If you’re short on time, the best cities to visit in Uzbekistan are Tashkent (the modern capital), Samarkand (home to the iconic Registan Square), Bukhara (a walkable open-air museum of Islamic architecture), and Khiva (a walled Silk Road city frozen in time).
Together, they form Uzbekistan’s classic Silk Road route, which I covered in 10 days. You can shorten this trip if you have less time, or extend it indefinitely to take in this culturally fascinating land.
Uzbekistan was not the first place that came to mind for a vacation, but that’s exactly what made it worth visiting, and I’m glad to share my experience exploring it.
What are the five stans?
The country is one of the “Five Stans,” alongside Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, set along the ancient Silk Road in Central Asia.
Uzbekistan’s role in the Silk Road
During the height of the Silk Road from 700 to 900CE, Uzbekistan was a major transit point. Caravans carrying luxury goods crisscrossed the region, stopping to trade goods and ideas — and making it one of the richest regions of its era. That splendor is still visible today.
The Silk Road was not a road, it was a series of connecting pathways traders traveled on to bring goods across Asia. And it wasn’t just about silk. The “Silk Road” transported spices, gems, textiles, precious metals, porcelain and numerous other coveted items.
From Russian vassal to independent country
Uzbekistan came under Russian domination with the Tsars in the mid-1800s, and under Soviet rule since the Russian Revolution of 1917. The country gained its independence in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Despite almost 200 years of Russian and Soviet rule, the country has held onto its traditions, language, and culture. Today it offers exquisite architecture, ancient ruins, excellent food, dramatic desert landscapes, lively markets, and welcoming people — and it remains refreshingly uncrowded, at least for now.
Uzbekistan is an ideal destination for history buffs, culture lovers, foodies, adventure travelers, and anyone who loves discovering new places way off the beaten path.
Quick Overview: Best Cities to Visit in Uzbekistan and how much time in each.
| City | Known For | Time Needed |
| Tashkent | Capital city, Soviet-era metro art, modern museums | 2 days |
| Samarkand | Registan Square, Silk Road grandeur | 2 days |
| Bukhara | Walkable old town, 2,000+ years of history | 2 days |
| Khiva | Walled old city (Itchan Kala), living museum feel | 1–2 days |
Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital city
Uzbekistan’s capital is one of the best cities to visit because it’s full of surprises — quirky and sophisticated, colorful and somber all at once. Soviet-era monuments stand next to modern structures along broad, tree-lined avenues. Since most international flights land here, Tashkent is the natural starting point for exploring Uzbekistan.
What to do in Tashkent
- Chorsu Bazaar — one of the largest markets in Central Asia, with stalls piled high with fresh fruit, noodles, spices, and meat (including horse).
- Tashkent Metro — established in 1977, it’s the oldest metro in Central Asia. Several stations resemble underground art galleries more than subway stops. Photography was banned until 2018 because the tunnels were originally built as nuclear shelters and classified as a military facility. Each station has its own theme — Uzbek literature, history, industry — and the standout is Kosmonavtlar (Cosmonauts) Station, themed after space exploration, with star-flecked glass walls, cloud-textured ceilings, and ceramic reliefs of Yuri Gagarin, Valentina Tereshkova, and the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz mission.
- Islamic Civilization Center — a newly opened complex in traditional Islamic architectural style, with soaring arches and gold-colored doors, housing historic Qurans from multiple centuries and countries. It sits next to the Hazrati Imam Complex, Tashkent’s religious heart, so plan to visit both together.
- Museum of Applied Art — a serene mansion (rumored to have once belonged to a Russian official who was also a spy) housing over 4,000 decorative art pieces, with a shaded courtyard café and gift shop.
Where to eat: Try Uzbek bread baked with spices and nuts. “Plov” (rice and meat flavored with cumin and two types of carrots), and kebabs, are favorites. A full meal for two — main, salad, and drinks — can cost as little as $14 USD.
Tashkent is one of the best cities to visit in Uzbekistan because it’s friendly, good value, and full of character.
Samarkand – Glorious mosques and mausoleums
What makes Samarkand one of the best cities to visit in Uzbekistan? Because it feels almost too magical to be real. The name alone conjures up images of spectacular architecture and winding alleys through ancient cities.
For centuries, this legendary Silk Road city has captured travelers’ imaginations, and it remains one of Central Asia’s most unforgettable destinations, with dazzling blue-tiled domes, grand mosques, and magnificent madrasas.
What to do in Samarkand:
- Registan Square — the city’s centerpiece, surrounded by three spectacular madrasas covered in intricate mosaics. It’s especially breathtaking at sunset, when the blue and turquoise tiles come to life.
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque — one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world at the time it was built. Built by Tamerlane after one of his major campaigns, the spectacular example of Islamic architecture fell into ruins over the years. It was partially restored during the Soviet Era and is still being restored today.
- Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis — a peaceful, tile-covered avenue of mausoleums. The tile-lined necropolis of the prophet Muhammad’s cousin and Tamerlane’s family. The beauty and scale of this magnificent architecture brought tears to my eyes.
- Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum — the burial site of Timur (Tamerlane).
Beyond the monuments, Samarkand has a warm, welcoming atmosphere: wander the markets, taste plov, sip tea with locals, and soak up the city’s relaxed rhythm. Samarkand delivers history, culture, and plenty of “wow” moments in one destination.
Bukhara: Beautifully preserved Medieval Islamic architecture
Bukhara feels like stepping straight into a Silk Road story. The entire center of the town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and certainly one of the best cities to visit in Uzbekistan..
With more than 2,000 years of history, this atmospheric city is packed with ancient mosques, elegant madrasas, bustling trading domes, and narrow streets that are a joy to explore.
What to do in Bukhara:
- Poi Kalyan Complex — Bukhara’s architectural centerpiece.
- Lyabi-Hauz Plaza — a peaceful square built around a reflecting pool, ideal for tea and people-watching.
- Ark Fortress — a massive royal town-within-a-town dating back centuries.
- Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa — known for its ornate tilework.
One of the best things about Bukhara is that its major sights are close together, making the old city wonderfully walkable — you can spend hours wandering between them, stopping for tea, shopping, or a meal along the way.
Bukhara has a relaxed, timeless atmosphere that invites you to slow down and imagine the merchants and travelers who once passed through on the Silk Road.
Friendly, fascinating, and full of character, Bukhara is a must for travelers who love places with stories around every corner.
Khiva: Open-air museum of the ancient Silk Road
Khiva is the kind of place that makes you stop and think, “People actually live here?” Tucked away in western Uzbekistan, this ancient Silk Road city feels like stepping into a beautifully preserved fairy tale. That’s just one of the reasons it is one of the best cities to visit in Uzbekistan.
Its walled old town, Itchan Kala, is packed with turquoise-tiled mosques, towering minarets, ornate madrasas, and winding lanes.
What to do in Khiva:
- Islam Khoja Minaret — climb it for spectacular views across the old city, especially striking when sunlight hits the sandy walls and blue tiles. At 185 feet (56.6 meters) feet tall, it is the tallest minaret in Khiva.
- Kalta Minor Minaret — recognizable by its bold turquoise design.
- Kuhna Ark Fortress — Khiva’s former royal residence. Similar to the Forbidden City in Beijing, it was built to house the royal family exclusively with its harem and support staff.
In Khiva eat at La Terrassa for spectacular sunsets on the rooftop, and yummy food.
Khiva’s historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot. Spend the morning wandering the narrow streets, then stop for lunch at a rooftop restaurant and leave time just to wander — Khiva has a slower, more relaxed pace than Uzbekistan’s larger cities.
With its ancient walls, gorgeous architecture, and atmospheric streets, Khiva feels like a living museum — one where you can still stop for lunch, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a cup of tea along the way.
How much money should you budget for Uzbekistan?
Do you need a visa for Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan recently went visa-free for up to 30 days for 90 countries including the EU, US, many Asian and South American countries. Check with your government representative to determine if you qualify.
How should women dress in Uzbekistan?
Women dressing in standard Western clothing is perfectly acceptable in Uzbekistan, especially in the tourist areas where you will want to go. Just don’t overdo it, i.e. no short-shorts or belly-exposed halter tops.
How to dress to visit religious sites?
Many of the religious sites in Uzbekistan are among the most spectacular on Earth and simply glorious. So, you will visit them.
Women are required to wear head covering. A hat will do. If women do not have a head covering, they will be provided with one before entering.
Everyone is required to remove shoes when entering a religious site. Both men and women wearing shorts will be required to wrap a green shawl wrapped around their waists when entering a religious site.
What’s the best way to get round in Uzbekistan
The best way to get around in Uzbekistan is with the ride share Yandez Go! Make sure to download the app BEFORE you arrive. It works just like an Uber.
Yandez drivers frequently don’t have change so it is a good idea to keep some smaller change with you when you travel.
When you arrive at the airport, if you have not booked a Yandez, you can get a taxi at the taxi dispatcher stand after customs. Tell them where you are going and pay the prices that are clearly stated. They will give you a ticket and direct you to a taxi.
You do not need to communicate with the taxi driver. Most of the taxi dispatchers at the airport will have someone who speaks at least some English. DO NOT accept a taxi ride from anyone else in the airport. Go directly to the taxi dispatcher whose sign will be prominently displayed.
Trains are efficient, on time, reasonably priced and comfortable. They travel frequently between key cities like Khiva and Samarkand. You can buy tickets online at Uzbekistan Railways on their English language website.
What’s the best time to visit Uzbekistan?
Spring from April to May is the ideal time for pleasant weather and blooming flowers. Autumn is cool, dry and colorful with fall colors and plentiful harvests.
Summer, July and August are hot. Some would say, very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 104F. Still, I went in August and found it admittedly hot but, fascinating.
Do they take credit cards in Uzbekistan? What about ATMs?
Credit cards are accepted in high-end hotels, finer restaurants and many tourist destinations. Otherwise, stick to local currency.
ATMs are available in many tourist destinations and banks. You’ll also find them in higher-end hotels.
The best place to exchange money is at the ATM at the airport when you arrive. You’ll get a better rate there. The worst places to exchange money are hotels, banks and, heaven forbid…the exchange kiosk at the airport. These will give you the worse rates.
Outside of the ATMs at the airport, look for the exchange kiosks around tourist areas that display the exchange rates outside their location to get the best exchange rates.
When purchasing something with a credit card and the clerk askes you what currency you want to be charged in, always choose local currency. You are more likely to get a better exchange rate.
How much should I tip in Uzbekistan?
In restaurants, the customary tip is 10-15% if the service was good. You can also leave the tip in cash if you want to ensure your waiter receives the tip.
Tipping for local guides and drivers is usually in the range of $3 to $5 per day per person for the driver as well as the guide. Of course, you are free to tip more for exceptional service.
Tipping is not compulsory but very much appreciated, as in most countries.
Is Uzbekistan safe?
I found the country to be remarkably safe. In fact, I felt a greater sense of safety in Uzbekistan than I did in many European cities like Paris, Madrid or Barcelona, all glorious cities nevertheless known for pickpockets.
The likeliest tourist mishap is overcharging, but it pays to be aware and vigilant.
The people of Uzbekistan proved to be among the kindest and most helpful folks I’ve ever met. I was surprised at the level of civility and kindness to strangers.
How to save money communicating
You will undoubtedly use your phone while in Uzbekistan. A good way to save money on data and general communication with with an eSIM. I use Airalo eSIMs which cover most countries and is always efficient, reliable easy to use, and very reasonably priced vs the phone company packages.
Do you need any vaccinations for Uzbekistan?
There are no compulsory vaccinations for Uzbekistan but you should always check with your doctor to see what, if anything is recommended you your specific condition.
Want to know more about Uzbekistan? Check out these handy reference books.
What are you thoughts on the best cities to visit in Uzbekistan? Let us know in the comments.
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- The best and most economical way to stay connected while traveling is with an Airalo eSIM.
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