Because an earthquake wiped out most of its heritage buildings, Tashkent might not have the wow factor of Silk Road-era cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, but it does have an understated charm. Expect a modern, leafy city filled with Soviet architecture and statues. Many people land in the Uzbek capital and take off for buzzier destinations, but Tashkent should be more than just an afterthought. From bustling bazaars, charmingly fancy metro stations, and first-class museums, you’ll find plenty of things to do here for a few days or longer.
Like the rest of Uzbekistan, Tashkent has two weather extremes—winters are shockingly cold, while summers leave the city baking in the heat. The best time to visit is spring, as the Uzbek capital holds cultural festivals focusing on everything from traditional ceramics to artisanal clothing in April and May. Fall is another great option, as September is peak fruit season and Uzbekistan is world-famous for its melons.
Thanks to an excellent metro network, getting around the capital is easy and affordable. Built by the same team responsible for Moscow’s resplendent underground stations, the Tashkent metro boasts similarly lavish decor—it’s an attraction in its own right. Taxis are cheap and plentiful, and shared taxis and marshrutka (cramped passenger vans with no fixed schedule) are available for more adventurous travelers.
Don’t miss Chorus Bazaar, a sprawling, partially domed marketplace. Not only is it one of Tashkent’s rare historic attractions—the market and surrounding neighborhoods were rebuilt after the earthquake—but the site has drawn Central Asian traders for centuries. This traditional shopping center is your go-to for tasty local eats and quirky handmade souvenirs. Don’t miss the horse-meat sausage.
