UZ
Tashkent
Central Asia’s largest city, with ornate metro stations, a vast bazaar and a historic Quran
Central Asia’s largest city, with ornate metro stations, a vast bazaar and a historic Quran
This religious centre includes mosques, a madrasa and a library holding an early Quran manuscript traditionally linked to Caliph Uthman.
Dress modestly; women should cover their hair in the mosques.
Photo: LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0
Under a huge blue dome, traders sell spices, dried fruit, bread and produce. Nearby is the Kukeldash Madrasa.
Photo: Adam Harangozó, CC BY-SA 4.0
Opened in 1977, the metro has stations decorated with chandeliers, ceramics and mosaics, such as the space-themed Kosmonavtlar. Rides are very cheap.
Photo: Adam Harangozó, CC BY-SA 4.0
A statue of the 14th-century ruler Timur stands in a park at the heart of the modern city, near the Amir Timur Museum.
Photo: Adam Harangozó, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try plov (rice with meat and carrots, traditionally eaten at lunchtime), samsa, shashlik, lagman noodles and round non bread.
The Central Asian Plov Centre cooks plov in huge cauldrons at midday.
Tashkent International Airport is close to the centre. Afrosiyob high-speed trains reach Samarkand in about 2–2.5 hours; book well ahead, as seats sell out.
The metro, buses and ride-hailing apps make getting around easy.
Uzbekistan uses the som (UZS). Cards work in larger hotels and shops; carry cash for markets.
Prices are approximate; check current rates.
Old and new city.
Visit the Hazrati Imam complex, Chorsu Bazaar and the Kukeldash Madrasa, then eat plov.
Ride the metro, see Amir Timur Square and the white Minor Mosque.
Book Afrosiyob trains as soon as tickets open, up to 60 days ahead.
Summer is very hot; sightsee early and late.
Photography in the metro is now allowed.
Change money at banks or use ATMs.
Quick answers for planning time in Tashkent.
Many nationalities can stay visa-free for up to 30 days; check the current list.
About 2–2.5 hours on the Afrosiyob high-speed train.
Its decorated metro, Chorsu Bazaar and the Hazrati Imam complex.
Plov, the national rice dish.
April to May and September to October.
Planning a wider trip? Our Uzbekistan travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.