Tashkent
Uzbekistan's modern capital is a gateway to the Silk Road, with Soviet-era metro stations that rival Moscow's, bustling Chorsu Bazaar, and increasingly excellent restaurants. The high-speed Afrosiyob train connects to Samarkand in just 2 hours.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Tashkent
📍 Points of Interest
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📋The Rundown
Tashkent is Central Asia's largest city with over 2.9 million people and one of the oldest cities in the region, dating back over 2,200 years
The Tashkent Metro is one of only three subway systems in Central Asia — its stations are lavishly decorated and were once a state secret (no photos allowed until 2018)
A massive 1966 earthquake destroyed most of the old city, so Soviet planners rebuilt Tashkent with wide boulevards and monumental architecture
Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world (surrounded entirely by other landlocked countries)
Plov (pilaf) is the national dish — Tashkent's version uses rice, lamb, carrots, and chickpeas, and is best sampled at the Plov Center which cooks 1,000 kg daily
The Uzbek sum has very large denominations — you'll often carry thick stacks of bills, though card payments are becoming more common
🏛️Must-See Spots
Chorsu Bazaar
🏪A massive domed market that has been a trading hub for centuries. Overflowing with spices, dried fruits, fresh bread, and local crafts. Best visited in the morning for the freshest produce and the most energy.
Khast Imam Complex
📌The spiritual heart of Tashkent, housing the world's oldest known Quran — the 7th-century Uthman Quran. The complex includes mosques, madrasas, and a mausoleum in a peaceful courtyard setting.
Amir Timur Square
🗼The central square of Tashkent anchored by an equestrian statue of Tamerlane. Surrounded by grand buildings including the Hotel Uzbekistan and the Timur Museum. A natural starting point for exploring the city.
Tashkent Metro Stations
🗼Each station is a unique work of art featuring chandeliers, mosaics, marble columns, and carved ganch plasterwork. Kosmonavtlar and Alisher Navoi stations are the most photogenic.
State Museum of Applied Arts
🏛️Housed in a stunning 19th-century diplomat's residence with carved wood ceilings and painted walls. The collection includes traditional Uzbek embroidery (suzani), ceramics, and woodwork.
Minor Mosque
📌A gleaming white marble mosque completed in 2014, set beside the Ankhor Canal. One of the most beautiful modern mosques in Central Asia, especially striking at sunset.
Tashkent TV Tower
🗼At 375 meters, the tallest structure in Central Asia. The observation deck offers panoramic views across the flat city to the distant Chimgan mountains. There's a revolving restaurant near the top.
✈️Where Next?
Samarkand
The crown jewel of the Silk Road with jaw-dropping Timurid architecture including the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
Bukhara
A living museum of Islamic architecture with over 140 protected monuments. The old town feels like stepping back in time with its trading domes and minarets.
Almaty
Kazakhstan's largest city nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains, offering a more cosmopolitan Central Asian experience with excellent hiking nearby.
Chimgan Mountains
A mountain resort area popular with Tashkent locals for hiking in summer and skiing in winter, with the stunning Charvak Reservoir nearby.
🌤️Weather
Tashkent has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit.
Spring
March - May50-82°F
10-28°C
The best time to visit — warm days, blooming gardens, and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. April and May are ideal.
Summer
June - August82-104°F
28-40°C
Extremely hot and dry. Locals retreat to mountain resorts. Sightseeing is best in early morning or evening. Air conditioning is not universal.
Autumn
September - November46-82°F
8-28°C
Another excellent window. September is warm and dry, October brings harvest season with abundant fruit at bazaars. November cools rapidly.
Winter
December - February23-46°F
-5-8°C
Cold and grey with occasional snow. Fewer tourists and lower prices. Many outdoor attractions are less enjoyable but bazaars and museums remain rewarding.
🛡️Safety
Moderate
out of 100
Tashkent is generally safe for tourists with low violent crime. Petty theft can occur in crowded bazaars and on public transport. Police presence is heavy and checkpoints exist, so always carry your passport or a copy.
Things to Know
- •Always carry a copy of your passport and visa — police checks are common
- •Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and metro stations without permission
- •Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go — negotiate fares before getting in unmarked cars
- •Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled water
- •Be cautious with currency exchange — use official exchange offices, not street dealers
- •LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion as same-sex relationships are criminalized
Emergency Numbers
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Fire
101
🚇Getting Around
Tashkent has an efficient metro system and affordable ride-hailing. The city is spread out, so walking between major sights requires planning.
Tashkent Metro
1,400 sum (~$0.11 USD) per rideThree lines covering major areas. Clean, efficient, and incredibly cheap. Stations are ornate works of art. Runs from 5 AM to midnight.
Best for: Getting between major districts quickly
Yandex Go / MyTaxi
10,000-30,000 sum ($0.80-2.40 USD) for most tripsThe most convenient way to get around. Very affordable by Western standards. App-based so no language barrier for directions.
Best for: Door-to-door travel, especially at night
City Buses
1,400 sum (~$0.11 USD) per rideExtensive network but can be crowded and confusing for visitors. Payment via transport card (ATTO). Routes are mostly in Uzbek/Russian.
Best for: Budget travel if you know the routes
Street Taxis
15,000-40,000 sum ($1.20-3.20 USD)Unofficial taxis (private cars) are common. Always agree on the price before getting in. App-based services are more reliable.
Best for: Short trips when you don't have the app
🚶 Walkability
Moderate — the old city area around Chorsu is walkable, but major sights are spread across the city. Wide Soviet-era boulevards can make walking distances deceptive.
🛫Getting In & Out
✈️ Airports
Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport(TAS)
12 km southYandex Go taxi (~20,000-30,000 sum / $1.60-2.40 USD, 20-30 min) or bus. No rail link yet.
🚆 Rail Stations
Tashkent South (Toshkent Janubiy)
3 km south of Amir Timur SquareMain station for Afrosiyob high-speed trains to Samarkand (2 hrs), Bukhara (4 hrs), and regional trains across Uzbekistan.
💰Budget Breakdown
budget
$20-35
Hostel dorm, street food and bazaar meals, metro transport, free sights
mid-range
$50-80
Private hotel room, sit-down restaurants, taxi rides, museum entries
luxury
$120-200
International hotel, fine dining, private car and guide, spa treatments
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| FoodPlov at a local eatery | 25,000-35,000 UZS | $2-3 |
| FoodDinner at mid-range restaurant | 80,000-150,000 UZS | $6-12 |
| TransportMetro single ride | 1,400 UZS | $0.11 |
| TransportTaxi across town (Yandex) | 20,000-35,000 UZS | $1.60-2.80 |
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | 80,000-120,000 UZS | $6-10 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel double | 400,000-700,000 UZS | $32-56 |
| AttractionMuseum entry | 25,000-50,000 UZS | $2-4 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Eat at local chaikhanas (tea houses) and bazaar stalls for incredibly cheap and authentic meals
- •The metro is the cheapest way to cover ground — a single ride costs about $0.11
- •Many mosques and historic sites in the old city are free to enter
- •Buy fresh bread (non) and dried fruits from bazaars for cheap snacking
- •Book Afrosiyob train tickets in advance online at railway.uz for the best prices