UZBEKISTAN BLOG

The Tashkent Travel Guide: What to See, Do & Eat in Uzbekistan’s Capital

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, was both our first and last stop during our spontaneous eight-day trip across the country. We intended Uzbekistan to be a relaxed and affordable destination where we could unwind, so the idea was to experience culture, food and nature without overdoing it. For this trip, we stuck to just Tashkent and Samarkand. So, while many travellers rush through the city, we had the chance to stay here a bit longer and explore its calm yet bustling streets. Tashkent offers a unique blend of Soviet history, modern cafes, beautiful parks and warm local experiences, especially if you take the time to explore it like a local.

Embracing Tashkent: Beyond the Usual Recommendations

The beauty of Tashkent isn’t just about ticking off a list. While you’ll find the usual recommendations in any guide, and truly, they are a must-visit, such as Chorsu Bazaar, a meal at Besh Qozon, riding the incredible Tashkent Metro, observing the Tashkent TV Tower, wandering Amir Temur Square, or admiring the Hazrati Imam Complex, we discovered that the real magic lies in embracing the city’s natural charm.

What we felt was that simply taking a metro ride around and walking the city streets, paired with the convenience of Yandex taxis, allows you to uncover everything in a way that feels effortless. The metro itself is a marvel and often listed as one of the top tourist attractions in Tashkent, thanks to the stunning Soviet-era art and design featured in each station. We appreciated it not only for its architecture but also for how easy it made getting around. That said, we wouldn’t travel to a country just to ride the metro as many guides make it seem.

Some of our best moments were spent walking, especially as winter was giving way to spring. The scenes were beautiful. Tashkent is an old city with a quiet, natural elegance. We wandered beneath bare trees that made the perfect backdrop, enjoyed ice cream even in the cold, and simply strolled through peaceful parks. You’ll probably love it too.
Because our trip was spontaneous with no prior research, we hadn’t read any of the typical “must-do” lists. Yet, we still stumbled upon these iconic spots because they’re truly hard to miss.

While we didn’t go inside every tourist spot, if you’re looking to build a more structured itinerary, locals and tourists alike recommend adding places like the Kukeldash Madrasah, the Museum of Applied Arts, Independence Square, Minor Mosque, Tashkent City Park, Ilkhom Theatre and the Botanical Garden to your list. These spots are said to round out the experience, blending history, local life, art and the calm green spaces the city is known for.

What we also deeply enjoyed was stopping at random street shops and food places, simply because we saw a crowd, were really hungry, it smelled good, or Google Maps serendipitously led us there.

So, here’s a comprehensive list of places. However, we encourage you to use this as a reference. Take the time to plan your own itinerary, wander around and experience things for yourself. We truly believe Tashkent isn’t a place that needs a tour guide; you can take in the city’s charm entirely on your own.

Beyond the Highlights: A Comprehensive List of Places to Explore

Here’s an extensive list of places to include in your Tashkent itinerary, categorized for your convenience, blending our experiences with local tips.

Cafes, Coffee Shops & Bakeries: Tashkent’s Buzzing Scene

Tashkent’s cafe culture is thriving, with a mix of traditional and modern spots perfect for a coffee, a sweet treat, or a relaxed work session.

1. Modern & Trendy Cafes:

Safia Cafe & Bakery: A popular and widely recommended chain, known for its variety of fresh pastries, cakes, and cookies. Cosy and bright atmosphere, ideal for both everyday treats and special occasions. We spent four hours working here on our last day.
Chaykof: A top local café-restaurant hybrid offering affordable breakfasts, smooth cappuccinos, and a wide dessert selection. Multiple branches across the city.
Breadly: One of the first modern bakery-cafés in Tashkent, praised for its quality bread, French-style pastries, and good coffee. Great for breakfast or a light bite.
Bon! (Boulangerie & Patisserie): Popular for French-style bakery items, sandwiches, and pastries, with good coffee and excellent chocolate. Great quality at reasonable prices.
Socials Cafe: Relaxed and Instagram-friendly, known for tasty brunches and pleasant outdoor seating. A popular spot for a laid-back meal or coffee.
B&B Coffee House (Beans & Brews): Well-known for its coffee and budget-friendly breakfasts. A younger crowd’s favourite and good for working. We stopped here at midnight before our flight; 35K for a pot of berry tea with honey.
Beanberry Coffee Shop: Favoured by coffee lovers, often called the best coffee in Tashkent. Offers a choice of beans for a more personalised cup.
Giotto Gelato & Wafel: A dessert spot known for its wide range of ice creams, waffles, tea, and coffee. We paid 25K total for two scoops.
Cari Cafe: A hidden gem we stumbled on while sleep-deprived. Though it looked closed, the owner welcomed us in, made us cappuccinos, and offered complimentary cookies. Dark and cosy ambience.
Ugolok Café: A modern spot blending Uzbek and European dishes.
Chai Lounge: A warm and quiet tea café with light snacks.

2. Specialty & Unique Cafes:
BookCafe (at the National Library): Popular with students and literati, this cafe is nestled among shelves of books (including English titles). It’s a quiet, relaxing place to enjoy coffee, pastries, and find new reading material. Great for a peaceful break or some work. (Your specific experience: “Book Café at the National Library” mentioned as a recommendation previously.)
Human House Art Gallery & Cafe: More than just a cafe, Human House is a cultural center and boutique showcasing local art and handicrafts. Its small cafe is described as a “shopping pit stop that only locals seem to know about,” offering a selection of teas and pastries, often served at low tables (dastarkhan) for a truly local feel.
Swiss Bakery: A newer addition, owned by Giotto, offering a good breakfast menu, agreeable coffee, and outdoor seating.
Pie Republic: A charming cafe known for both sweet and savory pastries, particularly indulgent desserts like the Medovic layered pastry. They also serve breakfast and pies.
SOUL Cafe: Praised for its aesthetic floral interiors, cozy yet stylish vibes, and impressive desserts, especially cheesecakes. It’s a popular spot for those looking for a pretty and relaxing cafe experience.

3. Traditional Bakeries & Bread (Non/Lepeshka) For the truly local, authentic bread experience, you often won’t find these as “cafes” but rather as bustling bakeries or stalls within bazaars.
Chorsu Bazaar: The ultimate place to experience traditional Uzbek bread. You’ll find numerous small bakeries within and around the bazaar with tandoor ovens, pulling out fresh, hot bread throughout the day. The aroma alone is incredible. Look for the ones that are constantly busy – that’s your sign of freshness and quality.
National Food (Opposite the Circus): While a restaurant, it’s famous for its obi non (traditional Uzbek flatbread) which is baked on-site in tandoor ovens. The smell of fresh bread is prominent, and it’s served warm. Many locals go there specifically for the bread.

Tashkent’s Buzzing Scene Restaurants: Essential Dining & Local Favorites

Tashkent’s food scene is where its heart truly beats. Beyond the famous plov, you’ll find incredible shashlik, hearty soups, and delicious pastries at spots loved by locals.

1. For the Ultimate Plov (The National Dish) Plov is more than just a dish in Uzbekistan; it’s a cultural institution. Tashkent-style plov (Toy Oshi) is typically lighter and less oily than Samarkand’s.

Besh Qozon (Central Asian Plov Centre): This is the iconic place. It’s massive, bustling, and you can watch huge cauldrons of plov being cooked over open fires. It’s a truly theatrical experience and serves thousands of plates daily. Locals flock here, especially around lunchtime. Don’t be surprised if you have to share a table or even serve yourself if it’s super busy. You mentioned it, and it’s a top pick for a reason!
Abdujalil Osh: Often cited by locals as the personal top pick for truly authentic Tashkent-style plov. It’s known for its authentic flavor and is a favorite among residents.
Nurafshon Osh Markazi: Another highly regarded plov center, popular for its traditional preparation and quality.
KamolonOsh Drujba: It’s generally considered a good option for plov, especially if you’re looking for Samarkand-style in Tashkent. We went there and it was packed during Iftar, Plov was good, however we still felt besh qozon was better.
Samarqand Osh Markazi N1: Despite its name, this is in Tashkent and is known for its plov.

2. For Mouth-Watering Shashlik (Grilled Skewers) Shashlik is a staple, with various meats (lamb, beef, chicken, even liver or ground meat) marinated and grilled over charcoal.

Chigatoy Shashlik: A highly recommended spot for authentic Uzbek shashlik. It might look like an ordinary cafe, but the food is top-notch.
Shashleek Eco Park: Known for offering some of the best shashliks in Tashkent in a pleasant, often green, setting. They have various types of meat skewers and also serve samsa.
Tarnov (especially Tarnov Boshi): Praised for its selection of meat dishes and authentic Uzbek shashlik, prepared using old recipes with perfectly marinated meat. They also do lyulya-kebab (ground meat shashlik).
Bek Cafe (Mirzo Ulugbek district): Popular with locals for its great service and some of the best shashlik in the city.
Shashlik & Somsa: As the name suggests, a great spot for both shashlik and samsa, known for its traditional Uzbek cuisine and homey atmosphere.
Sherzod Shashlik: Mentioned by some locals as a more “local fare” spot with fewer tourists, offering excellent shashlik.

3. For Crispy, Savory Samsa: Uzbek samsa are delicious savory pastries, often filled with meat (lamb or beef) and onions, baked in a tandoor oven.

Minor Somsa: Often called “the number 1 somsa place in Tashkent.” Expect a queue, but locals say it’s worth it for the crispy dough and juicy fillings.
Mar Mar-Plov Samsa na Ivlieva: A humble spot chosen by locals for a quick, authentic lunch, praising their crispy dough and delicious fillings. They also serve plov.
Chitir: Recommended for its potato samsa by some locals.
Jizzax Somsa / Somsa on Zavodskoy Ko’chasi: These are also frequently mentioned as excellent options.
Chorsu Bazaar: While sometimes hit-or-miss for a full meal, you can find excellent samsa vendors throughout the bazaar. Many locals will grab a fresh-baked samsa here for a snack.

4. For Hearty Lagman (Noodle Soup/Stir-fry) Lagman is a versatile dish of hand-pulled noodles, served either as a hearty soup or a stir-fry with meat and vegetables.

Hoshang on Farobiy Street: Highly recommended, particularly for Uyghur-style lagman. Locals praise it for being clean, delicious, and filling. Both qovurma laghmon (stir-fried) and shorva laghmon (soup) are good here.
Karasaray Lagman: Another highly praised spot by locals for its delicious lagman.
Lagmon Xona (near Druzhba): A popular choice among locals for their lagman.
Lagman24: As the name suggests, a dedicated spot for lagman.

5. Other Local Favorites & General Uzbek Cuisine

Afsona Family Restaurant: While it can be more “high-fashion” and popular with tourists, locals do recommend it for its quality modern Uzbek cuisine, especially dishes like qozon kabob (pot kebab) and norin (noodle dish with horse meat sausage). It’s a good place for a more refined Uzbek dining experience.
Caravan: Another well-established restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and good presentation of Uzbek cuisine.
National Food (opposite the circus): Known for offering an authentic Uzbek dining experience. You might see women making dough or preparing dishes on-site.
Basri Baba: While described as a “friendly & loud Turkish restaurant,” it’s popular with locals for group gatherings and offers a range of grilled dishes that resonate with Uzbek tastes.
Fish and Bread : This might sound unusual for landlocked Uzbekistan, but this spot is popular with locals for fish burgers and fish lavash. So if you really want fish on your trip this is the place to go. We ended up going here, simply because we were hungry and cold so we said why not.
Te Samie Ponchiki: Translates to “Those Donuts” in Russian. Locals swear these are the best donuts in Tashkent, offering both sweet and savory varieties.
Choyxona Oshpaz: A classic Uzbek teahouse experience, offering traditional dishes in a relaxed setting.
Jizbiz: Thye have a variety of options here, this was close to our hotel and we tried multiple things and they were all tasty.
Gamarjoba: A Georgian restaurant that locals love for its cozy, traditional interiors and delicious Georgian dishes like khachapuri. We loved their interiors, slightly pricier than regular local uzbeki restaurants but still cheap.

Cultural & Historical Sites

Here are the top cultural and historical sites In Tashkent to visit or keep an eye out for In Tashkent while you walk around.

Hazrati Imam Complex:
– Tillya Sheikh Mosque: One of Tashkent’s largest mosques.
– Barak-Khan Madrasah: A 16th-century madrasah with striking architecture, now housing souvenir shops.
– Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum: The burial place of a prominent 10th-century Islamic scholar.
– Muyi Muborak Madrasah (Library Museum): Home to the Uthman Quran.
Minor Mosque: A stunning white marble mosque by the river, built in 2014. It’s especially beautiful around sunset.
Kukeldash Madrasah: One of the few surviving 16th-century madrasahs, located near Chorsu Bazaar. Worth a quick stop if you’re exploring the area.
Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maidoni): The main square of Uzbekistan, symbolizing its sovereignty. It’s a vast park-like area with fountains and monuments, including the Monument of Independence.
Amir Temur Square: A central landmark with an equestrian statue of Amir Temur, surrounded by significant buildings.
Monument of Courage: A powerful memorial commemorating the 1966 Tashkent earthquake and the city’s resilience.
Crying Mother Monument: A poignant statue honoring Uzbek soldiers who died during World War II, part of the Soviet monument trail.
Romanov Palace: A modest palace that once belonged to Grand Duke Nikolai Konstantinovich Romanov. While internal viewing is often limited, its exterior is notable.
Holy Assumption Cathedral Church (St. Alexander Nevsky Church): A beautiful Russian Orthodox church in Tashkent with ornate interiors, showcasing a different architectural and religious heritage.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral (Polish Church): A stunning Gothic-style Catholic cathedral in Tashkent, serving the local Polish community.
German Kirche: A small but charming church in a classic German style.
Zangiata Mausoleum: A sacred site set within peaceful gardens, a bit outside the city center but highly revered.
Yunus-Khan Mausoleum: Mausoleum for a key historical figure from Tashkent.
Shaykhantaur Ensemble: Historic religious complex with unique architecture.
Juma Mosque: Active mosque with beautiful interiors.
Shastri Monument: Monument to the Indian statesman.

Museums & Galleries

If you’re the kind of traveller who loves diving deep into culture and history, these are the best spots to visit.

Museum of Applied Arts: Showcases a rich collection of traditional Uzbek handicrafts in a beautifully restored palace.
State Museum of History of Uzbekistan: An interesting stop if you’re curious about Uzbekistan’s journey through Soviet times and independence, covering history from pre-Islamic times to the present.
Amir Timur Museum: Dedicated to the life and conquests of the great Turkic conqueror, Tamerlane, and the cultural achievements of his era.
Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan (State Museum of Art): Features a collection of Uzbek, Russian, and Western European art.
Museum of Victims of Political Repression: A poignant museum dedicated to those who suffered during the Soviet era.
Tashkent Museum of Railway Techniques: For train enthusiasts, this museum showcases various locomotives and railway equipment.
Polytechnical Museum: Interactive exhibits on science and engineering.
Human House Art Gallery: Contemporary art gallery.
Center of Applied Arts: Displays ceramics, embroidery, and more.
Exhibition Hall: Rotating art exhibitions.
International Caravanserai of Culture: Cultural venue promoting regional music and art.
Tamara Khanum Museum: Museum of the celebrated Uzbek performer.
Ural Tansykbaev Memorial Museum: Features works by the famous painter.
Sergei Yesenin House-Museum: Tribute to the Russian poet.
Anna Akhmatova House-Museum: Memorial to the Russian poetess.
Rakhimov’s Studio: A bonus recommendation by close friends. It’s beautiful space for ceramicists spanning three generations.

Bazaars & Local Life

For an authentic taste of local life in Tashkent, the vibrant bazaars are where the city truly shops. Unlike many countries where large supermarket chains dominate, you’ll find that most shopping, from daily groceries to unique goods, is done here, or at the numerous small local grocery stores and ‘Pepsi Markets’ scattered across neighbourhoods.

Chorsu Bazaar: The oldest and largest bazaar in Tashkent, selling everything from fresh produce and spices to textiles and handicrafts. A must-visit for its colorful produce, spices, nuts, and traditional snacks.
Alay Bazaar: Smaller than Chorsu and more local-focused. We found some great fresh fruit and people-watching opportunities here.
Mirabad Bazaar: A neighborhood market popular with locals. Less touristy, more authentic.
Sunday Book Market (near Pakhtakor): A fascinating stop if you’re into vintage books, Soviet memorabilia, and chatting with local vendors.
TSUM Alley: Open-air secondhand market near the department store.
Ecobozor: Organic produce and handmade goods.
Universam: General goods market.
Farhod Farmers Market: Locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Mega Planet: Large mall with international brands.
Khan Chapan: Specializes in traditional Uzbek garments.

Parks & Public Spaces

If you are walking around Tashkent even to get to one spot to the other you are likely to pass through one or more of these many parks in the city.

Do’stlik Recreational Park: We spent time here on the last day. It’s a spacious, tree-filled area where families gather and locals unwind. Great for a gentle stroll.
Meriya Park: This is a small and peaceful park.
Qashqar Parki (Kashgar Park): A lovely little park where we had two hot, flaky samsas for just 20,000 UZS — a perfect snack break during our walk. You’ll find it near some residential neighborhoods, giving it a lived-in, local charm.
Japanese Garden: The garden has a paid entry. It’s serene with ducks swimming in the pond and beautiful peacocks and located close to other cultural attractions. Even if you don’t enter, the whole area around is peaceful with the views of The Tashkent TV Tower at the back.
Amir Temur Square: A central landmark with an equestrian statue of Amir Temur, surrounded by significant buildings.
Alisher Navoi National Park (Milliy Bog): Tashkent’s largest park, offering extensive green spaces, a lake, and various attractions.
Tashkent Botanical Garden: A peaceful escape with a diverse collection of plants and trees.
Central Park: Popular urban park with events.
Anhor Lokomotiv Park: Park with a Ferris wheel and lake.
Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maidoni): The main square of Uzbekistan, symbolizing its sovereignty. It’s a vast park-like area with fountains and monuments.
Broadway Alley (Sayilgoh Street): A pedestrian street near Amir Temur Square, often filled with artists, street performers, and souvenir stalls, especially in the evenings.
Tashkent City Park: Tashkent City Park: Home to a large and popular musical dancing fountain show, often described as a major evening attraction. It’s one of the popular tourist spots, but if you’re coming from Dubai, this spot might not be the most fascinating, considering the fountains you’re used to there.

Tip: You might encounter child beggars in busier tourist areas such as Amir Temur Square or outside Hotel Uzbekistan. They can be quite persistent, sometimes hugging your leg. While it’s natural to want to help, it’s generally advised to offer food or small treats rather than cash, as these situations are often linked to organised begging.

Nightlife & Bars

While we dint have the opportunity to visit these are our top recommendations from friends.

Punto: Great pizza and cocktails, making it a good spot for an evening out.
Steam Bar: Has a unique steampunk-inspired theme with a great vibe!
Joydaman: A pub with a young crowd and chill vibes, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Theatres & Cultural Venues

Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre: Premier venue for opera and ballet, with impressive architecture.
Ilkhom Theatre: Renowned for experimental and independent theatre.
Silk Road Marionettes Theatre: Traditional puppet shows.
Republican Puppet Theatre: Popular children’s performances.
State Opera and Ballet Theatre: Classical music and dance.
Academic Russian Drama Theatre: Russian and international plays.

Easy Day Trips from Tashkent City

The absolute highlight of our trip!

Charvak Lake: Beautiful views, worth a photo stop.
Chimgan Mountains: Rolling hills and greenery, great for nature walks and views.
Amirsoy Resort: Modern ski resort (in winter) with cable cars, cafes, and activities. Surprisingly affordable.

General Impressions

Tashkent truly captivated us with its unique charm, a city that manages to be both vibrant and remarkably serene. We were immediately struck by its impressive cleanliness and spaciousness, defined by elegant wide boulevards, grand Soviet-era architecture, and an abundance of inviting leafy parks. It masterfully blends tradition with modernity, where ancient mosques and bustling bazaars coexist seamlessly with chic cafes and contemporary public spaces.
While the striking blue and white architecture that Uzbekistan is famous for is mostly found in cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, Tashkent has a charm of its own. It is a lovely city that captures the essence of Central Asia in a quieter, more lived-in way. Beyond the sights, what stood out to us was how incredibly safe, welcoming and easy to navigate it felt. Even with almost no English spoken, communication was never really a problem, thanks to the warmth and hospitality of the people.
Whether exploring its ornate metro stations or strolling through its peaceful neighbourhoods, the city doesn’t shout for attention, but rather quietly leaves a lasting impression, inviting you to discover its layered identity at a slower pace. Offering more spacious and varied accommodation than cities like Samarkand, and boasting incredible value – especially with its mountain proximity for a day trip – Tashkent stands out as a charming, affordable, and surprisingly modern gem, particularly in winter. Ultimately, it was the genuine warmth of the people and, for any bread and meat lover, its delicious food that truly makes the experience.

While other destinations like Baku offer a more modern comparison and Georgia remains our all-time favourite for its diverse appeal, Tashkent is undeniably the most budget-friendly option for travellers from Dubai.

Getting to Samarkand from Tashkent

The quickest and most convenient way to go to and from Samarkand is by train. The Afrosiyob high-speed train is very comfortable and takes just over two hours. However, it sells out quickly, especially in peak tourist season it might be sold out days before. We recommend booking via the UzRailways app or website, which accepts international credit cards.
We were spontaneous, so the Afrosiyob was sold out by the time we checked. Instead, we traveled by the slower Nasaf and Sharq trains. Despite being four-hour journeys, both rides were extremely comfortable. We had the entire compartment to ourselves on both trips—once a sleeper and once a coupe. If you have the time, or prefer night journeys, slower trains are quite comfortable, so you won’t feel the longer travel time. We used the journey time to relax and catch up on some work. The ride itself may not be particularly scenic for the entire duration, partly because the train windows are not necessarily clean.
In Tashkent, there are 2 railway stations. Tashkent’s main railway station, often called the Northern Station (Toshkent Vokzal), handles most intercity and international trains, including high-speed services. The Southern Station (Tashkent Yuzhny) primarily serves suburban routes and sometimes handles certain intercity trains, especially during peak periods or diversions. Both stations have trains to Samarkand. When you are booking your ticket through the app you will be able to see the right train station.
In Samarkand, there’s just one Railway Station.