Visit Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Once a Silk Road crossroads and largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1966, Tashkent has grown into Uzbekistan’s bustling capital and the beating heart of Central Asia, located right on the Kazakhstan border. At first glance, you might think it’s all about its Soviet-era apartment blocks, broad boulevards, and monumental squares, but look closer and you’ll find a city layered with history, tradition, and charm.

Beneath the concrete skyline lie leafy parks, buzzing bazaars, and the ornate Alisher Navoi Opera House. Even a simple Metro ride becomes a highlight, with marble-and-mosaic stations that resemble underground palaces.

Cultural glories abound — intricate embroidery and miniatures at the Museum of Applied Arts, the revered Khast Imam complex with the world’s oldest Quran, and Amir Timur Square where the conqueror’s statue looks proudly over the city.

City Tour

A private walking tour of Tashkent offers the chance to see the city’s contrasts up close. Beginning at Amir Timur Square, where the towering statue hints at Uzbekistan’s history, you’ll wander through the Zarafshan district, past cafes, shops, and the shaded banks of the Ankhor canal.

Step into the city’s Soviet-era Metro to admire its ornate galleries, or visit the Museum of Applied Arts and Khast Imam, home to the world’s oldest Quran. A guide can quietly illuminate the stories behind these sights, pointing out details and connections that might otherwise go unnoticed, revealing the city’s rhythms, layers, and history.

Tashkent museums

Tashkent is home to several museums that offer a deeper look into Uzbekistan’s culture and history. The Museum of Applied Arts displays delicate embroidery, miniature paintings, and traditional crafts from across the country, highlighting centuries of craftsmanship. Nearby, the Fine Arts Museum features carpets, textiles, and artworks spanning the nation’s artistic heritage, while the Museum of the People of Uzbekistan showcases daily life, traditions, and customs.

For a different perspective, the Geology Museum presents mineral and rock collections from across Central Asia, all housed in a Soviet-era architectural exemplar.

Markets of Tashkent

Chorsu Bazaar, with its striking turquoise dome, sits at the heart of Tashkent’s Old Town, and a visit here offers a glimpse of everyday Uzbek life. Stalls brim with fresh produce, spices, textiles, and handicrafts, while nearby markets continue the tradition of trade and local tastes.

Surrounding this historic hub, Soviet-era buildings and apartment blocks decorated with traditional motifs reflect a unique fusion of Uzbek craftsmanship and modernist architecture. Wandering the alleys with a local guide, you’ll experience the tempo, sights, and aromas of the markets, while appreciating how Tashkent blends its rich heritage with Soviet-era urban design in a vibrant, living cityscape.

TV Tower

Rising 375 m (1,230 ft), the Tashkent TV Tower is the tallest structure in Central Asia and an unmistakable feature of the city’s skyline. From its observation deck you can enjoy expansive views across Tashkent’s wide boulevards, leafy parks, and Soviet-era architecture, with the steppe stretching endlessly beyond.

On a clear day, the distant Tien Shan mountains frame the horizon, offering a stark contrast to the modern city below. The tower boasts a revolving restaurant, enabling you to take in the ever-changing scenery as you eat, a particularly impressive experience at sunset.

Best time to visit Tashkent

Tashkent enjoys its most conducive, warm weather for exploring in both the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). We would suggest avoiding the winter or summer where the extremes of temperature would make sightseeing uncomfortable.