The 10 Best Things To Do In Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tashkent surprised me, and not in the way I expected.

I arrived in Uzbekistan’s capital thinking of it as a stopover city: somewhere practical, a little Soviet, a place you pass through on the way to the big Silk Road heavyweights like Samarkand and Bukhara. Instead, Tashkent unfolded itself to me over a few unhurried days, revealing a city that is modern but deeply rooted in history, orderly yet full of small, human moments. With such incredible things to do in Tashkent: visiting its grand metro stations that double as underground art galleries, neighbourhood bakeries perfumed with fresh non, and old-school teahouses, it remains my favourite capital city to date.

What makes Tashkent especially compelling is how many versions of the city exist side by side. One minute you’re walking past monumental Soviet-era architecture and leafy boulevards; the next, you’re weaving through centuries-old mahallas, or eating plov in a chaikhana that feels unchanged for generations. It’s also one of Central Asia’s easiest cities to explore, with a clean, very efficient (and cheap!) metro and public bus system, excellent food, and a growing creative scene that hints at where Uzbekistan is heading next.

This guide brings together the best things to do in Tashkent, from cultural landmarks to food experiences and places that help you understand the city beyond its surface. Whether you’re here for a couple of days or using Tashkent as a base for deeper travel in Uzbekistan, these are the experiences that helped me make sense of the city and, more importantly, made me want to stay longer.

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Things to do in Tashkent

Get a sensory experience at Chorsu Bazaar

I feel the true essence of a place lies in its local markets, which is why visiting Chorsu Bazaar is one of the best things to do in Tashkent. The bazaar is located in Tashkent’s historic Old Town, close to Chorsu Metro Station. Even before entering the market, you’ll be drawn to its eye-catching blue-tiled dome. Once inside, the bazaar is a pure sensory delight: think of mountains of colourful spices, dried fruits and nuts, blocks of local cheese, kurut (balls of hard, salty, dried cheese) and fresh meats, punctuated by a wafting smell of freshly baked non-bread and stuffed pastries. You can dig into plov (Uzbekistan’s national dish, similar to India’s pulao, comprising rice, meat, and carrots), lagman (hand-pulled noodle soup), or grilled meat on skewers. If you want to buy souvenirs, you can shop for Suzani embroidered textiles, ceramics, copperware, or Soviet-era antique curios.

The best time to visit Chorsu Bazaar is in the morning to experience the market at its liveliest and get your hands on the freshest goods. Carry cash, as most vendors might not accept cards. Bargaining is acceptable, but be polite and reasonable.

Try these Chorsu Bazaar tours:
👉 Uzbek Bread Making & Chorsu Bazaar
👉 Tashkent Walking & Food Tour: Highlights + Local Flavors
👉 Tashkent: Culture and Modern city walking tour

Wander around the Khast Imam Complex

If you’re a history and architecture enthusiast like me, you need not wonder what to do in Tashkent. Hidden by no means, taking a walk around the iconic Khast Imam Complex is one of the top things to do in Tashkent. Located in the heart of the old city, the complex was built in 2007, close to the burial site of Tashkent’s first Imam, Kaffal ash Sashi. This is Tashkent’s largest place of worship and features a pair of minarets, featuring Indian sandalwood columns, Turkish green marble, and Iranian blue tiles.

Close by is Tillya Sheikh Mosque, a much older structure, featuring carved pillars and painted ceilings. You should also visit Muyi Mubarak Library, home to one of the five original Qurans, along with a rich collection of early Eastern manuscripts. Stroll over to Barak Khan Madrassah and the 16th-century mausoleum of Kaffal ash Sashi, which has turned into a pilgrimage site. The Khast Imam Complex is also one of the best historical places to visit in Tashkent at night, when it is beautifully lit up with lanterns.

The walk itself to Khast Imam, through the Old Tashkent, was a delight in its own right. I passed by houses made of mudbricks, trees laden with ripe mulberries and children playing by the stream. It was quite a dream-like landscpae and I highly recommend going there for the walk, the peaceful atmosphere at the monument and of course the lush garden where I read my book and took a nap in the sun!

Try these Khast Imam Complex tours:
👉 Tashkent Walking & Food Tour: Highlights + Local Flavors
👉 Tashkent: Culture and Modern city walking tour
👉 Historical City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

Marvel at Tashkent’s metro stations

Metro stations in Tashkent aren’t just places where you can hop on the metro. In fact, they might just be the main attraction. Central Asia’s first metro system was laid out in Tashkent in the 1970s, spread across 48 stations and 4 lines. Originally planned to serve as a nuclear shelter, Tashkent’s metro stations’ interiors feature a blend of Soviet-era aesthetics, Islamic styles, Uzbek history, and futuristic artwork, with each station designed in a unique theme.

Kosmonavtlar Station on the Chilonzor Line is the most popular metro station, drawing you to its space-age theme, with Milky Way-inspired designs, starry colonnades, and blue ceramic murals of important space-exploration figures. Meanwhile, Alisher Navoiy Station on the O’zbekiston Line borrows elements from Timurid architecture, with vaulted, domed ceilings, intricate tile mosaics, Persian-Uzbek poetry in calligraphy, and ambient chandeliers. Move on to Bodomzor Station on the Yunusobod Line for its minimalist, clean interiors, with monochromatic white-grey walls, golden mushroom-shaped pillars, and restrained decor. 

Metro station hopping is one of the best things to do in Tashkent. Some of the other stations you can add to your Tashkent itinerary are Pakhtakor and Mustaqillik Maydoni Stations on the Chilonzor Line, and Tinchlik and Beruniy Stations on the O’zbekiston Line.

Try these Tashkent metro tours:
👉 4 Hour Food Tour and Metro Journey with a Guide
👉 Tashkent Soviet Architecture (Modernism) and Subway station tour

Experience Soviet Modernist architecture

The violent 1966 Tashkent earthquake flattened most of the city, which was followed by a period of Soviet-led rebuilding of the capital. Pursuing a socialist model of development, there arose a hybrid Soviet Modernist style of architecture, synthesising brutalist elements with locally available materials, traditional Uzbek motifs, lattice and tile-work, and Islamic-inspired symbols.

You can now spot these buildings across many tourist spots in Tashkent. Begin at Hotel Uzbekistan at Amir Timur Square, known for its towering scale, brutalist, honeycomb facade, and geometric grids. You can go up to the hotel’s cafe for a bird’s eye view of Central Tashkent. Or head over to Alisher Navoi Theatre, built by Japanese prisoners of war in the 1940s, which integrates Uzbek decor with early Soviet neoclassicism, reflected in the marble columns and handcrafted details. Meanwhile, the People’s Friendship Palace near Tashkent City Park is a prominent landmark, adorned with a careful geometry in its repetitive patterns. On the other hand, the Tashkent Circus leaves you in awe of its quirky UFO-like structure, featuring a space-ship-like dome. 

The Uzbek capital is known for its stunning architecture, and photographing the majestic symmetry of these buildings is one of the top things to do in Tashkent.

Try these Tashkent Soviet architecture tours:
👉 Tashkent Soviet Architecture (Modernism) and Subway station tour

Watch a ballet or opera at the Alisher Navoi Theatre

Among the unique things to do in Tashkent is watching a ballet or opera show at Alisher Navoi Theatre. Known for its imposing architecture and equally majestic performances of ballet and opera, the Navoi Theatre is one of Asia’s largest theatres. Named after the famous Timurid writer and statesman, the theatre was designed by Russian-Soviet architect Alexey Shchusev in the mid-1940s, combining European neoclassicism with Uzbek elements.

The theatre hosts regular ballet and opera performances, including international soloists and conductors from across Europe and Asia, having showcased European classics like Swan Lake and Don Quixote, alongside native works like Tomiris, Takhir and Zukhra. You can check the list of upcoming shows on their official website.

Eat at Besh Qozon Plov Centre

Plov lies at the heart of Uzbekistan culture, and Besh Qozon Plov Centre is one of the best places to eat plov in Tashkent. Also known as the Central Asian Plov Centre, the expansive two-story dining hall is located near the Tashkent TV Tower. Famous for serving Tashkent’s best plov, you come here not just for what’s served on your plate, but to experience the exciting buzz that fills the air as the plov is freshly prepared before you in massive cauldrons.

Plov is made of rice, carrots, and meat. Non-vegetarian options range from lamb, beef, and horse meat (the latter is commonly consumed across the country). Since the ingredients are cooked together in a cauldron, vegetarians might want to skip this one. Others can opt for the traditional Chaikhansky plov, which comes with meat, carrots, onions, and a rich mix of spices. Or, if you’re feeling experimental, get a side of Kazy, a slice of horse sausage to complement your plov!

The Besh Qozon Plov Centre is open from 9 am to 10 pm, though lunchtime is the best time to visit when the place is at its liveliest. Arrive by noon to avoid peak lunchtime crowds and enjoy an authentic meal of plov.

Walk along the Anhor Canal

If you’re on the lookout for peaceful things to do in Tashkent, you should go on a walk along the banks of the Anhor Canal. Lined with trees on either side, the irrigation canal offers a scenic path throughout the year, but I’ve heard especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change into warm hues. However, when I went in spring, I wasn’t disappointed as the entire track was lined with cherry and mulberry trees, so I had free snacks along my walk!

Start your walk near the Turkiston Palace. Along the way, you will encounter the outdoor summer concert hall, which will captivate you with its distinctive Soviet-era architecture. You can also catch a performance here in the summer. Further down, stop by the Museum of Olympic Glory, which boasts a unique, circular, patterned structure. Minor Mosque is another popular attraction enroute, built entirely in white marble, punctuated with a bright blue dome and a gold-plated mihrab that points towards the direction of Mecca. Finally, stop by the Tashkent TV Tower on Amir Timur Street, which is Uzbekistan’s tallest structure, standing 365 metres high. 

Mornings and evenings are the best times to walk along Anhor Canal, when locals come out for a stroll, with waterfront picnics, teenagers on skateboards, and retirees trying their luck at fishing.

Slow down in one of Tashkent’s many parks

With plenty of green spaces, one of the best things to do in Tashkent is to slow down in one of its many parks. Park V Tashkent, located next to the Tashkent TV Tower, was my absolute favourite. Along with most other parks in the city, this one also offers quiet walking paths lined with blooming flowers, dotted with sculptures and benches where you can sit and read. There are also plenty of cafes around here if you are craving a quick bite.

For a more polished urban garden, head to Tashkent City Park, featuring wide promenades and fountains, and a pond where you can rent paddle-boats. Or head to Alisher Navoi Park, home to its namesake monument, with bicycle tracks, open lawns, rowboats, and statues of significant national figures. Another must-visit Tashkent tourist spot is Yapon Bog’i, the city’s Japanese Garden, which is an oasis of calm, with bamboo groves, stone bridges, and koi fish ponds. Come here in spring, and you might be able to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Stop by a beer pub

Though nightlife in Tashkent is laid back, the city has a vibrant pub culture. Among the best things to do in Tashkent at night is to head to a beer pub, which are casual, no-frill joints. While some come with Soviet beer hall aesthetics, others have open terraces, playing a mix of tunes from the 90s, rock music, and local pop hits.

The Irish Pub is one of the most popular beer pubs in Tashkent, where you can unwind with a glass of beer and enjoy live football matches. On the other hand, Steam Bar has a unique Steampunk style, along with live music. These are quite the establishments, with sometimes over 50 kinds of beers on tap. They also have a wide range of snacks, including cold cuts, dried fruits, chips and instant ramen you can purchase and have cooked for you. Just the perfect evening, methinks!

Try these Tashkent beer and wine tours:
👉 Uzbek Brews & Views: Tashkent Craft Beer Discovery Tour
👉 Tashkent Wine Tasting and Ceramics Workshop Experience

Take a day trip to the Chimgan Mountains

Once you’ve covered the best things to see in Tashkent, it’s time to venture out on a day trip to the Chimgan Mountains. Located 80 km from Tashkent, it takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road to arrive at the slopes of Chimgan, which is a popular ski resort in the winter.

The Chimgan Mountains are part of the western Tian-Shan range and are protected within the Ugam-Chatkal National Park. Ride the Soviet-era chairlift to the ridge, with panoramic view of the mountains and snow-capped slopes, and hike down to the Gulkam Canyon, which is covered with wildflowers in spring. Add a stopover at Charvak Lake, just 30 minutes from Chimgan. The pristine turquoise reservoir is surrounded by lush green hills. You can go jet skiing on the lake and hike around its periphery.

In summer, when temperatures are warm, you can also take a dip in the lake. Back at the Chimgan Mountains, there are several restaurants, cafes and bars, making this the best day trip from Tashkent. 

You can hire a private taxi or rent a self-drive car from Tashkent for a day trip to the Chimgan Mountains, or book a group tour, as these are the most straightforward ways to do it. I, however, took a local train from Tashkent to Khojakent and then hired a taxi for around $18 to take me around the main sites and drop me back at Khojakent for the evening train back into Tashkent.

Try these Chimgan Mountain tours:
👉 Tashkent: Amirsoy Resort, Chimgan Mountain and Charvak Lake
👉 From Tashkent: Chimgan Valley Hiking Day Trip
👉 Tashkent: Amirsoy, Chimgan, Charvak & Gulkam Canyon Tour
👉 Tashkent: 3-Day Horseback Riding Tour in Chimgan Mountains

Where to stay in Tashkent

These are some of the best hotels in Tashkent based on your travel style and budget: 

InterContinental Tashkent by IHG: A stone’s throw away from Amir Timur Square, the InterContinental Tashkent is one of the most luxurious hotels in Tashkent, with 216 spacious and well-equipped rooms, two restaurants, a terrace bar, and a wellness centre, among a host of other amenities. Prices start from INR 17,000 per night.

Mirzo Boutique Hotel: Located close to Chorsu Bazaar, this boutique hotel is built in traditional Uzbek style, offering 15 well-fitted rooms and a multi-cuisine restaurant, along with a free breakfast buffet, set in a charming courtyard garden. Prices start from INR 7,000.

Sapiens Hotel: This cosy boutique hotel is a short walk from the Kosmonavtlar Metro Station and comes with modern and clean rooms, along with a rooftop terrace bar and cafe that offers lovely views of the city. Prices start from INR 5,000 per night. 

Safarov’s Family Hostel: This quiet hostel offers a mix of dormitories and private rooms, lounge areas, a co-working space, a shared kitchen, and helpful staff members. Dorms start from INR 1,000 per night, and private rooms start from INR 2,500 per night. 

Art Hostel: This centrally located hostel offers clean, well-equipped dormitories, private rooms, common spaces, a shared kitchen, and is known for its complimentary breakfast and social crowd. Dorms start from INR 800 per night and private rooms from INR 2,000 per night.

Where to eat in Tashkent

Wondering where to eat in Tashkent? These are some of the best restaurants in Tashkent and what you need to try when you’re there: 

Afsona: Consistently awarded as one of Tashkent’s best Uzbek restaurants, dig into plov, kebabs, norin (noodles), samsa (akin to samosa), and manti (dumplings) at Afsona.

Besh Qozon Plov Centre: This open-kitchen dining hall serves some of the best plov in Tashkent that is cooked right in front of you in sizzling cauldrons.

Lali: This stylish Uzbek restaurant comes with gorgeous interiors, tender vaguri (lamb with crispy sliced potato), regional dishes like tuhum barak (somewhat of a mix between a dumpling and a ravioli), balaza (soup), and buglama (lamb stew), along with popular staples. 

Xonimxona: Pronounced as khonim khona, this is a very casual eatery with multiple outlets in Tashkent serving amazing khonim: kind of like a steamed pasta sheets stuffed with potato, cheese and dill, served with a delicious tomato sauce on top. Ah delicacy!

Raaj Kapur: If you are craving a taste of home, head to Raaj Kapur at the Le Grande Plaza Hotel, Tashkent’s oldest Indian restaurant that also pays tribute to the legendary Bollywood actor, serving popular dishes from across India.

Best time to visit Tashkent

Keeping Tashkent temperatures in mind, the best time to visit Tashkent is from March to May and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for walking around and exploring the city. Peak summer, along with the peak summer tourist season, runs from June through August. Expect hot weather, higher prices, and more crowds. The winter season in Tashkent gets pretty cold from December to February, even going down to negative temperatures. Winter is the best time to visit Tashkent if you want to go skiing and partake in other winter sports in the Chimgan Mountains.

Things to Do in Tashkent: FAQs

Is Tashkent worth visiting?

Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, is definitely worth visiting. It offers an interesting mix of history, culture, and cuisine. It is the entry point to Uzbekistan, and while most visitors rush off to other popular cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, I really think Tashkent also deserves your attention. If you’re like me and enjoy history and architecture, you will especially love Tashkent as the city is populated with a large number of traditional Uzbek-style structures, Soviet-era buildings, and some of the world’s most beautiful metro stations. Spend time at the city’s many monuments, bazaars, gardens, and relish local flavours like plov, samsa, and manti.

What is Tashkent best known for?

Tashkent is best known for its stunning architecture, unique metro stations, scenic gardens, and a vibrant pub culture. As an important historical centre, Tashkent boasts a rich collection of architectural beauties, featuring Soviet-era modernist styles, Islamic-inspired elements, and traditional Uzbek motifs. Think of stunning blue-domed mosques, towering minarets, intricate tile and latticework, brutalist geometry, and perfect symmetry. You should also check out Chorsu Bazaar for fresh produce, bakes, and souvenirs to bring back home. Don’t forget to relax in the many gardens and catch a ballet or opera show at the Alisher Navoi Theatre while you’re there.

What should I wear in Tashkent?

Tashkent is a cosmopolitan city, and its fashion is heavily influenced by European standards. However, it is advisable to dress modestly, especially if you plan on visiting the city’s mosques. Summer temperatures are hot, so carry light, breathable clothes. Besides religious sites, it is acceptable to wear sleeveless tops and shirts. Spring and autumn temperatures in Tashkent are pleasant, and you should carry a light jacket for mornings and evenings. Winters are cold, so bring a warm coat, scarves, and gloves, along with comfortable winter boots. If you plan on watching a performance at the Alisher Navoi Theatre or dining at upscale restaurants, then bring along something casual yet formal to wear. Most importantly, wear comfortable walking shoes.

How many days is enough for Tashkent?

Based on your Uzbekistan itinerary, 2-3 days are enough for Tashkent to explore the city’s main attractions without feeling rushed. Spend 2 days checking out the best things to do in Tashkent, like visiting Chorsu Bazaar, Khast Imom Square, Anchor Canal, Alisher Navoi Theatre, Park V Tashkente, Tashkent TV Tower, and more. On Day 3, you can take a day trip to the Chimgan Mountains to get away from the city and experience the beauty of the mountains. Assuming you are entering and exiting Uzbekistan via Tashkent, you can spend time in Tashkent either at the start of your trip or right at the end, before you leave the country.