Tashkent

Good to know

1. 1Tashkent was largely rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1966, which is why so much of the centre has broad avenues, big squares and Soviet-style buildings rather than a medieval skyline.
2. 2The old town around Khast Imam holds mosques and madrasas, and a very old copy of the Quran, known as the Uthman Quran, is kept there.
3. 3Plov, a rice dish cooked with lamb, carrots and onions, is the national dish, and in Tashkent it is traditionally served at lunchtime from huge cauldrons.
4. 4Chorsu Bazaar, under its big blue dome, is the city's best-known market, with spices, dried fruit, bread and nuts piled in neat displays.
5. 5The metro opened in 1977 and is known for its decorated stations, each with its own theme and style.
6. 6Uzbek is the official language, and Russian is still widely understood and spoken in the city. The currency is the Uzbek som.

Tips for a first visit

• Use the metro for getting between the main sights, since it is simple, cheap by most standards and the stations are worth a look in themselves.
• Carry some cash for markets and small shops, though cards are common in larger restaurants and hotels.
• Try plov, samsa baked in clay ovens, and fresh flatbread, and ask for green tea, which is served with most meals.
• Be careful about photographing stations, government buildings and anything that looks official, and if in doubt, ask first.
• When you enter a home or a mosque, take your shoes off, and dress modestly at religious sites.
• Learn a few words of Russian or Uzbek, such as greetings and thank you, since people appreciate the effort.

When to go

Spring, from April to early June, and autumn, from September to October, are the most comfortable, with mild days and green or golden parks. Summer is very hot and dry, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings. Winter is cold and can bring snow and grey skies, but the city is quiet and the food is warming.

From the airport

Tashkent's main airport, Islam Karimov Tashkent International, lies on the southern edge of the city, not far from the centre. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way in and usually take roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, and there are also city buses. The metro does not run directly to the airport, so most visitors take a car for the first leg and then switch to the metro once they are settled.