This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Tashkent.
Tashkent is the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan and in terms of population, the largest city in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, and the most important political, economic, cultural, and scientific center in Uzbekistan, as well as its major aviation, railway, and highway city. The population of Tashkent exceeds two million people. Tashkent is an old city and was a major city in many different kingdoms and empires throughout world’s history. Today, it is a capital of a fast-developing country due to the abundance of natural resources in Uzbekistan. It is also a very big educational center, with more than twenty universities. Nevertheless, the contrast between rich and poor in the country is shocking and you can see many new modern buildings next to people working long hours to pay their bills.
You can visit the Independence Square where parades and festivals are held. The Minguruk is an ancient settlement in the center of the city near the central train station. The Sheikhantaur is an architectural complex, the center of which is the Mausoleum of Sheikh al-Hovendi Takhur. Other points of interest are the Art Museum of Uzbekistan, founded in the early twentieth century; and the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, which has gained international recognition for its seventy years of existence. Tashkent has also many parks where you can have a nice walk or go cycling.
Finding a good hostel in Tashkent can be a problem. There are enough hostels in Tashkent, but most Tashkent hostels have mediocre conditions, so some places are not really recommended for a stay. However, prices of Tashkent hostels are quite high, so it is not possible to find very cheap accommodation like in other capital cities. A big advantage is that you can book a Tashkent hostel in almost any part of the cities and there are several hostels in Tashkent, which are located in the center of the city.
Written by local enthusiast for Tashkent hostels
George Traveller