Last updated: June 2026
Tashkent was the final city of my Uzbekistan trip, providing a modern contrast after Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. I arrived by train from Samarkand and found a capital of wide avenues, large buildings and an extensive metro system. It is more spread out and feels less like an open-air museum than the historic cities.
I visited in April 2026, when the weather was comfortable for walking. Unlike Khiva and Bukhara, Tashkent cannot be explored entirely on foot. I used taxis, a ride-hailing app and the metro, whose decorated stations became one of my favourite parts of the city. The metro is useful for transport but also deserves time as an attraction in its own right.
This two-day itinerary combines Tashkent's historic and religious sites with its modern architecture and local life. Travellers expecting the atmosphere of Khiva, Bukhara or Samarkand may initially find the capital less striking, but I appreciated it precisely because it offered something different.
2-day Tashkent itinerary: what to do day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Historic and traditional Tashkent
Morning
Hazrati Imam Complex
The most important religious centre in Tashkent and a great starting point. It brings together mosques, a madrassa and a mausoleum, and holds the famous Uthman Quran, considered one of the oldest in the world, which is the big highlight. It's a sacred place, so go with appropriate clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and a respectful demeanour.
Barak Khan Madrasah
Part of the Hazrati Imam complex, with traditional architecture and typical decorative details. It's worth observing the facades and inner courtyards.
Chorsu Bazaar
One of my favourite places in Tashkent. It's the market with the blue dome, very local and busy, full of food, fruit, breads and typical products. It's worth trying non bread and observing the movement, because this is where you feel the real, everyday Tashkent. For me, it was one of the best places to sense the local life of the city.
Kukeldash Madrasah
One of the oldest and most important madrassas in Tashkent, located near the Chorsu Bazaar. It's worth combining the visit with the market, since they're close.
Afternoon
Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)
The main square of Tashkent, a symbol of the country's independence, with monuments, fountains and wide green areas. A good place to walk and understand modern Tashkent.
Amir Timur Square
A central square with a statue of Amir Timur (Tamerlane) and gardens around it, surrounded by historic and important buildings of the capital.
Tashkent Metro
Here's my main tip for the city: set aside time for the Tashkent metro as an attraction, not just as transport. Several stations are decorated and look like true works of art, with chandeliers, marble and mosaics. It was one of the things I enjoyed most in Tashkent. Pick out some of the most famous stations to visit.
Night
Rest or dinner at a restaurant in the city, trying the local Uzbek cuisine. Tashkent has good dining options, from traditional to modern.
Day 2: Modern Tashkent and urban life
Morning
Tashkent metro stations
Start the day visiting a few more decorated metro stations. Each one has a different style, and it's a cheap and original way to get to know the city. It was one of the highlights of Tashkent for me.
Minor Mosque
A modern mosque with white marble and blue domes, one of the most beautiful and photogenic in the capital. It contrasts with the historic buildings of the other cities in Uzbekistan.
Afternoon
Parks and modern areas
Tashkent has wide green areas and modern spaces, great for walking and seeing the contemporary side of the capital. A contrast with the historic atmosphere of the other cities on the trip.
Night
Magic City Park
End the itinerary at the Magic City at night, which is the best time. It's a modern, illuminated theme park, quite different from the rest of the trip through Uzbekistan. It's not a historic attraction, but it's worth it for the contrast and the light-hearted atmosphere, especially with the night lighting. A fun way to end your time in Tashkent.
Practical tips for visiting Tashkent
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and the most modern and spread-out city in the country. Unlike the historic cities, here it's worth combining metro and taxi to get around well. I went in April and got great weather for walking.
Getting around
- I arrived from Samarkand by train; the city is big, you can't do everything on foot
- Use the metro and taxi/app to save time between attractions
- The metro is also an attraction: pick stations to visit, not just for transport
Tickets
- Many spots are free (squares, Chorsu Bazaar, metro stations)
- The metro charges a small fare per trip
- Some religious complexes may have a small fee; check on the spot
Best time
- April was great: mild weather, good for walking all day
- Visit markets and squares in the morning, when the movement is best
- Leave the Magic City Park for the night, when it looks more beautiful
Best views
- Metro stations: the most decorated ones look like works of art
- Chorsu Bazaar: the blue dome and the movement of local life
- Minor Mosque: white marble and blue domes, very photogenic