Tashkent in One Day: A Route for the Transit Traveller
How to see the capital between flights or trains: the old town, the metro, the centre and evening Tashkent City. A day plan with logistics and tips.
Tashkent often becomes a transfer point: you fly in to continue on to Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva. But even one free day is enough to get to know the capital and see how the old East and the modern city combine here. Here is how to use your time wisely.
What to know in advance
Tashkent is big, distances are noticeable, so it is best to plan by district. The metro is convenient, inexpensive and beautifully decorated at many stations. Taxis are available too, and roads in the centre can be congested at rush hour.
- Luggage. Leave your things at a hotel or at a station or airport left-luggage room.
- Clothing. Comfortable shoes, light modest clothing; for mosques, shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Money. Cash for tickets and tea, a card for cafes and shops.
- Timing. Check opening hours of museums and complexes in advance.
The plan for the day
9:00: the old town, Khast-Imam
Start with the historic centre. The Khast-Imam complex includes a mosque, the Barak-Khan Madrasa and a library holding one of the oldest copies of the Quran. It is quiet and beautiful. Allow about 1.5 hours.
10:30: Chorsu Bazaar
Walk to Chorsu, the city's main bazaar. Its dome can be seen from afar. Inside are rows of spices, dried fruit, meat and bread. If you want to buy souvenirs or taste flatbread, it is the best place. Read more about the bazaar in our article on Chorsu. Allow about 1.5 hours.
12:30: lunch
Have lunch at a nearby teahouse or cafe: plov, lagman, samsa. Tashkent plov is considered one of the classic versions.
14:00: the metro
Go down into the metro. The Tashkent metro is one of the most beautiful in the region, with decorated stations. Ride a few stops to see the design. It is an inexpensive pastime and a convenient way to get around.
15:00: the centre, Amir Timur and Independence squares
Amir Timur Square, with the monument at its centre, is the heart of modern Tashkent. Nearby are a park, fountains and buildings of Soviet and modern architecture. Independence Square is vast and handsome. A stroll takes about an hour.
17:00: coffee and rest
Pause at one of the coffee shops or teahouses. In hot weather this is the best time to rest.
18:30: Tashkent City in the evening
Tashkent City is a new business and entertainment district with glowing facades, a park and fountains. In the evening it is busy and beautiful. It suits dinner and an unhurried walk.
The plan in a table
| Time | Place |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Khast-Imam |
| 10:30 | Chorsu Bazaar |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Metro |
| 15:00 | Squares in the centre |
| 17:00 | Rest |
| 18:30 | Tashkent City, dinner |
If time is even shorter
Keep the essentials:
- Khast-Imam.
- Chorsu.
- The metro.
These three points give a basic sense of the city. The rest can be skipped or replaced with a free stroll.
Practical tips
- Water and a hat are needed in summer.
- Use the metro to move between districts to avoid sitting in traffic.
- Do not photograph military and government sites: there are restrictions in the metro and on some squares.
- Watch your belongings at the bazaar and on transport.
- Check your train or flight time and leave a margin for the trip.
- The centre is safe in the evening, but keep the usual caution.
Where to stay
If you only have one day, choose lodging near the metro. Then it is easier to reach sights and quicker to return after an evening stroll.
How to continue
Tashkent is the starting point for almost any route around the country. The most popular choice is Samarkand. The road takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, and on the Tashkent — Samarkand page drivers post trips with different departure times. If you are trying to fit into a single day, you can leave in the evening after the walk or early the next morning. You book a seat in the Yo'ldosh app, drivers are verified, and the price is usually lower than a taxi. Other directions are collected on the all routes page.
The takeaway
Tashkent in a day is an introduction, not a deep dive. But it is enough to see the old town, try the local cuisine and stroll through the modern centre. Pace yourself, plan by district and do not hesitate to use the metro: you will see more and tire less.
Cover photo: w0zny, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.
