Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, a green, modern Central Asian metropolis with a medieval Old City, Soviet-era monuments, a space-themed metro and some of the best plov in the world. It is the usual arrival point for the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Tashkent.
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1
Chorsu Bazaar
Tip: Arrive between 07:00 and 10:00 for the freshest stock and fewer crowds. · Carry small Uzbek som notes; stalls often lack change for large bills. · Bargain politely on non-food items; food prices are usually marked. · Ask permission before photographing vendors up close. · Keep bags zipped and in front in the busiest aisles. · Combine with Kukeldash Madrasa, a 10-minute walk away.
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2
Khast Imam Complex (Hazrati Imam)
Tip: Visit in the morning and avoid Friday midday prayers. · Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees; women may cover their hair. · Carry cash for the museum, reported at 30,000 to 50,000 UZS. · Remove shoes where required before entering prayer halls. · Combine with the Center of Islamic Civilization nearby.
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3
Muyi Muborak Library Museum (Uthman Quran)
Tip: Arrive on a weekday morning to avoid tour groups · Dress modestly, with covered shoulders and knees · Ask at the desk before photographing the manuscript · Avoid Friday around midday, when the museum may close for prayers · Combine with the Khast Imam Complex and Barak Khan Madrasa on one walk
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4
Kukeldash Madrasa
Tip: Visit in late afternoon for the best facade light. · Check at the gate whether the interior courtyard is open. · Walk here from Chorsu Bazaar, about 10 minutes. · Cross Navoi Street carefully when framing photos from the far pavement. · Dress modestly out of respect for the building's religious heritage.
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5
Barak Khan Madrasa
Tip: Visit in the morning for soft light and fewer groups. · Bargain politely at the craft shops; prices vary. · Ask artisans before photographing them or their work. · Dress modestly; the square is an active religious area. · Combine with the Khast Imam Complex buildings on the same square.
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6
Center of Islamic Civilization
Tip: Book a timed session in advance via iccu.uz or iticket.uz. · Choose a weekday afternoon for lighter crowds. · Check ticket prices on the official site; foreign adults are reported at about $25. · Pair with the Khast Imam Complex, a short walk away. · Check signs for photography limits in specific halls.
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7
Amir Timur Square
Tip: Visit in the evening for fountains and lighting. · Come in the morning for crowd-free photos of the statue. · Use Amir Temur Xiyoboni metro station, fare about 2,500 UZS. · Combine with the Amir Timur Museum, a three-minute walk. · Keep belongings secure during busy evening hours.
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8
Amir Timur Museum
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for fewer groups. · Remember the museum is closed on Monday per most listings. · Pay the separate photography fee if planning to take pictures. · Look straight up in the central hall for the best view of the dome. · Check labels for language; some are Uzbek and Russian only.
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9
Independence Square and Ezgulik Arch
Tip: Visit early morning or evening for the best atmosphere. · Avoid photographing government buildings or security personnel. · Check for official events that may close parts of the square. · Use Mustaqillik Maydoni metro station, fare about 2,500 UZS. · Wear comfortable shoes for the long plaza.
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10
Tashkent TV Tower
Tip: Arrive about 90 minutes before sunset to queue for the best light · Leave lighters and cigarettes behind because bags are inspected · Check the split opening hours, with a midday break · Choose a clear, cool day for the best visibility · Take a Yandex Go taxi, about 20,000-35,000 UZS from the centre
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Market
Chorsu Bazaar
Domed Old City market for spices, dried fruit, bread and produce
Alay (Oloy) Bazaar
Large local market with fruit, nuts and household goods
Religious Site
Khast Imam Complex (Hazrati Imam)
Mosque and madrasa precinct at the spiritual heart of the Old City
Center of Islamic Civilization
Museum and cultural complex beside Khast Imam
Historic Building
Kukeldash Madrasa
Large Old City madrasa near Chorsu
Barak Khan Madrasa
16th-century madrasa on the Khast Imam square with craft shops
Museum
Muyi Muborak Library Museum (Uthman Quran)
Rare manuscripts including the Uthman Quran
State Museum of Applied Arts
Uzbek textiles, ceramics and carvings in a historic house
State Museum of History of Uzbekistan
National history museum reopened in 2026 after renovation
State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan
Fine art and applied art collections
Amir Timur Museum
Domed museum on the life of Amir Timur
Museum of the Victims of Political Repression
Memorial museum on Soviet-era repression
Square
Amir Timur Square
Central square with the Timur statue and fountains
Independence Square and Ezgulik Arch
Ceremonial square and park with the Arch of Kindness
Park
Tashkent City Park and Planetarium
Landscaped park and planetarium in the Tashkent City district
Japanese Garden Tashkent
Landscaped garden with ponds and bridges
Landmark
Tashkent TV Tower
375-metre tower with an observation deck over the city
Performing Arts
Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre
Neoclassical theatre with opera and ballet evenings
Architecture
Kosmonavtlar Metro Station
Space-themed Soviet-era metro station
Street
Sayilgoh Street (Broadway)
Pedestrian street with cafes, artists and street performers
Memorial
Victory Park (Memorial Complex)
War memorial park with a museum
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Getting Around
- The metro covers most central sights; a card ride costs 2,500 UZS and a cash ride 3,000 UZS (about $0.20-0.25) since 1 October 2026. For taxis use the Yandex Go or MyTaxi apps, which show the fare in advance; most central rides cost 10,000-30,000 UZS (about $0.85-2.50).
- Tickets
- Museums often charge foreigners more than locals. Buy tickets at the desk or, for the Center of Islamic Civilization and the Opera, on iticket.uz or the official sites. Many state museums close on Mondays.
- Money And Hours
- The exchange rate is about 12,000 UZS per US dollar (October 2026). Carry cash in so'm for small museums, bazaars and taxis; larger venues accept cards.
- Emergency
- Call 112 from any phone for emergency services (102 police, 103 ambulance, 101 fire).
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Combine Chorsu Bazaar, Kukeldash Madrasa and Khast Imam in one morning, starting at Chorsu metro station at about 08:00.
Cover shoulders and knees at Khast Imam and other religious sites, and carry a scarf for mosque interiors.
Check museum days before going: many state museums close on Monday, and the History Museum recently reopened.
Pay in so'm; cards work at larger venues, but small museums and bazaars are cash-first.
Use Yandex Go or MyTaxi rather than hailing unmarked cars, so the fare is fixed in advance.
Do not photograph police, military sites, bridges or government buildings; ask before photographing people.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-see attractions in Tashkent?
The core sights are Chorsu Bazaar, the Khast Imam Complex with the Uthman Quran at the Muyi Muborak Library Museum, Kukeldash Madrasa, Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. The Kosmonavtlar metro station and the Tashkent TV Tower are popular additions.
How much does it cost to enter Tashkent's museums?
State museums usually charge foreign visitors roughly 30,000-100,000 UZS (about $2.50-8), with higher rates than for locals. Chorsu Bazaar, Amir Timur Square and Independence Square are free to enter. Many state museums close on Mondays, so check hours before going.
Can visitors enter the mosques and madrasas?
Yes, outside prayer times. Cover shoulders and knees, women should carry a headscarf for mosque interiors, and shoes come off before entering prayer rooms. The Khast Imam Square courtyards are open to visitors during the day.
How do I get between the sights?
The metro is the cheapest option at 2,500 UZS by card or 3,000 UZS in cash (about $0.20-0.25) and serves Chorsu, Amir Temur Khiyoni, Kosmonavtlar and Alisher Navoi stations. For other hops use Yandex Go or MyTaxi, where the fare is shown before the ride, typically 10,000-30,000 UZS (about $0.85-2.50).
What is the best time of day to visit Chorsu Bazaar?
Go early, between about 07:00 and 10:00, when the stalls are freshly stocked and the bread, spice and dried-fruit rows are lively but still comfortable. Carry cash in so'm and bargain politely at non-food stalls.
Is photography allowed at Tashkent attractions?
Photography is normally allowed at bazaars, squares and museum exteriors, and some museums sell a camera permit. Do not photograph police, military sites, bridges, government buildings or metro platforms where signs forbid it, and ask before photographing people.