Tashkent is often the entry and exit point for travelers, but it deserves time as a destination in itself, particularly for families. Unlike the ancient desert cities, Tashkent is a leafy, modern metropolis with wide avenues and Soviet-era architecture mixed with new developments. It is the greenest city in the country, filled with parks that are perfect for letting children run off energy.
Magic City is a recent addition that families love—a large theme park area with a Disney-esque castle, an aquarium, and dancing fountains. It’s a great place for an evening stroll. For a look at local life, the Chorsu Bazaar is essential. Under its massive blue dome, you will find mountains of spices, fresh cheese, and produce. On the upper levels, kids can watch row upon row of butchers and bakers at work. Nearby, the Kukeldash Madrasah offers a glimpse of history amidst the bustle.
One of the unique adventures in Tashkent is simply riding the Tashkent Metro. The stations are decorated like underground palaces with chandeliers, marble columns, and mosaics. It is cheap, safe, and efficient, turning transport into sightseeing. For views, the Tashkent TV Tower offers an observation deck where you can see the whole city and the distant mountains on a clear day. The Polytechnic Museum is another hit, featuring vintage cars and interactive science exhibits.
Dining and Stay: Tashkent offers the widest variety of food, which is helpful for picky eaters. You can find excellent international cuisine alongside traditional Uzbek fare. A must-visit is the Central Asian Plov Center, where chefs cook rice in cauldron-sized pans that can feed hundreds—the scale of the cooking is a spectacle. The city has high-standard international hotels with swimming pools and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable start or end to a family holiday in Uzbekistan.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Tashkent offers a sophisticated blend of Silk Road history, Soviet-era architecture, and modern luxury, featuring the world’s oldest Quran and stunning metro stations. Peak months offer pleasant temperatures and lower rainfall; summer months remain operational but feature intense heat (max ~35°C), while winters and the rainy March are less ideal for urban exploration.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
The nearby Amirsoy Resort offers world-class alpine infrastructure and powder conditions competitive with European resorts. Peak winter months provide reliable snow cover and cold temperatures; March offers shoulder conditions with spring skiing potential before the season ends.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Serves as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Western Tian Shan mountains, offering trekking and scenic landscapes. Early summer and autumn provide the best trail conditions and visibility; peak summer is suitable for high-altitude escapes from the city heat, while winter months see many trails closed due to snow.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
A hub for Central Asian history, Islamic scholarship, and Soviet space-age heritage, providing high-quality museum experiences. Optimal weather in May and September facilitates comfortable access to historical sites; summer heat and winter cold limit the ease of moving between outdoor archaeological and indoor museum sites.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Host to authentic cultural celebrations like Navruz in March and Independence Day in September, offering deep insights into Uzbek traditions. These specific event months provide peak cultural immersion, though March can be rainy; other months lack major internationally significant cultural festivals.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Tashkent is the primary starting point for Silk Road expeditions toward Samarkand and the mountain passes. Peak months offer clear skies and safe road conditions; summer driving is possible but hot, while winter brings risks of mountain pass closures and poor visibility.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Charvak Lake serves as a regional hub for water sports and mountain cooling in a landlocked country. It provides a decent summer escape when water temperatures are peak, but it does not meet international beach standards for coastal luxury or quality.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
High-end international hotel chains provide excellent spa facilities, though it is not a dedicated wellness destination. Mild spring and autumn months allow for a more relaxing atmosphere compared to the peak summer heat or the damp, cold winter months.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Developments like Magic City offer visually impressive family entertainment, though they lack the scale of global top-tier theme parks. Best visited in the mild shoulder seasons; summer heat and winter freezes make the outdoor-heavy attractions uncomfortable for families.
Attractions (51 total)
Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Amirsoy Mountain Resort
Gazalkent
1,630-2,290m, 13 runs, 15km pistes, Dec-Apr season. This is Uzbekistan's most modern resort featuring high-speed gondolas, artificial snowmaking, and international-standard infrastructure.
Visit website →Beldersay Ski Resort
Beldersay
1,550-2,350m, 3 runs, 5km total pistes, Dec-Apr season. Known for its long 2.5km chairlift and FIS-standard giant slalom course, offering some of the steepest and most challenging terrain in the region.
Chimgan Ski Resort
Chimgan
1,600-1,975m, 5 runs, 2.3km pistes, Dec-Mar season. An established Soviet-era resort known as the 'Uzbek Switzerland,' featuring a variety of slopes including the famous 'Black Slope' for advanced skiers.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Amir Temur Square
Tashkent
A central park and landmark featuring the iconic bronze statue of the national hero, surrounded by historic buildings and lush greenery.
Chorsu Bazaar
Tashkent
A historic and vibrant domed market offering a sensory experience of traditional Uzbek food and crafts.
Hazrati Imam Complex
Tashkent
The spiritual heart of Tashkent, this historic complex houses the world's oldest Quran in a stunning Islamic architectural setting.
Independence Square
Tashkent
A sprawling public square featuring grand fountains and monuments that symbolize the history and sovereignty of Uzbekistan.
Minor Mosque
Tashkent
A modern architectural masterpiece built of gleaming white marble with a striking turquoise dome on the banks of the Ankhor Canal.
Tashkent TV Tower
Tashkent
One of the tallest structures in Central Asia, offering an observation deck with panoramic views of the entire city.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Anhor Lokomotiv Park
Tashkent
An energetic outdoor activity center home to a professional-grade karting track, climbing walls, and a variety of high-adrenaline amusement rides.
Visit website →Magic City Park
Tashkent
A massive theme park featuring diverse themed architectural zones, a large musical fountain, and a modern aquarium, perfect for evening family strolls.
Visit website →Central Park
Tashkent
A premier family destination offering high-quality European amusement rides, a large Ferris wheel, and extensive shaded lawns for outdoor recreation.
Tashkent Land
Tashkent
A classic amusement park offering traditional roller coasters and water-based attractions set against the backdrop of the iconic Tashkent TV Tower.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Bolshoy (Big) Chimgan Summit Trail
Chimgan
10km challenging day hike with 1,700m elevation gain reaching the 3,309m summit. Typically takes 7-9 hours. Requires good fitness and scrambling in some sections. Hiking gear rental: Di-Sport (di-sport.uz).
Visit website →Charvak Reservoir Cycling Circuit
Bochka
95km challenging road cycling route circling the reservoir with approximately 1,500m elevation gain. Features steep climbs and descents with spectacular lake views. Road bike rental: Di-Sport (di-sport.uz).
Visit website →Beldersay to Chet-Kumbel Ridge Path
Beldersay
15km moderate hike or mountain bike route with 800m elevation gain. Duration 5-7 hours on foot. Follows a scenic ridge with views of the Marble River. Bike rental: Velo-Tour (velotour.uz).
Visit website →Gulkam Canyon Loop
Chimgan
12km moderate day hike with 650m elevation gain, taking 5-6 hours. Features narrow slot canyons, waterfalls, and river crossings. Guide recommended for rappelling sections. Equipment rental: Velo-Tour (velotour.uz).
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Charvak Reservoir
Charvak
A massive turquoise mountain reservoir offering sandy beaches, swimming, and water sports with the scenic Western Tian Shan as a backdrop.
Tuyabuguz Reservoir (Tashkent Sea)
Nurafshon
A large artificial lake south of the capital popular for fishing, swimming, and weekend boat trips along its expansive sandy banks.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Chimgan-Charvak Mountain Loop
Circular
200km paved mountain loop (5-7 hours). A premier scenic drive from Tashkent featuring the turquoise Charvak Reservoir, the high-altitude peaks of Great Chimgan, and the Beldersay ski area. The route offers numerous viewpoints and alpine meadows.
Visit website →The Golden Road to Samarkand (M39)
Tashkent
300km paved historic highway (4-5 hours) following the ancient Silk Road. Key scenic highlights include the crossing of the Syr Darya river and the 'Iron Gates' of Jizzakh, a narrow rocky gorge where the road passes between the Nurata and Turkestan ranges.
Visit website →Kamchik Pass Scenic Drive (A373)
Tashkent
240km paved mountain highway (4-5 hours) connecting the capital to the Fergana Valley. This route crosses the Kamchik Pass at an elevation of 2,268m, providing dramatic views of the Kurama and Chatkal mountain ranges and the Angren plateau.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Hazrat Imam Complex
Tashkent
The spiritual center of the city, this historic square features grand madrasahs and a library housing the world's oldest Quran.
Kukeldash Madrasah
Tashkent
A magnificent 16th-century Islamic school featuring iconic blue-tiled mosaics and a towering arched gateway overlooking the old city.
Abul Qasim Madrasah
Tashkent
This 19th-century historic site serves as a center for traditional crafts, where families can watch artisans carve wood and paint miniatures.
Sheikhantaur Complex
Tashkent
An ancient architectural ensemble containing three 15th-century mausoleums that offer a glimpse into the city's medieval Timurid history.
Suzuk-Ota Complex
Tashkent
A recently restored 14th-century site dedicated to the patron saint of craftsmen, featuring stunning blue domes and a tranquil courtyard.
Theme Park / Amusement Park
Magic City
Tashkent
A massive, Disneyland-style theme park featuring fairytale castles, a large musical fountain, and themed streets modeled after world cities.
Visit website →Central Park (Tashkent)
Tashkent
A recently renovated historic park that combines lush old-growth trees with high-quality European-style amusement rides and a large pond.
Anhor Park
Tashkent
A modern riverside amusement park known for its large karting track, high-adrenaline rides, and a zone featuring miniature models of Uzbekistan's historic landmarks.
Ashgabat Park
Tashkent
A large, manicured park themed after Turkmenistan's capital, featuring a signature giant Ferris wheel, modern fountains, and various family-friendly attractions.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Museum of Applied Arts
Tashkent
Housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion, this museum displays exquisite traditional Uzbek crafts including ceramics, carpets, and wood carving.
Visit website →State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan
Tashkent
One of the oldest museums in Central Asia, this gallery features a vast collection of Russian, Western European, and traditional Uzbek art.
Visit website →Gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan
Tashkent
A modern facility that serves as Uzbekistan's primary venue for 20th-century paintings and contemporary art exhibitions.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Tashkent Aqua Park
Tashkent
As the city's premier and most iconic water park, it offers a variety of large pools and high-speed slides set against the backdrop of the Tashkent TV Tower.
More Pool & Beach
Tashkent
A sophisticated modern aquatic center and pool club located near the Botanical Garden, offering a high-end atmosphere with premium swimming facilities.
Limpopo Water Park
Tashkent
A family-favorite destination located within Furkat Park, featuring multiple wave pools and kid-friendly slides in a vibrant, landscaped setting.
Visit website →Solnechniy Gorod
Tashkent
This upscale resort-style aquatic complex is known for its tiered swimming pools, entertainment shows, and Mediterranean-inspired leisure facilities.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Tashkent Botanical Garden
Tashkent
One of the largest and oldest botanical gardens in Central Asia, offering a vast collection of global flora within a peaceful woodland environment.
Japanese Garden
Tashkent
A meticulously landscaped formal garden featuring a tranquil lake, traditional tea houses, and stone lanterns, providing a serene East Asian atmosphere.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Tashkent Polytechnic Museum
Tashkent
A highly interactive museum featuring a world-class collection of vintage cars and a discovery floor where children can explore physics through hands-on exhibits.
Visit website →Tashkent Planetarium
Tashkent
Located near the historic Chorsu Bazaar, this educational center provides immersive shows about the solar system and celestial bodies for curious minds.
Museum of Geology of Uzbekistan
Tashkent
An impressive collection of Earth's treasures, featuring rare gemstones, intricate minerals, and large dinosaur skeletal casts that fascinate young explorers.
State Museum of Nature of Uzbekistan
Tashkent
The oldest museum in the country, offering families a look at Central Asia's biological diversity with exhibits of local wildlife, flora, and paleontology.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Tashkent Zoo
Tashkent
A vast metropolitan zoo featuring a dedicated petting area where children can interact with and feed various domestic animals.
Visit website →Straus House Ostrich Farm
Tashkent
An engaging ostrich farm in the Zangiota district where visitors can observe large birds and experience a rural farm atmosphere.
Argos Equestrian Club
Tashkent
A premier equestrian center offering horse riding lessons and tours of the stables in a professional rural-style setting.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Ugam-Chatkal National Park
Tashkent
A massive UNESCO-listed mountain park featuring the stunning turquoise Charvak Reservoir, alpine meadows, and popular hiking trails in the Western Tian Shan.
Visit website →Chatkal State Biosphere Reserve
Tashkent
A UNESCO World Heritage site preserving the pristine biodiversity of the mountain ecosystems, including rare fauna such as the snow leopard and Menzbier's marmot.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Magic City Aquarium
Tashkent
Central Asia's first large-scale aquarium featuring a 20-meter underwater tunnel and a variety of exotic marine life.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
State Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan
Tashkent
Set in a beautifully decorated historic palace, this museum captivates families with colorful displays of traditional Uzbek puppets, ceramics, and textiles.
Visit website →