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From Wikitravel

Tashkent (Uzbek: Toshkent, Russian: Ташкент) is the capital city of Uzbekistan. It is an ancient city on the Great Silk Road from China to Europe. Little remains of the ancient city after the 1966 earthquake and earlier modernisation work following the 1917 revolution. Tashkent is a very Soviet city that has little remaining from its ancient Central Asian past. The city has a mixture of modern new office buildings, hotels, parks and crumbling Soviet style apartment blocks. The streets are generally clean and there are not too many potholes in the city center. Further out, the infrastructure is not so good.

Over the last few years the Uzbek government has embarked on a major reconstruction program in the centre of the city. Roads, government buildings and parks are all being reconstructed. To the visitor, the new city looks very impressive, although many of the local residents have yet to see any improvement in their residential areas.

Tashkent is waiting for a boom. The infrastructure, hotels and shops are there but the influx of people and business has failed to materialise. This is caused in part by a combination of government policy and bad publicity.

[edit] Talk

Although Uzbek is now the official language, Russian is still the primary language used by the majority of the population in Tashkent. Most businesses use Russian in their signs, menus and other printed material. Only government institutions use Uzbek as the first language, and even then, many government forms and reports are in Russian, rather than Uzbek. Currently, Uzbek uses the Latin alphabet rather than the Cyrillic that was used during the Soviet Union. This is a source of some confusion for many Uzbeks, especially those of the older generation. Shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union, and Uzbekistan declared independence in 1991, the written Uzbek language was converted back into Latin characters. Many older Uzbeks have difficulty reading the Latin characters. Uzbek is a Turkic-based language, and while Uzbeks and Turks cannot completely communicate directly, the better educated on both sides can usually find some common understanding.

Many of the signs in Tashkent are in Cyrillic. A significant number of Russian words are similar to their English counterparts. Learning the Cyrillic alphabet [1] [2] - which is not as difficult as one might think (however, learning the Russian language is extremely difficult) - will help a traveller to read signs and in restaurants. [3] [4] It is very useful for the casual visitor to Tashkent to learn a few basic Russian words and phrases.[5] [6]

See also: Uzbek phrasebook

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Tashkent International Airport "Yuzhniy" [7] (IATA: TAS; ICAO: UTTT) is just a few kilometers from the city centre. Airlines serving Tashkent include Aeroflot, airBaltic, Asiana, Uzbekistan Airways and Turkish Airlines. It is also the hub of Uzbekistan Airways [8], which flies to many destinations including Almaty, Tokyo, Bangkok, London, and New York-JFK. All the airports in Uzbekistan have immigration posts and Uzbekistan Airways Operates direct flights from Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench, Andijan, Fergana iirports to CIS Countries.

[edit] International flights

Uzbekistan Airways, [9] offers daily flights to Amritsar from Friday to Sunday, to Athens on Tuesday, to Bangkok and Delhi on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, return flights on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday), to Birmingham on Monday (operated by B757), to Dacca from Monday to Thursday, to Kuala Lumpur from Monday to Wednesday, to London on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, to New York on Friday and Sunday, to Paris on Tuesday and Friday, to Beijing on Wednesday and Sunday, to Rome on Monday and Thursday, to Seoul from Monday to Wednesday, to Istanbul from Monday to Thursday, to Tel Aviv on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, to Frankfurt on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and to Sharjah on Thursday and Sunday.

Uzbekistan Airways [10] offers daily flights to Almaty in Kazakhstan, flights to Ashgabat in Turkmenistan on Tuesday and Saturday, to Baku on Thursday and Sunday, to Bishkek in Kazakhstan on Monday and Tue, to Ekaterinburg on Mon and Thu, to Yerevan in Armenia on Friday, to Kazan on Friday and Sunday, to Kiev on Tue, to Krasoyarsk from Monday to Wednesday, flights to Moscow on Wednesday to Sunday, to Mineralniye Vody on Friday, to Novosibirsk on Monday, Wednesday to Friday, to Rostov on Friday, to Samara on Thursday, to Saint Petersburg (Russia) on Tuesday, to Simferopol on Friday, to Tyumen, Ufa and Khabarovsk on Tuesday and to Chelyabinsk on Monday.

[edit] Domestic flights

Uzbekistan Airways, [11] offers flights to Andijan on Monday, Thursday and Sunday, daily flights to Bokhara (operated by B757 on Wednesday and Sunday), three flights per day to Nukus, flights to Samarkand on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (operated by B757 on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday) and three daily flights to Urgench (operated by B757 on Saturday afternoon, return flight to Tashkent on Sunday morning. Also there are daily flights to and from Termez, which serves as a gateway to Afghanistan. Other places connected by flight to Tahskent are: Fergana, Karshi, Namangan, Navoi, Nukus and Zarafshan.

The Uzbekistan Airways Main Ticketing office is located at Kunaev kochasi 9, opposite Grand Mir Hotel (formerly Russia Hotel) 24 Hours Tel. 1400000. Flight tickets can also be purchased from hundreds of ticketing agents and some even offer free ticket delivery.

A short and inexpensive ($2-3 USD) taxi journey is the easiest way to get to the center. One should bear in mind, however, that upon exiting the international terminal, a large number of men will be crowded at the (sole) exit door offering "taxi" services. For the most part, these are not "official" taxis. "Taxi" drivers will attempt to charge whatever they believe the market will bear. For those without Russian or Uzbek language skills it is best to arrange to have someone meet you at the airport. Fair fares are usually only obtainable by those who understand the system and speak at least some Russian or Uzbek. It is better to walk 50 meters from the exit towards the taxi stand where many taxis are waiting on the road and negotiate. Generally Prevailing fare is minimum 2 to 3 USD for 5km (20 cents per each additional km). Always negotiate. Taxi drivers will rarely accept small bills (dollars, euros or pounds), and cannot be counted upon to give change (in any currency). Baggage reclaim and customs formalities are now pretty efficient but some times can take up to 2 hours.

Before passing through customs, you will need to fill out 2 copies of the Customs Declaration. These forms are often handed out on the flight or can be found on the stands in the baggage reclaim area. The customs officers will keep one copy and stamp the other. You will need this form when you leave the country and may have problem in taking out money without it. Make sure to declare all money and valuables (cameras, PC's etc). You may not be able to leave with more money or valuable items than you arrive with. The Uzbek government have strict rules on entering or leaving with money.

The departures area is on the upper floor. The access road has been closed, so you have to walk around the left hand side of the arrivals level and up some stairs or up the road. Allow plenty of time when leaving the country via Tashkent airport. Check-in, customs and passport control can be very time consuming, especially if there are large numbers of passengers. Make sure and have the customs form you were given when you entered the country.

[edit] By train

[edit] international

Tashkent is a key stopping point for rail services from Central Asia. It is possible to travel from or to Dushanbe in Tajikistan, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Almaty in Kazakhstan and Moscow. It is possible to travel to China through Almaty and to Iran. Ticket prices are cheap by western standards, but will need to be paid for in cash, preferably in USD. There are many warnings about thefts of personal belongings on the trains.

Train no 5 leaves Tashkent on Sun, Tue and Fri at 6.50 pm., arriving in Moscow on Wed, Sat and Mon at 320 p.m., train no 295 leaves Tashkent on Wed at 8.40 pm., arriving at Kharkov on Sunday at 3 pm., train no 485 leaves Tashkent on Wed at 11.25 pm., arriving at Chelyabinsk on Sat at 11.40 am.

Train no 6 leaves Moscow on Wed, Fri and Mon at 11.16 p.m., arriving at Tashkent on Sat, Tue and Thu at 9 pm., train no 296 leaves Kharkov on Sun at 11.52 am., arriving at Tashkent on Wed at 920 pm., train no 486 leaves Chelyabinsk on Sun at 11.50 pm., arriving at Tashkent on Wed at 045 p.m.

[edit] domestic

On Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat and Sun train no 2 leaves Tashkent at 7am and arrives at Samarkand at 10.50am, train no 1 leaves Samarkand at 5pm, arriving in Tashkent at 8.50 pm. Train no 50 leaves Tashkent every day at 7pm, arriving at Samarkand at 11.55 pm, Train no 49 leaves Samarkand daily at 7am, arriving in Tashkent at 10.55 am next moring,.

Train 662 leaves Tashkent every day at 8pm and arrives at Bukhara at 8am next morning, train 661 leaves Bukhara every at 6,45 pm, arriving in Tashkent at 7 am next morning.#

On Wed and Sat there train 54 leaves Tashkent at 3.40 pm, arriving at Urgench at 11.35 am next day, On Tue and Sat train 53 leaves Urgench at 2.05 pm, arriving in [[Tashkentv at 9.40 am next morning.

On all even days train 280 leaves Tashkent at 5.25 pm, arriving at Termez at 1pm next day, On all even days train 279 leaves Termez at 2,30 pm, arriving in Tashkent at 9am next day.

Trains to Russia, Kazachstan and Kyrgistan leave from the Northern Station, Tukestan kochasi, Metro station "Toshkent", trains to cities in Uzbekistan leave from the Southern station, Usman Nosir kochasi.

[edit] By car

There are road routes from surrounding countries but the borders may not be open and there have been security problems. The border from Afghanistan is some times closed or not open to Uzbek nationals. A person has to walk at least 4 Km to Cross the border on Foot from Uzbek Check Post to Afghan Check Post. The Cherniaevka crossing from Kazakhstan near Saryagash was closed to non-Uzbeks/Kazakhs as of 10 November 2009; foreigners need to cross at Yallama, 100km from Cherniaevka. Allow one or two hours to get through, especially from the Uzbek side. From Kyrgyzstan Dostlik post 30 Km from Andijan is open from 9 to 6 PM. From Tajikistan Oiybek Post 80 KM from Tashkent is open for foreigners from 9 to 6 PM. Tursanzade Post 60 KM from Dushanbe Tajikistan is open for foreigners and locals 180 KM from Termez. Chorzhu Post on the Border of Turkmenistan 30 KM from Bukhara is also open for foreigners and Locals.

Distances from Tashkent by road are as follows: Andijan 392 km, Ferghana 325 km, Kokand 236 km, Samarkand 295 km, Bokhara 600 km, Urgench 1020 km, Khiva 1045 km, Nukus 1115 km, Termez 705 km and Karshi 430 km.

Taxis to Samarkand leave from "Avtovokzal" in the Metro station "Sobir Raximov", taxis to Fergana Valley leave from the Northern Station and Kulug Bazaar. Shared taxis to Andijan (5 hrs) cost 8 USD, to Bokhara (7 hrs) 13 USD, to Ferghana (4 hrs) 8 USD, to Kokand (3 hrs) 6 USD, to Samarkand (3 hrs) 8 USD, to Termez (10 hrs) 15 USD and to Urgench or Khiva (14 hrs) 25 USD.

[edit] By bus

To Travel by bus to Uzbekistan a traveller has to take a bus to the border post. Then cross the border on foot and then take another bus to the final destination. Buses do not operate inter-country regularly. But some private operators run bus services to many CIS cities on announced dates. But it is difficult to get information and some times dates can change without warning . Buses to other cities leave from "Avtovokzal" in the Metro station "Sobir Raximov". Buses usually are very full and advance purchase of tickets is recommended. Tickets are sold to foreigners at Movarunahr Kochasi 51, daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. As of 2009, buses to Bokhara (11 hrs) cost 8 USD, to Samarkand (6 hrs) 5 USD and to Urgench/Khiva (20 hrs) 12 USD.

Marshrutka is a small bus or van or a bus which follows a fixed route and stop on demand to take on or drop off passengers. As of 2009, marshrutkas to Andijan (6 hrs) cost 5 USD, to Bokhara (8 hrs) 6 USD, to Ferghana (6 hrs) 4 USD, to Kokand (3 hrs) 3 USD, to Samarkand (4 hrs) 4 USD and to Termez (10 hrs) 8 USD som.Inter City Bus time table, Prices, Distances

[edit] Get around

[edit] By metro

The city has a good public transport system which is cheap. The metro/underground system is typical of the old Soviet style - with large and impressive stations - and is actually quite modern. There are also modern buses and trams many of which were renewed in 2008. Tickets (which on the metro are small blue coin size tokens) cost 500 soms for any single journey. It is not permitted to take photographs in the metro stations. Police will usually be present on all platforms. Do not risk taking photos "while the policeman is not watching" because they have security cameras everywhere and policeman will approach you instantly and check your documents. In all cases do have documents while you are taking the metro (or anywhere in the city), for you can be checked any time.

Tashkent metro has three lines:

• Uzbekistan (Red line) from Beruni to Chkalov,
• Chilonzor (green line) from Janubly to Turkistan,
• Yunus-Obod (blue line) from Sabir Rakhimov to Buyuk Ipak Juli. The trains leave every 2 minutes. Map is available online [12]

[edit] By car

[edit] Taxis

Taxis can be cheap after some negotiation, however some of the vehicles are very old. While there are official, authorized taxis (with the appropriate sign on the roof of the car), in reality almost any driver in Tashkent can double as a taxi driver. The local custom is to simply stand by the side of the road with your arm extended downward and slightly away from the body. A driver will pull over and then you will state your destination and negotiate the fare in advance. At least some Russian or Uzbek language skills is needed to accomplish this without difficulty. It is usually safe to use this procedure, although virtually every foreign embassy recommends against it. Directions are rarely given here using an address. Most often, a landmark is used, such as "near the hotel Russia,". Moreover, many streets and hotels have been renamed in the past few years but often drivers will not recognize the current name of the street or hotel, still knowing them by their old names. Asking to be taken to the Grand Mir hotel, for instance, will often result in a blank look. Tell the driver you want to go to the Gastinitsa Rossiya (Hotel Russia), however, and they will know exactly where you want to go. For those who speak neither Russian nor Uzbek, it is helpful to have someone draw a rudimentary map or write out directions in Russian. Few drivers will know English.

Do not expect western-style taxi services. Taxi drivers will often smoke while you are in the car and asking them not to will most often result in nothing more than a look of disapproval. You may be paying, but you are in their car. There are many taxi services operating in the city with fixed rates and a person can order the taxi from their hotel room. There are some web sites offering complete lists of taxi services and taxi charges

Taxis within the city can by reserved by calling Taxi Express, tel 13999999 or 16360272.

[edit] Car rental

None of the major international car hire companies operate in Tashkent. Where car hire is available, it will include a driver. Generally daily car rental charges are from 25 USD to 35 USD. It all depends upon your negotiating skills. Car rentals are offered by taxi companies. They are expensive but can be more reliable.

• Tashkent city map [13]

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Old Town

• Chorsu Bazaar (Tashkent's farmers market under a huge cupola, spices, grain, dairy products, fruits of the season), (Southern edge of the old town).  edit

• Kukeldas Medressa (ancient Quran school from the 16th century with simple cells for the pupils, one floor destroyed by earthquakes), (on a hill overlooking Chorus Bazaar, near the Friday Mosque). 1000 som.  edit

• Moyie Mubarek Library Museum (preserving the world's oldest Quran from the 7th century), Zarqaynar 114, ☎ 2600302. daily 9AM until 4PM.  edit

Visitors may wish to visit the mosque in the Hast Imam area of the city. The library there contains the remaining fragments of the world's first Koran, written only 19 years after Muhammad's death.

[edit] Museums

• History Museum of the People of Usbekistan (artefacts from Zoroastrian and Buddhist times, exhibits relating to the conquest of the khanates of Central asia by the Russians and to the first president of the independent Uzbek Republi, Islam Karimov), Sharaf Rashidova 30, ☎ 2391779. Tue to Sun 10AM until 5PM, closed Mon. 3000 Som.  edit

• Fine Arts Museum of Usbekistan (overview of 1500 years of history of art in Uzbeskistan), Movarounahr 16, ☎ 2367436. Mon 10AM to 2PM, Wed to Sun 10AM unto 5PM, closed Tue. 3000 Som.  edit

• Museum of Applied Arts (interesting house with carved and painted plaster and carved wood, overview of old architectural details from Bokhara and Samarkand, ceramics and textiles, gift shop), Rakatboshi 15, ☎ 2533943. daily 9AM until 6PM. 1200 Som.  edit

• Amur Timur Museum (rather kitschy murals depicting Timur), Amur Timur 1, ☎ 1336228. Tue to Sun 10AM until 5PM, closed Mon. 3000 Som.  edit

• Navoy Literary Museum (memories of the poet Alisher Navoi, calligraphy from Persia, miniatures from the 15th and 16th centuries), Navoi 69, ☎ 2441268. Mon to Fri 10AM until 5PM, Sat 10AM until 1PM, closed Sun. 3000 Som.  edit

• Art Gallery of Uzbekistan (exhibitions of contemporary Uzbek artists in a modern museum building), Buyuk Turon 2. Tue to Sat 11AM until 5PM, closed Sun and Mon. 400 Som.  edit

• Tashkent Galley of Modern Art, (Not far from Amir Temur square and Westminster University). It is a nice modern gallery. Now (2008 June) there are some UN posters, some pictures and very nice exhibition of young artists. For students the admission is 500 som.  edit

[edit] Theatres

• Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theater (classical ballet and opera), Ataturk Kochasi 28, ☎ 2339081. ticket counter besides the main entrance open on performance days from 10AM until 7PM, performanced Mon to Fri 6PM, Sat and Sun 5PM. The theater has special significance for Japanese nationals because it was built by the Japanese prisoners of war during the second world war. A plate acknowledging their contributions is part of the building. 1500S.  edit

• Ilkhom Theatre (progressive theatre, preformances in Russian, sometimes with Englis subtitles), Pakhator 5, ☎ 2422241, [14]. tickets counter 11AM until 6PM. Performances Tue to Sat 6.30PM. 2500-5000S.  edit

[edit] Others

• Tashkentland, (Near Aqua park, not far from Tashkent TV tower). An amusement park. It has few nice rides, nothing special if you have been in big park, but a nice place to spend a free afternoon with friends. It is also worth a visit to a simple park in Tashkent - although they have less attractions and less exciting, but they give a more authentic feeling. 7000 soms.  edit

• Monument of Courage. Is located on Sharof Rashidov Street, 300 Meters from the Independence Square. The monument was built to acknowledge the courage of the people at the time of the Tashkent earth Quake on 26th April 1966. The whole city was reduced to rubble and then modern Tashkent was built.
• Amir Temur Monument and museum in the Amir Timur park. The park has been recently renovated and looks very nice.
• The Japanese Garden behind the Intercontinental Hotel is popular during summers. Many couples go there for wedding photos.
• Boghi Eram Recreation Park. Fun fair for the young and not so young.
• The central market 'Oloy Bozori' (known by most locals as the 'Alayskee Bazaar', Amir Timur Street has beautifully laid out displays of local produce, dried fruit and nuts. Every Friday and Saturday there is a whole sale Dry Fruits Bazaar.
• War memorial, eternal flame and park has the names of all the fallen Victims of 2nd world war. Sharof Rashidov Avenue (City center).
• Tashkent TV Tower. Viewing levels and restaurants with views of the city [15]
• Brothers Tombs. It is another monument popular tourist attraction and on 9th May (Victory day) thousands of people visit the place to pay homage to the victims of 2nd world War. Statute of War Heroes are on the southern wall of the monument. A statute of famous Uzbek General Sobir Rokhim is also there.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Aqua Park, Amir Temur road, near TV Tower. The water park has several pools, one with a wave machine, water shutes and high slides. Well worth a few hours in the hot weather. Take your own towel and pool footwear (the paths can get very hot). There is a restaurant and bars inside. Adult 7000 Sum, Child 4000 Sum for 3 hours.  edit

[edit] Work

A typical monthly wage rate in Tashkent is different among different people. Usually state office workers get around US$100 a month. Private firm workers usually get higher salaries. It is possible to live cheaply if you do not visit any restaurants or other attractions. Most people rely on support from their family and friends.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Farmers Markets and Bazaars

Local produce, such as fruit, nuts, vegetables can be very good, especially when they are in season. In the late summer, local melons appear on the streets and in the bazaars and are tasty and very cheap.

Most local residents do their primary shopping in bazaars. There are many of them in Tashkent, the largest of which is the Chorsu Bazaar. It is huge, colorful, teaming with people and offers just about anything that can be purchased locally, from produce to locally-made furniture and hardware. Hand-crafted items, including crockery, rugs, traditional dress, etc., are also available and far less expensive than in the shops frequented by tourists. Have a local go with you to the bazaars if possible. Foreigners are inevitably charged higher prices. Bargaining is common, but requires some language skills.

[edit] "Broadway"

Saligokh Street, known locally as 'Broadway', has some street artists, etc. The street is easy to find from the Amir Temur monument, just head away from the Uzbekistan Hotel. The 'mirstore' just off of Saligokh Street has a modern supermarket, coffee bar and hugely overpriced fashion stores. This area, known locally as "Demir," also has MirBurger, which has burgers, pizza and local dishes at reasonable prices. There is also a Georgian restaurant ("Tblisi") and a Chinese restaurant. There is a heavy police (militsiya) presence here and foreigners are not often, but occasionally asked for their documents. It is advisable to keep a photocopy of your passport and visa with you, but leave the originals in the hotel safe.

From the start of September 2006, all of the outdoor shops, private sellers and restaurants have been cleared from Saligokh Street and other city parks, probably because they are unlicensed. This has largely killed the atmosphere of the Broadway area and in many of the parks. As of August 2007, a few of the painting sellers have returned, but are confined to a small area.

Recently, modern designer fashion and shops selling luxury goods from famous international brands have started to appear in Tashkent. Catering for the wealthy, these can be found in the Broadway area, Amir Temur street and Pushkin street.

[edit] Handicrafts

• Human House, Usmon Nosir 30/9 (not far from the Grand Mir hotel), ☎ 3613838, [16]. Mon to Sat 10AM until 7PM.  edit It features hand made crafts and clothing of all sorts, ranging from full outfits to purses to beautiful hand-painted tea sets and ceramics at very reasonable prices. It is non-profit and is meant to help provide income to the craftspersons, who are often from remote and very poor villages.

• Caravan Art Gallery (high quality handicraft), Abdullah Quahor 22, ☎ 2556296, 1527555 (caravan@bcccum.uz).  edit

• Abdul Xasim Mosque (lacquer paintings with oriental motives), (Metro Xalqar Dostligi).  edit

• Rakhimov Ceramics Studios, Kukchka Dabaza 15, ☎ 1490435, [17]. by appointment only.  edit

[edit] Supermarkets

• Turkuaz Hypermart (formerly GUM, good adress for Western clothing and travel accessories), Akhunbabaev Sqare (at the west end of Navoi, across the street from Hotel Chorsu). 9AM until 8.30PM.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Uzbek national dishes are similar to those of other Central Asian countries.

• The national dish is Plov (also called Osh,Plaf, "Pulau" in Urdu). It is a mixture of rice, mild spices, yellow or orange carrots, mutton, meat, cumin (zeera) and, according to individualized recipes, occasionally other ingredients.
• Shashlik - meat (usually mutton, beef or chicken) and chunks of fat roasted kebab style over charcoal.
• Samsa ("Samosa" in Urdu) are similar to South American empanadas - meat (beef or mutton) and onion encased in pastry and baked in wood-fired, clay ovens shaped like inverted beehives called tandories.
• The local bread, round and flat, is also baked in tandories. It is called Non (or in Russian, "lepioshki,", "Naan" in Urdu) and is usually delicious. Nan from Samarkand is especially well regarded by many in Samarkand but each region takes pride in its own version of non just as it does its version of Osh.

Though the King of Uzbek food is Plov but Uzbeks feel very proud to make Sumalyak. To every body Sumalyak is a miracle sweet dish. It is made from Pure wheat and with out any addition of sweetener. The art is such that Sumalyak becomes sweet and Uzbeks take it on very special occasions. A visitor if visting Uzbekistan with a family must make it a point to see the process of making Sumalyak. Readers can find all the information in detail about making sumalyak and other Uzbek Cuisines from link [18] There are hundreds of small cafes in Tashkent (and other Uzbek cities and villages) offering these and other local dishes at very inexpensive prices. A meal of salad, bread, tea, soup and shashlik at around 2-3 USD isn't difficult to find. Bear in mind that sanitation standards leave a lot to be desired in many of these cafes. Especially on warm days, look to see if the meat is kept refrigerated before it is cooked.

[edit] Budget

There are many small restaurants serving simple meals at good prices. Burgers and kebabs are common. Borsch (soup) is tasty and perfect on a cold day. Drujba Burgers (a local chain) are every where. Kazan Kabob near Yoshlik Metro, Near Beruni Metro on Sufiski, on Novoi Street is very Popular amongst the local population. In Kulug there are cafes which cook good quality Korean Food, In Badamzar Area Local Home cooked Uzbek Food is Popular, Lavash (Armenian) and Shaurma (Arabic) can be taken from many Kiosks in Town for a Price of 1.5 to 2 USD with a Bottle of Cola.

• Milli Plov, Plaf is near TV Tower is the most Popular Place. Thousands of People eat. Bukhara Food is at the Corner of Shahristan Street, Near Museum of Repression and offer cheap Good quality food. Try the Following Dishes, Lavash (Armenian), Shurpa (Uzbek), Kazi Kabob (Uzbek)
• Bravissimo at junction of Shahrisabz Street and Movarounnakhr Street serves cakes and good local food. Russian language only.
• Neft i Gaz kitchen, it is a canteen of a company, but many people from around go there, as it is cheap and tasty. It serves most traditional dishes - plov, lagman (a soup with spagetti, meat and other ingredients), borsh. Languages russian and uzbek, but it is easy to order, as it is canteen type and you can just show what you want. Lunch shouldn't cost more than 2000 sums. It is not far from Amir Temur boulevard and Westminster University. If you ask around people will know it and can show you more specifically as it is in the backyard and not so easy to find. Note: It works only from 12-16 p.m.

[edit] Mid-range

• Polyanka Cafe. Not far from Boghi Eram Recreation Park. Excellent food and cabaret entertainment (suitable for families).  edit
• Nam Dae Mun, ☎ +998 71 2320105. 24 Bukhara Street, near Alisher navoi Theatre and Broadway. Fine Korean and Japanese restaurant. Reasonably priced too.  edit
• Tang Cheng Chinese Restaurant, 60A Amir Temur St, ☎ +998 71 1358916. Good Chinese restaurant.  edit
• Al Delfin. Excellent Arabic food. The best sheesha in the city can be found only here.  edit
• Ariston. Sabir Rahimov, st.Lashkarbegi, 2 (Off of Pushkin street). Like Polyanka, excellent food and cabaret entertainment (suitable for families).  edit
• Ariston Park. One of a few good places to eat in Boghi Eram Recreation Park  edit
• Amfora Greek Rastaurant. (АМфОРА in Russian). Near junction of Shahrisabz Street and Movarounnakhr Street. Greek themed restaurant.  edit
• La Riva. Fast food plus huge variety of different International dishes from Russia, Korea, Italy, Tatarstan and etc. Many colleage students drop in throughout the day and the evening. Right next to Salvador Dali night club  edit
• Khan Kuk Kwan. South Korean Cuisine.  edit
• Mir Burger. So called Turkish McDonald's. Located on Tashkent Broadway.  edit

• Caravan (Uzbek and European dishes), A Khalkat kochasi 22a, ☎ 2556296,1527555 (caravan@bccccom.uz).  edit. Live music, art gallery with traditional Uzbek handicrafts, in the evening reservation recommended.

[edit] Splurge

[edit][add listing] Drink

In common with other countries in central Asia, tea is drunk by most people but with out milk. Black Coffee is available every where. Some Coffee shops and Cafes offer good Coffee out of them is Amore Coffee at the MIR store just off of Broadway.

Alcoholic drinks are not sold freely and only Licensed shops sell hard drinks eg Vodka, Wine. Outdoor bars are popular in good weather. Uzbek wine, vodka and many different beers are available.The Russian Baltika beer is popular. Baltika 3 is good and similar to other international beers. Baltika 0 has no alcohol, Baltika 5 and 7 are also good and Baltika 9 is very strong. A new local beer, Sarbast, has been launched and should be about half the price of imported beers. It is quite good and at 4.2% (red label), not too strong. Sarbast is also available with a blue label at 5.6%.

Nightclubs, as everywhere offer expensive drinks and typically play a mix of Russian and Western music. Strip shows are common.

• Rich night club is part of Dedeman hotel.
• Club Diplomat S, Navoy Street. 200m from Dedeman hotel. Has billiard tables. Entrance 3000 Sum (free for ladies). It can be very busy and getting in may be difficult if your face does not fit.
• Studio Cafe, S.Azimova Street. Very modern cafe/bar with good food and drink.
• Fashion Bar, 25 Kunaev Street. At the junction with Shahrisabz Street. Another modern bar/cafe, showing Fashion TV on large screens with music until late at night.
• Diamond Club nightclub, below Arkada center on the Broadway. New and modern nightclub with a sci-fi theme. Check out the 'Predator' look-alikes.

The Chelsea Arms in Kakhara Street is a 'traditional' themed English pub. It looks like it has been transplanted from the East End of London. It also offers Wifi! Tashkent also has at least two Irish theme bars - the new Irish Pub and Patrick's Irish pub, Akhunbabaev street.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Tashkent has many good hotels offering good standards and Value for money, most of them are empty during off season (Dec-Feb). Dedeman Hotel offers good service standards and is popular amongst international visitors. The image of the Intercontinental Hotel (right) is typical of the new buildings in Tashkent. Intercontinental hotel offers standards of a genuine 5 star hotel. Asia Tashkent Hotel is a newly constructed hotel located on Usman Nosir Street. It has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, 72 rooms, night club, and is popular amongst European customers Tel 2509687, 2509688. Tashkent Palace Hotel located on Buyuk Turon Street offers good value for money.

[edit] Budget

Gulnara's B&B Tel: 402816/1447766 email: gulnara@globalnet.uz Very friendly, clean, and comfortable. Short walk to Chorsu Bazaar and Metro Station. Rooms approx $12-15.00 per person. Rides from the airport can be arranged for a reasonable price.

[edit] Mid-range

• Malika Hotel [19], tel: +998 71 1730203. Probably the best bang-for-the-buck in Tashkent. Well-equipped and nicely outfitted. Ownership includes an American partner. Room rates from 35-45 USD including breakfast. Also in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

• Expo Tashkent Hotel [20] - Located just next to the Expo Center.
• Rovshan Hotel [21] - Good service and cold beer sold at reception for 2000S a bottle. Near the Turkmen embassy.

[edit] Splurge

• Grand Mir Hotel [22], 2 Kunaeva Street, Tashkent , Tel: +998 71 140 20 00, fax +998 71 140 20 40. A luxury hotel for business travellers. Wireless internet connection is available. Rates include fitness centre services and a healthy breakfast.
• Dedeman Silk Road Hotel [23], Amir Temur St,Tel: +998 71 2340101. Excellent and new hotel in the city centre. Drinks are overpriced though, with free Internet connection in rooms. Rack rates from $160/night but booking through an agent will get a double for $105 with breakfast. The deluxe double rooms are best and will cost $130 with breakfast.
• Markaziy Hotel, Amir Temur St,Tel: +998 71 2383000. Markaziy Hotel was opened in 1999 by Sheraton and was run by them until a few years ago, when they left having lost money after some alleged financial irregularities. The hotel is one of Tashkent's taller buildings. The rooms are still very good, but service and maintenance are not quite up to Sheraton standards. A single room will cost $70+ and a premium double $120+ including breakfast. Bar/restaurant bills must be paid in cash.
• Tashkent Palace Hotel (used to be Le Meridien) 56, Buyuk Turon Street. Traditionally styled and visually impressive hotel. Tel: 1205800
• Le Grande Plaza Hotel, 2 Uzbekiston Ovozi Street. Formerly BUMI. Single/double US$150/200. Executive floor with lounge, outdoor pool, South Indian restaurant. 10 km from airport.
• Radisson SAS, Amir Temur St. About 2km from the city center just opposite Intercontinental.
• InterContinental Hotel, Amir Temur St. Next to Tashkent Funland, Japanese Garden

[edit] Contact

[edit] Telephone number change

During November 2007 the Tashkent telephone number plan has been changed. The changes are complex. Some numbers that began with the number one have been changed to begin with two. Golden Pages has a list of the changes [24].

[edit] Stay safe

Tashkent is generally a very safe place to visit. However, visitors should refrain from political activities or doing anything that could be regarded as undermining the state. As anywhere, remember to watch your personal belongings.

There have been incidents of robbery, including some violent assaults but they are very rare. Travellers should use the same caution they would use in any large city, especially at night. It is not advisable for foreigners to walk around alone at night, especially in areas where few people are about and/or lighting is poor.

Avoid confrontations of any kind. If you witness a confrontation, especially in a crowded area such as a bazaar, move away.

Concerning food: in hot summer days try to avoid dairy products, mushrooms or any products that might be damaged by heat. You might want to avoid fish unless you are sure it has been well stored.

[edit] Cope

The local currency is the Uzbek Sum. There are bank notes of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 som.

Always exchange money at official exchange offices - there are many of them. It is illegal to change currency on the black market. US dollars can fetch a good rate but other acceptable currencies are Euros, British pounds, Russian rubles or Japanese Yen. Notes must be in perfect condition with no marks or damage. As of Dec. 2009, the exchange rate is about 1510SUM to US$1. Few ATM's (known as Bankomat) work with foreign cards. US dollars are available inside banks using international credit cards with commission of about 2%. The dollars can then be changed to local currency. Newer shops and hotels are accepting credit cards and Maestro.

[edit] Embassies

• Australia, ☎ +7(495) 956 6070, [25]. Australian Embassy in Moscow, Russia is accredited to Uzbekistan.  edit

• Canada, 56, Usman Nosir Street, Apt. 39-40, 700100, ☎ +998(71) 253-9205 (hc.canada.uz@gmail.com), [26]. A small consulate to aid citizens; most affairs handled through the Canadian Embassy in Moscow, Russia. For emergency after-hour service, call the Moscow Embassy: +7(495) 925-6000.  edit

• France, 25 Qo’qon Yuli Road, ☎ +998(71) 233 53 82, [27]. 9h00-12h00 & 15h00-17h00.  edit

• New Zealand, ☎ +7 495 956 3579, [28]. NZ embassy in Moscow, Russia is accredited to and handles affairs with Uzbekistan.  edit

• United Kingdom, ☎ +998(71)1207852, [29].  edit

• United States, 3 Moyqorghon Street, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, 100093, ☎ +998(71) 120 5450, [30]. For after-hours emergencies, American citizens should call +998(71) 120 5450. Embassy includes an Information Resource Center with a small library, English-language magazines, free internet access, and access to several large electronic databases of information. Staff can also help Uzbeks wanting to practice speaking English and answer questions about the US and US-Uzbek relations.  edit

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