Stepping out of the $1.50 taxi I took from the airport to Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This was not the image of Uzbekistan I had pictured in my head. The city felt incredibly modern, with a European feel that reminded me more of Monaco or Paris than of a Central Asian capital.
Walking the short distance to my hostel, I passed elegant restaurants, beautifully manicured parks, classy cafes and stylish boutique stores. The clean streets, impressive architecture, and sophisticated atmosphere completely took me by surprise.
Within minutes of arriving, I realised how unfair my preconceptions had been, and I was excited to discover what other surprises Uzbekistan had waiting for me.
I had heard good things from a handful of travellers I knew who had explored the country, but it wasn’t until I started researching that I truly understood just how unique Uzbekistan was. From intricately decorated madrasas and mosques to ancient Silk Road cities and otherworldly desert landscapes, Uzbekistan seemed unlike anywhere I had travelled before.
Now, having explored Uzbekistan as a solo traveller, I understand exactly why this country deserves to be on every traveller’s radar. In this guide, I’ll share all my personal insights — from planning your route to understanding the culture and what to expect as a solo traveller.
How to get to Uzbekistan
Getting to Uzbekistan is much easier than many people realise, and I noticed this when I began researching flights. I also noticed that the price was much more affordable than I expected, and initially I was “just browsing” until I spotted a deal I could not pass up.
The two main international entry points are Tashkent and Samarkand, both of which have international airports connecting Uzbekistan with destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
For many international travellers, flying via Istanbul is one of the easiest and most affordable options (especially coming from Europe). Since I was planning a three-country trip, I booked a flight to Tashkent and leaving from Almaty, both via Istanbul.
Another option is combining Uzbekistan with neighbouring countries such as Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan, which many fellow travellers I met had done. This is a great way to turn your trip into a larger Central Asian adventure, as border crossings are relatively straightforward. You can go overland using public transport or alternatively take short flights between the countries.
I personally travelled from Uzbekistan into Kyrgyzstan, taking a flight from Tashkent to Bishkek. I booked it quite last minute and was surprised that it cost less than $100. With some planning, flights can often be even cheaper.
Interestingly, I met another traveller in Bukhara who decided to change her plans and take the same flight as me, even forfeiting the ticket she had already booked for another day. Despite booking the flight at the last minute, she still paid less than $100, showing just how affordable domestic flights in Central Asia can be.
Getting around Uzbekistan
One of the biggest surprises for me was how easy it was to get around Uzbekistan. Although the trains were not as cheap as places like India or Southeast Asia, they were fast and affordable.
The Yandex taxis, however, were so incredibly cheap that I always found myself waiting for “a catch”, like a hidden fee that never came.
My first realisation about the unbelievable prices came when I first downloaded the app before my trip to check the price from Tashkent Airport to my hostel 30 minutes away – . I figured I must have made some kind of error with the details, but I would later learn that this was the norm.
With that in mind, I would suggest setting up the following two apps on your phone for easy access and booking on the go.
1. Yandex Go app
Yandex Go is the local equivalent of Uber and is one of the easiest ways to get around Uzbekistan’s cities and throughout other Central Asian cities. However, it’s not a great option for rural areas, so don’t rely on Yandex if you are outside the cities. In that case, local buses or even hitchhiking are often the preferred method of transport.
The app allows you to quickly book affordable taxis without having to negotiate prices or worry about language barriers. It is widely used by locals, reliable, and much cheaper than traditional taxis. You will still often be approached by taxi drivers offering their services, but the prices are usually around 5 – 10 times the price of Yandex, so don’t fall for this.
One thing that always made me chuckle was that every time I booked a ride on Yandex Go, the app would tell me my driver was arriving in a “White Chevrolet” — because in Uzbekistan, it seemed like almost every car was a white Chevrolet, since there’s a Chevrolet factory there!
In terms of prices, many of my trips were usually between and , making it an extremely efficient and affordable way to get from A to B.
Yandex is also used for food delivery, much like Deliveroo or Uber Eats, as well as sending packages and even getting your laundry done. I had met a couple who used it as a laundry service, and they were very happy with the efficiency.
2. Uzbekistan Railway Tickets app
Uzrailway Tickets is the official railway app for booking train tickets across Uzbekistan, which I set up within a few minutes. It allows you to check schedules, compare routes, and reserve seats on the high-speed Afrosiyob trains that connect popular destinations such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
I recommend downloading it and setting up a payment method in advance, so it is one less thing to do when you arrive.
Some travellers I met were unable to add a payment method, so it is worth knowing if this works for you before getting to Uzbekistan; otherwise, you may need to book tickets via a different platform.
If you have set dates and especially if you are travelling during peak periods, the most convenient train times can sell out quickly, and I found myself missing out on preferred tickets because I didn’t book ahead. With that being said, there was always an alternative, albeit slightly slower option.
Uzbekistan has an excellent rail network, making it one of the easiest countries to explore independently, and you will find most locals and travellers utilising this network.
The main train options are:
- Afrosiyob: The high-speed train and the best option for travellers. It connects major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara and offers a comfortable, modern journey with much shorter travel times. Many travellers opt to book these tickets in advance (if they know their dates) since they sell out very quickly.
- Sharq: A slower but cheaper alternative to the Afrosiyob. It follows similar routes but takes longer due to additional stops. I mostly took these trains since the high-speed trains were usually booked out or more expensive.
- Night trains: A good option for longer journeys, allowing you to save on accommodation and travel while you sleep. Options include private compartments and shared sleeper carriages. I took a night train from Bukhara to Tashkent and, in hindsight, should have paid more for a private compartment rather than the shared sleeper carriage. It was quite the confined experience, similar to night trains in India, but thankfully they were far less crowded.
3. Other transport options: Tashkent Metro
While there are no metro systems in other Uzbek cities, Tashkent has an excellent metro system, which is not only an affordable way to get around the city but an attraction in itself.
There is no app for this, but it is helpful to know that this is the preferred way to get around the city upon arrival – and even cheaper than Yandex Go.
Opened during the Soviet era, many of the stations are beautifully decorated with unique architecture, mosaics, and artwork.
If you love art, history and architecture, then it is well worth spending a few hours riding the metro to check out these impressive stations – and for , it is a no-brainer!
This is such an attraction that it is included in the FreeTour walking tour I’ve taken, which is how it became known to me.
Recommended places to visit
When most people think of Uzbekistan, Samarkand is often the first place that comes to mind — and for good reason. It is often images of Samarkand’s iconic sights that appear when you search for images of Uzbekistan, so naturally this is where most people want to begin.
With its incredible Registan Square, breathtaking Islamic architecture, and fascinating Silk Road history, it was certainly one of the highlights of my trip – in fact, it was much better than any Google image I had seen beforehand.
However, Uzbekistan is so much more than just Samarkand, and it is worth keeping in mind that each city offers something completely different, so I recommend making time to see the diverse destinations.
1. Tashkent
Tashkent was one of my biggest surprises. Many travellers use the capital simply as an entry point, but I quickly realised it deserved more time.
After arriving, I found myself impressed by how modern, clean, and sophisticated the city felt, with beautiful parks, impressive architecture, and one of the most unique metro systems I have ever explored.
I only planned a short stay but left wishing I had added an extra day to discover more of what the city had to offer, especially the metro system and the Chorsu Bazar.
Looking back, this was the best shopping bazaar of my entire Central Asia trip, and it might have been wise to end my trip there rather than to begin.
While in Tashkent, I would suggest visiting the Hazrati Imam Complex, which is like a warm-up for Samarkand and Bukhara, and the famous Hotel Uzbekistan was like stepping back to the Soviet era.
It also has an excellent city and sunset view from the top floor, which is open to the public and boasted surprisingly affordable nightly rates (around $35 per night).
2. Samarkand
Samarkand is the city that captures most travellers’ attention, with its spectacular landmarks and deep connection to the ancient Silk Road.
The scale and beauty of places like Registan Square are difficult to describe until you see them in person, and although there are certainly more tourists there than in Tashkent, it is not somewhere you will want to skip.
In my experience, adding an extra day than originally planned for each place is a good plan, since you will always discover more sights to see and places to revisit, which can be frustrating if you are on a strict schedule.
Tip: One thing I would suggest is visiting inside the Registan Square complex, which I was worried would be anticlimactic considering the incredible images I had seen online. However, in reality it was a place I fell in love with instantly and would happily return to on my next visit.
Check out my full Samarkand travel guide for a full overview.
3. Bukhara
Bukhara offers a completely different experience, with its atmospheric old town, traditional markets, and historic buildings that make you feel like you have stepped back to biblical times. This was the place I spent the longest (3 days), since it was a hot spot for socialising, shopping, exploring, and truly experiencing the culture.
It also had a relaxed pace that made it easy to take time out from busy schedules, so you would often meet other travellers planning their next steps or catching up on life admin.
For a full breakdown of where to stay, what to do, and how to navigate the old town, read my complete Bukhara travel guide.
4. Khiva
Khiva is a popular stop-off for those with a little more time to play with, since it is further away and requires more planning – but it is certainly worth it, if your itinerary allows.
It is a beautifully preserved walled city that feels like stepping back in time; however, I had heard from fellow travellers that they preferred Bukhara, so if you have to decide, I would suggest prioritising Bukhara.
If you decide to go to Khiva, you can also venture farther into the desert and spend a few days exploring rural Uzbekistan as part of a group tour.
My itinerary: what I’d do differently
If I could plan my trip again, I would have spent much longer in Uzbekistan – probably 2-3 weeks rather than just 1 week. One week was enough to experience the highlights, but I would have preferred longer to explore at a slower pace and include more destinations.
One experience I regret missing was the opportunity to take a day trip into Tajikistan, which departs from Samarkand. Adding an extra day to explore the nearby landscapes and culture would have been well worth it, and it is something I would recommend considering when planning your itinerary.
It is worth noting that some attractions can take the entire day to visit, so bear this in mind if you are planning to see multiple sights in one day – it usually takes more time than you think, which I quickly came to learn.
book the tajikistan day trip
Understanding the culture
Before arriving in Uzbekistan, I realised I had some assumptions about what the country would be like. I expected it to feel more strictly Islamic, and having lived in the Middle East in my twenties, I already had an idea of what day-to-day life could be like there.
Interestingly, what I discovered was a fascinating blend of cultures, influences, and traditions shaped by centuries of history. It was thanks to my local Freetour guide Bakhtiyor in Tashkent that I began to understand Uzbek culture, which changed how I perceived the country from that day forward.
I learned that Uzbekistan has been influenced by Persian, Turkic, Soviet, and Islamic cultures, creating a unique identity that you can see in everything from the architecture and food to everyday life.
Although Islam is the dominant religion, Uzbekistan is a secular country where people have the freedom to practise different religions, a very apparent fact. In my experience, the culture felt very open, welcoming, and relaxed, which is exactly the kind of combination that solo travellers seek out.
bOOK THE FREE TOUR WITH BAKHTIYOR
My experience as a solo female traveller
As a solo female traveller, safety was never a concern for me. I felt comfortable exploring the cities alone, walking around in the evenings, and interacting with locals, who were some of the friendliest and most curious people I have met during my travels.
One comment from my walking tour guide really stuck with me. He explained that it wasn’t until he spent time living in Japan and later returned to Uzbekistan that he realised just how safe his own country was. It was something he had taken for granted growing up there.
As a solo female traveller, I found his observation reassuring, and it reflected my own experience. Throughout my time in Uzbekistan, I felt comfortable walking around cities, using public transport, and exploring independently, with locals often going out of their way to help visitors feel welcome.
Fitting in: language and dress
The main languages spoken are Uzbek and Russian. While English is becoming more common in tourist areas, especially with younger generations, having a translation app downloaded is useful when communicating outside the main cities.
I found that learning a few phrases in both Russian and Uzbek made the locals smile. When visiting religious sites, modest clothing is expected. Women should carry a scarf to cover their head when entering certain mosques or mausoleums, and shoulders and knees should generally be covered.
Outside of religious sites, Uzbekistan is relatively relaxed, and I found the dress expectations much less restrictive than I had anticipated. You might notice in more touristic places such as Registan Square dress codes are not enforced, but I always covered my shoulders and head anyway out of respect.
One of the best ways to understand Uzbekistan’s culture and history is through walking tours. Having a local guide explain the stories behind the architecture, ancient cities, and traditions completely changed the way I viewed the places I visited. It was one of the highlights of my trip and gave me a much deeper appreciation of the country.
These walking tours are led by locals who actually live here, so they offer a more personal perspective. Depending on your guide’s background and interests, the experience can be surprisingly unique (like Makhbuba’s legends & folklore walk in Bukhara)
Tours are tip-based (so you pay whatever you think it’s worth), have no minimum group size, and (generally) don’t require any extra entrance fees along the way.
Food expectations
Uzbek cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s Silk Road history and nomadic traditions. Expect plenty of grilled meats, rice dishes, fresh bread, and hearty soups.
The national dish, plov, is a must-try, while samsa pastries and shashlik skewers are commonly found throughout the country. I tried my first Plov at the Plov Centre in Tashkent and loved it. I had found out that each city has their own version of Plov, so it is interesting to try the varieties as you travel.
One thing that surprised me was how common horse meat is in traditional cuisine – I tried a small piece but could not shake the image of beautiful galloping horses from my mind.
You may also come across fermented horse milk (kumis) and fermented camel milk, both of which have been consumed in Central Asia for centuries – this was something I tried during a walking tour, but it was not for me.
Whether you decide to try them or not, they offer an interesting insight into the region’s cultural heritage. If you truly want to experience local delicacies, take a stroll through the meat section of any local market – don’t try this if you are squeamish like me!
Other things to consider when visiting Uzbekistan
1. Get an e-sim before you arrive
One of the best decisions I made was purchasing an eSIM before landing in Uzbekistan. Having internet access from the moment I arrived made it much easier to order Yandex taxis from the airport, navigate unfamiliar cities, and stay connected.
Local SIM cards were also for sale at the airport, but personally I always opted for an eSIM, including when I moved through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
2. Do you need a visa?
Uzbekistan has made visiting much easier in recent years, with many nationalities eligible for visa-free entry or simplified e-visas. I recommend checking a resource such as Visalist to confirm the requirements for your country of origin.
Visa requirements were a key factor in my Central Asia trip planning. It ruled out destinations like Turkmenistan, a country that is known for having stricter rules. Uzbekistan is one of the easiest countries to visit for many nationalities, making it a popular spot for first-time travellers.
3. How much can you expect to pay
Uzbekistan is one of the most affordable countries I have visited, and while it is not on par with destinations like India or Southeast Asia, it is certainly a budget-friendly option in Central Asia.
Meals at local restaurants can cost just a few dollars, train journeys between cities are reasonably priced, and accommodation offers excellent value for money.
Even travelling comfortably, I found my daily expenses significantly lower than in most European destinations. In saying that, tourist restaurants, luxury stores and private taxis can cost just as much as in Europe, so it is wise to do some research and compare prices.
For example:
- A ride on the Tashkent metro costs as little as 0.13c
- An Americano coffee can cost around from a nice cafe
- Cashmere clothing can cost under
- A night in a hostel dorm can cost under
- A local meal can cost as little as (i.e plov or lagman), but other options can be double or triple the price – I always eat local.
4. Best time to visit
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are generally considered the best times to visit. During these months, temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing and exploring the country’s historic cities.
Despite summers being extremely hot, particularly in destinations such as Bukhara and Khiva, this is when most visitors travel, but I would suggest the shoulder season if you want to enjoy being outdoors and not suffering under the blazing sun.
I visited in mid-May, having asked a local friend for her opinion, but I would say late April or early May is the best option since there were days when I experienced very hot temperatures, especially in Bukhara.
5. Wifi availability
I found WiFi to be widely available in hotels, hostels, cafés, and restaurants throughout the country. Speeds were generally reliable in major cities, although having unlimited mobile data remained useful when travelling between destinations or exploring independently.
Trains did not have WiFi and my data did not work outside of the cities either, so I would suggest having some offline work to do or something downloaded to watch or read if taking a long journey.
6. Cash or card?
One of the biggest surprises during my trip was how advanced payments were. I mean extremely advanced.
I expected to rely heavily on cash, but I was able to pay by card almost anywhere and even saw people using facial recognition and QR code payment systems. In some ways, it felt more technologically advanced than parts of Europe.
That said, carrying some cash is still a good idea for markets, smaller shops, and rural areas.
7. ATM fees
ATMs are easy to find in major cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Most accept international cards, although withdrawal fees will depend on your bank.
I had no issues accessing cash when needed, but I found myself using my card far more often than expected. I used Kapitalbank and Apex Bank, which were widely available, accepted foreign cards and had low fees (under $2).
Final thoughts
From the futuristic feel of Tashkent and the breathtaking architecture of Samarkand to the warmth of the locals and the ease of travelling around the country, this vibrant and welcoming country completely exceeded my expectations.
As a solo female traveller, I felt safe, welcomed, and inspired by the incredible history and culture around every corner. While one week allowed me to see the highlights, I would have loved much longer to explore at a slower pace, which means that a return trip is on the cards.
If you are looking for somewhere affordable, fascinating, and unlike anywhere you have visited before, Uzbekistan deserves a place on your travel list – especially before it becomes the next major tourist hotspot.