Tashkent is the main city of Uzbekistan, whose history dates back more than 2000 years. It is one of the largest in Central Asia and one of the oldest, located on the Great Silk Road. Walking around this sunny capital, you want to remember every minute and everything you see – a trip for pilaf to the ancient bazaar, a walk through the square of Amir Temur (Tamerlane), who founded the great empire, acquaintance with mosques and the oldest Koran in the world.
You can spend an eternity choosing and buying Uzbek robes, ceramics, designer handicrafts, exceptional horse sausage, thyme, nuts, halva and yellow carrots. And the most important thing about Tashkent is that wherever you go and whatever you see and taste here, everything resonates in your soul with a feeling of happiness.
Once Tashkent breaks into your travel biography, it doesn’t just stay in it forever, it makes it special and fills it with awe-inspiring memories. In this guide I will tell you what to see and taste in Tashkent.
What to see in Tashkent: city sights
In Tashkent it is easy to feel not even “at home”, but exactly at home. It’s quiet, clean, and attentive people, who almost with childlike curiosity ask who you are and where you’re from, and ask for photos together. Tashkent is interesting for its amazing combination of religious buildings of different faiths – not in every city you will see a Catholic cathedral and a Muslim madrassa next to each other. Modern districts with Soviet-era buildings harmoniously adjoin a unique neighborhood of clay houses.
More than half of Uzbekistan’s territory is occupied by deserts, but Tashkent looks like a real oasis – the ancient city, built in the valley of the Chirchik River, is covered with a network of irrigation canals, decorated with fountains and immersed in endless greenery.
Its history goes back more than 2000 years. The first information about the city appeared in the 2nd century BC. At first it was called Yuni and was so mentioned in Chinese chronicles. The name Tashkent first appeared in Turkish documents of X-XII centuries.
Tashkent was one of the main points on the Great Silk Road, so it remained a place of lively trade for a long time. The city was highly valued by Amir Temur (Tamerlane), the great ruler of Central Asia, commander and conqueror. By the time of Temur, Tashkent was beginning to recover from the devastating period associated with the invasion of Genghis Khan. It was Amir Temur who revived the city’s former spiritual, political and ideological greatness and restored its influence as a regional center of power.
In 1865, tsarist troops captured Tashkent and it became part of the Russian Empire, more specifically the center of the Turkestan Governor-General’s Office. The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was formed in 1924 as a result of administrative-territorial reform. And in 1991 Uzbekistan gained independence. Tashkent was popular with creative intellectuals in the last century.
Hazrati Imam Religious Complex (Hast Imam)
Ancient Tashkent is almost an oxymoron, because the city was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1966 and rebuilt again. Therefore, the surviving monuments of the ancient East have a special value. The main of them are concentrated in the ensemble of historical sights Hazrati Imam.
The complex includes two madrasahs, two mosques and the tomb of Hazrati Imam, erected over the tomb of the preacher at the end of the 10th century. The main treasures of the complex are a hair of Prophet Muhammad and the world’s oldest handwritten Koran of 640 on deerskin parchment. Entrance to the complex is free of charge, open daily.
Not far away, above the Hast Imam Square, you can see the domes of Barakhan Madrasah, built in the XVI century on the instructions of the ruler of Tashkent, Navruz Ahmadkhan, the grandson of Mirzo Ulugbek.
Amir Temur (Tamerlane) Square
The pretty square with fountains was laid out in 1882. Initially it was called Konstantinovsky, then Kaufman’s, and after 1917 – Revolution Square. The name of the founder of the Timurid dynasty was given to the square a year after Uzbekistan’s independence in 1994. Since then, it has been decorated with an equestrian statue of the great conqueror.
Next to the park, on Tamerlan Square, are the famous Tashkent chimes, one of the main symbols of the capital, as well as the Palace of Forums crowned with a 48-meter dome, which was inaugurated in 2009 in honor of Tashkent’s 2200th anniversary. The palace often hosts forums, business events and concerts of modern and classical music. Tickets are budget. For example, a ticket to a concert by Honored Artist of Uzbekistan Sevara Nazarkhan cost from 130,000 soums.
In fact, it is not so difficult to find a beautiful park in the Uzbek capital, half of whose territory is given over to squares and alleys. There is even a Japanese garden in Tashkent, where peacocks walk along the alleys.
Tashkent City
Tashkent City, the compact business center of Uzbekistan’s capital between Navoi Street and Uzbekistan Avenue, is a real find for tourists looking for new and trendy locations.
Points of attraction here include a wax museum (Queen Elizabeth II, Donald Trump, Marilyn Monroe, Sultan Suleiman and others), a diode wheat field, a steel dolphin sculpture, a movie theater, a planetarium, an amphitheater with a picturesque view of the lake and a large number of original photo zones.
For fans of cycling there is a circular bicycle lane with a length of just over one and a half kilometers. There are also restaurants and food courts here, and the Hilton Tashkent City hotel has recently opened. In its lobby you can have a delicious coffee and cakes.
The ancient Chorsu Bazaar, whose trading rows are located under seven blue domes, is located in the historical part of Tashkent. Around the market are workshops where tourists can make jewelry in front of their eyes. Chorsu is an ideal place for colorful photos, shopping for all sorts of goodies and sweets, spices and, of course, tasting pilaf, fat boiled sausage, stewed chickpeas with mutton
Street food is safe and tasty everywhere. Come to the bazaar as early as possible for pilaf, by 8 a.m. it is already sold out. Uzbek pilaf is special, UNESCO has even included it in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In 2020, a group of archaeologists from China, Uzbekistan and Germany found evidence of rice cultivation in Uzbekistan as early as 250 AD.
Chorsu Bazaar has been known since the times of the Great Silk Road and the Mongol invasion. As it was centuries ago, today the place is bustling with life and commerce. It is worth a look at the handicraft workshops and visiting the “gluttonous rows”, where pilaf and other Uzbek delicacies are served.
Tashkent subway
The subway in Tashkent is so beautiful that it is considered a landmark of the city. Its construction began after the earthquake in 1966. Today there are already 29 stations, and each has its own unique architectural appearance, creating the feeling of the halls of a rich palace. They have white marble columns, huge crystal chandeliers, and mosaic ornaments.
The Cosmonavtlar station is particularly exquisite, with its architectural decoration dedicated to the theme of space. It used to be forbidden to take photos and videos in the Tashkent metro, but the ban was lifted in 2018. The fare is 1,700 soums.
Museum of Applied Art and Museum of History of Uzbekistan
The museum, located in a late 19th century palace owned by Russian diplomat and patron of art Alexander Polovtsev, houses more than 7,000 works of art. These are paintings, carpets, porcelain, jewelry, national costumes with elements of gold sewing. All of them are handmade by Uzbek artisans and craftsmen.
On the territory of the museum there are shops where you can buy (cash only) carpets, porcelain, national costumes of local craftsmen. Those who want special products should contact a staff member, share their wishes with him and they will be realized by artisans within a few days.
Opening hours: from 9:00 to 18:00, no weekends (box office closes an hour earlier), admission – 30,000 UZS.
In the halls of the Museum of Applied Arts you will really enjoy the wonders created by human hands.
Old Tashkent
The old town has preserved its traditional flavor. There are not only mosques and cultural buildings, but also entire neighborhoods built in the XIX century. To this day, the locals, who are called “Old Towners”, live in clay houses, walk along the labyrinth of narrow sun-soaked streets to visit each other and gather around the same table during traditional holidays. Here on the streets they cook pilaf, flatbreads and samsa, and there is a very warm atmosphere. There are places to buy and taste national dishes.
It’s easy to get lost without a guide, and without a camera you’ll absolutely regret not capturing this atmosphere and scenes of local life.
Tashkent TV Tower
The 375-meter high TV tower, a member of the World Federation of Great Towers, is impossible to miss, as it is perfectly visible from any part of the city. To get into the tower, or rather to its observation deck at a height of 94 meters, you have to pay 35,000 UZS. The tower is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm. Just above the observation deck, at a height of 98 meters, a revolving restaurant with oriental cuisine awaits guests, and at 104 meters – Koinot restaurant with European dishes.
The lobby of the tower is decorated with a unique Italian-style mosaic panel, and there is an exhibition hall on the first floor. The tower was erected in 1985 and is capable of withstanding an earthquake of nine points.
Romanov Palace
The house, which has become one of the amazing sights of Tashkent, was built for Prince Nikolai Romanov, nephew of Alexander II and grandson of Nicholas I. For a long time it was his residence.
This building is not quite typical of traditional Uzbek architecture, which makes it even more remarkable. The graceful one-storey gray-yellow brick house is decorated with carved lattices and decorative turrets. At the central entrance there are bronze sculptures of reclining deer with branching horns. Nearby is an original fountain, and around the palace there is a magnificent garden where century-old chinar trees still grow.
The palace is located on Sharaf Rashidov Avenue, one of the main streets of Tashkent, not far from Amir Temur Square. At the moment it is the reception house of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, and unfortunately it is impossible to get inside and on its territory, but you should definitely see the palace at least from the outside.
Art Museum of Uzbekistan
The history of the museum began more than a century ago with a hundred items belonging to Grand Duke Nikolai Konstantinovich Romanov, nephew of Alexander II. Today the museum houses an impressive collection of paintings, graphics, sculpture, porcelain and works of decorative and applied art.
Walking through the museum halls is pleasant, they are decorated with antique marble statues and creations of Italian sculptors. You will definitely recognize the sculpture “Venus with an Apple” by Tommaso Solari.
Opening hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, admission costs 10,000 UZS.
Kukeldash Madrasah
To see the madrasah, erected in 1570 during the Sheibanid dynasty, go to the area of Chorsu Square and Tashkent Registan. A great place for walks and colorful photos.
The entrance to the madrasah is decorated with colored mosaics and majolica, next to two-tiered carved balconies with traditional corner towers. The windows have special sun grilles with the names of Allah and Prophet Muhammad woven into the patterns. In the inner courtyard you will see hujra cells where students used to study. Students’ classes and religious services are still held here today.
The heart of Tashkent is Amir Timur Square with fountains and a green park. It dates back to 1882.
Where to eat in Tashkent
In Tashkent you can expand your gastronomic experience thoroughly thanks to pilaf alone, of which there are dozens of varieties in the capital. And there are samsa with meat, potatoes, herbs or pumpkin, depending on the season, tender lamb in tandoor, horse boiled sausage with special marinade and other culinary experiences.
You can try the popular Samarkand and Tashkent pilaf in pilaf centers (“Osh Markazi”), they are open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. These are small cafes, something like snack bars. National cuisine should be sought, of course, in the Old Town, between Kukeldash Madrasah and Chorsu Bazaar. There are many fragrant teahouses, tasty cafes and, of course, rows of the Chorsu market itself, where everything typical for Uzbek cuisine is presented: pilaf, kebab, samsa, shurpa, lagman, khasyp (clean washed intestines stuffed with heart, liver, lungs and rice), beshbarmak and naryn (homemade noodles and horse meat).
Caravan Restaurant
The restaurant’s interior is reminiscent of an ethnographic museum – the facility is located in one of the private houses and is stylized as a national Uzbek dwelling, where an ordinary Uzbek family lives and cooks for guests. Every detail of the interior is handmade by Uzbek masters. The menu offers all main gastronomic hits of Uzbekistan, as well as European cuisine. Live music sounds in the restaurant in the evenings.
Milliy taomlar
Another budget place with delicious food that is loved by the locals. The specialty here is melt-in-your-mouth lamb and delicious ayran served in small jugs. The interior here is not luxurious, but you will enjoy the amazingly warm and friendly atmosphere and all the splendor of homemade Uzbek cuisine.
Gijduvon
A trendy establishment that equally attracts both the sedate family crowd and the heroines of society chronicles. Both enthusiastically eat shashliks, manty, lagman, fish, Alat samsa, Afghan shurpa, and Dungan pepper while enjoying the panoramic view of the capital’s busy streets.
Bukhara
One of the best chain establishments in Tashkent, where you can eat delicious and inexpensive food, is the Bukhara cafe chain. It will be delicious, I promise. On the menu: pilaf, samsa, soups, meat, saffron tea, halva.
Cafe Sazanchik
The establishment specializes in fish dishes, as well as Uzbek cuisine. Be sure to try the fried carp and sturgeon. As befits a restaurant with such a name, “Sazanchik” is located by the water, more precisely on the bank of the Kalkauz canal. If you sit on the veranda, you will add a nice view to the excellent cuisine. By the way, this is an ideal place to escape the summer heat and have a snack.
When to go to Tashkent
Tashkent has 248 days of sunshine a year. It often rains in spring and fall, but it is still a very comfortable time to travel around the country. Winter lasts from late December to mid-February, when the temperature ranges from -5 ° C to +10 ° C.
Spring comes in February, the air at this time warms up to +20 °C, and summer actually begins in May and ends in mid-October. The temperature reaches +42 °C and sometimes even higher. The climate in Uzbekistan is mostly hot and dry, so summer is easily tolerated here. The main thing is to remember: it is better to wear clothes made of exclusively natural fabrics (cotton, silk), keep in the shade during the daytime hours and try to stay in cool, air-conditioned rooms.
Autumn begins in October and lasts until December. The air temperature ranges from +5 °C to +20 °C. The best time for traveling can be considered winter, spring and autumn. In spring Uzbekistan turns into a blooming garden.
Where to stay in Tashkent
Uzbekistan is actively developing the hospitality industry and systematically expanding its hotel base. In Tashkent there are both high category hotels and simple and inexpensive hostels. If you want to live in the city center, so that the main attractions are within walking distance, pay attention to Mirabad and Yunusabad districts of Tashkent. There is good infrastructure and many parks here.
Located 3 km from the airport and 5 km from the city center, it is suitable for those who appreciate stylish design, comfort, exquisite breakfasts accompanied by live music. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, gym, national cuisine restaurant are also available for guests vacationing in the hotel. In addition to aesthetics and high level of service, the hotel is conveniently located close to significant sights – Kukeldash Madrasah, Tamerlane Square, Holy Dormition Cathedral.
City Palace Tashkent 4*
Located in the city center. The rooms are comfortable in European style. In City Palace Tashkent pleasant surprises are waiting for guests literally at every step – from excellent design solutions in the decoration of rooms, common areas of the hotel to exquisite aperitifs in the bar and personalized service from attentive and caring staff.
Art Deluxe Hotel 5*
A beautiful hotel with garden and terrace located in central Mirabad district. Tourists love it for its style, beauty and convenience. It offers a restaurant, free Wi-Fi throughout, comfortable spacious rooms with all necessary accessories (kettle, slippers, hairdryer, safe). All rooms in the hotel are non-smoking. Food and drinks are delivered to the room. There is an ATM and a currency exchange office on site.
The category of budget but decent hotels is represented by Sayyoh Hotel 3*, conveniently located just 5 km from the center. Everything here is quiet, modern without a hint of luxury, but of high quality. You can stay in cozy, bright rooms. The restaurants serve delicious, beautifully served food. One of the advantages of Sayyoh is a few minutes’ drive from the Kamolon Mosque, from Chilanzar metro station to the hotel – 750 meters.
Hostel Art
This is the first hostel in Tashkent, and it values its name and guests, and therefore offers travelers not only budget accommodation, but also beautiful rooms decorated in traditional Uzbek style, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception and even an indoor pool. There’s an added bonus: the Museum of Applied Arts and the central square are just 1.5 km from the hostel.
What to bring from Tashkent
What souvenir contains a piece of unique Uzbekistan? Of course, in iridescent silk fabric – khan-atlas. This airy fabric is a symbol of the Uzbek people, a cultural treasure and an integral part of Uzbek traditions, a part of the world cultural heritage of UNESCO. You can buy this fabric and items made of it in any fabric store in Tashkent or even in Chorsu bazaar. Prices for clothes (not handmade) – from 20 US dollars.
Another popular souvenir to wear is, of course, the skullcap – the national headdress, a sacred symbol and part of Uzbek culture.
It would be unforgivable to leave Tashkent without ceramics. It is the oldest craft and a true art of Uzbekistan. Ceramics can be chosen in any form – from piala to exclusive clay figurines.
Carpets can also be referred to souvenirs with oriental character. Carpet weaving in Uzbekistan is one of the oldest art forms. It is not necessary to buy a huge carpet, you can buy a small rug.
Visit also a winery in the village of Namdanak in the Tashkent region. There you can observe the process of wine processing and taste different varieties, buying your favorite later.
Travel Tips
1. The market in Tashkent, as in any other city in the world, is always crowded and it makes sense to be more careful with your belongings. It is also not worth taking all your money with you.
2. It is not possible to pay with payment cards everywhere, it is better to keep cash with you.
3. There is no dress code on the street, but it is still advisable to wear more modest outfits.
4. If you wish, feel free to take photos of the locals. As a rule, they do not mind and are even willing to pose for you.
5. Local residents are friendly, so the probability of conflict situations is low if basic rules of behavior are observed.
