From metro stations that double as museums to live music in Central Park, Tashkent is a city that surprised me, especially after weeks of Silk Road architecture and desert towns.
One thing I particularly loved? Finally being able to get great coffee. Uzbekistan is very much a tea country, but in Tashkent, younger people are embracing coffee culture, and it shows in the growing number of quality cafés.
Also read: Uzbekistan Itinerary | 10 Days Of Silk Road Cities & The Aral Sea
A Short History of Tashkent
An Important Silk Road Crossroads
As the largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent has always played a central role in the region — not just in terms of population, but also in culture, trade, and politics. Its location made it an important Silk Road crossroads, linking the great civilisations of Persia, India, and China.
The city has been shaped by many empires. From the Sogdians and Arabs to the Mongols and Timurids, Tashkent has seen rulers come and go — each leaving behind traces of architecture and culture. But perhaps the most visible influence today is the Soviet one.
The 1966 Earthquake Reshaped Tashkent
After a massive earthquake in 1966 levelled much of the city, Tashkent was rebuilt as a model Soviet metropolis, complete with wide boulevards, monumental buildings, and a metro system that doubles as an art gallery.
What you see today is a mix of eras. Old mosques and madrassahs sit alongside brutalist structures and glittering new developments. It’s this blend of styles — and stories — that gives Tashkent its unique character.
How Long to Spend in Tashkent?
For most travellers, one full day is enough to see the highlights of Tashkent. If you start in the morning and plan well, you can cover metro stations, the old bazaar, the religious complex, and enjoy dinner and live music in the evening — just like we did.
With more time you can go on day trips, such as to the Chimgan Mountains, or Khujand.
If you’re not in Tashkent as part of a longer trip through Uzbekistan, then you must visit Samarkand! Go on an organised day trip to Samarkand, or do it yourself on the high-speed Afrosiyob trains. You can read my Samarkand article here.
Where to Stay in Tashkent
We stayed at Central Palace Halal Hotel, which we highly recommend. The rooms were spacious, the beds were comfortable, and the rain shower had excellent water pressure.
The location was also ideal — right next to Kosmonavtlar metro station — and the buffet breakfast was one of the best we had.
Also read: Check out my full article on Where to Stay in Uzbekistan for more options in Tashkent and beyond.
What to See and Do in Tashkent in One Day
If you have one full day in Tashkent, here’s a great way to spend it — based on our own experience:
Arrive and Explore the Metro
Start with a fresh brew at The Coffee Belt, arguably Tashkent’s best coffee joint. Then, when you’re ready it’s time to head underground — Tashkent’s metro system is one of the most beautiful in the world.
Built in the Soviet era, each station has its own aesthetic, with marble columns, chandeliers, mosaics, and unique architectural details. Must-see metro stations include Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoi and Mustaqillik Maydoni.
Tip: You can easily hop between stations and photograph them — just avoid flash and tripods. A ticket only cost around €0.12.
Chorsu Bazaar & the Circus
Next, head to Chorsu Bazaar, the city’s liveliest market. It’s hard to miss thanks to its huge turquoise dome. Inside and around the market, you’ll find fresh fruit, spices, nuts, textiles, and lots of traditional snacks. You might need a strong stomach to visit the meat section that includes sheep heads and other freshly sliced and diced animals.
Nearby is the Tashkent Circus, a round Soviet-era building that’s more for architecture fans than actual shows these days. Some show still feature animals, so I wouldn’t recommend attending. It’s still a fun detour if you’re walking with a fun square in front of it.
Friday Mosque & Kukeldash Madrasah
Just south of Chorsu Bazaar, you can see two of Tashkent’s most intriguing historical sites that are perfect stops for when you want a step beyond the market.
- Friday (Juma) Mosque | This mosque sits on a hill overlooking Chorsu and is a modern reconstruction of the 9th-century original—known as the first mosque in Central Asia. The current building, rebuilt between 1997–2003, features three domes and beautiful tile work.
- Kukeldash Madrasah | Built around 1570 by Shaybanid vizier Dervish Khan—his nickname “Kukeldash” means “milk brother — Kukeldash is one of the largest and oldest Islamic educational buildings surviving in Tashkent. This yellow-brick structure with its 20 m tall portal once served as a religious school, caravanserai, and even a fortress.
Hazrati Imam Complex: A Glimpse into Tashkent’s Spiritual Heart
If you’ve already visited the architectural wonders of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, the Hazrati Imam Complex in Tashkent might feel a little more restrained. But don’t let that stop you — this historic religious centre is one of the few places where you can connect with Tashkent’s deeper Islamic heritage.
The complex is named after Hazrati Imam (Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi), a 10th-century Islamic scholar and poet who was buried here.
Around his mausoleum, several religious buildings were later constructed — including the Barak Khan Madrassah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, and Muyi Muborak Library. The latter houses one of the most important Qurans in the Islamic world: the Uthman Quran, a 7th-century manuscript said to be the oldest known in existence.
Tip: If you’re looking for souvenirs or local crafts before heading home, this part of town has a few shops and stalls that are less touristy than those in the big bazaar areas.
The Islamic Civilisation Center (Opens Sept 2025)
Next to the Hazrati Imam Complex, a massive, modern building is nearing completion. This is the new Center of Islamic Civilisation, a monumental cultural and educational space covering three floors and featuring a 65 m dome.
Its mission is to:
- Preserve and present Islamic manuscripts, history, and art from Uzbekistan and beyond
- Promote tolerance, knowledge, and intercultural dialogue, hosting exhibitions, events, and a research library of over 200,000 books
- Showcase everything from Quranic halls to themed galleries on Uzbekistan’s pre-Islamic, medieval, and modern eras
When it opens, expect a walk through centuries of history — and a beautiful blend of traditional architecture and modern museology. The locals I spoke to seemed stoked about it opening soon, so see it for yourself when you’re in this part of Tashkent.
See Tashkent Central Park, Live Music & Dinner
For dinner, we headed to Tandiriy Restaurant right next to Tashkent Central Park, where we had tasty plov accompanied by live traditional music. The menu is extensive, but the friendly waiters helped us make the perfect choice for food and drinks.
The park itself is worth exploring — it was the liveliest public space we saw in all of Uzbekistan, with families, students, live performances, and even a dancing fountain show. A dancing fountain show might sound tacky, but it was a lot of fun!
Nearby, you’ll find some more Tashkent things to see and do, so don’t miss:
- The giant Uzbek flagpole
- The “I ❤️ Tashkent” sign
- The Shomakhmudovs Monument, dedicated to a local family who took in 15 orphans during WWII
Sayilgoh (Broadway) & Amir Temur Square
End the day at Amir Temur Square, the symbolic centre of modern Tashkent. The square is surrounded by official buildings, but is also overlooked by the iconic Uzbekistan Hotel. It’s a popular place for evening walks and for taking pictures with Amir Temur.
It’s a nice walk to get there from Tashkent Central Park if you follow Broadway (Sayilgoh). This pedestrian area is full of little shops, bumper cars and even some table tennis tables. A lovely way to end you night.
When you’re all done here you can hop into the metro and return back to your hotel to finish your sight-seeing day in Tashkent.
Extra time? See Tashkent’s Best Museums
Tashkent might not be overflowing with museums like Europe’s capitals, but these three are genuinely worthwhile stops. So if you have a little extra time to spend, or if you’re interested in history, culture, or art, then check these out:
- History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan | Offers the perfect intro to the country before diving into the Silk Road cities. Has a great overview of Uzbekistan’s past — from ancient Zoroastrian roots to modern independence.
- State Fine Arts Museum | The largest art museum in the country with a strong focus on Uzbek applied arts, such as embroidery and ceramics). Also houses European and Russian artworks, making it an eclectic collection.
- Art Gallery of Uzbekistan | A more contemporary and experimental space that features rotating exhibitions of modern Uzbek art, photography, and sculpture. Great for seeing how the country’s creative scene is evolving today.
Where to Find Good Coffee in Tashkent
Uzbekistan is very much a tea country, but Tashkent is slowly developing a coffee culture, especially among the younger crowd. These spots stood out:
- The Coffee Belt | Trendy café with a minimalist interior and good filter coffee. But some delicious pastries and lunch options too
- Coffee Nation | Central location, strong brews, and good Wi-Fi
- Raspberry Coffee | Cosy and Instagrammable, with a decent selection of pastries too
Where to Eat in Tashkent
Uzbek cuisine is hearty, flavourful, and surprisingly affordable. Tashkent is no exception, though here you’ll also find more international options.
At Tandiriy, we enjoyed great plov in a beautiful interior with a lively atmosphere and live music. We also loved the location close to the Tashkent Central Park.
Some other options worth exploring:
- Afsona Restaurant | A top-rated modern Uzbek restaurant noted for fresh interpretations of traditional dishes. Set in a stylish space with sky-blue mosaic accents and an open tandoor kitchen — perfect for a relaxed evening of Uzbek cuisine
- Besh Qozon | An iconic institution offering massive servings of classic plov, cooked daily in giant kazan. This is the place to experience community-style dining and taste Uzbekistan’s national dish done right
- Jumanji Restaurant | A trendy, jungle-themed spot loved for its lush greenery, welcoming service, and eclectic menu. A strong pick if you want something different
For more food tips and Uzbek dishes to try, head over to my Uzbekistan Travel Tips article, which includes food advice and other practical info.
Also read: Uzbek Food Guide | 13 Traditional Dishes To Try On Your Trip
How to Get to Tashkent
Plane | Tashkent has the main international airport in Uzbekistan (TAS), with direct flights from many regional hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, and Almaty.
Train | If you’re coming from within the country, the Afrosiyob high-speed train connects Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara in a few hours. Read all about travelling around the country by train in my Uzbekistan train travel guide.
Overland | For overland travel from Kazakhstan, crossing the border into Shymkent or Turkistan is straightforward. Just check which border crossing is best to use — Navoiy/Kaplanbek, or Gisht Kuprik (still closed in June 2025).
Also read: Kazakhstan Itinerary | 9 Days Of Cities, Canyons & Culture
How to Get Around to See Tashkent
It’s pretty easy to see Tashkent when walking, or by using the metro or a taxi for larger distances.
Metro | Tashkent had the only metro system in Central Asia — Almaty now also has a metro line — that is both cheap and efficient. A single ticket will only cost you about €0.12.
Taxi | Taxis via the Yandex Go app are also incredibly affordable — we never paid more than a few euros. Even the ride to the Kazakhstan border was less than €4.
Walk | I love to walk in a city, but Tashkent is very large. There are areas where its good to walk, but sights are kind of spread out, so if walking seems to far just take the metro or a taxi.
Pro tip: Download offline Google Maps to help you navigate without using data, especially near metro exits.
Planning Your Trip to Uzbekistan?
Tashkent makes a great first or final stop on your Uzbekistan trip. From here, it’s easy to head into the Silk Road heartland of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, or onward into Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan.
Got questions? Feel free to leave a comment below — I’m happy to help. Or reach out to me on Instagram.
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Planning your trip to Uzbekistan? Then continue reading my latest articles about Central Asia and Uzbekistan:
- 15 Incredible Things to Do in Uzbekistan You Shouldn’t Miss
- Uzbek Food Guide | 13 Traditional Dishes to Try on Your Trip
- Uzbekistan Train Travel Guide | What to Know Before You Go
- Visiting the Aral Sea & Karakalpakstan | A 2-Day Trip from Khiva
- What to Do in Khiva | Exploring Uzbekistan’s Open-Air Museum
- What to Do in Bukhara | A Guide To The Soul Of The Silk Road
- Samarkand Travel Guide | Uzbekistan’s Stunning Silk Road City
- What to See and Do in Tashkent | One Day in Uzbekistan’s Capital
- Where to Stay in Uzbekistan | My Favourite Hotels & Guesthouses
- Uzbekistan Itinerary | 10 Days of Silk Road Cities & the Aral Sea
- Uzbekistan Travel Tips | What You Need to Know Before You Go
