Tashkent was the starting point of my 2.5-month solo trip to Central Asia. Most tourists skip Tashkent and hop on to another destination in Uzbekistan. I decided to take my time in Tashkent and spent about a week here. That’s when I found that there are some really cool things to do here.
Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly combines the old and the new. With a rich history dating back thousands of years and a thriving modern culture, Tashkent has something to offer every type of traveler. In this guide, we will explore some of the best things to do in Tashkent, from exploring its ancient Silk Road heritage to indulging in its culinary delights.
- 1. Explore the Old City of Tashkent
- 2. Shop at the bustling Chorsu Bazaar
- 3. Take a Free Walking Tour
- 4. Relax in Tashkent Parks
- 5. Visit the Tashkent Metro Stations
- 6. Try the local food in Plov
- 7. Visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan
- 8. Learn About Cosmonautics
- 9. Experience the Navoi Theater
- 10. Visit Lal-Bahadur Shashtri Monument
Check out my first impressions of Uzbekistan in this video:
Where to Stay in Tashkent
All the stays mentioned below are close to the new city center of Tashkent. So, location-wise, they are convenient to walk around and you’ll find a lot of great restaurants nearby.
Art Hostel – I spent the first few days in Tashkent at Art Hostel. It’s a nice social hostel – I met some really helpful people here who guided me on my future travels. There’s a swimming pool which is a plus. Breakfast is decent. Great location – close to a lot of shops and eateries. Nothing to brag about – but absolutely worth it for the price.
Bobur Hotel – Stayed at Bobur Hotel at the end of my 2.5-month trip in Central Asia. The breakfast is decent. Clean and comfortable rooms. Good value for money. And excellent location – it’s close to the new city center, so it’s easily walkable to the shops and restaurants.
➜ Check price of Bobur Hotel Here
Grand Mir Hotel – The hotel is located right in the city center, so location-wise, it’s convenient. Great hotel for both business and pleasure. It features a lovely swimming pool and a gym. There’s also an ATM inside the property which can come in handy.
1. Explore the Old City of Tashkent
Start your journey in Tashkent by immersing yourself in its rich history and culture. The Old City, also known as “Tashkent Medina,” is a treasure trove of ancient architecture and traditions. Stroll through its narrow winding streets, visit the historic Khast Imam Complex, and marvel at the intricate tilework of the Barak-Khan Madrasah. Don’t forget to stop by the Chorsu Bazaar, where you can shop for spices, textiles, and unique local handicrafts.
2. Shop at the bustling Chorsu Bazaar
Another must-visit place in Tashkent is the Chorsu Bazaar – the biggest and oldest bazaar in Central Asia.
Although Chorsu Bazaar’s dome catches your attention first, the market actually spreads out from here in different directions.
From carpets, souvenirs, and furniture, to day-to-day groceries – you’ll find everything here.
The main dome of the bazaar is the focal point of the bazaar. Here, you’ll find meat and milk on the ground floor and dry fruits and spices on the first floor.
Please note that the shops are open between 10 am to 6 pm. Arrive in the evening when the weather is much cooler to shop for souvenirs or watch bakers make authentic Uzbek bread.
3. Take a Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours are quite common in major cities around the world.
We came across some interesting sights and learned more about their histories like Hotel Uzbekistan, the National War Memorial, and the statue of Amir Timur among others.
If you don’t know about this, free walking tours are usually tip-based. You pay the guide whatever you like after you finish the walk.
4. Relax in Tashkent Parks
Tashkent boasts several lush green parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. UzExpoCenter Park and National Park are two popular options. You can also visit Amir Timur Square, where you’ll find a majestic statue of the great conqueror and a beautiful park surrounding it.
5. Visit the Tashkent Metro Stations
Metro stations in Tashkent, in my opinion, are tourist attractions in themselves.
A lot of the metro stations here are from Soviet times and as all Soviet metro stations go – they are quite stunning! But it was actually prohibited to photograph here until 2018 as it also functioned as a bomb shelter.
I’d say visiting metro stations is a perfect thing to do, especially during the daytime in the summer months as it’s pleasantly cool inside.
Each station here honors Uzbek heritage, most named after Uzbek poets, writers, and other notable figures in the nation’s history.
Cost per ticket: 1400 Uzbek som
Alisher Navoi Metro Station
The first poet to write in the Turkic language. Uzbek belongs to the Turkic group of languages, so he is incredibly famous here.
Apart from this metro station, even a university, park, and theatre, in Tashkent are named after him.
You’ll find Alisher Navoi everywhere. You cannot miss him when you are here.
Kosmonavtar
This has to be my favorite metro station in Tashkent.
Valentina V. Tereshkova, the first woman in space, and Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space are celebrated here.
Visiting metro stations are such a cool thing to do in Tashkent that I also came back here with my husband Monty when we explored Uzbekistan after my 2-month solo trip.
Read up about the Tashkent Metro stations here on TripAdvisor here.
6. Try the local food in Plov
Of course, I had to try the local food here.
Starting with the Central Asian Plov Center recommended by Lonely Planet.
The traditional dish Plov is made up of long-grain rice, onions, carrots, and chunks of lamb which is served with bread and salad.
But you would be surprised that in this high meat eating region, I managed to find a vegetarian plov as well.
I’d say the Uzbek Plov is very similar to the Pulao that we have in India but it’s a little greasy.
7. Visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan
For a deeper understanding of Uzbekistan’s past, head to the State Museum of History. Here, you’ll find a vast collection of artifacts, including archaeological finds, traditional costumes, and historical documents. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the country’s evolution from ancient times to modernity.
8. Learn About Cosmonautics
Tashkent has a unique connection to space exploration, as Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, spent time training in the city. The Museum of Cosmonautics is dedicated to space exploration and offers a fascinating look at the history of space travel.
9. Experience the Navoi Theater
Immerse yourself in Uzbek culture by attending a performance at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. This grand venue hosts world-class ballet and opera productions, offering a delightful evening of entertainment and a chance to admire the beautiful architecture.
10. Visit Lal-Bahadur Shashtri Monument
I’m sure all Indians would appreciate – a statue dedicated to the 2nd prime minister of independent India – Lal Bahadur Shastri. He died in Tashkent and there’s a monument here in honor of him. He is the one who popularized the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”.
A cab driver in Tashkent told me about the monument when he found out I was from India. How thoughtful!
So what do you plan to do on your visit to Tashkent?
Let me know in the comments below.
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