L'Heure du Voyage
Metro and architecture of Tashkent in Uzbekistan
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan · Toshkent

Tashkent: what to see, where to stay, 2026 tips

A modern capital rebuilt after the 1966 earthquake, Tashkent blends an ornate metro, domed bazaars, the Hazrat Imam complex and Soviet avenues. The gateway to Uzbekistan, here's how to enjoy it in 2 or 3 days.

Tashkent at a glance

Population

2.9 M

Airport

TAS

Ideal stay

2 to 3 days

Budget / day

€25-120

Flight Paris

~7h direct

Time diff

+4h

Current climate

Best season

Photo : Dmitriy Efimov / Unsplash

In brief

Tashkent in brief

  • 1

    The country's gateway

    Most international flights land here. Count 2 days for the city, then take the train to Samarkand.

  • 2

    A metro to visit like a museum

    Stations decorated with mosaics, chandeliers and marble are worth a tour of their own. A ticket costs a few cents.

  • 3

    Two faces in one city

    Old town with bazaars and mausoleums on one side, wide avenues and Soviet buildings on the other.

  • 4

    The fast train changes everything

    The Afrosiyob reaches Samarkand in 2h. Book your tickets a few days ahead in high season.

  • 5

    Spring and autumn are ideal

    April-May and September-October bring mild weather. Summer climbs above 38°C, winter drops below zero.

Must-see

What to see in Tashkent?

★ #1 📍

Tashkent metro

Stations decorated with mosaics, chandeliers and marble from the Soviet era. Walk it like a gallery.

⏱ 1-2 h 💰 ~€0.15 Must-see
★ #2 📍

Chorsu Bazaar

Large turquoise dome filled with spices, dried fruit and non bread. The liveliest market in the city.

⏱ 1-2 h 💰 Free Morning
★ #3 📍

Hazrat Imam complex (Khast Imam)

Religious heart of the city. Home to the Othman Quran, one of the oldest Qurans in the world.

⏱ 1-2 h 💰 Free Must-see
★ #4 📍

Kukeldash Madrasah

16th-century Quranic school, the largest in Tashkent, overlooking Chorsu Bazaar.

⏱ 30-45 min 💰 ~€1 Architecture
★ #5 📍

Independence Square

Vast official esplanade lined with fountains, monuments and gardens. Symbol of modern Uzbekistan.

⏱ 45 min 💰 Free Stroll
★ #6 📍

Navoi Theatre

Opera and ballet in a hall with rooms carved region by region. Tickets are very affordable.

⏱ Evening 💰 €3-10 Culture
★ #7 📍

Applied Arts Museum

Ceramics, suzani embroidery, carpets and carved wood inside an ornate former residence.

⏱ 1 h 💰 ~€2 Crafts
★ #8 📍

Amir Timur Square

Central park around the statue of Tamerlane, ringed by Soviet buildings and the Uzbekistan Hotel.

⏱ 30 min 💰 Free Stroll
★ #9 📍

Yunus Khan Mausoleum

Cluster of 15th-century mausoleums, a peaceful remnant of the old town away from the crowds.

⏱ 30 min 💰 Free Off the beaten path

Choose your district

Where to stay in Tashkent?

Center / Amir Timur

The modern heart, around Amir Timur Square. Comfortable hotels, metro on foot, restaurants. From €30/night.

★ Recommended

Old town (Chorsu)

Near the bazaar and Hazrat Imam. More local guesthouses, traditional feel. From €18/night.

Authentic

Yunusabad

Residential district to the north, quiet and well served by the metro. From €22/night.

Quiet

Mirabad

Near the station and consulates. Handy for an early train to Samarkand. From €25/night.

Practical

Getting around

Getting around Tashkent

🚇

Tashkent metro

The fastest and cheapest way. Three lines, ornate stations, runs until midnight.

🚖

Yandex Go

The local ride-hailing app. Reliable, cheap, cash or card. Ideal for the airport.

🚌

Bus & marshrutka

Dense network of buses and minibuses. Cheap but no English information.

🚄

Afrosiyob train

Fast train from Tashkent station to Samarkand and Bukhara. Comfortable and on time.

Climate & crowds

When to visit Tashkent?

Ideal Fair Avoid

01

Jan

02

Feb

03

Mar

04

Apr

05

May

06

Jun

07

Jul

08

Aug

09

Sep

10

Oct

11

Nov

12

Dec

Spring

Apr to June · 18-30°C, green · Ideal, the best season, nature in bloom

Summer

July to Aug · 33-40°C, dry · Fair, very hot, sightsee early morning

Autumn

Sept to Oct · 20-28°C, mild · Ideal, seasonal fruit and clear skies

How much

Tashkent budget (per day)

Backpacker

€25

per day

  • 🏨 Hostel: €10
  • 🍜 Local canteen: €6
  • 🚇 Metro: €1
  • 🎫 1 site
Recommended

Comfort

€70

per day

  • 🏨 3-4★ hotel: €40
  • 🍽️ Restaurants: €18
  • 🚖 Yandex Go: €6
  • 🎫 Activities

Premium

€180

per day

  • 🏨 5★ center: €130
  • 🍽️ Fine dining: €35
  • 🚖 Private driver
  • 🎫 Private guide

Our tested itinerary

Tashkent in 2 days

Day-by-day program.

1

Day 1, old town

  • 9am Chorsu Bazaar and Kukeldash Madrasah
  • 11am Hazrat Imam complex and Othman Quran
  • 1pm Plov lunch at a canteen
  • 3pm Applied Arts Museum
  • 7pm Show at the Navoi Theatre
2

Day 2, modern city

  • 9am Tour of the ornate metro stations
  • 11am Independence Square
  • 1pm Lunch near Amir Timur Square
  • 3pm Yunus Khan Mausoleum
  • 6pm Craft shopping before the train

Around

Tours from Tashkent

Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan 📍

Samarkand

2h by train · Jewel of the Silk Road

📍

Chimgan Mountains

1h30 away · Hiking and winter skiing

📍

Bukhara

3h30 by train · Medieval museum-city

FAQ

Tashkent FAQ

How many days to visit Tashkent? +
Two days are enough for the must-sees: Chorsu Bazaar, the Hazrat Imam complex, the ornate metro, Independence Square and the Navoi Theatre. A third day allows a trip to the Chimgan Mountains.
Can you really visit the Tashkent metro? +
Yes. The stations are decorated with mosaics, chandeliers and marble, and photography has been allowed since 2018. Buy a token, get off and back on at several stations like Kosmonavtlar or Alisher Navoiy.
How do you get to Samarkand from Tashkent? +
The fast Afrosiyob train connects the two cities in about 2h. Book a few days ahead in high season. Expect €8 to €20 depending on class.
Is Tashkent safe for travelers? +
Yes, Tashkent is a very safe city, including in the evening. Usual precautions are enough. The language barrier is the main challenge, as English is little spoken outside hotels.
Do you need a visa for Tashkent? +
French nationals enjoy visa-free entry for tourist stays under 30 days. See our Uzbekistan visa guide.

Marie Laurent

·

Southeast Asia specialist

Last updated: June 6, 2026.

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