How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

1. Chorsu Bazaar

Vibrant market offering local produce and souvenirs. Avoid overpriced items by bargaining or visiting smaller stalls.

Bargain Wisely: Know the local prices to avoid being overcharged
Support Small Stalls: Smaller shops often offer better quality and fairer prices.
Visit Early Morning or Evening: Market is busiest during the day, making prices more inflated. Visit early morning or evening for a better experience.

Historic madrasah popular among tourists. Avoid guided tours and explore independently to save money.

Self-Guided Exploration: Armed with a map or guidebook, you can explore at your own pace.
Avoid Pushy Guides: Decline offers from pushy guides to maintain a personal exploration experience.
Research Beforehand: Know the history and layout of the madrasah before you visit.

Taking a taxi can be expensive in Tashkent. Share or negotiate fares to avoid overpaying.

Share Taxis: Share taxis are cheaper than private ones, especially when leaving popular areas.
Negotiate Fare: Always negotiate the fare before entering the taxi.
Use Trusted Services: Research and use trusted taxi services for a safe and reliable ride.

Traditional courtyard houses offering food and souvenirs. Choose less crowded ones for a more authentic experience.

Less Crowded Otgan: Opt for smaller, lesser-known otgans for a more genuine experience.
Negotiate Prices: Bargain prices for food and souvenirs to avoid overpaying.
Sample Local Dishes: Try traditional dishes like plov and shashlik to understand local cuisine.

Iconic square with impressive architecture. Visit during off-peak hours or in the evening to avoid crowds.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the beauty without the crowd.
Evening Visit: Illuminated monuments create a mesmerizing sight in the evening.
Explore Surrounding Areas: The square is surrounded by attractions, so take time to explore.

Popular café with overpriced food. Find local cafes for an authentic dining experience.

Find Local Cafes: Ask locals for recommendations or look for smaller, lesser-known cafés.
Bargain Prices: Negotiate prices if needed to avoid overpaying.
Try Local Dishes: Delve into Uzbek cuisine and enjoy the local flavors.

Attractive complex with a mosque and mausoleums. Avoid guided tours for a personal experience.

Self-Guided Exploration: Explore the complex at your own pace to truly appreciate its beauty.
Avoid Pushy Guides: Decline offers from pushy guides and enjoy a personal experience.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering the mosque.

Large market selling souvenirs. Find unique items by exploring different stalls.

Explore Different Stalls: Each stall offers different items, so take time to explore.
Bargain Wisely: Know the local prices and bargain fairly.
Support Local Artisans: Choose handmade items to support local artisans.

Historic mosque with a beautiful interior. Visit during off-peak hours for a peaceful experience.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering the mosque.
Explore Surrounding Areas: The mosque is surrounded by other attractions, so take time to explore.

Modern square with government buildings. Visit during the day for a sense of local life.

Daytime Visit: Visit during the day to see locals going about their daily routines.
Explore Surrounding Areas: The square is surrounded by important government buildings and parks.
Respect Local Customs: Dress appropriately and show respect for the area's significance.

Ornate mosque with intricate tilework. Avoid guided tours to explore independently.

Self-Guided Exploration: Explore the mosque at your own pace to appreciate its beauty.
Avoid Pushy Guides: Decline offers from pushy guides and enjoy a personal experience.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering the mosque.

Modern metro system with impressive architecture. Avoid peak hours to avoid crowds.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours for a less crowded experience.
Explore Stations: Each station offers unique architecture and art, so take time to explore.
Affordable Transportation: Metro is a convenient and affordable mode of transportation.

Iconic tower with observation deck. Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the view without the crowd.
Buy Tickets in Advance: Buying tickets online or at a ticket office can save time and hassle.
Enjoy the View: The observation deck offers a panoramic view of Tashkent.

Large shopping mall with international brands. Find local boutiques for a more authentic shopping experience.

Find Local Boutiques: Ask locals or look for smaller, lesser-known stores for unique finds.
Bargain Wisely: Know the local prices and bargain fairly.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Stop by a local café or restaurant for a taste of Uzbek cuisine.

Spacious park offering relaxation and recreation. Avoid peak hours for a quiet experience.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the peacefulness.
Explore Surrounding Areas: The park is surrounded by important government buildings and attractions.
Respect Local Customs: Dress appropriately and show respect for the park's atmosphere.