place
Tashkent is where most trips to Uzbekistan begin and end. It is a big modern capital, but it hides old quarters, a huge bazaar and some of the most beautiful metro stations in the world.
best time
April–May and September–October; city trips possible year-round
highlights
Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia and the country’s main international hub. It was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1966 and largely rebuilt, so it looks very different from Samarkand or Bukhara: wide avenues, parks, Soviet-era mosaics and new glass towers. Behind this, old mahalla neighbourhoods and the bazaar keep a traditional way of life.
For travellers it is the natural place to start: flights arrive here, trains to Samarkand and Bukhara leave from here, and the city gives a useful first look at modern Uzbekistan.
The religious heart of the old city includes mosques, a madrasa and a library where an early Quran manuscript linked to Caliph Uthman is kept. The square is calm in the morning.
Under a large green dome, traders sell spices, dried fruit, nuts and dairy, and around it stretch rows of fresh produce and bread stalls. It is a good place to try local snacks with a guide who can explain what everything is.
Several stations of the Tashkent metro are decorated with marble, chandeliers, ceramic panels and themed designs, from space flight to cotton. A short ride between a few stations is one of the cheapest and most memorable activities in the city.
The Museum of Applied Arts is housed in a decorated mansion of a former diplomat and gives a good introduction to Uzbek crafts. Amir Timur square, the Independence square and the newer Tashkent City district show the modern capital.
Tashkent is a great food city. A lunch of plov from a large kazan is a must, and our guide to Uzbek plov explains where the dish comes from and how it differs by region.
The Chimgan mountains and the Charvak reservoir, north-east of the city, are the easiest escape: cable cars, walking trails, and fresh air in summer. Tashkent is also the starting point for the road or train journey to the Fergana Valley, which needs at least two days.
One full day is enough for a first look. With two days you can add the museums, the mountains or a cooking experience. Most of our programs include a day in Tashkent at the start and an evening or half-day at the end, before the flight home.
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant. Summer is hot but manageable in a city with parks and fountains, and winter is mild compared to northern Europe, with occasional snow.
The international airport is close to the city centre. Taxi apps work well in the city, and the metro is cheap and easy. High-speed trains leave for Samarkand and Bukhara from the main railway station; see our guide to trains in Uzbekistan. Flights connect Tashkent with Urgench, Nukus and other cities, as well as with Almaty, Bishkek and Dushanbe; our team selects direct or connecting options.
Tashkent is the first and last stop of most itineraries, including our Classic Uzbekistan program, with Samarkand usually next.
The city centre around Amir Timur square and the area near the main avenues are convenient for walking and the metro. There are international hotel chains as well as boutique hotels.
Send us a request with your arrival and departure dates. We arrange transfers, a city program and onward travel, and send you a full quote for your Uzbekistan route.
Updated: 2026-10
One full day covers the main sights. Two days allow museums, a mountain day trip or a relaxed arrival after a long flight.
It is worth at least a day. Tashkent shows the modern side of the country, has excellent food and is the easiest place to adjust to the time zone before trains to the historic cities.
The airport is close to the city centre, and the transfer usually takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. We include private airport transfers in our programs.
Yes. The Chimgan mountains and Charvak reservoir are within a couple of hours by car, with cable cars, short walks and lakeside views.
Samarkand is the most famous name on the Silk Road and the centrepiece of most Uzbekistan tours. Its blue domes and tiled squares are the reason many travellers come to Central Asia in the first place.
The Fergana Valley is the most populated and the most traditional region of Uzbekistan. Travellers come here for silk weaving, ceramics, busy bazaars and a glimpse of everyday life away from the main tourist route.
Rail is the easiest way to travel between Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities. Here is how the main services work, how to get tickets and what to expect on board.
Plov is more than a dish in Uzbekistan. It marks weddings, births and gatherings of friends, and every region argues that its version is the best.
The essential Silk Road route: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, connected by high-speed train. A good first trip to the region.
April, May, September and October are the classic months for Uzbekistan, but every season has a case. Here is what each part of the year feels like in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and the mountains.
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To: Global Destination
Where: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tel.: +998 99 760-82-33
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