Tashkent

Rebuilt as a model Soviet city after a devastating earthquake in 1966, Tashkent's character is unique within Uzbekistan. It's a city of wide boulevards, large parks, and impressive public buildings. A highlight of any visit is a ride on the Tashkent Metro, where each station is a work of art, decorated with mosaics, chandeliers, and intricate designs. The city also has a historic side, with the sprawling Chorsu Bazaar providing a sensory feast and the Khast-Imam Square complex housing important Islamic relics, including the world's oldest Quran.

As the most modern city in the country, Tashkent offers the best variety of international restaurants, cafes, and hotels. It's the perfect place to start or end a journey through Uzbekistan, providing a comfortable and interesting introduction to the nation's complex history.

Reasons to Visit

• Ornate Metro Stations: Ride one of the world's most beautiful metro systems, where every station is a unique, subterranean work of art.
• Soviet-Era Architecture: See a different side of Uzbekistan's history through the grand, and sometimes brutalist, architecture of the Soviet period.
• Chorsu Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of a massive, traditional Central Asian market under a giant blue dome.
• Gateway to the Silk Road: As the country's main international gateway, it's the logical and comfortable starting point for exploring the rest of Uzbekistan.

Things to Avoid

• Expecting an Ancient City: Unlike Bukhara or Khiva, Tashkent is primarily a modern city. Appreciate it for its 20th-century history rather than ancient Silk Road charm.
• Taking Photos in the Metro (Without Checking): Photography was once banned in the metro. While rules have relaxed, be discreet and always check if it's permitted.
• Relying on English: While some young people and those in tourism speak English, Russian and Uzbek are dominant. A translation app is very helpful.
• Jaywalking: The wide avenues have fast-moving traffic. Use the designated underpasses to cross major roads safely.

Local Transportation Tips

The Tashkent Metro is the star of the show – it's clean, efficient, incredibly cheap, and a tourist attraction in itself. For destinations not on the metro line, the Yandex Go ride-hailing app is the easiest and most affordable way to get a taxi. Public buses also cover the city extensively.

Travel Etiquette

• Respect in the Metro: The metro is a source of national pride. Keep it clean and be respectful of other passengers.
• Polite Greetings: A simple "Assalomu alaykum" (Hello) is always appreciated when entering a shop or restaurant.
• Bargaining at the Bazaar: Friendly bargaining is expected when shopping for souvenirs or produce at Chorsu Bazaar.
• Gifts: If invited to someone's home, a small gift like sweets or pastries is a welcome gesture.

Did You Know?

After the 1966 earthquake, workers from all over the Soviet Union came to help rebuild Tashkent. As a result, many of the city's neighborhoods and metro stations are named after the cities that helped in the reconstruction effort.

Cool Tashkent Stats

• Deepest Station: The Alisher Navoiy metro station is one of the deepest in Tashkent, at about 25 meters underground, featuring intricate designs based on the poet's work.
• TV Tower: The Tashkent Tower is the tallest structure in Central Asia, standing at 375 meters (1,230 ft).
• Green City: Despite its desert-climate location, Tashkent is known for its numerous parks, fountains, and tree-lined streets, earning it a reputation as a green city.

Recommended Age Group

Tashkent is most suitable for Adults and Seniors who appreciate 20th-century history, grand architecture, and a more comfortable urban experience.

• Babies (0-2 years): Recommended. As a modern city with parks and better facilities, it's more manageable with infants than the ancient cities.
• Kids (3-12 years): Not highly recommended. The main attractions are historical and architectural, which may not be very engaging for most children.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. The unique metro stations and bustling bazaars can be interesting, but it may lack the 'wow' factor of the other Silk Road cities for some teens.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly Recommended. Tashkent offers a fascinating insight into Uzbekistan's modern and Soviet history, complementing a tour of the more ancient sites.
• Seniors (65+ years): Highly Recommended. The city is flat, has good infrastructure including a metro, and offers a more relaxed pace than the other tourist hubs.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• As a modern, planned city, it is more accessible than the historic towns, but challenges remain.
• The wide, flat avenues are generally easy to navigate, but curb cuts can be inconsistent.
• While some modern hotels offer good accessibility, it is not standard across the city.
• Some metro stations have been modernized with elevators, but many still rely on long escalators or stairs.