Things to do in Uzbekistan - 30 sights and experiences

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What to see and do in Uzbekistan? This Central Asian country offers a dreamy glimpse of the Silk Road, historical sights, Unesco World Heritage sites, handicrafts, nature, good food and much more. Find all our top tips here.

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Things to do in Uzbekistan - our top tips

We have visited Uzbekistan twice, having had the country on our bucket list for decades. On the first trip we visited Samarkand, and on the second trip we toured Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.

Now we feel it's time to share our tips - on what to see and do in Uzbekistan. This is a country for those who enjoy culture, history, architecture, crafts, food and exotic and adventurous experiences, in a safe and beautiful environment.

1. Dream of the Silk Road

In the Middle Ages, the Silk Road was a network of trade routes, from China, through Central Asia and on to Europe. Camel caravans transported silk and other exotic products, such as gold, spices and carpets, all along the route. The Silk Road passed through the trading cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Chiva, and the story still has a special and almost magical flavour.

2. Discover the fairytale city of Samarkand

Samarkand is a legendary city mentioned in the introduction to the collection of fairy tales. One thousand and one nightsSamarkand is referred to in various songs as the place of dreams and was once a stop along the famous Silk Road. Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as 'Samarkand - Crossroads of Cultures'. Here you can see plenty of historical sights such as the Registan, Timur Lenk's Mausoleum and the Shakh-i-Zinda complex.

3. See a light show in the Registan in Samarkand

Registan is a square in Samarkand surrounded by three madrassas, historic former schools of higher Islamic education. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, along with several other buildings in Samarkand, the square is perhaps the city's most important attraction. During the day you can stroll around the area and the courtyards. In the evenings, during the high season, a magical light show is performed over the buildings.

4. Hang out in the "Eternal City" in Samarkand

One part of Samarkand that is completely modern, but inspired by history, is the 'Eternal City'. This is a newly built place, within the tourist area Silk Road Touristic Centre, built in traditional style. Here you can eat, shop for crafts or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

5. Learn about the warlord Timur Lenk

The Turko-Mongol warlord Timur Lenk is very well known in Uzbekistan. Timur Lenk was born in 1336 in Kesh in present-day Uzbekistan and died in 1405 in Otrar in present-day Kazakhstan. During his lifetime he was a very successful and extremely brutal warlord.

Timur Lenk's intention was to recreate the former empire of Genghis Khan and he succeeded in expanding the Timurid territory from present-day Turkey to India. You can visit his mausoleum in Samarkand.

6. Fascinated by the Shakh-i-Zinda complex

Shakh-i-Zinda is a fascinating cemetery, and today a major attraction, found in Samarkand. There are magnificent and beautiful mausoleums from the 11th, 16th and 19th centuries.

The place is also known for the legend of The living king. Kusam ibn Abbas, who was a cousin of the Prophet Mohammed, came to Samarkand with the Arab invasion in the 7th century, to preach Islam. He was attacked by 'infidels' while praying, but managed to escape into a well, where legend has it he still lives today.

7. see one (or many) madrassas

In madrassa is a historic centre for Islamic studies, both Qur'anic and other subjects, such as law and literature. These historic buildings are often both grand and beautiful, and today are often important landmarks. Here are examples of some that are well worth visiting:

• Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa in Bukhara
• Kulkedash Madrassa in Tashkent
• Mir-i-Arab Madrassa in Bukhara
• Nadir Devanbegi Madrassa in Bukhara
• Ulugbek Madrassa in Bukhara
• Ulughbek, Sher Dor and Tilla-Kari Madrassa in Samarkand

8. Make a visit to a mosque

Uzbekistan is a Muslim country and there are plenty of mosques. Visiting a mosque in the country will give you some insight into the culture, while some mosques are historically interesting and beautiful buildings. Keep in mind that a mosque is a religious place and that respectful dress is required, and that women must cover their hair. Here are some mosques that are interesting to visit:

• Bibi-Khanum in Samarkand
• Bolo Hauz in Bukhara
• Hazrat Khizr in Samarkand
• Hazrati Imam Mosque in Tashkent

9. Learn more about the astronomer Ulug Beg

Ulug Beg was born in 1394 in Persia (modern-day Iran), the grandson of Timur Lenk, and died in Samarkand in 1449. He was known as the greatest astronomer of his time and compiled a catalogue of no less than 1018 stars. In Samarkand you can visit Ulug Beg's observatory, which was the largest of its time, and where you can also find a museum about the astronomer.

10. visit beautiful Bukhara

One thing you won't want to miss doing in Uzbekistan is visiting beautiful Bukhara. Once an important trading centre along the Silk Road, today the city has a stunning city centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can experience the old town, admire the Po-i-Kalan complex, see the Ulugbek Madrasah and discover the Ark of Bukhara fortress. 

11. Take a trip to Chiva

One of the places we have not visited, but would like to, is the city of Chiva (Khiva). It is full of historical sites such as the well-known and often depicted minaret Kalta Minor as well as the Khodja Madrassa, the citadel Kuhna Ark and the mosque Juma.

12. experience a local market

Another thing you don't want to miss out on doing in Uzbekistan is visiting a market. At markets you can check out local food and shop for everything from nuts to clothing. Here are some markets we can recommend:

• Siab Bazaar in Samarkand - Large market with everything from food and spices to clothes, crafts and bicycles.
• Farmers Market in Bukhara - Exciting food market filled with meat, vegetables, fruit, spices, pastries, nuts and more.
• Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent - Huge market with meat, vegetables, clothes, shoes, jewellery and everything else.

13. Shop the site

Silk is not only a thing of the past in the form of the historic Silk Road. Even today, silk products are very popular in Uzbekistan. You'll find silk scarves in particular, but also interior design products, jackets and a garment very popular with women in Uzbekistan - a long, thin, unbuttoned 'coat' to wear over a dress or trousers.

You can find silk scarves and garments at every market and in many shops. If you want to be sure to get extra nice and high quality products, you can go to Samarkand Bukhara Silk Carpets.

14. Shopping for ceramics

One of the most popular things to shop for in Uzbekistan is ceramics. Plates, bowls, cups, teapots and other ceramic products are sold everywhere. The colours and patterns are incredible.

15. Find many kinds of crafts

Silk and ceramics are some of the most popular craft products to buy, but there is much more to discover. Hand-woven rugs, that is, real rugs, are a big thing and come in very good quality.

If you like clothes, you can find embroidered jackets and shawls, decorative headdresses and fluffy fur hats. There are also a lot of crafts made of wood or metal, such as chess sets, boxes, knives and bread stamps.

16. Eat the national dish plov

Plov is the Uzbek version of the dish pilaff, and is arguably the country's national dish. Beloved by the Uzbeks themselves, it consists of oily rice, meat, spices and vegetables such as carrots and onions. You can eat this dish in many different restaurants, and if you want a more special experience, you can visit Central Asian Plov Centre in the capital.

17. Enjoy Uzbek food

There's a lot of good Uzbek food to enjoy, in addition to the national dish plov. You'll definitely want to try the delicious bread. There are also delicious soups, tasty dumplings, tasty salads, yummy meat dishes and plenty of fruit and nuts.

18. Try Uzbek wine

As most Uzbeks are Muslim, it is relatively common not to drink alcohol, and thus soft drinks, juices and tea are widely served, as well as the yoghurt drink ayran. However, beer and wine are also drunk, and there are several Uzbek wineries.

19. take a ride in the Tashkent metro

Built during the Soviet era, the Tashkent Metro is richly decorated with mosaics, murals and chandeliers. This is simply one of the greatest sights of the capital. A tour here is one thing you won't want to miss doing in Uzbekistan!

20. Experience city life in Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and was the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Republic before independence. Here you can experience the market, among other things Chorsu Bazaar, eat at Central Asian Plov Centre and, of course, admire the city's beautiful metro.

21. Ride the Afrosiyob high-speed train

In Uzbekistan there is a modern high-speed train, named Afrosiyob. This train allows you to travel quickly and easily between different cities in the country. The train is comfortable, and various snacks and light meals are sold on board.

22. Hiking in the mountains of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan offers many opportunities to experience nature in the mountains. We've only seen a small part - we've done a hike in Ugum-Chatkal National Park and an excursion to the Urgut region. There is much more!

23. Meet people in the Uzbek countryside

Getting out into the countryside in Uzbekistan is a special experience. The pace is slower and the hospitality is palpable. Don't expect people in the countryside to speak English, especially the older generation, but smiles and gestures work regardless of language.

24. Go on a skiing holiday

One thing you can do in Uzbekistan, as there are high mountains, is skiing. There are several different ski destinations, such as Amirsoy Mountain Resort.

25. Stay a night in a yurt

As a tourist in Uzbekistan, it is most common to stay in a hotel, but there are also opportunities for different accommodation experiences. For example, in some parts of the country it is possible to spend a night in a yurt.

26. Take a trip to the dried-up Aral Sea

Once a large lake between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with a rich fishery, the Aral Sea is now parched and deserted, with rusting boat hulls lying dried up. Here you can visit the former fishing town of Muynak - a different thing to do in Uzbekistan.

27. Discover dance and music

Dance and music are big in Uzbekistan, and there are many opportunities to experience traditional dances from the different regions. A great atmosphere is promised!

28. participate in a festival

Uzbekistan organises a wide range of events and festivals, including singing, dancing, performances, light shows and fireworks. For example, events are organised in Eternal City in Samarkand, where there is a large revolving stage.

29. See one of Uzbekistan's Unesco World Heritage Sites

Uzbekistan has a total of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, five cultural and two natural.

World Cultural Heritage sites in Uzbekistan

• The historic centre of Bukhara (1993)
• The historic centre of Shakhrisabz (2000)
• Itchan Kala - the historic centre of Chiva (1990)
• Samarkand - Crossroad of Cultures (2001)
• Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor (2023)

Natural World Heritage sites in Uzbekistan

• The cold desert of Turan (2023)
• Western Tien-Shan (2016)

30. Explore one of the neighbouring countries

When you're in Uzbekistan, you might want to take the opportunity to visit one of the neighbouring countries as well. We haven't visited any of them, but the first time we were in Uzbekistan we visited a tourism fair where Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, among others, showed what they have to offer tourists. Clearly, there is more to see and experience in Central Asia!

Any other suggestions on what to do in Uzbekistan?

Are you curious about Central Asia? Maybe you even have more suggestions on what to see and do in Uzbekistan? Please leave a comment in the comments section!

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