We only had a short amount of time in Tashkent, as I predict a lot of travelers do, as a brief stop between other Central Asian destinations. Tashkent was our last stop in Uzbekistan before flying to Kyrgyzstan as part of our 5 Stans tour with Inspiring Vacations. This is actually the last post I have to write about our amazing 22-day tour of Central Asia. So, if you are reading this because you are planning to head to the Stans soon, then you’ll want to read all my other posts about it as well – starting with my post about what you need to know before you travel to the 5 Stans!
Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital city offers a blend of Soviet era grandeur, Silk Road heritage and modern city life. From the leafy boulevards, striking metro stations to bustling bazaars, there is a lot you can see on just a short stay.
Having said that, I don’t think you need a whole lot of time in the city to see the highlights. In just 2 days and 1 night, we managed to squeeze in the main sights.
Where to Stay in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
I can’t believe that I forgot to take any photos of the hotel in Tashkent that we stayed in! I must have been tired, or on the toilet … IYKYK! It was the centrally located Stay Inn Hotel, and we found it quite comfortable and close to everything.
We only stayed in Tashkent for 1 night and I was not very well that night, so please forgive the lack of images, but you can click on this booking link and have a look yourself if you like.
Here are some other accommodation options in central Tashkent for your consideration.
Top 5 Things to See in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
With only 36 hours up our sleeve, we hit the ground running! Here are my top 5 things to see in Tashkent, Uzbekistan ….. first stop, Independence Square.
1. Independence Square
Independence Square (Mustaqilik Maydoni) is the symbolic heart of Tashkent and one of the city’s most important public spaces celebrating Uzbekistan’s independence. When open, visitors can stroll through the gardens taking in key landmarks such as the Independence Monument, the Eternal Flame and the Arch of Good Hope and Noble Aspirations.
However, the Square is also home to government buildings and ceremonial spaces, so access is occasionally restricted during official ceremonies and public holidays. This was the case on our visit, so we were unable to enter the Square and were just able to glimpse the Independence Monument from the fenced off entrance, through a gap in the trees.
The main entrance to the Square is through the Arch of Good Hope and Noble Aspirations (quite the mouthful!). As you enter beneath the Arch, you will notice statues of Storks…. many storks, in flight and perched on poles. In Uzbek culture, storks are traditionally seen as bringers of peace, happiness and family prosperity. Sitting atop the entrance Arch, the storks represent harmony, protection and the hopes of a young nation following independence in 1991.
The Independence Monument, spied from afar (lucky I have a good zoom on my camera!) shows a woman cradling a newborn child, positioned beneath a huge globe marked with the outline of Uzbekistan. The mother figure is said to represent the nation itself nurturing and protective while the newborn infant represents a newly independent country and its future generations.
My advice is to check ahead for closures and plan your visit accordingly.
2. Religious Complex of Khasti Imam
On our way to the airport on our final day, we visited the Hazrati Imam Complex (also known as the Religious Complex of Khasti Imam). Inside the complex is the Muyi Muborak Madrasah which houses one of the world’s oldest Qurans believed to date back to the 7th century.
According to legend, and I do love a good legend…. the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, who commissioned it, was reading from this very Quran when he was assassinated, and a reddish stain on its pages is said to be his blood. The manuscript is written in early Kufic script on deerskin. It was huge! No photos allowed…. although I did get a sneaky pic from a distance, just so you can see the size of the text in the display case.
The museum also displays other ancient manuscripts.
At the time of our visit a massive new mosque and Islamic museum was under construction. It looked very close to completion, but we could only view the exterior.
3. Amir Temur Square
Another green spot in the city centre is the Amir Temur Square which centres around a large equestrian statue of the national hero. I have spoken about Amir Temur several times in my other Uzbekistan posts. I will just explain briefly here that Amir Temur founded a powerful empire in Uzbekistan in the 14th century, placing the capital in Samarkand, making it the regions centre of politics, trade and culture. You will be hard pressed NOT to find a statue of Amir Temur in Uzbekistan, he is everywhere!
The Square itself is surrounded by historic buildings and is dotted with artisan stalls selling artwork, snacks and souvenirs.
4. Chorsu Oriental Bazaar
Chorsu Oriental Bazaar is Tashkent’s oldest market, set beneath a huge, turquoise-domed building in the heart of the old town. The market extends beyond the building though, it is extensive! With vendors selling everything from dairy, meat, fresh produce, jewelry, crafts and souvenirs, you can easily spend a few hours here.
The ethical nose to tail approach to meat consumption is on display here. While I agree with the concept, seeing it up close is enough to turn this Western girl into a vegetarian!
5. Tashkent’s Famous Metro Stations
Everyone I asked, mentioned Tashkent’s Metro stations as a must-see. So, of course we had to see them! In our limited time frame, we opted for the most popular which is Kosmonavtlar (Cosmonauts) station, which has a space-themed interior. The beautiful deep blue colour scheme, glass pillars and portraits of Soviet cosmonauts are worth a look. A pic in front of Valentina Tereshkova’s portrait – the first woman in space (1963) was a must!
We took a short train trip, just to check out some of the stations! The Alisher Navoi station, named after a great Uzbekistan poet, features an elegant arched ceiling and traditional decorative patterned tiles.
Having spent time in Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand in Uzbekistan, all stunning cities with so much to see, I felt Tashkent was the plain little sister, with limited wow moments, compared to her gorgeous siblings. Perhaps if Tashkent had been our first stop in Uzbekistan rather than our last, it wouldn’t have suffered from comparison so much. Maybe it was just that I was in the midst of my Imodium dependence phase, that coloured my Tashkent experience?
Still, it is the country’s capital and worthy of a few days in your Uzbekistan itinerary.
Deb Morrow is a wife and mum of two in her 50’s, who works in education. She has a passion for travel and through sharing her travel experiences, tips and recommendations, wants to encourage other women her age to start making time for themselves, grab their besties, and go see the world!
