Top 5 Things to Do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent is often treated as just the starting point for an Uzbekistan trip, but there is so much to do in this beautiful city that you want to make the most of your time there.
We did the same thing, spending 3 nights in Tashkent at the start of our Central Asia trip, and we loved every second of it.
The incredible architecture, amazing food and stunning metro stations are just some of the highlights waiting for you in the capital of Uzbekistan.
Top 5 Things to Do in Tashkent
1. Explore Chorsu Bazaar
Chorsu Bazaar is the traditional market located in the centre of Tashkent Old Town. The incredible structure wows you from the first sight, with the iconic Uzbek blue stealing the show. Once you get to the entrance, you are hit with a million smells.
Spices, teas, cheeses and meats all combine to create an almost Mediterranean aroma that smells far better than you may expect. The smells are your introduction to a bustling market, still as alive as ever with locals and shop owners using it to buy their produce.
Outside, there is a second and third part of Chorsu Bazaar. First, you have the produce and bread. The bread section smells like the freshest bread you'll ever smell, while the produce is as brightly coloured and as fresh as you could ask for. This is a good spot to buy a little snack to keep you going.
The third part of the market is the classic Central Asian market section, with branded clothes, handmade bags and almost anything else you may want to buy.
We spent an entire morning at Chorsu Bazaar, and this was one of our favourite things to do in Tashkent.
2. Ride the Tashkent Metro
Riding the metro in Tashkent is something you will probably do anyway, as it connects the city so well and is usually faster, cheaper and more comfortable than taking a Yandex. The difference here is the design.
These incredible stations came from the Soviet ideology of creating grand public spaces for the working class, with architects and artists employed to design them. Each station has its own unique look to appreciate as you explore the city.
After some research, we found the most popular stations and made sure to add them into our travels, but Gafur Gulom, Beruniy, Tinchlik and Alisher Navoi were our picks of the bunch.
3. Visit Hazrati Imam Complex
Hazrati Imam Complex is one of the main religious and historical centres of Tashkent. Not far from the centre of the city, you can either travel by car or take the metro, which gets you within around 1 km of the complex.
It is a fantastic way to see some incredible Uzbek architecture while learning a little more about the history and culture of Tashkent.
4. Walk Around the City Parks
Tashkent is a very built-up city, but there are some beautiful, modern parks scattered throughout it. One of our favourites was Tashkent City Park.
Spending an afternoon here is a great way to get some fresh air, and depending on when you visit, you may also find water shows, markets and events taking place.
Uzbekistan is a country that really comes alive after 4pm. Families head out for walks, kids are playing and the city feels full of life.
5. Try Uzbek Food
Uzbek food is incredible, involving plenty of meat, carbs, fresh bread and salads.
Finding a good plov, a steaming plate of manti or some fresh somsa can make any day feel great. One of our favourites was Minor Somsa.
You can see all of the restaurants and food we tried in our complete Tashkent travel guide.
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Planning time for these five stops
Is Tashkent Worth Visiting? Our Honest Experience
We spent three nights in Tashkent and were glad we did. Give Chorsu a morning of its own, and leave time to enjoy the city rather than racing between attractions. Our full Tashkent guide covers our two full days, food stops and where to stay.
We stayed at Harris Hotel, close to the metro. Check prices for Harris Hotel in Tashkent here.
Final Thoughts
Tashkent is the perfect start to your Uzbekistan or Central Asia trip, and getting the most out of your time here is a must.
We loved that it felt completely different from Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities. Between the markets, metro stations, parks, architecture and food, there is plenty to keep you busy for a few days.
If you're continuing your journey through Uzbekistan or Central Asia, check out some of our other guides:
- Samarkand Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know
- Bukhara Travel Guide – Best Things to Do
- Khiva Travel Guide – Best Things to Do
- Kol-Ukok Horse Trek in Kyrgyzstan – Our 2-Day Experience
Planning your own Central Asia trip? You can also use our Sam and Rach Travel Planner to help organise your journey.
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