Things to Do in Toshkent

Central square with a large statue of Amir Timur on horseback, surrounded by fountains and manicured gardens. The adjacent Museum of Amir Timur costs a small fee but the square itself is open to everyone.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Go in the early evening when locals gather, the fountains are lit, and the boulevard is cooler. The nearby underground pedestrian crossings have cheap shashlik stalls.

A modern mosque built in 2014, made of white marble with two slender minarets and a large turquoise dome. Set beside a small canal with shaded benches. Non-Muslims can enter the prayer hall outside prayer times.

🕐 Daily 05:00–21:00 (closed to visitors during prayer times, about 15 mins five times daily)

💡 Visit in late afternoon light when the marble glows warm. Dress conservatively: women must cover hair, arms, and legs; men should wear long trousers. Shoes are left at the entrance.

Massive covered market under a giant blue dome east of the old city. Spices, dried fruits, nuts, bread, and fresh produce. Wandering costs nothing, though buying something is hard to resist. The dome and its inner ring are the most atmospheric part.

🕐 Daily 06:00–18:00

💡 Avoid the tourist-stall row directly under the dome for spices; walk a few metres into the side alleys for better prices. The nona bread from the tandoor at the back entrance is fresh and cheap.

Large public park with walking paths, an artificial lake with pedal boats, plenty of shade trees, and statues of Uzbek literary figures. Good for a quiet picnic or a stroll away from traffic noise.

🕐 Daily 07:00–22:00

💡 Weekday mornings are near empty. The park's public toilets are basic, so use facilities elsewhere first. Bring your own drinks; the kiosks on-site are limited and pricier.

A 16th-century Islamic school near Chorsu Bazaar, built from yellow brick with typical Central Asian facade work. Small entry fee for the inner courtyard and former study cells. The exterior and surrounding lanes are free to explore.

🕐 Daily 09:00–17:00

💡 The fee is only about 5000 som (less than £0.40). Combine with Chorsu Bazaar in one visit. Peek inside the cells; some now house small craft workshops where you can watch without buying.