Tashkent, Uzbekistan

• Tashkent is Uzbekistan's capital with 2.5 million people. The city mixes Soviet-era apartment blocks and monuments with older Silk Road sites. Crime rates are low and you'll see people walking around at night without much concern. That said, English is limited outside major hotels and tourist areas - you'll need Google Translate for most interactions.
• The city has two main areas. The modern eastern part around Amir Timur Square has the international hotels, upscale restaurants, and metro connections. The western Old Town (Eski Shahar) around Chorsu Bazaar is more traditional and conservative. Most travelers stay in the modern area since it's more convenient and has more English speakers.
• The cafe scene has grown in recent years, especially around Mirabad and Amir Timur Square. You'll see people sitting alone with laptops for hours, so eating or working solo doesn't draw attention. Prices are quite low by Western standards - coffee and pastries cost a fraction of what you'd pay in Europe or North America.
• The metro runs 5am to midnight and connects the major areas. Until 2018, photography wasn't allowed in stations, but now the Soviet-era decorated stations are a tourist draw. Use Yandex Go or MyTaxi apps for taxis - street taxis will overcharge you. The city is at about 1,500 feet elevation, so no altitude issues.

Uzbek and Russian are main languages. English is spoken in major hotels, tourist police (call 1173 for 24/7 English support), and some restaurants in the Mirabad and Amir Timur Square areas. The emergency service 112 has some English-speaking operators. Google Translate is essential for most interactions outside tourist zones.

• Uzbekistan is a secular Muslim country and Tashkent is fairly relaxed about dress codes. In the modern city center you'll see women wearing shorts and tank tops alongside traditional clothing. That said, cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques, mausoleums, or the Old Town. Carry a scarf for religious sites.
• English is limited outside tourist areas and upscale hotels. Learn basic Russian or Uzbek phrases like 'Rahmat' (thank you), 'Salom' (hello), and 'Qancha?' (how much?). Young people tend to speak some English. You'll be using Google Translate a lot.
• Take off your shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants. Don't blow your nose in public - it's considered rude. Use your right hand for passing items, particularly with older or traditional people.
• Tashkent is less conservative than other Central Asian capitals. You'll find alcohol in restaurants and bars in modern areas, though it's less visible in the Old Town. Women traveling alone generally report feeling respected rather than harassed.
• Photography is allowed in metro stations now, but ask before photographing people, especially in the Old Town. Don't photograph government buildings, military installations, or police officers.
• Bargaining is expected at markets like Chorsu Bazaar but not in modern shops or restaurants. Start at 50-60% of the asking price and work from there.

• The metro has 4-5 lines with 43 stations connecting major districts. Trains run every 5 minutes from 5am to midnight. Single rides cost 1,400-2,000 UZS (around $0.12-$0.16). The decorated Soviet-era stations are worth seeing, though they get crowded during rush hour.
• Use Yandex Go or MyTaxi apps for taxis. The apps don't require payment details - you just pay the driver in cash. Rides across the city cost $2-3. Uber and Grab don't work here, but Yandex functions the same way. Don't flag down street taxis - they'll overcharge.
• The city is upgrading its bus fleet in 2025 with 1,000 new vehicles including electric buses. There are 164 routes with wait times around 10-12 minutes. Night buses (22:00-06:00) are being added to connect the airport and railway stations. Buses get packed during rush hour.
• Tourist buses are starting to connect major attractions. For day trips to Samarkand or Bukhara, the high-speed Afrosiyob train is the best option - more comfortable than buses and takes about 2 hours.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Tashkent with local guides and curated experiences.