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Registan Square in Samarkand at sunset, Central Uzbekistan.

Things to do in  Central Uzbekistan

Follow the Silk Road

Uzbekistan is a double land-locked country and was incredibly important for travelers along the Silk Road. Some of the most beautiful Muslim architecture and intricate tile mosaics from the centuries-old trading routes are found in places like Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara—and they are not to be missed. In addition to admiring these stunning sites, things to do in Central Uzbekistan include exploring the mosques, minarets, and mausoleums of powerful leaders; shopping the local bazaars; and marveling at examples of Tashkent Modernism in the country's capital, Tashkent.

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All about Central Uzbekistan

Time Zone
UZT (+5)
When to visit

The best times to visit Central Uzbekistan are spring and fall. Summers are incredibly hot and winters are freezing, making traveling those times of year unpleasant. Nowruz, or the beginning of spring, is held in March, and Uzbeks celebrate the occasion with folk festivals and sports competitions across the country. If you're looking to capture exceptional photographs, try to visit some of the most scenic architectural sites in the early morning or evening when the sun casts the light at different angles.

Getting around

Central Uzbekistan covers a lot of ground, so a mixture of car, train, and airplane travel is recommended. There are airports and train stations in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Shared taxis can be used for either inter-city or inner-city travel throughout the country, though in Tashkent, you’ll find a fantastic metro system. Private vehicles allow you the flexibility to vary your route, but you can also hire a driver in each town for convenience.

Traveler tips

When paying for things in Central Uzbekistan, be aware that cards are not widely accepted. Withdraw cash when you can since ATMs are limited and don’t always work. USD is the preferred foreign currency to exchange for Uzbek sum. Make sure to bring a big wallet and a calculator: US$1 is equal to around 1,268,500 sum. Even though bills are in high denominations, you’ll need a tall stack to pay for many things.

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People Also Ask
Q:How much time do you need in Central Uzbekistan?
A:

Spend at least a week to 10 days or longer in Central Uzbekistan. There is a lot to explore and layers of rich history to uncover—from the capital of Tashkent to the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand and other important sights along the Silk Road—so make sure to stay a while.

Q:What is the food like in Central Uzbekistan?
A:

There’s a lot of meat in the Uzbek diet, so be prepared for lamb, mutton, and even horse on the menu. You won’t find much pork, since Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country. You can try meat pies called samsa and pulled noodle dishes like lagman—paired with meat and veggies and served in broth.

Q:Is Central Uzbekistan good for families?
A:

It depends. If your kids are robust travelers who can handle long car or train journeys and multiple flights, then they might like exploring the beautiful cities in Central Uzbekistan. But generally, the attractions in Central Uzbekistan are geared towards history, architecture, or photography buffs rather than for children and families.

Q:Is there a dress code for Central Uzbekistan?
A:

There are many conservative areas in Central Uzbekistan, so be mindful of this as a tourist. In Tashkent, it’s not uncommon to see locals dressed in Western fashion, but in more remote areas, people wear traditional clothing such as chapan. If you visit any religious sites, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees.

Q:Can you drink alcohol in Central Uzbekistan?
A:

Yes, you can drink alcohol in Central Uzbekistan. Even though it is a Muslim country, the Soviets brought vodka when they took over Uzbekistan, and it is now a part of the local culture. You’ll find nightlife in Tashkent, like bars and clubs. In the smaller cities, you can also find alcoholic drinks.

Q:Is visiting Central Uzbekistan worth it?
A:

Yes, a visit to Central Uzbekistan is worth it. It has excellently preserved architecture unlike anywhere else in the world, such as Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand. You will learn so much in this area about previous life along the Silk Road as well as experience modern Uzbek culture in Tashkent.

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