Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets, having only opened its doors to tourists in 2017. Home to over 35 million people, it was once a thriving hub on the ancient Silk Road, with cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva that are over 2,000 years old and rich with mosques, madrasas and mausoleums.

It was also the heart of the Timurid Empire under Tamerlane, and birthplace of the mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, whose work gave us the word ‘algorithm’. Today, you’ll find a blend of Persian, Turkic, Soviet and Islamic influences across five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Food is a highlight, with hearty plov and flaky samsa reflecting the country’s diverse heritage and cultural influences. Locals are warm and curious, often eager to share their culture, making every visit feel personal and memorable. With a climate that swings from snowy winters to hot, dry summers, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.
Affordable transport, budget-friendly stays and street food galore make it easy to explore this beautiful mix of history, culture and hospitality.

Best time to visit

Peak: Apr-Jun & Sep-Oct | Pleasant (15-30°C)
Quieter: Feb-Mar & Nov | Cold (0-15°C), fewer tourists —
we loved March!
Avoid: Jul-Aug (35-40°C),
Dec (down to -7°C)

Currency

Uzbeki Som
Cash-based society
Carry USD. Exchange at the airport or at hotels.
Tashkent airport gave us a direct dollar rate but it differs.

Language

Uzbek & Russian
English is rare. Locals are friendly, so smiles, gestures, and Google Translate go a long way.

Major Places to Visit

Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Chimgan Mountains (near Tashkent)

Must Try Food

Plov (national dish – rice with meat and vegetables), Lagman (hand-pulled noodles), Manti (steamed meat dumplings), Samsa (spiced meat or pumpkin pastry), Shashlik (grilled meat skewers), Non (round, chewy bread).

Getting Around

Trains: Regular and high-speed Afrosiyob trains link cities. Best to book ahead via app.
Metro: Within Tashkent city for quick and easy travel.
Taxi: Most convenient and affordable way around. YandexGo can cost as less as $1 for 10-15min rides.
Car Rental: Not common. You can hire a car with a driver, but taxis are a better deal.

Sim Card

Common Providers: Beeline, Uzcell, Uzmobile. SIMs are easy to get at the airport or in city shops. Slightly pricier at the airport but worth it if you need data to book Yandex.

AVOID taxis outside the airport.

Our Fun/Cultural Tip

Bollywood is very popular in Uzbekistan. If you’re Indian, you might feel like a celebrity as people will request selfies, stop and wave from cars, and sometimes even ask for interviews. Young waiters, taxi drivers and students learning English often approach to practice their conversational skills, making it a lovely way to connect with locals.

“Sometimes, the best souvenirs are stories shared under a Samarkand sky.”

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Uzbekistan: Top Travel FAQs

Is Uzbekistan vegetarian friendly?

Vegetarian options are quite limited in traditional eateries, as meat is a staple in Uzbek cuisine. However, you can still find dishes like vegetable plov, pumpkin samsa, side salads, and fresh bread like non. Bigger cities like Tashkent and Samarkand offer more international and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and carry snacks such as fresh fruit and nuts if you’re on the go.

Is Uzbekistan worth visiting for UAE residents already familiar with desert landscapes and Islamic culture?

Absolutely. While some cultural threads may feel familiar, Uzbekistan offers a completely unique experience. Tashkent’s modern districts and broad avenues might not feel extraordinary if you’re used to cities like Dubai, but we still loved wandering through its parks and neighbourhoods. The city has a charming, simplistic Soviet vibe that’s great for long walks, quiet moments, and stopping at cosy coffee shops along the way.
The real magic lies in cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, which feel straight out of a storybook, with ancient tilework, mosques and madrasas from the Silk Road era.
As UAE residents, we recommend visiting in winter. Uzbekistan makes for a surprisingly affordable snowy getaway, with skiing options and wintery streetscapes you would never experience in the UAE.
Uzbek hospitality, hearty food and rich history give the country a distinct flavour that feels both new and nostalgic. However, if you’re after a more nature-focused trip with alpine hikes and remote lakes, Kyrgyzstan or Georgia might be a better fit.

Does Tashkent airport have wifi upon landing?

There is Wi-Fi at Tashkent airport after landing, but only social apps like WhatsApp worked for us—services like Yandex Go were not supported. SIM cards are available at the airport, and while they are slightly more expensive than in the city, the difference is not as steep as in other countries we’ve visited. For convenience and short stays, it’s worth getting a SIM on arrival to easily book taxis like Yandex Go.

Is Uzbekistan safe for travellers?

Yes, Uzbekistan felt very safe and welcoming. Everyone we met was friendly and respectful. Some Yandex drivers even refused to take extra change. The only time we felt uncomfortable was at the airport, where taxi drivers quoted high prices and tried to stop us from booking Yandex. But that kind of thing happens in many countries. Even though we landed late at night, it felt safe. As a woman, I wasn’t bothered at all, even while they were going after my husband forcing us to ride their taxi.

What’s the best way to get from Tashkent airport to the city centre or hotel?

The most reliable and affordable option is using the Yandex Go app, which works like Uber and is available in English. It shows upfront pricing, avoids any language barriers, and typically costs around 20,000 to 30,000 UZS (about 2 to 3 USD) for a 15 to 20 minute ride to the city centre.
To use Yandex Go, you’ll need mobile data. You can either activate an international data plan or buy a local SIM card at the airport. While SIMs are slightly more expensive there compared to the city, the difference is not steep and the convenience is worth it, especially if you arrive late.
Some hotels offer airport transfers, sometimes even for free. Ours offered one for 10 to 15 USD, but they were honest and suggested using Yandex instead since it would only cost around 2 USD.
We didn’t get a SIM at the airport and were aware that the taxi drivers waiting just outside often overcharge. So we walked a little further and hailed a cab ourselves. It worked, but getting past the aggressive taxi crowd at night was a bit of a hassle.
There is also a public bus that runs from the airport to the city centre. It costs just 2,500 UZS (around 0.20 USD) and takes about 35 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, but may not be ideal if you’re tired, have luggage, or arrive outside those hours.

Is Uzbekistan really affordable?

Yes, Uzbekistan is one of the cheapest countries to travel to, especially for UAE residents since it is visa-free. Airlines like Wizz Air and Air Arabia offer affordable flights, making it even easier to visit.

Transport is very cheap. I have never been to a country where taxis are so affordable and available within minutes at any hour. We even booked a Yandex taxi for a spontaneous two-hour drive to the Chimgan Mountains. In Tashkent, public transport is even cheaper and offers great connectivity around the city. In other cities, Yandex remains the best option.

Food is reasonably priced and comes in generous portions. Budget hotels with spacious, clean rooms and breakfast included, such as those from the Art Hotel Group in Tashkent, can be found for around $25 for a double room.