Uzbekistan is an undeniably beautiful country full of breathtaking architecture. If Uzbekistan isn’t on your travel radar, hopefully, this post will change that!  It is an enchanting country that will give you a glimpse into the past.  The famous Silk Road trade route from China to the Mediterranean includes many Uzbek cities. History buffs, foodies, culture lovers and photographers will all be delighted by all the amazing places to visit in Uzbekistan.

Hopefully, you read my post with tips for visiting Uzbekistan and now you want more detail about what to do.

Places to Visit in Uzbekistan

Tashkent

No visit to Uzbekistan would be complete without visiting the capital and it is usually the easiest place to fly into. Information about how to get to Uzbekistan in another post as well as how to get around.  Tashkent or Toshkent meaning “city of stone” is a city of 4 million people and historically an important location along the silk road. It a modern city but has an old section that is great to visit.

1.  Hast Imam Square (Hazrati Imam)

Hast-Imam is the religious center of Tashkent located in the old town. This complex appeared near the tomb of one of the first imam of Tashkent city, the famous scientist, a scholar of the Koran and Hadith, poet and craftsman Hazrati Imam.  On the territory of the Hast-Imam, there are few architectural monuments, including the madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, the Abu Bakr Mausoleum and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari, where future imans are taught.

Inside the mosque here, you can see the world-famous Quran of Caliph Uthman, written in the 8th century on deerskin (paper was not yet known in this region).

2.  Chorsu Bazaar

This is a must-visit in the old city. Under a huge blue dome is this largest market in Uzbekistan where daily life takes place. You can see mountains of spices, nuts, dried fruits as well as rows and rows of yogurt, cheeses, pickles noodles as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. There is also an area where fresh bread is baked. I encourage you to sample everything possible!

3.  The Tashkent Metro

It is one of only two subway systems currently operating in Central Asia (the other one being the Almaty Metro). It was the seventh metro to be built in the former USSR, opening in 1977. Its stations are among the most ornate in the world. The metro is a convenient way to get around Tashkent and even if you don’t need to use it, you should if only to see how beautiful the various stations are. The station near the Yuri Gargarin (first man in space) monument has a cosmonaut theme which is super fun.  Rides are 1200 som each (less than 15cents).

4.  The Opera House

Looking for something different? I took the opportunity to see the opera La Traviata while here and it was only 50,000 UZS ($6 USD) and a great experience.

5.  Plov Center

This is THE place to try the Uzbek national dish, Plov. I’ve never seen so much rice in my life. It was fun to see how it’s made outside in the huge bowls. It’s delicious too!

6. Applied Art Museum

Dating back to 1927 this is a beautiful state museum holding over 7,000 samples handmade embroidery,  jewelry, carpets and other handcrafted goods from the early 19th century to the present. There is a beautiful gift shop as well.

Places to Stay in Tashkent

Ichan Qala

Sharq

Samarkand

9.  Shah-i-Zinda

This is the dazzling Shah-i-Zinda complex in Samarkand Uzbekistan.  It is perhaps the most stunning display of Persian influenced tile work anywhere in the country. This is a necropolis full of mausoleums, ritual buildings and a cemetery.  Legend is that Kusam ibn Abbas, the cousin of the prophet Mohammed is buried here. I was awestruck by the brilliant blue mosaics. The cover photo is also from here.

10.  Bibi Khanum Mosque

This one of the most important monuments of Samarkand. In the 15th century, it was one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. The favorite wife of Tamerlane, Saray Mulk Khanum, decided to build a mosque next to the bazaar. To make the mosque more majestic than the madrassah of Tamerlane, the queen ordered architects to erect the tallest building in the city, but a construction error led to the building’s ultimate destruction.

It was mostly ruined by the mid-20th century, but major parts of the mosque were restored during the Soviet period.

11.  Siyob Bazaar

This is the largest bazaar in Samarkand and located next to the Bibi Khanum mosque.  All daily necessities are sold here. It is a fun place to visit and witness local life but to also try different sweets and local delicacies.

12.  Meros Paper Mill

In village 5 km from Samarkand called Koni Ghil, you can visit this paper mill set amongst shady trees on the Siab River. It was founded by well-known masters the Mukhtarov brothers and is a renovated factory using ancient paper-making traditions. Everything is manual and is fascinating to watch. Paper making started in China as far back as 1 BC and after the Battle of the Talus River, the art was learned from Chinese prisoners.

Places to Stay in Samarkand

City Hotel

Sultan Boutique Hotel

Bukhara

13.  Kaylan Mosque and Minaret

14.  Ark Fortress

15.  Lyabi Hauz Ensemble

16.  Bolo-Khauz Mosque

17.  Mausoleum of Bakhoutdin Naqshbandi

The Memorial Complex of Khoja Bakhouddin Naqshbandi is one of the most important Muslim shrines. As the burial place of one of Sufism’s leaders, Naqshbandi, this site is regularly visited by Muslim pilgrims from around the world Naqshbandi was the spiritual teacher of Amir Temur and made the hajj to Mekka 32 times. He encouraged people to be modest and rejected luxury.

18.  Sitorai-Mokhikhosa

19.  Chor Minar

This mosque which was once part of a larger madrassa was built by Khalif Niyaz-Kul, a wealthy Bukharan of Turkmen origin in the 19th century.  The architectural style is unique to Bukhara and the story is that the 4 minarets didn’t function as a call to prayer but instead advertised the builder’s 4 eligible daughters.  Each tower had a slightly different design. It worked since they were all married.  See ladies, forget Tinder. Just have your father build a mosque minaret and then you wait.

Places to Stay in Bukhara

Fatima Boutique

Boutique Hotel Minzifa

As-Salam Boutique Hotel

Khiva

This ancient walled city was a “khanate” in the 1500s.  It was a place ruled by one of the descendants of Genghis Khan. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.  This well-preserved city has the feel of a theme park yet has a dark history, one definitely downplayed by local guides. The city is well-known for being an important slave-trading market during the time of the Silk Road. Its proximity to the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan made it a convenient trading market for slaves captured by the Turkmen tribesmen or Kazakh tribes from the steppes.

Itchan Kala is the old center of Khiva, where you will find most of the city’s attractions. Definitely get a guide to take you around as to not miss out on the secret courtyards and hidden places you would miss otherwise. It definitely gets crowded with tourists here which I didn’t expect so head out early or in the early evening for better photos!

10.  Islam Khoja Minaret

This 57m tall minaret resembles a lighthouse. You can climb it for excellent city views as well as some exercise! Beware the stairs are steep and windy. Not easy if you aren’t in the proper clothing for such activity.

21.  Watchtower

At the back right corner of the throne room in the Kuhna Ark, a door leads to a flight of steps up to the watchtower, the original part of the Ark. The fee to climb up here is definitely worth it, especially at sunset for city views.

22.  Tash Hauli

A palace inside the Itchan Kala with extraordinary decor, blue ceramic tiles, more than 150 rooms, and 9 courtyards.

23.  Juma Mosque

This Friday mosque is on the plain side but unique with its 218 intricately carved wooden columns that support the roof and lack of artificial lighting.

24.  Kuhna Ark

A fortress that used to be the residence of Khiva’s rulers. The ark presented a complex multi-yard composition, containing a house for khan, the members of his family, and dignitaries.

25.  Kalta Minor Minaret

A turquoise-tiled minaret begun in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, who aspired for it to be 80m tall. Unfortunately, he dropped dead in 1855, leaving the structure unfinished at 29m, but still striking.

Make sure to walk around Khiva in the evening to see the old city aglow with soft lighting.

Places to Stay in Khiva

Orient Star

Qosha Darvoza

Shaherazada Hotel