The biggest city in Central Asia has never received much love from the traveling community. Articles on Uzbekistan tend to focus on the country’s big hitters and more well-known destinations like Samarkand, Bukhara, or the fabled Aral Sea. Even when compared to other Central Asia cities, Tashkent is usually trailing behind the region’s big hitters; Ashgabat and Astana. Most travelers blast through on their way in or out of Uzbekistan and this really is a crying shame. Let’s discover the best things to do in Tashkent.
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Best Things To Do In Tashkent
Visit Khast Imam
This collection of mosques and madrasas in the center of Tashkent is home to what is supposed to be the world’s oldest Qur’an.
Although this small museum where the text is kept is certainly worth checking out it is just a tiny portion of this huge complex.
The surrounding narrow alleyways are a perfect place for a wander and get a glimpse of old Tashkent.
As one of the more popular Tashkent tourist attractions, Khast Imam’s traditional Islamic architecture is stunning to behold. Its grandiose beauty impresses everyone!
Wander Around the Chorsu Bazaar
The chaotic network of stalls, outdoor food stands, and wholesalers are everything you would expect from a Central Asian bazaar at the center of the old silk road.
Often believed to be housed within this blue dome picture below, stalls and food stands radiate for what seems like forever.
The area around the station is chock full of bread and cheap Chinese-made products.
Whereas the dome and surrounding area are full of fresh fruit, veg, and meat, open-air food halls, and textiles.
This is a working market so don’t be surprised if people are brash and direct.
Markets are some of our favorite spots to hit when visiting a new country – you get to mingle with locals, try foods and get some unique souvenirs. If you want that full Tashkent sightseeing experience – add Chorsu Bazaar to your itinerary!
The area surrounding the Bazaar has a few small mosques and madrasas that are worth a look at.
Also do be aware that this area has a number of money exchangers, something that is not necessary with recent financial reforms.
Climb the Tashkent TV Tower
The Tashkent Tower is with its 375 meters the 11th tallest tower in the world. You can take the elevator to the 6th floor and enjoy the panoramic views over the city from the observation deck.
There’s also a restaurant on the 7th floor where you can have a beer and enjoy a meal at a reasonable price.
The entrance fee to go to the observation deck is 40000 UZS. You’ll also need your passport to go up the tower. The Tashkent Tower is open daily from 10 am until 8 pm.
It could be a nice spot to return in the evening and see how the sun sets over the city’s skyline.
Visit the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Dzuma Mosque
The Kukeldash Madrasah is the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical places in Tashkent.
While Kukeldash is not as impressive as the three madrasahs surrounding Registan Square in Samarkand, the building still is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture and worth a quick visit.
Kukeldash was originally an educational institution (madrasah means ‘school’ or ‘college’ for Islamic education) but over the centuries the building has been used as a caravanserai for merchants, a fortress of the Kokand rulers, and even as a place of execution.
The Madrasah survived several earthquakes and has repeatedly been repaired and restored. Today Kukeldash functions again as a spiritual institution.
You can enter the courtyard of the madrasah where you’ll find a small wood carving workshop. The entrance fee to the courtyard is 10000 UZS.
Marvel at the Soviet Mosaics
Tashkent is home to some impressive Soviet architecture, however, Shota Rustaveli Street, South East of the Grand Mir hotel has a number of old Soviet-era tower blocks decked out in some rather fantastic mosaics.
Definitely one of the most interesting and surprising Tashkent attractions.
Check Out the Minor Mosque
This huge white marble mosque was built between 2013-2014 under the orders of the country’s then-leader, Islam Karimov.
A gorgeous building on the edge of the Ankhor canal it looks like it would be more at home in Ashgabat’s white marble jungle than in Tashkent.
Evenings are usually pretty quiet, making it a nice time to explore.
