Travel Guide To Tashkent: The Capital Of Uzbekistan

The capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, is home to more than 2.5 million people. The city is designed as a grid of wide, straight streets and avenues with fountains and lots of green space (parks, squares, and gardens) strewn throughout.

As an eastern metropolis, the Uzbekistan capital has its own distinct flavor, but this amazing city epitomizes the modern elegance of many other capitals throughout the world. Tashkent skillfully blends medieval structures that resemble scenes from old oriental legends with sophisticated European architecture from the Turkestan governorship, Soviet-era concrete "blocks," and, lastly, concrete high-rise commercial structures and glistening glass that symbolize a new era of independent Uzbekistan.

We are going to give you all the information you require before visiting this alluring Central Asian treasure in this Tashkent capital city travel guide. 

About The History Of Tashkent Capital

Tashkent is one of the earliest cities along the Great Silk Road connecting China and Europe. Written texts first mentioned Tashkent as a city settlement in the second century BC. The city is referred to as Yueni or Shi in Chinese history, Chach in the Persian monarch Shampur's archives, and Shash in various Arabic sources. Turkish records from the ninth to the twelfth centuries were the first to mention Tashkent.

Tashkent has been a major Silk Road city since ancient times because of its advantageous geographic location and temperate temperature. It was a part of the Timurid Empire in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, and the Sheibanid dynasty ruled it in the sixteenth century. Following the victory of Russian general Mikhail Chernyaev in 1865, the city was brought under the control of the Russian Empire, and a Russian government was created. The capital of the former Uzbek SSR, Uzbekistan, was designated as Tashkent in 1930.

The capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, is home to more than 2.5 million people

What To Do In Tashkent Capital Of Uzbekistan

Tashkent metro

Public transportation being classified as a tourist destination may seem odd, but the Tashkent metro is undoubtedly special.

The metro was the first in Central Asia to open in 1977, and each station has its own distinctive décor, which includes geometric patterns, chandeliers, murals, and mosaics.

Every station has a unique theme, and there are some great photo opportunities there. With its space motif and murals honoring the renowned Soviet cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova, Kosmonavtlar is one of the most visited stations.

Chorsu Bazaar

Discover the bustle of the Chorsu Bazaar in the capital city Uzbekistan, a marketplace that has been there for more than 2,000 years. In addition to the more recent additions of inexpensive toys and foreign phone chargers, this bustling market offers everything from the customary spices, silk, gold, honey, and fruit.

Traditional Uzbek street foods like norin (noodles with horse meat), khanum (meat or potato wrapped in a floury dough with tomato paste), and shashlik (grilled skewers) are also available at food stalls.

Chorsu Bazaar is a marketplace that has been there for more than 2,000 years

Tashkent Museums

Even though Samarkand and Bukhara's ancient monuments are more magnificent, Tashkent's museums are unmatched. There are over 20 in all, and although the exhibits' quality varies, they offer a great overview of Uzbekistan's multifaceted identity.

The State Museum of the Temurids is among the top tourist attractions, providing background information on this era of Uzbekistan's history, which is regarded as its golden age. For example, Amir Temur or his successors commissioned a large portion of Samarkand's architecture.

The State Museum of the Temurids is among the top tourist attractions

Tashkent TV Tower

Standing 375 meters tall, the Tashkent TV Tower is a noticeable landmark that can be seen from all around the city. In addition to being a broadcasting tower, it is also a well-liked tourist destination that provides some of the most stunning city vistas.

The tower was recently renovated in 2022, with notable enhancements made to the restaurant in particular. The restaurant, which is 109 meters above sea level, provides an amusing and unique dining experience with its revolving floor, which lets patrons take in expansive views while they eat.

How To Get To Tashkent Capital

The most convenient way to travel from other countries to Tashkent is by air. Numerous international airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Astana, Asiana Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Korean Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, and Somon Air, serve the city. The national airline, Uzbekistan Airways, provides regular flights to numerous cities in Europe, Asia, and North America. These locations include Bangkok, Beijing, Delhi, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, London, New York, Paris, Seoul, and Tel Aviv. 

Tashkent can be accessible by train from Russia or Kazakhstan, while most foreign visitors arrive by flight. Trains are mostly utilized for travel within Uzbekistan, with regular trains running between Tashkent and Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench, Nukus, and other locations.

The most convenient way to travel from other countries to Tashkent is by air

About Tashkent You Probably Do Not Know

Languages spoken in Tashkent

Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan, whereas Russian is utilized for international communication in Tashkent. In Tashkent, most signage, maps, tourist information, and restaurant menus are in Russian, and museum guides speak the language.

Though more and more people, particularly young ones, are acquiring it, English is not as widely spoken as Russian. There is usually someone who speaks at least basic English at Tashkent's hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions.

Currency in Tashkent

The Uzbek som is the primary currency in use in Tashkent. The US dollar is the most widely used foreign currency, followed by the euro. Fewer people utilize the Russian ruble, and its exchange rate can be bad.

In addition to all banks, hotels also have foreign exchange bureaus. Visa and Mastercards are widely accepted at ATMs.

The Uzbek som is the primary currency in use in Tashkent

Security in Tashkent

Tashkent capital is a serene, hospitable, and safe city for solo travel as well as family or group vacations. All guests should, however, exercise standard security precautions and refrain from leaving personal belongings unattended.

There are a lot of police officers in crowded public places, including metro stations, parks, malls, and bazaars. Be ready for a police stop on the street, where they may ask to see your passport and registration papers (though these requests are not as common as they once were).

Food in Tashkent

Traditional meals including shashlik, shawarma, samsa, plov, naryn, manti, lagman, and shurpa are served in teahouses and cafes called "Milliy Taomlar," which means "national dishes" in Uzbek, on practically every street. These venues provide tasty food at affordable costs.

Another culinary highlight of Tashkent is the Chorsu Bazaar, where a large number of food vendors offer all the well-known Uzbek cuisine at extremely low prices.

The Central Asian Plov Centre (Osh Markazi) serves the best plov (pilaf) in Tashkent. The enormous cauldrons are empty after a few hours of people from all around the city coming here to eat.

Tourists must try food in Uzbekistan

Shopping in Tashkent

Visit the Compass, Mega Planet, Next, Parus, and Samarkand Darvaza retail and entertainment centers to combine shopping and entertainment. These include contemporary amenities like food courts, movie theaters, kid-friendly play spaces, and several stores carrying international brands.

Tashkent's lively bazaars are a living example of the allure of shopping in an oriental fashion, complete with amiable vendors and stalls filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, aromatic spices, hot lepeshka (non) bread, and a variety of other things. The most visited bazaars for tourists are Chorsu and Alay.

Conclusion

Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends its rich historical past with a vibrant present. Tashkent welcomes you to discover and become fully immersed in its own culture with its breathtaking architecture, mouthwatering food, bustling marketplaces, and friendly locals.

To make your journey to the grand capital Tashkent and the rest of Uzbekistan seamless, we recommend applying for a Uzbekistan eVisa through our website. The process is simple, fast, and secure, ensuring that your travel plans are hassle-free. With just a few clicks, you'll be ready to explore the wonders of Tashkent without any delays. Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover the capital city of Uzbekistan—apply for your eVisa today and embark on your unforgettable adventure!