Things to Do in Amir Timur Square, Oʻzbekiston

Amir Timur Square stands as the beating heart of Tashkent, Uzbekistan's vibrant capital city. This grand central square, named after the legendary 14th-century conqueror Tamerlane, serves as a magnificent showcase of the country's rich history and modern aspirations. The square is dominated by an impressive equestrian statue of Amir Timur himself, surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and some of the city's most important cultural and governmental buildings. Tashkent seamlessly blends its ancient Silk Road heritage with Soviet-era architecture and contemporary developments. The city offers visitors a fascinating journey through time, from bustling traditional bazaars and historic madrasas to wide boulevards lined with theaters, museums, and parks. As Central Asia's largest city, Tashkent serves as the perfect introduction to Uzbekistan's treasures, combining urban sophistication with authentic Central Asian culture and legendary hospitality.

Top Things to Do in Amir Timur Square

Explore Historic Tashkent Old City

Wander through the atmospheric old quarter with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and historic sites including Khast Imam Complex and Barak Khan Madrasah. This area preserves the authentic feel of ancient Tashkent with its mud-brick buildings and traditional crafts workshops. Visit the library housing the world's oldest Quran and experience the spiritual heart of the city.

Booking Tip: Best visited in early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Entry to most sites costs $1-3 USD. Look for local guides who can provide historical context and access to hidden courtyards.

Shop at Chorsu Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the sensory overload of Central Asia's largest traditional market, housed under a distinctive blue dome. Browse through mountains of spices, dried fruits, traditional crafts, and textiles while experiencing the vibrant trading culture that has thrived here for centuries. The bazaar offers an authentic glimpse into daily Uzbek life and commerce.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning for freshest produce and fewer crowds. Bring cash in small denominations and practice bargaining. Budget $20-50 for souvenirs and tastings.

Take Tashkent Metro Architecture Tour

Discover one of the world's most beautiful subway systems, featuring stations decorated with marble, mosaics, and chandeliers that rival palace halls. Each station tells a story of Uzbek history and culture through stunning Soviet-era artistic design. The metro system itself is a museum of underground architecture and a testament to Central Asian craftsmanship.

Booking Tip: Metro tokens cost less than $0.50. Photography was restricted but rules have relaxed recently - check current policies. Best visited during off-peak hours for easier photography and exploration.

Visit State Museum of Applied Arts

Housed in a beautiful traditional building, this museum showcases the finest examples of Uzbek decorative arts including ceramics, textiles, woodcarving, and metalwork. The building itself is a masterpiece of traditional architecture with intricate carved wood and painted ceilings. Learn about the techniques behind Uzbekistan's renowned handicrafts and artistic traditions.

Booking Tip: Entry fee around $2-3 USD. Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays. Allow 2-3 hours for full visit. Photography permits available for additional fee.

Experience Traditional Uzbek Cooking Class

Learn to prepare iconic Uzbek dishes like plov (pilaf), manti (steamed dumplings), and lagman (hand-pulled noodles) in a local family home or cooking school. Discover the secrets of Central Asian spices and cooking techniques while enjoying warm Uzbek hospitality. These hands-on experiences often include market visits to select fresh ingredients.

Booking Tip: Classes range from $30-60 USD per person including meal. Book through hotels or local tour operators. Morning classes often include market visits, while evening classes focus on dinner preparation.

Getting There

Tashkent is served by Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, located about 12km from the city center. The airport receives direct flights from major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, with Uzbekistan Airways being the national carrier. Many visitors arrive via connecting flights through Istanbul, Dubai, or Moscow. Overland travel is possible from neighboring Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, though border procedures can be time-consuming. The city is also connected by train to other major Central Asian cities, offering a scenic if slower alternative to flying.

Getting Around

Tashkent's efficient metro system is the best way to navigate the city, with three lines connecting major districts and attractions. Taxis are abundant and affordable - use official taxi apps like Yandex Taxi or negotiate fares in advance with street taxis. The city center around Amir Timur Square is very walkable, with wide pedestrian-friendly streets and parks. Buses and marshrutkas (shared minibuses) serve all areas but can be crowded and confusing for visitors. Many hotels offer airport transfers and day tour services for exploring attractions outside the city center.

Where to Stay

Amir Timur Square area

Broadway pedestrian street

Yunusabad district

Mirzo Ulugbek district

Shaykhantauhur district

Old City area

Food & Dining

Tashkent's dining scene ranges from traditional teahouses serving authentic Uzbek cuisine to modern restaurants offering international fare. The city is famous for its plov (pilaf), best enjoyed at traditional plov centers that serve this national dish only until it runs out each day. Seek out family-run restaurants in the old city for authentic lagman, manti, and kebabs, or visit modern establishments along Broadway for fusion cuisine. The city's numerous teahouses (chaikhanas) offer a social dining experience with green tea, fresh bread, and conversation. Don't miss trying local specialties like samsa (baked meat pastries) and fresh seasonal fruits from street vendors.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Tashkent is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal. Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making sightseeing uncomfortable during midday hours. Winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow, but fewer crowds and lower prices. Spring offers beautiful weather and blooming gardens, while autumn provides comfortable temperatures and harvest season festivities. Avoid July and August unless you're prepared for intense heat, though this period offers long daylight hours and vibrant bazaar life.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Russian phrases as it's widely spoken alongside Uzbek, especially among older generations and in service industries

Always carry cash as credit cards are not universally accepted, and exchange money at official exchange points for better rates

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and remove shoes before entering mosques - women should carry a headscarf for such occasions

Things to Do in Amir Timur Square