Uzbekistan: where to go and why you should take a local guide
Uzbekistan It is confidently among the most popular destinations in Central Asia.
The first quarter of 2026 was a breakthrough for the tourism industry of Uzbekistan: the country was visited by 2,872,502 international guests - almost 3 million - which is 36.6% more than in January-March 2025.
The explosive growth is largely due to the influx of travelers from Turkey, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and India; guests from Afghanistan and China also contributed significantly. Although the main wave comes from neighboring countries, interest in Uzbekistan extends far beyond the region.
What attracts the country? A unique combination of the Silk Road heritage, stunning architecture of old cities – from Khiva to Samarkand – and available modern services: renovated airports, improved roads and a growing network of quality hotels make travel more convenient and diverse. Nature lovers will find here the mountains of Nurata and Chimgan, wanting culture - UNESCO sites and live bazaars.
The government actively promotes the country on international tourism platforms and within the framework of travel fairs, while investing in infrastructure. This helps to combine cultural tourism with active recreation – from hiking routes to gastronomic discoveries.
Advice for independent travelers: Uzbekistan is great for independent routes, but with a local guide, the trip is revealed for real - the guide will tell rare details of history, take you to the hidden corners of the old city and organize the optimal route through the mountains and monuments, saving you time and making the trip richer.
If the trend continues – and improved air traffic and increased marketing campaigns are contributing to it – the influx of tourists will only grow.
Are you planning a trip to Uzbekistan? Now is a great time: countries are already waiting for guests, and Uzbekistan is ready to surprise and receive - from ancient madrasahs to high-mountain trails.
You will be welcomed in Uzbekistan.private guidesAnd they'll offer you a copy.individual toursehtravel agenciesUzbekistan will offer its services and organizetourInteresting excursions for travelers.
What to see in Uzbekistan: a guide to the main attractions
Uzbekistan is a country with a thousand-year history, where cultures of different peoples, epochs and traditions intertwine. Here you will find the ancient cities of the Great Silk Road, majestic architectural ensembles, original cuisine and hospitality of local residents.
We will analyze in more detail what places are worth visiting, what is interesting in them and how to get to them.
1. Samarkand - the pearl of the East
One of the oldest cities in the world (more than 2,750 years), included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Samarkand was a key point on the Great Silk Road and the capital of the Tamerlane Empire.
Main attractions:
Registan is an architectural ensemble of the XV-XVII centuries with three madrassas decorated with mosaics and arabesques. It is especially impressive in the evening when the buildings are illuminated.
Gur-Emir Mausoleum is the tomb of Tamerlane and his descendants. It has a majestic turquoise dome and a complex finish.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque is the largest mosque of the medieval East, built by order of Tamerlane. Despite the partial destruction, it is striking in scale.
Shahi-Zinda Necropolis is a complex of mausoleums of the XI-XV centuries, where each mausoleum is a work of art with a unique finish.
The Ulugbek Observatory is the remains of a medieval astronomical observatory of the XV century, where advanced scientific research was conducted.
How to get there:
By plane to Samarkand (there are direct flights from Tashkent and other major cities).
By train (high-speed train "Afrosiab" from Tashkent lasts about 2 hours).
By bus or taxi from other cities of Uzbekistan.
2. Bukhara - city-museum in the open air
Bukhara has preserved the appearance of a medieval eastern city with narrow streets, caravanserai and monumental buildings. It's on the UNESCO list.
What to see:
The Poi-Kalyan complex is the heart of Bukhara with the Kalyan minaret (XII century, 46.5 m high), the Kalyan mosque and the Miri-Arab madrasah.
Ark Fortress is an ancient citadel that served as the residence of the rulers of Bukhara for centuries.
Lyabi-Hauz is a square around an ancient pond with madrasahs and khans, where you can relax and taste Uzbek cuisine.
The Samanid Mausoleum is one of the oldest monuments of Islamic architecture (IX-X centuries), built of burnt brick.
Trade domes are the remains of medieval shopping rows, where shops with souvenirs and handicrafts still work.
How to get there:
By plane to Bukhara (flights from Tashkent, other cities of Uzbekistan and some CIS countries).
By train from Tashkent (about 6-8 hours).
By bus from Samarkand, Tashkent and other cities.
3. Khiva is a fortress city
Khiva is a living open-air museum, where the entire historical center (Ichan-Kala) is surrounded by ancient fortress walls and included in the UNESCO list.
Main attractions:
Ichan-Kala is an inner city surrounded by powerful walls with towers. Inside are dozens of architectural monuments.
Kunya-Ark is a citadel of Khiva khans with a palace, a mint and other buildings.
Minaret Kalta Minor is an unfinished minaret with bright glazed tiles, which has become a symbol of Khiva.
Juma Mosque is an unusual mosque of the VIII century with a hundred wooden columns, each of which is a work of art.
Tash-Khauli Palace is a luxurious palace of the XIX century with rich decoration and courtyards.
How to get there:
By plane to Urgench (the nearest airport, 30 km from Khiva), then by taxi or bus.
By train to Urgench, then by land transport to Khiva.
By bus from Bukhara, Nukus or Tashkent.
4. Tashkent is a modern capital with ancient history
Tashkent combines modern skyscrapers and ancient monuments, parks and bazaars. It is a major transport hub and a starting point for traveling around the country.
Interesting places:
Mustakillik Square (Independence) is the main square of the city with the Independence Monument.
Hast-Imam Ensemble is a religious center with Barak-Khan madrasah, a library with the Koran of Usman (VII century) and a mausoleum.
The Museum of History of Uzbekistan is the largest museum of the country with a collection of archaeological finds and ethnographic exhibits.
Chorsu Bazaar is a colorful oriental bazaar with fruits, spices, souvenirs and dishes of Uzbek cuisine.
Tashkent metro is one of the most beautiful subways in the world, the stations of which resemble underground palaces.
Alisher Navoi Park is a large park with attractions, lakes and recreation areas.
How to get there:
Islam Karimov International Airport is the main air hub of the country.
Large railway station with trains to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and other cities.
Bus stations with intercity buses.
Tips for travelers:
The best time to visit is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when there is no extreme heat.
In historic cities it is convenient to get around on foot or by taxi – the distances are small and the streets are often narrow.
It is recommended to take a guide to inspect the architectural ensembles – so you will learn more about the history and details of the buildings.
Do not forget to try the local cuisine: pilaf, samsu, lagman, shurpa and sweets in the bazaars.
You will be welcomed in Uzbekistan.private guidesAnd they'll offer you a copy.individual toursehtravel agenciesUzbekistan will offer its services and organizetourInteresting excursions for travelers.
Text and photo:https://www.personalguide.ru/
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