5 hours14 stops

Tashkentin 5 hours

A sightseeing loop through the centre of the capital: from the old town with its madrasas and mosques to Soviet architecture, modern squares and the famous metro. In half a day you will see Tashkent across its eras and understand why it is called a crossroads of cultures and faiths.

Add to my trip See the route

Minor (White) Mosque

Old Town Square — Hazrati Imam

Courage Monument

The route14 stops

1
Old Town Square — Hazrati Imam
The historic heart of old Tashkent. The ensemble grew up around the mausoleum of the 10th-century theologian Kaffal ash-Shashi — hence the name Hazrati Imam, “the Great Imam”. The Barak-Khan Madrasa dates from the 16th century, the Tilla-Sheikh Mosque from the 19th, and the grand Friday mosque with two minarets was built in 2007. The Muyi Muborak Madrasa holds a library of oriental manuscripts. The famous Uthman Quran — one of the oldest surviving manuscripts of the Quran — was kept here for a long time and is now on display in the neighbouring Center of Islamic Civilization.
Tip: Mosques require modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered); women may want a light headscarf.
2
Minor (White) Mosque
A modern white-marble mosque built in 2014 on the bank of the Ankhor canal. Light, symmetrical domes, a spacious courtyard and the reflection in the water make it one of the most recognisable and photogenic places in the city. It is especially beautiful at sunset, when the marble takes on warm tones. Your guide will explain the visiting etiquette before you enter.
On the map Taxi here
3
Courage Monument
A memorial to the earthquake of 26 April 1966, which destroyed much of central Tashkent, and to the rebuilding of the city by the whole country. Its central image is a dark stone cube split in two, bearing the date of the disaster and a clock frozen at the moment of the tremor. Next to it stands a sculpture of a man shielding a woman and child with his own body. A place where the city’s history speaks without words.
4
Palace of Prince Nikolai Romanov
A late-19th-century mansion designed by the architect A. L. Benois for Grand Duke Nikolai Konstantinovich Romanov, a grandson of Emperor Nicholas I who lived in exile in Turkestan. The building blends European and oriental features: ornate façades, stucco and unusual turrets. The prince left his collection to the city, and after his death the palace became a museum. Today it houses the reception house of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry, so it is usually viewed from the outside.
5
Holy Assumption Cathedral
One of Tashkent’s main Orthodox churches, built in the 19th century. Its pale façades, blue domes and rich interior make it a notable landmark of the Russian period in the city’s history — a reminder that Tashkent has long been home to people of many faiths.
Tip: Women will need a headscarf to enter; clothing should be modest.
On the map Taxi here
6
Catholic Church
The neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built in the early 20th century. Its tall pointed vaults, stained glass and stonework stand apart from the rest of Tashkent and feel like a small European town. A good spot for photos and a quiet pause along the route.
On the map Taxi here
7
Kukeldash Madrasa
One of the largest medieval madrasas in Tashkent, built in the 16th century and named after Kulbobo Kukeldash, an influential dignitary of the Shaybanid era. It stands next to Chorsu Bazaar in the historic centre. The massive portal, the courtyard and the rows of hujras (student cells) show how medieval education was organised in Central Asia.
8
Plov Centre
The signature dish of Uzbek cuisine, cooked the proper way: in huge kazans over an open fire, with rice, meat, carrots, onions and spices. It is one of the capital’s culinary landmarks, and over lunch you can watch the cooks at work. Traditional salads, flatbread and tea are usually on the menu too.
Tip: If you have dietary restrictions after treatment, let your coordinator know in advance.
9
Friendship of Peoples Square
A large city square symbolising peace, friendship and the multinational character of Tashkent — a city that has always been home to people of many nationalities. Next to it stands the Istiqlol Palace (formerly the Palace of Friendship of Peoples) and other cultural buildings. A convenient spot for a short walk and photos between busier stops.
10
Amir Timur Square
The green heart of central Tashkent and one of the city’s main landmarks. At its centre stands a bronze equestrian statue of Amir Timur, erected in 1993; the square was redesigned in 2009. Benches, fountains and shade make it popular with tourists and locals alike. The Timurid History Museum and Hotel Uzbekistan are right next to it.
11
Hotel Uzbekistan
A famous Soviet-era building (1974) and one of Tashkent’s architectural symbols. Its monumental façade is decorated with national ornament, and its silhouette is instantly recognisable in old and new photos of the city. A find for fans of modernist architecture — and a great backdrop for photos from Amir Timur Square for everyone else.
12
Independence Square
The main square of modern Tashkent (called Lenin Square until 1992). At its centre is the Monument of Independence and Humanism; at the entrance, the Ezgulik Arch topped with storks; all around, fountains and shady alleys. The Grieving Mother memorial and the Eternal Flame honour those who died in the Second World War. On holidays the square becomes the centre of city celebrations.
On the map Taxi here
13
Tashkent Metro
The first metro in Central Asia, opened in 1977. Its stations are designed as works of art — mosaics, marble, ceramics, chandeliers and national ornament — which is why it is often called an underground museum. Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoi and Pakhtakor are the best known. A ride is both a practical way to reach the next stop and an experience in its own right. Photography has been allowed in the metro since 2018.
14
Tashkent TV Tower
One of the tallest structures in Central Asia (375 metres) and a symbol of the city. The observation deck offers a panorama of Tashkent, and there is a restaurant with a view inside the tower. Visit on a clear day or at sunset, when you can see the avenues, parks and the outline of the mountains on the horizon.
On the map Taxi here