Tashkent offers a surprisingly diverse walking experience. Its streets blend ancient Islamic architecture, Soviet-era monuments, and modern skyscrapers, making it a perfect city to explore on foot. Whether you’re marveling at the ornate Khast Imam Complex, strolling through Chorsu Bazaar with its tempting smells, or riding the colorful Tashkent Metro, this city invites curious explorers. Some tours stand out for their depth, like the Tashkent Walking City Tour, which showcases the city’s architecture and underground museums, making it ideal if you love a mix of old and new. Others, like the Tashkent: Walking Tour of Historical & Modern Sights, give a flexible, friendly introduction perfect for first-timers. For those wanting a more intimate experience, a private tour with a local woman or man offers personalized insights and hidden spots.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of walking tours suited for different interests and budgets. From comprehensive city explorations to private, tailored experiences, each one offers something special:
– City-wide tours blending old and new (Tour #1)
– Historical and modern sights with flexible pacing (Tour #2)
– Private, intimate walks focusing on hidden corners and local snacks (Tour #3)
– Cultural highlights with deep dives into religious and market sites (Tour #4)
– Classic city highlights combining key landmarks (Tour #5)
– Hidden gems and local flavors for adventurous snack lovers (Tour #6)
– Old and new city in one walkthrough (Tour #7)
– Main sights overview for a quick taste of Tashkent’s highlights (Tour #8)
1. Tashkent Walking City Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Tashkent Walking City Tour offers a well-rounded look at the city’s contrasting architecture. The tour covers both the old city’s traditional bazaars and the colonial-style monuments from Tsarist Russia. This tour’s strength lies in its breadth—visitors get to see iconic sites like underground metro stations that double as museums, giving a peek into Soviet design, as well as feeling the hustle and bustle of the bazaar, where the air is filled with spices and sounds of bargaining. With a 4.6/5 rating from 56 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour both informative and fun. The guide’s ability to connect the different styles of Tashkent makes it a good choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the city’s visual diversity.
This tour is priced at $90 per group up to 2, making it a good value for those traveling with a partner or friend who want a detailed overview. Its strength is the combination of history, architecture, and local color in a manageable walking route. However, the price reflects its small-group intimacy and in-depth approach. It’s best suited for first-time visitors eager to understand Tashkent’s layered identity at a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: A balanced tour perfect for those wanting a broad, in-depth introduction to Tashkent’s architectural and cultural contrasts.
2. Tashkent: Walking Tour of Historical & Modern Sights
At number 2, the Tashkent: Walking Tour of Historical & Modern Sights earns a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 9 reviews. This tour excels in flexibility—it’s designed to let you explore the city at your own pace, with a knowledgeable local guiding you through Amir Temur Square, Independence Square, and the artistic metro stations like Alisher Navoi and Kosmonavtlar. It’s a great option for travelers who want a mix of cultural insights and modern cityscapes in about 3 to 4 hours.
The tour includes stories about Tamerlane, visits to key squares, and an underground metro experience showcasing Soviet-era art. For around $22.50 per person, it’s excellent value, especially for travelers seeking a friendly, engaging introduction with plenty of photo opportunities. One reviewer noted, “Murodil’s guidance made it feel like exploring with a knowledgeable friend,” emphasizing the personal touch. The tour’s pacing and focus on hidden gems make it ideal for those new to Tashkent or anyone who prefers a relaxed sightseeing style.
Bottom Line: A highly-rated, affordable tour for travelers who want a friendly, flexible exploration of Tashkent’s highlights.
3. Tashkent Walking Tour with Local Lady / Gentleman
Coming in at number 3, this private tour led by a local woman or man offers a personalized experience that can be tailored to your interests. For about $66 per group (up to 2), you’ll visit Chorsu Bazaar, Independence Square, and a few metro stations—each with a focus on local life and hidden spots. Because it’s a private tour, you can go at your own pace and even customize the route if you wish.
Highlights include tasting traditional foods at Chorsu Bazaar and exploring less-visited courtyards and cafes that typical tours often miss. The guide’s local knowledge and friendly approach make this tour engaging, especially if you prefer a more intimate experience. Many reviews praise the guide’s helpfulness and the tour’s flexibility, with one calling it “a great way to see the city through a local’s eyes” in just 2.5 hours. The tour supports women-led initiatives, adding an extra layer of ethical travel.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a private, flexible, and authentic peek into Tashkent’s quieter, less touristy corners.
4. Tashkent City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
At number 4, the Tashkent City Highlights Guided Walking Tour offers a 4-hour immersion into the core of Tashkent’s most iconic sites. Starting at the Hazrati Imam Complex, the tour takes you through Islamic architectural treasures, then on to the bustling Chorsu Bazaar. You’ll experience the vibrant local atmosphere and learn about the significance of each landmark from a knowledgeable guide.
This tour is perfect for those wanting a compact, well-structured overview of both religious sites and market culture. The highlight is the visit to the Muyi Muborak Madrasah, home to the Uthman Quran, considered the oldest Quran in the world. With a modest price of $19.14 per person, it offers excellent value for a comprehensive 4-hour experience. Reviews highlight the guide’s ability to share insightful stories and create engaging visits, making it suitable for curious travelers who want depth without too much walking.
Bottom Line: A compact, enriching tour for travelers eager to explore Tashkent’s spiritual, cultural, and commercial heart.
5. Tashkent Walking Tour
Number 5 on the list is a classic, Tashkent Walking Tour, offering a 4 to 5-hour exploration for $45 per person. It covers major sites like Amir Timur Square, Broadway Alley, and the Navoi Opera Theater, blending modern landmarks with historic squares. The tour’s focus is on experiencing Tashkent’s urban evolution, from the Soviet-era monuments to recent developments.
The guide is praised for being friendly and informative, making it a reliable choice for travelers who want a relaxed but rundown. The walk through Broadway Alley, which was once a swamp, now transformed into an entertainment hub, is particularly notable. This tour suits those who prefer a moderate pace with the option to see both cultural sites and lively city scenes. The price point makes it accessible, but it’s best for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, architecture, and city life.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to see Tashkent’s key landmarks without rushing.
6. Tashkent: Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Local Snacks
Number 6 offers a specialized experience, the Hidden Gems Walking Tour, focusing on lesser-known sites and authentic local flavors. For $129 per person, this tour takes you to Khast-Imam Square where the Quran of Caliph Uthman resides, and through the lively Chorsu Bazaar. What sets it apart is the inclusion of local snacks and non bread, allowing you to taste traditional Uzbek flavors in a relaxed setting.
The tour also features tucked-away courtyards and rooftops with picture-perfect views, perfect for snapping photos and hearing quirky legends. Its intimate size and focus on quieter, beautiful corners make it ideal for travelers who want a slow-paced, sensory-rich experience. The review highlights the tour’s flavorful tastings and local storytelling, making it a delightful choice for food lovers and curious wanderers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in discovering less touristy sites while sampling authentic Uzbek snacks.
$129 per person
7. Tashkent: Old City & Modern City Walking Tour
At number 7, this Old City & Modern City Walking Tour blends Tashkent’s historic core with its contemporary development. It covers the Old City’s Islamic architecture, including the Khast Imam Complex, and then transitions to the modern skyline of Tashkent City. The highlight is seeing how the city balances its heritage with new urban projects.
This tour is suitable for travelers interested in architecture, urban planning, and cultural contrast. Visitors will enjoy a walk through Chorsu Bazaar, then see the Independence Square and Tashkent’s upscale districts. It’s ideal for those who prefer a rundown that’s not too rushed. The tour offers a good balance of traditional and modern sights, making it relevant for history buffs and urban explorers alike.
Bottom Line: A versatile choice for those wanting to see Tashkent’s past and present side by side.
$60 per person
8. Tashkent: walking tour of the main sights
Finally, the Walking Tour of the Main Sights is perfect for a short but comprehensive snapshot. It’s designed to cover key landmarks like Amir Timur Square, Broadway Alley, and the Navoi Opera in just a few hours. This tour emphasizes culture, accessibility, and the city’s most recognizable sites.
Ideal for travelers with limited time or those who want a quick orientation, the tour offers a cost-effective introduction. It’s best suited for those who want to see the most important sights without deep dives into each. The simplicity makes it convenient and straightforward, especially for first-timers.
Bottom Line: A good choice for a quick, accessible overview of Tashkent’s highlights.
$100 per person
How to Choose the Best Walking Tour in Tashkent
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you’re eager to see a broad range of architecture and cultural sites, the Tashkent Walking City Tour offers depth. For a more personal experience, the private Tashkent Walking Tour with a local guide provides flexibility. Budget travelers might prefer the well-rounded City Highlights Tour, while food lovers will enjoy Hidden Gems with local snacks.
Think about the distance and pace you’re comfortable with—some tours last several hours, others are around 2-3 hours. Booking early is advised, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot and tailor your experience.
Final Thoughts
Tashkent has a rich mix of heritage, modernity, and lively markets, making it an excellent city for walking tours. For those wanting an all-encompassing experience, the Tashkent Walking City Tour and City Highlights Tour stand out. For travelers seeking something more intimate or culinary, the private tour with a local guide and Hidden Gems Tour are excellent options.
Whatever your choice, Tashkent’s contrasting streets and welcoming atmosphere promise a memorable walk. Be sure to book early, especially if you want a guided experience during peak tourist months. Happy exploring!