21 Best Things to Do in Tashkent
Tashkent is often overlooked by travellers rushing towards Uzbekistan’s famous Silk Road cities, but the capital offers a completely different experience.
While Samarkand and Bukhara showcase Uzbekistan’s ancient history, Tashkent blends Soviet architecture, modern city life and traditional Uzbek culture. Spend a few days here and you’ll discover beautiful metro stations, bustling bazaars, impressive Islamic landmarks and some of the country’s best food.
I’ll admit, Tashkent didn’t have the immediate “wow factor” of some of Uzbekistan’s other destinations, but that is exactly what makes it interesting. The city rewards those who take the time to explore beyond the obvious sights and it ended up being a standout on my Uzbekistan route, because it was so different!
Whether you are stopping here before travelling the rest of Uzbekistan or planning a longer stay, here are my top picks for the best things to do in Tashkent.
1. Explore Tashkent Metro
One of the most unique things to do in Tashkent is exploring its underground metro system.
Opened in 1977, Tashkent Metro was the first metro system in Central Asia and was designed with the same grandeur found in many Soviet-era buildings.
Each station has its own theme, with marble columns, mosaics, chandeliers and artwork reflecting Uzbekistan’s history and Soviet past. Some of the best stations to visit are:
- Kosmonavtlar – famous for its space-themed designs and portraits of Soviet cosmonauts.
- Alisher Navoi – inspired by traditional Uzbek architecture with beautiful blue-and-white details.
- Pakhtakor – decorated with cotton motifs, reflecting Uzbekistan’s long association with cotton production.
A single journey is super cheap, making it the easiest way to get around the city. So instead of simply using it to get from A to B, pick out a few interesting stations and turn your sightseeing into your own self-guided metro tour!
2. Visit Chorsu Bazaar
No visit to Tashkent is complete without spending some time exploring Chorsu Bazaar, the city’s largest and most famous market.
Recognisable by its huge blue dome, Chorsu has been a centre of trade for centuries and continues to be one of the best places in Tashkent to experience everyday Uzbek life.
Inside you’ll find colourful displays of dried fruits, nuts, spices, sweets and traditional Uzbek foods. Outside, the market stretches into a maze of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and clothing to household items and souvenirs. It’s surprising how vast this market truly is!
Chorsu Bazaar is also a great place to combine with nearby attractions, including the Kukeldash Madrasa or Chorsu Metro Station.
I recommend visiting in the morning when the market is at its liveliest. It’s the best time to see locals shopping, sample fresh food and experience the real atmosphere of Tashkent.
3. Visit Hazrat Imam Complex
The Hazrat Imam Complex is the religious heart of Tashkent and one of the most impressive areas to visit in the city.
Located in the old part of Tashkent, this collection of mosques, madrasas and Islamic buildings offers a glimpse into Uzbekistan’s religious and architectural heritage.
The main highlights include the Barak Khan Madrasa (a historic 16th-century Islamic school) and the Muyi Muborak Library, which houses the one of the oldest surviving Qurans in the world (Uthman Quran).
Compared with the grand Silk Road architecture of Samarkand and Bukhara, Hazrat Imam feels more intimate and local, making it a great place to slow down and appreciate Tashkent’s history. However, if you’re short on time in Tashkent, you could skip this as it doesn’t compare to the likes of Registan Square in Samarkand!
4. Tashkent TV Tower
Standing at 375 metres tall, Tashkent TV Tower is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and offers some of the best views over the capital (especially at sunset)! It ended up being one of my favourite activities in Tashkent!
The tower was once the tallest structure in Central Asia and remains an impressive example of Soviet engineering.
For 100,000 UZS (£6.15), you can take a lift to the observation deck for panoramic views across Tashkent and the surrounding area. Up there is a small canteen where you can get snacks as well as a ‘museum’ comparing the structure to other tall buildings around the world.
There’s also the Koinot restaurant at 105m elevation where you can have dinner, but it requires reservation.
5. Eat at the Central Asian Plov Centre
No trip to Uzbekistan is complete without trying plov, the country’s most famous dish. Also known as osh or pilaf, plov is a traditional rice dish cooked with carrots, onions, meat and spices.
You can find it almost everywhere in Uzbekistan, but the Central Asian Plov Centre in Tashkent was my favourite place to try it because it’s an experience in itself. It’s a small menu based solely on Plov, but they offer styles from different regions around Uzbekistan.
The scale of the cooking here is part of the experience, with huge metal pots preparing hundreds of portions throughout the day. Watching the chefs work (as you’re allowed in the kitchen) is almost as impressive as eating the final dish.
The best time to visit is around lunchtime when the restaurant is at its busiest and the plov is freshly prepared. Portions are generous, so come hungry!
6. Visit Minor Mosque
Completed in 2014, Minor Mosque is one of Tashkent’s most photogenic modern landmarks.
It’s located along the Ankhor Canal, making it a great way to escape the bustle of Tashkent.
You can look around outside, plus enter the mosque outside of prayer times (if dressed appropriately).
7. Amir Timur Square
Located in the centre of Tashkent, Amir Timur Square is a great starting point for exploring the capital.
The square is named after Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the 14th-century ruler who founded the Timurid Empire and is one of the most important figures in Uzbek history. At the centre, you’ll find a statue of Timur on horseback, surrounded by gardens and some of Tashkent’s most recognisable buildings.
Nearby, you can visit the Amir Timur Museum, admire the famous Hotel Uzbekistan, or take a walk along Broadway Street, a pedestrian area filled with cafes, street performers and local artists.
8. Hotel Uzbekistan
Located right next to Amir Timur Square, Hotel Uzbekistan is perhaps the most recognisable building in Tashkent.
Built during the Soviet era in 1974, this huge white hotel is famous for its distinctive honeycomb-style exterior and classic soviet brutalist architecture. It has become an iconic symbol of the city, representing Tashkent’s Soviet past and its transformation into a modern capital.
Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth a look!
9. Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre
Watching an opera or ballet at the famous Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre is a great way to experience Tashkent’s cultural scene.
Tickets are often surprisingly affordable compared with theatres in other major cities. Plus you can often pick them up on the day of the show.
Even if you don’t see a show, take a stroll past it in the evening when the building is illuminated. It’s easily one of the most beautiful buildings in Tashkent, and another great example of Soviet-era architecture.
In fact, it was designed by renowned architect Alexey Shchusev, who also designed Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow.
10. See Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)
Known locally as Mustaqillik Maydoni, the square represents Uzbekistan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Today, it is a peaceful area filled with gardens, fountains and monuments, making it a popular spot for locals to relax. It’s also interesting to see how Uzbekistan presents its national identity today.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Independence Monument, Mustaqillik Fountain, the Eternal Flame, Memory Square as well as several impressive government buildings.
11. Visit the State Museum of Uzbekistan
UPDATE: Closed since 2024 for refurbishment. Check their website for the latest.
If you want to understand Uzbekistan beyond its famous Silk Road cities, the State Museum of Uzbekistan is a great place to start.
The museum covers thousands of years of history, from ancient civilisations and archaeological discoveries to the Islamic period and Uzbekistan’s Soviet past. Inside, you’ll find traditional clothing, artwork, coins, religious artefacts and displays about the country’s changing identity.
Allow around 1-2 hours here and use it as a way to better understand the places you’ll visit elsewhere in Uzbekistan.
12. Visit the Uzbekistan State Museum of Arts
For art lovers, the Uzbekistan State Museum of Arts is one of the best cultural stops in Tashkent, and also one of the best indoor attractions.
The museum houses a large collection of Uzbek artwork, including traditional crafts, paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from different periods of the country’s history. You’ll find everything from ancient artefacts to more modern Soviet-era works, giving a good overview of Uzbekistan’s artistic heritage.
If you’re visiting during the intense summer heat, it’s an easy place to spend an hour while learning more about Uzbek art beyond the Silk Road.
13. See the lights at Tashkent City Park
Tashkent City Park is one of the capital’s newer attractions and shows the modern side of Uzbekistan. I found it an intriguing contrast to the city’s Soviet and Islamic architecture.
Opened as part of Tashkent’s recent development, the park has fountains, walking areas, restaurants and plenty of open space. In the evening, it becomes especially lively, with families, couples and locals gathering to enjoy the atmosphere.
The park is also home to impressive light displays and is a popular spot for an evening stroll after a day of sightseeing.
14. Go to the Circus
The Tashkent Circus is one of the city’s more unusual attractions and a reminder of Uzbekistan’s Soviet heritage.
Opened in 1976, this distinctive circular building has become a local landmark thanks to its unique appearance and long-running circus tradition. Inside, you’ll find performances featuring acrobatics, comedy and traditional circus acts.
While it may not be a must-see for every traveller, it offers something completely different from Tashkent’s mosques, museums and markets.
I personally wouldn’t recommend due to their old-school use of animals, but it’s a unique building to admire from outside.
15. Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is a peaceful green spaces in Tashkent and a welcome break from the city’s busy streets.
Designed around traditional Japanese landscaping, the garden features ponds, bridges, walking paths and plenty of greenery. It is a popular place for locals to relax, take photos and enjoy a slower pace of life.
It’s not one of the most exciting things to do in Tashkent, but it is a pleasant place to visit if you have extra time or want to experience a different side of the capital.
16. Wander the Old City
Away from the wide Soviet boulevards and modern developments, Tashkent’s Old City offers a glimpse of a more traditional side of the capital.
Nearby the Hazrat Imam Complex, this area is made up of quiet residential streets, traditional mahallas and older neighbourhoods that survived the city’s rapid transformation. It’s a nice place to slowly wander without a particular plan and witness more everyday life away from the main tourist sights.
Don’t expect the perfectly preserved historic streets of Samarkand or Bukhara – Tashkent’s Old City feels much more lived-in and local.
17. Try Uzbek Food Beyond Plov
While plov is Uzbekistan’s most famous dish, the country’s food scene goes far beyond its iconic rice dish.
During your time in Tashkent, make sure to try local favourites such as:
- Samsa: Flaky pastries filled with meat, onions or vegetables
- Manti: Central Asia’s version of steamed dumplings
- Lagman: Noodle soup or stir-fried noodles
- Shashlik: Grilled skewers
- Non bread: the famous round Uzbek bread baked, best when freshly baked
- Fresh fruit and dried nuts: Not necessarily a dish, but Uzbekistan is famous for its produce.
Tashkent is one of the best places in Uzbekistan to sample a wide variety of dishes, from busy market stalls at Chorsu Bazaar to traditional restaurants serving family recipes.
Don’t just stick to restaurants – some of the best food experiences in Tashkent come from small local cafes, bakeries and market stalls.
18. Explore Tashkent’s Modern Side
Beyond its historic landmarks and Soviet architecture, Tashkent has a surprisingly modern side. I think it’s important to see it’s a country looking towards the future as well as preserving its past.
The capital is Uzbekistan’s most cosmopolitan city, with stylish cafes, shopping centres, restaurants and creative spaces appearing alongside traditional neighbourhoods. Areas like Tashkent City offer a glimpse into the country’s rapid development, with modern skyscrapers, fountains and entertainment spaces.
19. Magic City Amusement Park
Magic City is one of Tashkent’s newer attractions. It’s a fun place to visit (particularly for families) if you’re looking for something different from the city’s historic sights.
This mini theme park has colourful buildings, fountains, rides, restaurants and entertainment areas. It’s especially popular after dark, when the rides, fountains and buildings are illuminated..
It wasn’t one of the first places I thought of when visiting Uzbekistan, but it offers a glimpse into the modern, family-friendly side of Tashkent.
20. Walk National Park of Uzbekistan (Navoi National Park)
Located right beside Magic City is the Navoi National Park. Named after the famous Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi, it’s one of the largest green spaces in Tashkent.
That said, I still find the name a bit misleading, as it’s not like the National Parks you’d find elsewhere, but more a simple park… All the same, it’s a great place for locals to escape the busy city, with walking paths, lakes, fountains and plenty of open space.
21. Take a Day Trip
Tashkent isn’t known for its daytrips, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any!
- Chimgan Mountains: Located around 90 minutes from Tashkent, the Chimgan Mountains are a popular escape for hiking, fresh mountain air and scenic views. There are trails for all abilities, making it a great option whether you want a gentle walk or a more challenging hike.
- Charvak Reservoir: Surrounded by mountains, Charvak Reservoir is a popular summer destination near Tashkent. You can relax by the water, go boating or simply enjoy the scenery, making it an ideal escape from the city’s heat.
- Amirsoy Mountain Resort: Around two hours from Tashkent, Amirsoy is Uzbekistan’s largest ski resort. While it’s busiest during winter, the cable cars and mountain views also make it worth visiting during the warmer months.
- Institute of the Sun: For something a little different, visit the Institute of the Sun, home to one of the world’s largest solar furnaces. Guided tours explain how the giant mirror system is used for scientific research, making it one of Uzbekistan’s most unusual attractions.
I recommend combining Chimgan Mountains and Charvak Reservoir into one day trip from Tashkent.
FAQs
Can you visit Tashkent independently?
Yes, you can easily explore Tashkent independently. I’ve even written a full Tashkent itinerary for you to follow to make things easier.
What is the best thing to do in Tashkent?
In my opinion, it’s probably either exploring the metro system, Tashkent TV Tower or visiting Hazrat Imam. Obviously this will depend on your own individual preferences as a traveller.
What are free things to do in Tashkent?
The best free things to do in Tashkent include: Chorsu Bazaar, Minor Mosque, Independence Square, and generally wandering the old town. Of course, visiting Tashkent City Park in the evening too!
While the Metro isn’t free, you’ll likely be using it to get around anyway, so throw in a few extra stops and explore!
What are things to do in Tashkent at night?
The best things to do in Tashkent at night are going to a show (opera or ballet), watching sunset from the TV Tower (and having dinner up there too), eating at Besh Qozon and Tashkent City Park.
What is Tashkent famous for?
Tashkent is famous for its Metro, bazaars, Soviet architecture, Amir Timur, food.
Is Tashkent expensive?
Tashkent isn’t particularly expensive. Many of the activities in Tashkent are either free or have a very low entrance cost.
Compared to Samarkand and Bukhara, it’s perhaps slightly cheaper.
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