to do in Tashkent than buying train tickets, but one thing I learned when in Uzbekistan is that it’s best to get these things sorted early.

If you need to buy train tickets or get cash, I’d recommend doing this at the start of your day in Tashkent.

Quite a few Uzbekistan ATMs don’t accept foreign cards, and in other cities the ATMs often do not fill up – the supermarket/ shopping mall opposite the station has ATMs that dispense dollars, and you can change your money at the bank. I experienced a good level of English in this mall/ bank.

Buying tickets can take a while: make sure you give yourself enough time, and be aware that they can sell out in advance. I’d recommend getting train tickets for your entire Uzbekistan trip now. You can check out my Uzbekistan itinerary to work out how long you’ll need for each stop (coming soon!).

If you don’t speak any Russian (or Uzbek), work out your dates and preferred times (you can check them on this website first, although it’s not always accurate) and get someone at your accommodation to write them out in Russian.

First, head to the Madrasah. You can get the metro to Chorsu and walk, or take a Yandex taxi (these are safe and a good price) from your accommodation.

The Madrasah is one of the most impressive buildings in Tashkent and, if you are just beginning a Silk Road adventure, is a great taste of things to come. You can admire the architecture, and also visit the library museum where the oldest Quar’an in the city is displayed.

Then head to Chorsu Bazaar, a short walk away. The main area is under the green dome, about 50 metres from the station. If you find yourself in a clothes market first, you’ve gone the wrong way.

The market is a spectacle, serving food, souvenirs and clothes. Upstairs are more dried fruits than you’ll ever see in your life (if you are a woman or a group of women travelling alone, there are also more creepy men there than you’ll see in the rest of Central Asia – no idea why they all congregate there, but don’t worry I didn’t feel in danger at all, it was just a bit annoying).

It’s a great place to soak in the Central Asian atmosphere, grab some snacks and get some souvenirs if you desire ( shopping in Tashkent might be a good idea, as souvenirs will be much cheaper than in the Silk Road cities).

If you are hungry, there is a plov stall which is meant to make the world’s best plov. This is a rice dish served all over Central Asia but particularly in Uzbekistan. It is traditionally served with meat, but if you’re vegetarian you can ask for it without (you’ll probably be met with a bit of head-scratching if you do though), BUT do be aware that the dish itself is cooked in lamb fat.

Even if you don’t eat here, it’s cool to check out how it’s cooked.

Tashkent’s Metro Stations

Taking the metro from Chorsu back to Tashkent station is a great way to enjoy some of Tashkent’s best metros. The system was built in the 1970s and is a fantastic example of Soviet splendor. The Soviet metro stations are the most beautiful in the world, and Tashkent possibly has the most impressive network of them all. There are more than 30 stations, and all are different.

On this route, you’ll see some of my favourites, including:

• Ozbekiston – which has some nice mosaics
• Kosmonavtlar – famous for its depictions of Cosmonauts
• Alisher Navoi – a beautiful station named after a Muslim poet

If you didn’t eat at the bazaar, you might want to grab something else to eat after your self-guided metro tour. You can, of course, find somewhere out of the many Uzbek restaurants in the area – or if you’re a Harry Potter fan, read on.

Potter Mania is a Harry Potter-themed café. Very un-Uzbekistan, I know, but I actually found it so interesting to see how far Harry Potter’s influence has reached! I’m not always proud of being British, but I am whenever I see how many people enjoy the magic of Hogwarts all over the world.

They really pulled out all the stops here – you can get dressed in Hogwarts gowns, have your picture taken with a ‘Have You Seen This Wizard?’ sign, there’s a Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom and half of a trolley underneath a ‘Platform 9 3/4’ sign.

Food-wise, it’s a pretty British menu, with all the dishes being named after something magical. There are a few veggie options, some which can be adapted to make them vegan. I wanted the vegan burger, but they didn’t have it so I had pasta instead.

The food was fine, nothing out of this world but it was worth it to see the atmosphere – especially if one of your reasons for travel seems to be to visit as many Harry Potter themed cafes as possible, which seems to have turned into the case for myself.

Hotel Uzbekistan

Once you’ve had lunch, get the metro to Amir Temur Station.

After you emerge from the station, you’ll probably be able to see the imposing Hotel Uzbekistan infront of you (obviously if you’re staying here, you won’t need to do this step!). It’s one of the best examples of Soviet architecture in the city and is well worth admiring from the outside. I mean, I use the term admire loosely, it’s kinda ugly, but it’s very iconic.

There’s a café inside, so if you want to see the lobby and soak the atmosphere up a little more, you can enter and have a drink there. Honestly, the café reminded me of the tuck shop at school camp, but it was worth getting a drink there to see the lobby. The prices are ok.

Back outside, there’s a large statue of Amir Temur and a few other notable buildings.

Once you’ve checked them out, walk towards the Independence Museum (you can connect to WiFi in Hotel Uzbekistan to help you find the way). It’s about 20 minutes walk, mainly through the pedestrianized part of the city where there are lots of street stalls.

You’ll end up in Independence Square. This is a large, leafy part of the city that’s really quite beautiful, but when I was there was incredibly quiet! Take it all in for a while, then head to the museum.

Independence Museum

The museum costs 16,000 som for foreigners (at time of writing) and is open from 10am – 5pm. It’s a 2-floor exhibit of Uzbekistan’s entire history – with the first floor packing in history from the Stone Age to the 20 th century and the second floor celebrating its independence.

Not everything is in English, but the main information is and you can get a gist of the other displays by the objects.

Dinner Time!

Back at the Metro station, you might be thinking about dinner. I’m going to again, recommend somewhere rather in-authentic (being veggie can be tough in Central Asia!) – there is a great Indian restaurant close to the station.

It’s called ‘The Host’, and it’s the best Indian you’ll get in the region. Just be sure that you’re actually in the right restaurant – I mistakenly sat down at the restaurant in front the first time I went and only realized I was in the wrong place after ordering a drink. Whoops.

Of course, if you want some traditional Uzbek food, you won’t have any trouble finding small, locally run places on the side of the road. If it takes your fancy, enjoy a local beer over dinner and toast to one successful day in Tashkent.

Where to go from Tashkent

Most people who visit Tashkent are doing so on an Uzbekistan tour through the countries’ Silk Road cities. If this is you, your next destination will likely be Samarkand, followed by Bukhara and Khiva.

If you’ve already checked these off, you might be bound for Almaty, Kazakhstan’s beautiful cultural capital. Or maybe you’ll want to visit some regions in east Tashkent, like Fernangha, and eventually onto Kyrgyzstan where you can enjoy some of the best hikes in Central Asia .

Wherever you go, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Central Asia, I can guarantee it! 

2 thoughts on “ How to Spend A Great Day in Tashkent: Itinerary and Guide ”

Wow, this is such an offbeat place to visit! Looks super interesting.. i can’t wait to plan a trip

you should definitely visit!

Comments are closed.

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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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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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Tashkent Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Tashkent is the bustling capital city of Uzbekistan and offers a unique experience for travelers to this Silk Road country. The city is a patchwork of culture and architecture woven over more than 2,000 years of history in which it has been shaped by Arab, Mongol, Timurid, Shaybānid, and Soviet influence.

If you’re planning a trip to the cities of Samarkand , Bukhara , or Khiva you can expect to experience centuries-old Islamic architecture characterized by intricate tilework and turquoise domes.

Tashkent however, offers a mishmash of Soviet apartment blocks, old Uzbek neighborhoods, wide tree-lined streets, green parks filled with young families, modern cafes, and the hustle and bustle of a busy, developing city.

Not to say that Tashkent doesn’t have its share of Islamic architecture and history. It’s home to what is claimed to be the oldest copy of the Koran in the world and it has a number of mosques and madrasas worthy of a visit.

As home to the largest number of museums, parks, and restaurants in Uzbekistan however, the city offers a much broader experience of a rapidly changing Central Asian hub.

If you’re visiting Uzbekistan then there’s a fair chance that you’ll enter the country through Tashkent International Airport. You might be wondering if Tashkent is worth a visit and if so then you’re in the right place .

In this Tashkent travel guide , we’ll introduce you to this overlooked city and share our reasons for visiting Tashkent in 2024. We also share tips for visiting the city such as what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.

We live here in Tashkent so we’d say we know a thing or two!

Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps me continue to provide valuable content. Thank you!

History of Tashkent

In order to understand Tashkent, it’s important to understand its history. We’re very poorly qualified historians but here’s our attempt at least.

Tashkent city is said to have been established somewhere between the 2nd or 1st century BCE and Islam was introduced to the region by the Arab conquerors in the 8th century.

In the 13th century, Tashkent became a part of the Mongol empire, led by the infamous Genghis Khan who destroyed much of the city in 1219 . Later in the 14th century the city was rebuilt under the rule of conqueror Amir Temur (also known as Tamerlane), who is today seen as a national hero in Uzbekistan and whose statue sits in the center of the city.

Tashkent then passed through the hands of various Turko-Mongol rulers including the Shaybānids who built much of Tashkent’s remaining Islamic architecture such as the Kukeldash Madrasah.

The city was later ruled by the Khanate of Kokand, based in Fergana, the Eastern region of Uzbekistan. Relative instability during this era allowed the Russian Empire to conquer Tashkent in 1865 and the city became the new capital of Russian Turkestan.

Uzbekistan officially became a Soviet state in 1924 and up to a half of all Islamic buildings in the city were demolished according to a tour guide we spoke to. Much of Tashkent’s skyline today is instead peppered with Soviet-style apartment blocks and Brutalist-style architecture.

In 1966, an earthquake devastated the city, demolishing buildings and displacing 300,000 people. A massive reconstruction effort swiftly rebuilt the city, drawing thousands of workers from various parts of the Soviet Union, altering the city’s ethnic diversity as many chose to stay.

Best Time to Visit Tashkent

Much like the rest of Uzbekistan, the ideal time of year to visit Tashkent is either in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasantly warm and dry. The best months to visit are April through to early June or September to early November.

The worst time to visit Tashkent are the summer months of July and August. Average day time temperatures in July are 33.8°C/92.8°F but peak temperatures can easily surpass 40°C/104° in the afternoons, making it an uncomfortable time to visit.

Visiting Tashkent in the winter is definitely feasible as the winter weather is fairly mild. Bear in mind however that temperatures can fluctuate quite a lot and January 2023 saw temperatures plunge to -20°C/-4°F for several days.

The days are shorter and there may not be as much to do but if you’re looking for winter activities at least the ski slopes are open! You also get the added bonus of fewer tourists at this time of year.

Read more on the best time to visit Uzbekistan.

How Long to Spend in Tashkent

If you really want to get to know Tashkent, then spend at least 3 days in the city. This will give you time to explore its historical monuments, busy bazaars, museums, and leafy parks. You’ll also have enough time to sample plenty of Uzbek national food which differs in each region.

If you’re short on time however then Tashkent’s main attractions can be experienced in a day if using a taxi or the metro to move from place to place. We wrote a number of different Tashkent one day itineraries for different types of traveler.

If you’re really short on time and have to choose between spending time in Tashkent or one of Uzbekistan’s other tourist cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, or Khiva, then we’d suggest skipping Tashkent for a more traditional experience.

What to Wear in Tashkent

Despite being a Muslim country, Uzbekistan is relatively liberal and certainly doesn’t enforce a strict dress code. Tashkent being the most modern and multicultural city of Uzbekistan, is perhaps a little more forgiving than other cities in terms of dress code.

It is still a conservative country however, and visitors should be particularly mindful of clothing when visiting religious sites.

Loose-fitting clothes covering at least shoulders and knees are recommended for all visitors regardless of gender. Tank tops and short skirts for example are rarely seen in public.

When visiting religious sites, it’s advisable to cover up arms and legs for both men and women. Women are encouraged to cover their head with a head scarf or shawl and although this is not strictly enforced it is deemed to be more respectful.

Is Tashkent Safe?

Uzbekistan as a whole is a very safe place to visit with a low crime rate against foreigners. The country is deemed safe to visit by most governments including the USA who rank it in the top safety tier along with Finland and New Zealand.

The president and his family live in Tashkent and a large number of international conferences are held here resulting in a heavy police presence which you’ll notice almost immediately.

In order to stay safe, take normal precautions such as securing belongings and not walking around alone at night. Busy areas like Chorsu bazaar are completely safe to visit but just make sure your possessions are out of view and be wary of strangers befriending you.

Road safety is perhaps the biggest worry in Tashkent. Take extra care crossing roads and if ordering a taxi via an app, it’s worth it to spend more on a higher class as they tend to be more experienced drivers .

To be honest, having lived in Tashkent for a combined 35 years, we have few safety concerns here.

Read more about safety in Uzbekistan .

Getting Around Tashkent

If you plan on sightseeing in Tashkent then you’ll need a mode of transport as the city sprawls across a wide area. The central span from Navoi Opera to Amir Temur Square is quite walkable but you’ll need some form of transit if you plan on visiting attractions further out.

These days the most convenient way to travel around Tashkent city is by taxi ordered via an app like Yandex or MyTaxi. This way you won’t need to worry about language barriers or being ripped off on price.

Prices have increased recently but still remain incredibly cheap compared to most countries. As I write this, a 6 km taxi journey from Amir Temur Square to Chorsu Bazaar costs just 16,500 Som (~$1.30).

As a remnant of its former Soviet days, it’s legal for any driver in Tashkent to act as a taxi and pick up passengers on the street. You’ll need to negotiate a price and drivers will rarely speak English so it’s not the most practical option but it’s good to know just in case you get lost.

Tashkent Metro

Tashkent’s Metro is also an excellent way to travel around the city. With ticket prices fixed at 2,000 Som (~$0.16) regardless of your final destination, you can travel across the city for next to nothing!

There are 48 metro stations including many in popular tourist spots such as Independence Square, Chorsu Bazaar, and Amir Temur Square. Trains are very frequent with a new one arriving every few minutes so you won’t be waiting around long.

It even doubles up as a tourist attraction due to its unique and elaborately designed stations (see below). Even if you plan to use taxis to navigate the city, it’s worth riding the metro at least one time.

Tashkent’s bus system is very efficient and well organised but is not particularly tourist friendly due to the lack of information in English. A bus ticket is the same as the metro at 2,000 Som for a single journey.

Admittedly we rarely if ever use the bus as it’s not as convenient or practical as a taxi or the metro. You can use this website to plan a bus journey across Tashkent.

Things To Do in Tashkent

If you’re unsure on whether to visit, then knowing the best things to do in Tashkent might help you decide. We have a full article on this but here are some of the highlights.

Chorsu Bazaar

By far the biggest and busiest bazaar in the city, Chorsu is a must-visit if you want to sample daily life for many Uzbeks.

Selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to traditional Uzbek clothing, ceramics and gold. If you’re looking for souvenirs then Chorsu Bazaar is definitely worth a try.

If you want to sample Uzbek street food, this is one of the best places to do so. They have a street food area selling shashlik (meat skewers), hasip (liver sausage), and khanum , a steamed doughy meal served in tomato sauce.

Chorsu Bazaar can be a bit overwhelming however, so for a more relaxing bazaar experience try Alay Bazaar (Oloy Bozori) which is a smaller market place selling mainly fresh food. It’s also a great place to buy spices and dried fruit to take home.

Although it may sound strange for public transport to be listed as a tourist attraction, the Tashkent metro is quite unique. Construction of the metro began in 1972 by the Soviets, who made elaborate designs for each of its stations including mosaics, chandeliers, Soviet-era geometric art and more.

As the metro was also designed for use as a nuclear shelter, photography in the stations was banned until 2016 but visitors are now free to take snaps of this unique attraction.

The metro’s most popular stations are Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoi, and Mustakillik.

Hazrati Imam Complex

Also known as the Khast Imam square or ensemble, the Hazrati Imam Complex is Tashkent’s main Islamic cultural draw. Home to what is claimed to be the world’s oldest copy of the Koran, it is a must-visit for the culture vulture tourists.

The complex includes a number of religious sites including the Hazrati Imam Mosque, identified by its 50m high minarets, topped by turquoise domes typical of Uzbek Islamic design.

The 7th century Osman Koran is housed at the Moyie Mubarek Library Museum which is open to the public. No photography is allowed however.

Other buildings at this site include the 16th century Barak Khan Madrassah and the Tilla Sheikh Mosque which is one of Tashkent’s largest modern mosques.

Tashkent TV Tower

Renovated in 2022, this 375m high structure is one of the tallest towers in Central Asia and gives an excellent view of the city.

Head there just before sunset on a clear evening to see Tashkent at its finest. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience as the floor rotates, giving you a panoramic experience of the city elevated at 109m off the ground.

Read our review of Tashkent tower here .

Amir Temur Square

Amir Temur Square is a small area located in central Tashkent surrounded by government buildings, expensive restaurants, Temurid Museum, and the infamous Hotel Uzbekistan. The centerpiece of the square is a huge monument depicting the Uzbek conqueror Amir Temur astride a horse.

The square is a bit underwhelming to visit in the day time, especially when the weather is hot since there are so few people around. Head there in the evening when there are more people around and walk from there to Broadway Alley where you can pick up fast food and play street games.

Although Tashkent is lacking in ancient architecture, there are plenty of museums to visit. To be honest, many of the museums are a little disappointing due to their lack of sufficient content and information in English.

One of the most popular museums is the State Museum of the Temurids , located just off Amir Temur Square. The building itself is a landmark, identified by its circular white building with blue dome and surrounding fountains.

The museum acts as an introduction to the history of Uzbekistan, mainly dedicated to former ruler Amir Temur himself. You can visit the official site here .

Other museums worthy of note to tourists are the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan , the Museum of Applied Arts , the Museum of Victims of Political Repression , and the Railway Museum (if with children).

One thing that separates Tashkent from the other tourist cities of Uzbekistan is the number of parks and green spaces in the city.

Most parks in Tashkent are immaculate and are kept this way by large numbers of workers working around the clock. Some of the nicest parks include Alisher Navoi National Park , the Japanese Garden , and Tashkent City Park .

Try here for a full list of parks in Tashkent .

Many of the parks are also amusement parks with children’s rides such as merry-go-rounds, dodgems, go-karts and even some rollercoasters. If visiting with young children, try Tashkent’s Magic City .

For a full list of things to do in Tashkent for families read here.

RELATED ARTICLE: Best Things to Do in Tashkent for Tourists

Where To Stay in Tashkent

The best area for most visitors to Tashkent is in the center of the city , anywhere between Navoi Opera and Amir Temur Square. From here much of the center is within walking distance. See hotels around here .

For better value hotels , the Mirabad district has plenty of hotels for all types of travelers including families. See hotels around here .

There are a number of high-rated hotels and apartments for a reasonable price around Chorsu bazaar although there are fewer restaurants and attractions in this area. See hotels around here .

We wrote separate articles on the best areas in Tashkent for tourists and the best overall hotels in the city.

Best Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Tashkent

The two cheapest options are Topchan and Light Hostel which both offer incredibly cheap and cheerful dorm rooms from as little as $7 per night.

For high rated budget hotels try Anvar’s Guests near Kosmonatavlar station, popular Eco Art Boutique Hotel , or Chorsu’s Hotel Suzuk- Ota .

Read here for a comparison of Tashkent’s cheapest hotels .

5 Star Hotels in Tashkent

If you’re looking for more of a luxury stay, then Tashkent has three centrally located 5 star hotels.

The InterContinental was opened in 2023 and has the most to offer in terms of facilities, including huge indoor pool, gym and rooftop bar.

The Hyatt Hotel also has an indoor pool and the best hotel buffet breakfast in Tashkent ( yes, we’ve tried them all ).

We even stayed at the Hyatt for our wedding night!

The Hilton Hotel has the best views of the city, located in Tashkent City Park. It’s the best 5 star hotel for families and will be the perfect place for shoppers as soon as Tashkent City Mall opens.

Or read here for more 5 star luxury hotels in Tashkent .

Tashkent Tours

A general tour of Tashkent should include a mix of the city’s old and new including Chorsu Bazaar, the Tashkent metro, Khast Imam Complex and a stop off for lunch at the Plov Center.

This city tour is one of the highest rated tours of Tashkent and lasts a full day, including lunch and pick up from your hotel.

Alternatively, read our list of the best Tashkent tours and day trips including city tours , food tours , and day trips .

Where To Eat In Tashkent

If you’re a foodie then you’ll be glad to hear that Tashkent is home to the best restaurants and the widest choice of cuisine in the whole country. You’ll never be stuck for choices.

Uzbek Restaurants

For some of the best Uzbek cuisine, Afsona is a great choice. They offer all kinds of Uzbek cuisine and even have a vegan plov! It’s one of the fancier Uzbek restaurants and you can also order alcohol there.

The Plov Center (now known as Besh Qozon ) is very popular with tourists and serves up mountains of plov , Uzbekistan’s national rice dish. You can also walk into the cooking area and watch it being prepared. If you only eat plov once, this is the place to do it.

For excellent value for money and a wide choice of Uzbek national food , Rayhon is a chain of very affordable restaurants.

For some of the best shashlik in Tashkent , you can go to Chorsu or Alay Bazaar but if you prefer to watch dancing Uzbek grannies as you eat your meat skewers, then Bek restaurant is the place to go for food and music!

International Restaurants

If you’re looking for a broader set of options, Tashkent is home to dozens of different styles of cuisine including Turkish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian, Georgian and more. Although they come at a higher price than local Uzbek restaurants, they’re still reasonable compared to those in Western countries.

Our two favorite spots are fine dining Pan-Asian restaurant Hori and Georgian restaurant Gruzinski Dvorik .

For European food, Italian Basilic restaurant has been around for a long time and self-styled ‘cheese factory’ Syrovarnya is quite a popular place for all things fromage-related.

For cheaper restaurants selling a mix of international meals, try Bibigon for salads, pizza and Turkish breakfast, or Assorti for pan-Asian food including sushi and Korean food.

If you’re looking for a place for breakfast then Breadly, Chaykoff and the Swis Bakery are all good contenders.

Vegans and vegetarians visiting the city will find it tough but there are options such as the vegetarian Eco Cafe. Read on for a list of vegan-friendly restaurants in Tashkent .

We wrote a full article on the best restaurants in Tashkent .

Nightlife in Tashkent

If you’re planning on relaxing with a drink at the end of the day, there are plenty of bars, pubs and clubs dotted around the city. Tashkent is especially good for rooftop bars.

If you happen to be around Amir Temur Square, then Hotel Uzbekistan has a bar on the top floor with an excellent view not only of the square but of the surrounding city. Don’t expect any glamour here – just a down to Earth bar in an aging but fun spot!

If you’re looking for something fancier, then the Hyatt rooftop bar and restaurant is nice at sunset . For a great view of Navoi Theater, Lotte Hotel also has a rooftop bar with live music although it’s not the liveliest place in the city.

Eslewhere there’s the Irish Pub on Shevchenko Taras, modern style Kazakh bar Skandalist , and Studio Cafe which is great for a beer on the terrace in the sun.

If you’re looking for something a bit livelier however, Steam Bar is the best all around club with its eclectic mix of music and steampunk aesthetics. One More Bar is a late-opening club popular with a younger crowd but certainly pricey by local standards.

Read more about the best nightlife in Tashkent.

Tashkent Travel: Final Thoughts

If you’ve managed to read this far then perhaps you’re now considering a trip to Tashkent. Whether you’re staying for a few days or you’re on a quick trip to Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva and you happen to be passing by Tashkent.

Having lived here as a foreigner for almost 2 years, I understand that Tashkent at first seems a little subdued. But delve beneath the surface and there’s plenty to see and do.

From historical monuments and bustling bazaars to family-friendly parks and quirky nightclubs, Tashkent offers a diverse list of things to do as well as some of the country’s best cuisine.

For more information on visiting Uzbekistan in 2024 read our full guide to travel in this unique Silk Road destination.

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One Day Tashkent City Tour

Learn about the old and the new of Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent. This guided city tour will take you all around in one day.

Khast-Imam Complex, Chorsu Bazaar, Applied Arts Museum etc.

1 Day | All year round | from US$ 75 per person Details

Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Travel

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Tashkent

Tashkent travel guide.

• 3. Landmarks and attractions
• 4. Entertainment, parks, and shopping
• 6. City transport
• 7. How to get to Tashkent
• 8. Languages spoken in Tashkent
• 9. Currency
• 10. Security

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and is a metropolis of over 2.5 million people. The city is set out as a grid of straight, wide streets and avenues, interspersed with many green areas (parks, squares, and gardens) and fountains.

This marvelous city embodies the modern elegance of many other capitals of the world; at the same time, as an eastern city, Tashkent has its own unique flavour. It tastefully combines medieval buildings that look like they’re from the pages of ancient oriental tales, with elegant European architecture from the time of the Turkestan governorship, concrete ‘blocks’ from the Soviet era and, finally, sparkling high-rise commercial buildings made of glass and concrete that represent a new era of independent Uzbekistan.

Besides, Tashkent hosts many important international events, such as the Tashkent International Investment Forum , which will be held for the second time in 2024.

Tashkent Tours

Tashkent tours immerse visitors in a unique blend of modern cityscape and timeless history, reflecting the resilience and dynamism of Uzbekistan's capital city. From the iconic Chorsu Bazaar to the awe-inspiring Hazrat Imam complex, these tours provide an unrivaled insight into the city's thriving culture, diverse architecture, and remarkable past.

Enhance your tour experience by taking the time to acquaint yourself with Tashkent's multifaceted history and lively local culture beforehand.

History of Tashkent

Tashkent is one of the oldest cities on the Great Silk Road between China and Europe. The earliest references to Tashkent as a city settlement appeared in written sources in the 2nd century BC. In the Chinese annals the city is called Yueni or Shi; in the records of the Persian king, Shampur, it appears as Chach; and in other Arabic sources, Shash. The name Tashkent first appeared in Turkish documents of the 9th to 12th centuries.

From ancient times, a favourable geographical position and mild climate made Tashkent one of the main Silk Road cities. In the 14–15th centuries it was the part of the Timurid Empire, and in the 16th century it was under the control of the Sheibanids dynasty. In 1865, after the conquest of Mikhail Chernyaev, Russian military leader, the city became under the rule of the Russian Empire and Russian government was established here. In 1930 Tashkent was declared the capital of Uzbekistan, former Uzbek SSR.

What to Do in Tashkent

Landmarks and attractions in tashkent.

Many of Tashkent’s tourist landmarks and attractions are concentrated in the Old City, which is one of the few districts that has preserved its traditional culture in the rapidly-changing metropolis. The spirit of old Tashkent lives here, in the cozy courtyards of the hospitable mahallahs, the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, and the blue domes of the Khast Imam complex. In this part of the city there are artisans, teahouses, and bakeries.

Other Tashkent attractions worth visiting include the Tashkent TV Tower, the German Church, the Polish Church, Amir Temur Square with the famous Tashkent astronomical clock, Independence Square, and the former residence of Prince Romanov, which was designed by architects Benoit and Heinzelmann.

Tashkent also boasts the first metro system in Central Asia. The Tashkent metro is not only a fast, affordable, and comfortable way to move around the city, but also an architectural monument. Each of the 29 stations has an original design - such as the Cosmonauts station, designed in a space theme, to the Alisher Navoi station with its walls artfully decorated with stories and characters from the works of the poet.

The Zangiata Mausoleum, where one of the Muslim saints, Sheikh Ai-Khoja, and his wife, Ambar Bibi, are buried, is located 15 kilometres from Tashkent. This is one of the religious sites visited most frequently by residents of and visitors to Tashkent.

Tashkent Museums

As Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent is also the country’s cultural centre. It boasts many interesting museums and exhibition halls with a variety of collections and expositions.

The exhibits of the State Museum of History trace Uzbekistan’s history from the early Paleolithic period to the present day. The Museum of Applied Art showcases an impressive collection of Uzbek carpets, ceramics, textiles, and other handicrafts. The State Museum of Art, the Amir Timur Museum, and the Tashkent Museum of Railway Equipment also offer interesting collections. In the Polytechnical Museum, visitors will find displays on automotive history, and many unusual interactive exhibits. Lovers of literature will be interested in the house-museums of Sergei Yesenin and Anna Akhmatova.

Tashkent Theatres

A highlight of Tashkent’s cultural life is the Ilkhom Theatre, which is known for experimental performances and its unusual interpretations of classical works. This theatre also hosts concerts, exhibitions of young artists, and festivals, the most famous of which is the Ilkhom Rock Fest. The State Academic Bolshoi Theatre named after Alisher Navoi, and the Academic Russian Drama Theatre, host more traditional productions of ballets, operas, and music. Tashkent, like many other Uzbek cities, also has a strong tradition of puppet shows. Performances are held at the Silk Road Marionettes Theatre and the Republican Puppet Theatre.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Tashkent

Entertainment in Tashkent is diverse, with something to suit everyone.

Parks of Tashkent

Walkers will love Tashkent’s parks, which are particularly beautiful in spring, early summer, and autumn.

Ecopark was the first park in Tashkent to embody the principles of “green” construction in its layout and architecture. There are no fairground rides, but visitors can avoid the hustle and bustle of the city as they walk along neat paths, picnic on the grass, or do yoga.

The refurbished Central Park (formerly Telman Park) offers shady alleys with benches, and modern European attractions for children and adults - including the first authentic French carousel in Uzbekistan. Central Park regularly holds free public festivals and other events.

Ankhor Lokomotiv Park boasts the highest ferris wheel in Uzbekistan, which offers a breathtaking view of the capital.

Shopping in Tashkent

To combine shopping and entertainment, visit the Samarkand Darvaza, Mega Planet, Next, Parus, and Compass shopping and entertainment centres. These offer modern facilities including food courts, cinemas, children’s play areas, and many shops selling international brands.

The charm of shopping oriental style—with friendly sellers and stalls laden with fresh vegetables and fruits, fragrant spices, hot lepeshka (non) bread, and all kinds of goods—lives in Tashkent’s vibrant bazaars. Chorsu and Alay Bazaars are the most popular among tourists.

Food in Tashkent

Tashkent’s numerous cafes and restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines including European, Russian, Asian (such as Korean, Chinese, and Indian), Middle Eastern, Caucasian, and, of course, Uzbek.

Uzbek Cuisine

On almost every street there are teahouses and cafes (“Milliy Taomlar”, which means “national dishes” in Uzbek) serving traditional dishes like shashlik, shawarma, samsa, plov, naryn, manti, lagman, and shurpa. These venues offer high-quality, delicious, local foods at reasonable prices.

At the Chorsu Bazaar are another gastronomic highlight on the map of Tashkent: many food stalls serving all the famous Uzbek dishes at very low prices.

The most delicious plov (pilaf) in Tashkent is served at the Central Asian Plov Centre (Osh Markazi). People from all over the city come here to eat, and in just a couple of hours the huge cauldrons become empty.

Vegetarian Restaurants

Tashkent does not have any dedicated vegetarian restaurants, but several restaurants serve vegetarian dishes such as delicious salads, vegetable dumplings, samsa, pizza, and pasta.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

Recently, Tashkent has become a very comfortable city for coffee lovers: there are now many western-style coffee shops in the capital. Café-bakeries where customers can buy freshly-baked bread, baguettes, croissants, cakes, and pastries, are also flourishing.

City Transport in Tashkent

Tashkent’s transport infrastructure is quite well-developed.

Public Transport

Buses and minibuses are the cheapest way to move around Tashkent, with routes to almost all parts of the city. For now, there is no convenient, complete system or website for tracking routes and bus schedules in Tashkent.

Tashkent’s metro system is a fast, affordable, and comfortable way to travel. However, the existing network is limited mainly to the central areas of the city. Trains depart from the stations every 3-4 minutes during rush hour and about every 20 minutes in the evenings.

All public transport in Tashkent operates until 22:00.

Taxis are also a popular way to travel around Tashkent. It is easy to flag down taxis on the road or order them through one of the official taxi services. Smartphone apps such as Yandex or MyTaxi are very convenient.

Car rental services exist in Tashkent. Cars should be ordered at least a day in advance. It is advisable to book further in advance during the peak tourist season, when there may be a shortage of cars.

Other Modes of Transport

Bicycles can also be rented, but there is no system of bicycle lanes yet.

How to Get to Tashkent

Flying is the most convenient way to get to Tashkent from other countries. The city is served by several international airlines, such as Aeroflot, Air Astana, Asiana Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Korean Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Somon Air, and Turkish Airlines. The national airline, Uzbekistan Airways, offers regular flights to many European, Asian, and North American cities including Bangkok, Beijing, Delhi, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, London, New York, Paris, Seoul, and Tel Aviv. It also flies to many CIS countries, as well as within Uzbekistan.

Although most international visitors arrive by air, Tashkent can also be reached by train from Russia or Kazakhstan. Trains are mainly used for travel within Uzbekistan, with regular trains between Tashkent and Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench, Nukus, and other cities.

Languages Spoken in Tashkent

Uzbekistan’s national language is Uzbek, with Russian used in Tashkent for international communication. Maps, tourist information, restaurant menus, and signs in Tashkent are mainly in Russian, and guides in museums are Russian-speaking.

English is not as common as Russian, although more and more people, especially young people, are learning it. Most hotels, restaurants, and other tourist sites in Tashkent have someone who can speak at least basic English.

Currency in Tashkent

The main currency used in Tashkent is the Uzbek som. The most popular foreign currency is the US dollar, and the second most popular is the euro. The Russian ruble is less widely-used and may suffer from a poor exchange rate.

Foreign exchange bureaus operate at hotels, as well as in all banks. Many ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard.

Security in Tashkent

Tashkent is a peaceful, welcoming, and safe city for travelling alone, as well as for family or group holidays. Nevertheless, all visitors should take standard security precautions and avoid leaving belongings unattended.

In busy public areas, such as metro stations, parks, shopping centres, and bazaars, there are many law enforcement officers. Be prepared to be stopped by police on the street and asked for your passport and registration documents (although such requests are now less frequent than they used to be).

Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Pictures

More pictures of Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Understand [ edit source ]

The city has a mixture of modern new office buildings, hotels, parks, and crumbling Soviet-style apartment blocks. The streets are generally clean and there are not too many potholes in the city centre. Further out, the infrastructure is not so good.

Tashkent has a population of 2.6 million people (2020).

Climate [ edit source ]

Tashkent has a typical continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best seasons for travel to Tashkent are Apr-May and Sep-Oct.

Talk [ edit source ]

Although Uzbek is now the official language, Russian is the native language for most Tashkent dwellers, although most also speak Uzbek. Most businesses use Russian in their signs, menus, and other printed material. Only government institutions use Uzbek as the first language, and even then, many government forms and reports are in Russian, rather than Uzbek. Uzbek now uses the Latin alphabet rather than the Cyrillic that was used during the Soviet Union. This is a source of some confusion for many Uzbeks, especially those of the older generation. Shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union and Uzbek independence in 1991, the written Uzbek language was converted back into Latin characters. Many older Uzbeks have difficulty reading the Latin characters. Uzbek is a Turkic-based language, and while Uzbeks and Turks cannot completely communicate directly, the better educated on both sides can usually find some common understanding.

Many of the signs in Tashkent are in Cyrillic. A significant number of Russian words are similar to their English counterparts. Learning the Cyrillic alphabet, not as difficult as one might think, will help a traveller to read signs and in restaurants. It is very useful for the casual visitor to Tashkent to learn a few basic Russian or Uzbek words and phrases. If you need to speak English, young people are your best bet, and even then there is no guarantee that they will speak more than basic English.

The name Tashkent is usually attributed to the Turkish word "tash" ("stone") and the Persian word "kent" ("city"), meaning "city of stones". Another opinion refers to the Sogdian word "tschatsch", meaning "place on a hill".

Get in [ edit source ]

By plane [ edit source ].

Flights: Aeroflot Moscow , Rostov-on-Don , Saint Petersburg , Turkish Airlines Daily flights from Istanbul , Air Baltic , Czech Airlines , Iran Air [dead link] , Korean Air Seoul , Uzbekistan Airways

Airport formalities [ edit source ]

A new/upgraded airport terminal was opened in 2018 and with that, many of the past problems disappeared. Arrival and departure procedures now are more close to what you would find in any other capital city.

From airport [ edit source ]

A short and inexpensive (US$2–3) taxi journey is the easiest way to get to the city centre. You will be approached by numerous people offering "taxi" services both inside and outside the airport. For the most part, these are not "official" taxis. "Taxi" drivers will attempt to charge whatever they believe the market will bear. For those without Russian or Uzbek language skills, it is best to arrange to have someone meet you at the airport. Fair fares are usually only obtainable by those who understand the system and speak at least some Russian or Uzbek. It is better to walk 50 m from the exit towards the taxi stand where taxis are waiting on the road and negotiate. Generally prevailing fare is minimum US$2-3 for 5 km (20 cents per each additional km). Always negotiate. Taxi drivers will rarely accept small bills (dollars, euros, or pounds), and cannot be counted upon to give change (in any currency).

To catch a bus from the international terminal, walk straight out, past the parking lot and veer left. The bus stops are just before the main road. Buses run from 6am until midnight. Buses 62 and 95 head for the city. Bus 40 goes to the train station. Bus 67 goes to Oybek metro and then on to the central square. Fares are 1400 Som; sometimes you pay the driver when exiting, sometimes a collector comes around for your money.

By bus [ edit source ]

Until late 2018, international buses to and from Uzbekistan were unpredictable and unreliable. However, the easing of travel restrictions in 2019 appears to have brought with it more tourist-friendly updates to the bus network and it is now possible to take buses directly from Uzbek cities to cities in neighbouring countries, (rather than having to switch buses at border control) on certain routes, such as Tashkent-Shymkent. Others are still only served by shared taxis and marshrutkas; these tend to be slower as the vehicles aren't licenced and consequently border checks take longer.

• 41.25768 69.19307 4 Tashkent Bus Station ( Avtovokzal ), Bunyodkor shoh kochasi and Gavhar kochasi corner ( Metro station "Sobir Raximov" ). Buses usually are very full and advance purchase of tickets is recommended. Tickets are sold to foreigners at Movarunahr Kochasi 51, daily from 08:00-17:00. Buses arrive here to Bokhara (11 hr, US$8), Samarkand (6 hr, US$5), and Urgench / Khiva (20 hr, US$12) (2009).  

A marshrutka is a small bus or van which follows a fixed route and stops on demand to take on or drop off passengers. As of 2009, marshrutkas from: Andijan (6 hr, US$5), Bokhara (8 hr, US$6), to Ferghana (6 hr US$4), to Kokand (3 hr, US$3), Samarkand (4 hr, US$4), and Termez (10 hr US$8). Timetable [formerly dead link]

By car [ edit source ]

There are road routes from surrounding countries but the borders may not be open and there have been security problems. The border from Afghanistan is sometimes closed or not open to Uzbek nationals. You have to walk at least 4 km to cross the border on foot from the Uzbek checkpoint to the Afghan checkpoint.

The Cherniaevka crossing from Kazakhstan near Saryagash. Allow 1-2 hours to get through, especially from the Uzbek side. OK, but long, long queues. Take the left line at Uzbek customs. They want you to declare any mobile phones as communications devices.

From Kyrgyzstan , the Dostlik post 30km from Andijan is open from 09:00-18:00. From Tajikistan Oiybek Post, 80 km from Tashkent, is open for foreigners from 09:00-18:00. Tursanzade Post, 60 km from Dushanbe Tajikistan, is open for foreigners and locals 180 km from Termez . Chorzhu Post on the border of Turkmenistan , 30 km from Bukhara , is also open to foreigners and locals.

Distances from Tashkent by road: Almaty in Kazakhstan 810 km, Ashgabat in Turkmenistan 1,290 km, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan 570 km, Kashgar in China 880 km, Andijan 392 km, Bokhara 600 km, Ferghana 325 km, Karshi 430 km, Khiva 1,045 km, Kokand 236 km, Nukus 1,115 km, Samarkand 295 km, Termez 705 km, Urgench 1,020 km.

Get around [ edit source ]

By metro [ edit source ]

The city has a good public transport system which is cheap. The metro/underground system is typical of the old Soviet-style with large and impressive stations and is quite modern. Stations are richly themed. For example, Kosmonavtlar is a lavish monument to Uzbekistan's contribution to the Soviet space programme.

Since June 2018 the metro is not considered as military installations and therefore it is now permitted to take photographs in the metro stations.

In all cases do have documents while you are taking the metro (or anywhere in the city), for you can be checked any time by the police.

Tashkent Metro has four lines:

• Chilonzor (Red line) from Janubiy to Turkistan.
• Uzbekistan (Blue line) from Beruniy to Chkalov.
• Yunus-Obod (Green line) from Sabir Rakhimov to Buyuk Ipak Yuli.
• Circle Line from Tekhnopark to Quruvchilar.

Trains depart ever 3-10 minutes. A paper ticket with a QR-code is 2000 som from the cashier at the stations. You can also pay your fare by tapping your Visa or Mastercard on the turnstile. Atto-cards are available for purchase from the cashier for frequent travelers, valid on the Metro and buses. The fare if you use your credit card or the Atto-card, is 1700 som, as of 2023.

There are also modern buses (green). The tram service was closed down in 2016, with the lines being converted to wider roads. The fare on the bus, if paid by cash is 2000 som. You may also tap your Visa/Mastercard/Atto-card upon entering in any door. In this case, the fare is 1700 som. Marshrutkas also operate around the city but are more expensive, around 2500-3000 som is a normal fare. Routes and schedules can be found from Easyway journey planner.

Taxis [ edit source ]

Official taxis should be ordered in advance at the hotel reception, they are metered and issue receipts from a machine. As of March 2018, the rate was 6,000 som per km.

While there are official, authorized taxis (with the appropriate sign on the roof of the car), in reality almost any driver in Tashkent can double as a taxi driver. The local custom is to simply stand by the side of the road with your arm extended downward and slightly away from the body. A driver will pull over and then you will state your destination and ask the fare in advance. There is a common agreement on the prices, so real negotiation will be rarely be necessary or successful, only at night some drivers ask twice the usual fare. Getting from the center to the airport should be around 15,000 som, a city trip of 3 km or more around 8,000 som (March 2018).

At least some Russian or Uzbek language skills are needed to accomplish this without difficulty. It is usually safe to use this procedure, although virtually every foreign embassy recommends against it. Directions are rarely given here using an address. Most often, a landmark is used, such as "near Hotel Russia". Moreover, many streets and hotels have been renamed in the past few years and often drivers will not recognize the current name of the street or hotel, still knowing them by their old names. Asking to be taken to the Grand Mir Hotel, for instance, will often result in a blank look. Tell the driver you want to go to the Gastinitsa Rossiya (Hotel Russia), however, and they will know exactly where you want to go. For those who speak neither Russian nor Uzbek, it is helpful to have someone draw a rudimentary map or write out directions in Russian. Few drivers will know English and most have troubles reading the maps on smartphones.

Downloading an offline Google or OSM map of the city in advance is a good idea. There are various apps available for phones. You can show it to the driver and guide him provided you know a few Russian words: nalieva - left, priama - straight, naprava - right.

Looking for landmarks, addresses or hotels on Google maps is not easy because of the multiple languages and spelling. Search in advance and bookmark your destinations.

Do not expect Western-style taxi services. Taxi drivers will often smoke while you are in the car and asking them not to will most often result in nothing more than a look of disapproval. You may be paying, but you are in their car. There are many taxi services operating in the city with fixed rates and a person can order the taxi from their hotel room. There are some web sites offering complete lists of taxi services and taxi charges.

An Uber style service is available from Yandex . Download the YandexGo app to use this. It supports English language. Uber itself does not operate in Tashkent.

Taxis within the city can be reserved by calling Taxi Express , Tel 1399999 or 16360272.

Car rental [ edit source ]

Hardly any international car hire companies operate in Tashkent. Some are based near the airport and a smaller car will cost $30 per day typically. Their location in the city centre is the City Palace Hotel.

On foot [ edit source ]

If you come from Western Europe, where cities can be visited walking and metro stations are everywhere, be warned that Tashkent proportions are truly monumental. Many streets have ten lanes and buildings are huge, with plenty of space around. Plan your visit ahead and check the distances.

See [ edit source ]

Old town [ edit source ].

The "Old Town" has retained much of its charm. Here you will find low adobe houses with shady courtyards, narrow winding streets and many ancient mosques and madrassas.

• Moyie Mubarek Library Museum , Zarqaynar 114 , ☏ +998 26 00302 . Daily 09:00-16:00 . Preserving the world's oldest Quran from the 7th century.  
• Imam Al Bukhari Islamic Institute

Do [ edit source ]

• 41.3174 69.2747 1 National library of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi , Navoiy shoh ko'chasi ( 500 m west from Metro station Abdulla Qodirii or Metro station Yunus Rajabiy, north 300 m from Metro station Mustaqilliq Maidoni ), ☏ +998 71 232-8394 , fax : +998 71 239-1658 , [email protected] .  
• 41.30813 69.28332 2 National Library of Uzbekistan , 51 Xorazm ko'chasi ( SE ne block from Amir Timur Monument ), ☏ +998 71 2391658 .  

Cemeteries [ edit source ]

• 41.27022 69.23345 14 German Cemetery , Yakkasaray District, Sodiq Miraxmedov ko'chasi ( SE 2 km of Metro station Mirzo Ulugbek ). Burial place of soldiers of World War II.  
• 41.26516 69.22663 15 Japanese Cemetery , Yakkasaray District, Sodiq Miraxmedov ko'chasi ( Next to German Cemetery ). Burial place of soldiers of World War II. ( updated Jun 2023 )

Broadway [ edit source ]

Saligokh St , known locally as "Broadway", has some street artists, etc. The street is easy to find from the Amir Temur Monument, just head away from the Uzbekistan Hotel. The 'mirstore' just off of Saligokh St has a modern supermarket, coffee bar and hugely overpriced fashion stores. This area, known locally as "Demir," also has Mir Burger, which has burgers, pizza and local dishes at reasonable prices. There is also a Georgian restaurant ("Tbilisi") and a Chinese restaurant. There is a heavy police (militsiya) presence here and foreigners are not often, but occasionally asked for their documents. It is advisable to keep a photocopy of your passport and visa with you, but leave the originals in the hotel safe.

Modern designer fashion and shops selling luxury goods from famous international brands have appeared in Tashkent. Catering for the wealthy, these can be found in the Broadway area, on Amir Temur Street and Pushkin Street.

Handicrafts [ edit source ]

• Abdulkasym Madrassah ( Metro Xalqar Dostligi ). Lacquer paintings with oriental motifs.  
• [dead link] Rakhimov Ceramics Studio , Kukchka Dabaza 15 , ☏ +998 14 90435 . By appointment .  
• Hamza Art Gallery, Caravan Cafe and Restaurant , 22, A. Kakhar Str. , ☏ +998 712 2556296 , [email protected] .  
• Souvenir Shops also can be find in some hotel as: Grand Mir, InterContinental, Dedeman Silk Road, Tashkent Palace, Uzbekistan Hotel

Supermarkets [ edit source ]

Supermarkets are quite small and limited compared with other countries.

• Kontinent ( near the Grand Mir Hotel at Usmon Nosir, Shota Rustavelli ). Good supermarket with a wide range of stuff.  
• Turkuaz Hypermart ( Formerly GUM ), Akhunbabaev Sq ( W end of Navoi, across the street from Hotel Chorsu ). 09:00-20:30 . Good for Western clothing and travel accessories.  

Eat [ edit source ]

There are hundreds of small cafes in Tashkent (and other Uzbek cities and villages) offering these and other local dishes at inexpensive prices. A meal of salad, bread, tea, soup, and shashlik at around US$2-3 isn't difficult to find. Sanitation standards can leave a lot to be desired in many of these cafes. Especially on warm days, look to see if the meat is kept refrigerated before it is cooked. Before meals you will always be offered warm water poured over your hands from a jug. Before drinking tea, it is traditional to bless the cup with the first splash of tea from the pot. This serves ritual and hygienic purposes. Locals also believe in the sterilising properties of vodka.

In regular restaurants with (seemingly) western appearance, higher prices are applied, e.g. a simple meal can easily be US$10-15 and drinks $3 and more.

Splurge [ edit source ]

Drink [ edit source ].

As is common in other Central Asian countries, tea is drunk by most people, but without milk. Black coffee is also available everywhere. Some coffee shops and cafes offer good coffee, but the best of them is probably Amore Coffee at the MIR store just off of Broadway.

Alcoholic drinks are available, though no longer sold in supermarkets and on the street. Look for licensed liquor/alcohol stores. Outdoor bars are popular in good weather. Uzbek wine, vodka, and many different beers are available. Local beer, Sarbast, is popular and should be about half the price of imported beers. It is quite good and at 4.2% (red label), not too strong. Sarbast is also available with a blue label at 5.6%. The Russian beer "Baltika" is popular. Baltika 3 is good and similar to other international beers. Baltika 0 has no alcohol, Baltika 5 and 7 are also good, and Baltika 9 is very strong.

Nightclubs, as everywhere, offer expensive drinks and typically play a mix of Russian and Western music. Strip shows are common.

• Chelsea Arms ( Kakhara St ). English pub. It looks like it has been transplanted from the East End of London. Free Wi-Fi.  
• Club Diplomat ( S Navoy St 200 m from Dedeman Hotel ). Billiard tables. It can be very busy and getting in may be difficult if your face does not fit. 3,000 som (free for ladies) .  
• Diamond Club ( below Arkada Centre on the Broadway ). A modern nightclub with a sci-fi theme. Check out the "Predator" look-alikes.  
• Fashion Bar , 25 Kunaev St ( at the junction with Shahrisabz St ). Modern bar/cafe, showing Fashion TV on large screens with music until late at night.  
• New Irish Pub ( Istikbol St ).  
• 41.3023 69.2889 1 Patrick Irish Pub , 45a Istikbol St (Istiqbol ko'chasi) ( about 1 km south from Metro station Amir Temur Xiyoboni ).  
• Rich ( In the Dedeman Hotel ). Nightclub.  
• Studio Cafe ( S Azimova St ). Modern cafe/bar with good food and drink.  
• 41.31102 69.28752 2 Chalet , ☏ +998 71 2338639 , [email protected] . Great bar in the centre of the city. Beer from 7,000 som.  
• 41.312889 69.274868 3 Bars in the park on Broadway . The park in the middle of town adjoining the shopping street has two bars in pavilions. These are great places for a drink on a sunny day, with basic meals available. ( updated Feb 2016 )
• Pelican ( aka "Pelikan Piva i Rybka" ), 47 Sadik Azimov St . No-frills, budget spot for beer and snacks. Specializing in local craft beer and Russian-style cured fish. At least two dozen beers on tap on any given day. ( updated Aug 2023 )

Phones, post offices [ edit source ]

• 41.3081 69.278 1 Beeline Mobil Office , 1 Buxoro ko'chasi .  
• 41.2954 69.276 2 East Telekom Office , Chehov ko'chasi ( from Metro station Oybek SW 10 min walk ).  
• 41.317 69.2841 3 Central Post Office ( Pochtamti ), 7 Shahrisabz ko'chasi ( Metro station Abdulla Qodirii ), ☏ +998 71 233 47 49 .  

Stay safe [ edit source ]

Tashkent is generally a very safe place to visit. However, visitors should refrain from political activities or doing anything that could be regarded as undermining the state. As anywhere, remember to watch your personal belongings. There have been incidents of robbery, including some violent assaults but they are very rare. Visitors should use the same caution they would use in any large city, especially at night. It is not advisable for foreigners to walk around alone at night, especially in areas where few people are about and/or lighting is poor. Police sometimes levy small on-the-spot fines for minor offences such as appearing to be slightly intoxicated.

The emergency number is ☏ 103 for medical emergencies and ☏ 101 for fires, while the police emergency number is ☏ 102 .

Major clinics are listed below:

• Stomaservice ( Dental clinic ), Buyuk Ipak Juli , ☏ +998 26 68899 , +998 11 05588 .  
• Klinik/Hospital 1 , Machlor Oim St 40 , ☏ +998 26 48105 , +998 26 40511 , +998 26 48105 .  
• Klinik/Hospital 2 , Aschgabadskaya St 3 , ☏ +998 26 74265 .  
• Tashkent International Medical Clinic ( TIMC ), Sarikul St 38 , ☏ +998 29 10142 , +998 29 10726 , 1858481 (domestic - emergencies), 1084457 (domestic) . Medical and dental care.  
• VIP Poliklinik , Sadik Asimov St 67 , ☏ +998 13 62625 , +998 13 94260 .  

Cope [ edit source ]

Embassies and consulates [ edit source ].

• 41.30787 69.28907 9 Indonesean Embassy , 73 Yahyo Gulyamov ko'chasi ( Center ). e-Visa http://evisa.kbri-tashkent.go.id/  

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• 14 October 2023

Best Things to do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan – 24-hour Travel Guide

A 24-hour travel guide: the best things to do in tashkent, uzbekistan.

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan. Even though many flights arrive in Tashkent, many tourists decide to skip the capital in their Uzbekistan itinerary . Nevertheless, I would recommend spending at least 1 night and therewith 24 hours in Tashkent. In my opinion, the capital city always tells something about the city. Thereby, Tashkent is a good starter to the beauty that awaits you in the rest of Uzbekistan. In this 24-hour travel guide, I’ll show you the best things to do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Of course, the guide will also include the best bars and restaurants in Tashkent.

During our time in Tashkent, we stayed in Sapiens Hotel, a great hotel with a lovely rooftop. Click here for more information / to book . At the end of this article, you’ll find a full overview of the best places to stay in Tashkent. 

|| Chorsu Bazaar

After your breakfast, take a taxi to the Chorsu Bazaar, located in the old town. Firstly, we visited the outside area of the market, where you can find a wide variety of items. Furthermore, the bazaar is famous for its blue dome. The inner part of the bazaar focuses on fruit, meat, fish and other food. In my opinion, the Chorsu Bazaar is one of the best things to do in Tashkent, as it gives you insights into the daily life of the locals. Next to that, it offers amazing photo locations. 

|| Hoja Ahror Valiy Mosque & Kukeldash Madrasah

Next to the Chorsu Bazaar, you can find the Hoja Ahror Valiy Mosque & Kukeldash Madrasah. Since they are located that close to the bazaar, definitely pay them a short visit. However, this is just a first sneak peek of all the lovely mosques and madrasahs you will run into when exploring the main sights in Uzbekistan.

|| Explore tashkent metro stations

One of the main highlights of Tashkent is its metro stations. First of all, the fact that there is a reliable metro network already surprised me. Before jumping on the metro, we researched the stations that were supposed to be the most beautiful and crafted a route of metro stations to visit on our way to the next sight. 

We started our tour at the  Chorsu Metro station. Here we bought a metro ticket and jumped on the blue line towards  Gafur Gulum  where we got off. Luckily, a metro departs every 5 minutes, which leaves you the perfect amount of time to shoot some pictures. Afterwards, we hopped on for one more stop to get off at Pakhtakor , where we admired the station and changed to the red line . Thereafter, we got off at  Mustakillik Maydoni  to admire the beautiful chandeliers. Lastly, we changed to the green line at the next station to get off in Bodomzor.  Personally, this was the perfect number of Tashkent metro stations for us to visit, while also using it as a means of transport. 

Below, you can find a map of the Tashkent Metro Stations. 

|| Museum of Victims of Political Repression

After we arrived at Bodomzur metro station, we walked for 15 minutes towards the Museum of Victims of Political Repression. The place is a memorial complex dedicated to the people who thought for the independence of Uzbekistan. 

Also, near the museum, you can find the Tashkent TV-tower, which you can access for views over Tashkent.

|| BeshQozon Pilaf Center

By now, it is time for lunch. As time in the capital might be limited, lunch can best be combined with another experience in Tashkent. One of the best things to do in Tashkent is to pay a visit to Beshqozon where you can taste the best Plov of Tashkent / Uzbekistan and enjoy the process of making the dish in bulk. 

|| Uzbekistan Hotel

After lunch, we headed to the inner city, where you can find the famous Uzbekistan Hotel. This hotel is almost a landmark in itself and can be found next to the Amir Timur square.

|| Sailgokh Street

The final sight on this best things to see in Tashkent list for your 24-hour stay is Sailgokh Street. Firstly, this street is supposed to be great in the evening. Nevertheless, a visit did fit better in our day in the afternoon, so we decided to go ahead and pay a visit to Sailgokh Street around 4 pm. In this street, you can find plenty of different kinds of entertainment. Kids can drive a small car, you can rent strollers, you can do karaoke in a small booth or play ping-pong. We needed to wake up a bit after the full day and jetlag, so a game of ping-pong was the perfect way. 

|| Socials Cafe

If you fancy something else for lunch than the famous Plov or are spending longer in Tashkent, Socials is a great option. Their food offering is pretty western, which we decided to go for as we had plenty of local food ahead of us.

|| Roni Pizza Napoletana

For dinner, we headed to Roni Pizza Napoletana, very close to Socials Cafe. What I never expected was that those pizzas where some of the best ones I had in a long time. Especially the pear and gorgonzola pizza was to die for! 

|| More Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Tashkent

Of course, the before-mentioned places for lunch and dinner aren’t the only restaurants, cafes and bars worth a visit. Based on prior research and my visit, these places are also worth a visit. Firstly, visit Breadly , a lovely bakery, where you can find a Western lunch. If you are seeking a more local dinner/twist, then Afsona might be the location for you. Furthermore, we enjoyed juice from the JuiceBar , which is located on the same street as Afsona, RONI and Socials. Moreover, in case you are craving a glass of wine, Silk96 Wine & Lounge or WineTime are good options. Lastly, if you are looking for a nice rooftop, Sette Bar is your best option.

- The best places to stay in Tashkent -

Sapiens hotel.

During our visit to Tashkent, we stayed at Sapiens Hotel. In total, we stayed here on the first and final day of our trip. The hotel is basic, with a main building (including an elevator) and a sub-building (without an elevator), and small but clean rooms. However, their breakfast was the best we had in Uzbekistan and in the evening their rooftop transforms into a bar. Plenty of reasons to book your stay here for €75 a night.

Ichan Qal'a Premium Class Hotel

Slightly outside the main town, you can find the Ichan Qal’a Premium Class Hotel. Unsurprisingly, this is a well-known luxury hotel including both an outdoor and indoor pool. Furthermore, the interior of the rooms focuses on an eastern look. In summary, this is the perfect hotel if you are seeking some luxury.

City Centre Hotel

Is location the most important hotel feature for you? In that case, the City Centre Hotel might be your favourite pick. Even though the rooms are simple, the location and cleanliness make it a gem.

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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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Central Asia Tours

Tashkent the Capital of Uzbekistan

Tashkent is the capital and largest city not only of Uzbekistan but of the whole of Central Asia. It is a home for more than 2,4 million people.  Tashkent is located in the northeastern part of the country along the Chirchik River, at an altitude of 480 m above the sea level. It is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and the history of the city goes back more than 2000 years.  Tashkent is a metropolitan, multi-ethnic city and a home to Uzbeks,  Tajiks,  Kazakhs, Kyrgyz descendants of Mongol nomads, Armenians and of even some green-eyed, red-haired grand children of Alexander the Great’s armies. 

The city has both old and new and has invested a lot in public places like squares, parks and fountains. Tashkent is a dynamic city which is developing faster than ever after the more open new regime stepped in after Islam Karimov’s era. The offering of good restaurants, including several foreign cuisines, is also growing rapidly and coffee shops can be found in almost every major street.

Today, the streets of Tashkent are full of greenery and monuments of a rapidly developing Central Asian power. The sleeping areas still remind from the past with Soviet style apartment blocks.  Until 2019 Uzbekistan remained a rather closed country, but with the coming to power of the new president at the end of 2016, tourism and the urban environment have taken a leap forward.

Must see Sights in Tashkent

Tashkent tv tower.

TV tower is located on Amir-Temur street 109. If you like observation platforms, this is the place for you. Tashkent TV tower is the third highest on the territory of the post-soviet countries rising up to 375 meters. It is best to visit the TV-tower an hour before the closing time as Tashkent is especially beautiful during the sunset. 

Walk in the Old Tashkent

Tashkent Old Town has preserved much of its old charm, little houses with shady courtyards, narrow winding streets and many ancient mosques and  madrassas .  The Old Town starts behind Chorsu Bazaar to the North and is is mostly narrow dirt streets lined with low mudbrick houses and dotted with mosques and old madrassas. If you want to see the real Uzbek capital city life, you can come here to the heart of the old city. In this area, you can still find part of the unique old atmosphere, a genuine picture of how the city lived for centuries before. 

Tashkent Museums

Tashkent parks, tashkent squares, amir timur square.

Amir Timur or Tamerlane is a name that you should remember while visiting Tashkent. Since independence, the powerful 14th-century conqueror Amir Timur has taken an enormous stature in Uzbekistan. Ex-president Karimov chose Timur as the ancestral figurehead for his newborn country, rewriting its identity and breaking free from its Soviet regime. 

Amir Timur square is possibly the most popular place within the local youth, in the evening groups of young people hang around the square. In the middle of the square sits a monument of the Timur presiding over an eponymous horse. Previously, this spot was occupied by Karl Marx. Checking the Timur’s statue at the very center of Tashkent is a must, particularly to see how revered he is by the Uzbek youth who frequently take photos of themselves next to the statue. 

Tashkent Independence square

Independence square, which is also called the Mustaqillik Maydoni, represents the modern squares in Tashkent. The square was formerly named the Lenin square but was renamed in 1992 following the independence of Uzbekistan. At the center of the park there is a globe monument representing the independence of Uzbekistan and below it a statue of a woman representing the motherland. 

A square is actually a somewhat misleading name as the area is more like a park with geometric shapes and fountains surrounded by numerous administrative and cultural buildings and monuments including the arch of independence, the senate building and having nearby also the old Romanov palace which now serves as the reception house of the ministry of foreign affairs of Uzbekistan. From the Northern side, the park is met by the Memorial square of WW2 and the large park area around it. The independence park or square offers sights to be seen for hours or even for days with its neighbors and is a showcase of the wealth of modern Uzbekistan.

Tashkent Bazaars

Tashkent mosques and churches, kukeldash madrasah.

Throughout its existence, Mercede Kukeldash served as a fortress and a hotel and has survived two powerful earthquakes. Today, the Kukeldash Madrasa has returned back to its original duty and operates as an Islamic educational institution like back in the 4th century when it was first built.

Tashkent Religious sights

Sheikhantaur memorial complex.

The memorial complex of Sheikh Khovandi Tahur (Sheihantaur) who lived in the 14th century, includes three buildings: the tomb of Sheikh Taur (15-19th century), the tomb of Kaldirgoch-Biy (15 century), and the mosque.

Zangi-Ota Complex

Zangi-Ota complex has risen around the Timurid-era mausoleum of Zangoita. The person buried in the complex was a 13-century Sufi saint and a shepherd who is still believed to have healing powers. 

Zangiota Complex

Hazrati imam complex.

Khast Imam Square is the religious heart of Tashkent. After the bustle of the central bazaar it is a good place for relaxation. You will find this place in the old town, among the streets of adobe houses. You can spend few hours here, sitting on the steps in front of the library, watching the children skillfully fly the kites. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and gardens, designed in the style of 16th-century architecture.

While you are going to Khast-Imam, you can also explore the houses in the old town. Take a walk into the neighboring streets and go deeper into the passages between houses. The atmosphere here is calm and the houses form a kind of clay labyrinth. While slowly walking, serenity and silence reign, and aromas of local cuisine can fill your nose from the courtyards. You might have a chance to find the most delicious homemade samsa in the city here. 

Suzuk-ota complex

Suzuk ota complex is located in the southwestern outskirts of Tashkent. It is an architectural complex  dedicated to the noble mentor of all artisans. Suzuk ota was known throughout Tashkent and even beyond due to his talents, the ability to rally the people, and beneficent deeds, which caused great respect among the local residents. 

The Suzuk-ota complex consists of a mosque and a mausoleum built during the reign of Amir Temur in 1392. The complex was mainly reconstructed in 2019.

Tashkent With Kids

Tashkent zoo.

Tashkent Zoo is one of the most popular entertainment locations for kids in Tashkent. The first zoo in Tashkent was founded already in 1924.  In 1997, the zoo moved to a new location. Today there are 12 animal exhibitions with a petting zoo open for the public. There are several open-air cages for animals, including large winter rooms. There are also artificial reservoirs and fountains, waterfalls and a water channel, a large pond with a beautiful bridge, as well as numerous places for recreation and animal sculptures in a cozy green area. The entrance fee is about 15000 sum for kids and 25000 sum for adults. 

Tashkent-Land Amusement park

The amusement park “Tashkent-Land” also known as “Tashkent Disneyland” is located in the walking part of the city not far from the TV Tower. Tashkent-Land was opened in 1997, at the same time as the water park next to it. The entrance to the children’s park is designed in form of a fabulous fortress gate leading to the world of adventure and joy. In addition to the amusement park, there is also a water park with several pools and various slides nearby a beautiful Japanese garden with unique plants as well as a 1.5 km long cable car ride.

Tashkent Circus

From the early ages different genres and styles of the national circus training, including circus-taming, clowns, rope-walking, and others existed in Uzbekistan. The rise of the Uzbek national circus is related to horse riding sporting, military exercises, national games, and the way of life of the local inhabitants. The modern circus arrived in Uzbekistan more than 100 years ago, at the end of the 19th-beginning of the 20th century, while the first circus assemblies from Russia and European countries came on tour to the Turkestan. 

The portable circus tents were erected in Tashkent, Samarkand, Andijan, Ferghana, Urgench as well as in the other towns. In 1819 in Tashkent was built the first permanent circus by entrepreneur F.A. Yupyatov, however,  in 1966 earthquake destroyed it.  During the years of operation the Republican Association “Uzbekgostsirk” turned into a real creative house, making new ways of development. Twenty thematic circus shows, one hundred new numbers and ten big attractions were built during these years. During national festivals, fairs and bazaar shopping days, illusionists and magicians, and different street performers demonstrated their art. 

The Uzbek circus has become a full member of the world circus community: the artists of the circus have carried the flag of independent Uzbekistan through the arenas of more than thirty countries of Europe, Asia and Africa. Also, circus artists of our country have participated in prestigious international festivals in France, Germany, Russia, China, UAE where they were awarded the highest prizes. 

For instance, in 1996 the participants of the number “Acrobats on Camels” under the guidance of E. Arzumanov won the third place of honor “Bronze Bear” and in 1999 the artists of the number “Horsemen of Uzbekistan” under the guidance of K.Karaev were the second at the International Circus Festival in UAE, Dubai.   The representatives of the oldest circus dynasties – the Tashkentbaevs and the Zaripovs – continue their creative work successfully. The honored artist of the USSR and Uzbekistan Khakim Zaripov trains new performers for the number “Horsemen from Sunny Uzbekistan”.

Around Tashkent

Solar institute in parkent, sun institute in parkent, ancient settlements of tashkent.

The glorious age of the city is defined by artifacts found on the sites of excavations. Tashkent has preserved some intriguing sites of ancient settlements such as Ming Urik, Aktep, Shashtepa Hillfort and impressive Kanka.

Ming Urik, Aktepa and Shashtepa Hillfort

Kanka settlement, ugam-chatkal national park.

The closest mountains to Tashkent lie 80 km East from the city and in the mountains the Ugam-Chatkal national park. The mountain range is relatively low (by Central Asian standards), the average height of the mountains is 1500 meters. However, they are considered as one of the best places for winter holidays in Central Asia. The park is full of trails for skiers and hikers with good conditions for mountaineering. In summer, the meadows with flowers are amazingly beautiful.

Chervak Reservoir

After the earthquake in 1966, there was an urgent need for cheap energy in Uzbekistan. In order to ease the situation,  Uzbek  authorities decided to construct the Charvak State Power Plant. The dam with 168 meters height, formed a blue, picturesque mountain lake called the Chervak reservoir. As a bad side, these beautiful waters have hidden important archaeological sites as once there were ancient settlements at the current bottom of the lake.

Travel to Tashkent

Tashkent by airplane.

If you are coming from Europe or US most likely you will get a connection through the airports of Almaty, Istanbul or Moscow. However, if you are coming from the Middle East or Southeast Asia as well as other CIS countries where Uzbekistan Airways operates, there are also a considerable amount of straight flights. In addition there  are low-cost airlines like Belavia that flies through Minsk.  Tashkent International Airport is the main aviation hub for Uzbekistan. It is located 12 km South from the center of Tashkent. The airport has two terminals: International and domestic. 

The international airport building was rebuilt in 2001 although the facilities are dated considering the current level of airports internationally.  There are no special express trains, but public transport offers at least two options with bus 10 and minibus 7. Most foreigners choose the taxi to travel to and from the airport. 

Terminal 3, which operates the domestic flights was opened in 2011 with a capacity of 400 passengers per hour. The two terminals are separated by the runway, claiming passengers transiting from international to domestic flights and vice versa to exit the airport to transfer between them.

The online timetable of the Tashkent International airport can be checked from the Uzbek airways maintained  page .

Tashkent by Train

Tashkent main railway station is located Southeast from the city center. You can arrive to Tashkent by rails from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan or Turkmenistan and from Kyrgyzstan through Kazakhstan. The Tajik- Uzbek rail border seems to be rather erratic though especially considering foreign travellers. There are also four trains a week operating between Moscow and Tashkent with about 66 hours of travel time. 

The Uzbekistan domestic train services are useful and recently in 2012 they renewed the service with modern high-speed trains. The new trains are known as Afrosiab and they operate daily between Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand and Qarshi – Shahrisabz. The older trains usually take up to two times more time compared to Afrosiab. 

The old trains travel also to Kokand, Margilan, Andijan, Urgench, Nukus, Kungrad, Atyrau (Kazakhstan), Termez, Denau and Sariasya. The latest addition to the rail network is the Khiva new train station. Check the latest information from the  Railway.uz . Remember that the tickets bought online need to be changed to the real (Soviet style) tickets before entering the train at the train station.

Tashkent by Bus / Taxi

You can get to Tashkent from any other major city in the neighboring cities and countries by bus, marshrutka, or by taxi. There are regular buses operated from Shymkent in Kazakhstan, Khujand in Tajikistan and from  Bishkek , Kyrgyzstan as well (through Kazakhstan). Keep in mind that crossing the borders may take some time. The trip by bus or taxi may not be as comfortable as in the plane or train since many drivers save on air conditioning.

Tashkent has a number of bus stations and the station to go to depends on one’s destination. For long-distance routes it is better to book the tickets in advance as the scheduled buses fill up quickly. Shared taxis are usually spotted outside the bus stations and will move as soon as the car is filled with passengers. 

Moving Around Tashkent

Public transport in Tashkent offers a fairly developed transport network. In recent years, the construction of a new metro line has begun and there are plans to extend the existing branches even further. Anyway the metro forms the backbone of the public transportation with three lines. Check the up to date map from here . While you are moving around Tashkent with the metro take a note on the interiors of the metro stations. Each of them has their own character. The metro network is supplemented by an adequate number of buses and marshrutkas. 

Yandex also works in Tashkent along with local taxi services.  Tashkent is definitely a car-focused city, hence there are no cycling paths or other cycling infrastructure at place. Cycling in the city is more a leisure activity rather than a form of transport. Next to the shopping malls and parks there are young guys renting bikes which cost about 6000-8000 sum for an hour.  The roads in Tashkent are in better condition compared to the regions.

Tashkent Metro

Bus / minibus.

The bus service in Tashkent is much more extensive than the metro. Due to the recent population growth in the capital number of people have settled in the outskirts of the town. These areas are served mainly by buses, minibuses and taxis.  The fare on buses in Tashkent is about 1400 sum which is almost the same as the fare on the subway. Mybus Tashkent is a useful application with real time data on buses, however it is only available in Russian and only for Android phones for now.

Taxi fares around the city is between 1000 and 8000 sum depending on your destination. Yandex taxi started to operate in Tashkent in 2018. Nearby major transport facilities such as the railway stations, airport and even next to the metro stations, a bunch of private cabbies also offer their services almost around the clock. For safety reasons, it is worth giving preference to official carriers.  Tashkent taxis, in general, are cheap. However, if are taking a taxi waiting at the gates of the airport or next to the train station, it might be rather expensive so its better to check the price with the driver before taking off.

Sights & destinations near Tashkent

Tavaksay waterfalls, aydar-arnasay system of lakes, ugam chatkal national park, sarmysh petroglyphs, charvak reservoir, zaamin national park, nuratau mountains.

Page updated 23.10.2020

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11 Best Things to do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

• Central Asia
• Last Updated 2 May 2023

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Tashkent, Uzbekistan . It’s not a city that’s front and centre on every travellers wish-list, but it’s a fascinating place with a lot to uncover. And with travel there getting easier all the time, as the country rapidly opens up to tourists, there’s never been a better time to visit. Following my recent trip, I’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Tashkent to help get your planning started!

A fascinating mish-mash of brutalist Soviet buildings, neatly restored Islamic sites, and classical Russian architecture, Tashkent is like no other city I’ve visited. The centre is incredibly green, full of leafy squares and pretty parks, and every street seems to be lined with trees. Neat, clean, and well-laid-out, at first glimpse it feels as if Tashkent is lacking in personality. But delve a little deeper and you’ll uncover all sorts of hidden gems and interesting quirks. There are pockets of colour, amazing crafts, and dazzling architecture in unexpected places (wait till you see the metro!). This is my mini Tashkent travel guide, covering everything you need to see and do while you’re visiting.

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Good to Know – Background to Tashkent Top Things to do in Tashkent Where to Stay Best Restaurants in Tashkent How to Get to Tashkent

My trip to Uzbekistan was supported by Air Astana. There are also some affiliate links in this post. But, as always, all words and opinions are my own!

RELATED POST: Uzbekistan Travel Guide

A Bit of Background Before You Go

Tashkent Uzbekistan can trace its history back 2200 years, to the 2nd century BC, but it looks surprisingly modern! The centre is like a lesson in sensible city planning: wide, well-laid-out roads, modern buildings, and a lot of parks. It’s also one of the greenest cities I’ve ever explored. The reason for all this modernity? Tashkent is prone to earthquakes, and in 1966 there was a pretty huge one. It destroyed around 75% of the city, so the majority of Tashkent was rebuilt by the Soviet Union in the late sixties and seventies.

That means a lot less Islamic monuments then you’ll see in other cultures, and a lot of Soviet architecture. There are some really amazing buildings to discover – and even if architecture isn’t really your thing, it’s hard not to be impressed by some of the more imposing buildings! If you want to delve into Tashkent’s history and culture more, you’ll have to go beyond the surface of the city. Thankfully, there are plenty of hidden details to uncover – some of which are included in the below list of things to do in Tashkent. Keep reading to find out the best things to do in the city…

RELATED POST: Travelling Uzbekistan, A Glimpse of Central Asia

11 Things to do in Tashkent

Tour the Metro Stations

One of my favourite things to do in Tashkent was also one of the most simple; ride the metro! Tashkent’s metro was built in the seventies, and an array of Uzbekistan’s leading architects were invited to design the different stations. Each station is an original work of art, designed to reflect its name. So Kosmonavtlar, the “Cosmonaut Station” is a futuristic, bright blue design, with portraits of famous cosmonauts lining the walls, for example. Of the stations I saw, I thought Mustakillik, Alisher Navoi, and Kosmonavtlar were the most impressive.

Info: It costs 1200 soum (roughly £0.10) to ride the metro anywhere. You buy your ticket at the cashier desk (cash only) and they’ll give you a circular plastic token. You pop this in the barrier to open it, and that’s that. If you want to get good photos of the stations, I suggest going mid-morning on a weekday. Rush hours and weekends might be a little busy! If you’re really serious about getting a great shot, you should also take a tripod. The stations are dimly lit so a slow shutter speed is handy – plus you can get that great blurred motion effect as a train arrives.

Khast-Imam Complex

The Khast-Imam Complex is a historic square in the old part of Tashkent, and it’s the religious heart of the city. Although the site dates from the 16th century, it was largely rebuilt in 2007. So today it’s a surprisingly clean and modern space, and not as spiritual-feeling as other Islamic sites. 

Fronting the square is the Hazrat Imam Mosque, which is flanked on either side by towering, 50m-high minarets. There are several other important mosques, madrasahs (schools) and mausoleums dotted around the square and the neighbouring park. But the most significant thing to see here is inside the Teleshayakh Mosque, where the world’s oldest koran is displayed. It’s a massive book dating from the 7th century. You’re not allowed to take photos of it, though!

FYI – the square is also called Hazret Iman, Hast Imam, and a bunch of other variations, just to confuse things! 

Museum of Applied Arts

Museums are not usually my favourite places, as I prefer a more hands-on insight into local culture . But I’m including the Musuem of Applied Arts on this list of the best things to do in Tashkent, because it’s genuinely really interesting. It’s housed inside a grand mansion, which was once the home of wealthy Russian diplomat and businessman Alexander Polovtsev, who lived in Tashkent before the 1917 Revolution.

Today, it’s a museum dedicated to Uzbekistan’s iconic art and craft styles. Painting, weaving, ceramics, wood-carving, and traditional instruments are all represented. What I loved in particular about the museum was the colour – it’s a real pocket of the most colourful aspects of Uzbek culture. The central room is covered in ceramic tiles, both inside and out, and is a gorgeous example of traditional Uzbek design. It’s worth visiting the museum for this alone!

Plov Centre

For a true taste of traditional, everyday life in Tashkent head to the Plov Centre . Plov is Uzbekistan’s national dish; rice with meat, fruit, onions, and carrots. At the Plov Centre you can see chefs preparing plov in huge, steaming cauldrons – called kazans . Inside, you can also order a plateful. Don’t miss the chance to experience plov like a local! 

Chorsu Bazaar

A market is always a great place to explore a city’s traditions and culture, and Chorsu Bazaar is definitely no exception! This enormous, traditional bazaar in the centre of the old town is housed inside a turquoise domed building, and it’s where you’ll find pretty much all the local produce you could possibly want. 

Saffron, spices, vegetables, bread (oh, that delicious Tashkent bread), pomegranates, juicy Uzbek apples, whole sheep hanging by the ankles… you can buy just about anything at Chorsu Bazaar. Uzbekistan is known for it’s dried fruit, so be sure to try some – you’ll find this section on the upper level of the central dome. Most vendors will let you try a piece for free, without any pressure to buy, so you can wander around tasting samples from every stall! If you have a sweet tooth, pick up some nougat or halva while you’re there, too! 

One of the most popular things to do in Tashkent is to visit the TV Tower. At 375m, it’s the tallest structure in the city – and the 11th tallest tower in the world! You can visit the observation deck on the 6th floor for great views of the city. On the 7th floor there’s a revolving restaurant with a pretty distinctive decor – although I’ve read mixed things about the food. But if you want a view of the city and have time to spare, a visit to the observation deck at least is definitely worth it!

Info: the TV Tower is open from 9am to 6pm and costs 40,000 soum (roughly (£3.60).

Visit Hotel Uzbekistan

A classic example of 1970’s Soviet Architecture, the imposing Hotel Uzbekistan towers over the city centre. Anyone who watched the BBC’s Race Across the World this year will probably recognise the monstrous structure.

The brilliantly descriptive name of the architectural style is Brutalist , and the Hotel Uzbekistan certainly looks brutal, looming above Amir Timur Square. In its heyday, this was the place to stay in Tashkent. But today the hotel’s glamour has faded, leaving behind a fascinating relic. A cool place to stay, or just to pop by for a photo of the impressive facade. 

Explore Tashkent Old Town

A small part of the original Tashkent, from before the earthquake which shaped the city we see today, still stands. Close to the Khast-Imam Complex, you’ll find a warren-like maze of cobbled streets and traditional houses. These are one-storey buildings built with clay walls, and painted in an array of pretty pastel colours. In Uzbekistan, it was traditional to build houses with no windows at the front of the property, so the street-facing walls look oddly plain. Instead, the doors are often intricately carved wood, or painted in bright colours, to draw the eye. It’s a brilliant area for photography, or for catching a glimpse of traditional everyday life in Tashkent.

Visit the Artisans at Abulkasym Madrassah 

The Abulkasym Islamic school , close to Friendship Square, is now an amazing creative space. The rooms surrounding its central courtyard have been given over as studios and workshops for local artisans. You can watch wood carvers, painters, and ceramic makers at work, browse their wares, or make a few purchases. Be warned – there are some really amazing talents here, so temptation is rife!

Earthquake Monument

I’ve mentioned the earthquake a few times, because it really did have a huge effect on what Tashkent is like today. Pay your respects at the Monument of Courage earthquake memorial, which also happens to be a great example of Soviet sculpture.

It depicts the earthquake itself: a huge crack in the floor running from a clock frozen at the time that the disaster started. A statue of a man and woman shielding their child from the quake towers over the square . But more interesting is the sculpted frieze running around the square behind the statue. This shows all the nationalities – from various parts of the Soviet Union – who helped rebuild Tashkent, each represented in their country’s traditional dress. It’s a super nationalist monument that smacks of soviet pride, but it’s still very interesting, and a must for anyone interested in Tashkent’s history.

Tashkent Nightlife on Broadway Street

After dark, head to Sailgokh Street for some charming Tashkent nightlife. Every night, Tashkent’s centre is illuminated with colourful light installations. And Sailgokh Street – aka Broadway Street – is lined with funfair-style games and street performers. 

You might catch some local kids having a dance battle, or a local artist selling their work. Rent a bike for an hour, or settle down with some street food to watch the world go by. It’s one of the best things to do in Tashkent at night, and if nothing else it’s perfect for a spot of people watching.

Where to Stay in Tahskent Uzbekistan

I stayed at the LOTTE City Hotel Tashkent Palace and would happily recommend it. The hotel is in a historic building, one which survived the earthquake and has been designated part of the city’s cultural heritage. It’s a really grand building in an amazing location, right in the city centre. Service was amazing, the food was great, and my room was super comfortable (if a teeny bit on the old-fashioned side). 

If you’re looking for more mid-range accommodation, renting an apartment often works out more a budget-friendly option. Take a look on AirBnb for some options (you’ll get £25 off your first booking when you click on my referral link). Alternatively, there are plenty of guest houses and standard hotels to choose from. Sunrise Caravan Boutique Guest House comes highly recommended and looks lovely!

For backpackers, there are plenty of hostels in Tashkent to choose from. I like the look of Topchan Hostel and Art Hostel, both of which come really highly recommended on Hostelworld. 

Best Restaurants in Tashkent

If you want to learn more about WHAT to eat in Uzbekistan, check out my bumper guide to the 16 Uzbek dishes you must try ! But for WHERE to eat in Tashkent, here are some of my favourite restaurants…

One of the best restaurants in Tashkent, certainly my favourite, is Caravan. It’s a really cosy, traditional restaurant with an amazing menu. The decor is fab – and a lot of the pieces are actually for sale, so if you spot something you love you can take it home! But the food is what makes this place amazing.

You can try all the traditional Uzbek dishes here, such as manti (steamed dumplings), guzlama (bread stuffed with cheese, lamb, and spinach), and lentil soup. Don’t miss the restaurant’s signature dish, Lavash Caravan . It’s a soft flatbread stuffed with cheese and tomato and grilled – so good!

If you want a super traditional meal in Tashkent, head to one of the small local restaurants surrounding Chorsu Bazaar. I ate at  Especialidad Pinchos – plastic furniture under a tarpaulin shade, kebabs being grilled over an open flame behind us, the smoke and smells wafting over our table. Good, affordable food in a prime people-watching location. And the bread comes fresh from the market so it’s absolutely amazing! What more could you want?

Sato is another of the best restaurants in Tashkent. It’s owned by the same people who run Caravan, so it’s another cosy restaurant with amazing decor. Again, you can try lots of traditional food here, like plov or somsa (small, meat-filled pastries similar to a Cornish pasty!). 

For a more contemporary Tashkent restaurant, head to Vinaryba . It’s a huge restaurant space that doubles up as a deli and wine shop, so your table will probably be surrounded by impressive racks of wine and spirits. The decor is really funky, with big street art murals in the entrance and a very cool axe-handle loo door! Food at Vinaryba was really good, especially the salads. Go for the local fish – especially if you want a break from all the meat and bread you’ll be eating around Tashkent. 

Another more contemporary restaurant in Tashkent is SalSal; a grand setting with fresh, light decor. It’s traditional Uzbek cuisine again, but with a bit of a twist. And the salads here were amazing! Be sure to try the samsas here, they were probably the best I tasted! 

How to Get to Tashkent

Air Astana fly to direct Tashkent from Astana in Kazakhstan – their main hub. The flight takes two hours. Fly direct to Astana with Air Astana (6 hours 25 minutes), stay for around two hours, then hop a connecting flight to Tashkent. Couldn’t be simpler!

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6 thoughts on “11 Best Things to do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan”

wow! I found it hard to even imagine rain in Uzbekistan when I was there! The food looks bloody awesome btw!

The food WAS bloody awesome!! I’m working on a food guide post – excited to publish that one!

Hi Emily, Great post about Uzbekistan! What to say about food now? Food for thought? How delicious it looks, OMG. I would definitely visit for an experience myself. Thanks.

Thanks so much Lydia! The food was amazing. I’ve touched on it a bit in my Uzbekistan guide post here: https://www.emilyluxton.co.uk/central-asia/uzbekistan-travel-guide/

I’m planning a food guide which I’ll publish soon, too. So then you’ll know exactly what you have to eat :)

We are off to Uzbekistan next week and you have made me enthusiastic about Tashkent which previously I was only viewing as a gateway to the rest of the country. Thanks for all the really helpful tips. I will definitely read the rest of your blog as well now. Best wishes Jane

Thanks so much for commenting Jane! I’m so excited for you – I loved Uzbekistan. Hope you have a fabulous trip. Where else are you heading?

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Tashkent travel guide

Tashkent tourism | tashkent guide, you're going to love tashkent.

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, with a population of more than two million. It is an ancient city and prospered due to its position on the Great Silk Road, which brought goods from China to Europe. Tashkent was extensively rebuilt following a major earthquake in 1917, and today, it is a modern, exciting city, with many faces.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Tashkent

1. the old town.

Much of the Old Town survived the earthquake and has lots of narrow, winding alleys, adobe houses, and ancient mosques.

2. Wander through Markets

Markets like Chorsu Bazaar have fabulous selections of local foods and offer an exciting glimpse into local life.

The History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan and the Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan have some of the best collections in Central Asia.

4. Tashkent TV Tower

The tallest building in Central Asia and the 10th tallest in the world, the Tashkent TV Tower has a revolving restaurant at the top with fantastic views.

5. Hiking and Trekking

Walking trips into the surrounding countryside offer spectacular scenery.

What to do in Tashkent

1. tashkent's historical treasure trove.

Uzbekistan's main national museum is full of interest - and enormous, so dedicate plenty of time to your visit. The collections are varied, and include highlights like Buddhist carvings that date back more than 1,500 years, engaging exhibits about the even deeper past, and a sweeping, dramatic account of Russia's conquest of the Turkestan region from the 17th century onwards (which still has deep political significance for locals).

2. Heaven For Souvenir Hunters

If you want to shop for souvenirs, or pretty much anything else, Chorsu Bazaar is the first place to head. Located on Beruni Avenue, a couple of miles north of the city center, Chorsu is instantly recognizable thanks to its vivid green dome, and draws thousands of traders from the Uzbek countryside every week. For tourists, the highlights may well be the chance to pick up traditional skull caps, ceramics, and Uzbek quilted cloaks, but the vibe and energy of the place is also a major attraction. It's also right next to Chorsu station, so getting there is easy.

3. Awesome Uzbek Artworks

Tashkent might not (yet) rank up there with Paris or New York on the world's artistic stage, but the authorities are certainly trying to pump up the profile of the visual arts, mainly thanks to this excellent gallery. Located a short walk from the Museum of History, near Oybek station, the collection runs through every aspect of Uzbek creativity, from the ancient Buddhist past, to posters and paintings by Soviet era propagandists. The heyday of Bokhara as a Silk Road center means that fabrics and carvings from the medieval era are well represented - and are an absolute delight.

4. See The World's Oldest Quran

Situated in one of the oldest parts of Tashkent, Khast Imom (or Hast-Imam) is a collection of religious buildings that makes up the sacred core of the Uzbek capital. But the main attraction isn't a mosque. It's actually the Moyie Mubarek Library, which houses what is thought to be the world's oldest copy of the Quran. The 7th century tome is an inspiring site, but the collection of miniatures is almost as fascinating, while nearby Barak Khan Medressa houses some lively souvenir stalls, and the 16th century tomb of scholar Abu Bakr Kaffal Shoshi is also worth a visit.

5. Track Down This Outstanding Attraction

For a change of scene from mosques, markets and art, why not head to this intriguing and offbeat museum? Located in the eastern half of Tashkent, the Railway Museum houses 21 historical locomotives which date back to the dawn of the Soviet era. All of the trains are open for visitors to climb inside, and there's a quirky mini railway for kids (and adults) to enjoy, while the museum itself includes a huge variety of railway equipment and costumes. If you love rail travel or engineering, it's a magical place.

Where to Eat in Tashkent

The national dish is Plov, which is a mixture of rices, spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Milli Plov, beside the TV Tower, is a popular restaurant selling local dishes for around лв6,000. Jumanji on Yusuf Khos Khodjib Street serves Central Asian and Chinese dishes from лв70,000 per person for dinner.

When to visit Tashkent

Tashkent has a continental climate, hot in summer and cold in winter. April, May, September, and October are the best times to visit.

How to Get to Tashkent

The city is served by Tashkent International Airport (TAS), which has extensive international connections to Europe and North America in addition to domestic flights. A taxi to the city center will cost around лв34,000. Buses 11 and 77 will also take you into Tashkent for a fare of лв1,700.

Tashkent is a major stop on the Central Asia train network. There are services to Russia and China as well as domestic services to Samarkand. The three-day trip from Moscow will cost around лв300,000.

There are road connections with neighboring countries but it can take hours to clear customs. The M39 connects the city with Samarkand, while the A2 arrives in the city from Kazakhstan to the north.

International buses to Tashkent are infrequent and passengers must change at the border and enter the country on foot. There are regular buses from Samarkand, with tickets starting from лв17,000.

Airports near Tashkent

Airlines serving tashkent, where to stay in tashkent.

Gulnara Guesthouse has basic, clean rooms in a good location, and the Dedeman Silk Road Tashkent Hotel is a modern luxury hotel right in the city center.

Popular Neighborhoods in Tashkent

Yakkasaray - this is a busy, central district, close to most city attractions and markets.

Yashnobod - Yashnobod lies to the east of the city center and can be reached by subway. It's a large district with hundreds of streets and a number of bars and cafes.

Yunusabad - this district is sited in the north of the city and has a large number of bazaars and good shopping.

Where to stay in popular areas of Tashkent

Most booked hotels in tashkent, how to get around tashkent, public transportation.

Tashkent has an excellent subway system, plus a network of buses and trams. Tickets start at лв1,000.

Taxis are plentiful and cheap. A typical two-mile journey in the city will cost around лв10,000 but you should expect to negotiate your fare.

No major international car rental firms operate in Tashkent but you can rent a car with a driver from a local company for about лв100,000.

The Cost of Living in Tashkent

Shopping streets.

Chorsu Bazaar is a huge market selling everything from rugs and locally made furniture to traditional clothing and produce. Saligokh Street has modern fashion stores and supermarkets.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk in Tashkent will cost лв3,500 and a loaf of bread is priced at лв1,200.

Travel With Anjaly

Engaging | Adventurous | Real

Tashkent Travel Guide

When people speak of Uzbekistan, their mind go to the awe-inspiring Islamic architecture of the Registan in Samarkand or the Kalon Minaret in Bukhara or the walled city of Khiva, which is quite unfortunate, because the country’s capital city, Tashkent is just as amazing.

Country: Uzbekistan Capital: Tashkent Language spoken: Uzbek Population: Currency: Uzbekistan Som (UZS)

I would recommend spending at least one night in Tashkent, longer if you have the time. I believe that there is so much to learn in the capital city. Tashkent is a good starter.

The following handy guide will help you see the city and its highlights in 24-48 hours and include where to eat, what to eat and what to see. 

Table of Contents

A little about Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is landlocked and lies between two major rivers, the Syr Darya and Amu Darya. It is bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. The autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan is in the western third of the country. Uzbekistan declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 31, 1991, with Tashkent as its capital.

What to see in Tashkent

Chorsu Bazaar : Located in the Old Town, Chorsu Bazaar is famous for its blue dome and a bustling market. Chorsu translates to “confluence”. It existed continuously since the Mongol invasion, but the blue dome was built after the earthquake of 1966, blending beautifully with the Central Asian architecture. The inner part of the bazaar is filled with fruit, meat and fish vendors and is, in fact one of the best places to witness the daily life of a local.

As you continue towards the Ko’kaldosh Madrasasi ( Kukeldash Madrasah) you’ll pass little stalls selling clothing, fresh bread, jewelry, beauty products, and more. (Nearest metro – Chorsu on the Blue Line)

Kukeldash Madrasah: Located next to Chorsu Bazaar is the Hoja Ahror Valiy Mosque & Kukeldash Madrasah. Since they are located that close to the bazaar, pay them a short visit.

The construction of the Kukeldash Madrasah goes back to 16th century. This building lost its original function in the subsequent years and served as a caravanserai for many years. With time, it deteriorated (thanks to the many earthquakes) and pretty much became a ruin in the 19th century. However, it was later reconstructed to its current form today. (Nearest metro – Chorsu on the Blue Line)

Museum of Victims of Political Repression: About fifteen minutes’ walk from Bodomzur metro station is the Museum of Victims of Political Repression. The place is a memorial complex dedicated to the people who thought for the independence of Uzbekistan.

Tashkent Tower: The Tashkent Tower is the 11 th tallest tower in the world and resembles a spacecraft 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. (Nearest metro Bodomzur on the Blue line)

Beshqazon Plov Centre: This Central Asian Plov centre is best visited to enjoy a delicious local cuisine. It is one of the highlights of visiting Tashkent. Here, the plov is cooked in giant cauldrons over wood fire and then scooped onto the plates. Arrive early to secure a spot. The restaurant seats over a 1000 and it is usually packed to capacity. (Nearest metro Bodomzur on the Blue line, in the same direction as Tashkent TV Tower.)

Uzbekistan Hotel: This hotel is almost a landmark and can be found next to the Amir Timur square. The Square is a lush green space with fountains and flowers and on one side is the famous hotel towering over everything else in the vicinity. The city’s most important buildings, both political and cultural, are concentrated on the square and in the immediate vicinity.In the centre of the square is the statue of Tamerlane on horseback.

The Square has an interesting history. It was first designed in 1870 by Imperial Russian architects as a central park of the new Tashkent and was called Constantine Square. Later, the main monument in the center of the square was changed several times. In 1993, the statue of Tamerlane was installed.

Tashkent food guide

Traditional Uzbek food is delicious with influences from all over Asia and Middle East. The country shares its culinary tradition with Turkey as well as serving up a wide number of noodle and dumpling dishes that bear a close resemblance to their counterparts in China, Nepal, and other Eastern Asian countries.

Here, food is rich in meat, especially beef and lamb. However, Tashkent being the capital city has a great food scene and besides the local food mentioned below, it is easy to find international food quite easily. It also has a vibrant coffee scene.

Plov : Easily the country’s national cuisine and a must try food in Uzbekistan. Comprising rice, onion, carrots and meat (beef or lamb) and often served with slices of horse meat, egg. Cooked in large cauldrons called Kazans, plov takes centrestage in all Uzbek homes and restaurants.

Shashlik: Skewered meat cooked on the grill. The word ‘shashlik,’ is just the Russian word for ‘shish kabob,’ and this style of cooking became popular in Central Asia during the Russian empire. Uzbeks love their shashlik and anything including cubes of beef or lamb, chicken legs, meat rolls (pinwheel of lean and fatty beef, and ground beef (or lamb) can go on the grill.

*Most Uzbeks are Muslim, so finding pork on the menu is out of question. But if you’re lucky you might be offered some shashlik made with horse meat. Vegetarian shashlik can be found too – these include grilled skewers of potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, and peppers.

Lagman : Another extremely popular food in Uzbekistan. There are several ways to eat lagman – it can be served as noodle stew with lamb and vegetables and spiced with cumin or stir-fried (pan fried) with onions, or any other pantry vegetables. (think spaghetti). It can sometimes come with a fried egg on top. The word ‘Lagman’ comes from the Dungan word lyumyan which means to “stretch the dough”, and Lagman noodles are typically hand-pulled, giving them a deliciously chewy texture.

If in doubt, always order lagman. You can never go wrong with that!

Shurpa: A lamb soup that can be found almost anywhere in the country. It comes with chunks of lamb and thick slices of vegetables (carrots, potatos or onions) and garnished with dill or parsley.

Dimlama : A one-pot stew (popular during harvest season), dimlama is made of meat (lamb or beef), potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, peppers, and garlic, layered in a deep pot and cooked for many hours.

Manti : Another extremely popular food, manti is steamed dumplings filled with ground lamb or beef. Extra fat is often added to the dumplings to enhance the flavor. Chuchvara are simply smaller versions and can be added to soups or served fried.

Samsa : Also, somsa or samosa is another popular style of dumplings in Uzbekistan. Like manti, they are filled with lamb or beef (and potatoes) and baked in an oven (tandir), resulting in a flaky pastry that is a staple breakfast food in Uzbekistan.

Tukhumbarak : Sort of dumpling filled with a mixture of eggs and milk or a bit of fried onion and steamed. Often served with yogurt. This can also be found with a pumpkin filling.

Bread : This is the most important (or default) item on the menu. All over the country, it is very common to find people selling homemade bread with unique patterns in them.

***A variety of bread stamps are available in the markets. They are intricately designed metal pins inlaid in wooden handles.

Tashkent Metro Stations

Now, this might sound incredible, but one of the highlights of Tashkent is its metro stations. To begin with, the metro system in Tashkent is reliable, efficient, and very cheap but alongside that, the metro stations are a work of art. Each station is unique and features some architectural gems. Some even have huge chandeliers (like a Russian ballroom), but every station reflects the history of Uzbekistan and tells a story through its murals, portraits, or plaques.

So, if you want to admire the beauty of the metro stations, hop on the metro, and explore to your heart’s content. On the flipside, metro tickets are very cheap, so you won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

***When the metro was constructed, it also functioned as a bomb shelter for the citizens of Tashkent in the event of a nuclear attack. Until 2017, one couldn’t take pictures of the metro. Only in 2018, this ban was lifted.

The Tashkent Metro is open every day from 5am until midnight. Peak hours are from 7.30 am until 9.30 am and from 5 pm until 7.30 pm.

The red line is called the  Chilonzor Line  and it was the very first line of the Tashkent Metro, with 17 stations.

To buy a ticket, head to the ticket office at the entrance of every station. You will see the word Kassa indicated on a yellow panel.

Below, you can find a map of the Tashkent Metro Stations.

Did you know?

• Tashkent is also part of the Silk Route.
• Tashkent is the home of the first underground transport system in Central Asia.
• It was the only city in Central Asia with a Metro until Almaty got one in 2011.
• Many of the Soviet-era stations have stucco designs and chandelier-like lighting and look more like ballrooms than stations.
• The city’s many theatres (both Uzbek and Russian), include the Navoi Theatre of Opera and Ballet. There are also a Palace of the Arts and several museums, parks, and stadiums.

Is Tashkent worth visiting?

  Finally, the big question. Is Tashkent worth visiting? The answer to that could be found hidden in the above article. Whether you should come for a day or stay longer depends on how much time you have or how much you are willing to invest in knowing an ancient culture.

In short, Tashkent is worth a visit or two and requires and absolute open mind and the willingness to accept it for it is. Like all capital cities, it suffers from population, traffic snarls and noise but there are ways to get around that and see the city for what it really offers.

My definitive answer is a YES. It is totally worth visiting.

Know before you go 

• The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som, also Soum. (UZS). Prices mentioned in the article are in Som. At the time of writing, the conversion was 8,450 UZS to $1 USD (check XE.com for the latest exchange rates). It is the only means of payment in the country. The banknotes are available in denomination of 5000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100.
• Exchange cash at the airport for immediate use. (there are three ATMs at the airport, but they can sometimes stop working). Theere are several options of exchanging cash in the city.
• Uzbekistan is not as conservative as you might be led to believe. However, it is required (or appreciated) if you cover up when visiting religious sites.
• Tipping is not common, in fact, most taxi drivers round up the fare.
• Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport is in Tashkent, and you’ll likely need to fly into and out of it. It is possible to fly within the country, but most international flights arrive at Islam Karimov Airport.

Getting Around

Public transportation includes taxis, metro, and buses. Taxis are cheap (1,000 UZS per kilometer). It is advisable to download the YANDEX app.

The metro will also get you where you need to go for a very small sum (1,000 Som per trip). Keep in mind that no signs are in English and no announcements either, so it would be very important to listen closely or write down the names of the stations.

Trains in Uzbekistan are fast, convenient, and comfortable. The train from Tashkent to Samarkhand takes a little over two hours while the slow train will bring you there in three hours.

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Caravanistan

The Silk Road Travel Guide

Tashkent, ex-Soviet Central Asia’s largest city (pop. 2,5 million), does not get a lot of love from the traveling community. With its monumental city planning and endless traffic jams, Tashkent fails to live up to the image of Uzbekistan conjured up in tourist brochures focused on Bukhara , Samarkand and Khiva .

That leaves more space for those who like to travel off the beaten track, enjoy Soviet architecture, and want to feel the pulse of modern-day Uzbekistan. They will feel right at home in Tashkent, just like everyone else: Tashkent is, even more so than the rest of Central Asia, a big melting pot of nations and cultures from across Eurasia.

Add in the new mosques, dictator chic construction and craft beer pubs of today, mix it with the mausoleums of yesteryear, and we’d venture that Tashkent is an interesting place to visit.

Quick link : Tashkent transport guide  – Accommodation guide

Table of Contents

How long should you stay?

Having said that, if medieval architecture and colourful arts and crafts is what you came for, you probably don’t need more than a day in Tashkent.

To tick off all of the obligatory highlights, add another day. If, on the other hand, you are a flaneur and a fan of Modernist architecture, you can easily spend 3 more days on top of that, simply strolling Tashkent.

First or last?

If you are entering and leaving Uzbekistan through Tashkent, we recommend you get out of the city soon after your arrival. Tashkent is best visited on the way back, when you might care to eat something other than plov and somsa and might actually even welcome a bit of big-city buzz; in this respect Tashkent serves as a halfway house between your holiday experience and the world back home.

Also, the museums make more sense after you have visited the places where the art came from.

It does not seem so at first sight, but Tashkent is an old city. A fertile oasis fed by the Chirchik river, bringing meltwater from the Tien Shan mountains nearby, settlement probably started more than 2000 years ago. Once called Chach, then Shash, the city got its current, Turkic name from its Karakhanid rulers in the 10th century: Tashkent, city of stone.

The town’s history mirrored that of its neighbours Shymkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Kokand, and it must have largely looked the same in medieval times: a warren of mud-walled houses and workshops, crowded bazaars, mosques, madrassahs and mausoleums. With the tsarist Russian conquest of 1865 and the subsequent October Revolution, however, Tashkent changed irrevocably.

Tsarist and Soviet times

The new capital of the colony of Turkestan and later the Uzbek SSR, was refashioned in the image of a Russian city. The ethnic make-up of the city changed as well. After the first Russian colonists, deportees from around the Soviet Union were dumped here in the 1930’s; during World War II, more than half a million Russian refugees doubled the size of the population. Many stayed, and Uzbeks became a minority.

In 1966 a devastating earthquake struck Tashkent, occasioning a blank slate for architects and city planners from across the Soviet Union to create the ideal Communist city. The remnants of the past were now truly relegated to a sideshow in a corner of town as New Tashkent became a monumental metropolis in the 1970’s, Moscow’s “beacon of Socialism in the Orient.”

Half a century later Tashkent still retains much of that Soviet spirit. Broad avenues lined by oak trees take aim for imposing solitary buildings in manicured surroundings. Although many Russians and Jews left after independence, people with roots from all across Eurasia can still be seen knocking melons and squeezing tomatoes at the bazaar. A sense of forced peacefulness and security are pervasive amidst the gentle splash of fountains.

Orientation

Old Tashkent lies in the northwestern corner of town, with the  Chorsu bazaar and the Khast Imam complex  as its center of gravity. It contains the old mahallas  that survived the modernisation push (so far), as well as Tashkent’s remaining medieval monuments. Take a walk around Old Tashkent to see the sights and get a feel for the place.

Central Tashkent is the area roughly between metro stops Kosmonavtlar and Oybek in the south, Amir Timur Square in the center, and north up to Bodomzor metro station between Amir Timur street and the Anhor canal. Here you will find most museums and monuments as well as the best restaurants and hotels in Tashkent.

Together, these 2 areas comprise almost all points of classic tourist interest. Beyond lie residential neighbourhoods, parks and shopping and entertainment districts.

To get your bearings in the center, we propose 2 walks: an  introductory walk through central Tashkent , and a complimentary stroll along the Anhor Canal .

Transport and accommodation

All you need to know to get in, out and around Tashkent can be found at Transport in Tashkent .

To select a place to stay, know that you are bound to take transport while navigating Tashkent: staying within walking distance of a metro stop makes a big difference.

Tashkent is a big, sprawling city with 2 cores: old Tashkent centered around Chorsu bazaar and Khast Imam, and new Tashkent centered around the Opera and Amir Timur Square. The area between the metro stops Kosmonavtlar and Oybek and Mirabad Bazaar is the prime location, as the below map shows.

For a rundown of the central neighbourhoods, hotel reviews and recommendations, see our Tashkent accommodation guide .

Things to see and do

Traditional highlights for first-time visitors are the Chorsu bazaar and Khast Imam complex . A walk through Old Tashkent connects the 2 sites with a host of other interesting places in the area. The Sheikhantaur Mausoleums are a bit further off, signaling the end of Old Tashkent.

If you prefer to have a look at New Tashkent instead, try these 2 walks: through the central axis , and  along the Anhor Canal . Running through the heart of the capital, they disclose Soviet Tashkent to the first-time visitor.

Museum-wise, the State History Museum and the Fine Arts Museum are the 2 big draws if you are into history and art. If you are absolutely not, perhaps you can skip them in favor of eating ice cream and people-watching.

Despite its size and seeming uniformity, exploring the backstreets and more distant corners of Tashkent on foot can be very rewarding. If you are the type, you know what we mean. You can for instance search out Tashkent’s best remaining mosaics and murals .

If you speak Russian, you can join locals organising off-the-beaten track tours on weekends at the X-Places Telegram channel .

Other sights and museums

Tashkent’s Applied Arts Museum suits aficionados of applied arts – others will be satisfied by what they see on bazaars and tourist sites around the country.

If the Fine Arts Museum was not enough for you, pop into the Academy of Arts & the nearby K. Behzod Miniature Gallery , as well as the National Art Gallery .

For those looking for the pulse of contemporary art in Uzbekistan, Gallery 139 , Bonum Factum and the CCAT showcase new work by today’s artists.

Interested in politics? You must make a pilgrimage to the former palace of Karimov and snap his golden statue. Along the Anhor Canal , the TV Tower and the  Minor mosque are both a sight to behold, and also revealing of the time period in which they were constructed.

If you are a market person: there are plenty of other bazaars and flea markets in Tashkent besides Chorsu.

The following attractions fall into the special interest section:

• Tamara Khanum house museum  & other house museums of Tashkent
• Botanical Garden
• Ming Orik excavations  
• Kukcha Mosque & Sheik Zayneddin mausoleum
• Zengi-Ata mausoleum
• Tashkent Railway museum
• Museum of Olympic Glory

We advise against visiting the Amir Timur Museum , the Central Asian Plov Center (it’s just standard plov) and the Japanese Garden .

Events, culture and nightlife

Event calendars advertising (not all) concerts, parties, exhibitions etc. in Tashkent are Afisha and Myday .

Cultural events

In the evening, a visit to the opera offers fantastic value-for-money without the need for language skills. If you do speak Russian, try to catch a show from the famous Ilkhom theatre company  or the Russian Academic Theatre (Otaturk 24).

The State Conservatory  (Abai/Batyra Zakirov str.) often has concerts on (+99871 2445320, +99871 2449508). Adventurous culture mavens might dare to attend a show of an Uzbek-language company – Mukimi (187 Olmazar/Gafurov str)   and Khamza  (34 Navoi str) are the biggest ones. For something lighter: even without children as an excuse, you can still catch a  circus matinee .

For a city of this size, there is not as much nightlife as you would expect. There are some nice theme bars if you plan to tipple, as well as tons of karaoke places. Restaurants with a deejay or a guy on a keyboard are not in short supply either; Uzbeks are into merry-making and dance floors fill up easily any day of the week.

Nonetheless, a lot of dancing is wedding-related. If you happen to see one, don’t be shy to announce yourself as a foreigner. You are doing them a favour by inviting yourself in, as a foreign guest is a sign of good luck. Besides, they have plenty of food. You are making sure they don’t have to eat the same dish for the next 2 weeks.

Clubs and discos, as far as we have experienced them, are places for the Instagram generation: bad music, pricey drinks and all about the looks, the selfie and the pick-up. As a foreigner you can get away with a bit of scruffiness, but dress to impress if you want to be sure to get in.

The exception at the moment seems to be events organised by the Fragment collective, where the music is more important than the look.

We currently do not have the resources to recommend nightlife favourites and keep up with changes. Instead, we started a Going out in Tashkent forum thread – we welcome your recommendations.

Are you a foodie? Since the author of this article has the palette of a Tibetan monk, we rely on our readers for this chapter. Start by grazing our foodie in Tashkent thread and please share your discoveries.

Broadway , the pedestrianised area between Amir Timur Square and Sharaf Rashidov street, has fun games and activities for kids.

Tashkentland , near the Expocenter and the Bodomzor metro stop, is an amusement park (haven’t been). Tashkent’s zoo is not a modern zoo, but one of the cheapest places in the world to see a giraffe for sure.

Tashkent has a circus , and a puppet theatre! The circus is close to Chorsu bazaar , the puppet theatre near  the Oqsaroy .

Around Tashkent

There is plenty to see and do around Tashkent. The main menu is the Chatkal mountain range northeast of Tashkent, which offers fresh air and cool lakes to escape the summer heat. Hiking destinations go over 3000 m and a ski resort opens in winter.

But there is more. You can visit the solar furnace in Parkent and the space probe research factory in Nevich, sip on local wines in Shampan or pay your respects to the spiritual world in Kumushkan and Zangiata.

En route to Kokand , you can visit the ghost town of Angren with the Ufimtsev museum, while Yangiabad and Chadak offer another gate into the Chatkal mountains.

Discover it all in our guide to destinations around Tashkent .

Some people find the police presence around metro stations oppressive (they obviously haven’t been to Xinjiang at that point). We’d let that thought fly; police is courteous towards travelers, and the police state, despite its obvious dark side, does make Tashkent a superbly safe city for tourists.

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