Things to Do in Chorsu Bazaar, Oʻzbekiston

Chorsu Bazaar stands as the beating heart of Tashkent's Old City, representing one of Central Asia's most vibrant and historically significant trading centers. This ancient marketplace, with its distinctive blue-domed architecture and labyrinthine alleys, has been a crucial stop along the Silk Road for over a millennium. The bazaar's name translates to 'four streams,' reflecting the four main trading routes that once converged here, bringing merchants from across the region to exchange goods, stories, and cultures. Today, Chorsu Bazaar remains a living testament to Uzbekistan's rich commercial heritage, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern commerce. The covered market halls buzz with activity from dawn to dusk, filled with the aromatic scents of spices, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and the melodic calls of vendors in multiple languages. Beyond mere shopping, the bazaar serves as a cultural immersion experience where visitors can witness authentic Uzbek daily life, sample traditional foods, and engage with local artisans who continue centuries-old traditions.

Top Things to Do in Chorsu Bazaar

Traditional Craft Shopping

Explore the maze of stalls selling handwoven carpets, intricate suzani embroidery, and traditional ceramics from Rishtan and Gijduvan. The bazaar houses some of the finest examples of Uzbek craftsmanship, with many items made by local artisans using techniques passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (8-10 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bargaining is expected - start at 30-40% of the asking price. Look for authentic pieces with natural dyes and hand-stitched details.

Spice Market Exploration

Navigate the aromatic spice section where vendors sell everything from saffron and cardamom to local specialties like zira (cumin) and barberry. Many stalls offer tastings and detailed explanations of how different spices are used in Uzbek cuisine.

Booking Tip: Bring small bills for purchases (1000-5000 som notes). Prices range from $2-20 per 100g depending on the spice. Best visited mid-morning when vendors are most willing to explain their products.

Traditional Bread Making Experience

Watch master bakers create the iconic Uzbek non bread in traditional tandoor ovens, and learn about the cultural significance of bread in Uzbek society. Some bakers allow visitors to try their hand at shaping and stamping the dough with traditional patterns.

Booking Tip: Best experienced early morning (6-9 AM) when fresh batches are being made. No formal booking required - simply approach bakers and ask politely. Small tip of 5000-10000 som appreciated.

Fresh Produce Market Tour

Discover exotic Central Asian fruits and vegetables, including sweet Uzbek melons, pomegranates, and persimmons depending on season. The produce section offers insight into local dietary habits and seasonal eating patterns while providing opportunities to taste unique regional varieties.

Booking Tip: Visit in late morning (10 AM-12 PM) for peak freshness and selection. Vendors often offer free samples. Seasonal fruits are cheapest and most flavorful - melons in summer, pomegranates in autumn.

Local Tea House Experience

Relax in one of the traditional tea houses (chaikhanas) within or adjacent to the bazaar, where locals gather to drink green tea, play chess, and discuss daily affairs. These authentic gathering spaces offer a glimpse into Uzbek social culture and provide respite from bazaar shopping.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - simply find an empty spot and order tea (around 3000-5000 som). Afternoon hours (2-5 PM) are best for observing local social interactions. Remove shoes when sitting on raised platforms.

Getting There

Chorsu Bazaar is easily accessible from central Tashkent via the efficient metro system - take the blue line to Chorsu station, which deposits you directly at the bazaar's main entrance. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Yandex Taxi are readily available throughout the city, with rides from downtown Tashkent costing around 15,000-25,000 som ($1.50-2.50). For those staying in the city center, the bazaar is about a 20-minute walk through the historic Old City district, offering opportunities to explore traditional mahallas (neighborhoods) along the way.

Getting Around

The bazaar itself is best explored on foot, as the narrow alleys and crowded passages make other forms of transportation impractical. The market is organized into distinct sections - covered halls for crafts and dry goods, open-air areas for fresh produce, and specialized zones for different types of merchandise. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as the ground can be uneven and crowded. The main dome serves as a central landmark for orientation, and most vendors speak basic Russian or English in addition to Uzbek, making navigation easier for international visitors.

Where to Stay

Chorsu Old City

Amir Timur Square

Broadway Street

Yunusabad District

Mirabad District

Minor Mosque Area

Food & Dining

The bazaar and surrounding Old City area offer authentic Uzbek dining experiences ranging from street food stalls to traditional restaurants. Within the bazaar, sample fresh non bread, seasonal fruits, and traditional sweets like halva and navat. Nearby restaurants serve classic dishes like plov (pilaf), lagman noodles, and manti dumplings, often prepared using recipes passed down through generations. The area around Chorsu is particularly famous for its traditional tea houses and small family-run eateries where locals gather for hearty meals at very reasonable prices, typically ranging from $2-8 per person for a full meal.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Chorsu Bazaar is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for extensive walking and shopping. Summer months can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making early morning visits (before 10 AM) essential. Winter visits are possible but some outdoor sections may have limited selection. Regardless of season, arriving early morning provides the best experience with fresher products, cooler temperatures, and more enthusiastic vendors willing to engage with visitors and explain their goods.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in small denominations (Uzbek som) as most vendors don't accept cards, and having exact change helps with bargaining

Learn basic Uzbek greetings like 'Assalomu alaykum' (hello) and 'rahmat' (thank you) - vendors appreciate the effort and may offer better prices

Thursday and Friday mornings offer the most vibrant atmosphere as locals shop for weekend celebrations, but expect larger crowds and higher energy

Things to Do in Chorsu Bazaar