Tashkent Attractions | 10 Amazing Places to visit in Tashkent

Last Updated on May 17, 2024 by admin

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

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

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

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

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

PRACTICAL TIPS ABOUT PLACES TO VISIT IN TASHKENT

Arriving in Tashkent

By Flight

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

By Shared Taxis

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

By Train

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

Best time to visit Tashkent

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

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

How to get around in Tashkent | Tashkent Metro

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

How to get around Tashkent in Yandex (taxi)

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

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

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

Where to stay in Tashkent

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

Hostels in Tashkent

Art Hostel

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

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

Other options for Tashkent Hostels are

Mid-Range Hotel

Michelin Hotel

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

Other options of Mid-range hotels in Tashkent are

Hotel Uzbekistan

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

Other options of Luxurious hotels in Tashkent are

TASHKENT ATTRACTIONS

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

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

Hazrat Imam Complex

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

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

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

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

Hazrat Imam Complex Timings: 9 am until 9 pm

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

Amir Timur Square

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

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

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

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

Amir Timur Museum

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

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

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

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

Chorsu Bazaar

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

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

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

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

Kukeldash Madrasah & Dzuma Mosque

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

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

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

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

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

Kukeldash Madrasah Timings: 8 am until 6 pm

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

Minor Mosque

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

Kukeldash Madrasah Timings: Always Open

Kukeldash Madrasah entrance fee: Free

Tashkent TV Tower

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

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

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

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

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

Tashkent Metro Stations

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

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

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

– Kosmonavtlar

– Uzbekistan

– Pakhtakor

– Gofur Gulom

– Tinchlik

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

Broadway Street

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

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

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

State Museum of History

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

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

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

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

Lal Bahadur Shastri Monument

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

The Government has named a road in his memory.

TASHKENT CITY TOURS | TASHKENT WALKING TOURS

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

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

WHERE TO EAT IN TASHKENT | TASHKENT RESTAURANTS

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

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

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

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

Navaat Art Restaurant 

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

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

Address: 9 Matbuotchilar Street, Tashkent 100012

Instagram: Navvat Art Restaurant

Caravan

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

Address: 22 Abdulla Kahhar Street, Tashkent

Eco cafe Tashkent

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

Address:Olmachi 37, Тashkent

Instagram: Eco Cafe

Cafe 1991

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

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

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

Address: 7 Mustaqillik shoh ko’chasi, Тashkent

Instagram: Cafe 1991

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT UZBEKISTAN

Is Tashkent worth visiting?

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

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

Is travel to Tashkent safe?

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

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

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

How many days to spend in Tashkent?

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

Do you need a guide in Tashkent?

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

Do you need Registration slips from hotels and hostels?

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

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

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR VISITING TASHKENT ATTRACTIONS

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

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

Looking for more Uzbekistan Inspiration? Read Here

• Things to do in Samarkand
• Uzbekistan Travel Guide
• Tashkent Metro Stations
• Things to do in Bukhara
• Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan
• Things to do in Khiva
• Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan
• Travelling by train in Uzbekistan

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