Attractions of Uzbekistan
In Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, exquisite minarets, vibrant mosque domes, fortresses steeped in history, majestic madrasahs, and mausoleums await you. But that's not all! Uzbekistan, bathed in vivid colors, is renowned for its oriental bazaars and breathtaking natural landscapes. And you won’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy these beauties.
Listing all the attractions is no easy task—there are so many! Here you will find historic city districts, fascinating museums, modern parks and recreational areas, as well as majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and deserts. The exposed seabed of the Aral Sea, although continuing to dry up, is still four times larger than the Dead Sea. While it’s impossible to see everything at once, we have prepared a main list for you. Presenting the TOP 35 key attractions with names, photos, and descriptions. We are confident these places will leave you with unforgettable impressions!
Listing all the attractions is no easy task—there are so many! Here you will find historic city districts, fascinating museums, modern parks and recreational areas, as well as majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and deserts. The exposed seabed of the Aral Sea, although continuing to dry up, is still four times larger than the Dead Sea. While it’s impossible to see everything at once, we have prepared a main list for you. Presenting the TOP 35 key attractions with names, photos, and descriptions. We are confident these places will leave you with unforgettable impressions!
Tashkent
The capital ranks among the five largest cities in the CIS. This unique city is distinguished by a harmonious blend of modern architecture and historical landmarks reflecting various eras — from Zoroastrianism to the late 19th century. In the mornings, traditional Eastern markets come alive, offering a vast variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, fragrant flatbreads, and samsa pastries. Dense alleys and parks with fountains provide cool relief during the summer heat, while theaters, museums, and tours offer engaging options for cultural leisure. Which places in the capital are a must-visit?
Hazrati Imam
This religious complex is a symbol of Tashkent and often serves as the starting point for exploring the city. It is also the only architectural monument in the capital included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Most other historic buildings were destroyed during the severe earthquake of 1966. The oldest part of the complex, the Hazrati Imam mausoleum, was built in the 10th century in honor of a revered preacher. In the 16th century, the complex was expanded and its appearance became more modern. New mosques were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the latest one built in 2007.
Kukeldash Madrasah
In the Middle Ages, madrasahs served as key scientific and cultural institutions in the Islamic world. Their structure became a model for the establishment of universities in Europe. Madrasahs taught not only religious disciplines but also subjects such as history, philosophy, astronomy, medicine, and art. One of the largest madrasahs in Tashkent is Kukeldash, built in the 16th century. Although it was damaged by earthquakes in the 19th century, it was restored in the mid-20th century. There is also a madrasah with the same name in Bukhara, and they should be distinguished from each other.
State Museum of Timurid History
This museum is dedicated to the famous conqueror Tamerlane and his lineage. Although the building was constructed less than thirty years ago, its architectural style reflects the era of this outstanding military leader’s reign. The unique circular structure with an impressive dome is adorned inside with marble, gilding, and frescoes that depict the history of the state. The museum houses over 5,000 exhibits, including rare works of art, ancient weapons and armor, jewelry, musical instruments, historical manuscripts, coins, and much more. Many of these items have preserved their original appearance despite the passage of 600 years.
Museum of the History of Uzbekistan
This museum, the oldest in Central Asia, is a must-visit. Here you will find a diverse collection of everyday items and works of art that vividly represent the region's history from the Paleolithic era to the present day. The museum's collection comprises 250,000 exhibits, but the exhibition features the 10,000 most interesting items. The gift shop offers ceramics, exquisite textiles, miniatures, and many other fascinating products for purchase.
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The main Catholic cathedral, built in the neo-Gothic style, stands out distinctly against the traditional architecture of the region. It resembles European cathedrals: majestic, tall, and with a slight aura of somberness, adorned with stained glass windows and equipped with a 26-voice pipe organ. Sunday services are held in four languages, including Russian and Uzbek.
Assumption Cathedral
A small church once stood on the site of the Orthodox Cathedral, which was later transformed into a magnificent building in the classical architectural style. During wartime, the cathedral faced severe trials, but it was subsequently restored and renovated. The five-tiered bell tower majestically rises above the neighboring structures. Thanks to its white and blue finish and elegant design, this building appears light and as if floating in the air.
Amir Timur Square
This green square, located in the heart of the capital, is an oasis featuring fountains, flower beds, cozy benches, cafes, and shops where you can buy souvenirs. From this park, the main avenues and streets fan out, some of which follow the routes of the ancient Silk Road caravan paths. At the center of the park stands the famous monument to Amir Timur (Tamerlane), which has become one of the capital’s main attractions. Surrounding the square are many well-known buildings with beautiful architecture, such as the Timurid History Museum, the Uzbekistan Hotel, and Tashkent State University of Law.
Navruz Park
Themed park, which opened its doors just a few years ago, continues to retain its appeal. "Navruz" — named after one of Central Asia’s main holidays — features the tallest Ferris wheel in the country, reaching 72 meters in height. From this wheel, visitors can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city’s central districts. In the center of the park is a spacious amphitheater where various concerts and shows are held, while the rest of the area hosts an ethnographic village that allows visitors to explore the architectural features and traditions of different regions of the country. Here, guests can learn about the cultural heritage and lifestyle of Central Asians.
Tashkent TV Tower
The Tashkent TV Tower reaches a height of 375 meters, and its spire is visible from anywhere in the capital. It is the tallest structure in Central Asia. At nearly 100 meters, there is an observation deck offering stunning views of the city. You can reach it by high-speed elevator. Slightly above is a revolving restaurant with panoramic windows, where you can enjoy magnificent landscapes in a cozy atmosphere. On the ground floor, there is an exhibition hall featuring numerous models of famous towers from around the world.
Attractions of Samarkand
If you have the opportunity to visit only one city, consider Samarkand instead of the capital. This ancient city, existing for over 2700 years, is considered one of the most fascinating places in Uzbekistan. It is home to many outstanding national landmarks. In the past, it was an important center of the Sogdian state and later the capital of Timur's empire. Its numerous historical monuments, scattered throughout the city, are protected by UNESCO and attract tourists from around the world. This city is not only rich in unique architectural structures but also in cultural heritage.
Registan Square
This square has six centuries of history and has served as the center of public life in Samarkand throughout this time. Many buildings have preserved their original appearance since their construction. Registan is an outstanding example of traditional Islamic architecture and one of the most famous landmarks in Central Asia. Notably, the complex consists of three madrasahs with bright azure domes. One of these educational institutions’ minarets features an observation deck offering magnificent views. Exploring all the interesting sites on the square takes about half a day. Registan is known not only for its architecture but also for the cultural events regularly held here.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
This majestic mosque is the largest in Central Asia. Its construction was completed at the beginning of the 15th century, marking the triumphant campaign of Khan Tamerlane in India. In the mid-20th century, a major restoration was carried out, which restored the mosque to its original beauty. Today, this building delights the eye with its magnificent architecture and intricate ornaments. The mosque is not only a historical monument but also an important cultural landmark of the region.
Shakhi Zinda
This museum is dedicated to the great conqueror Tamerlane and his dynasty. It was built less than three decades ago, but its architectural style successfully conveys the atmosphere of the ruler’s military era. The oval structure with a majestic dome is adorned inside with elegant marble, gold leaf, and frescoes that narrate the history of the state. Today, the museum houses over 5,000 exhibits, including ancient works of art, weapons and armor, jewelry, musical instruments, manuscripts, coins, and many other items. Many of these have preserved their original appearance and value despite the passage of 600 years. The museum is an important cultural center, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.
Afrasiab Settlement
The Shakhi Zinda complex is located near one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The Afrasiab settlement represents the ruins of ancient Samarkand dating back to the pre-Mongol period. On the attractions map, it is outlined by a semicircle surrounding modern Samarkand from the north. Settlement of this area began in the 7th century BCE, and in 1220 it was destroyed by Genghis Khan. In the following years, new buildings were constructed not on the ancient hills but nearby, which opened opportunities for archaeologists to conduct excavations over an area of more than 200 hectares.
Khodja Doniyor Mausoleum
Another majestic mausoleum, according to legend, holds the relics of the Prophet Daniel. This site attracts thousands of pilgrims from different religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The structure is situated on a high hill, offering a picturesque view of the Siab River. It is believed that the nearby spring has healing properties and draws people seeking spiritual and physical renewal.
Observatory of Ulugbek
Ulugh Beg, the grandson of the great Tamerlane, became a prominent figure in the science of his time. During his reign in Samarkand, he founded a renowned observatory, which was a massive three-story building and the largest in the medieval Islamic world. Numerous discoveries were made here that influenced astronomy in countries such as Europe, China, and India. One of the most significant artifacts preserved to this day is an underground sextant with a diameter of 40 meters. Using it, astronomers measured the height of celestial bodies above the horizon. Opposite the observatory is a museum dedicated to the life and achievements of Ulugh Beg. This museum houses many artifacts and information about the legacy of this outstanding scholar.
Attractions of Bukhara
Bukhara is one of the oldest cities in Central Uzbekistan and was also an important stop on the Great Silk Road. Founded about 2,500 years ago, this city is full of historic architectural monuments that can be found at nearly every turn. Many tourists, when choosing which cities to visit, prefer Bukhara. It has car-free streets that create a medieval atmosphere and immerse visitors in the ambiance of one of the centers of the Muslim world with its majestic mosques and madrasahs.
Lyabi-Hauz
In the center of Bukhara lies the octagonal square — Lyabi-Hauz, with all roads leading to this picturesque pond. It is a beautiful pool with a fountain, surrounded by remarkable architectural monuments. The square is filled with greenery and cozy spots with benches, perfect for spending time comfortably in the heat. Additionally, there are cafes, souvenir shops, and market stalls, making this place ideal for relaxation and shopping.
Ark Citadel
The Ark Fortress was built approximately 2,500 years ago and served as the residence of the rulers of Bukhara until the early 20th century. In this walled royal town lived such outstanding figures as Avicenna, Omar Khayyam, Ferdowsi, and many other famous poets and scholars. In the early 20th century, the interior of the citadel was damaged by bombings from the Red Army, but many architectural elements survived. Today, the preserved royal chambers house an architectural and art museum featuring various exhibits that tell the history of this remarkable place.
Bolo-Hauz Complex
Opposite the Ark Citadel lies a magnificent architectural ensemble built in the early 18th century. Here you will find an artificially created pond, a mosque, and a minaret. The elegant mosque is adorned with twenty exquisite columns crafted with great skill. In the past, the minaret had a slight tilt, reminiscent of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa; however, it was straightened and reinforced in later times.
Chor-Minor
Just a 15-minute walk from the center of Bukhara is one of the city's well-known landmarks, called the "Four Minarets." This name reflects the number of towers at the corners of the structure and symbolizes the four directions of light or the four key religions of the region: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism. The elegant and balanced building was constructed in the 18th century and once formed part of a large madrasa, which unfortunately has not survived to the present day. This architectural gem attracts many tourists with its beauty and historical significance.
Poi-Kalyan Architectural Ensemble
This architectural complex is often seen on tourist postcards. It includes two madrasahs located opposite each other, as well as a Friday mosque over 500 years old, and a minaret built in the 12th century. This minaret is the tallest structure in Bukhara. Inside, there are 105 steps, and at the top is an observation deck offering a magnificent view of the city from a height of about 50 meters.
Samanid Mausoleum
In the northwest district of Bukhara lies the Samanid Park, which offers both ponds and a variety of attractions. Within its grounds is an ancient cemetery, home to a mausoleum built at the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries. This building is not adorned with shining mosaics or golden decorations; however, its ancient craftsmen created impressive openwork patterns from burnt brick. The mausoleum has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Additionally, this park is a popular spot for tourists wishing to immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere of Bukhara.
Attractions of Khiva
Khiva is the only city where a medieval district has been preserved, looking like something out of an Eastern fairy tale. The historic part of Khiva is full of architectural monuments, and local residents continue to live here. This district is called Itchan Kala, which translates as "inner city." It takes only ten minutes to walk from the Eastern to the Western gates, but exploring the local architecture and atmosphere can take hours. In one of the cozy courtyards is the stone well of Heyvak, around which, according to legends, the history of the city of Khiva began long ago.
Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa
The largest madrasa in all of Central Asia was built in the 18th century and once accommodated up to 260 students. Later, it housed a Muslim court, and during the Soviet era, it served as a prison. Today, a hotel operates in this historic building. It is a great place to stay in Itchan-Kala. Guests can leisurely admire the symmetrical architecture of the madrasa, the arched vaults, carved doors, and towers with domes.
Kalta-Minor Minaret
This low but impressive tower was built simultaneously with the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa — both historic landmarks are located in close proximity to each other. The ruler of Khiva intended to construct a grand minaret 70 or even 80 meters tall. However, during construction, he tragically died in battle against the Persians, and all funds allocated for the project had to be redirected to military needs. The plan to complete the minaret was never realized, and to make the 29-meter structure look neater and more attractive, the best craftsmen were engaged to decorate it with magnificent majolica tiles that sparkle in the sun.
Kunya-Ark Citadel
In the historic center of Khiva stands a fortress surrounded by massive walls, whose construction took place from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The entrance to the fortress is located opposite the Kalta-Minor. Over time, many buildings inside the citadel have been preserved. Among them are a tall bastion offering panoramic views of the city, a mint with an engaging exhibition, the khan’s harem, and the throne hall, all of which create an atmosphere of the former grandeur of this historic fortress.
Islam Khoja
The architectural complex, over a hundred years old and inspired by 11th-12th century models, was built in honor of the reformer vizier who introduced medicine and education to Itchan-Kala. The complex's special pride is the 60-meter minaret adorned with golden-blue tiles, next to which stands a small madrasa. Previously, the minaret served as a landmark for travelers, and today its observation deck offers a picturesque view of the surroundings.
Tash-Khauli Palace
An outstanding 19th-century architectural monument, known as the "Stone Palace," served as the residence of the Khivan ruler. After recent restoration, the building once again amazes tourists with its former grandeur. The architectural complex includes the luxurious chambers of the khans, a harem, a leather court, and a hall for receiving honored guests, providing a unique opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of the region.
Juma Mosque (Khiva)
In the central part of Itchan-Kala is a unique Friday mosque, distinguished by architecture atypical for such buildings — without domes and arches. Built about a thousand years ago, it was renovated at the end of the 18th century. This is a single-story structure, whose roof is supported by 200 exquisite wooden columns, each 5 meters tall. Some of these columns date back to the 9th–12th centuries. Inside the mosque, there is a constant semi-darkness, as light enters only through three small openings in the ceiling.