Home › Destinations › Tashkent Metro
Tashkent Metro, Oʻzbekiston - Things to Do in Tashkent Metro

Things to Do in Tashkent Metro

Tashkent Metro, Oʻzbekiston - Complete Travel Guide

Tashkent, the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, is a fascinating blend of Soviet-era architecture and traditional Central Asian culture. As the region's most cosmopolitan city, it serves as the perfect introduction to Uzbekistan, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's rich history while showcasing its modern aspirations. The city's tree-lined boulevards, impressive metro system with ornate stations, and bustling bazaars create a unique urban landscape that bridges East and West. The Tashkent Metro itself is one of the city's crown jewels, featuring stunning underground stations decorated with marble, granite, and intricate mosaics that rival those of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Each station tells a story of Uzbek culture and Soviet influence, making the metro system not just a means of transportation but a subterranean museum. Beyond the metro, Tashkent offers excellent museums, vibrant markets, beautiful parks, and a thriving culinary scene that reflects the diverse influences of the Silk Road.

Top Things to Do in Tashkent Metro

Explore the Ornate Tashkent Metro Stations

Take a comprehensive tour of Tashkent's magnificent metro system, visiting the most beautifully decorated stations including Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoi, and Pakhtakor. Each station features unique architectural themes with stunning marble work, chandeliers, and mosaics that showcase both Soviet grandeur and Uzbek cultural motifs. Photography was recently permitted, making this underground palace accessible to capture and share.

Booking Tip: Metro rides cost around 1,400 som (about $0.12) per trip. Purchase tokens at station booths and allow 2-3 hours to visit the most spectacular stations. Best visited during off-peak hours (10am-4pm) to avoid crowds and get better photos.

Wander Through Chorsu Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Tashkent's largest traditional market, housed under a distinctive turquoise dome. Browse through sections selling everything from fresh produce and spices to traditional crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. The bazaar offers an authentic glimpse into daily Uzbek life and is perfect for sampling local delicacies and purchasing traditional items like suzani embroideries and ceramics.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, but bring cash in small denominations for purchases. Visit early morning (8-10am) for the freshest produce and most active atmosphere. Bargaining is expected for non-food items, typically starting at 30-50% of the asking price.

Visit the State Museum of Applied Arts

Discover Uzbekistan's rich artistic heritage in this beautifully restored 19th-century building that showcases traditional crafts including ceramics, textiles, woodcarving, and metalwork. The museum itself is a work of art, featuring intricate carved wooden ceilings, colorful tilework, and traditional architectural elements. The collection provides excellent context for understanding the craftsmanship seen throughout Uzbekistan.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 25,000 som ($2.50) with additional fees for photography. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Allow 1-2 hours for your visit and consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the artistic techniques and cultural significance.

Experience Traditional Uzbek Cuisine

Embark on a culinary journey through Tashkent's diverse food scene, sampling iconic dishes like plov (pilaf), lagman (hand-pulled noodles), and manti (steamed dumplings). Visit both traditional teahouses (chaikhanas) and modern restaurants to experience the full spectrum of Uzbek cuisine. Many establishments offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare these dishes yourself.

Booking Tip: Restaurant meals range from $5-20 per person depending on venue. Book cooking classes in advance ($30-50 per person). Traditional teahouses are walk-in friendly, while upscale restaurants may require reservations, especially for dinner.

Stroll Through Independence Square and Amir Timur Square

Explore Tashkent's most important public spaces, starting with Independence Square, one of the largest city squares in the former Soviet Union, featuring fountains, monuments, and government buildings. Continue to nearby Amir Timur Square with its statue of the great conqueror and surrounding historic buildings including the Hotel Uzbekistan and various museums.

Booking Tip: Free to visit and walk around at any time. Best photographed during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon). Allow 1-2 hours to walk between both squares and explore the surrounding area. Combine with visits to nearby attractions like the Fine Arts Museum.

Getting There

Tashkent is well-connected internationally through Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, located about 12km from the city center. The airport receives flights from major cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, with Uzbekistan Airways being the national carrier. Many visitors also arrive overland from neighboring countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan via bus or shared taxi. High-speed trains connect Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Uzbekistan. Most nationalities can obtain an e-visa online or visa on arrival.

Getting Around

The Tashkent Metro is the most efficient and interesting way to get around the city, with three lines connecting major districts and attractions. Buses and marshrutkas (shared minibuses) provide extensive coverage but can be crowded and confusing for visitors. Taxis are abundant and affordable, with ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Taxi widely used. For short distances, walking is pleasant in the city center, especially along the tree-lined streets and pedestrian areas. Car rentals are available but not recommended due to traffic congestion and unfamiliar driving conditions.

Where to Stay

Tashkent City Center
Yunusabad District
Shaykhantaur District
Mirabad District
Near Chorsu Bazaar
Almazar District

Food & Dining

Tashkent's dining scene ranges from traditional chaikhanas serving authentic Uzbek cuisine to modern international restaurants. The city is famous for its plov, considered among the best in Central Asia, with dedicated plov centers operating mainly during lunch hours. Traditional restaurants like Caravan and Afsona offer atmospheric dining with live music and cultural performances. The Chorsu Bazaar area has numerous local eateries and street food stalls, while upscale establishments in the city center cater to international tastes. Don't miss trying fresh nan bread from traditional bakeries and sampling the variety of seasonal fruits available at local markets.

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 best time to visit Tashkent is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and pleasant for sightseeing. Summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities uncomfortable during midday hours. Winter (December-February) is cold but manageable, with occasional snow and fewer crowds at attractions. Spring offers beautiful blooming trees throughout the city, while autumn provides comfortable weather and harvest season in nearby regions, making it ideal for combining city exploration with day trips to other parts of Uzbekistan.

Insider Tips

Download offline maps and translation apps as English signage is limited, especially in the metro system and local markets
Always carry cash in Uzbek som as many places don't accept cards, and ATMs can be scarce in some areas
Photography in the metro was recently allowed but some guards may still be strict - be respectful and ask permission when in doubt

Explore Activities in Tashkent Metro