Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia, is the gateway to most Silk Road trips: you arrive by air, visit the Khast Imam complex, Chorsu Bazaar and the metro stations, then take the train to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. This Tashkent travel guide covers what to see, how long to stay, when to go and the entry rules, with official sources.
Largely rebuilt after the 1966 earthquake (Wikipedia), Tashkent surprises with its wide avenues and parks, but keeps an old quarter around Khast Imam and the bazaar. For the rest of the country, see our page on travel in Uzbekistan, the calendar for when to go to Uzbekistan and our guide to Samarkand.
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Tashkent at a glance
- Entry UK citizens can visit visa-free for up to 30 days (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026); US citizens need an e-visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days unless they are over 55 or under 16 (U.S. Department of State, last updated January 29, 2026); see travel.state.gov and GOV.UK
- Registration within 3 days of arrival; at a hotel, the staff register you (OVIR); keep the paperwork
- Time zone UTC+5, no daylight saving; 5 hours ahead of London in winter (4 in summer) and 10 ahead of New York in winter (9 in summer)
- Climate July averages a 36.0 °C (97 °F) high, almost no rain from June to September, cold winters (WMO 1991–2020)
- Best times April–May and September–October
What to see in Tashkent: the highlights
The Khast Imam (Hazrati Imam) complex
This is the religious centre of the city, in the old town: the Hazrati Imam Mosque, the Barak Khan Madrasa (16th century), the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the Muyi Mubarak Library. The library holds the Uthman Quran, known as the Samarkand Quran, one of the oldest known Quranic manuscripts (Wikipedia). Cover your shoulders and knees at places of worship.
Chorsu Bazaar
Under its large blue dome, Chorsu Bazaar is Tashkent’s historic market: spices, dried fruit, non bread, cheeses, and outside, stalls of clothing and household goods. People come to taste popular dishes (plov, samsa) and watch neighbourhood life. Keep an eye on your belongings in the crowd.
The Tashkent metro
Opened in 1977, the first metro in Central Asia is known for its stations decorated with marble, ceramics and chandeliers, each on a theme (cosmonauts, the poet Alisher Navoi…). Photography was long forbidden; it has been allowed since 2018 (Wikipedia). The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026) nevertheless warns that photography can upset the authorities, particularly photos of government buildings, so ask if in doubt. The metro is also the simplest way to move between sights.
Amir Timur Square and Independence Square
The Soviet and modern centre is organised around Amir Timur Square, with the equestrian statue of the conqueror and the Museum of the History of the Timurids, and Independence Square (Mustaqillik), a vast government esplanade. The Monument of Courage, not far away, recalls the 1966 earthquake.
Museums: applied arts and fine arts
The Museum of Applied Arts occupies the house of a Russian diplomat decorated by Uzbek craftsmen: its carved and painted ceilings are as worth seeing as its collections of suzanis, ceramics and jewellery. The State Museum of Fine Arts rounds out the day. Check opening hours on site or with your accommodation before setting out.
Kukeldash Madrasa and the Shaykhantaur mausoleums
Facing Chorsu Bazaar, the Kukeldash Madrasa (16th century) is one of the largest in the city. Closer to the centre, the Shaykhantaur complex groups mausoleums of the 14th and 15th centuries. They go well with a morning in the old town.
The Chimgan Mountains, as a day trip
East of Tashkent, the Chimgan Mountains (western Tian Shan) and the Charvak Reservoir offer coolness in summer, hiking, and skiing in winter. It is the classic escape when the city tops 35 °C (95 °F). Arrange transport with a driver or an agency. The UK FCDO advises caution near the country’s borders and following the instructions of local authorities: stay on marked sites.
The television tower
At 375 metres (1,230 ft) and in service since 15 January 1985, the Tashkent television tower has an observation deck at 97 metres (318 ft) (Wikipedia). It gives an overview of the city.
Booking tours: official or reseller?
The sights can be visited on your own, with a ticket bought at the entrance. Resellers mainly offer guided city or metro tours and excursions to Chimgan: check what is included (entry fees, transport, English-speaking guide), the meeting point and the cancellation terms.
Tashkent in one or two days
- Morning: Khast Imam complex, then Kukeldash Madrasa.
- Midday: Chorsu Bazaar, lunch of plov or samsa.
- Afternoon: the metro (a few remarkable stations), Amir Timur Square and the Museum of the History of the Timurids.
- Evening: a stroll on Independence Square.
- Second day: Museum of Applied Arts and Shaykhantaur, or an excursion to the Chimgan Mountains.
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Arrive at night by air | Keep the first day for Tashkent before the train to Samarkand |
| Have one week in total | One day in Tashkent is enough; spend the rest in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva |
| Travel in July–August | Sightsee early in the morning, metro and museums in the afternoon, or go to the Chimgan mountains |
| Like Soviet architecture | Metro, Independence Square, the large 1970s complexes |
| Look for crafts | Museum of Applied Arts to understand, Chorsu Bazaar to buy |
| Stay more than 30 days | UK citizens should check with the Uzbek embassy (UK FCDO); US e-visas cannot be extended in Uzbekistan (U.S. Department of State) |
When to go to Tashkent
Official 1991–2020 normals from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for the Tashkent station (no. 38457), with the number of rainy days and our calculations of sunrise, sunset and day length.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Rainy days | Sunrise / sunset (15th) | Daylight | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.3 °C (45 °F) | −1.2 °C (30 °F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 14 | 7:46 am / 5:17 pm | 9 h 31 min | ❌ Cold, night frost |
| February | 9.7 °C (49 °F) | 0.2 °C (32 °F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 14 | 7:18 am / 5:56 pm | 10 h 38 min | ⚠️ Cold and the wettest |
| March | 16.2 °C (61 °F) | 5.5 °C (42 °F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 14 | 6:35 am / 6:28 pm | 11 h 53 min | ⚠️ Mild but damp |
| April | 22.3 °C (72 °F) | 10.1 °C (50 °F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 13 | 5:44 am / 7:02 pm | 13 h 18 min | ✅ Spring |
| May | 28.1 °C (83 °F) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 11 | 5:04 am / 7:34 pm | 14 h 29 min | ✅ Ideal, reasonable heat |
| June | 33.6 °C (92 °F) | 18.5 °C (65 °F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 8 | 4:49 am / 7:57 pm | 15 h 09 min | ⚠️ Hot (33.6 °C / 92 °F) |
| July | 36.0 °C (97 °F) | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4 | 5:02 am / 7:54 pm | 14 h 53 min | ❌ Hottest month (36 °C / 97 °F) |
| August | 34.8 °C (95 °F) | 18.4 °C (65 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 3 | 5:31 am / 7:22 pm | 13 h 51 min | ❌ Very hot and dry |
| September | 29.6 °C (85 °F) | 13.4 °C (56 °F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 4 | 6:02 am / 6:33 pm | 12 h 30 min | ✅ Heat easing, dry |
| October | 22.2 °C (72 °F) | 8.3 °C (47 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 8 | 6:34 am / 5:42 pm | 11 h 09 min | ✅ Mild and dry |
| November | 14.2 °C (58 °F) | 3.7 °C (39 °F) | 51 mm (2.0 in) | 11 | 7:10 am / 5:03 pm | 9 h 53 min | ⚠️ Cool, rain returns |
| December | 8.7 °C (48 °F) | −0.1 °C (32 °F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13 | 7:41 am / 4:54 pm | 9 h 13 min | ❌ Cold |
Reading the table: the climate is continental and dry. Rain falls mostly from November to April (February is the wettest, 72 mm / 2.8 in); from June to September there are only 19 rainy days in total over four months. July reaches a 36.0 °C (97 °F) average high. Destination de Voyage calculation: the day/night gap peaks in August (16.4 °C / 30 °F): in summer, evenings are noticeably cooler than afternoons. April–May and September–October offer 22 to 30 °C (72 to 86 °F) in the afternoon, the best compromise for linking the Silk Road cities.
To compare with Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, see when to go to Uzbekistan.
Getting to Tashkent and getting around
From the international airport: transfers
Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is the country’s main airport, south of the centre (Wikipedia). Routes from North America and the UK vary by period, with or without a stop: compare itineraries. To reach the centre, take a taxi (agree the price beforehand or use a ride-hailing app) or a pre-booked private transfer: check the meeting point and how flight delays are handled.
In town and to Samarkand
The metro links the centre, the old town (Chorsu station) and the railway station. Fast trains leave Tashkent for Samarkand and Bukhara: book tickets in advance in high season, on the Uzbek railways’ site or from a clearly identified reseller. For the full itinerary, see our map of Uzbekistan.
Where to stay in Tashkent
The centre, around Amir Timur Square, is convenient for the metro and restaurants. The Chorsu area suits you if you want to be near the old town. Choose a hotel that handles the registration of foreign visitors, which is compulsory (UK FCDO; U.S. Department of State).
Entry requirements and safety
We read the entry, safety and health sections for Uzbekistan from the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026) and the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated January 29, 2026) on 26 October 2026. The two governments give different visa rules, so US and UK citizens are treated separately.
- UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO, you can visit Uzbekistan without a visa for tourism or business for up to 30 days. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you arrive. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry; border guards check the stamp on exit.
- US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State, travelers wishing to enter for tourism for 30 days or less may apply for an e-visa through the Uzbek government’s e-visa portal; make sure you receive email confirmation of approval, and print and carry it. E-visas cannot be extended in Uzbekistan. US citizens over 55 traveling for tourism do not need a visa for up to 30 days, and US citizen children under 16 traveling for tourism with their legal guardians do not need a visa either.
- Registration: both governments say foreign nationals must register with the local authorities within 3 days of arrival; at a hotel, the staff will register you (UK FCDO). If you travel to another city and stay there more than 3 days, you must register again.
- Safety: the UK FCDO’s regional advice concerns the border with Afghanistan, where you should be cautious and follow the instructions of the local authorities; Tashkent is far from it. Uzbekistan is in an active seismic zone, with regular tremors (UK FCDO).
- Confirm the rules with the Uzbek embassy in your country before booking.
- Currency: Uzbek som; see our currency converter.
- Internet: see our Uzbekistan eSIM guide and the general travel eSIM guide.
- Etiquette: covered clothing in mosques and madrasas, shoes removed where requested.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to visit Tashkent?
One day for Khast Imam, Chorsu Bazaar, the metro and Amir Timur Square; two days with the museums or an excursion to the Chimgan Mountains.
Do you need a visa for Tashkent?
UK citizens can stay visa-free for up to 30 days (UK FCDO, updated 19 March 2026). US citizens generally need an e-visa for stays of up to 30 days, with exceptions for those over 55 and under 16 (U.S. Department of State, last updated January 29, 2026).
What is the best month for Tashkent?
April–May and September–October; July is the hottest (36.0 °C / 97 °F average high) and winter is cold (WMO 1991–2020).
Is Tashkent safe?
The UK FCDO’s regional advice concerns the border with Afghanistan, far from Tashkent. Follow general precautions and register within 3 days of arrival.
Can you photograph the Tashkent metro?
Yes: the ban was lifted in 2018 (Wikipedia). Be discreet with staff and passengers, and note the FCDO’s warning about photographing government buildings.
How do you get from Tashkent to Samarkand?
By fast train from Tashkent station; book in advance in high season.
Our sources
- UK FCDO, Uzbekistan foreign travel advice (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026): entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks; read 26 October 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Uzbekistan country information (travel.state.gov, last updated January 29, 2026): entry and exit requirements; read 26 October 2026
- World Meteorological Organization: 1991–2020 climate normals, Tashkent station 38457 (CSV sheet archived by NOAA/NCEI)
- Wikipedia (English): Tashkent, Tashkent Metro, Hazrati Imam complex, Chorsu Bazaar, 1966 Tashkent earthquake
- Astronomical calculations: NOAA solar algorithm applied by Destination de Voyage (15th of each month, year 2027)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
Opening hours and prices may change: check on site or on official sites before you go.
