Top 10 things to do in Tashkent

At first glance, Tashkent may seem like a typical Soviet city. It was heavily damaged in the earthquake of 1966, after which it was almost completely rebuilt.

But take a closer look: even the simple multi-story buildings in Tashkent are colorful with their lacy ornaments and extravagantly shaped balconies. The authentic spirit of Central Asia is felt in the mahallas—the old quarters. Walk through the narrow streets, appreciate the sturdiness of the adobe houses, which are impervious to underground tremors, and marvel at the stairless doors and second-floor balconies. Here are the top 10 things to do in Tashkent that will give you a taste of its unique charm:

1. Discover the Hazrati Imam Complex: The religious heart of Tashkent’s Old City, this complex is reminiscent of Samarkand’s Registan and houses several imposing mosques and madrasahs. Don’t miss the ancient Quran dating back to the 8th or 9th century, believed to have belonged to one of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions, the third Caliph Uthman.

2. Ride the Tashkent Metro: Central Asia’s first metro system is not only functional but also an underground palace of art. Stations like Mustakillik, Pakhtakor, Alisher Navoi, and Kosmonavtlar are adorned with intricate decorations, making each stop a visual feast.

3. Haggle at Chorsu Bazaar: This bustling eastern market is the city’s hub for shopping, dining, and socializing. It’s the center of urban life, always bustling and something interesting is always happening.

Allocate at least three hours and head to Chorsu Bazaar. Hand-painted plates, dried melon, dried curd kurt, lavash with intricate patterns, clothing from colorful fabrics, and spices for plov—you can simply look over everything, try it all, and try on, or you can pick out cool souvenirs for friends.

To enjoy some quiet after the chaotic bazaar, step into the neighboring Kukeldash Madrasah. Breathe in the scent of flowers in the inner courtyard and listen to the recitation of the Quran in the classrooms.

4. Admire the Romanov Palace: The unusual architecture of the Romanov Palace stands out in Tashkent. Although you can’t enter this former residence of Prince Nikolai Konstantinovich Romanov, its exterior is worth admiring. Very unusual building by Tashkent standards, with spires, turrets, elegant windows, and bronze deer. But it’s not a summer residence chosen for the beauty of the place and the good climate, but a place of exile.

Prince Nikolai Konstantinovich Romanov spent the last 26 years of his life in the Tashkent palace. He was declared insane and permanently exiled from St. Petersburg after the disappearance of diamonds from the icon frame, which his grandfather Nicholas I had blessed his mother’s marriage with. Several years after the scandal, Nikolai Konstantinovich was engaged in geographical research and lived in various places, and after marrying the daughter of the police chief in Orenburg, he was exiled even further—to Tashkent, where he built a palace for himself and his wife. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to enter the palace of Prince Nikolai Konstantinovich: it now serves as the Reception House of the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

5. Delve into History at Sheikhantaur Mausoleum: Tashkent may seem young compared to Samarkand, but it’s over two thousand years old. In ancient times, Shash (the old name for Tashkent) was a center of Zoroastrianism, its inhabitants worshiped fire and other pure elements — water, earth, and air.

It is said that Alexander the Great scooped water with his helmet from one sacred spring. As he drank, drops fell to the ground, and later at that place, coniferous saura trees grew. One of those ancient sauras has survived to this day inside the Sheikhantaur Mausoleum, built during the Islamic period on the site of an old Zoroastrian temple. The Sheikh was a Sufi dervish from the Quraysh tribe, traveled through cities, gave teachings, and became famous in Central Asia as «the wisest of the wise.»

6. Savor Tashkent’s Cuisine: Try the local delicacy, naryn, a dish of thinly sliced dough mixed with meat, served with hot broth, onions, and homemade horse sausage. It’s a simple yet delicious taste of Tashkent.

You never get bored of the plov in Uzbekistan, because it’s prepared differently everywhere. There’s Samarkand plov, Bukhara plov, Fergana plov, Tashkent plov, festive plov, and teahouse plov, and each restaurant’s recipe is at least slightly different. When the hot, aromatic, crumbly contents of the cauldron hit the plate, you’ll even forget to Instagram it.

If plov is served everywhere in Uzbekistan, naryn (norin) is prepared only in Tashkent. Layers of thinly rolled dough are cooked in meat broth, then finely chopped, mixed with pieces of meat, and served at the table with a bowl of hot broth, fresh or fried onions, and homemade horse meat sausage. It sounds simple, but the taste is divine.

7. Ascend to the Observation Deck at the Tashkent TV Tower: Climb the Tashkent Tower for panoramic city views. Don’t expect too much: although the spire reaches 375 meters in height, the observation deck is located at a modest hundred meters. Still, we advise not to miss the tower: dine in the revolving restaurant, gaze at the old districts with two- to three-story buildings, find the bright domes of mosques and madrasahs, and plan a route for a future walk. Next to the TV tower, don’t miss the plov center — it’s delicious, authentic, and spectacular: the main Central Asian dish is prepared in cauldrons several meters in diameter.

8. Explore the Museum of Applied Arts: For a dose of Central Asian flair, visit the Museum of Applied Arts. Surrounded by textiles, embroidered robes, and intricate carvings, you’ll feel transported to an Eastern fairytale. To immerse yourself even deeper, take a tour with a guide. Other museums that would be a pity to miss in Tashkent are the Museum of the History of the Timurids and the Museum of the History of Uzbekistan.

9. Breakfast at the Famous Plov Center: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the renowned Plov Center. Indulge in the national dish of Uzbekistan, plov, a savory rice dish cooked with seasoned meat and vegetables, and experience the authentic flavors of the region.

10. Take Home a Set of Eastern Spices: No visit to Tashkent is complete without acquiring a set of aromatic Eastern spices. These will not only serve as a fragrant reminder of your travels but also add an exotic touch to your cooking back home.