Things to Do in Tashkent Metro, Oʻzbekiston

Tashkent, the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, is a fascinating blend of Soviet-era architecture and traditional Central Asian culture. As the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country, this sprawling metropolis of over 2.5 million people serves as the perfect introduction to Uzbekistan's rich heritage. The city showcases a unique architectural landscape where Soviet modernist buildings stand alongside Islamic monuments, Russian Orthodox churches, and contemporary structures, creating an urban tapestry that tells the story of Central Asia's complex history. The Tashkent Metro system itself is one of the city's most remarkable attractions, featuring ornate underground stations that rival Moscow's famous subway system. Each station is uniquely designed with intricate mosaics, marble columns, and artistic elements that reflect Uzbek culture and Soviet aesthetics. Beyond the metro, Tashkent offers visitors bustling bazaars, world-class museums, beautiful parks, and a thriving culinary scene that represents the crossroads of Asian and European influences.

Top Things to Do in Tashkent Metro

Tashkent Metro Tour

Explore the stunning underground palace that is Tashkent's metro system, featuring 29 uniquely decorated stations with marble, granite, ceramics, and artistic mosaics. Each station tells a different story of Uzbek history and culture, from the cosmic-themed Kosmonavtlar to the traditional Alisher Navoi station. The metro system is not just transportation but a true underground museum of Soviet and Uzbek art.

Booking Tip: Metro rides cost around $0.10 per trip with tokens purchased at stations. Best visited during off-peak hours (10am-4pm) for photography and fewer crowds. Look for guided tours that provide historical context and photography permits, typically costing $15-25 per person.

Chorsu Bazaar Shopping

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Tashkent's largest and oldest market, housed under a distinctive blue dome. This traditional bazaar offers everything from fresh produce and spices to textiles, carpets, and handicrafts. The market provides an authentic glimpse into daily Uzbek life and is perfect for purchasing souvenirs like traditional ceramics, silk scarves, and local delicacies.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, but bring cash in local currency (som) for purchases. Best visited in the morning (8am-11am) when produce is freshest and crowds are manageable. Bargaining is expected, so start at 50% of the asking price.

Old City Historical Walking Tour

Discover Tashkent's ancient heart in the Old City (Eski Shahar), where narrow alleys lead to historic madrasas, mosques, and traditional neighborhoods. Key sites include the 16th-century Kukeldash Madrasa, Khast Imam Complex with its rare Quran manuscript, and traditional mahalla (neighborhood) architecture. This area survived the devastating 1966 earthquake and offers insight into pre-Soviet Tashkent.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided tours ($20-40) provide valuable historical context and access to restricted areas. Best visited in late afternoon (4pm-6pm) for pleasant lighting and cooler temperatures. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Uzbekistan 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 ceilings, painted walls, and a stunning courtyard. The collection provides deep insight into the artistic traditions that have flourished along the Silk Road for centuries.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $2-3, with additional fees for photography ($3-5). Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm. Best visited in the morning when lighting is optimal for viewing the intricate details. English-speaking guides available for $10-15.

Uzbek Cooking Class Experience

Learn to prepare traditional Uzbek dishes like plov (pilaf), manti (steamed dumplings), and lagman (hand-pulled noodles) in an authentic setting. These hands-on classes often take place in local homes or cooking schools, providing insight into Uzbek culinary traditions and hospitality. You'll learn about local ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and the cultural significance of food in Uzbek society.

Booking Tip: Classes range from $25-50 per person including ingredients and meal. Book 1-2 days in advance, especially for weekend sessions. Morning classes (10am start) are popular as you can enjoy your prepared lunch. Look for classes that include market visits to select ingredients.

Getting There

Tashkent is served by Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS), located about 12km south of 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. Most visitors require a visa, though Uzbekistan offers visa-free entry for many nationalities for stays up to 30 days. From the airport, taxis cost $5-10 to the city center, while the airport express bus provides a budget option for around $0.50. Tashkent is also accessible by train from other Central Asian countries and Russia, with the main railway station located in the city center.

Getting Around

The Tashkent Metro is the most efficient way to travel around the city, with three lines covering major attractions and districts for just $0.10 per ride. Taxis are abundant and affordable, with ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Taxi offering convenient booking and fair pricing (typically $1-3 for city center trips). Public buses and marshrutkas (shared minibuses) provide extensive coverage but can be crowded and challenging for non-Russian speakers. Walking is pleasant in the city center and Old Town areas, though distances between major attractions can be significant. Car rentals are available but not recommended due to traffic conditions and parking challenges.

Where to Stay

Amir Timur Square Area

Broadway Street District

Yunusobod District

Mirzo Ulugbek District

Shaykhantakhur District

Old City (Eski Shahar)

Food & Dining

Tashkent's dining scene reflects its position as a cultural crossroads, offering everything from traditional Uzbek cuisine to international fare. The city is famous for its plov (pilaf), best experienced at traditional oshkhanas (plov houses) or upscale restaurants like Afsona or Central Asian Plov Center. Street food is excellent and safe, with popular items including samsa (baked meat pastries), shashlik (grilled kebabs), and fresh nan bread from traditional ovens. The Chorsu Bazaar area offers authentic local eateries, while the modern Tashkent City area features contemporary restaurants and international chains. Don't miss trying traditional tea houses (choykhanas) for green tea service and local sweets, and be sure to sample Uzbek wines and the national beer brands.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tashkent is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Spring brings blooming trees and pleasant weather with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F), while autumn offers clear skies and similar temperatures. Summer (June-August) can be extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), though this is when the city is most vibrant with outdoor cafes and extended daylight hours. Winter (December-February) is cold but manageable, with temperatures around 0-10°C (32-50°F), making it a good time for indoor attractions like museums and the metro system, plus fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.

Insider Tips

Photography in the metro requires special permission or joining an official tour - guards are strict about unauthorized photos

Learn basic Russian phrases as they're more widely understood than English, especially among older residents and service workers

Always carry cash in small denominations as many local establishments don't accept cards, and ATMs dispensing foreign currency can be limited

Things to Do in Tashkent Metro