Uzbekistan Holiday: 13 Best Things You Need to Know Before You Visit

Welcome to our ultimate Uzbekistan travel guide, designed to make your Uzbekistan holiday an unforgettable experience.

The first country Happy Irish Wanderers visited during our Central Asia adventure was Uzbekistan, and what an introduction to Central Asia it was. We fell head over heels for this incredible destination. What was meant to be only 14 days in Uzbekistan turned into 30 days, only leaving because our Uzbekistan visa was up!

From the rich history, the unbelievable architecture, the delicious food, and last but not least, the people, the beautiful, kind Uzbek people, Uzbekistan provides a captivating Silk Road journey.

Experience a deep cultural heritage shaped by centuries of trade and historical exchange along this legendary route – sounds like a pretty epic Central Asia holiday right?!

This Uzbekistan travel guide provides comprehensive information on all the essential questions around visa information, the best things to do in Uzbekistan, the best time to visit Uzbekistan, a detailed breakdown of your holiday budget with insights from our own spending, answers to crucial safety questions, and our opinion of whether Uzbekistan is worth visiting.

We are here to help with your visit to Uzbekistan and offer you the ultimate Uzbekistan holiday guide, so let’s get into it.

1 – Do You Need an Uzbekistan Visa?

Firstly, do you need a visa for your trip to Uzbekistan?

Visa requirements for Uzbekistan vary depending on your nationality, but the good news is that citizens of many countries, including Canada, the UK, the European Union, New Zealand, and Australia, can enjoy visa-free entry for stays ranging up to 30 days.

For US citizens you must require a visa for Uzbekistan before your arrival.

It’s important to check the specific visa requirements for your country before planning your Uzbekistan holiday.

2 – What are the Best Uzbekistan Attractions?

A visit to Uzbekistan allows you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of its Silk Road cities, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality that promises an unforgettable Uzbekistan holiday through centuries of history of the Silk Road and tradition.

Here’s our Uzbekistan travel guide to some of the best Uzbekistan attractions you must visit, starting from Tashkent and moving through Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, based on our Uzbekistan trip.

Considering the sometimes strange train schedules in Uzbekistan, we chose this route as our Uzbekistan itinerary as it offered the most straightforward and efficient travel options.

In each of these Uzbekistan attractions, make sure to explore both day and night to witness these spectacular places illuminated in all their glory. Just make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen when visiting during the day.

Best Uzbekistan Attractions: Tashkent

Taskent is the capital of Uzbekistan and where most visitors will start their visit to Uzbekistan. Many people do not spend much time here, which is a shame as there is plenty to see, you just need to know where to look!

Khast Imam Complex: This incredible complex houses the world-renowned Quran of Caliph Uthman and several historic mosques.

Chorsu Bazaar: A massive, vibrant market offering spices, textiles, and traditional Uzbek crafts. If you want to purchase gifts from your Uzbekistan holiday, this is your place.

Amir Timur Square: Central Square honoring the Uzbek national hero, Timur (Tamerlane), with his statue and grand buildings.

Tashkent Subway Stations: Like Moscow, Tashkent has some of the most beautiful subway stations in the world. Take a very affordable trip on the metro and visit some for yourself. Tickets cost 2000 Soms per person to all destinations.

Magic City: Did you know there’s a sort of Uzbekistan version of Disneyland?! Either did we, until we randomly walked past it, and luckily we did! The streets of the theme park are made in the architectural styles of world cities – you can visit Paris, Moscow, London, and Amsterdam, it has a cinema, an aquarium, water fountain shows and so much more. A perfect place to visit for children and adults alike. We loved our visit to this unexpected gem.

Best Uzbekistan Attractions: Khiva

The overnight train journey from Tashkent to Khiva is a scenic adventure, with direct trains available and varying levels of comfort depending on the type of carriage you choose. The journey takes 16 hours and seats book out quite fast so make sure to book as soon as you know your Uzbekistan itinerary.

The 16-hour train ride arrives around 10.30 in the morning and is well worth the effort. You will then have two full days to visit Khiva’s best attractions and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere.

Itchan Kala: The UNESCO-listed old town is surrounded by impressive walls, filled with stunning mosques, madrasas, and palaces.

Kalta Minor Minaret: A distinctive unfinished turquoise minaret in the heart of the old city of Tashkent.

Tash Hauli Palace: Known for its intricate tile work and historical significance as a royal residence.

Best Uzbekistan Attractions: Bukhara

Bukhara is another must-visit place when in Uzbekistan. The city was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. From Khiva to Bukhara by train takes 8 hours. Again try and book your tickets as soon as possible.

The Ark: An Ancient fortress and royal city complex offering panoramic views of Bukhara.

Kalon Minaret and Mosque: The minaret is one of Bukhara’s iconic symbols, while the mosque is known for its stunning architecture. This minaret also has a dark history attached – if you were a bold boy in the past, you would get a little nudge out from the top of this tower to your pretty horrific death.

Zindan: Visit this ancient prison in Bukhara and in particular catch a glimpse of the “Bug Pit” where two English army officers, Charles Stoddart and Arthur Connolly were kept in horrendous conditions for 3 years. Zindan prison is a small but interesting place to visit nonetheless.

Lyab-i Hauz: A historic area surrounding a pond where locals and tourists gather to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. This gets very busy at night, with street performers and lots of family activities to enjoy.

Best Uzbekistan Attractions: Samarkand

Another must-visit place in Uzbekistan is the city of Samarkand. Uzbekistan’s second largest city after Tashkent, Samarkand is another historic city on the ancient Silk Road and only two hours by train from Bukhara.

Registan Square: Arguably the most famous attraction in Uzbekistan, Registan Square breathtaking ensemble of three grand madrasas adorned with intricate tile work and architecture. There is a daily light show here at 8.30 pm.

Shah-i-Zinda: A fantastic place to visit to take in the artwork of Uzbekistan architecture. Shah-I-Zinda is a stunning g complex featuring a series of mausoleums and turquoise domes.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum: This 15th-century mausoleum is the final resting place of the Asian conqueror Tamerlane (also known as Timur), featuring impressive blue-tiled domes and intricate designs.

These Uzbekistan attractions showcase the rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage that the country is renowned for, truly offering its visitors on an Uzbekistan holiday a remarkable journey through the country’s ancient Silk Road cities.

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3 – Uzbekistan Weather: What is the Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan?

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is typically in spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to early November) when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the country’s historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities without the extreme heat of summer or cold of winter.

We visited Uzbekistan in June and July, and although it was hot, we preferred the dry heat, unlike the humidity we experienced in countries like Thailand and Indonesia.

One piece of advice is to opt for the first and second-class train tickets which offer air conditioning. Trust us, a 16-hour overnight train with no air conditioning in 40 plus degree heat is no picnic!

Check out how we got on below:

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A post shared by Kevin and Kate | Happy Irish Wanderers ☘️ (@happyirishwanderers)

4 – What is The Currency in Uzbekistan?

Get ready for a numerical overload in Uzbekistan. The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som (UZS). As of the latest exchange rates, 1 USD (United States Dollar) is approximately equivalent to 12,568.00 som (UZS).

5 – Can you use ATMs in Uzbekistan?

ATMs in Uzbekistan are widely available in major cities such as Tashkent, Khiva Samarkand, and Bukhara, and they accept major international debit and credit cards like Visa and MasterCard.

Important notice: Cash is King in Uzbekistan. Not one of our accommodations accepted card payments during our month’s visit to Uzbekistan and only accepted cash payments.

This was also the case for smaller convenience stores and market stalls.

Some restaurants accept card payments, but expect an additional charge for card payments (this will still not be much).

Consider purchasing a travel money card like Revolut so as to avoid any additional transaction fees while traveling abroad.

6 – Uzbekistan Budget: How Much Should You Budget for Your Uzbekistan Holiday?

Your budget for a Uzbekistan holiday can vary widely depending on your travel style, duration of stay, and planned activities. But luckily all of the best Uzbekistan attractions are very reasonably priced or free to visit.

To help you plan your Uzbekistan holiday, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of our expenses over the course of the nearly 30 days we spent in Uzbekistan.

At the time of writing, the US Dollar and Euro were nearly equivalent in value.

Uzbekistan Holiday: Accommodation

Budget hotels and guesthouses can range from $20 to $50 per night, while mid-range hotels may cost between $50 to $100 per night. Luxury options can exceed $100 per night.

Uzbekistan Holiday: Food

Meals at local restaurants are generally affordable, with local dishes like pilaf (plov), soups, kebabs, and skewered meats, costing around $5 to $10 per meal. Higher-end restaurants may be more expensive.

Uzbekistan is so affordable that even we could eat out in restaurants in the center of old towns of Uzbekistan, and still be within our full-time travel budget!

Uzbekistan Holiday: Transportation

Taxis within cities are inexpensive, while intercity travel by train or shared taxis (marshrutkas) is also affordable. Budget around $10 to $20 for longer journeys.

We highly recommend using the taxi App Yandex. We once booked a taxi via Yandex and paid only $1.40 for a 14 km drive from Bukhara train station to Bukhara Old Town. This was just mind-blowing to us. Taxis are so cheap in Uzbekistan!!

We are the type of long-term travelers who utilize public transport as much as possible and when we are not traveling via local transport, we WANDER. However, we are also smart travelers and we know a good deal when we see it. We were 100% happy to use taxis during our visit to Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan Holiday: Entrance Fees

Many Uzbekistan attractions have modest entrance fees, ranging from a few dollars to around $10 per site.

Uzbekistan Holiday: Miscellaneous

Include extra in your Uzbekistan budget for souvenirs, tips, and additional activities like guided tours or cultural performances.

Uzbekistan Holiday: Overall Budget

• Budget Travelers: $30 to $50 per day
• Mid-range Travelers: $50 to $100 per day
• Luxury Travelers: $100 and above per day

These estimates can help you plan a comfortable and enjoyable holiday in Uzbekistan, but actual costs may vary based on personal preferences and travel choices.

How Much is our Uzbekistan Budget for a Month?

For our 4-week Uzbekistan holiday, we spent 961 euro/ 1050 USD, making it a daily spending of 32 euro/ 35 USD. The following is the breakdown of our Uzbekistan budget:

Accommodation: We spent 495 euro/ 540 USD on accommodation during our Uzbekistan holiday which works out at 17 euro per night.

During our visit to Uzbekistan, we booked basic accommodation but always with a private bathroom, aircon, and in a good location to Uzbekistan’s Old Towns and Uzbekistan’s best attractions.

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Discover the best deals and discounts on a wide range of accommodations in Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and many more of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan through Booking.com – and make your Uzbekistan trip truly an unforgettable experience!

Food: We spent €344 on food during our Uzbekistan trip, which averages 11 euros per day.

Keep in mind that we are traveling full time and we ate in local markets and local restaurants during our visit to Uzbekistan.

Read all about how we eat cheaply around the world.

Alcohol: We did not drink much alcohol during our visit to Uzbekistan. I know we are from Ireland but it is true! The good news for you is that alcohol is VERY cheap in Uzbekistan.

The most popular alcoholic drink in Uzbekistan seems to be vodka, which is widely available and very affordable, with prices starting from just €3 per bottle. The prices of a beer ranged from €1 to €2 per drink.

We spent in total of €12 on alcohol during our Uzbekistan trip, it was Kevin’s birthday during this time so we splashed out!

Transportation: We wanted to see as much as we could during our Uzbekistan holiday and we visited 4 different places in Uzbekistan, which meant lots of transportation.

We spent an impressive €50/ $54 USD in total on transportation of our Uzbekistan budget – That price included three train journeys and lots of taxis.

Uzbekistan Attractions: We spent only €14 during our visit to Uzbekistan on Uzbekistan activities – we told you that Uzbekistan attractions were very cheap or free!

Miscellaneous: The remaining 50 Euro was spent on shopping – we had to buy some bits for our hiking adventures in Tajikistan – this 50 Euro included two pairs of runners, pants and lots of socks!

Once again it is important to remember that we are travelling full time and are experts at keeping costs down.

If you’re planning an Uzbekistan trip, make sure you take into consideration expenses for tours, transport, more luxurious accommodations, and eating out, we’d suggest budgeting almost double our spending for a typical Uzbekistan holiday.

7 – Can You Drink Alcohol During Your Uzbekistan Holiday?

As mentioned above, yes, you can drink alcohol in Uzbekistan.

It is not prohibited, and there are many establishments such as bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and hotels that serve/sell alcohol.

However, it’s important to note that Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and alcohol consumption is generally less common and more restricted compared to some other countries. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and laws regarding alcohol consumption.

This means, don’t be falling around the place pissed!

8 – What SIM Card to Get for Your Uzbekistan Holiday?

Obtaining a SIM card for your Uzbekistan holiday is super easy. When we arrived at Tashkent airport we attended the SIM card desk and purchased a UCELL SIM card with 44 GB for only 60,000 som/$4.50. Simple.

Alternatively, you can visit one of the Ucell stores in some of the bigger cities in Uzbekistan to purchase a SIM card.

9 – Uzbekistan Transport: How to Get Around During Your Uzbekistan Holiday?

Getting around during your Uzbekistan holiday is super reliable, and convenient. Traveling around Uzbekistan can be done through various means of transportation depending on your travel style:

Taxi: As mentioned above, taxis are widely available in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. It’s advisable to negotiate the fare before starting your journey or use apps like Yandex.

Public Transport: In cities, you can use buses, trolleybuses, and trams. These are affordable options for getting around, though they may be crowded at times.

Travel smart: If there is a group of two people or more on this Uzbekistan holiday – sharing the cost of a taxi could actually work out cheaper.

Shared Taxis (Marshrutkas): These are minivans that operate both within cities and between cities. They are a popular and relatively inexpensive way to travel shorter distances.

Train: Uzbekistan has an extensive rail network connecting major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Trains are generally comfortable and offer different classes of service.

A third-class ticket from Tashkent to Khiva cost us €15 per person (17 hours), a third-class ticket from Khiva to Bukhara cost us €8 per person, and finally, a ticket from Bukhara to Samarkand also cost us €8 per person.

We booked all our train tickets easily via 12go. Make sure to book in advance as tickets get booked out quickly.

Car Rental: Renting a car with a driver or self-driving is an option for more flexibility, especially for visiting remote areas or for day trips from major cities.

Domestic Flights: For longer distances, consider domestic flights between major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Urgench (for Khiva). Uzbekistan Airways and other airlines operate domestic flights.

Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers transportation, especially for train or flight delays, cancellations, or unforeseen circumstances.

It’s recommended to plan your transportation in advance, especially for intercity travel, and consider factors like comfort (air con!), time, and cost when choosing your mode of transport in Uzbekistan.

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Ready to explore Uzbekistan? Click the free link below to explore affordable flight options from all over the world, and start planning your Uzbek adventure today!

Is There Uber in Uzbekistan?

No, Uber doesn’t operate in Uzbekistan. However, there is a similar taxi app called Yandex GO. 

Before you arrive in Uzbekistan, make sure to download Yandex Go in your own language – Unless you can read Uzbek! Once you’re in the country, you can complete the setup process with an Uzbekistan phone number and a local SIM card

This must-have app in Uzbekistan also offers food delivery, making it easy to get your favorite dishes brought straight to your doorstep. We are certain that you will be very happy with the prices of Yandex.

10 – What Socket Type to Use During Your Uzbekistan Holiday?

In Uzbekistan, the standard plug and socket type used is Type C.

Consider purchasing a Multi Travel Adapter so you are prepared for any plug type during your travels.

11 – What Language is Spoken in Uzbekistan?

The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek and it is spoken by the majority of the population and used for official purposes, education, and media.

Russian is also widely understood due to its historical ties with the Soviet Union.

In tourist areas and among younger generations, English is increasingly spoken and understood, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and popular tourist areas.

Basic knowledge of Uzbek phrases can be helpful for communication and is just a nice and considerate thing to know when interacting with locals.

We’ll help you out with some of the basics for your Uzbekistan holiday:

Hello – As-Salaam-Alaikum which means Peace be with you. To which you reply – Wa-Alaikum- Sallam which means And unto you peace

Goodbye – Xayr, Pronounced Sai -er

Please – Iltimos

Thank you – Rahmat

Yes – Ha

No – Yoʻq

Excuse me / I’m sorry – Kechirasiz

How are you? – Qalaysiz?

How much is this? – Bu qancha?

Delicious – “zo’r”

A little goes a long way. Given the fact that Uzbek people are so welcoming to tourists visiting Uzbekistan, we think that learning a few words in their language is the least we can do to show our appreciation for their kindness.

12 – Is Uzbekistan Safe to Visit?

Yes, Uzbekistan is a safe country to visit for tourists. We never felt unsafe during our month-long Uzbekistan trip and received nothing but kindness and welcome from the Uzbek people.

However, as with any travel destination, trust your gut when it comes to your safety during your Uzbekistan holiday.

Some things to think about during your visit to Uzbekistan:

Follow Local Laws and Customs: Respect local customs and laws, including dress codes in religious sites and restrictions on photography in certain areas.

Stay Informed: Stay informed about current events and any travel advisories issued by your government or reputable travel sources.

Health and Safety: Take necessary health precautions, such as drinking bottled water, and consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Transportation: Be cautious when using public transportation, and use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps when available.

Personal Belongings: Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites.

By taking these common-sense precautions, you can safely enjoy your visit to Uzbekistan and experience its rich culture, history, and hospitality with no issues.

13 – Is Uzbekistan Worth Visiting?

We hope by now that you can tell our answer to the vital question “Is Uzbekistan worth visiting”, but just in case it is not clear, our answer is yes!!! 100% Uzbekistan is worth visiting.

From majestic ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara with their stunning Islamic architecture to the kindness of the Uzbek people and the delicious flavors of its cuisine, Uzbekistan offers a truly unique travel experience that allows you to step back in time while enjoying the beauty of its landscapes and the vibrancy of its traditions.

Experience all of this at an extremely affordable cost and you are in for one epic Uzbekistan holiday.

Enjoy Your Uzbekistan Holiday!

We truly hope you enjoy your Uzbekistan holiday as much as we did, and we can even go as far as guaranteeing that you will.

We hope this information has helped prepare you for your Uzbekistan holiday, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your visit to this remarkable gem in Central Asia.

If we have left anything out please let us know. We would love to hear from you.

Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.

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