Tashkent: TOP 20 attractions of the capital of Uzbekistan
Walking around the city, visiting ancient landmarks, and tasting the national cuisine, you begin to realize that tourists completely overlook this city without reason. We have explored every corner and gathered the most fascinating locations of the city for you.
«Old town»
Tashkent is symbolically divided into the Old and New City, and we recommend starting your exploration with its oldest part. The Old City is perfect for feeling the Eastern vibe and getting acquainted with the everyday life of the locals.
A special highlight of this historic district is the mahallas — traditional neighborhoods consisting of several houses sharing a large common courtyard. Visiting these courtyards is completely allowed. The people here are friendly and happy to interact with travelers, so there is nothing to fear.
Allow yourself to get lost in the narrow streets: listen to how life unfolds, rest under the spreading trees, and be sure to notice the preserved entrance gates here and there adorned with intricate carved ornaments.
A special highlight of this historic district is the mahallas — traditional neighborhoods consisting of several houses sharing a large common courtyard. Visiting these courtyards is completely allowed. The people here are friendly and happy to interact with travelers, so there is nothing to fear.
Allow yourself to get lost in the narrow streets: listen to how life unfolds, rest under the spreading trees, and be sure to notice the preserved entrance gates here and there adorned with intricate carved ornaments.
«Amir Timur Museum»
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Tashkent, visiting the Amir Timur Museum is a must during your trip.
After the country gained independence in 1991, a unique opportunity arose to revive its history, traditions, and values. One of the most impressive figures in Uzbekistan’s history was undoubtedly Timur ibn Taragay Barlas, best known in Europe as Timur, the conqueror and military leader. Timur lived in the 14th century and was driven by the desire to restore the Mongol Empire. He founded the Timurid dynasty, which ruled most of Central and Western Asia.
The museum opened in 1996 and today houses 5,000 artifacts documenting Timur’s activities. It attracts over 2 million visitors annually who appreciate exploring the region’s history and culture.
After the country gained independence in 1991, a unique opportunity arose to revive its history, traditions, and values. One of the most impressive figures in Uzbekistan’s history was undoubtedly Timur ibn Taragay Barlas, best known in Europe as Timur, the conqueror and military leader. Timur lived in the 14th century and was driven by the desire to restore the Mongol Empire. He founded the Timurid dynasty, which ruled most of Central and Western Asia.
The museum opened in 1996 and today houses 5,000 artifacts documenting Timur’s activities. It attracts over 2 million visitors annually who appreciate exploring the region’s history and culture.
«Tashkent Botanical Garden»
The Botanical Garden named after Academician F. N. Rusanov is a structural subdivision of the Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan.
Exploring this beautiful garden begins with a small pond where delicate pink lotuses bloom. From there, several alleys branch out, inevitably leading to the central square. Here, all park sectors converge, so you can start your walk from any climatic region, whether it be the flora of America, Europe, or Asia.
In addition to open areas, the garden features greenhouses, a conservatory, and a special nursery for medicinal herbs. These house numerous species of exotic plants from tropical and subtropical countries. Among the rare plants most well-known in Uzbekistan are metasequoia, ginkgo, magnolia, the tulip tree, Japanese quince, eremurus, swamp cypress, iris, and others.
Exploring this beautiful garden begins with a small pond where delicate pink lotuses bloom. From there, several alleys branch out, inevitably leading to the central square. Here, all park sectors converge, so you can start your walk from any climatic region, whether it be the flora of America, Europe, or Asia.
In addition to open areas, the garden features greenhouses, a conservatory, and a special nursery for medicinal herbs. These house numerous species of exotic plants from tropical and subtropical countries. Among the rare plants most well-known in Uzbekistan are metasequoia, ginkgo, magnolia, the tulip tree, Japanese quince, eremurus, swamp cypress, iris, and others.
«Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan»
The Applied Arts Museum has gathered a rich collection of handmade items, many of which date back to the Middle Ages. Visiting the museum will provide the best introduction to the artistic heritage.
Thousands of carpets, dresses, tubeteikas, ceramics, paintings, and household items are displayed in separate thematic halls and categorized by type and date of creation. Equally impressive is the manor house building itself, which has housed the museum for about 100 years. Intricate carvings, massive columns, and geometric ornament patterns combine elements of classicism and national Uzbek architectural traditions.
Thousands of carpets, dresses, tubeteikas, ceramics, paintings, and household items are displayed in separate thematic halls and categorized by type and date of creation. Equally impressive is the manor house building itself, which has housed the museum for about 100 years. Intricate carvings, massive columns, and geometric ornament patterns combine elements of classicism and national Uzbek architectural traditions.
«Alisher Navoi Theater»
The main theater is named after Alisher Navoi, an artist, poet, builder, and politician, who is a national hero.
The Alisher Navoi State Academic Grand Theater today is a premier venue for ballet and opera performances. The theater was built during World War II, with its official inauguration taking place in 1945. The building is adorned with Uzbek symbols.
The theater can accommodate 1,400 spectators at once. By the way, while inside, pay attention to the chandelier in the lobby – it weighs over 3 tons. In the center of the courtyard in front of the Opera Theater stands an octagonal fountain made of dark marble, whose contours resemble a traditional Uzbek pattern – this is also impressive.
The Alisher Navoi State Academic Grand Theater today is a premier venue for ballet and opera performances. The theater was built during World War II, with its official inauguration taking place in 1945. The building is adorned with Uzbek symbols.
The theater can accommodate 1,400 spectators at once. By the way, while inside, pay attention to the chandelier in the lobby – it weighs over 3 tons. In the center of the courtyard in front of the Opera Theater stands an octagonal fountain made of dark marble, whose contours resemble a traditional Uzbek pattern – this is also impressive.
«State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan»
The museum will tell you the history of the country, from ancient times to the present day. The large cube-shaped building with traditional Eastern carvings attracts attention from afar. The museum was built in 1970.
The museum's exhibition is spread over 4 floors: as you ascend, you will learn new facts about history in chronological order. Even visitors with little interest in history will find this museum useful, as it provides an overview of a long and complex past.
The museum's exhibition is spread over 4 floors: as you ascend, you will learn new facts about history in chronological order. Even visitors with little interest in history will find this museum useful, as it provides an overview of a long and complex past.
«Tashkent Broadway»
After you have immersed yourself in culture and history, we suggest heading to Broadway. Saylgok Street is a pedestrian zone connecting Independence Square with Amir Timur Square – this section is called Broadway.
Here you will find many trendy establishments, cafes, and shops. Street artists showcase their numerous treasures on Broadway, and tiny cafes offer countless culinary delights. Tashkent Broadway is another place where you can fully dive into the local atmosphere.
Here you will find many trendy establishments, cafes, and shops. Street artists showcase their numerous treasures on Broadway, and tiny cafes offer countless culinary delights. Tashkent Broadway is another place where you can fully dive into the local atmosphere.
«Big Chimgan»
A mountain range near Tashkent. Just a few hours' drive and you will be transported from the metropolis to the mountain expanses. In winter, you can ski and snowboard here, and in summer, go hiking.
One of the attractions of the suburban area is the Charvak Reservoir – a large and well-known body of water in the country. Uzbekistan has no access to the sea, so a reservoir of Charvak’s scale attracts interest not only from tourists but also from locals. Near the reservoir, you can take a cable car and enjoy stunning views of mountain gorges from a bird’s-eye perspective.
One of the attractions of the suburban area is the Charvak Reservoir – a large and well-known body of water in the country. Uzbekistan has no access to the sea, so a reservoir of Charvak’s scale attracts interest not only from tourists but also from locals. Near the reservoir, you can take a cable car and enjoy stunning views of mountain gorges from a bird’s-eye perspective.
«Chorsu Bazaar»
They say you shouldn't stare at the bazaar stalls for too long, as there is a risk of harming your eyes from the sheer amount of bright colors and patterns concentrated in one place.
Chorsu is a location full of Eastern charm and a paradise for food lovers. The market is over two thousand years old, and over that time, countless traders have passed through — from Indian merchants to Chinese. However, none of the old buildings remain; the market acquired its modern appearance in the early 1990s.
Under the blue dome are rows of shops where you can buy not only groceries but also unusual souvenirs. The highlight is the "voracious row" — an area selling national cuisine dishes — from flatbreads and sweets to meat and vegetables. So it’s best to come hungry: you’ll have a lot to try! And practice your bargaining skills: prices here are not fixed, and some goods can be purchased cheaply.
Chorsu is a location full of Eastern charm and a paradise for food lovers. The market is over two thousand years old, and over that time, countless traders have passed through — from Indian merchants to Chinese. However, none of the old buildings remain; the market acquired its modern appearance in the early 1990s.
Under the blue dome are rows of shops where you can buy not only groceries but also unusual souvenirs. The highlight is the "voracious row" — an area selling national cuisine dishes — from flatbreads and sweets to meat and vegetables. So it’s best to come hungry: you’ll have a lot to try! And practice your bargaining skills: prices here are not fixed, and some goods can be purchased cheaply.
«Kukeldash Madrasa»
The largest madrasa and one of the well-known historical monuments. The complex was built in the 16th century during the reign of the Shaybanid dynasty by a vizier close to the Tashkent sultans Barak Khan and Dervish Khan. The vizier was nicknamed "Kukeldash," which means "the khan's milk brother."
The complex is constructed of fired brick following the traditional madrasa layout: an inner courtyard surrounded by cells, with a darskhana (a room for lessons) and a mosque. The facade is adorned with an elegant entrance portal nearly 20 meters high, two-tiered balconies with characteristic corner towers. Remnants of ancient decoration remain on the facade. The madrasa’s windows feature special sun-protection grilles, in the patterns of which attentive visitors can discern woven names sacred to every Muslim – Allah and the Prophet Muhammad.
The complex is constructed of fired brick following the traditional madrasa layout: an inner courtyard surrounded by cells, with a darskhana (a room for lessons) and a mosque. The facade is adorned with an elegant entrance portal nearly 20 meters high, two-tiered balconies with characteristic corner towers. Remnants of ancient decoration remain on the facade. The madrasa’s windows feature special sun-protection grilles, in the patterns of which attentive visitors can discern woven names sacred to every Muslim – Allah and the Prophet Muhammad.
«Tashkent Metro»
One of the most luxurious and richly decorated metro systems in the world, comparable perhaps only to Stockholm’s. Descend underground, and you won’t believe your eyes! Majestic palaces adorned with hundreds of ornaments and patterns; painted walls, ceilings, and columns; mosaic frescoes, original lighting fixtures, and intricate floor tile designs – all hidden within the Tashkent metro!
The metro system has 50 stations. Each station is designed in a unique thematic style dedicated to aspects of Uzbek life, key industries, and achievements. The most famous and vividly decorated stations are Kosmonavtlar, Mustaqillik Maydoni, Pakhtakor, Aibek, Beruni, and Toshkent.
The metro system has 50 stations. Each station is designed in a unique thematic style dedicated to aspects of Uzbek life, key industries, and achievements. The most famous and vividly decorated stations are Kosmonavtlar, Mustaqillik Maydoni, Pakhtakor, Aibek, Beruni, and Toshkent.
«Independence Square» (Mustaqillik)
During the Soviet era, Independence Square was called Lenin Square, and as usual, a monument to Lenin stood in the center. In the late 1990s, the statue was removed, and a monument to independence and humanism was placed on its pedestal — a huge globe featuring a stylized map of Uzbekistan. Shortly after, at the base, a sculpture of a mother with a child was installed, symbolizing the homeland and a bright future.
By the way, the fountains along the square originally served not only a decorative purpose. They were also used to cool the government building located in the center of the square.
This is a great place to slow down, escape the summer heat, and splash around joyfully under the water jets. And most importantly — do so with the permission of the local authorities, as since the 2021 renovation, walking on the fountain’s bottom is allowed.
By the way, the fountains along the square originally served not only a decorative purpose. They were also used to cool the government building located in the center of the square.
This is a great place to slow down, escape the summer heat, and splash around joyfully under the water jets. And most importantly — do so with the permission of the local authorities, as since the 2021 renovation, walking on the fountain’s bottom is allowed.
«Minor Mosque»
In the new part of Tashkent stands one of the city’s newest landmarks – the Minor Mosque. It was opened on October 1, 2014, on the eve of the sacred Muslim holiday of Kurban Hayit, and immediately became one of the favorite places for locals to take evening strolls.
Construction began in the summer of 2013 and was carried out in the finest traditions of Eastern architecture. At the same time, the mosque differs from ancient brick mosques by its white marble finish. On a clear day, it shines entirely, and its blue dome seems to dissolve into the sky. It has a capacity of over 2,400 people. The sanctuary is divided into an open front section with terraces and a huge round hall with a gilded mihrab, decorated with inscriptions from the Quran.
Construction began in the summer of 2013 and was carried out in the finest traditions of Eastern architecture. At the same time, the mosque differs from ancient brick mosques by its white marble finish. On a clear day, it shines entirely, and its blue dome seems to dissolve into the sky. It has a capacity of over 2,400 people. The sanctuary is divided into an open front section with terraces and a huge round hall with a gilded mihrab, decorated with inscriptions from the Quran.
«TV Tower»
Tashkent boasts the tallest TV tower in Central Asia and one of the tallest in the world. It was constructed in 1985. The tower combines modern and classical Uzbek elements, such as intricate metal oriental decorations.
On its upper floors, there are two restaurants where guests can enjoy culinary masterpieces and admire panoramic views of the city from above. One restaurant features a classic Uzbek style, while the other offers a more contemporary European ambiance. In any case, you can simply ascend to the top: the observation deck provides a magnificent view of the city.
On its upper floors, there are two restaurants where guests can enjoy culinary masterpieces and admire panoramic views of the city from above. One restaurant features a classic Uzbek style, while the other offers a more contemporary European ambiance. In any case, you can simply ascend to the top: the observation deck provides a magnificent view of the city.
«Besh Qozon»
One of the well-known establishments is the Central Asian Plov Center. Those who want not only to taste but also to learn all the nuances of Uzbek cuisine must definitely visit this place.
Plov is a popular national dish of Uzbekistan. At the Plov Center, you can watch chefs cooking in huge cauldrons over an open flame, and of course, you can order a portion right there.
Plov is a popular national dish of Uzbekistan. At the Plov Center, you can watch chefs cooking in huge cauldrons over an open flame, and of course, you can order a portion right there.
«Japanese Garden»
One of the beautiful places to relax in nature and enjoy the lush greenery of trees and grass is the Japanese Garden. This place was opened in 2001 with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan and has since become beloved by both residents and visitors of the capital.
At the center lies a lake, which acts like a magnet attracting visitors to the garden. What could be more soothing than sitting on the shore and gazing into the water’s mirror? Feeding the ducks and watching the swans dance? The pride of the garden is the tea house, which guests should definitely visit. In front of the tea house stands a traditional Japanese drum. You need to touch and spin it. The Japanese believe this ritual brings a person closer to God.
At the center lies a lake, which acts like a magnet attracting visitors to the garden. What could be more soothing than sitting on the shore and gazing into the water’s mirror? Feeding the ducks and watching the swans dance? The pride of the garden is the tea house, which guests should definitely visit. In front of the tea house stands a traditional Japanese drum. You need to touch and spin it. The Japanese believe this ritual brings a person closer to God.
«Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus»
The Roman Catholic Church, built in 1902, stands out against the backdrop of the Uzbek capital both in scale and architecture.
Upon seeing the church, you might briefly feel as if you are, for example, in France — the spacious vestibule, symmetrical garden, and church delight the eye, while the colorful stained-glass windows shine especially brightly in the rays of the afternoon sun. The Gothic style is unusual for the region.
Upon seeing the church, you might briefly feel as if you are, for example, in France — the spacious vestibule, symmetrical garden, and church delight the eye, while the colorful stained-glass windows shine especially brightly in the rays of the afternoon sun. The Gothic style is unusual for the region.
«Memorial Complex to the Victims of Repression»
The Memorial Complex dedicated to the victims of repression (the only one in all of Central Asia) was opened in 2002. The complex consists of two buildings devoted to the victims of Stalinist repressions, as well as a park and a rotunda with a memorial stone.
Inscribed on the memorial stone in three languages is the phrase: “The memory of those who died for their country will live forever.” The museum was inaugurated near the monument on August 31, 2002. The interior is designed in an Eastern style and adorned with national ornamentation. The museum exhibitions feature documents, photographs, and, most importantly, the stories of people who sacrificed their lives for the state.
Inscribed on the memorial stone in three languages is the phrase: “The memory of those who died for their country will live forever.” The museum was inaugurated near the monument on August 31, 2002. The interior is designed in an Eastern style and adorned with national ornamentation. The museum exhibitions feature documents, photographs, and, most importantly, the stories of people who sacrificed their lives for the state.
«Ming Ugrik Museum»
One of the fascinating museums in the capital of Uzbekistan is the Ming Ugrik Museum – an ancient settlement in the city center covering 35 hectares.
It was once a fortress of Turkic rulers. The settlement dates back to the beginning of the 1st century AD but was discovered at the end of the 19th century. Today, you can explore the ruins of old Tashkent and see pottery and Bronze Age jewelry.
We assure you that visiting this historical monument will delight both adults and children.
It was once a fortress of Turkic rulers. The settlement dates back to the beginning of the 1st century AD but was discovered at the end of the 19th century. Today, you can explore the ruins of old Tashkent and see pottery and Bronze Age jewelry.
We assure you that visiting this historical monument will delight both adults and children.
«Marble River Gorge»
Taroko Gorge is one of the beautiful natural locations in the surroundings. It’s worth visiting for the waterfall.
You can capture great photos as a memento here. A pleasant bonus is the specially created pools for bathing in the river.
You can capture great photos as a memento here. A pleasant bonus is the specially created pools for bathing in the river.