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Tashkent (Uzbek: Toshkent or Тошкент; Russian: Ташкент) is the capital, and largest city of Uzbekistan. It is an ancient city on the Great Silk Road from China to Europe. Once the fourth-largest city in the Soviet Union, Tashkent was rebuilt in a Soviet style after the devastating 1966 earthquake, and little remains from its ancient Central Asian past. Since the start of the millennium the Uzbek government has embarked on a major reconstruction program in the centre of the city. Roads, government buildings and parks have all been reconstructed (many historical buildings and sites were bulldozed in the process). To the visitor, the new city looks very impressive with its wide avenues, parks and modern buildings, although many of the local residents have yet to see any improvement in their residential areas.

Understand

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The city has a mixture of modern new office buildings, hotels, parks, and crumbling Soviet-style apartment blocks. The streets are generally clean and there are not too many potholes in the city centre. Further out, the infrastructure is not so good.

Tashkent has a population of 2.6 million people (2020).

Climate

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Tashkent has a typical continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best seasons for travel to Tashkent are Apr-May and Sep-Oct.

Tashkent
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Talk

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Although Uzbek is now the official language, Russian is the native language for most Tashkent dwellers, although most also speak Uzbek. Most businesses use Russian in their signs, menus, and other printed material. Only government institutions use Uzbek as the first language, and even then, many government forms and reports are in Russian, rather than Uzbek. Uzbek now uses the Latin alphabet rather than the Cyrillic that was used during the Soviet Union. This is a source of some confusion for many Uzbeks, especially those of the older generation. Shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union and Uzbek independence in 1991, the written Uzbek language was converted back into Latin characters. Many older Uzbeks have difficulty reading the Latin characters. Uzbek is a Turkic-based language, and while Uzbeks and Turks cannot completely communicate directly, the better educated on both sides can usually find some common understanding.

Many of the signs in Tashkent are in Cyrillic. A significant number of Russian words are similar to their English counterparts. Learning the Cyrillic alphabet, not as difficult as one might think, will help a traveller to read signs and in restaurants. It is very useful for the casual visitor to Tashkent to learn a few basic Russian or Uzbek words and phrases. If you need to speak English, young people are your best bet, and even then there is no guarantee that they will speak more than basic English.

The name Tashkent is usually attributed to the Turkish word "tash" ("stone") and the Persian word "kent" ("city"), meaning "city of stones". Another opinion refers to the Sogdian word "tschatsch", meaning "place on a hill".

Get in

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By plane

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  • 1 Tashkent International Airport (Yuzhniy (TAS  IATA), Uzbek: Toshkent Xalqaro Aeroporti), Sergeli District (Located: just a few kilometres south from the city centre.), ☏ +998 71 1402801, +998 71 1402802, +998 71 1402803, +998 71 1402804, . The airport has two terminals, domestic (Terminal 3) and international (Terminal 2) on opposite sides of the airfield. The only way to get from one to the other is by road, a 10-minute taxi ride. Unusually for an international airport serving a capital city, as of July 2020 the airport has no official website. Tashkent International Airport (Q860952) on Wikidata Tashkent International Airport on Wikipedia 

Flights: Aeroflot Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, Saint Petersburg, Turkish Airlines Daily flights from Istanbul, Air Baltic, Czech Airlines[dead link], Iran Air[dead link], Korean Air Seoul, Uzbekistan Airways

Airport formalities

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A new/upgraded airport terminal was opened in 2018 and with that, many of the past problems disappeared. Arrival and departure procedures now are more close to what you would find in any other capital city.

From airport

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A short and inexpensive (US$2–3) taxi journey is the easiest way to get to the city centre. You will be approached by numerous people offering "taxi" services both inside and outside the airport. For the most part, these are not "official" taxis. "Taxi" drivers will attempt to charge whatever they believe the market will bear. For those without Russian or Uzbek language skills, it is best to arrange to have someone meet you at the airport. Fair fares are usually only obtainable by those who understand the system and speak at least some Russian or Uzbek. It is better to walk 50 m from the exit towards the taxi stand where taxis are waiting on the road and negotiate. Generally prevailing fare is minimum US$2-3 for 5 km (20 cents per each additional km). Always negotiate. Taxi drivers will rarely accept small bills (dollars, euros, or pounds), and cannot be counted upon to give change (in any currency).

To catch a bus from the international terminal, walk straight out, past the parking lot and veer left. The bus stops are just before the main road. Buses run from 6am until midnight. Buses 62 and 95 head for the city. Bus 40 goes to the train station. Bus 67 goes to Oybek metro and then on to the central square. Fares are 1400 Som; sometimes you pay the driver when exiting, sometimes a collector comes around for your money.

By train

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The central hub for trains in Uzbekistan with most domestic trains ending or start in Tashkent. The most attractive connections are to Samarkand with the super fast Afrosiob train and the Sharq which continues to Bukhara. For Khiva and Termez there are night trains with comfortable sleeping berths. Make sure that you buy ticket a few days in advance or arrive at least 1 hour before train departure, as the queue for ticket office is often long and chaotic with people jumping the queue. For domestic departure times see the Uzbekistan#Get around section.

Tashkent is also a key stopping point for rail services from Central Asia. It is possible to travel from Dushanbe in Tajikistan, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Almaty in Kazakhstan, and Moscow. It is possible to travel from China through Almaty and from Iran. Ticket prices are cheap by Western standards, but will need to be paid for in cash, preferably in US dollars. There are many warnings about thefts of personal belongings on the trains.

  • Train 6 leaves Moscow on M W F at 23:16, arriving at Tashkent on Sa Tu Th at 21:00
  • Train 486 leaves Chelyabinsk on Su at 23:50, arriving at Tashkent on W at 00:45.

There are two train stations in Tashkent. 'Vokzal' is the name in Russian for station.

The 2 Tashkent Railway Station (Toshkent Vokzal) (Severny Vokzal, ТАШКЕНТ, ТАШКЕНТ Ц, ТАШКЕНТ ПАСС ЦЕНТР), Kichik Xalqa Yo'li (Metro station "Toshkent"). Formerly the Severnay Vokzal or Severny Vokzal (North station), it is located south of the centre at the end of Shevchenko street. For many years it was the main station for all services to or from Tashkent. It is now used for the Afrosiyob service to Samarkand and Bukhara. It is a grand, blue-windowed structure dating to the early 1980s. You’ll need photo ID to pass through the two security checkpoints to get into the grounds and then into the station. There are a few snack bars inside once you're through. It is served by Tashkent metro station on the blue Uzbekistan Line. Attempting to buy the ticket is likely to be the most stressful part of your rail journey, but it’s always busy: try to get it elsewhere if you can. There are two ticket booths: one inside the main station to the right as you enter, and a second in the foreigners' ticket office behind the station. Sadly, the latter is often closed. You will need your passport to buy a train ticket and it is helpful if you write down both your destination and the six-digit date you wish to travel so as to avoid confusion. To be on the safe side, you should try and get there 30 min before departure; sometimes a big queue forms at the different security checks. There are no banking services inside the railway station; the nearest bank is either across from the station on the corner with Shevshenko street, or on Amir Timur street, just past the bridge. You can find some stolovaya food upstairs in the train station if you are desperate. 24/7 luggage storage is available. To get to/from the train station, you can take the metro, a city bus from the big bus stop to one side of the train station, or a taxi. Tashkent Railway Station (Q12823615) on Wikidata 

The 3 South Station (Janubiy Vokzal) (ТАШКЕНТ ЮЖНЫЙ, ТАШКЕНТ ЮЖ) (Metro station "Chilonzor"). This station which is often written as 'Yuzhnyy' or 'Yuzhniy' is located southwest of the city centre on Isman Nasir Street. Disused for 25 years it reopened in April 2018 after being refurbished and is now used for the sleeper services from Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench and Khiva. From/to the station there are quite a number of bus lines running either to the city or to the closest metro station. Be careful that the nearest metro station "Chilonzor" is still a 3.4 km walk from the station - if you come by metro you will need to then hop on one of the frequent buses with Janubiy Vokzal displayed on the front. (updated Jun 2023)

By bus

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Until late 2018, international buses to and from Uzbekistan were unpredictable and unreliable. However, the easing of travel restrictions in 2019 appears to have brought with it more tourist-friendly updates to the bus network and it is now possible to take buses directly from Uzbek cities to cities in neighbouring countries, (rather than having to switch buses at border control) on certain routes, such as Tashkent-Shymkent. Others are still only served by shared taxis and marshrutkas; these tend to be slower as the vehicles aren't licenced and consequently border checks take longer.

  • 4 Tashkent Bus Station (Avtovokzal), Bunyodkor shoh kochasi and Gavhar kochasi corner (Metro station "Sobir Raximov"). Buses usually are very full and advance purchase of tickets is recommended. Tickets are sold to foreigners at Movarunahr Kochasi 51, daily from 08:00-17:00. Buses arrive here to Bokhara (11 hr, US$8), Samarkand (6 hr, US$5), and Urgench/Khiva (20 hr, US$12) (2009). 

A marshrutka is a small bus or van which follows a fixed route and stops on demand to take on or drop off passengers. As of 2009, marshrutkas from: Andijan (6 hr, US$5), Bokhara (8 hr, US$6), to Ferghana (6 hr US$4), to Kokand (3 hr, US$3), Samarkand (4 hr, US$4), and Termez (10 hr US$8). Timetable [formerly dead link]

By taxi

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  • 5 Stand for Shared taxis to Samarkand and south (big highway junction close to Metro station Olmazar (Алмазар), right next to Tashkent Bus Station). Lines to: Samarkand (3 hr, US$8), Bokhara (7 hr, US$13), Termez (10 hr, US$15), Urgench or Khiva (14 hr, US$25). 
  • 6 Stand for Taxis to Fergana Valley (Kuyluk Bazar). Taxis to Fergana Valley leave from here and from the Northern Station. To Andijan (5 hr, US$8) also for Osh, Ferghana (4 hr, US$8), Kokand (3 hr, US$6). 

By car

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There are road routes from surrounding countries but the borders may not be open and there have been security problems. The border from Afghanistan is sometimes closed or not open to Uzbek nationals. You have to walk at least 4 km to cross the border on foot from the Uzbek checkpoint to the Afghan checkpoint.

The Cherniaevka crossing from Kazakhstan near Saryagash. Allow 1-2 hours to get through, especially from the Uzbek side. OK, but long, long queues. Take the left line at Uzbek customs. They want you to declare any mobile phones as communications devices.

From Kyrgyzstan, the Dostlik post 30km from Andijan is open from 09:00-18:00. From Tajikistan Oiybek Post, 80 km from Tashkent, is open for foreigners from 09:00-18:00. Tursanzade Post, 60 km from Dushanbe Tajikistan, is open for foreigners and locals 180 km from Termez. Chorzhu Post on the border of Turkmenistan, 30 km from Bukhara, is also open to foreigners and locals.

Distances from Tashkent by road: Almaty in Kazakhstan 810 km, Ashgabat in Turkmenistan 1,290 km, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan 570 km, Kashgar in China 880 km, Andijan 392 km, Bokhara 600 km, Ferghana 325 km, Karshi 430 km, Khiva 1,045 km, Kokand 236 km, Nukus 1,115 km, Samarkand 295 km, Termez 705 km, Urgench 1,020 km.

Get around

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By metro

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Tashkent metro 2019

The city has a good public transport system which is cheap. The metro/underground system is typical of the old Soviet-style with large and impressive stations and is quite modern. Stations are richly themed. For example, Kosmonavtlar is a lavish monument to Uzbekistan's contribution to the Soviet space programme.

Since June 2018 the metro is not considered as military installations and therefore it is now permitted to take photographs in the metro stations.

In all cases do have documents while you are taking the metro (or anywhere in the city), for you can be checked any time by the police.

Tashkent Metro has four lines:

  • Chilonzor (Red line) from Janubiy to Turkistan.
  • Uzbekistan (Blue line) from Beruniy to Chkalov.
  • Yunus-Obod (Green line) from Sabir Rakhimov to Buyuk Ipak Yuli.
  • Circle Line from Tekhnopark to Quruvchilar.

Trains depart ever 3-10 minutes. A paper ticket with a QR-code is 2000 som from the cashier at the stations. You can also pay your fare by tapping your Visa or Mastercard on the turnstile. Atto-cards are available for purchase from the cashier for frequent travelers, valid on the Metro and buses. The fare if you use your credit card or the Atto-card, is 1700 som, as of 2023.

By bus

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There are also modern buses (green). The tram service was closed down in 2016, with the lines being converted to wider roads. The fare on the bus, if paid by cash is 2000 som. You may also tap your Visa/Mastercard/Atto-card on a card reader near any door. In this case, the fare is 1700 som. Contrary to many western cities, you are not required to tap your card immediately after boarding. If there is a conductor, he will ask you to tap the card in front of him, or tap the card for you. If there is no conductor, tap the card when you exit the bus. In case you feel uncomfortable "riding without a ticket", you can alternatively tap when entering and indicate that you already tapped if a conductor carries out checks. This might seem strange to foreigners, but it's based on the Uzbek culture of honesty and trust, so please don't abuse it.

Marshrutkas also operate around the city but are more expensive, around 2500-3000 som is a normal fare. Routes and schedules can be found from Easyway journey planner.

By taxi

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Official taxis should be ordered in advance at the hotel reception, they are metered and issue receipts from a machine. As of March 2018, the rate was 6,000 som per km.

While there are official, authorized taxis (with the appropriate sign on the roof of the car), in reality almost any driver in Tashkent can double as a taxi driver. The local custom is to simply stand by the side of the road with your arm extended downward and slightly away from the body. A driver will pull over and then you will state your destination and ask the fare in advance. There is a common agreement on the prices, so real negotiation will be rarely be necessary or successful, only at night some drivers ask twice the usual fare. Getting from the center to the airport should be around 15,000 som, a city trip of 3 km or more around 8,000 som (March 2018).

At least some Russian or Uzbek language skills are needed to accomplish this without difficulty. It is usually safe to use this procedure, although virtually every foreign embassy recommends against it. Directions are rarely given here using an address. Most often, a landmark is used, such as "near Hotel Russia". Moreover, many streets and hotels have been renamed in the past few years and often drivers will not recognize the current name of the street or hotel, still knowing them by their old names. Asking to be taken to the Grand Mir Hotel, for instance, will often result in a blank look. Tell the driver you want to go to the Gastinitsa Rossiya (Hotel Russia), however, and they will know exactly where you want to go. For those who speak neither Russian nor Uzbek, it is helpful to have someone draw a rudimentary map or write out directions in Russian. Few drivers will know English and most have troubles reading the maps on smartphones.

Downloading an offline Google or OSM map of the city in advance is a good idea. There are various apps available for phones. You can show it to the driver and guide him provided you know a few Russian words: nalieva - left, priama - straight, naprava - right.

Looking for landmarks, addresses or hotels on Google maps is not easy because of the multiple languages and spelling. Search in advance and bookmark your destinations.

Do not expect Western-style taxi services. Taxi drivers will often smoke while you are in the car and asking them not to will most often result in nothing more than a look of disapproval. You may be paying, but you are in their car. There are many taxi services operating in the city with fixed rates and a person can order the taxi from their hotel room. There are some web sites offering complete lists of taxi services and taxi charges.

An Uber style service is available from Yandex. Download the YandexGo app to use this. It supports English language. Uber itself does not operate in Tashkent.

Taxis within the city can be reserved by calling Taxi Express, Tel 1399999 or 16360272.

By car

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Hardly any international car hire companies operate in Tashkent. Some are based near the airport and a smaller car will cost $30 per day typically. Sixt and Hertz do now operate in Uzbekistan.

On foot

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If you come from Western Europe, where cities can be visited walking and metro stations are everywhere, be warned that Tashkent proportions are truly monumental. Many streets have ten lanes and buildings are huge, with plenty of space around. Plan your visit ahead and check the distances.

See

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Old Town

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The "Old Town" has retained much of its charm. Here you will find low adobe houses with shady courtyards, narrow winding streets and many ancient mosques and madrassas.

  • 1 Abdulkasim Madrassa (Madrasah of Abdulkasim Sheikh, Медресе Абдулкасыма), Bunyodkor shoh ko'chasi (south part of the old city; A.Navoi National Park, Metro station Milliy Bog, then 500 m northeast). This madrassa was erected in honour of the great thinker Abdulkhasim Khan at the beginning of the 19th century. Abulkasym Madrassah (Q4670612) on Wikidata Abulkasym Madrassah on Wikipedia 
  • 2 Mausoleum of Zainuddin-bobo Sheikh (Мавзолей Шейха Зайнутдина-Бобо), Mannon Uyg'ur ko'chasi, Kurgancha 7th Street (former Orifon village beyond the Kukcha Gate (now within Tashkent); from Metro station Bunyodkor, northwest about 2 km). This is the mausoleum of the son of the founder of a famous Sufi order. His father sent him to disseminate the ideas of this order. The mausoleum is of the khanaka type. The hall is covered with a double dome. Nearby is a chillyakhona (subterranean monastic cell) dating to the 12th-13th centuries. Mausoleum of Sheikh Zaynudin (Q1594393) on Wikidata Mausoleum of Sheikh Zaynudin on Wikipedia 
  • 3 Khazret Imam Complex is a collection of religious buildings 2 km north of city centre (Metro Gafur Gulom). It was assembled piecemeal from the 16th to 21st centuries as older elements were replaced, so although it's impressive, it doesn't have the unity or geometry of (for instance) the Registan of Samarkand, and it's transected by the wide pedestrian mall of Zarkaynar Street. The complex is free to enter daily 09:00-21:00, but individual buildings have their own admission.
    • Barak-Khan Madrasah is west side of the complex, built in 1532. It contains two mausoleums: of Suyunchxoʻjaxon the first Shaybanid ruler of Tashkent, and the "nameless" mausoleum intended for Barakh-Khan or Baroqxun, but he's buried in Samarkand.
    • Tellya Sheikh Mosque south side of the complex was built from 1890 to 1902.
    • Moyi Mubarek Madrasah (next to Tellya Sheikh Mosque). Daily 09:00-16:00. This building of 1857 houses the world's oldest Quran, written 644/648 AD (23-27 AH). Adult 40,000 som. (updated Sep 2024)
    • Hazrati Imam Jome Mosque east side of the complex was built in 2007 in traditional style.
    • Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Muhammad Qaffol Shoshiy is in the northwest corner of the complex. Qaffol Shoshiy was a scholar and holy man who died in 976 AD: "Qaffol" means locksmith. The original tomb didn't survive and was replaced by this mausoleum in 1542.
    • Namazgokh Mosque north side of the complex was built in 1850s. It's now part of the adjacent Islamic Institute.
    • Imam Al Bukhari Islamic Institute northeast edge of the complex is an active madrasah opened in 1971. It's a humdrum modern building, no tourist visits.
  • 4 Kukeldash Madrasah, Navio Prospect (Metro Chorsu). Daily 08:00-18:00. This yellow-brick madrasah was built in 1570 by the vizier, scientist and poet Kulbobo Kukeldash - Kukeldash means "the Khan's foster brother'. It's been a caravanserai, fort and museum but since the 1990s is again a madrasah. It's ranged around a large courtyard with hujras (pupils' cells) and darshakona and mosque in the corners. Adult 15,000 som. Kukeldash Madrasah (Q493304) on Wikidata Kukeldash Madrasah (Tashkent) on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2024)
  • Dzhuma Mosque or Khoja Ahror Valiy Mosque is next to Kukeldash Madrasah, prominent on raised ground. It was built in 1451.
  • 5 Shayhantaur is a small burial complex; in Soviet times the name applied to a whole city district. It's free to enter daily 09:00-16:00, from its east side off Abdulla Qodiriy (Metro Alisher Navoiy or Paxtakor). The complex was wrecked in the 1966 earthquake and only 3 of its 16 monuments survived.
    • Sheihantaur Mausoleum inters the 13th century Sheikh Hovendi at-Tahur. It was built in the 14th century but much altered since.
    • Khavendi Takhur Sheikh Mausoleum a few metres south was built in the 14th century, but re-built in the 18th and 19th. It's plain within.
    • Kaldyrgach-biy Mausoleum is a few metres north: its pyramidal dome invokes the tents of the Kazakh steppes. Kaldyrgach (meaning "swallow", the bird) was a 15th century ruler. However that was also the nickname of 17th / 18th century statesman Tole-biy (further commemorated by interminable boulevards in Tashkent and beyond), and it's unclear whether he too is buried here.
    • Yunus Khan Mausoleum 100 m west was part of the complex but is now within the grounds of the Islamic University and seldom accessible to others. You could try looking academic and strolling in off Navoi. Yunus Khan (1415-1487) was a descendant of Gengiz Khan and grandfather of the Indian moghul Babur. He's not buried here, his resting place is unknown, so the mausoleum was presumably erected in his lifetime.

Churches

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Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in wintertime
  • 6 Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Holy Assumption Cathedral Church, Свято Успенский кафедральный собор), Avliyuata Str (ул. Садыка Азимова, 3-й тупик), 22, (north of Military Hospital; from Metro station Toshkent west 500 m), ☏ +998 71 2333321, fax: +998 71 2367939, . Tashkent Russian Orthodox Centre area 
  • 7 Evangelical Lutheran Church (Евангелическо-лютеранская церковь), 37 Street Sadyk Azimov (north of the British Embassy). Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tashkent (Q3586023) on Wikidata 
  • 8 Sacred Heart Cathedral (Собор Святейшего Сердца Иисуса), Taraqqiyot ko'chasi. Roman Catholic Church Sacred Heart Cathedral, Tashkent (Q2942916) on Wikidata Sacred Heart Cathedral, Tashkent on Wikipedia 

Mosques

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Dzhuma (Friday) Mosque
  • 9 Bodamzar or Mirzo-Yusuf Mosque, Bogyshamol kuchasy (Боғишамол кўчаси) 98 (10 min walk east from Metro station Bodomzor). 
  • 10 Eshonguzar Mosque, Zarqaynar ko'chasi (Зарқайнар кўчаси) (Metro station Gafur Gulom 400 m). 
  • 11 Minor, Kichik Xalqa Yo'li (from Metro station Bodomzor 1 km to southwest, east bank of Bozsu creek). Minor Mosque (Q19899486) on Wikidata 

Museums

[edit]
Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan
  • 12 Amur Timur Museum (Temuriylar tarixi davlat muzeyi, Национальный Музей Истории Тимуридов), Amur Timur (ул. Амира Тимура) 1 (Metro station Amir Temur Xiyoboni and Metro station Yunus Rajabiy 500 m to east), ☏ +998 13 36228, +998 71 232-0212, fax: +998 71 232-0213, . Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, closed M. Rather kitschy murals depicting Timur. 3,000 som. Amir Timur Museum (Q4120971) on Wikidata Amir Timur Museum on Wikipedia 
  • 13 Museum of Applied Arts, Rakatboshi 15 (10 min walk southwest from Metro station Kosmonavtlar), ☏ +998 712 2533943, +998 712 2564042. Daily 09:00-18:00. In a house built by a Russian diplomat in the 19th century. With carved and painted plaster and carved wood, this museum gives an overview of old architectural details from Bukhara and Samarkand, ceramics and textiles, gift shop. 1,200 som. State museum of applied arts of Uzbekistan (Q3330166) on Wikidata State Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan on Wikipedia 
  • 14 Art Gallery of Uzbekistan (Галерея изобразительного искусства), Buyuk Turon 2 (Metro station Mustaqilliq Maidoni 100 m away). Tu-Sa 11:00-17:00; closed Su-M. Exhibitions of contemporary Uzbek artists in a modern museum building. 600 som (2012). 
  • Treasury of Ancient Oriental Manuscripts (Фонд древних восточных рукописей). Part of the Abu Rayhan Beruni Institute of Oriental Studies. Contains Uzbek, Arabic, Persian, Tajik, Urdu, Pashtu, Azerbaijani, Turkish, Tatar, Turkmen and Uyghur manuscripts. Listed by UNESCO as one of the richest manuscript repositories in the world. 
  • 15 Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan (The State Museum Of Arts, Davlat Sanat muzey,), Shakhrisabz St and Amir Temur St corner (from Metro station Ming Orik toward NE 5 min walk), ☏ +998 23 67436. M 10:00-14:00, W-Su 10:00-17:00, closed Tu. Decent collection of Russian and European art combined with regional specialties, such as Russian paintings depicting Uzbek people and their lifestyle, local antiquities, and decorations salvaged from ancient temples. Some parts of this museum may require an extra ticket Behind it is a park with a Monument of Poet Zulfiya (Памятник поэтессе Зульфие). 10,000 som; locals, 3,000 som (2012). State Art Museum of Uzbekistan (Q4146885) on Wikidata Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan on Wikipedia 
  • 16 History Museum (State museum of history of Uzbekistan, Museum of history and archeology, Музей истории Узбекистана), Sharaf Rashidova (Шароф Рашидов кўчаси), 3 (between Metro station Mustaqilliq Maidoni and Metro station Kosmonavtlar), ☏ +998 371 2391779, +998 371 2391083, fax: +998 371 2394425, . Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, closed M. Three floors. The museum covers the history of Uzbekistan from pre-historic to modern times. On the first floor, there is a small exhibition about the circus in Uzbekistan (2023). The second floor displays artifacts from Stone Age, Zoroastrian, Buddhist era, and the spread of Islam in the region, exhibits related to the conquest of the khanates of Central Asia by the Russians and Uzbekistan in the Soviet Union. The third floor is dedicated to independent Uzbekistan from 1990 onwards, two presidents of the independent Uzbek Republic, and the industry of Uzbekistan. Descriptions of artifacts are in Uzbek, Russian, and English. However, in some cases, texts in English and Russian are missing. The lighting is dim, sometimes making it difficult to read. In general, not very engaging and quite outdated if you compare it with modern museums in other countries. 6,000 som locals (2012); 50,000 som foreigners (2023). State Museum of History of Uzbekistan (Q1835285) on Wikidata State Museum of History of Uzbekistan on Wikipedia 
  • 17 Navoy Literary Museum (Alisher Navoiy nomidagi Davlat Adabiyot muzeyi, Государственный музей литературы имени Алишера Навои), Navoi 69 (Metro station Alisher Navoiy and Metro station Paxtakor are very close), ☏ +998 24 41268, fax: +998 71 242-0275, +998 71 244-0061, . M-F 10:00-17:00; Sa 10:00-13:00; closed Su. Memories of the poet Alisher Navoi, calligraphy from Persia, miniatures from the 15th and 16th centuries. 3,000 som. 
  • 18 International Caravanserai of culture Ikuo Hirayama (Международный Караван-Сарай культуры Икуо Хираямы), Yusufa Khos Khodzhiba str. (Metro station Kosmonavtlar). 
  • 19 Museum of telecommunication of Uzbekistan, 5 Abay ko'chasi. 
  • 20 Navruz Art Palace (Дворец "Навруз”), Furkata str., 5 (north of Alisher Navoiy Park, 10 min walk from Metro station Bunyodkor or Metro station Milliy Bog), ☏ +998 71 245-77-37, +998 71 2457748. 
Railway Museum
  • 21 House of Photography (Дом фотографии), Istikbol str. (Metro station Amir Temur Xiyoboni 5-min walk), ☏ +998 71 233-5168, +998 71 233-5164. Small exhibition hall 
  • 22 Railway Museum, Central Cultural Palace of Railwaymen (Museum of Rail Transport, Temir yol texnikasy muzeyi Дворец культуры железнодорожников, ДКЖ, Дом Культуры Железнодорожников, Ташкентский музей железнодорожной техники), 6 Turkiston ko'chasi (улица Туркистон) (Metro station Toshkent), ☏ +998 71 299 7277, +998 71 299-7040, +998 71 259-6708. Daily 09:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00, Sanitary days: Monday, Tuesday (not working excursion train and car museum). Tashkent museum of railway equipment (Q1283029) on Wikidata Tashkent Museum of Railway Techniques on Wikipedia 
  • 23 Museum of Olympic Glory, 4A Sharof Rashidov Shoh Ko'chasi (500 m west of Metro station Abdulla Qodirii). A sport museum. Museum of Olympic Glory (Q12829077) on Wikidata Museum of Olympic Glory on Wikipedia 
  • 24 Museum of Victims of Repressions (Музей репресированным в Сталинские времена), Yunusabad District, Amir Timur St. (площади Памяти и почести, Шахидлар майдони), (Close to TV tower), ☏ +998 71 244-2940, +998 71 241-8556, fax: +998 71 244-2940, +998 71 241-8556, . Memories of the Stalin era. Located in the Memorial Complex Shakhidlar hotirasi. 5000 som. State Museum of Victims of Repression in Tashkent (Q21472881) on Wikidata Museum of Victims of Political Repression in Tashkent on Wikipedia 

Others

[edit]
Prince Romanov Palace
  • 25 Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Академия наук Узбекистана), Yahyo Gulyamov ko'chasi (from Metro station Amir Temur Xiyoboni 500 m SW), ☏ +998 71 233 68 47. 
  • 26 Ulugh Beg Astronomical Institute (Астрономический институт имени Мирзо Улугбека), 33 Astronomicheskaya str. (500 m east from Metro station Minor), ☏ +998 71 2358102, fax: +998 71 2344867, . There is a small museum on the foyer of Institute of Astronomy 
  • 27 Tashkent City Hall (Tashkent City Khokymiyat), 11, Amir Temur St (Амир Темур шоҳ кўчаси). (south of Amir Timur Monument), ☏ +998 71 233-90-69, +998 71 233-79-80, fax: +998 71 233-65-88. 
  • 28 Mustakillik Square (Mustaqillik maydoni, Independence Square, Площадь Независимости, Мустакиллик майдони), Mustakillik Square (Metro Mustakillik maydoni). The political centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Governmental buildings and the senate are here. 
    • Brothers Tombs. A popular tourist attraction and on 9 May (Victory Day) thousands of people visit the place to pay homage to the victims of World War II. Statues of war heroes are on the south wall of the monument. A statue of famous Uzbek General Sobir Rokhim is also there. 
    • 29 Independence Monument, Independence square (Amir Timur Monument & Park 5 min walk). Erected in 1991 as a symbol of the sovereignty of the country. It shows a golden globe and the outlines of Uzbekistan. Here is the Amir Timur Monument & Park 
    • 30 World War II Memorial, Sharof Rashidov Ave, (city centre, Mustaqillik Maydoni). Eternal flame and park has the names of all the victims of WWII. 
  • 31 Monument of Courage, Sharof Rashidov St (300 m from Independence Square, near the German Embassy). Built to acknowledge the courage of the people at the time of the Tashkent earthquake on 26 April 1966. The whole city was reduced to rubble and then modern Tashkent was built. 
  • 32 Tashkent TV Tower (Ташкентская телебашня), Amir Temur St, (Амир Темур шоҳ кўчаси) (between Metro station Habib Abdullayev and Metro station Bodomzor). Viewing levels and restaurants with views of the city. The TV Tower, built in 1981, is the highest accessible structure in Central Asia, only surpassed by Kazakhstan's Power Station Ekibastuz chimney . It is 375 m high. It is the 11th highest tower in the world and the 2nd highest structure in GIS and has a revolving restaurant 110 m above the ground. Bring your passport. Foreigners US$15. Tashkent Tower (Q868874) on Wikidata Tashkent_Tower on Wikipedia 
  • 33 Receptions Hall of the Foreigh Affairs Ministry (Prince Romanov Palace) (Metro station Mustaqilliq Maidoni). 
  • 34 National Assembly Building (Oliy Majlis Qonunchilik palatasi), 1 Bunyodkor shoh ko'chasi (Next to Abdulkasim Madrassa), ☏ +998 71 239 87 07, . The building of the Parliament of Uzbekistan. A meeting place for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Republic of Uzbekistan 
  • 35 New Clock Tower (Chime), Istikbol St (Metro station Amir Temur Xiyoboni 5 min walk). 
  • 36 Old Clock Tower (Chime), Amir Temur Ave (South of Monument Park). 
  • International Forums Palace (Xalqaro anjumanlar saroyi). 
  • [dead link] Experimental nuclear reactor (Reactor Dosimbaev Abdulrahim) (near Institute of Nuclear Physics), ☏ +998 712893134, . By special permission. A project of the Academy of Sciences Republic of Uzbekistan. 
  • 37 Oqsaroy Presidential Palace, Afrosiyob ko'chasi (next to State Puppet Theatre). 
  • 38 Old TV Tower (Старая телевышка) (Metro station Alisher Navoiy and Metro station Paxtakor are right there). 
  • 39 Yunusobod Aktepa (Юнусабадский Актеп), Otaboy ota Tursunov Str. (from Metro station Habib Abdullayev about 2½ km east). An archaeological site of 5-13th centuries. There are found some remains of an ancient settlement with the strength and extensive artisan quarters. The 'Fortress' was here more like a castle-manor. Maybe here was the summer residence of the rulers of Chacha. Excavated here a remains of a Zoroastrian altar. The complex was surrounded by a moat. 
  • 40 Magic Aquarium, Yoshlik. A 21-hectare public aquarium in the continental heart of Asia. While the aquarium has its distance to thousands of kilometers from every ocean, it includes 12 zones and 3000 marine habitats that are represented here. 

Do

[edit]

Parks

[edit]
Alisher Navoiy Park
  • 3 Abdulla Kadiri Recreation Park (Abdulla Qodiriy nomli bog’i,), Zarqaynar ko'chasi (east of Metro station Chorsu). There is a Planetarium 
  • 4 Alisher Navoiy Park (Exit Milly Bog Station on the Chilonzor line of the Metro). This large park is popular on the weekends where many weddings are held. A fairground and man-made lake are also well frequented by locals. Navoi Park (Q25527797) on Wikidata 
  • 5 Amir Timur Monument & Park (Монумент Амиру Темуру), Amir Timur Square (Площадь Амир Тимура) (in the centre). Amir Temur in armour sits on his horse, holding the reins with his left hand and greeting the people with his right hand. A bust of Karl Marx previously occupied the position during Soviet times. 
  • 6 Babur Recreation Park, Bobur ko'chasi (SW). A nice park with some boating lake. 
  • Boghi Eram Recreation Park. Fun fair for the young and not so young. 
  • 7 Tashkent Botanical Garden (Ботанический сад, Botanika bog’i, Ботаника боғи), Боғишамол кўчаси (From Metro station Bodomzor (Бадамзар) toward east). 66 hectares area. The herbarium is a storehouse of unique collections. The Paleobotanical collection include some valued pieces of Middle Jurassic Period Tashkutan from Hissar county, and from Lower-Middle Albian stage, in the southwest part of the Kyzyl Kum region's Kulzhuktau mountains. 
  • 8 Japanese Garden (behind the Intercontinental Hotel; Metro station Bodomzor 5 min walk away). Popular during summers. Many couples go there for wedding photos. 
  • 9 Mirzo Ulugbek Recreation Park, 21 Hamidulla Oripov ko'chasi (from Metro station Hamid Olimjon 10 min walk to south). 
  • 10 Tashkent Zoo (from Metro station Bodomzor (Бадамзар) toward east; south of the Botanical Garden). 
  • 11 Aqua Park (Amir Temur Rd, near TV tower; Metro station Bodomzor). The water park has several pools, one with a wave machine, water chutes, and high slides. Well worth a few hours in hot weather. Take your own towel and pool footwear (the paths can get very hot). There is a restaurant and bars inside. Adult, 7,000 som; child, 4,000 som for 3 hours. 
  • 12 Tashkentland (near Aqua park, not far from Tashkent TV Tower; Metro station Bodomzor is right there). An amusement park. It has few nice rides, nothing special if you have been in big park, but a nice place to spend a free afternoon with friends. It is also worth a visit to a simple park in Tashkent. Although they have fewer attractions and are less exciting, they give off a more authentic feeling. 7,000 som. 
  • 13 Tashkent City Project Park (Near Paxtakor metro station). The park is the heart of the Tashkent City Project, an urban regeneration scheme and business centre. Surrounded by the new (late 2019) 5* Hilton Hotel and luxury apartments for the elite, this is the smartest and most modern part of the city. The park has fountains, lakes and some restaurants with prices in keeping with the area (expensive). A 10,000 som entry fee (5,000 for children) and heavy police presence keeps the poor people out. (updated Dec 2020)

Cemeteries

[edit]
  • 14 German Cemetery, Yakkasaray District, Sodiq Miraxmedov ko'chasi (SE 2 km of Metro station Mirzo Ulugbek). Burial place of soldiers of World War II. 
  • 15 Japanese Cemetery, Yakkasaray District, Sodiq Miraxmedov ko'chasi (Next to German Cemetery). Burial place of soldiers of World War II. (updated Jun 2023)

Stadiums

[edit]
Bunyodkor Stadium
  • 16 Pakhtakor Stadium (Стадион Пахтакор, Paxtakor Markaziy Stadioni) (Metro station Paxtakor and Metro station Alisher Navoiy are very close). This is a multi-purpose stadium. 
  • 17 [formerly dead link] Bunyodkor Stadium (Bunyodkor Stadioni, Стадион Бунёдкор) (Metro station Mirzo Ulugbek is very close.). This is a multi-purpose stadium. Mostly for football matches. 
  • 18 Jar Sportcomplex, Laylito'g'on ko'chasi (SW of Metro station Chorsu). 

Theaters

[edit]
  • 19 Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre (Ballet and opera, Государственный Академический Большой Театр оперы и балета имени Алишера Навои), Ataturk Kochasi (ул. Ататюрка), 28 (from Metro station Mustaqilliq (Мустакиллик, Космонавтов) Maidoni walk; one block south from Russian Drama Theatre), ☏ +998 71 2339081, +998 71 2333344, +998 71 2321948. Ticket counter at the main entrance open on performance days from 10:00-19:00. Performances: M-F 18:00, Sa Su 17:00. The theatre was built in neoclassical style from the plans of Alexey Shchusev, the architect of Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow. Has a special significance for Japanese nationals because it was built by Japanese prisoners of war during World War II. A plate acknowledging their contributions is part of the building. US$3-8,. 
  • 20 Istiklol Palace (Peoples' Friendship Palace), Bunyodkor shoh ko'chasi (Metro station Bunyodkor), ☏ +998 71 2459251. A concert hall. 
  • 21 Ilkhom Theatre (Театр Марка Вайля Ильхом), Pakhator ( ул. Пахтакорская) 5 (Sodlik Hotel), ☏ +998 71 2422241, +998 71 2440403. Ticket counter: 11:00-18:00. Performances: Tu-Sa 18:30. Progressive theatre. Performances in Russian, sometimes with English subtitles. 2,500-5,000 som. 
  • 22 [dead link] Russian Drama Theatre (Академический русский драматический театрУзбекистана), Buxoro ko'chasi (ул. Зарафшон) (From Metro station Mustaqilliq Maidoni (Мустакиллик) walk to SE five mins), ☏ +998 71 233-8165, +998 71 233-4210. 
  • 23 Musical Comedy Theatre (Ташкентский государственный театр музыкальной комедии (оперетты)), Chapanata ko'chasi (Чапаната ул. квартал «Ц») (NW of Metro station Mirzo Ulugbek (Мирзо-Улугбек)), ☏ +998 71 277-8592, +998 71 277-8529, +998 71 277-8354. 
  • 24 National Academic Drama Theatre of Uzbekistan (Национальный академический театр драмы Узбекистана), 34 Navoiy shoh ko'chasi (ул. Навои), (South half km from Metro station Gafur Gulom (Гафура Гуляма)), ☏ +998 71 244-1751, +998 71 244-3375. 
  • 25 Tashkent Circus (Ozbak Davlaat Sirki, Узбекгосцирк), 1 Zarqaynar ko'chasi (east of Metro station Chorsu), ☏ +998 71 244 3509, . 
  • 26 Turkiston Palace, Abdulla Qodiriy ko'chasi (East of The Park Turon). A concert hall. There is a nice fountain in front of it. 
  • 27 State Puppet Theatre (Республиканский театр кукол), Afrosiyob ko'chasi (пр. Космонавтов), 1 (West of Metro station Kosmonavtlar), ☏ +998 71 256-62-46, +998 71 256-73-98. 
  • 28 Theatre for Young Audience (Республиканский театр юного зрителя), Abdulla Qodiriy ko'chasi ( ул. А.Кадыри), 13, ☏ +998 71 2447597, +998 71 2447620. 
  • 29 [dead link] Youth Theatre (Молодежный театр Узбекистана), 55 Navoiy shoh ko'chasi (ул. Навои) (Metro station Alisher Navoiy and Metro station Paxtakor are right there), ☏ +998 71 244-1087, +998 71 244-0088, +998 71 244-1089. 
  • 30 Ulugh Beg Planetarium, Zarqaynar ko'chasi (East of Metro station Chorsu). 

Other

[edit]
  • 31 Amirsoy Winter Resort (80km north-east from Tashkent following the 4P12 then 4P6 roads.). Uzbekistan opened a modern but small ski resort at Amirsoy in 2019. Phase 1 of the development has a modern Doppelmeyr gondola and a char lift. A main building houses ticket sales, rental services, lockers, ski school and a restaurant. Everything works using modern RFID cards as found in other modern resorts. Amirsoy Mountain Resort on Wikipedia 

Buy

[edit]

Art galleries

[edit]
  • Art Caravan, 73, Buyuk Turon Str. (Metro station Mustaqilliq Maidoni), ☏ +998 71 235 5833, +998 71 235 6164, . Selling hand-made goods. 
  • 1 Bonum Factum (Галерея "Art and Fact”), 20 Sadik Azimov Street (near the Japan Embassy; from Metro station Amir Temur Xiyoboni SE 1 km), ☏ +998 71 232 03 60, . M-F 10:00-18:00. Photo exhibitions and sales. 
  • Caravan Art Gallery, Abdullah Quahor 22 (near Istiqlol Palace next to Alisher Navoi Monument), ☏ +998 23 2556296, +998 23 1527555, . High quality handicrafts. 
  • 2 Granart Art gallery (Арт-Галерея "Granart” , Художественная галерея), 13a Khamid Alimdjan sq.(площадь Хамида Алимджана,), entrance 4, Capital Business Complex (Metro station Hamid Olimjon is right there), ☏ +998 71 1205560, fax: +998 71 1205562, . Tu-Su 11:00 -19:00. Exhibitions, sale of artworks, art studio, cultural and educational activities, art therapy, collectors club, developing interior design, framing shop. 
  • Hamar centre - Art gallery, 40, Sharaf Rashidov Str, ☏ +998 712 2565226, fax: +998 71 2523530. Sells souvenirs. 
  • Human House, Usmon Nosir 30/9 (near the Grand Mir Hotel), ☏ +998 71-255-4411, . M-Sa 10:00-19:00. Features handmade crafts and clothing of all sorts, ranging from full outfits to purses to beautiful hand-painted tea sets and ceramics at very reasonable prices. It is non-profit and is meant to help provide income to the crafts persons, who are often from remote poor villages. 
  • 3 Orient House, Amir Temur Str., 51 (Metro station Minor right there), ☏ +998 90 185 06 03, . A souvenir shop 
  • 4 Renessans Culture gallery (Арт-Галерея "Ренессанс”), Furkata str. (between Metro station Bunyodkor and Metro station Gafur Gulom), ☏ +998 71 2449263, +998 71 3930034, +998 71 3930028. Former Pioneer Palace. 

Banks

[edit]
Bank building in Tashkent

Important update: As of March 2018, it is illegal to exchange money outside of official currency exchange offices. Foreign credit cards are increasingly accepted in shops or restaurants including the (expensive, but western-standard) supermarket Korzinka. In principle, it is allowed that foreigners pay their hotels using foreign credit cards (but not in foreign currency), however, smaller hotels may not have the necessary device. For more information see the Uzbekistan#Buy section.

Market

Bazaars

[edit]

Most local residents do their primary shopping in bazaars. Local produce, such as fruit, nuts, vegetables can be very good, especially when they are in season. In the late summer, local melons appear on the streets and in the bazaars and are tasty and very cheap.

  • 10 Chorsu Bazaar (Eski Juva) (in the heart of Old Town, next to Chorsu Sq.; Metro station Chorsu is right there). The biggest and the most exciting oriental market in Tashkent. Eski Juva Bazaar is the biggest and oldest bazaar in Central Asia, operating on the same spot for over 2,000 years. The stalls of the bazaar stand under seven huge domes covered with colored glazed tiles. In the biggest domed building you will find all kinds of spices and cooking herbs: saffron, brown tree bark, red and black pepper, thyme and cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, as well as raisins, and dried apricots, almonds and pistachios, walnuts and peanuts. The bazaar is famous for peanuts boiled in sugar or honey, covered with sesame seeds. Under the small domes are the "workshops". Here craftsmen make and sell jewelry, painted cradles (beshik), gold embroidery, Uzbek chests with metal decorations, embroidered suzanes (thin tapestries), jiyak (lace for trimming the lower edges of women's trousers), quilted men's (chapan) and women's (yashmak) caftans, kurpacha quilts, pichok knives in leather or brass sheaths, and national musical instruments. Potters offer lyagan dishes and kosa bowls with blue and turquoise painted patterns. You will also find carpets from Khiva, Samarkand, Bukhara, Afghanistan and Turkey. 
  • 11 Central Market (Oloy Bozori, known to most locals as the Alayskee Bazaar), Amir Timur St (Metro station Abdulla Qodirii 2 min walk). Beautifully laid out displays of local produce, dried fruit, and nuts. Every Friday and Saturday there is a wholesale dried fruit bazaar. The least noisy and crowded bazaar in Tashkent. It is the only place where you can buy button and oyster mushrooms, Caspian sturgeon, and Far Eastern salmon. 
  • Farkhatsky Bazaar. Selling only melons, especially in Sep-Oct. 
  • 12 Hippodrome Bazaar, Chilanzar District (2 km SW of Metro station Olmazar, take a tram from there). Tu-Su. Best for (leather) clothing, shoes. Very crowded. 
  • Parkentsky Bazaar. Best for beer, biscuits, cigarettes, coffee, cookies, cooking oil, soft drinks, liquor in large quantities. 
  • Yangiobod Bazaar (Green bus 26 runs there from outside Toshkent metro for 1,200 som. Bus 30 also runs there from "Toshkent mum". Each every 20-30 minutes or so. Taxis will take you there for around 8,000 som from the centre). Tu-Su 07:00-19:00. Huge flea market with an interesting history. Anything and everything a chap can unload. Second-hand clothes, unlike most of the other markets in Tashkent. Many markets are tagged as selling "everything", but rarely will you see live chickens opposite a heap of wheelchairs and (likely stolen) front doors. Watch your valuables especially closely. Smaller in the rain but definitely still open. Good for all your Soviet memorabilia needs. 
  • 13 Yunusabad Food Market (Юнусабадский продуктовый рынок), Ahmad Donish ko'chasi (From Metro station Habib Abdullayev north 1 km). 

Broadway

[edit]

Saligokh St, known locally as "Broadway", has some street artists, etc. The street is easy to find from the Amir Temur Monument, just head away from the Uzbekistan Hotel. The 'mirstore' just off of Saligokh St has a modern supermarket, coffee bar and hugely overpriced fashion stores. This area, known locally as "Demir," also has Mir Burger, which has burgers, pizza and local dishes at reasonable prices. There is also a Georgian restaurant ("Tbilisi") and a Chinese restaurant. There is a heavy police (militsiya) presence here and foreigners are not often, but occasionally asked for their documents. It is advisable to keep a photocopy of your passport and visa with you, but leave the originals in the hotel safe.

Modern designer fashion and shops selling luxury goods from famous international brands have appeared in Tashkent. Catering for the wealthy, these can be found in the Broadway area, on Amir Temur Street and Pushkin Street.

Department stores, malls

[edit]
  • 14 Central Department Store (Tashkent Department Store (Former TSUM)), 17, Uzbekistan Ave. (O'zbekiston shoh ko'chasi) (between Metro station Mustaqilliq Maidoni and Metro station Kosmonavtlar), ☏ +998 712 256 3001, +998 71 233 6288. A good place to find souvenirs. 
  • 15 Tashkent Shopping Center (Turkuaz Chorsu), Navoiy shoh ko'chasi (Metro station Chorsu). 
  • 16 Trade Center Tashkent Plaza, 107, Amir Temur Str (next to International Business Center), ☏ +998 71 2389408, . 
  • 17 Shopping center Poytakht (Торговый центр Пойтахт), Buyuk Turon Str. (Mustakillik Metro Station). 
  • 18 Universam Yunusabad, Amir Temur Str (Амир Темур шоҳ кўчаси) (opposite Yunusabad Food Market). Department Store 

Handicrafts

[edit]
  • Abdulkasym Madrassah (Metro Xalqar Dostligi). Lacquer paintings with oriental motifs. 
  • [dead link] Rakhimov Ceramics Studio, Kukchka Dabaza 15, ☏ +998 14 90435. By appointment. 
  • Hamza Art Gallery, Caravan Cafe and Restaurant, 22, A. Kakhar Str., ☏ +998 712 2556296, . 
  • Souvenir Shops also can be find in some hotel as: Grand Mir, InterContinental, Dedeman Silk Road, Tashkent Palace, Uzbekistan Hotel

Supermarkets

[edit]

Supermarkets are quite small and limited compared with other countries.

  • Kontinent (near the Grand Mir Hotel at Usmon Nosir, Shota Rustavelli). Good supermarket with a wide range of stuff. 
  • Turkuaz Hypermart (Formerly GUM), Akhunbabaev Sq (W end of Navoi, across the street from Hotel Chorsu). 09:00-20:30. Good for Western clothing and travel accessories. 

Eat

[edit]

There are hundreds of small cafes in Tashkent (and other Uzbek cities and villages) offering these and other local dishes at inexpensive prices. A meal of salad, bread, tea, soup, and shashlik at around US$2-3 isn't difficult to find. Sanitation standards can leave a lot to be desired in many of these cafes. Especially on warm days, look to see if the meat is kept refrigerated before it is cooked. Before meals you will always be offered warm water poured over your hands from a jug. Before drinking tea, it is traditional to bless the cup with the first splash of tea from the pot. This serves ritual and hygienic purposes. Locals also believe in the sterilising properties of vodka.

In regular restaurants with (seemingly) western appearance, higher prices are applied, e.g. a simple meal can easily be US$10-15 and drinks $3 and more.

Budget

[edit]

There are many small restaurants serving simple meals at good prices. Burgers and kebabs are common. Borsch (soup) is tasty, and perfect on a cold day.

Salvador Dalí restaurant
  • Bravissimo (Junction of Shahrisabz & Movarounnakhr St). Serves cakes and good local food. Russian language only. 
  • Bukhara Food (corner of Shahristan St, near Museum of Repression). Offer cheap, good quality food. Try the Following dishes: lavash (Armenian), shurpa (Uzbek), kazi kabob (Uzbek). 
  • Cafe Bukhara (near the railway station (Avliyoota St and little ring road intersection)). Cheap and tasty local food. Nice atmosphere and you can buy your drinks in a shop next door. 7,000-20,000 som for a meal. 
  • 1 Central Asian Plov Center, 1 Guards Colonel Khodjaev St (1 ул. Ифтихор) (near TV tower and Museum of Victims of Repression). Plov is available for lunch, together with fresh tomato and other salads. All the plov is prepared outside in huge cauldrons. Go early as the place gets packed and sometimes they run out. 
  • 2 Dilkash, Mirobod Ko'chasy. Specialty is shashlik from 7,000 som, fresh salads, and non. Plov and soup also available. No alcohol is sold on premises, but nearby shops sell vodka and beer. 
  • Surxondaryo Zig'ir Oshi (On Lufti Street, just around the corner from Farkhad Bazaar). Typical Uzbek corner cafe, sells excellent plov cheaper than most places and, unusually, to late in the evening. 10,000 som for plov, 4,000 som for salad, 2,000 som for non and 1,000 som for tea. 

Mid-range

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  • 3 Amfora Greek Restaurant (АМфОРА), Yakkasaray District (near junction of Shahrisabz and Movarounnakhr). 
  • Ariston, Sabir Rahimov, St Lashkarbegi, 2 (off Pushkin St). Like Polyanka, excellent food and cabaret entertainment. 
  • Ariston Park. One of a few good places to eat in Boghi Eram Recreation Park. 
  • Caravan, A Khalkat kochasi 22a. Breakfast US$10, lunch $15, dinner $20. 
  • Al Delfin. Excellent Arabic food. Great sheesha can be found here. 
  • Jumanji, 62/2 Yunus Khos Khodjib St and K. Jalilov St intersection, ☏ +998 71 2554200. 12:00-23:00. One of the best restaurants in the city. Big portions of high quality Chinese, central Asian, and European food. Lunch US$15, dinner $20. 
  • Khan Kuk Kwan. Korean food. 
  • Mir Burger (on Tashkent Broadway). So-called Turkish McDonald's. 
  • Nam Dae Mun, 24 Bukhara St (near Alisher Navoi Theatre and Broadway), ☏ +998 71 2320105. Fine Korean and Japanese restaurant. Reasonably priced. 
  • Pizzeria Bella Napoli, 63, U. Nasir St (next to Bon! coffee shop), ☏ +998 2539183, +998 2539184. 11:00-23:00. Small pizzeria, great atmosphere and reasonably priced. You might need to reserve a table on weekends as the place gets packed some evenings. Free delivery. 
  • Polyanka Cafe (Near Boghi Eram Recreation Park). Excellent food and cabaret entertainment (suitable for families). 
  • 4 Ristorante Semo de Roma, 40, Chekhov St, ☏ +998 71 1501835, +998 71 1501836, . 10:30-23:00. One of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Excellent food and a very nice terrace. Lunch US$10, dinner $15. 
  • La Riva (next to Salvador Dali nightclub). Fast food plus huge variety of different international dishes from Russia, Korea, Italy, Tatarstan. Popular with students. 
  • Salvador Dalí restaurant (Salvador Dalí tamaddixonasi). 
  • 5 Sultan Fast food, Mustafo Kamol Otaturk ko'chasi. 
  • Tang Cheng Chinese Restaurant, 60A Amir Temur St, ☏ +998 71 1358916. Good Chinese restaurant. 
  • Shashleek, 49 Uzbekiston Ovozi St (To the right of the main gate entrance to Ecopark on Ovozi Street). Fresh and delicious (if premium priced) Shashlik speciality restaurant with beautiful views of the adjoining Ecopark. Popular with middle class local families and Russian tourists. (updated Aug 2023)

Splurge

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Drink

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As is common in other Central Asian countries, tea is drunk by most people, but without milk. Black coffee is also available everywhere. Some coffee shops and cafes offer good coffee, but the best of them is probably Amore Coffee at the MIR store just off of Broadway.

Alcoholic drinks are available, though no longer sold in supermarkets and on the street. Look for licensed liquor/alcohol stores. Outdoor bars are popular in good weather. Uzbek wine, vodka, and many different beers are available. Local beer, Sarbast, is popular and should be about half the price of imported beers. It is quite good and at 4.2% (red label), not too strong. Sarbast is also available with a blue label at 5.6%. The Russian beer "Baltika" is popular. Baltika 3 is good and similar to other international beers. Baltika 0 has no alcohol, Baltika 5 and 7 are also good, and Baltika 9 is very strong.

Nightclubs, as everywhere, offer expensive drinks and typically play a mix of Russian and Western music. Strip shows are common.

  • Chelsea Arms (Kakhara St). English pub. It looks like it has been transplanted from the East End of London. Free Wi-Fi. 
  • Club Diplomat (S Navoy St 200 m from Dedeman Hotel). Billiard tables. It can be very busy and getting in may be difficult if your face does not fit. 3,000 som (free for ladies). 
  • Diamond Club (below Arkada Centre on the Broadway). A modern nightclub with a sci-fi theme. Check out the "Predator" look-alikes. 
  • Fashion Bar, 25 Kunaev St (at the junction with Shahrisabz St). Modern bar/cafe, showing Fashion TV on large screens with music until late at night. 
  • New Irish Pub (Istikbol St). 
  • 1 Patrick Irish Pub, 45a Istikbol St (Istiqbol ko'chasi) (about 1 km south from Metro station Amir Temur Xiyoboni). 
  • Rich (In the Dedeman Hotel). Nightclub. 
  • Studio Cafe (S Azimova St). Modern cafe/bar with good food and drink. 
  • 2 Chalet, ☏ +998 71 2338639, . Great bar in the centre of the city. Beer from 7,000 som. 
  • 3 Bars in the park on Broadway. The park in the middle of town adjoining the shopping street has two bars in pavilions. These are great places for a drink on a sunny day, with basic meals available. (updated Feb 2016)
  • Pelican (aka "Pelikan Piva i Rybka"), 47 Sadik Azimov St. No-frills, budget spot for beer and snacks. Specializing in local craft beer and Russian-style cured fish. At least two dozen beers on tap on any given day. (updated Aug 2023)

Sleep

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Tashkent is not too strong for budget and mid-range accommodation, but it is improving slowly. When you check out you will be given a tiny registration card that may be requested at the next hotel, so keep it safe.

Budget

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Darhan quarter near to Inconel Business Centre
  • 1 Gulnara Guesthouse, Ozod 40 (Metro Chorsu), ☏ +998 71 240 6336. Pleasant small guesthouse by Chorsu Bazaar. B&B double $40. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 2 Jahongir B&B, Chirokchi 4 (Metro Tinchlik), ☏ +998 90 966 3944. Welcoming small guesthouse in the suburbs. B&B double US$45. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 3 Orzu Hotel, Kichik Mirobod 14 (Metro Ming Orik), ☏ +998 78 120 8824. Friendly small hotel with 34 rooms. B&B double US$70. (updated Sep 2024)

Mid-range

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Amir Timur street
  • 4 Asia Tashkent Hotel, Usman Nasir 111, ☏ +998 71 250 9680. Maintenance needed, but overall comfy enough. With pool and sauna. Some noise from street and nightclub. B&B double US$70. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 5 Oasis Asaka Hotel, Fargon Yuli 23, ☏ +998 71 291 3000. Hotel in a quiet area, adequate for what you pay. B&B double US$75. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 6 Retro Palace, Vakhidov 65, ☏ +998 71 256 3236. Adequate place in a quiet area. B&B double US$55. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 7 Shodlik Palace Hotel, Pakhtakor 5 (Metro Paxtakor / Alisher Navoiy), ☏ +998 78 120 9977. Trad Soviet-era hotel showing its age. B&B double US$60. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 8 Uzbekistan Hotel, Mirzamakhmud Musakhanov 45 (Metro Amir Temur Xiyoboni or Yunus Rajabiy), ☏ +998 78 113 1111. Great Soviet slab, a piece of city history, slowly getting a makeover. Very central, mostly good reviews, though the aircon struggles on hot days. B&B double US$65. (updated Sep 2024)

Splurge

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  • Hotel City Palace, Amir Temur 15 (opposite Wyndham, Metro Yunus Rajabiy), ☏ +998 71 238 3000. Mostly good reviews, some facilities tired. B&B double $110. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 9 Wyndham Hotel, Amir Temur 7 (corner of Navoi, Metro Abdulla Qodirii), ☏ +998 78 120 3700. Mixed reviews for comfort and service. B&B double US$160. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 10 Grand Mir Hotel (Гран Мир), Mirabad 2 (Metro Ming Orik), ☏ +998 78 140 2000. Business hotel, mixed reviews for comfort and cleanliness. B&B double US$130. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 11 Le Grande Plaza Hotel, Uzbekiston Ovozi 2 (Metro Amir Temur Xiyoboni or Yunus Rajabiy), ☏ +998 78 120 6600. Comfy and central but poor service and cuisine. B&B double US$150. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 12 Hotel Ichan Qala, Tafakkur 24, ☏ +998 71 231 9898. Pleasant hotel around a courtyard and pool. B&B double USD$100. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 13 International Hotel Tashkent, Amir Temur 107A (Metro Bodomzor), ☏ +998 78 120 7000. Modern hotel near Expo, mostly good scores for comfort and service, some gripes with over-zealous security. B&B double US$120. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 14 Ramada Tashkent, Abdulla Qodiriy 1 (1 km from Metro station Gafur Gulom or Abdulla Qodirii), ☏ +998 71 140 6000. Friendly hotel with Indian restaurant, most rooms spacious but others poky. B&B double US$120. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 15 Radisson Blu Hotel, Amir Temur 88 (Metro Bodomzor), ☏ +998 78 120 4900, . Efficient central chain hotel. B&B double $120. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 16 Lotte City Tashkent Palace Hotel, Buyuk Turon 56 (by Central Department Store), ☏ +998 78 120 5800. Korean-owned, clean, comfy and central, good food. B&B double US$160. (updated Sep 2024)

Connect

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As of Sep 2024, Tashkent and its approach highways have 4G from all Uzbek carriers, and city centre has 5G from Ucell and Uzmobile.

Stay safe

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Tashkent is generally a very safe place to visit. However, visitors should refrain from political activities or doing anything that could be regarded as undermining the state. As anywhere, remember to watch your personal belongings. There have been incidents of robbery, including some violent assaults but they are very rare. Visitors should use the same caution they would use in any large city, especially at night. It is not advisable for foreigners to walk around alone at night, especially in areas where few people are about and/or lighting is poor. Police sometimes levy small on-the-spot fines for minor offences such as appearing to be slightly intoxicated.

However, a potential scam was observed in July 2024: The self-service ticket machine at the train station does not accept foreign cards. When yours is declined, a polite young man with excellent English will offer to buy your tickets with his card if you give him the cash. He will (presumably) take your money, buy the tickets, then cancel them later, leaving you with useless paper and out of pocket.

The emergency number is ☏ 103 for medical emergencies and ☏ 101 for fires, while the police emergency number is ☏ 102.

Major clinics are listed below:

Cope

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Embassies and consulates

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Monumental Building of the French Embassy

Go next

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  • Samarkand - Part of the UNESCO World Heritage list
  • Shymkent -Five coaches a day run between Tashkent and Shymkent, leaving from Tashkent Avtovokzal (the central one) at (ostensibly, but don't count on the times) 07:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00. Tickets are about 40,000 som but this can be brought down by bargaining. The route began in late 2018. The process is smoother and more official than the shared taxis, with faster border crossings and tickets to be bought from a "kassa" in the station. Comfortable ride, takes about 3-4 hours.
Maidanak Observatory
  • 41 Architectural Complex Zengi-Ata (Комплекс Занги-Ата), Zangiota, M-34 Hwy (in the Zengi-Ata settlement SW 5 km out of Tashkent City limit). Burial place of sheikh Aj-Hodzha, nicknamed Zengi-Ata, which means "black", who lived from the end of 12th to the first half of 13th century. Parts of it: Zengi-Ata Madrassa (Медресе Занги-Ата) and Zengi-Ata Mosque (Мечеть Занги-Ата) 
  • 42 [formerly dead link] Maidanak Observatory (Майданакская высокогорная обсерватория) (first go to Suvlisay (about 500 km SW) from there in a car or walk ~20 km SW). Located on the western top of mountain Maidanak (altitude 2650 m), 35 km southward of the village Yakkabog, Kashkadarya province 
  • [dead link] Big Solar Furnace (Большая Солнечная Печь). A project of the Academy of Sciences Republic of Uzbekistan 
  • 43 Lake Charvak (Chor bogh) (NE 100 km). The reservoir was created by erecting Charvak Hydropower Station on the Chirchiq River, a short distance downstream from the confluence of Pskem and Chatkal rivers in the western Tian-Shan mountains. The reservoir is a popular resort place for locals alike. 
  • 32 Ugam Chatkal National Park (Chatkalskiy State Nature Reserve, Угам-Чаткальский Национальный Парк), Toshkent Province. Bustonlik tumani (NE about 140 km take R-5 road). About 570 km² of mountain steppes, mountain forests, alpine meadows, river valleys and floodplain forests. 
This city travel guide to Tashkent is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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