Things to Do in Applied Arts Museum

A 1966 earthquake leveled most of Tashkent, leaving behind a strange mix of Soviet boulevards and whatever traditional architecture survived the destruction. The sprawling Uzbek capital now sits where ancient Silk Road traders once stopped. You'll find gleaming modern districts next to tree-lined Russian-era streets—an odd but compelling combination. Applied Arts Museum houses the best traditional Uzbek crafts collection in the country. The displays of intricate suzani embroidery, hand-woven carpets, and masterful woodcarvings show off the artistic skills that made this region famous along ancient trade routes. Complete chaos during peak hours. But the museum tells the story of centuries-old traditions that somehow survived Soviet rule and urban modernization.

Tashkent's dining scene runs from traditional chaikhanas serving plov (the national rice dish) to surprisingly sophisticated international restaurants. The old city areas around Chorsu Bazaar offer the most authentic local experience. You can try fresh tandoor bread and sample regional specialties like lagman noodles there. Modern Tashkent has embraced cafe culture, with decent coffee shops and restaurants serving Korean cuisine (thanks to the local Korean population) and Italian food. Street food is generally safe and delicious. Look for busy stalls making fresh samsa (baked meat pastries) or grilled shashlik.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather, with warm days and cool evenings perfect for walking around the city. Summer can be brutally hot. Temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F), though this is when fruit peaks in the bazaars. Winter brings occasional snow and temperatures below freezing, but also fewer crowds and a different city perspective. The shoulder seasons work best for photography. important if you're planning to capture intricate details at Applied Arts Museum or metro station architecture.