Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tashkent is Uzbekistan’s capital and Central Asia’s largest city, boasting over 2 million residents. A dynamic blend of Soviet-era architecture, lush parks, and modern infrastructure, it’s a cultural gateway to Silk Road heritage 

Top Things to Do

• Chorsu Bazaar & Kukeldash Madrasah
  Dive into local life at the blue-domed Chorsu Bazaar near the historic Kukeldash Madrasah. Expect vivid vendors, street snacks, and traditional pottery displayed under its iconic dome 

• Tashkent Metro Stations
  The stations are works of art—marble panels, mosaics, chandeliers. Take rides to appreciate their unique designs, especially Alisher Navoi on the Yunusobod line 

• Amir Timur Square & Amir Timur Museum
  A central piazza honoring the Turco-Mongol ruler, surrounded by museums—including the Amir Timur Museum, showcasing the Timurid legacy 

• Hazrati Imam Complex
  A spiritual and scholarly site dating from the 16th century. It houses the original Uthman Quran—one of only manuscripts still preserved in the world 

• Tashkent TV Tower & Plov Center
  Stand atop Uzbekistan’s tallest structure for panoramic views and visit the plov center nearby, where massive pans of aromatic pilaf are prepared daily 

• Museums & Galleries
  Don’t miss the State Museum of Applied Arts or the Temurid History Museum. Tashkent’s modern art scene is increasingly vibrant too

Food & Drink

• Plov: Uzbekistan’s national dish, served fresh near the TV Tower—expect fragrant rice with lamb or chicken, cumin, raisins, and carrots 

• Street Food & Local Eats: At Chorsu Bazaar, try shashlik or döner, manti dumplings, samsa pastries, and local eateries like Milliy Taomlar and Raykhon for hearty national meals at affordable prices (US$3–10)

• Cafés & Breakfast Spots: For a modern vibe, visit Bon! Café or Puro near Darxan. Sample Central Asian coffee and pastries in stylish surroundings 

 Travel Tips & Practical Info

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (mid-April to early June) and autumn (mid-September to early November) are ideal. Summers can exceed 40 °C; winters bring occasional snow but fewer crowds and lower rates 

• Visa & Entry: Most nationalities enjoy a 30-day visa on arrival; U.S. and Indian citizens must apply online (~USD 20) or via embassy. 

• Safety: Tashkent is regarded as one of the safest capitals globally—mugging and violent crime are rare. Bargaining is recommended in markets 

• Transport:

  • Metro: Affordable (~$0.12) and artfully designed, the metro is practical and a tourist attraction itself

  • Yandex Taxi, Yandex Map, ATTO Card: These are recommended local transport resources for convenience, language help, and low cost (~€2–3/taxi) 

• Money & Cards: ATMs and card acceptance are widespread in Tashkent. However, having local currency (Uzbek soms) is advised for markets and taxis. Currency exchanges at the airport offer decent rates; avoid street exchanges

• Connectivity: Download Yandex apps and maps for easier navigation; Google Translate works well for communication and signage reading 

Where to Stay

Recommended Areas

• Amir Timur Square / New Town: Central, leafy, with parks, museums, cafés, and nightlife all within walking distance .

Recommended Hotel

• Hyatt Regency Tashkent: Upscale and ideally located for city attractions and shopping. Nearby, Lotte Tashkent Palace offers similar luxury. For a unique option, consider the historic Hotel Uzbekistan with a rooftop bar overlooking the metropolis