Sights of Tashkent: what to see and where to go | Guides Club

We offer you a list of the main attractions of Tashkent in Uzbekistan with a description and photos. Next, you will find out what is interesting to see in Tashkent itself and in the vicinity of the capital. We recommend taking at least two or three days to get to know her. But it is better to come for a longer period to see various antiquities, examples of decorative and applied art and picturesque national parks. Reveal the content

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is one of the oldest and largest cities in Central Asia. Looking at the spacious modern streets with landscaping, you will not immediately guess that the history of Tashkent dates back more than two millennia. For many centuries, it has played an important role in the region, as it was located on the Silk Road and helped connect Asia with the Mediterranean Sea. There are many beautiful examples of Islamic, Soviet and modern architecture among the interesting places and attractions of Tashkent. Mosques and temples, oriental bazaars and metro stations, parks and mountain landscapes — all this makes the city unforgettable and beloved by tourists.

Old Tashkent

In the historical part of the capital, not only individual buildings have been preserved, but also entire blocks built no later than the XIX century. This is a real open-air museum where you can get an idea of the traditional life of the eastern city. Subjects for atmospheric photographs come across at every turn. The old city is located in the north-west of Tashkent. It is separated from the newer, more European areas by the Ankhor Canal.

Hazrati Imam Ensemble

Occupying two hectares, the historical and architectural complex looks like a revived Arab fairy tale. The best sights of Tashkent, built centuries ago and survived the earthquake of 1966, are concentrated here. The ensemble is dedicated to the Islamic theologian and scientist who lived a thousand years ago, known by the nickname Imam Hazrati. Ancient madrassas, mosques and tombs surrounded by trees and flower beds have been preserved here. The most important buildings of the complex include:

• Barakhan Madrasah. Once upon a time, future mullahs, officials and teachers studied in this madrasah, built at the beginning of the XVI century. The architectural landmark is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Muyi Muborak Madrasah. The name of the second famous madrasah of the Old City means “The Hair of the Prophet”. It is believed that the hair of the Prophet Muhammad is really kept here. Another important relic of Muyi Muborak is the oldest surviving manuscript of the Quran. It was recorded in the 8th or 9th century on buckskin sheets. In addition to this Quran, the library of the madrasah has thousands of other books and manuscripts.
• The tomb of the Hazrati Imam. The mausoleum erected at the end of the 10th century has not been preserved, but the extant tomb of the 16th century is a wonderful example of ancient oriental architecture. It is a beautiful building made of golden burnt bricks, decorated with blue mosaics.
• Hazrati Imam Cathedral Mosque. This large mosque is brand new, it was built in 2007 with the support of Saudi Arabia. But the architects took care to organically fit the building into the traditional Hazrati Imam ensemble. The modern mosque conforms to all the canons of Islamic architecture. Its turquoise domes are visible from afar. Inside, they are decorated with an intricate ornament of gold and blue mosaics.
• The Tilla Sheikh Mosque. The name of this structure means “Mosque of the Golden Sheikh”. For a long time it remained the main mosque of Tashkent. The building was badly damaged by the devastating earthquake of 1966, but it was restored in the 2000s. Now it is a spacious and sought-after mosque in excellent condition.
• Namazgoh Mosque. The mosque was built in 1865 and operated until 1917, then it was destroyed. The restoration of the architectural monument was started in the 1970s. Then the building was given to the only Islamic higher education institution in the USSR, which continues to operate today.

Kukeldash Madrasah

The madrasah of the XVI century is one of the main attractions of Tashkent. It is considered the most beautiful among more than two dozen madrasahs in the capital. In the Middle Ages, it was an important spiritual and educational center, but students study here and now.

The original structure was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1868 and remained dilapidated for a long time. But in the 1950s it was restored. Although the reconstruction was not very accurate, the modern version of the madrasah is also very beautiful. The traditional oriental mosaics, arches on the facade, minarets at the corners and patterned bars from the sun on the windows are admirable. The courtyard of the madrasah is a small picturesque garden.

Khoja Ahrar Wali Mosque

Now the only Friday mosque in Tashkent looks modest against the background of other masterpieces of the Old City, but in the past it was the tallest in the capital. And even now, three large domes of this structure are visible from afar. The first time the building was built back in the XV century, but then it was rebuilt several times when it was destroyed by an earthquake or old age.

The modern Khoja Ahrar Wali Mosque was built on the same site in 2003. It looks unusual compared to other Muslim mosques, as it does not have minarets. The architects decided to do without them, because now the heralds no longer call the faithful to prayer from these towers. They were replaced by a loudspeaker. The lancet windows are also similar to European ones, so that the mosque vaguely resembles a Byzantine temple.

Amir Timur Square

A large square in the center of the capital is a place where tourists should definitely go in Tashkent. The square was built at the end of the XIX century at the intersection of two large avenues, which were formed several centuries ago on the way of trade routes. The original design has been changed several times, and now the square is a walking park with fountains. In the center stands a monument to Amir Timur, the famous commander of the XIV century. He united the disparate kingdoms into a mighty Timurid empire. In addition to the monument and fountains, there are many other attractions around:

• Museum of Timurid History;
• University of Law in 1875;
• The Uzbekistan Hotel in the style of Soviet modernism;
• Chimes with 30-meter towers;
• The snow-white Palace of International Forums.

Mustakillik Square

From Amir Timur Square, you can quickly walk to Independence Square. It is considered the main one in Uzbekistan, where military parades and festivals are held. The Independence Monument is located in the center of the square. This is an unusual sculpture in the form of a globe with a map of Uzbekistan, it symbolizes the emergence of a new state. Along the square there is a park area with cypresses and fountains, which give freshness in hot weather. There is also a Memorial Alley dedicated to the Second World War and a monument to a Grieving Mother.

Chorsu Bazaar

One of the most interesting places to visit in Tashkent is Chorsu Bazaar, the largest in the city and one of the largest in Central Asia. Once here, you can get a rough idea of what trade on the Silk Road looked like in the old days. The bazaar appeared on this place centuries ago. In the Soviet years, a huge painted sea-green dome was built for him. Its diameter is about 300 m. Inside, there are labyrinths of counters and shops on two tiers. There is also a third service tier. Smaller domed pavilions are located around.

Chorsu Bazaar is a real feast for the eyes and stomach. Bright spices, nuts, dried fruits, sweets, fresh pastries, various types of cheese, horse sausage, pomegranates, persimmons, ripe tomatoes are sold here. The so—called “gluttonous rows” offer freshly prepared dishes – pilaf, shish kebab, samsa, pies. Everything is delicious and inexpensive, so it’s better to come hungry.

In the craft rows, you can choose souvenirs — bathrobes and skullcaps, ceramics, leather goods, jewelry. Whatever you buy, you need to bargain with sellers. For this reason, there are usually no price tags on the goods.

Tashkent Metro

Modern Tashkent was almost completely built after 1966, when the old city was destroyed by an earthquake. The best architects and construction teams from all over the Soviet Union gathered to restore the capital. At the same time, an ambitious project appeared to build the first subway in Central Asia in Tashkent. Its first line was opened in 1977.

Due to the luxurious design of the stations, the Tashkent metro is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is often called an underground museum or a palace. Each metro station has received a unique architectural appearance. For example, the Alisher Navoi station with a domed ceiling looks like a traditional mosque. The Cosmonautlar station is decorated with artistic glass in blue tones and develops the theme of space. There is a station dedicated to Alexander Pushkin. She recreates the atmosphere of the St. Petersburg ball. There are 43 metro stations in total. They are decorated with granite and marble panels, bas-reliefs, mosaic frescoes, bronze panels, columns, patterned ceramics and unusual lamps. This is one of the important sights of the capital of Uzbekistan.

Tashkent TV Tower

A visit to the Tashkent TV Tower gives you the opportunity to see the capital from a bird’s eye view. There is no taller structure with an observation deck in all of Central Asia, and among all man—made structures, this tower is the second tallest in the region. In the CIS countries, only the Ostankino Tower in Moscow is even higher. The delicate metal structure rises 375 meters from the ground. The observation deck is located at an altitude of 94 m. Another 10 m above is a rotating restaurant with panoramic views. You can climb to this height using one of the three high-speed elevators. Downstairs there is a small exhibition hall with models of towers from different cities of the world.

The State Museum of History

Founded back in 1876, the museum now occupies a beautiful cubic building with traditional oriental ornaments. It was built in 1970 and is considered one of the best architectural landmarks of the 20th century in the capital. The museum fund has about 270,000 exhibits, which are displayed on four floors. Temporary exhibitions are held on the ground floor. The second one is dedicated to the most ancient epochs from the Paleolithic to the reign of the Timurid dynasty. The third floor consecrates the period of the three khanates, and the fourth — the history of Uzbekistan from the XIX century to the present day. There is also a good souvenir shop in the History Museum.

Museum of Applied Arts

Where else can I go in Tashkent to learn more about the culture and history of the country? The Museum of Applied Arts in the city center is definitely worthy of attention. It occupies a historic building that before the revolution belonged to the Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev, a connoisseur of architecture and art. Both the facade and the interior of the building are richly decorated with colorful mosaics.

The Museum of Applied Arts presents about 4,000 exhibits that give an idea of folk crafts from different regions of the country. Here you can see the golden embroidery of Bukhara, multicolored silks of Margilan, Rishtan azure ceramics, national clothes, weapons, musical instruments, carpets, jewelry and much more. Handmade products can be bought in two shops that operate at the museum.

Bolshoi Theatre named after Alisher Navoi

The building, built in the city center, is among the top attractions of Tashkent for tourists and is considered one of the best opera houses in the world. It was built in the 1940s, with a break for wartime. Now it is the center of musical and theatrical culture of Uzbekistan, where the best examples of world classics are staged.

The Navoi Theater project was developed by architect Alexey Shchusev, who also designed the Kazan Railway Station, Lenin Mausoleum and other buildings in Moscow. The main entrance of the building is decorated with a large three-arched portal. There is a large fountain with evening lighting in front of it. Marble and numerous panels with traditional Uzbek carvings were used for interior decoration.

Shahidlar Khotirasi Memorial Complex

The complex dedicated to the victims of repression is located in a small quiet park near the TV tower. You can visit this place to learn about the tragic moments of the modern history of Tashkent from the colonization by tsarist Russia to the repressions of the Soviet period. The memorial complex appeared in 2008. Its main objects are the traditional—style museum building with a rich exposition and a rotunda with a dome on high marble columns. There are landscaped paths and flower beds around them.

Tashkent City Business Center

Where to go and what to see in Tashkent for fans of stylish modern locations? Tashkent City has become one of the centers of attraction for tourists. The large-scale construction project has not yet been completed, but it already offers a lot of interesting things. First of all, this is Tashkent City Park — the largest and beautifully landscaped park area of the capital. The park has a light and music fountain, a large lake with bridges, a flower garden stretching for thousands of meters, a planetarium, a 7D attraction and playgrounds. Another local attraction is the wax museum with real historical figures and characters from popular films. There are many restaurants, food courts, modern art objects and photo zones in Tashkent City. You will definitely not get bored.

Mosque Minor

In 2014, a new mosque was built on the banks of the Ankhor Canal, designed for 2,400 believers. The mosque is made in the traditional Central Asian style, but has one difference. It is decorated with snow-white marble instead of the more usual golden brick. For this feature, the mosque is called White. The official name “Minor” is derived from the Arabic word meaning lighthouse or tall building. The dome of the mosque rises to 34 m, and the minarets to 45 m. This is a very beautiful building, especially on a clear day against the background of a blue sky and in the rays of the sunset or dawn sun. You can go inside and admire the beautiful decoration, and outside there is a small park for walking.

Minguryuk settlement

Among the sights of Tashkent, there is something to see for lovers of antiquities. For example, the ancient settlement of Minguryuk, located in the central district of the capital. These are the remains of an ancient city founded about two millennia ago and which has become an important cultural center of Asia. The musicians and dancers of this city, which was called Madina Chacha, were known and appreciated even in China. At the beginning of the 8th century, as a result of the Arab conquests, the city was destroyed, and the canals that supplied it with water were filled up. Madina Chacha never recovered. Now the remains of the ancient city are hills built up with houses in the XX century. But the already excavated Minguryuk settlement has become a museum. It is surrounded by a brick wall, and a canopy protects it from precipitation.

The settlement of Shashtepa

There is another ancient settlement in the southern suburbs of the capital, where traces of several cultures have been found at once. The oldest dates back to the Bronze Age. There are dugout-type dwellings and tools left of it. She was replaced by nomads, of whom only the graves have been preserved.

Of greatest interest is the high cruciform citadel found here, surrounded by a double ring of walls. It is 200 years older than the structures of Minguryuk, and it is from her that the age of Tashkent is counted. The society that built it, in all probability, belonged to the Zoroastrian culture, because the Zoroastrians had a cross surrounded by a ring as a symbol of the sun. The structure most likely served as a temple of fire or the sun. Other traces of the ancient city remain underground for the time being, because the territory is occupied by modern buildings.

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

In addition to mosques, there are Christian churches in Tashkent. One of them is the Catholic cathedral with lancet windows and spires in the Neo—Gothic style. It began to be built in 1912, but did not have time to complete it. The Soviet period was not suitable for such projects, so the beautiful building changed many owners and gradually collapsed. In 1981, its restoration began. Now the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a majestic temple with marble and granite finishes, unique handmade stained glass windows and furniture made of precious woods. Organ music concerts are regularly held there.

The Palace of Nikolai Konstantinovich Romanov

Among the rather unexpected sights in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is an elegant palace in the style of European Art Nouveau. This building was built in 1891 according to the project of Alexei Benois. The palace became the residence of the exiled Prince Nikolai Romanov, nephew of Emperor Alexander II. The disgraced prince lived in Tashkent for a long time and did a lot for the development of the city. He built manufactories, factories, canals and the first cinema. A large collection of works of art by Nikolai Konstantinovich later became the basis of the first art museum of Central Asia.

Now it is impossible to get into the Romanov Palace, but you can see this unusual building from the outside. It is located near the Amir Timur Square.

The Central Ecopark named after Babura

What places to visit in Tashkent for lovers of a healthy lifestyle? There are quite a lot of them here, but the Babur Ecopark is one of the best options. Until 2017, there was a large zoo here. Now it is a beautiful corner of nature with an area of 12 hectares, designed for sports and outdoor activities. You can walk in the fresh air among flower beds and fountains, you can run along well-equipped paths, ride a bike or scooter. The ecopark has playgrounds for tennis, badminton, volleyball, yoga and other activities. There are play areas for children with slides, swings and rope ladders. After playing and training, you can relax in the picnic area.

Japanese Garden

This unusual place in Tashkent will appeal to fans of oriental culture. The Japanese Garden was established in 2001 as one of the results of Uzbekistan’s cooperation with Japan. Here you can see a lot of what the Land of the Rising Sun is famous for: lanterns, a tea house with gazebos, a rock garden, a pond with carp, bridges and many beautiful plants. As in Japan, natural beauty and tradition coexist here with modern technology. You will find where to recharge your phone if it runs out of battery while taking photos.

Academician Rusanov Botanical Garden

The collection of the largest garden in Central Asia has more than 5,000 species and varieties of plants. Some of them are relict, for example, a paper tree or a two—lobed metasequoia. The flora of the Caucasus, the Far East, and North America are well represented. About 800 species of plants from different parts of the Earth are grown in greenhouses. In the warmer months, you can admire the flowering of tulips, crocuses, roses and violets. The Botanical Garden of Tashkent is more than a hundred years old. This is a great place for nature walks.

National Park named after Alisher Navoi

The park, created in the 1930s on the initiative of Komsomol members, is the largest in Uzbekistan of those located within the city limits. Its area is 65 hectares, and it is one of the most popular places in Tashkent. Both residents and guests of the capital like to relax in the shade of trees, among flowers and fountains. The park is dedicated to the Uzbek poet and educator Alisher Navoi, and there is a monument to him in the center on the hill. There are other cultural attractions: the Parliament building, the Wedding Palace, exhibition and concert halls. In the park you can eat in a cafe or restaurant, go boating or cycling.

Recently, a huge all-season amusement park for the whole family opened nearby. It is called Magic City, and there is no equal to it in all of Central Asia. There are a lot of interesting things in Magic City:

• dozens of attractions;
• giant aquarium;
• 60-meter fairy-tale castle;
• dancing fountains with fireworks;
• shops for shopping;
• laser cinema;
• food courts.

Beautiful places and attractions near Tashkent

There are many attractions near Tashkent that can be seen during a day trip. Let’s tell you briefly about some of them:

• The mausoleum of Zangiat (15 km from Tashkent). The famous memorial complex near the capital includes a mosque, madrasahs and mausoleums of the XIV century, surrounded by a large garden. The mausoleums of the Muslim sage and theologian Zangi Ata and his wife Anbar-Ana are especially beautiful.
• Ugam-Chatkal National Park (53 km from Tashkent). One of the most popular tourist spots near Tashkent is the national Park on the slopes of the Western Tien Shan. This is the largest nature protection zone in Uzbekistan. Ugam-Chatkal National Park is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a great place for trekking, mountaineering, rafting, skiing, cycling and horseback riding.
• Sukok Nature Reserve (55 km from Tashkent). One of the most beautiful places near Tashkent is the nature reserve near the village of Sukok. It is famous for its forests and mountain scenery. There is a rest house and walking trails are equipped here. For example, the route to Shakhkurgan Mountain takes about two hours.
• Chinorkent cable car (65 km from Tashkent). To admire the magnificent views from a height, it is not necessary to conquer the mountain slopes yourself. You can use a comfortable cable car with covered glazed cabins. It will take you up more than a kilometer, and a cafe with Turkish cuisine and beautiful places for walking will be waiting for you at the top.
• Charvak reservoir (96 km from Tashkent). In the 1970s, a dam with a height of almost 170 m was erected for the construction of the Charvak hydroelectric power station. So a huge reservoir with clear azure water was formed. The coast of the reservoir stretches for 100 km, there are many beaches and recreation areas. There are beautiful places around with the mountains of the Western Tien Shan, waterfalls, caves, forests and orchards.

Many more interesting places can be included in the top of the best attractions of Tashkent for tourists. Even if you come for a long time, you will always find where to go and what to see. The best seasons to visit the capital of Uzbekistan are spring and autumn. It is also good here in winter, and in summer you need to be prepared for temperatures around 40 °C. It is most convenient to travel accompanied by a professional guide. He knows what places to visit in Tashkent and the surrounding area, is ready to tell you all the most interesting things and provide transportation. The Guide Club offers many offers from experts with extensive experience at any time of the year. Choose a suitable tour and book it online!

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