The four best places to visit in Uzbekistan

Four of the best cities to see in Uzbekistan

If you’re contemplating a trip to Uzbekistan, read on to discover the most beautiful cities that need to be on your itinerary!

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia. Its neighbouring countries are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.

Throughout history, Uzbekistan has been an important country on the Ancient Silk Road. Because of this, numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites are located across the country.

Over the years, the area in which Uzbekistan forms part has been conquered by many famous conquerors, including Alexander the Great in 327 BCE, Genghis Khan in the 13th century CE, and the most famous and revered in Uzbekistan, the Emir, Amir Timur in the 14th century CE.

In the early 1900s, Uzbekistan was captured as part of the USSR, however, it gained its independence in 1991.

All of this history has created amazingly rich historic cities, full of stunning architecture and sites.

Today, Uzbekistan is a vibrant country, that still maintains age-old traditions and culture. Uzbekistan’s cultural tapestry also includes vibrant festivals, folk music, and traditional dance, which are integral to the national identity.

The Uzbek people are friendly, nice and welcoming of tourists, offering a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage through hospitality and warmth.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has opened its doors to international tourism, making significant investments in infrastructure and promoting its rich cultural heritage. The government has initiated reforms to enhance the travel experience for visitors, encouraging sustainable tourism practices that respect local traditions while providing opportunities for economic growth.

Ok, so let’s explore Uzbekistan and the major cities you’ll want to visit.

Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and the most populated city, with over 3 million people.

Tashkent blends modernity with tradition, featuring beautiful parks, impressive monuments, and a growing culinary scene that showcases the country’s famous dishes such as Plov, Lagman, and Shashlik.

There are many religious sites to see, including the grand Khast Imam Complex, which houses one of the oldest copies of the Quran.

The urban landscape is marked by a mix of Soviet-era structures and modern skyscrapers, illustrating the city’s journey through time. Near to Amir Timur Square is the most Soviet-era-style hotel in Tashkent, Hotel Uzbekistan. It’s its own tourist attraction!

The wide avenues and extensive metro system make it easy for residents and tourists to explore various neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm.

Speaking of the metro, this is a tourist attraction in itself. Not only is it a cheap and convenient way to get around the city, but the metro stations are beautifully decorated with culturally significant themes. Even if you only have one day in Tashkent, you can pack a lot in by utilising the metro. Head to the closest train station, purchase your ticket and you’re good to go.

In recent years, Tashkent has seen a surge in development, with new hotels, shopping centres, and cultural institutions enhancing its appeal as a travel destination.

The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and art to traditional crafts, which attract visitors from around the world.

For those who like to shop, Chorsu Bazaar is a particularly vibrant place to visit and is located conveniently close to the metro station, Chorsu. Here you’ll find gold souks.

Additionally, Tashkent is a hub for education and research, home to several universities and institutions that draw students both locally and internationally. This blend of educational opportunities, cultural richness, and urban vibrancy makes Tashkent not just the heart of Uzbekistan, but also a dynamic city that continues to evolve and thrive in the 21st century.

There are numerous museums to visit including the Amir Timur Museum (State Museum of the Temurids), the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan and the Museum of Victims of Political Repression. If you are in the mood for learning, you won’t be disappointed!

There are many international flights to and from Tashkent, so it is a great place to start your travel itinerary.

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From Monuments to Markets: One Day in Tashkent Itinerary

Samarkand

One of the most famous cities in Uzbekistan is Samarkand, especially known for the stunning Registan Square, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture adorned with intricate tile work and majestic madrassas.

Even though Registan Square is the main attraction of Samarkand, there are many other interesting and stunning sites to visit.

My second favourite place to visit in Samarkand is Shah-i-Zinda. It is a cemetery site with incredibly decorated mausoleums.

One must-see location is the Gur-E-Amir Complex, also known as the Amir Temur Mausoleum. It is a short walk from Registan Square. Nestled behind the Complex is Aksaray Mausoleum, which looks pretty ordinary from the outside, but the ceiling inside is stunning and worth a visit.

Don’t miss the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. While not as restored as some of the other locations, it is still beautiful. Another mosque to see is the Hazrat Khizr Mosque. On the grounds is the Mausoleum of Islam Karimov who was the first president of Uzbekistan.

For those who love museums, you won’t be disappointed to visit the Observatory of Ulugbek and the Afrasiyab Museum. If you have a little bit of time, you might also want to visit the Museum of Regional Studies or the Tourist Village – Konigil.

From Samarkand, you can enjoy a day trip to Shahrisabz, where you’ll find the remains of Timur’s Summer Palace.

Personally, I think Samarkand is the best city to visit in Uzbekistan, and if you can only visit one city, visit this one!

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Delights of Samarkand – Perfect 3 Day Samarkand Itinerary

Bukhara

Another historical gem, Bukhara, boasts a well-preserved medieval centre, where ancient mosques and caravanserais transport visitors back to the days of the Silk Road. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stating it is “one of the best examples of well-preserved Islamic cities of Central Asia of the 10th to 17th centuries”.

Make sure to visit the Kalon Minaret, as this is one of the most famous minarets because Ghengis Khan spared it when conquering the area. There is a fascinating story about Genghis Khan’s hat falling off his head when he looked to the top of the minaret, which is why it was spared because it is said that Ghengis never bowed to anything, yet he had to bow to pick up his hat.

Another notable site is the Ark of Bukhara which was built in the 5th century CE and was a military structure, as well as a place where the royal courts took place. The Ark has royal rooms that have been restored and museums.

The Bolo Hauz Mosque is a beautiful mosque with wooden columns, set in a park next to a lovely pond. It’s such a serene area and definitely worth enjoying a moment of contemplation here.

Make sure you visit Lyabi Khause Square as the atmosphere is delightful. You can get some fantastic meals by the serenity of the pond here.

Chor Minor is another site to put on your itinerary. Also, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum.

And don’t forget all the traditional trading domes and madrassas.

Honestly, there is just so much to see here. So if you do visit Uzbekistan, make sure you visit Bukhara.

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Experience Ancient Bukhara: Ultimate Bukhara 3 Day Itinerary

Khiva

Where to even begin with Khiva. I found the old town of Itchan Kala one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited.

Visiting feels like you’ve stepped back centuries as it has been preserved beautifully.

The main attraction to sightsee in Khiva is the unfinished Kalta Minor Minaret. It sits at 29m tall, one-third of its original intended height.

During the day, visit the main attractions including Juma Mosque, Toshhovli Palace and Kuhna Ark. Make sure you climb up to the top of the ark to the towers. It’s a great view from up there.

At the back of Toshhovli Palace, make sure to enter the Museum of Handicrafts. It is the original concubine area of the palace, but here you can also buy souvenirs such as ceramics and textile pieces like scarves.

You can also climb the city wall and walk halfway around the city. It gives you a different perspective on the city below.

A fascinating site is the Horis Bobo Mausoleum where people are interred along the city wall. It is a little bit away from the main attractions, but worth the walk.

One of the most impressive things to do in Uzbekistan is to climb the Islam Khoja Minaret just before sunset and watch the sun go down over the stunning landscape.

You can book a place to stay within the walls of Itchan Kala, which means you can continue to look around in the evening after everything is closed and some of the buildings are lit up.

Outside of Itchan Kala, there is Nurullaboy Palace, just a short walk away. It’s another great site to visit as it has an amazingly preserved house and museums to visit.

As a side trip from Khiva, you can organise to visit Nukus if you are interested in seeing the remains of the Aral Sea.

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Exploring Uzbekistan’s Open-Air Museum: 2 Days in Khiva Itinerary

How to travel around Uzbekistan?

The furthest distance between these cities is around 1000 km between Tashkent and Khiva by road. The travel time by car is almost 14 hours! I opted to take a domestic flight with Uzbekistan Airways for this trip!

You can also take the train between all of these locations. Taking the night train is an option for some of these routes. I booked a sleeper carriage from Urgench (Khiva) to Bukhara. However, I read that some people hire a shared taxi as it can be quicker.

There is also a fast train from Tashkent to Bukhara called the Afrosiyob. You can purchase your train tickets online, but make sure you set a reminder as the tickets go on sale 45 days in advance. The tickets sell out for the good seats pretty quickly, so don’t delay booking them!

It is easy to travel around. There are many options you can choose based on your budget and needs.

Final thoughts

If you want to know which city to visit in Uzbekistan, I say visit them all! Honestly, there is something magical about these ancient cities that you won’t want to miss.

A lot of people leave Bukhara and Khiva off their itinerary if they are constrained by time. I understand, I do, but if you have a little more time to spend in Uzbekistan, you won’t be disappointed. Khiva and Bukhara have their own uniqueness that you’ll love to see.

As Uzbekistan continues to grow as a destination for travellers seeking unique experiences, it remains a country where the past and present coexist harmoniously, offering a captivating journey through time.

Whether exploring ancient ruins, savouring delicious cuisine, or engaging with the warm-hearted locals, visitors to Uzbekistan are sure to leave with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this extraordinary land.