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Uzbekistan is one of those places that I’d unlikely ever have gone to if the opportunity hadn’t come about. But boy am I glad it did. After a week-long visit to this vibrant, Central Asian country, I’m certain everyone should pop it on their bucket list.
Filled with sparkling blue tiles, beautifully peaceful people and cheap yet striking textiles, this is a country that ticks almost every box. It’s rich in history and culture. Has excellent transport links. And is seriously affordable to explore.
With Uzbekistan quickly rising up the ‘upcoming destinations’ lists, now is the time to visit. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to Uzbekistan.
Table of Contents
Where is Uzbekistan?
This was the first question I asked myself.
Located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is predominantly bordered by Kazakhstan that sits above in the north. It’s also centered between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. It’s one of only two double landlocked countries in the world, meaning each of its neighbours are also surrounded by land.
Once part of the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan only became independent in 1991. You’ll still spot remnants of its Soviet past in the brutalist buildings and older metro carriages — but they sit side by side with ancient Islamic architecture and modern infrastructure. Its long history as a Silk Road trading hub means it’s always been a cultural melting pot, and that eclecticism is very much alive today.
How to travel to Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is surprisingly accessible, with direct flights available from most major European capitals. The flight time from London to Tashkent International Airport is just under 7 hours, or you can head to Samarkand on a non-direct flight in 9+ hours.
I booked direct flights with Uzbekistan Airways from London Heathrow at just over £800. But prices start from just £350 — especially if you’re happy to book a non-direct flight.
Once you’re in Tashkent, the best way to get from place to place is by train. Uzbekistan’s railway system is part of its charm. Cheap, clean and with plenty of complimentary snacks, it puts the National Rail to shame.
The high-speed Afrosiyob trains connect major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara in a few hours, making multi-city trips super easy to manage. Just book in advance, as they do fill up.
You can also hire a car, or hop in shared taxis — a popular, slightly chaotic but cost-effective option if you’re feeling adventurous.
When is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?
The best time to go to Uzbekistan is in Spring or Autumn, avoiding the scorching summers and below freezing winters. Unless you’re here for snow sports.
From late March to May, you can expect mild temperatures, blooming landscapes and the Navruz celebrations (an ancient spring festival), perfect for hikers and those who fancy a cultural experience.
September to early November is also idyllic. Warm, dry and cosy, these autumnal months are made for city sightseeing and enjoying Uzbekistan’s harvest of fresh produce.
I visited Uzbekistan in mid-October and it was perfectly mild with temperatures between 15°C and 24°C. For the panicked packers like me, this meant long dresses and trousers with t-shirts in the day, and light jackets by night.
How long do you need in Uzbekistan?
I saw Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara in 6 days. Although it was a busy trip with a fair few early starts — so if a spot of relaxation is important to you, I’d recommend at least 8. More if you want to explore further along the Silk Road or head east to the Fergana Valley.
The cities are fairly walkable and well connected, but give yourself breathing room to actually enjoy them rather than rushing from one tile-clad dome to the next.
Uzbekistan travel FAQs
Is Uzbekistan safe?
Government advice states that Uzbekistan is generally safe — and they’re right.
If you’re a solo female traveller, or travelling with a few friends, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be harassed or feel uncomfortable here.
While its border with Afghanistan can worry some, the country itself is calm and welcoming. Crime against tourists is rare, and religious extremism isn’t a concern.
I had no idea what to expect when visiting Uzbekistan, but I honestly never felt unsafe or at risk. I’ve been to places where I’ve had to be far more cautious — from parts of Egypt to Kenya. But here, locals largely go about their business without much interest in you.
As with any destination, be sensible: stay aware of your surroundings, avoid dodgy ATMs, and dress respectfully, particularly outside the main cities.
What is Uzbekistan cuisine?
Uzbekistan food isn’t a top reason to visit. Sure, some dishes were delicious — notably plov (a hearty rice dish with lamb and carrots) and a few meaty dumplings. But the meat-heavy, oily dishes can get repetitive. Vegetarians may also find the options more limiting beyond the fresh bread, soup and salads.
Still, it’s worth trying traditional lagman noodles, samsa (meat-stuffed pastries), and shashlik kebabs. Do say yes to the tea — it’s served everywhere and always hits the spot.
Do you need a visa to visit Uzbekistan?
UK passport holders (and those from many other countries) can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. Always check the latest entry requirements before you go, as these can change.
What is the currency in Uzbekistan?
The official currency is the Uzbek soʻm (UZS). One British pound gets you a stack of notes — and I mean a stack. Uzbekistan has a lot of zeros. One ten pound note can translate to 150,000+ soʻm, so make sure to pack a big wallet.
It’s one of the more confusing currencies I’ve used, so keep a currency converter handy. You’ll feel like you’re spending Monopoly money, but it’s actually a seriously cheap country. Think £8 for a full dinner with wine, around £1 for a metro ride, and even less for a cuppa.
That said, souvenir markets — especially in touristy spots — are on the pricier side. But worth it for the craftsmanship.
What is the language in Uzbekistan?
The official language is Uzbek, which uses a Latin-based alphabet. Russian is also widely spoken, especially among older generations. In cities and tourist hubs, you’ll find English speakers here and there, particularly in hotels or guided tours.
Google Translate with offline Uzbek downloaded is your best friend. And a quick “rahmat” (thank you) goes a long way.
What to see in Uzbekistan
If you like architecture, then Uzbekistan is going to be high on your list. If not, don’t worry — you will by the end of this guide.
The main draw here is its jaw-dropping collection of madrasas — Islamic schools that doubled as architectural showpieces along the Silk Road. Think turquoise domes, intricate tilework and sprawling courtyards that hum with history.
Here’s just a few highlights of what to see in Uzbekistan:
- Registan Square, Samarkand – No surprise this is the poster child for Uzbekistan. It’s grand, symmetrical, and seriously photogenic — just get there before the crowds do.
- Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand – My favourite spot. A long corridor of tombs tiled in every shade of turquoise and cobalt. Quiet, surreal, and unlike anywhere else I’ve been.
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand – Built to impress, now beautifully crumbling. You get the sense it was once the centre of the universe.
- Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Samarkand – Timur’s final resting place, topped with a deep blue dome you can spot across the city.
- Kalon Mosque and Minaret, Bukhara – A stunning complex with sweeping views and peaceful vibes.
- Lyabi-Hauz, Bukhara – A shady plaza with water, tea and people-watching — the city’s social heart for centuries.
- Kalon Minaret, Bukhara – So beautiful even Genghis Khan spared it. Tall, elegant, and still the city’s centrepiece.
- Ark Fortress, Bukhara – Once a royal stronghold, now a maze of courtyards and crumbling corridors with stories in every wall.
- Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Bukhara – A 10th-century brick masterpiece that’s stood through time, untouched and perfectly proportioned.
- Amir Timur Square, Tashkent – A Soviet-flanked statue of the conqueror himself, anchoring the city’s mix of old and ultra-modern.
Most travellers start in Tashkent (the capital), move on to Samarkand for its grand monuments, and finish in Bukhara, where the atmosphere is slower and more romantic. But you can see the cities in any order. All three are linked by train, and each has its own unique rhythm.
Other things to do in Uzbekistan
Shopping
Aside from ogling at buildings, there are also plenty of lovely markets to wander through. This is where the country makes its money from tourists, but the goods are worth it.
From giant silk rugs to handsewn overcoats, textiles are a core part of Uzbekistan’s identity — along with pottery, paper and jewellery. I came home with a wall hanging, a doormat, a traditional vase and a paper doll that now hangs proudly on my Christmas tree. Top tip: pack a roomy case.
Hammam Spa
Like many countries in the region, Uzbekistan has a long tradition of hammam (bathhouse) culture — steam, scrub, soak, repeat.
All I’ll say is: do your research before popping in. My ‘full body treatment’ in Bukhara was… thorough. Not one I’d sign up for again, but it gave me an excellent story to tell when I got home.
Want to know more? Read about my medieval hammam experience in Bukhara.
Travel the Silk Road
Uzbekistan lies at the heart of the Silk Road, the ancient network that connected the East and West. You’ll see the influences everywhere — from Chinese ceramics to Persian design.
For fellow train lovers, this country is a dream. Hop from city to city in comfort and watch the golden steppe unfold out the window, dotted with shepherds and low-slung mountains.
Hiking
While my trip was more about architecture and cities, Uzbekistan is also home to beautiful mountains and valleys. The Chimgan Mountains, just a couple of hours from Tashkent, offer hiking and skiing in season. The Nuratau Mountains are great for trekking and homestays in traditional villages.
If you’ve got longer, the Fergana Valley region in the east is known for fruit orchards and handicrafts — a real off-the-beaten-path gem.
Experience the Tashkent Metro
Normally a metro system wouldn’t make it onto a ‘top things to do’ list, but Tashkent’s underground is an exception.
Each station is uniquely designed, with themes ranging from space exploration to Uzbek folklore. Think chandeliers, mosaics and marble columns — part transport, part art gallery. It was originally built as a nuclear bunker during the Soviet era, so it’s deep and sturdy.
We spent an entire afternoon hopping on and off, guessing what the next station theme would be. Cheap, beautiful and delightfully nerdy — just how I like my public transport.
Kyzylkum Desert
One thing I didn’t manage to fit in — but would go back for in a heartbeat — is sleeping in a yurt in the Kyzylkum Desert. Tucked between Samarkand and Bukhara, this vast stretch of sand dunes is a world away from Uzbekistan’s ornate cities.
A typical stay includes a night in a traditional felt yurt, dinner by the fire, and stargazing under skies, with the chance to ride camels too.
Uzbekistan surprised me at every turn — with stunning architecture, fascinating history, and warm, friendly faces at every turn. Whether you’re wandering the vibrant bazaars, exploring ancient madrasas, or dreaming of sleeping under the stars in a desert yurt, this is a destination that stays with you long after you leave. If you’re looking for a travel experience that feels fresh and a little unexpected, this should be on your radar.
