10 Best Things to Do in Tashkent

Looking for what to do in Tashkent? As the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent presents a fascinating and dynamic crossroads of history, culture, and modernity. This ancient city, one of the oldest on the Silk Road, was largely rebuilt after a devastating 1966 earthquake, resulting in a unique urban tapestry where Soviet-era grandeur, wide leafy boulevards, and futuristic new developments stand alongside meticulously restored Islamic architecture and timeless traditional markets. More than just a transit hub for the legendary cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, Tashkent offers its own rich narrative, blending Central Asian heritage with the energy of a contemporary metropolis.

From exploring sacred squares housing priceless manuscripts and navigating the labyrinthine stalls of a centuries-old bazaar to riding a metro system that feels like an underground art museum and savoring the nation’s most iconic dishes, Tashkent is a city of compelling contrasts. To help you discover its multifaceted character, here are the 10 best things to do in Tashkent to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Explore Khast Imam Square

At the spiritual and historical core of the Old City lies Khast Imam Square (Hazrati Imom Majmuasi), a tranquil complex that serves as the seat of Uzbekistan’s Muslim Board. This ensemble of beautifully restored madrasas, mosques, and mausoleums, centered around a peaceful courtyard, offers a profound sense of place. The centerpiece is the Muyi Muborak Madrasah, which safeguards the Uthman Quran—a 7th-century manuscript written on deer skin, believed to be one of the world’s oldest existing Qurans and an object of immense veneration.

Adjacent buildings include the Barak-Khan Madrasah, now a library of Islamic literature, and the stunningly ornate Tilla Sheikh Mosque. The atmosphere here is one of scholarly calm and deep reverence, providing a stark and beautiful contrast to the modern city outside. Visiting early in the morning allows you to experience the square in the soft light and quiet that befits its sacred status.

2. Wander through Chorsu Bazaar

For an immersion into the sights, sounds, and scents of Central Asian life, there is no better place than Chorsu Bazaar. Located under a massive, iconic blue dome in the Old City, this market has been the commercial heartbeat of Tashkent for centuries. The dome houses a dazzling array of spices, nuts, and dried fruits arranged in vibrant, colorful mounds. Radiating out from it are countless stalls selling everything imaginable: pyramids of fresh produce, hanging skeins of horse sausage (kazy), towering stacks of traditional round bread (non), handmade ceramics, and bustling sections for meat, dairy, and textiles.

It’s a place for all the senses—bargain for souvenirs, sample fresh samsa (meat pies) from a clay oven, or simply observe the daily rhythm of local commerce. Chorsu is more than a market; it’s a living, breathing institution that connects you directly to Uzbekistan’s culinary and social traditions.

3. Ride the Tashkent Metro & see its artistic stations

The Tashkent Metro is not merely public transport; it is one of the city’s most impressive and affordable sightseeing attractions. Built during the Soviet era, each station is a unique work of art, designed around specific cultural or historical themes. Descend into underground palaces adorned with intricate mosaics, marble columns, grandiose chandeliers, and detailed bas-reliefs.

Must-see stations include Kosmonavtlar, dedicated to the Soviet space program with astronaut-themed mosaics; Alisher Navoi, decorated with scenes from the poet’s works; and the majestic Mustaqillik Maydoni. Photography was prohibited until recently, but rules have relaxed, allowing visitors to capture these stunning spaces. A metro journey provides a fascinating glimpse into the aesthetic ambitions of a bygone era and remains the quickest way to traverse the city.

4. Visit the Amir Timur Museum

Housed in a distinctive building with a brilliant turquoise dome and ornate interior, the State Museum of Timurid History (Amir Timur Museum) is dedicated to the legacy of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the 14th-century Turco-Mongol conqueror who is a central figure in Uzbekistan’s national identity. The museum’s collection includes manuscripts, armor, weapons, astronomical instruments, and miniature paintings that illustrate the history, art, and science of the Timurid Renaissance.

While the historical artifacts are impressive, the museum’s true impact lies in its role as a monument to modern Uzbek nation-building, celebrating a figure who symbolizes power, culture, and historical prestige. The surrounding Amir Timur Square, with its lush gardens and the iconic statue of Timur on horseback, completes this tribute and is a popular gathering spot in the city center.

5. Walk around Amir Timur Square

The sprawling Amir Timur Square, anchored by the majestic statue of the ruler on his warhorse, is the symbolic center of modern Tashkent. Flanked by important buildings like the Uzbekistan Hotel and the Forums Palace, the square is a hub of activity. Wide, tree-lined pedestrian paths, elaborate fountains, and well-kept flower beds make it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll.

It is particularly enchanting in the evening when the fountains are illuminated and families come out to enjoy the cool air. The square represents the city’s Soviet-era urban planning at its most grand and serves as a lively, open-air living room for Tashkent’s residents.

6. Explore Independence Square

Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni) is the nation’s most important ceremonial plaza, a vast space embodying Uzbekistan’s sovereignty. The square is dominated by a soaring monument to independence—a globe topped with the country’s outline—and the iconic Arch of Good and Noble Intentions, featuring stork statues symbolizing peace and happiness. The complex includes the Senate building, beautifully landscaped parks with allegorical statues representing a mother and child, and the eternal flame monument.

More than just a political space, it’s a beautifully maintained public park where locals take wedding photos, children play, and visitors can reflect on the country’s journey. The scale and symbolism of the square offer deep insight into the national narrative of modern Uzbekistan.

7. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts

Housed in a 19th-century mansion that was originally the home of a wealthy Russian diplomat, the State Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan is as much a masterpiece as the items it contains. The building itself is adorned with stunning examples of Uzbek decorative art: hand-carved wooden columns (ghanch), painted ceilings, and intricate fretwork. The collection showcases the breathtaking craftsmanship of the regions, with galleries dedicated to suzani embroidery, silk and wool carpets, ceramics from Rishtan and Gijduvan, jewelry, and traditional costumes.

It’s a visually stunning and manageable museum that provides an excellent overview of the country’s artistic heritage, making it a perfect precursor to shopping in the bazaars, as you’ll learn to appreciate the skill behind the crafts you’ll see for sale.

8. Relax in Tashkent City Park

Also known as Magic City, the Tashkent City Park is a glittering, modern entertainment complex that represents the city’s ambitious future. This sprawling area features artificial lakes with gondola rides, dancing fountains synchronized to music, European-style buildings housing international brand stores, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a popular destination for families and young people, especially in the evenings and on weekends when the atmosphere is festive and vibrant.

While very different from the historical sites, a visit here shows the contemporary leisure culture of Tashkent’s growing middle class. The park’s sheer scale and modern allure highlight the city’s rapid development and its aspirations as a Central Asian capital.

9. Visit the TV Tower observation deck

p>For the definitive bird’s-eye view of Tashkent’s unique urban layout, ascend the Tashkent TV Tower. At 375 meters, it is the tallest structure in Central Asia. Its design incorporates a latticework pattern inspired by traditional Islamic architecture. The observation deck, located at about 100 meters, offers a 360-degree panorama that stretches from the green expanse of the Old City to the sleek new developments, with the Tien Shan mountains visible on clear days.

The tower also houses a revolving restaurant. The perspective from above truly underscores the city’s defining features: its vast scale, the grid of wide, tree-lined Soviet avenues, and the striking contrast between different architectural epochs. It’s an essential stop for photography and orientation.

10. Enjoy Uzbek cuisine in traditional chaikhanas

No visit to Tashkent is complete without diving into its exceptional food culture. The city is the best place to sample Uzbekistan’s national dish, plov (pilaf), with dedicated oshxona (plov centers) serving giant cauldrons of the fragrant rice dish cooked with lamb, carrots, and chickpeas. Beyond plov, feast on hearty laghman (hand-pulled noodles with meat and vegetables), succulent shashlik (kebabs), delicate steamed dumplings (manti), and thick noodle soup (shurpa).

The social heart of dining is the chaikhana (teahouse), where locals gather over endless pots of green tea, fresh non bread, and shared dishes. For a classic experience, visit a chaikhana in the Old City or along the lively Broadway pedestrian street. From humble canteens to upscale restaurants, eating in Tashkent is a delicious and central part of understanding Uzbek hospitality and culture.