This past October 2024 I had the opportunity to visit Uzbekistan and all I can say is wow! The Stan countries (Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) have been on my list for the longest so when an opportunity to visit a few Uzbekistan cities came up, I jumped on it!
Although the country is old in terms of how long many of its cities have been around, my first impressions of Uzbekistan were positive. In some places it felt modern, especially the airport, with very friendly and welcoming people throughout the places I visited.
Since it would be my first visit to this part of the world, I chose to join a women group trip. Now that I’ve had a chance to spend time here I would feel confident to travel around Uzbekistan solo. I hope the posts I share will make you feel confident as well!
Now let’s get into the cities of Uzbekistan you can’t miss along with activities to do in each!
This post contains affiliate links from which if you make a purchase I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the blog running. Thank you in advance!
Uzbekistan Cities
Samarkand
We’re going to start off with one of my favorites: Samarkand. It’s not the capital, but the history, the locations, and the people have made it my favorite Uzbekistan city.
This city is known for its beautiful blue mosques and mausoleums. Its location on the Silk Road meant it was transited often on the ancient trade route linking China to the Mediterranean.
The gems are definitely the architecture and the people. The size of the mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas will impress you. I know I was in awe taking it all in. The grandeur of it all really captivates you.
Especially knowing that when they were all new and in use they were even grander than looking at them now. Many have decayed a bit and definitely don’t look like they used to.
Samarkand Highlights:
- Registan Square
- Timur’s tomb
- Siyob bazaar
- Wine tasting tour
- Konigil – tourist village
- Shah-i-Zinda (tombs)
- Observatory of Ulugbek
- Samarkand Bukhara Silk Carpets Factory
- Great Silk Road Ancient Sites and and Monuments Tour
Bukhara
Located farther west closer to Turkmenistan is the old, historical city of Bukhara. In size, it’s the 7th largest city in Uzbekistan, but it’s definitely worth a visit due to everything you can see there.
It was also a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route between the East and West. It was a major center for Islamic theology and culture. There are hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassas, and bazaars dating back between the 9th and 17th centuries.
Bukhara highlights:
- Bolo Hauz Mosque
- Ark of Bukhara
- Lyabi Khause Square
- Kukaldosh Madrasah
- Chor Minor Madrassah
- Gate Samarqand
- Kalon Tower
- Old City Walking Tour
- Photography session up to 15 people
- Bath in Ancient Hammam with massage
- Countryside Tour with traditional lunch
Shahrisabz
Shahrisabz is just 80 km south of Samarkand making it the perfect day trip or a weekend escape. It’s the famous center of culture, trade, and handicrafts.
Amir Temur, known as Tamerlane, was the Turco-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire in and around Central Asia. One of the largest Tamerlane statutes is found here right behind the entrance gates to one of his grand palaces.
Shahrisabz highlights:
- Historic Center
- Statue of Amir Temur
- Timur’s Summer Palace
Tashkent
Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan. Out of the cities visited here, it’s the only one I didn’t get a chance to visit. This means I will have to visit Uzbekistan again in the future!
This city has lots of museums and a mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture. Wandering around will be a pleasant view for your eyes while you take it all in.
I’ve heard Tashkent’s metro stations are beautiful and definitely worth a visit when you’re there.
Tashkent highlights:
- Tashkent tower
- Chorsu Bazaar
- Walking City Tour
- Amir Temur Square
- State Museum of Temurids
- Hazrati Imam Complex
Which of these Uzbekistan cities will you be visiting first?
Related Posts
- How to Apply for an Uzbekistan E-Visa
- Traditional Food in Uzbekistan
Make sure you’re following me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more up to date content on where I’m at and where I’m going next. If you haven’t already, join my email list so you know about my adventures and general travel updates!
Viaja more y live más,
