The Tashkent TV Tower: observation deck and restaurant

The Tashkent TV Tower is one of the tallest in Central Asia, standing about 375 metres high. Construction was finished in the mid-1980s, and since then the tower has become a recognisable symbol of the city, its silhouette visible from almost any district. For a traveller it is interesting not only as an engineering structure but also as the best way to see Tashkent from above quickly, grasp its layout and spot snow-capped mountains on the horizon.

What the structure is

The tower is designed for television and radio broadcasting, but at the bottom and middle levels there are rooms open to visitors. At the base are an entrance, lifts and ticket offices, and at a height of about one hundred metres is an observation deck. Above it is a restaurant, and above that technical floors closed to access. In good weather visibility reaches tens of kilometres.

How to reach the observation deck

Tickets

Tickets are sold at the ticket office at the entrance to the tower grounds. Prices and operating hours change, and for foreign guests prices are usually higher than for locals, so check current information on the spot or from official sources. Hours may differ between weekdays and weekends, and on holidays or in bad weather the tower may be closed.

Do you need a passport

The TV tower is a secured facility, so bags are checked at the entrance and documents may be requested. Bring your passport or a copy just in case. Without a document you may not be let onto the grounds. It is better to allow for this in advance.

What is not allowed

Restrictions apply at the entrance: sharp objects, large bags and tripods may not be brought in, and drones are not always allowed. Rules may change, so check on the spot.

The best time for the view

In Tashkent views depend on the weather and the season.

• Spring. After rain the air is clean, and to the north the Western Tien Shan range with its snowy peaks is clearly visible. The best time for panoramas.
• Summer. Heat and dust often hide the horizon, but in the evening the city is beautifully lit.
• Autumn. Clear air and golden leaves in the parks. One of the best seasons.
• Winter. Cold, sometimes foggy, but if a clear day comes, the mountains are especially visible.

The time of day also matters. In the morning the light is soft and the air cleaner. At sunset the city turns gold, and when the lights come on the view is especially striking. If you want both daytime and evening views, arrive an hour before sunset.

The restaurant

A restaurant operates in the tower with a panoramic view. The menu usually combines national dishes and European cuisine. Prices are above average, but you are also paying for the view. Book a table in advance, especially for evenings or weekends. Check opening hours: they may differ from the observation deck's schedule.

What to see nearby

The tower is in the north-west of Tashkent. Nearby there are parks that are pleasant to stroll through after the ascent. If you have a day, plan a route: a museum in the morning, the TV tower in the afternoon, a walk through the centre or a park in the evening. Among the capital's other sights, the metro with its beautifully decorated stations, Amir Timur Square and the old town are worth seeing.

How to get there

You can reach the tower by metro and then bus or taxi. A taxi suits you if you have luggage. For residents of neighbouring towns such as Yangiyul, a shared ride to the capital is convenient: trips are collected on the Tashkent to Yangiyul page. In the Yo'ldosh app you book one seat and see the departure time and the driver's profile, and you can choose a convenient evening time for the way back. It is cheaper than a whole-cab taxi and spares you extra changes.

Practical tips

• Come on a weekday: queues are longer at weekends.
• Watch the forecast: on an overcast day visibility is poor.
• Dress for the weather: it can be cooler at the top.
• Bring a camera with zoom: the horizon is far away.
• Do not leave belongings unattended.
• Check opening hours and possible closures in advance.

Who this place is for

The tower suits everyone: families with children, couples, photography fans and anyone who wants to get their bearings in a big city. If you are short of time, limit yourself to the observation deck.

Plan your trip

To get to Tashkent or return from the capital, open the Tashkent to Yangiyul page. Other directions are in all routes. Drivers travelling from Tashkent will find the for drivers page useful.

Cover photo: BeshevI, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.