Tashkent Activities and Local Experiences

November 5, 2026

Uzbekistan’s capital is a city of broad avenues, Soviet-era monuments and an older quarter of bazaars and madrasahs. It was largely rebuilt after the 1966 earthquake, which explains the modernist architecture that now draws UNESCO attention. This page lists the activities that pay off most, with 2026 prices in Uzbek som (UZS).

Quick list

The new Center of Islamic Civilization beside Hazrati Imam Square
Chorsu Bazaar and the Old City
A metro ride through decorated stations
Plov at Besh Qozon
The TV Tower observation deck
A mountain gondola at Amirsoy

Center of Islamic Civilization

Opened in March 2026 at Karasaray Street 89A, this museum complex has a dome about 65 m high. The Uthman Quran, one of the oldest Quran manuscripts, is on display in its Qur’an Hall after being moved from the neighbouring Hazrati Imam complex in November 2025. Standard entry for foreign visitors is USD 25 for adults and USD 20 for children, and the ticket includes an audio guide. Reported opening hours are 09:00 to 22:00 daily. Tickets are sold through iTicket and at the ticket offices.

Hazrati Imam Square

The square groups the 16th-century Barak-Khan Madrasah, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the Friday mosque completed in 2007. Entry to the plaza is generally free. These are working places of worship: cover shoulders and knees, women cover their hair in mosques, remove shoes on carpets and do not photograph people at prayer.

Chorsu Bazaar

Under a blue dome designed in 1980, Chorsu sells bread, dried fruit, nuts and spices. The bazaar opens early, so arrive in the morning, and pay in cash. It was one of ten Tashkent properties added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2026.

Metro rides

Tashkent’s metro has decorated stations, and photography has been permitted since 1 June 2018. Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoiy, Mustaqillik Maydoni and Bodomzor are the stops people usually choose. Pay 2,500 UZS with a bank card or ATTO card, or 3,000 UZS in cash. Bags are screened on entry.

Eat plov

Besh Qozon, the Central Asian Plov Centre, is in Yunusabad near the TV tower. The dish is cooked in large cauldrons, and servings can run out by early afternoon, so arrive by lunchtime.

City views and mountains

The TV Tower is 375 m tall, with a deck at 97 m. Expect to pay about 40,000 to 60,000 UZS. For fresh air, Amirsoy resort, about 65 km from the city, runs gondolas up to 2,290 m.

Heat and safety

Summer is hot and dry. Visit sights in the early morning or evening, drink water and use the metro or museums around midday. Check current government advice before you travel and carry insurance.

Plan and book

Compare guided options on Viator . The tourism portal has official listings.