Tashkent in a Day

After a phenomenal three days in Samarkand, it was time to head to the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent.

Getting there:

Plane: Given its a capital city. Tashkent is fairly access via most Middle Eastern and Turkish Airlines, with Uzbekistan Airways offering direct flights from Europe. Uzbekistan Airways also have an hour long flight from Samarkand.

Train: Trains run frequently from all major cities in Uzbekistan to Tashkent and vary from high speed rail (2.5 hours from Samarkand) or the standard rail (4 hours from Samarkand)

I took the standard rail, partly because the high speed was sold out, as I booked only two weeks in advance; so yes book as soon as possible.

The train was very clean and had wifi too so the four hours went by pretty quickly.

Time to visit:

April or September.

I travelled at the end of April / early May and the weather was warm but bearable, 30-33° C, during the day, and 20-22° C in the evenings. It gets progressively hotter during peak summer and gradually cools down after that.

Things to do:

Like any major city, Tashkent has a variety of things to do. From admiring the classic Uzbek architectural mosques and the bustle of the Chorsu Bazaar to the cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants of Amir Temur Avenue, Tashkent has something for everyone.

The best way to travel around is by the metro, and while youre at it, make sure to take some intagrammable photos of the metro stations.

Where to stay:

I would recommend staying near the Amir Temur Square as very central and other areas of the city are accessible by Metro.

I stayed at the Wyndham, near the Abdulla Kodiriy Metro. The hotel facilities were great and they offered a taxi service in case you prefer that to the metro.

(Disclaimer: this is not sponsored).

Tashkent in a day suggested itinerary:

(My day was less than 12 hours as I arrived in Tashkent by noon and flew out the next day, so Ive added a list of other things to do at the end, that I could not)

1:00pm: Make your way to the heart of the city and to Amir Temur Square, with the iconic Amir Temur Statue in the centre of the square. Staying with the outdoor theme, head to the Eco Park, which is a short 20min walk away.

2:30pm: Head to one of the more ‘modern mosques’ in Uzbekistan, the Minor Mosque, which blends the traditional Uzbek architecture with a modern touch, it a short walk from the Minor Metro station.

3:30pm: Enjoy a walk around Amir Temur Avenue, a cosmopolitan street with lots of shops, international stores and cafes. Take a break here to grab a coffee or lunch.

5:00pm: Head the famous Chorsu Bazaar, you’ll need to take the Metro (Chorsu station) to get there. While chaotic, it gives a real flavour of the Tashkent city life. If you go a little earlier in the afternoon, youll probably catch the rush in its full flow.

Make sure to check out the mosques in the surrounding area including the Hoja Ahror Valiy Mosque and Kukeldash Madrasah.

7:00pm: Head to the Abdullah Kadiry Street for a walk and grab dinner at one of the local restaurants in the area.

9:00pm: If you have the energy and you want some entertainment, finish your day by enjoying a perfomance at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet.

Tips and what you should know:

Currency: The local currency is Uzbek Som, currently 1 GBP is around 14,400 Som. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to get exchanged in Samarkand, however you still need to go to the bank for it. However, outside office hours and on weekends, there are some local shops that can offer to exchange your cash.

Cost: Compared to most of Europe and North America, Tashkent is much cheaper. A decent meal at an average restaurant can cost you around 40-50,000 som (under £5.00!).
Language: While Uzbek and Russian are the most widely spoken languages, the locals are very keen to interact and try to speak in whatever little English they know. In most restaurants and cafes there are people that speak English so you can easily get by.
Transport: The metro is the best and most cost effective way to explore the city. A one way ticket is 1,400 som (less than 10p). Taxis are an option and are easy to find but don’t give you the full local experience.

Final Verdict on Tashkent:

It is for you if you’re looking to take a city break, willing go out, explore, mingle with locals and immerse yourself in the rich architectural heritage and culture.

It’s not for you if you’re seeking a more relaxed, laid-back, chilled vibe … go to a beach resort instead.