Things to do in Uzbekistan: Top Places and Activities

Tashkent Metro is not only a convenient mode of transportation but also a showcase of Soviet-era architecture and art. Each station is uniquely designed with intricate mosaics, marble columns, and chandeliers. It's a fascinating way to explore the city's underground treasures and appreciate its cultural heritage. Moreover, the Tashkent Metro serves a dual purpose as it was designed to function as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War era. Its construction involved significant engineering to withstand potential nuclear attacks, making it one of the deepest metro systems in the world.

The Tashkent TV Tower is an iconic landmark and one of the tallest structures in Central Asia at a height of 375 meters. You can take an elevator to the observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. The tower also features a revolving restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking views. It is a great spot to capture photographs of the Tashkent city which makes it one of the top things to do in Uzbekistan.

Magic City Park is the largest all-season amusement park in Central Asia. With a fairy-tale theme, the park features a fairy-tale castle with towers as high as 60 meters. The castle has multiple shops, cafes, food courts, and entertainment facilities. These include the first laser cinema in Uzbekistan, bowling and gaming arcades, an amphitheater for live shows, and an aquarium 3.8 meters deep and in a 20-meter-long tunnel. The aquarium features 100 species of fish, snakes, jellyfish, insects, and giant sharks. The park comes alive with light and water fountain shows where music, jets of fountains, and laser animation are used to create magical evenings. It also hosts weekly firework shows that light up the night sky.

The Chimgan Mountains, located near Tashkent, offer a range of outdoor activities, including trekking, skiing, and paragliding. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, with lush green valleys, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks. Several trails cater to different levels of hikers, from easy walks to challenging treks. The mountains are also home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.

Best Time: May - September

Uzbekistan offers a unique shopping experience with its vibrant bazaars and modern shopping centers. Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent is a bustling market where you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts. In Samarkand, the Siyob Bazaar is a great place to shop for local delicacies and souvenirs. Whether you're looking for handmade textiles, ceramics, or spices, Uzbekistan's markets and shops have something for everyone.

The Tashkent City Park consists of beautiful gardens, pools, restaurants, a basketball court, and two children’s playgrounds. One of these playgrounds has paid entry while the other one is free to access. The main attraction is the musical fountains that shoot water streams up to 80 meters and light up in the evening. The park has an amphitheater where you can enjoy various performances, shows, and musical concerts. Tashkent’s first modern planetarium is also located here, along with a wax museum.

Charvak Reservoir is an artificial lake that was made in 1970 by building a dam to store the water of mountain rivers like Pskem, Kok-Su, and Chatkal. It is a popular day trip from Tashkent. The reservoir is surrounded by the stunning Chimgan Mountains, making it a picturesque spot for boating, swimming, and fishing. There are several resorts and recreational areas around the reservoir offering various water sports and leisure activities. There are many beaches around the lake as well. Some of them are paid and fenced while others are open to the public.

Termez, located near the border with Afghanistan, is an ancient city with a rich Buddhist heritage. The Termez Archaeological Museum houses a collection of artifacts from the region's Buddhist past, including statues, coins, and manuscripts. Visiting Termez offers a fascinating insight into the Buddhist influence in Central Asia. You can visit the Fayaz Tepe Buddhist temple complex and the Kirk Kiz Fortress to explore the history of the region.

Best Time: April - June, September - October

Known For : Registan Square Shah-i-zinda Gur Emir Mausoleum

Samarkand, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia, is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders. Key attractions include the Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. The city is also home to the impressive Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the conqueror Timur. Walking through Samarkand's ancient streets offers a journey through time, showcasing the city's rich cultural and historical significance.

Best Time: March - May, September - November

11 Attractions

The Ulugh Beg Observatory in Samarkand is a testament to the scientific achievements of the Timurid era. The main attraction of the observatory is its giant sextant, which was used by Ulugbek in the 15th century to observe and map the stars with remarkable accuracy. Today the observatory is a famous historical site that also holds a small museum dedicated to Ulugbek and his scientific accomplishments. Here, you can learn more about Ulugbek’s contributions to the field of astronomy.

Registan square is the central landmark of Samarkand and one of the most important monuments of Islamic arts. The square is embraced by majestic madrassahs on three sides, each adorned with its own unique decorations. These are the world’s oldest preserved medressas. There are light shows held every evening at the Square, making it a wonderful site to visit at night. There are multiple gift shops here that sell all kinds of souvenirs from traditional clothes to intricate paintings.

Spread across 66 hectares, the Botanical Garden at Tashkent features flora from all over the world. There are 6000 species and varieties of plants, including 170 coniferous, about 800 species of tropical and subtropical plants, and more than 2000 species of perennial grasses. You can enjoy walking through themed sections, such as the Japanese Garden and the Alpine Garden, and learn about the conservation efforts undertaken by the garden.

The Fergana Valley is known for its fertile lands, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The valley is home to several historical sites, including the ancient city of Kokand and Rishtan. The region is also famous for its silk production, and you can tour local silk factories. The Fergana Valley offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, and visiting here is one of the top things to do in Uzbekistan.

The Afrosiyab Settlement in Samarkand stands as an area of uninhabited hills bordering the northern side of the modern city. It holds well-preserved remnants of ancient civilization, including ruins of palaces, temples, and residential buildings. You can explore the ruins and visit the Afrosiyob Museum, which houses artifacts discovered at the site, including pottery, frescoes, and ancient manuscripts.

The Kyzylkum Desert, one of the largest deserts in Central Asia, offers a unique adventure for travelers. You can explore the vast sandy landscapes, visit ancient caravanserais, and experience traditional nomadic life. Camel treks and overnight stays in yurts provide an authentic desert experience and introduces visitors to the nomadic culture of the country. The desert is also home to a variety of wildlife, including gazelles and desert foxes.

Uzbekistan's cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and traditions. Plov, a rice dish cooked with meat and vegetables, is the national dish and a must-try. Delight in the succulent flavors of shashlik, grilled skewers of meat seasoned to perfection, or indulge in lagman, a hearty noodle soup infused with aromatic spices and tender meat. For a quick snack, sample samsa, flaky pastries filled with savory meat or vegetables. From bustling bazaars to cozy local eateries, Uzbekistan offers a feast of both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options.

Located in the Fergana Valley, the Yodgorlik Silk Factory is one of the few places in Uzbekistan where traditional silk production methods are still practiced. Visitors can take a guided tour of the factory to see the entire process, from silk worm cultivation to weaving the final product. The factory's shop offers a variety of silk products, including scarves, garments, and home textiles. It's an excellent place to learn about Uzbekistan's rich textile heritage and purchase high-quality silk items.

The Alisher Navoiy Theater in Tashkent is a cultural gem offering a range of performances, including opera, ballet, and classical music concerts. The theater itself is an architectural masterpiece, with a grand facade and opulent interiors. Attending a performance here provides a unique cultural experience and a chance to appreciate the talents of Uzbekistan's finest performers. Be sure to check the schedule and book tickets in advance.

Uzbekistan boasts a rich collection of museums that showcase its diverse history and culture. The State Museum of History of Uzbekistan in Tashkent offers an extensive collection of artifacts from various periods, while the Samarkand Museum of History provides insights into the ancient history of the region. Other notable museums include the Savitsky Museum in Nukus, known for its avant-garde art collection, and the Bukhara State Architectural and Art Museum, which highlights the city’s architectural heritage.

The Kalon Minaret, also known as the Great Minaret of Kalon, is a towering symbol of Bukhara's rich architectural heritage. The minaret is linked to the roof of the Kalon Mosque by a small bridge. This is the entrance to the minaret’s landing, 105 steps up. A brick staircase spirals upwards, becoming ever narrower as the tower slowly tapers from a diameter of 9m to 6m. While access to the top of the minaret has been closed, you can explore its base and marvel at its intricate brickwork and geometric patterns.