15 Amazing Things to Do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 2024

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and is the largest city in the country. With so many incredible things to do in Tashkent, this city is fast becoming a tourist attraction and is a must-visit if you are travelling through Central Asia.

I’ve travelled to Tashkent on numerous occasions and love exploring this laid-back city with a Soviet air and distinctly Central Asian feel. From museums charting the rise and fall of the Timurid Empire to parks, churches and mosques, there are plenty of great places to visit in Tashkent.

Tashkent is known to be one of the main cultural and economic centres within Central Asia, and so is a great destination to visit. In this article, we will go through everything you need to know about this city including the most popular Tashkent attractions and the authentic dishes you need to try.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

15 Best Things to Do in Tashkent Uzbekistan

Below you’ll find a diverse list of Tashkent things to do from exploring bustling bazaars to interesting museums, the city’s incredible architecture and a lot more. This Tashkent travel guide will help if you’re a first-time visitor looking for things to do in the city.

1. Take a Tashkent City Tour

One of the best things to do in Tashkent for first-time visitors is to take a city tour. This full-day (6-7 hours) tour takes in the major places to see in Tashkent including Amir Temur Square, Independence Square, the Minor Mosque and Chorsu Bazaar.

You’ll travel between the Tashkent famous places in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle and get to eat an authentic Uzbekistan lunch. Entrance to all the museums, including the Amir Timur Museum, Hazrat Imam Complex, and Uzbekistan state museum. Click here to book.

2. Take in the Smells and Sights at Chorsu Bazaar

One of the first things I do when in Central Asia is head to the local Bazaar. The buzzing Chorsu Bazaar is one of the most popular places to visit in Tashkent and is one of the most important markets in Asia. It has been around for centuries and is a reminder of the ancient Silk Road.

Today you can find an array of items at Chorsu Bazaar including fruit, meat, clothes and crafts. If you are looking for an authentic travel experience, then this is one of the top things to do in Tashkent. Visit Chorsu Bazaar on a guided tour of the city. Click here to find out more.

Address: 57 Tafakkur ko’chasi, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions.
Nearest Metro: Chorsu
Opening Hours: 5am to 9pm Monday to Sunday

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3. Ride on the Tashkent Metro

Aside from being the best way to get around, the Tashkent metro is also worth seeing for its beautiful architecture. It was designed to be an artistic masterpiece and it doesn’t disappoint. When travelling, look out for beautiful mosaics, murals and candelabras.

The design of the metro was based on those in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. It was the seventh metro system to be built in the USSR and was opened in 1977. No Tashkent sightseeing trip is complete without a ride on the metro.

It’s also one of the deepest in the world as the Soviets loved to bury their subways deep underground. I’ve visited some incredible metro stations in my time, including Moscow, Pyongyang and Almaty, and Tashkent is definitely one of the most impressive.

Tickets cost around 1,400 Som ($0.15) for any journey across the city, making it one of the cheapest ways to get around.

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4. Visit the Hazrat Imam Complex

The Hazrat Imam Complex is one of the top Tashkent tourist attractions and is known as the official religious centre of the city. This part of Tashkent is known for its beautiful Islamic architecture and is not to be missed.

The complex is home to some incredible monuments including the Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, the Tila Sheikh Mosque and Barak Khan Madrasa.

You can also find the Muyi Mubarak Library here which is home to oriental manuscripts and the world’s oldest Koran. See the incredible Hazrat Imam Complex on a guided tour of Tashkent. Click here to book.

Address: Karasaray Street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions.
Nearest Metro: Gafur Gulom
Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday

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5. See Independence Square (Mustakillik Maydoni)

During the era of the Soviet Union, this square was used for celebrations of labour day and Victory day and was named Lenin Square. After Uzbekistan gained its independence in 1991, the square was renamed Mustakillik Maydoni (which translates to Independence Square in English).

Today the square is used to celebrate Independence Day and New Year among other festivities and is a popular spot among locals and one of the major things to see in Tashkent for tourists.

The square is surrounded by important government buildings including the cabinet office and the senate and has some pretty impressive monuments. However, the most beautiful part of the square has to be the fountains and the Independent monument itself.

This full-day guided tour of Taskent includes a visit to Independence Square among other top Tashkent places to visit. Click here for more info.

Address: Independence Square, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions.
Nearest Metro: Mustakillik Maydoni
Opening Hours: 24/7

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6. Climb the Tashkent Tower for Incredible Views

The TV Tower in Tashkent is actually the 11th tallest tower in the world at an impressive height of 375m and one of the top things to do in Tashkent for visitors.

If you are feeling adventurous and aren’t afraid of heights (I am), then you can take the elevator up to the 6th floor and marvel at the views of the city from the observation deck.

There is also a restaurant located on the 7th floor if you are looking for a tasty meal and a beer. The TV Tower is one of the best places to visit in Tashkent as it gives your panoramic views and is a great spot to take photographs of the city.

Address: Amir Temur ASve, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions.
Nearest Metro: Shahriston
Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday
Ticket Price: 40,000 Som ($3.50)

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7. See Hotel Uzbekistan

The Hotel Uzbekistan is a huge soviet hotel that is located in the centre of Tashkent. The architecture is typical of other communist-era hotels and is one of the top places to see in Tashkent. The hotel is made up of 17 floors and has over 250 rooms.

The hotel accepted its first guests in 1974 and has been a popular choice ever since and a symbol of the city. You can book a stay at the hotel, but even if you are not a guest, you can still pop in and have a look around (I went there to change USD to Som).

If you head up to the top floor, you can even get an amazing view over Amir Temur Square. Rooms are surprisingly cheap with singles from around $50 and doubles from $65. Click here to book your room.

Address: 45 Mirzamakhmud Musakhanov Street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions.
Nearest Metro: Amir Temur Hiyoboni
Opening Hours: 24/7
Book a room: Hotel Uzbekistan

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8. Visit the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan

The State History Museum is one of the best museums in Tashkent for its incredible collection of exhibits dating back to antiquity. It opened in 1876, and the exhibitions focus on Uzbekistan’s rich history dating from 2,500 years all the way up to President Karimov’s time.

The museum is open daily, and if you want to make the most out of this experience then it’s best to hire an English guide (which costs less than one dollar). It is one of the oldest museums in Central Asia and has over 250,000 listed exhibits.

Some of the most unique exhibits in this museum include a stone sculpture of two snakes from the 2nd millennium BC, the decor of the Bukhara governor’s palace and fragments of a 7th-8th century mural painting.

However, one of the most impressive is probably the remains of a primitive man from Sel-Ungur cave that dates back to 1.5 million years BC. For history lovers like myself, the State Museum is one of the top Tashkent tourist places.

Address: 3 Buyuk Turon Street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions.
Nearest Metro: Mustakillik Maydoni
Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday
Ticket Price: 10,000 Som ($1) single entry. 25,000 Som ($2.50) camera pass.

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9. Amir Temur Square (One of theTop Places to Visit in Tashkent)

Amir Temur Square is one of the most popular Tashkent tourist attractions, and so is a must for any itinerary. Built in 1870, this square has seen various monuments including statues of Lenin, Stalin and Karl Marx.

Today, the monument that stands here is Amir Timur on his horse. Amir Timur is the national hero of Uzbekistan and the most famous Central Asian conqueror. This monument has stood proud since it was built after Uzbekistan’s independence and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Aside from the monument, Amir Temur Square is a great place to take a walk and unwind. Some of the other popular spots located here include the Amir Timur Museum (one of the top museums in Tashkent), Hotel Uzbekistan and the Clock Towers.

Address: 4 Amir Temur Avenue, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions.
Nearest Metro: Amir Temur Hiyoboni
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket Price: Free

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10. Visit the Amur Timur Museum

The Amur Timur Museum is one of my favourite Tashkent tourist attractions and one of the best museums in Tashkent. Inside you’ll find a selection of displays charting the Timurid Empire that lasted from 1370 to 1405.

Amur Timur, or Tamerlane as he is known in the west (Timur the lame due to an arrow injury), was a Turkik-Mongol warlord that oversaw an empire stretching across Central Asia and including what is now Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. Click here to book a tour of the museum.

Address: 1 Amir Temur Avenue, Tashkent 100000, Uzbekistan. Click here for directions.
Nearest Metro: Amir Temur Hiyoboni
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday
Ticket Price: 8,000 Som ($0.70)
Website: temurid.uz

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11. Broadway Boulevard

A trip to Tashkent isn’t complete without an evening stroll along Sailkough Street. Also known as Broadway Boulevard, this street connects the two main squares in the city; Independence Square and Amir Timur Square.

During the evening, Broadway Boulevard is lit up with beautiful lights and is filled with food stalls, art stalls and street artists. It is also popular with families as there are plenty of carnival games located down this street for children.

Places to Visit Near Tashkent

There are lots of popular day trips you can take from Tashkent. Here are the places you need to visit:

12. Charvak Lake

Charvak Lake is located in the Northern area of the Tashkent region and offers beautiful views. It is an artificial lake that was made during the Soviet Union to provide cheap energy to the city of Tashkent. The construction of the dam started in 1964 and was completed in 1970.

Aside from the surrounding snow-capped mountains, lush greenery and the beautiful blue waters, there is something even more special about this place. When the reservoir was filled, about 150 archaeological sites ended up being submerged underwater.

There are no direct public transport options to Charvak lake from Tashkent, however, there are a few options. You can either get a public bus part of the way and then get a taxi, or you can book a day trip from the city centre. However, the easiest way would be to hire a car.

13. Samarkand

Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and was founded in the 7th century BC. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has jaw-dropping architecture that will leave you amazed.

Samarkhand was invaded by Alexander the Great and then destroyed by Genghis Khan, which meant the city was in need of a serious rebuild. Amir Timur took on the task and made it the capital city of the Timurid Empire in the 1370s. The stunning architecture that you will see all across Samrkhad is from this time period, so make sure you bring your camera.

When it comes to travelling to Samarkand, the most popular options are train and bus. The train journey from Tashkent is a lot quicker, taking around 3 hours whilst the bus takes about 6 hours.

See my full guide to Samarkand for more information.

14. Bukhara

Silk Road Bukhara is the 5th largest city in Uzbekistan and is located along the ancient Silk Road. The city has around 140 architectural monuments, so there is plenty of history to explore.

The most popular places to visit in Bukhara include the Chor Minor, the Ark of Bukhara and Bolo Hauz Mosque. However, aside from visiting the architectural masterpieces, there are also plenty of opportunities to shop, as there are lots of bazaars located within the city.

When travelling from Tashkent to Bukhara, there are a couple of choices. The most popular option is the train which takes about 6 hours, although a hire car would probably be more convenient.

If you’re looking for accommodation, check out this useful guide on where to stay in Bukhara.

This excellent six-hour guided tour of Bukhara’s top attractions is the perfect way to see the city if time is tight.

15. Khujand

The city of Khujand dates back around 2,500 years to the Persian Empire. It is situated on the Syr Darya River and is actually located in Tajikistan. Khujand is located close to the borders of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and was once a major city along the famous Silk Road.

Khujand is the largest city in Tajikistan and so has plenty to offer. The most popular places to visit include the Panchshanbe bazaar, the Citadel and the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum. You can also take a cable car over the Syr Darya River if you are feeling adventurous.

The most direct way to get to Khujand from Tashkent is by bus, and the journey takes about 5 and a half hours. However, if you choose to hire a car instead of taking public transport you will cut your journey in half. The one thing to be mindful of with this day trip is that there will be an immigration point and border control, as you are travelling to another country.

Getting to Tashkent

Tashkent International airport is located about 10km outside the city centre. There are plenty of direct flights from various countries making the city easily accessible.

If you are travelling into Uzbekistan from neighbouring countries, then there are a couple of journeys you can do. You can travel by rail into the city of Tashkent from various cities in Russia, the city of Kharkov in Ukraine and Almaty in Kazakhstan. If you don’t mind changeovers and multiple visa’s you can also arrive from China.

More info: Almaty to Tashkent Train

Getting Around Tashkent

There are plenty of different ways to get around Tashkent. The most popular and easiest way is the metro which runs between 5 am and midnight. Waiting times in the metro are pretty short, and the system is easy to use. It is very well signposted and security is tight so police will check any belongings.

Getting a taxi is another popular way to get around, but it can be quite complicated. There are two types of taxi in Tashkent – licensed taxis and ‘independent’ taxis. Independent taxis are quite flexible with fares, and are just random cars with a little taxi sign on the roof. Licensed taxis are a lot more expensive, so make sure a price is negotiated beforehand.

Food in Tashkent

There are lots of different authentic food dishes for you to try in Tashkent. Here are a couple of the most popular ones!

Plov – Plov is Uzbekistan’s national dish, and is a must-try during your visit. The dish consists of rice, meat, onions and carrots boiled within a light broth. There are so many different variations of this dish, and you’ll often find it served with eggs, sausages and many other foods.

Lagman – Lagman is a dish that consists of noodles with meat and veg, and there are different ways it can be served. It is either served as a soup or light broth, or it is fried in a sticky sauce.

Shashlik – Shasklik kebabs are often found on street markets and roadsides throughout the country. They are cubes of meat that are placed onto skewers, alongside peppers, onions and tomatoes. They are usually grilled over coal or wood and make a great snack.

One of the best places to sample local cuisine is the Central Asian Plov Center. Click here for directions.

Tashkent Weather

The climate in Tashkent varies throughout the seasons. Summer is known for being hot, arid and very clear. Winters are known to be very cold, with plenty of snow.

The warmest month to visit Tashkent is in July when temperatures can reach up to around 36°C. The coldest month is January with an average low temperature of around -2°C. Tashkent’s summer season lasts between May to September, and the cold season lasts between November to March.

Best Time to Visit Tashkent

The best time to visit Tashkent is between the months of May to June, as the weather is starting to turn but isn’t too uncomfortable.

The summer months are also a popular time to visit as Tashkent receives around 10 hours of sunshine a day. However, the heat can become pretty unbearable if you are exploring the city all day, which is why many people choose to visit in the spring.

Is Tashkent Safe to Visit?

Although Tashkent isn’t at the top of many bucket lists, it is a relatively safe city to visit for tourists. Violent crime is known to be incredibly rare in this city. However, petty crime like pickpocketing is still common in touristy areas. It is also a good idea to be careful where you choose to exchange your money. Only change money at banks to avoid scams.

As with the police in some former Soviet countries, they can be corrupt so best to try and avoid any contact with them unless absolutely necessary. Tashkent has a reputation for police trying to scam tourists, however, it is not as bad as in the past. I’ve visited Tashkent on multiple occasions and never had any problems.

The most likely problem you will encounter is being ripped off by a taxi driver!

Accommodation in Tashkent

There are plenty of different accommodation options in Tashkent. Here are some great options for each budget:

Budget: Topchan Hostel

I’ve stayed at Topchan on every visit to Tashkent and have found it an excellent place, especially for backpackers. The location isn’t perfect as it’s a little way out from the centre, but it’s walkable from the station.

On my last visit, I hired a 50cc scooter from the hostel which made getting around much easier. Click here to book on Hostelworld.

Mid-range: Hotel Uzbekistan

Tashkent is famous for the Hotel Uzbekistan which is located close to Amir Temur Square and makes an excellent option. Rooms are excellent value with singles starting from just $50. Click here to check prices.

Luxury:: Ichan Qal’a Premium Class Hotel

Things to Do Tashkent FAQs

Conclusion

Now you know what to do in Tashkent, the charming capital of Uzbekistan. If you are a fan of architecture, tasty dishes and culture, then this city should be on your bucket list.

There are so many incredible places to visit in Tashkent including the History Museum, Chorsu Bazaar and Navoi Park. If you are looking for a destination that is off the beaten path and often overlooked by other tourists then this is your place.

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You might like my other guides about cities in Central Asia:

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