Tashkent City is Uzbekistan's capital and largest city, a sprawling Silk Road crossroads of old-town madrasas, a vast blue-domed bazaar, Soviet-era monuments and a fast-changing modern centre.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Chorsu Bazaar
The blue dome, mountains of spices and bread stalls; ask before photographing vendors.
Best time: 07:00–10:00, soft morning light
Tip: Arrive 07:00-09:00 for soft side light and thinner crowds. · A 24-70 mm zoom covers both the dome and stall close-ups; keep the bag light. · Ask before photographing vendors and consider buying something first. · Skip the tripod; aisles are narrow and handheld shots are easier. · Use the Chorsu metro station next door for easy access.
Khast Imam Complex (Hazrati Imam)
Domes, minarets and tiled arches around the Khast Imam square.
Best time: Early morning or golden hour
Tip: Arrive soon after opening for empty frames and soft light. · A wide-angle lens handles the courtyards; bring a short telephoto for tile detail. · Dress modestly and avoid photographing worshippers at prayer. · Ask staff before using a tripod inside the courtyards. · Expect limited interior photography at the library.
Kosmonavtlar Metro Station
Space-themed tiled walls; photography is allowed but avoid military-style equipment.
Best time: Midday, fewer commuters
Tip: Visit around midday to avoid commuter peaks. · Use a fast wide lens or phone; tripods and flash are not allowed. · Shoot discreetly and stop if staff object. · Brace against a pillar to steady handheld low-light shots. · Avoid including security staff or other passengers' faces.
Amir Timur Square
The equestrian statue with the Hotel Uzbekistan backdrop.
Best time: Dusk, when the statue is lit
Tip: Arrive 20-30 minutes before sunset to capture both sky colour and floodlights. · A wide lens suits the statue-and-hotel frame; keep shutter speed above 1/60 s handheld. · Weekday mornings are the quietest. · Avoid pointing cameras toward nearby government buildings. · Keep any tripod low-profile and off the walkways.
Independence Square and Ezgulik Arch
The globe monument and arch with fountains.
Best time: Sunrise or blue hour
Tip: Aim for sunrise or the blue hour for the best light. · A wide lens suits the arch and fountain axis; a polariser deepens the sky. · A tripod helps for blue-hour fountain exposures; keep it clear of walkways. · Check for official events that may close parts of the square. · Avoid photographing guards or government buildings.
Tashkent TV Tower
City panorama from the deck; the tower itself is best from Yunusobod parks.
Best time: An hour before sunset
Tip: Arrive an hour before sunset and expect a lift queue on weekends. · Press the lens hood close to the glass to cut reflections. · A telephoto and polarising filter reduce haze on distant views. · Plan for handheld shooting; tripods are impractical on the deck. · Check current opening hours and ticket price on arrival.
Tashkent City Park and Planetarium
Illuminated fountains and modern towers.
Best time: Blue hour and night
Tip: Arrive at sunset to secure a tripod spot at the basin edge. · Use a tripod and remote shutter for 1-4 second fountain exposures. · A wide lens captures the fountain and towers together. · Keep the tripod clear of walkways to avoid being asked to move. · Weekdays are far less crowded than weekend evenings.
Japanese Garden Tashkent
Ponds, bridges and lanterns.
Best time: Morning
Tip: Go on a weekday morning for calm water and clean reflections. · A standard zoom or macro lens suits close detail; a polariser cuts pond glare. · Time visits for April blossom or October foliage. · Follow staff guidance on tripods and keep paths clear. · Bring water; facilities inside may be limited.
Kukeldash Madrasa
The old-town skyline from the hill above Chorsu.
Best time: Late afternoon
Tip: Visit in late afternoon for side-lit brick and a glowing dome below. · Bring a telephoto lens to compress the bazaar and rooftops. · Combine with a morning at Chorsu Bazaar, which is a short walk away. · Check opening hours and entry arrangements on arrival. · Ask staff before using a tripod inside the building.
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Tashkent City's strengths.
Sunrise photography
Amir Timur Square
Sunset photography
Tashkent TV Tower deck
Architecture photography
Khast Imam complex
Street photography
Chorsu Bazaar
Nature photography
Japanese Garden
Night photography
Tashkent City Park fountains
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- About 06:00 in summer and 07:30 in winter
- Midday
- Best for the tiled metro halls
- Sunset
- About 20:00 in summer and 17:30 in winter
- Blue Hour
- 20–40 minutes after sunset
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Ask permission before photographing vendors and families.
Avoid photographing government buildings, police and bridges.
Early weekday mornings are quietest.