Wondering if Uzbekistan should be your next travel destination? This list of 15 incredible things to do will help you decide. And by the end, I’m pretty sure you’ll be saying yes to Uzbekistan.
This list brings together the very best experiences, such as marvelling at the tiled majesty of Registan Square, riding the high-speed Afrosiyob train between cities, and eating your way through plov and other Uzbek specialties.
After travelling through the country myself, these were the top moments and places that really stood out. If you’re planning your own trip to Uzbekistan, these are the experiences you don’t want to miss.
Also read: Complete Uzbekistan Travel Guide
Why Visit Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is where the Silk Road comes to life. Ancient UNESCO-listed cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva sparkle with tiled mosques, madrassahs, and bustling markets. But it’s not just the architecture that impresses, it’s the atmosphere.
You’ll walk through centuries of history, from the Registan’s grand square to hidden caravanserais and fortress ruins in the desert. At night, the cities transform into lively gathering spots with local music, fountains, and outdoor cafés.
Uzbekistan is also incredibly welcoming. Whether you’re shopping in a bazaar or sipping tea in a guesthouse, the hospitality is real.
Add to that affordable prices, efficient trains, and delicious food and you’ve got one of Central Asia’s most rewarding travel destinations.
Top 15 Things to Do in Uzbekistan
Planning a trip to Uzbekistan? This section brings together the very best experiences the country has to offer. From Silk Road splendour to off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Whether you’re here for the architecture, the food, or the desert landscapes, these are the top things to do in Uzbekistan.
1. Marvel at Registan Square in Samarkand
No trip to Uzbekistan is complete without standing in awe at Registan Square. It’s one of the most iconic places along the Silk Road, with its three grand madrassahs clad in dazzling blue tiles.
Visit Registan in the late afternoon for beautiful light, and stay for the sound and light show after dark. We came to Registan multiple times and spent hours on each visit. You haven’t been to Uzbekistan if you haven’t visited this marvelous square.
2. Wander through Shah-i-Zinda
Also in Samarkand, the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis feels like stepping into a mosaic dream.
The passageway of mausoleums is covered in impossibly detailed tilework — turquoise, cobalt, and gold — unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere in the world. It’s a deeply atmospheric place, full of spiritual reverence and artistic finesse.
3. Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
The final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), Gur-e-Amir is as monumental as the man himself. Though smaller than Registan, its ribbed turquoise dome and rich interior decoration make it a must-visit in Samarkand. Come early or late in the day to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Also read: Samarkand Travel Guide | Uzbekistan’s Stunning Silk Road City
4. Feast on Plov and Other Uzbekistan Specialties
Uzbek cuisine deserves its own spotlight. Plov, the national dish, varies slightly by region, but our favourite was the chickpea-and-fruit version in Bukhara.
But there’s so much more: manti dumplings, green dill noodles (shivit oshi), samsa, and lamb kebabs. Guesthouse breakfasts are abundant, and every meal is a chance to discover a new favourite.
Also read: Uzbek Food Guide | 13 Traditional Dishes To Try On Your Trip
5. Explore the Savitsky Art Museum in Nukus
You don’t expect to find avant-garde Soviet art in the middle of the desert, but that’s exactly what makes the Savitsky Museum so special.
This museum in Nukus holds one of the world’s largest collections of banned Soviet art, thanks to the efforts of Igor Savitsky who preserved it all in secret. It’s a cultural treasure far off the tourist trail.
6. Witness the Ship Cemetery in Moynaq
Moynaq once sat on the shores of the Aral Sea — now, it’s surrounded by desert. The ship cemetery is a haunting reminder of one of the world’s worst environmental disasters. Rusted boats lie marooned in the sand, telling the story of a vanished sea and a lost way of life.
7. Take a Road Trip to the Aral Sea Shore
If you have time, go beyond Moynaq and venture out to what remains of the Aral Sea.
It’s a long drive over rough tracks (on a guided Aral Sea tour), but the vast emptiness of the former seabed, the yurts by the new shoreline, and the chance to understand the scope of the disaster make this a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Also read: Visiting The Aral Sea & Karakalpakstan | A 2-Day Trip From Khiva
8. Get Lost in the Itchan Kala of Khiva
Khiva’s old town, Itchan Kala, is a UNESCO-listed open-air museum surrounded by thick mudbrick walls.
Minarets rise over narrow alleyways, tiled madrassahs, and quiet courtyards. You’ll need a ticket to explore the sites, but even just wandering the streets is an experience in itself.
Also read: What To Do In Khiva | Exploring Uzbekistan’s Open-Air Museum
9. Ride the Afrosiyob High-Speed Train across Uzbekistan
Covering long distances in Uzbekistan is surprisingly easy thanks to the Afrosiyob train.
Running between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, it’s fast, comfortable, and modern, making it one of the most convenient ways to explore the Silk Road cities. Soon Khiva will also be connected to the Afrosiyob network.
Book the Afrosiyob trains early though, as seats sell out quickly, sometimes even weeks in advance.
Also read: Uzbekistan Train Travel Guide | What To Know Before You Go
10. Shop for Handicrafts in Bukhara
Bukhara has the most atmospheric shopping in Uzbekistan. The covered bazaars are filled with textiles, suzanis, ceramics, carved wooden boxes, and silk scarves. It’s the best place in the country to pick up quality souvenirs while soaking up the vibe of an ancient trading town.
11. Discover the Desert Fortresses of Karakalpakstan
The barren plains of Karakalpakstan hide ancient desert fortresses like Toprak Kala, Ayaz Kala, and Kyzyl Kala. These ruins speak to a time when this remote area was a thriving kingdom.
Combine them into a day trip from Khiva or Nukus, often on your way to or from the Aral Sea.
12. Stay Overnight in a Yurt
You’ll find yurts in several places across Uzbekistan, but the ones near the Aral Sea or in the Nurata Mountains feel the most authentic.
Spending a night in a traditional round tent, under the stars, gives you a feel for nomadic life and makes for a memorable detour from the cities.
Also read: Where To Stay In Uzbekistan | My Favourite Hotels & Guesthouses
13. Hike the Mountains of Uzbekistan
While much of Uzbekistan is desert, the east of the country offers lush green mountains perfect for hiking. The Chimgan Mountains, close to Tashkent, are a favourite weekend getaway.
Further afield, the Nuratau Mountains offer more remote treks and rural stays. It’s a side of Uzbekistan many travellers overlook.
14. See Kalon Minaret and Square at Night in Bukhara
Bukhara’s Kalon Minaret once impressed Genghis Khan so much, he spared it. Today, it’s the centrepiece of Kalon Square, surrounded by madrassahs that light up beautifully at night.
Locals gather here to chat and play music, making it a great place to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
15. Climb the Islam Khoja Minaret in Khiva
This towering minaret is the tallest in Khiva, and if you’re up for the steep climb, the views from the top are worth it. The narrow staircase leads to sweeping panoramas over the old city. It’s a highlight for photographers and anyone wanting to take in Itchan Kala from above.
How to Plan Your Trip to Uzbekistan
If this list has sparked your wanderlust, it’s time to start planning your own adventure through Uzbekistan. Whether you want to follow the Silk Road cities or head off into the desert, a little preparation goes a long way.
- Start by reading my complete Uzbekistan travel itinerary as it covers exactly how I spent 10 days in the country, from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and beyond. It includes travel times, tips on where to stay, and options for day trips.
- Need practical tips on visas, money, mobile connectivity, and cultural norms? Then head to my Uzbekistan travel tips article. It’ll answer most of your questions before you go.
- If you’re planning to move between cities by rail, which I highly recommend, then check out my train travel guide for Uzbekistan. I cover the different trains, how to book tickets (hint: the official app is better than the website), what to expect onboard, and what to bring with you.
With these guides, you’ll be well-equipped to explore Uzbekistan with confidence and curiosity. And trust me, it’s one of the most rewarding destinations you’ll ever visit.
Final Thoughts On The Top Things To Do in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is one of those places that stays with you long after the journey ends. From ancient cities like Samarkand and Khiva to vast desert landscapes and unforgettable meals, it’s a country that offers both history and heart.
Whether you’re drawn by Silk Road legends or just curious to explore somewhere new, there’s so much to experience — and hopefully, this list of top things to do in Uzbekistan has helped you get inspired.
Have questions about planning your own trip? Drop a comment below — I always enjoy hearing from fellow travellers. You can also follow my journey on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes stories and tips.
And if you’re just getting started, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get travel guides like this straight to your inbox.
Ready for your next journey ahead? Uzbekistan might just surprise you. Check out all my Uzbekistan articles right here:
- 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
