Home › Destinations › Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre
Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Oʻzbekiston - Things to Do in Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

Things to Do in Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Oʻzbekiston - Complete Travel Guide

The Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre stands as the crown jewel of Tashkent's cultural scene and one of Uzbekistan's most prestigious performing arts venues. Built in the 1940s by Japanese prisoners of war, this magnificent theater showcases both traditional Uzbek performances and international classical works, making it a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts. The theater is named after Alisher Navoi, the 15th-century Uzbek poet and philosopher, reflecting the deep cultural heritage that permeates every performance. Tashkent, Uzbekistan's vibrant capital, seamlessly blends Soviet-era architecture with Islamic traditions and modern development. As Central Asia's largest city, it serves as the perfect gateway to explore Uzbekistan's rich Silk Road heritage while offering world-class cultural experiences. The city's tree-lined boulevards, bustling bazaars, and stunning madrasas create an enchanting backdrop for the theatrical arts, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and artistic excellence.

Top Things to Do in Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

Attend Opera or Ballet Performance

Experience world-class opera and ballet performances in this architecturally stunning venue that rivals Europe's finest theaters. The theater regularly hosts both classical Western works and traditional Uzbek performances, offering visitors a unique cultural experience. The ornate interior, with its crystal chandeliers and plush red velvet seats, creates an unforgettable atmosphere for any performance.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $5-30 USD and can be purchased at the box office or online. Book performances 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend shows. Evening dress is recommended but not required, and arrive 30 minutes early to admire the theater's stunning architecture.

Explore Chorsu Bazaar

Visit one of Central Asia's most vibrant traditional markets, housed under a distinctive turquoise dome. This bustling bazaar offers everything from fresh produce and spices to traditional crafts and textiles. The sensory experience of navigating through the maze of vendors provides an authentic glimpse into local Uzbek culture and daily life.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, but bring cash (Uzbek som) for purchases. Best visited in the morning (8-11 AM) when it's less crowded and produce is freshest. Bargaining is expected - start at 30-50% of the asking price.

Visit Khast Imam Complex

Discover Tashkent's spiritual heart at this stunning religious complex featuring beautiful madrasas, mosques, and the famous Othman Quran. The complex houses one of the world's oldest Quran manuscripts and showcases exquisite Islamic architecture with intricate tilework and carved wooden details. The peaceful courtyards provide a serene contrast to the bustling city streets.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $2-3 USD, with additional fees for photography ($1-2). Visit during morning hours (9-11 AM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and long pants required.

Ride the Tashkent Metro

Experience one of the world's most beautiful subway systems, featuring palatial stations decorated with marble, chandeliers, and Soviet-era mosaics. Each station tells a unique story through its architectural design and artistic elements. The metro provides both practical transportation and a fascinating underground museum experience.

Booking Tip: Single rides cost less than $0.20 USD, payable with tokens or cards available at stations. Photography was restricted until recently - check current policies. Visit Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoi, and Pakhtakor stations for the most impressive designs.

Experience Traditional Uzbek Cuisine

Savor authentic Uzbek dishes like plov (pilaf), manti (steamed dumplings), and fresh bread from traditional tandoor ovens. Local restaurants and family-run establishments offer hearty meals that reflect centuries of Silk Road culinary traditions. The communal dining experience often includes traditional tea ceremonies and warm hospitality.

Booking Tip: Meals at local restaurants cost $3-10 USD per person, while upscale venues charge $15-25 USD. Try National Food restaurant or Caravan for authentic experiences. Many places don't accept cards, so bring cash.

Getting There

Tashkent International Airport serves as the main gateway, with direct flights from major cities across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport is located about 12 kilometers from the city center, with taxi rides costing $5-8 USD or airport shuttles for $2-3 USD. Most visitors require a visa, though many nationalities can obtain e-visas online or visas on arrival. The city is also accessible by train from other Central Asian countries, with the railway station conveniently located in the city center.

Getting Around

Tashkent offers multiple transportation options including the efficient and beautiful metro system, which costs less than $0.20 USD per ride and connects major attractions. Taxis are abundant and affordable, with ride-hailing apps like Yandex Taxi offering convenient booking and fair prices ($1-3 USD for most city trips). Public buses are very cheap but can be crowded, while walking is pleasant in the city center with its wide, tree-lined boulevards. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.

Where to Stay

Amir Temur Square area
Broadway pedestrian street
Minor Mosque vicinity
Mustaqillik Square district
Yunusabad modern district
Old City near Chorsu Bazaar

Food & Dining

Tashkent's dining scene ranges from traditional chaikhanas (tea houses) serving authentic plov and fresh bread to upscale restaurants offering international cuisine. The city is famous for its hearty Uzbek dishes, including hand-pulled noodles (lagman), grilled kebabs, and sweet pastries. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable and authentic experiences, while modern cafes and restaurants cater to international tastes. Don't miss trying the national dish plov on Thursdays, when it's traditionally prepared in large quantities at local restaurants and family gatherings.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Tashkent

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pro.Khinkali

4.8 /5
(1103 reviews)

Syrovarnya

4.6 /5
(822 reviews)

Roni Pizza Napoletana

4.8 /5
(703 reviews)
meal_delivery

RONI Pizza Napoletana

4.7 /5
(620 reviews)
meal_delivery

Yuzhanin

4.7 /5
(515 reviews)

QUADRO

4.5 /5
(277 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are cold but manageable. The theater season runs from September through May, making fall and spring perfect for combining comfortable weather with the best performance schedules. Avoid visiting during major Islamic holidays when some attractions may be closed, but consider timing your visit during Navruz (March) for special cultural celebrations.

Insider Tips

Purchase theater tickets directly from the box office to avoid markup fees, and ask about student discounts which are often available
Learn a few basic Uzbek or Russian phrases as English isn't widely spoken, especially among older generations
Always carry cash in small denominations as many vendors and restaurants don't accept cards, and ATMs can be limited in some areas

Explore Activities in Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre