Expert Sophie Ibbotson talks about the places that every traveler should see in the capital of Uzbekistan.
Sophie Ibbotson, Ambassador for Tourism of Uzbekistan in the United Kingdom, @uzambassador
Tashkent is the city with the best transport connections in the country: from here there are direct flights to London, Milan, Moscow, Delhi, New York, Paris, Tbilisi, and many other cities. But at the same time, few tourists consider this city as a place for a separate trip, more often it remains only a transfer point on the way to Samarkand or Bukhara.
The first time I came to Tashkent was in 2010. In those years, it was a completely different city. But even then, there were interesting places here, for example, the State Museum of History and the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Over the past 15 years, Tashkent has changed noticeably: new cultural venues, modern hotels and restaurants, opportunities for shopping and events have appeared. Now I always try to stay here for a few days to meet friends and enjoy the city.
Where to stay
In Tashkent, you can find accommodation for any budget. I usually choose ATECA Hotel Suites near Shota Rustaveli Street. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the prices are lower than in chain hotels, and the staff is always attentive. The location is convenient; you can quickly get to any part of the city.
What to see
If a guest is in Tashkent for the first time, I take them to three places: the State Museum of Applied Arts, the Tashkent Metro, and the Chorsu Bazaar. The museum helps to better understand Uzbek art — ceramics, wood carving, textiles. The metro with its stations “Alisher Navoi,” “Cosmonaut,” and “Pakhtakor” shows that creativity here is not limited to medieval architecture. And Chorsu is the atmosphere of the Great Silk Road, seasonal fruits, and of course, freshly baked bread.
If there is more time, I recommend the State Art Museum of Uzbekistan and the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, where you can find good examples of Tashkent modernism. It can also be seen in the facade of the Hotel Uzbekistan and in the mosaic panel houses. For walks, Eco Park, the Botanical Garden, and the embankment of the Anhor Canal are suitable.
Where to eat
The culinary scene of Tashkent reflects the cultural diversity of the city. To try Uzbek cuisine, start with street spots at Chorsu, where they sell shashlik and samsa. In the evening, the Caravan and Khan Chapan restaurants are good, and for a dinner with elements of fine dining — Afsona.
I also like to try other cuisines. Georgian dishes at “Georgian Courtyard” or Gamarjoba, Lebanese at Resto Forn Lebnen, Thai at Tub Tim Thai. At the Seoul restaurant they cook Korean cuisine, and at the Irish Pub you can get fish and chips. For beer in a more youthful atmosphere, Steam Bar is suitable.
Shopping
On weekends it is worth going to the Yangiabad flea market — here you can find vintage, Soviet watches, cameras, carpets, paintings. A calmer alternative is the Human House store by Lola Saifi, where works of Uzbek artisans are sold and events take place.
In the fashion industry of Tashkent, new names are appearing. The main show is Visa Fashion Week Tashkent, but stylish clothes can be found all year round. I like Teplo Store, Hlmrdv gallery, Azucar Moreno Boutique, and Kanishka Dsgn with their streetwear and accessories.