Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, often goes unloved by the travel community.
Lacking historical monuments compared to other Uzbek cities, many travelers make quick layovers in Tashkent en route to Samarkand or Bukhara.
Whether you find yourself in this bustling metropolis for just a couple of hours or you’re seeking a taste of Tashkent’s charm in 24 hours, you’re in for a memorable experience – if you know where to go.
Well, you’re in the right place as we live here in Tashkent!
We’ve taken friends and family around the city and can share with you the best activities for a one day trip to Tashkent.
In this blog post, we suggest four different one-day itineraries for all types of tourists, from couples and families to history buffs and foodies!
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Visiting Tashkent in One Day
Is it worth spending a day in Tashkent?
If you’re planning a trip to Uzbekistan or Central Asia in general then you may wonder if a visit to Tashkent is worth it. After all, Uzbekistan’s main tourist attractions are mostly located in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
A trip to Tashkent is definitely worth it, even if only for a short time. The sprawling city is home to plenty of cultural sites, monuments, museums and parks and offers something for all kinds of tourist.
As the country’s metropolitan capital, it’s also home to the country’s best restaurants and nightlife.
Can You See Tashkent in Only One Day?
Visiting Tashkent in one day is definitely possible but you’ll only fit in a small amount of what the city has to offer.
Traveling by metro or taxi will help you to easily navigate the city and both are incredibly cheap, especially compared Western countries.
If staying overnight we recommend a hotel close to Amir Timur Square or Navoi theatre so that you’re never too far from the city’s main attractions.
Read our guide for more information about areas to stay in Tashkent.
Tashkent One Day Itineraries
For Regular Tourists
If you’ve planned your trip to Uzbekistan but don’t know where to begin there are all kinds of tourist attractions to please the regular traveler.
Popular sightseeing attractions include Amir Temur Square, Navoi Theater, and Independence Square. You can easily roam between all of these places and enjoy morozhenoye (ice cream) on your stroll.
You won’t want to miss Uzbekistan’s number one national dish, plov. For lunch take a taxi to Besh Qozon, Tashkent’s plov center just 100m from Tashkent TV Tower.
Then with a belly full of rice, take the metro to Chorsu station to experience Tashkent’s biggest bazaar with its spices, dried fruits, ceramics and Uzbek textiles.
In the evening (after walking off all that plov), head to Tashkent City Park to relax with a coffee or a beer at one of the park’s many restaurants or cafes, or to check out Tashkent City shopping mall.
Or for a more authentic Uzbek experience, go to Cafe Bek or the neighboring restaurant Shashlik&Somsa both on Mirzo Ulugbek Avenue. Both of these restaurants have some of the best shashlik in the city and are popular hotspots with locals.
Or read our post for a complete list of tourist attractions in Tashkent.
For Couples
Tashkent is perhaps not the most romantic city in the world but there are many ways to enjoy a fun and relaxing day with your partner. Despite being home to almost 3 million people, the city rarely feels crowded and most areas are very relaxing to walk around.
Tashkent is home to plenty of parks all with their various allures but the best for couples is probably the Japanese Garden. Head there in the morning to avoid the crowds (and the sun).
Bask in the city view from Tashkent TV Tower and enjoy lunch in its 109m high restaurant.
You could also ride the city’s metro, famous for the unique designs of its stations. At roughly $0.15 a ticket, its possibly the world’s cheapest date!
Tashkent’s sunsets can be really beautiful so to make the most of this head to one of the city’s popular rooftop bars to enjoy a drink or two.
Uzbekistan Hotel’s top floor bar has the best view for a cheap drink or visit the Hyatt hotel’s Sette Restaurant and Bar for a classier experience.
Read our full Tashkent tourism guide
For Solo Travelers
If you’re traveling alone in Tashkent don’t despair!
I originally travelled to Uzbekistan alone in 2021 and never felt particularly out of place as it’s a very friendly city.
You could try one of the city’s free or cheap walking tours as they typically have very friendly tour guides.
Alternatively, the city is home to a number of museums with very low entry fees (but of varying quality). The State Museum of the Temurids is a popular one.
If you like to relax with a drink then try one of Tashkent’s foreigner friendly bars. Head to Studio Cafe on a Wednesday as they have a pub quiz in English.
On a weekend try the Irish Pub or Steam Bar (and wait for the flames to come out…).
For Families
If traveling with children we have a whole blog post on child-friendly activities in Tashkent!
You could take them to one of the many parks such as Navoi Park or Tashkent City Park. We don’t recommend Tashkent zoo but it’s still an option.
Then in the evening head to one of the many theme parks.
Magic City is Tashkent’s answer to Disneyland and is great for young children. It’s also free to enter so you have no excuse.
Ice City is Tashkent’s only indoor ice and snow theme park, costs only half a dollar to enter!
For older children try Anhor Lokomotiv theme park which is also free to enter and is home to go-karting, rollercoasters, dodgems and more.
Tashkent may not be as famous as Samarkand or Bukhara, but it’s definitely worth a day’s visit.
With efficient transportation options, you can explore Amir Temur Square, Navoi Theater, and Independence Square. Couples can enjoy tranquil parks and rooftop bars, while solo travelers can find friendly locals and foreigner-friendly bars.
Families with kids have plenty of parks and theme parks to choose from.
Whether you’re here for a layover or a leisurely exploration, Tashkent’s diverse offerings ensure a memorable experience. So, make the most of your day in this vibrant city, where history, culture, and modernity converge to create unforgettable memories.
Enjoy your time in Tashkent!
Want to know more about visiting Uzbekistan? Read our complete Uzbekistan travel guide.