On this page
About Tashkent
Tashkent sits on the Chirchiq River in north-eastern Uzbekistan, about 480 metres above sea level, with the Chatkal range visible to the north-east. The city blends layers: the Old City (Eski Shahar) around Chorsu Bazaar and Khast Imam with its madrasas and the Uthman Quran; the Russian-era grid of wide avenues, squares and fountains around Amir Timur Square; Soviet landmarks such as the 375-metre TV Tower and the decorated metro stations; and new districts such as Tashkent City. Visitors usually need two to four days for the Old City, the museums, bazaars and food, then continue by high-speed train to Samarkand (about two hours).
- Capital
- Tashkent
- Largest city
- Tashkent
- Population
- About 3 million (city)
- Languages
- Uzbek, Russian
- Currency
- Uzbekistani so'm
- Time zone
- UTC+5 (Uzbekistan Time, no daylight saving)
Explore Tashkent by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Tashkent
The 21 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Khast Imam Complex (Hazrati Imam)
Muyi Muborak Library Museum (Uthman Quran)
Kukeldash Madrasa
Barak Khan Madrasa
Center of Islamic Civilization
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Tashkent Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Tashkent, 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
- Days 1-2Tashkent city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Tashkent
- Days 1-3Tashkent comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Tashkent, departure
Where to stay in Tashkent
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget 400,000-550,000 UZS (about $33-46)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range 1,000,000-1,600,000 UZS (about $85-135)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury 2,800,000-5,000,000+ UZS (about $230-420+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hilton Tashkent City
Five-star tower beside the Tashkent City Park complex, a short ride from Pakhtakor metro station and the Old City. A full-service international brand with views over the new commercial district.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency Tashkent
Five-star hotel a few minutes from Amir Timur Square, with several restaurants and bars on site including the 24-hour Chai Lounge, Sette (Italian) and Xiva (Uzbek). One of the most convenient addresses for first-time visitors.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Tashkent
Five-star high-rise on Shahrisabz Street near Amir Timur Square, with several restaurants and upper-floor city views. Walkable to the main central sights.
Check rates on Booking.comLOTTE City Hotel Tashkent Palace
Five-star hotel in a quiet central location a short walk from Independence Square and the Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. It has a rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic city views.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Tashkent
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Besh Qozon Central Asian Plov Center
Tashkent's best-known plov hall, where several regional varieties of plov are cooked at once in giant kazans in view of the dining room. Plov is the midday dish, so arrive before about 14:00 for the full choice.
Afsona Restaurant
Long-standing Uzbek restaurant near the centre with a broad menu of manty, plov and grilled meat, popular for groups and family dinners.
Caravan
Courtyard-house restaurant serving classic Uzbek dishes, including wedding plov, pumpkin-filled manty and liver kebabs. A good first sit-down Uzbek dinner.
Rayhon Restaurant
Family-style Uzbek restaurant on Shahrisabz Street with a menu of soups, noodles and plov at moderate prices.
Navvat
Teahouse-style restaurant in the centre with a lounge atmosphere in the evening.
Basilic
Italian-leaning restaurant on Amir Temur Avenue with live music in the evening, a change of pace from several days of plov.
Book a food tour in Tashkent We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Tashkent
Transportation options in Tashkent include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in UZS (US dollar equivalents at about 12,000 UZS per dollar), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 100,000-250,000 UZS (about $8-20) | 550,000-1,000,000 UZS (about $46-83) | 1,800,000-3,600,000 UZS (about $150-300) |
| Food (per day) | 100,000-150,000 UZS (about $8-12.50) | 250,000-400,000 UZS (about $21-33) | 600,000-1,200,000 UZS (about $50-100) |
| Transportation | 30,000-60,000 UZS (about $2.50-5) | 60,000-120,000 UZS (about $5-10) | 200,000-400,000 UZS (about $17-33) |
| Activities | 30,000-80,000 UZS (about $2.50-6.50) | 100,000-250,000 UZS (about $8-21) | 250,000-600,000 UZS (about $21-50) |
| Daily total | 400,000-550,000 UZS (about $33-46) | 1,000,000-1,600,000 UZS (about $85-135) | 2,800,000-5,000,000+ UZS (about $230-420+) |
Best time to visit Tashkent
Weather through the year in Tashkent City
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Tashkent City.
Spring and autumn bring warm, dry days (15-27 C) and the best light for sightseeing.
Summer is hot but hotels are cheaper; winter is quiet but cold, with occasional smog.
Essential travel tips
- Install Yandex Go and Yandex Maps before arriving.
- Carry your passport or a clear photo plus the hotel registration slip.
- Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites; carry a scarf.
- Cash in so'm is needed for bazaars, small museums and taxis; cards work at hotels and larger venues.
- Many state museums close on Monday.
- Book Afrosiyob train tickets a few days ahead for Samarkand.
Safety information
Use Yandex Go or MyTaxi rather than unmarked cars so the fare is fixed in the app before the ride, typically 10,000-35,000 UZS (about $0.85-3) for central trips
Carry the passport or a clear photo of it and the hotel registration slip, because police may ask to see identification, particularly near the metro and Amir Timur Square
Do not photograph police, military sites, bridges, government buildings or metro platforms where signs forbid it; ask before photographing people
Exchange money only at banks, hotel desks, exchange offices or ATMs; decline street money-changers who offer a better rate than the bank, a common route to counterfeit or short-changed notes
Watch for pickpockets in Chorsu Bazaar, Alay Bazaar and crowded metro cars; keep phones and wallets in front pockets or a zipped bag
Drink bottled or filtered water and avoid ice from unknown sources, especially outside the main hotels and restaurants
Use ATMs inside banks or hotel lobbies and carry a small amount of cash in so'm for bazaars, taxis and small museums
Dial 112 from any phone for emergencies (102 police, 103 ambulance, 101 fire) and keep travel insurance details with the hotel address in Russian or Uzbek
Cover shoulders and knees at mosques and madrasas, and dress modestly outside the main tourist areas
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Tashkent?
Citizens of many countries (including EU states, the UK, Japan, South Korea and, from 1 January 2026, the USA) enter visa-free for up to 30 days; others apply for an e-visa at e-visa.gov.uz (about $20). The passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Rules change, so confirm the category for your passport on the official portal before booking.
What is the best time to visit Tashkent?
April-May and September-October have warm, dry days. July and August are hot (35-40 C); January and February are cold.
How do I get from Tashkent airport to the centre?
Order a Yandex Go from the arrivals forecourt; the ride is typically 45,000-90,000 UZS (about $4-7.50) and takes 20-35 minutes.
How much does the Tashkent metro cost?
2,500 UZS by card or 3,000 UZS cash (about $0.20-0.25) per ride.
Is Tashkent safe for tourists?
Yes, it is generally safe. Use app taxis, carry ID and watch for pickpockets in bazaars.
How far is Samarkand from Tashkent?
About 2 hours by Afrosiyob high-speed train; fares are about 250,000-450,000 UZS (about $21-38). Book on eticket.railway.uz.