Best things to do in Tashkent
Find out more about those top places in Tashkent
Tashkent Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Why You Shouldn’t Just Pass Through Uzbekistan’s Capital
Serial travelers know the drill: sometimes the best destinations are the ones you almost skipped. Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, is one of those surprisingly cool cities that turns a quick layover into a full-blown adventure. With over 4 million residents, Tashkent isn’t just the largest city in Central Asia—it’s a buzzing metropolis where ancient Silk Road charm meets post-Soviet swagger and futuristic flair.
Often dismissed as a "transit city" for those heading to Samarkand or Bukhara, Tashkent has quietly become one of Central Asia’s top cities for sightseeing, culture, and street food that might just change your life (or at least your taste buds).
So, if you're putting together your Uzbekistan travel guide, here’s why Tashkent deserves more than a pit stop.
Explore the Old City – Where Time Travel Is Included
Start your journey in the Old City, home to some of the most fascinating places to visit in Tashkent. The Khast Imam Complex is a must-see, boasting stunning Islamic architecture and the world’s oldest Quran (talk about ancient reads!). The surrounding madrassahs and mosques offer that perfect blend of serenity and Instagrammability.
Things to Do: Haggle Like a Pro at Chorsu Bazaar
One of the top attractions in Tashkent is the legendary Chorsu Bazaar, housed under a giant turquoise dome that looks like it crash-landed from outer space—Central Asian style. Wander the maze of stalls selling everything from silk scarves to spices, lamb kebabs to fresh fruit. Pro tip: practice your bargaining skills, or at least pretend you know what you're doing.
Get Cultured at Tashkent’s Best Museums
If you’re into history, art, or just love air conditioning, Tashkent has you covered. Check out the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, which traces the country’s past from the Stone Age to Soviet times. Or explore the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in a gorgeously tiled mansion with crafts that’ll make you want to redecorate your entire house.
Sightseeing in Style: Soviet Chic Meets Modern Minimalism
Tashkent’s architecture is an eclectic mashup of sleek glass towers, ornate Islamic design, and unapologetically bold Soviet-era buildings. Take a stroll down Amir Timur Square, where an equestrian statue of Uzbekistan’s national hero watches over one of the city’s busiest intersections. Want a bit of retro charm? Hop on the Tashkent Metro, a subterranean gallery of murals, chandeliers, and metro stops that feel like they were designed for James Bond villains.
Nightlife & Noshing: Yes, Tashkent Can Party
After a day of sightseeing, reward yourself with Tashkent’s buzzing restaurant scene. From traditional Uzbek plov and shashlik to international fusion cuisine, this city knows how to feed its guests. Then, head to one of the many rooftop bars or underground clubs where DJs spin into the early hours. Fun fact: Uzbek hospitality pairs surprisingly well with cocktails.
Relax in Navoi Park – Green Space With Bonus Swan Boats
If you need a breather, Navoi Park is the city’s leafy escape. Locals come here to picnic, paddleboat, or awkwardly jog in circles. It's the ideal spot to enjoy some downtime—or a glorious people-watching session.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Pass Through – Stay a While
Tashkent might not have the ancient majesty of Samarkand or the desert mystique of Khiva, but it offers a unique glimpse into modern Uzbekistan. It’s a city of contrasts: where Wi-Fi cafés sit next to centuries-old mosques, and street art brightens up Brutalist buildings. It’s affordable, safe, full of life, and yes—totally worth exploring.
So, next time you're planning a Silk Road adventure, give Tashkent the time it deserves. Your taste buds, Instagram feed, and sense of adventure will thank you.
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State Museum of History of Uzbekistan
This is your number one stop for everything surrounding the history of Uzbekistan, from its earliest settlement to modern times. Formerly known as the Lenin Museum, it was established in 1876 and it has four floors with each having different sets of exhibits about the Uzbek history. The main attractions of the museum include the well-preserved alabaster Buddha relief from Fayoz-Tepe on the 2nd floor and a collection of stone age implements from the cave culture of Uzbekistan. It also has costumes, sculptures and newspaper clippings of the revolts in Andijon (1915).
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Crying Mother Monument
Tashkent is quite the place when it comes to monuments, they are littered across the city. One of the most important due to its significance to the country’s history is the Crying Mother Monument built to commemorate the Uzbek soldiers who died in World War II defending the Soviet Union. The Crying Mother Monument built in 1999, features a statue of a crying woman and eternal flame. With the woman head covered looking towards the flame with one hand on her knee - the pose is meant to depict sacrifice. If you are a monument lover, there are several others to visit such as the Monument of courage and Mustaqillik Maydoni.
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Chorsu Bazar
Located at the center of the old town of Tashkent, is the popular farmer’s market Chorsu Bazar and it is a must visit. With its large blue dome, it is one of Uzbekistan’s largest markets and have been going on for centuries, it was constructed by the Soviets in the early days of the nation’s existence. The Chorsu Bazar is visited by most locals and it is a wonderful place to experience the ethnic and cultural life of Uzbekistan. With many vendors, some items you would see at the markets include spices, ceramics, fruits and souvenirs.
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Tashkent Tower
Known as the Tashkent Television Tower, the 1,230 feet (374.9 m) tower is the 11th tallest tower in the world. Constructed in 1984, the tower built was to spread TV and radio signal to all over Uzbekistan and to serve as a complex hydro meteorological station. It also features an observation deck which gives a nice view of the city.
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Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
Tashkent is a very religious diverse city, consisting of different sacred religious buildings, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin is one of such. Built in 1871 and renovated multiple times since, the majestic building is hard to miss as you go through the city. The cathedral is on par with most churches around the world in terms of interior and exterior aesthetics, it also has a bell tower as well newly built in 2010. The best time to visit the Cathedral is during one of their services on Sundays.
