Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a city where modern buildings stand alongside Soviet-era architecture. It’s home to many museums that highlight the country’s rich history. The Amir Timur Museum displays ancient books, weapons, and items from the time of the Timurid Empire. Not far away, the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan features old Buddhist artifacts and other historical treasures. One of the city’s tallest landmarks, the Tashkent Tower, has an observation deck that offers wide views of the city.
Places to visit in Tashkent
Amir Timur Museum
Located in the heart of Tashkent, the Amir Timur Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of the famous warlord Amir Timur. The museum holds over 5,000 historical items, including maps, ancient weapons, coins, rare manuscripts, pottery, jewelry, and artifacts related to the Timurid dynasty. Around 2,000 of these pieces are on public display.
State Museum of History of Uzbekistan
Founded in 1876, the State Museum of History in Tashkent showcases Uzbekistan’s rich past. Once known as the Lenin Museum, it holds rare Buddhist relics, including a well-preserved Buddha relief from Fayaz Tepe. Many fragments of Buddhist art from sites near Termez are also featured here.
Tashkent Zoo
Tashkent Zoo is a large wildlife park that houses 349 different animal species. Visitors can see mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish in open-air enclosures. The aquarium section includes sharks, eels, turtles, and both freshwater and saltwater marine life.
Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan
The Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan is the country’s largest art museum, located in Tashkent. It contains thousands of artworks across four departments. The collection began with pieces from Prince Nikolay Romanov and other private collectors and has grown to include many local and international works.
Chorsu Bazaar
Chorsu Bazaar is a lively traditional market in Tashkent’s old town. It sits beneath a large blue dome and offers a variety of everyday items, including fresh food, spices, textiles, and household goods.
Kukeldash Madrasah
Near Chorsu Bazaar, the Kukeldash Madrasah is a historic Islamic school built in the 1570s during the Shaybanid dynasty. Made of yellow brick, the building has a square layout with a central courtyard and a large decorative entrance.
Amir Temur Square
Amir Temur Square is a central public space in Tashkent, featuring a large statue of Amir Timur on horseback. The square is surrounded by notable buildings, including the Hotel Uzbekistan, Tashkent Law University, the Amir Timur Museum, and the Forum Palace.
Tashkent Tower
The Tashkent Television Tower stands 375 meters tall and is one of the tallest towers in the world. Its design blends traditional Uzbek elements with modern architecture. Visitors can enjoy views from the observation deck and dine in one of the two restaurants at the top.
Art Gallery of Uzbekistan
The Art Gallery of Uzbekistan, located in Tashkent, is a modern cultural space with 15 exhibition halls covering 3,500 square meters. It also includes a lecture hall, cinema, library, and studios for workshops. Visitors can relax at the café or browse the gift shop inside the gallery.
Tashkent Museum of Railway Techniques
The Tashkent Railway Museum is the only museum of its kind in Uzbekistan. It displays a variety of old locomotives including 13 steam engines, 18 diesel trains, and 3 electric trains. Visitors can learn about the history of railway transport in Uzbekistan and explore the train cars on display.
Best Time to visit Tashkent
The best time to visit Tashkent is between April and May or September to November, when the weather is warm, dry, and pleasant for sightseeing.
