Free Things to See in Uzbekistan

Many people think travelling in Uzbekistan means endless tickets to museums and monuments. In fact a large part of the experience can be had for free: the cities live on the street, and the most interesting things happen in squares, bazaars and old neighbourhoods. Below are ideas for budget travelers. Opening hours and visiting conditions can change, so check current information on the spot. For transfers between cities, the routes Tashkent — Samarkand and Bukhara — Khiva will be useful.

Free in Tashkent

• The metro. The stations of the Tashkent metro are decorated with mosaics, paintings and chandeliers, and many are seen as underground museums. You need a ride to see them, the cost of which is small. Photograph with respect, following the rules.
• Chorsu Bazaar. A huge market under a green dome: spices, dried fruit, flatbread, nuts. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is worth any ticket.
• Squares and parks. Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, parks with fountains and avenues. In the evening they are crowded and pleasant.
• The old town and mahallas. A walk along small streets gives a sense of everyday life.
• Embankments and canals. Walking zones along the water come alive in the evening.
• The Khast Imam complex. You can see the grounds and the exterior of the ensemble; check the rules for visiting inner buildings on the spot.

Free in Samarkand

• A view of the Registan from outside. Getting inside the complex is usually paid, but from outside the square and its facades are visible and, lit up in the evening, look especially striking. Check which parts are accessible for free.
• Siab Bazaar. A vivid market next to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Fruit, flatbread, sweets, spices, and you can simply stroll.
• Boulevards and streets. Wide green streets that are pleasant to walk.
• Mahallas around the old town. Living everyday life, narrow lanes, courtyards.
• Fountains and parks. A shady place for a break.

Tickets are usually needed to enter mausoleums and museums. Decide in advance which places are essential for you and buy tickets only for them.

Free in Bukhara

• Lyabi-Hauz. The square around an old pond with centuries-old trees: a place where something is happening at any time of day. You can simply sit and watch life.
• The trading domes. You can look into the trading arcades under brick vaults without a ticket. Buying is optional.
• Old lanes and courtyards. A walk along the narrow streets around Lyabi-Hauz, past madrasas, mosques, baths and workshops.
• Exteriors of monuments. Many famous buildings can be viewed from outside: minarets, gates, facades.
• Evening walks. Lighting and coolness make the city especially beautiful.

Free in Khiva

• A walk along the walls. The outer walls of Itchan Kala are impressive, and their surroundings can be walked without a ticket. Check the rules for entering the old town and museums on the spot, as they depend on tickets and season.
• Sunset and evening. The view of the clay walls and minarets in the setting sun belongs to everyone.
• Around Itchan Kala. Streets and boulevards around the old town where locals live.

A combined ticket is more often sold for Khiva's interior complexes, so decide what exactly you want to see.

Free ideas for any city

1. Bazaars. The best way to feel the country. Wander, taste what is offered, observe.
2. Mahallas. Residential neighbourhoods where life flows unhurriedly. Be tactful and ask permission before photographing people.
3. Teahouses. Green tea is often cheap or free with a food order, and a teahouse is a place for conversation.
4. Mosques. Many are open to visitors outside prayer times. Dress modestly, take off your shoes, keep quiet.
5. Viewpoints and rooftops. Some guesthouses and cafes offer views over the city.
6. Free days and concessions. Ask museums whether there are free-entry days or discounts.
7. Watching crafts. You can enter workshops without a required purchase: masters are usually glad to show their work.

How to enjoy the free stuff

• Plan a route that combines paid and free places during the day.
• Walk: cities are best seen on foot.
• Go out early in the morning or in the evening, when there is more light and fewer crowds.
• Bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes.
• Be polite and respect local customs.

Transfers

To spend less on the road, choose shared rides. For example, on Bukhara — Khiva you book a seat in Yo'ldosh in advance and know the price. All directions are available on the all routes page.

Bottom line

You can get to know Uzbekistan without big spending: through markets, streets, courtyards and teahouses. Paid monuments are worth it, but free impressions are often remembered more strongly.

Cover photo: Rob Mieremet, CC0, Wikimedia Commons.