Get to know Tashkent in Uzbekistan

Wondering what to see in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s modern capital? The short answer: plenty! This city boasts a long list of attractions, infused with magical Eastern charm, a stunning ensemble of historical architecture, and a variety of urban parks and natural attractions. Savor mouthwatering dishes steeped in tradition and history, or explore the depths of this city, which is approximately 2,000 years old.

As an ancient hub of the Silk Road, Tashkent has long been subject to outside influences and this is still evident today. One of the defining moments in Tashkent’s modern history was the devastating earthquake of 1966, which struck right in the heart of the city with a magnitude of 5.1. Many of the ancient buildings of central Tashkent were levelled, several people died and around 300,000 were made homeless. When the rubble was cleared and rebuilding began in earnest, the new city was planned in the Soviet style, with many giant monumental buildings facing off across leafy public squares.

Today, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, is the largest in Central Asia, and is by far the most appealing place in Uzbekistan for those in search of fine restaurants, breezy city parks and buzzing nightlife. If you’re wondering about what to see in Tashkent and how to make the most of your time there, keep reading.

What to see and do in Tashkent

Food

Uzbeks are deeply devoted to their iconic national favorite, plov (the staple of Central Asia) made with rice, meat, vegetables, and oil. The dish holds a special place in every Uzbek household, and although there are about 120 official recipes, in reality, every home cook has their own variation.

Tuy plov is a version found only in Tashkent, featuring all the classic ingredients plus raisins and chickpeas. The most famous place to try tuy plov in Tashkent is the Central Asian Plov Center, a sort of plov buffet where several versions of this revered dish simmer in giant kazan pots while crowds eagerly wait their turn.

If you’re invited to sample plov in a family home, it’s usually on a Thursday, the traditional day to serve it. This dish is central to Uzbek identity and culture, especially in Tashkent, so having a plate or two is practically a must during your visit. Other essential foodie experiences in Tashkent can be discovered while exploring Chorsu Bazaar, where you can buy everything from dried fruit to whole sides of beef. You’ll also find many stalls selling rounds of bread, which hold mythical status among Uzbeks and are seen as both a talisman and a staple food.

While plov is a must-try when considering what to see in Tashkent, there are several other local delicacies worth sampling. Similar to dumplings, Chuchvara is a firm favorite, handmade dough pockets filled with savory ingredients like ground meat and onions. Salad lovers should try Achichuk Salad, a simple dish made with tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers tossed in lemon juice. The rich and hearty soup called Shurpa is another local favorite. Made with chunks of meat and starchy vegetables like potatoes, this soup is a perfect winter warmer.

Culture

Take in the beautiful buildings surrounding Hast Imam square, which remarkably were spared destruction in the 1966 earthquake. With its trio of important religious monuments, this is the religious center of the city. The square hosts the madrassa Barak-Khan, the Imam al Bukhari Islamic institute and the Tellya Sheikh Mosque, home of the Osman Koran, amongst the oldest Korans known to exist. All are beautiful examples of Islamic architecture with domes of dazzling blue and intricate timeworn adorning the portals and minarets.

The Friday mosque (or Juma mosque) and Kukeldash madrassah are another hub of religious activity in Tashkent, particularly busy on – you guessed it – Friday. Don’t miss the fascinating History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan, taking you through Uzbekistan’s Zoroastrian roots through the Soviet conquest to the present political landscape. The Hotel Uzbekistan is worth at least a drive-by and possibly even a night’s stay to contrast the brutal Soviet architectural style with the colorful and graceful Islamic style you see elsewhere in Uzbekistan.

Entertainment

Part of the delight of spending time in Tashkent is the prevalence of greenery in the wide open public spaces. There are plenty of clean, modern and well kept parks that tempt you to linger and people watch. Monuments and statuary are scattered through these public spaces, adding an artistic angle to a stroll. Combine entertainment with culture by getting your hands on a ticket to see a performance at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, an imposing building with a sumptuous interior and a good calendar of shows.

Admire the view from the landmark TV tower, which reaches a lofty 375m high and offers great views over the city from the viewing platform. When evening comes, head for one of Tashkent’s many pubs and clubs, from a German style biergarten complete with foaming steins and bratwurst, to sports bars to sophisticated clubs and late bars. Many of the more tourist-oriented restaurants also offer live entertainment, often featuring music and dancing, which might sound a bit cheesy but can be a lot of fun and give a flavor of Uzbek musical traditions. 

Activities

Brimming with a unique history, Tashkent offers a world of cultural wonder on its doorstep. Ancient areas of worship, distinct landmarks and bustling trade industries pay homage to the city’s past.  Its longstanding reputation as the crossroads of ancient trade routes is still evident today at the atmospheric Chorsu Bazaar, a must-visit destination for shopping and discovering local treasures to take home. This is Tashkent’s oldest and largest market, jam-packed with stalls showcasing local goods, handmade crafts, and spices. Haggling is welcomed here—a tradition that has stood the test of time! 

But it’s not only the cultural offerings of Tashkent that are a drawcard. Just on the outskirts of the city exist a necklace of mountains called the Chimgan – locally referred to as little Switzerland because of its mix of alpine meadows and verdant forests. There’s a network of hiking trails, making it perfect for those seeking some time on trails. Situated in a valley surrounded by peaks, the impressive Charvak Lake is the quintessential spot for boating and exploring the shoreline beaches. For a more relaxing experience, visit Navoi Park to rent paddle boats on the lake, or unwind in style at the serene Tashkent Botanical Garden. 

For a bird’s-eye view of the city, take a cable car ride to nearby Beldersay for a stunning aerial view of what to see in Tashkent. This activity offers unique bird’s-eye views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and comes highly recommended for anyone seeking adventure outside of the city. 

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