Tashkent
Quick facts
- District
- Tashkent city
- Recommended stay
- 2-3 days
- Difficulty
- easy
- Typical cost
- $
Uzbekistan's vibrant capital blends Soviet grandeur, modern energy and ancient tradition. From its ornate metro stations among the most beautiful in the world to the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent surprises at every turn.
Why visit
Tashkent is where modern Uzbekistan introduces itself: Soviet-era mosaics and marble metro halls sit a tram ride away from the mud-brick lanes of Chorsu and the Hazrati Imam complex, where one of the world's oldest Qurans is kept. It is the country's food capital and the easiest place to arrive, adjust and start a journey.
Tour Highlights
- ✦ Chorsu Bazaar
- ✦ Tashkent Metro
- ✦ Museum of Applied Arts
- ✦ Amir Timur Square
- ✦ Hazrati Imam Complex
What you can do
Walk Chorsu bazaar early for bread and spices; see the Hazrati Imam complex; ride the Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoi and Pakhtakor metro stations; visit the Museum of Applied Arts; end the day in the Japanese Garden or along Amir Timur Avenue.
Where to stay
The city has the widest range in the country, from international four- and five-star hotels near Amir Timur Square to family-run guesthouses in the old town around Chorsu.
Food
Tashkent plov from a kazan, samsa from tandoor ovens, shashlik, and a strong cafe scene. Vegetarian eating is straightforward in the city; fully vegan meals are easiest at modern cafes and Indian or Georgian restaurants and should be arranged in advance at traditional plov houses.
How to get there
Tashkent International Airport (TAS) has direct flights from Istanbul, Dubai, Seoul, Frankfurt, Moscow and Almaty. Afrosiyob high-speed trains reach Samarkand in about 2h10 and Bukhara in about 3h50. The metro runs 05:00-24:00 and is the fastest way across the city.
When to visit
April to early June and September to early November are the most comfortable. July and August regularly pass 38-40C; January can drop below freezing but the city works normally.
Transport
Metro, city buses and Yandex Go taxis cover the city. Trains leave from Tashkent Central and the airport is 20-40 minutes from the centre depending on traffic.
Practical information
Currency is the som; cards are widely accepted in the city but carry cash outside it. SIM cards from Ucell, Beeline or Uzmobile need a passport. Tap water is generally not drunk; bottled water is cheap and everywhere.
Safety
Tashkent is a safe capital with low violent crime. Usual city care with bags in bazaars, and use app-based taxis rather than unmarked cars at night.
360° Virtual Tour
Coming soon
We are filming this place ourselves. The 360° tour will appear here once it is ready, we do not publish tours we have not made.
Related experiences
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Tashkent?
Two full days cover the old town, the main museums and the metro; a third day allows a trip to the Chimgan mountains.
Is photography allowed in the metro?
Yes. Photography in Tashkent metro stations has been permitted since 2018.
