Last Updated on 02.10.2023 by Iliyan
Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan. It is the main transport hub of the country, where you’ll likely begin or end your trip. The city is often overlooked by the tourists in favour of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, but it has its own charm and it’s worth spending a few days here. People really don’t know that there are many great places to visit in Tashkent. From the historical landmarks, through the Soviet era, and to the bustling modern culture. However, we spent 3 full days in Tashkent, exploring the sights of the city and enjoying the Uzbek culture. Keep reading to find out the best places to visit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
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Best places to visit in Tashkent
A deep impact in people’s lives was left by the severe earthquake of April 26, 1966. It caused massive damage and destruction in Tashkent, destroying many historical buildings, including more than half of the Old City, and leaving thousands of people homeless. After the disaster, the city was rebuilt and constructed in the Soviet architectural style. After the collapse of the USSR, Tashkent began to develop very fast. Nowadays, a special business district has been created with skyscrapers, chained-brand hotels, malls, shops and other entertainments. However, here are some of the best places to visit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Chorsu Bazaar
Chorsu Bazaar is one of the most important markets in Central Asia and a fascinating place where you can see and feel the essence of the Silk Road. It is a very large market with open air stalls with hundreds of vendors. At its center is the covered, blue-domed building full of merchants selling various raw food products.
Here you will find absolutely anything you want – fruit, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, meat, spices, cooked food, sweets, breads, souvenirs, handicrafts etc. Chorsu is a really cool place to wander around. This isn’t a tourist market, it’s mostly locals here, which gives it authenticity.
I highly recommend buying some souvenirs here as the prices are cheaper than Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva.
Nearest Subway: Chorsu (on the blue ‘Uzbekistan’ line).
Kukeldash Madrasah
The Kukeldash Madrasah is just near the Chorsu Market. It is one of the most famous historical sites in Tashkent and one of the few buildings that survived the 1966 earthquake. This building has been used for many purposes. In the 18th century the madrasah was converted into a caravanserai for merchants trading in the local bazaars, then it served as a fortress. In the 20th century Kukeldash Madrasah was used for atheistic museum exhibitions, and later for folk music. In the 1990s, the building was made a madrasah again.
Generally, it is nothing special when compared to Bukhara and Samarkand, but if you are not planning to visit those cities then this is a must see.
Hazrati Imam (Khast Imam)
Hazrati Imam Complex is the largest place of worship in Tashkent, and it is a center of religious and cultural heritage. It is a complex of several architectural monuments of madrasas, mosques, mausoleum and museums. Among all the buildings, Moyie Mubarek Library Museum is probably the most important building in the Hazrati Imam complex, as it holds the oldest Quran in the world. Another impressive building is Hazrati Imam Mosque, built in 2007. The mosque is beautifully decorated with charming ornaments.
Another important structure in the Hazrati Imam Complex is the Barak Khan Madrasah. This 16th century building has a colourful facade, and it was the symbol of the greatness of the city’s history.
Nowadays, the classrooms have been transformed into small shops selling local souvenirs.
Nearest Subway: Chorsu (on the blue ‘Uzbekistan’ line).
Hotel Uzbekistan
Hotel Uzbekistan is a typical massive Soviet hotel. It’s an enormous concrete building with an interesting facade. It’s absolutely impossible to miss it while you’re wandering around the city. The hotel has a superb location near to Amir Timur Museum and the Monument of Amir Temur.
There is a small coffee & beer bar on the top floor where you can have a stunning view over Amir Timur square.
Nearest Subway: Amir Timur Xiyoboni (red Chilonzor line).
Amir Temur Square
Amir Temur square and the surrounding park is a must visit place while in Tashkent. In the center of the square there is a large epic statue of the national hero and conqueror Amir Temur (sometimes spelled Timur). The large monument shows Timur on horseback, with shield and sword on his left, and upraised right hand. The monument pedestal is engraved with Amir Temur’s famous motto in four languages “Strength in Justice”. The park itself is beautiful with well-kept gardens.
On the edge of the square, you’ll find several other impressive buildings such as the famous Hotel Uzbekistan, the Palace of international Forums, Tashkent State University of Law, and the Amir Temur Museum. Broadway Alley, a pedestrian street, is also nearby.
Nearest Subway: Amir Timur Xiyoboni (red Chilonzor line).
State Museum of the Temurids (Amir Timur Museum)
The State Museum of the Temurids is one of the best places to visit in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. It was opened in 1996 in honour of the 660th anniversary of the warlord Amir Temur. The museum is dedicated to Amir Temur, great ruler of ancient Uzbekistan. Here you will find a lot of information and exhibits related to representatives of the Temurid dynasty. There are more than 5,000 artefacts in the museum, with more than 2,000 displayed in the exhibition halls.
Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)
Independence Square is the main square of the country. It used to be called Lenin Square during the Soviet era. It is a very nice and well-maintained area surrounded by gardens, parks, impressive public buildings, fountains, and several monuments. Here you can see the Arch of Independence and the Independence Monument. The silver arch with figures of storks marks the entrance to the Independence Square.
Unfortunately, some of the parts were inaccessible during my visit so I cannot comment much on this place.
Nearest Subway: Mustaqilik Maydoni (red Chilonzor line).
Tashkent Metro
Tashkent’s metro system was opened in 1977, built in the former USSR. Like many Soviet metro systems, they have some of the most unique and impressive stations and each of them is a work of art. Almost every station of the Tashkent Metro is absolutely stunning, each with its own theme.
My favourite Tashkent metro station is Kosmonavtlar. It is dedicated to the cosmonauts of the Soviet Union with space themed pillars and mosaics. The interior is decorated with blue ceramic medallions with portraits of famous Soviet cosmonauts like Valentina Tereshkova, Mirzo Ulugh Beg, Yuri Gagarin, and Vladimir Dzhanibekov, while the ceiling resembles the Milky Way, which shows glass stars.
Definitely, Tashkent Metro is one of the best places to visit in Tashkent.
Tashkent TV tower
The Tashkent TV tower is the tallest in Central Asia and the 12th tallest tower in the world. The entire structure stands 375-metre-high, while the observation deck is 97 metres above the ground. Don’t forget your passport as it is required for getting the ticket.
Nearest Subway: Shahriston (green Yunubod line).
Minor Mosque
Minor mosque is one of the newest attractions of Tashkent. It was built in 2014 on the initiative of Islam Karimov, the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The mosque has a special importance because of a rich blend of both modern and traditional architectural styles with its impressive white marble and large manicured gardens and fountain. Entrance is free. Definitely worth to see when in Tashkent.
