Chorsu Bazaar
Tashkent's biggest and most atmospheric market, built under a huge blue dome. Pyramids of dried fruit, nuts and spices, fresh non (bread), meat halls and a ring of stalls selling everything from knives to textiles.
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About Tashkent City
Tashkent sits in a green valley at the foot of the Tian Shan, about 450 m above sea level. Destroyed by the 1966 earthquake and rebuilt as a Soviet showcase, it combines wide avenues, a clean and cheap metro, huge plane-tree-lined parks and a historic old town around Chorsu Bazaar and Khast Imam. For visitors it is the hub for Uzbekistan's high-speed Afrosiyob trains to Samarkand and Bukhara, and the best place to try plov, samsa and lagman. Two to three days cover the main sights; mountain day trips to Chimgan and Charvak add a taste of the outdoors.
- Capital
- Tashkent
- Largest city
- Tashkent
- Population
- ~3.1 million
- Languages
- Uzbek, Russian
- Currency
- Uzbekistani som (UZS)
- Time zone
- UZT (UTC+5), no daylight saving
Explore Tashkent City by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Tashkent City
The 18 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Khast Imam Complex (Hazrati Imam)
The spiritual heart of Tashkent: a square holding the 19th-century Tilla Sheikh Mosque, the Barak Khan Madrasa, the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the Muyi Muborak Library Museum, home of the 7th-century Uthman Quran.
Kukeldash Madrasa
A 16th-century Shaybanid madrasa on a hill above Chorsu. Next to the bazaar, it makes a quick stop and a good Old City skyline view.
Barak Khan Madrasa
A 16th-century madrasa founded by Navruz Ahmed Khan (Barak Khan) with a tiled facade. Its former student cells sell paper, ceramics, instruments and calligraphy.
Muyi Muborak Library Museum
Houses the Uthman Quran (Mushaf of Uthman), one of the oldest Qurans in the world, plus a collection of manuscripts and religious artefacts.
Amir Timur Square
The central public square dominated by an equestrian statue of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), with Hotel Uzbekistan and the Amir Timur Museum a short walk away.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Tashkent City Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Tashkent City, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Tashkent City
- Days 1-2Tashkent City city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Tashkent City
- Days 1-3Tashkent City comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Tashkent City, departure
Where to stay in Tashkent City
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ~$25–55 (300,000–660,000 UZS)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ~$90–175 (1,080,000–2,100,000 UZS)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ~$210–480 (2,520,000–5,760,000 UZS)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hilton Tashkent City
A 5-star tower in the Tashkent City district beside the park, planetarium and Tashkent City Mall, with an indoor pool and a short taxi ride to the old town. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency Tashkent
A long-established international 5-star hotel near Amir Timur Square and Sayilgoh Street, popular with business and leisure travellers. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Tashkent
A landmark 5-star tower a few minutes from Amir Timur Square, with city views and the full range of IHG services. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Check rates on Booking.comLotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace
A 5-star hotel on the main Sharof Rashidov Avenue close to Independence Square, the history museum and the Navoi Theatre. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Tashkent City
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Besh Qozon Central Asian Plov Center
The best-known plov centre, beside the TV Tower, cooking Tashkent-style plov in enormous kazans for locals and tour groups.
Caravan Restaurant
A modern Uzbek restaurant with an air-conditioned dining room and live performances, popular with visitors.
Afsona Restaurant
A popular Uzbek restaurant with outdoor seating and English menus; rated about 4.3/5 on Tripadvisor.
Rayhon Restaurant
A well-known national-cuisine restaurant a few minutes' walk from Amir Timur Square.
Navvat Restaurant
A central restaurant serving national dishes in bright traditional decor; about 4.1/5 on Tripadvisor.
Khiva Restaurant
A higher-end restaurant on Navoi Street focused on traditional Uzbek recipes, including Khorezm specialities.
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Getting around Tashkent City
Tashkent is spread out, but the metro and Yandex Go cover nearly every visitor route.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in UZS (1 USD ≈ 12,000 UZS), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ~$12–30 (140,000–360,000 UZS) hostel or basic hotel | ~$55–110 (660,000–1,320,000 UZS) | ~$110–230 (1,320,000–2,760,000 UZS) |
| Food (per day) | ~$8–12 (96,000–144,000 UZS) | ~$20–35 (240,000–420,000 UZS) | ~$50–100 (600,000–1,200,000 UZS) |
| Transportation | ~$2–4 (24,000–48,000 UZS) metro and bus | ~$5–12 (60,000–144,000 UZS) taxis | ~$20–50 (240,000–600,000 UZS) private car |
| Activities | ~$3–8 (36,000–96,000 UZS) | ~$8–20 (96,000–240,000 UZS) | ~$30–100 (360,000–1,200,000 UZS) |
| Daily total | ~$25–55 (300,000–660,000 UZS) | ~$90–175 (1,080,000–2,100,000 UZS) | ~$210–480 (2,520,000–5,760,000 UZS) |
Best time to visit Tashkent City
Weather through the year in Tashkent City
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Tashkent City.
Mild weather and clear days make spring and autumn ideal.
Pack layers for evenings.
Essential travel tips
- Withdraw som from ATMs or exchange at banks; avoid street changers.
- Download Yandex Go and Yandex Maps before arrival.
- Tickets for the Afrosiyob sell out in high season; book 1–2 weeks ahead at eticket.railway.uz.
- Dress modestly at the Khast Imam mosques.
Safety information
Use Yandex Go rather than unmarked cars.
Keep passport copies and the original in the hotel safe.
Watch for pickpockets in Chorsu Bazaar and the metro.
Do not photograph military or government sites.
Carry the hotel registration slips; police can ask foreign visitors to show proof of where they stayed.
Declare large cash amounts on entry and keep the customs declaration form until departure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Tashkent?
Many nationalities (EU, UK, Japan, South Korea, and US citizens from 1 January 2026) can stay up to 30 days visa-free; CIS nationals up to 90 days. Others can apply for an e-visa (about $20) at e-visa.gov.uz. Verify on the official portal before booking.
How many days do I need in Tashkent?
Two full days cover the old town, the museums, the metro and the main squares; add a third for Chimgan or a night train to Samarkand.
Is Tashkent safe for tourists?
Yes; violent crime against tourists is rare. Watch for pickpockets in bazaars and use Yandex Go taxis.
What is the best time to visit Tashkent?
April–May and September–October have mild weather; July–August is very hot.
How do I get from Tashkent to Samarkand?
Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train from Tashkent Railway Station (Turkiston Street). It takes about 2 hours 10 minutes; economy fares are 311,000 UZS (~$26).
Explore Tashkent City by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.