Our one-day itinerary through the city’s Soviet modernist landmarks stands apart from classic Tashkent tours, offering a different perspective on the Uzbek capital. It takes you back to the 1970s and 1980s, when Tashkent was undergoing extensive reconstruction following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Along the way, you will see the Tashkent TV Tower, the Palace of Peoples’ Friendship, Kosmonavtlar Metro Station and Hotel Uzbekistan – well-known landmarks that became symbols of the era.
In 2026, an ensemble of ten modernist buildings and urban complexes in Tashkent was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, confirming their international significance. If you are interested in 20th-century architecture and design, as well as Soviet approaches to urban planning, this itinerary will leave you with many vivid impressions.
Tour itinerary:
Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel to begin this fascinating one-day tour of Soviet architectural modernism in Tashkent.
The first stop is the Tashkent Television Tower, the tallest building in Central Asia at 375 metres. Built between 1979 and 1985, it remains an architectural marvel of the era.
Next, you'll stop at the “Courage” Monument, which commemorates the aftermath of the 1966 earthquake that destroyed half the city and marked the beginning of Tashkent's massive reconstruction.
The tour continues to the Chorsu Bazaar, with its impressive dome - built in 1980 - a hallmark of Soviet modernism and still one of the city's busiest markets.
The next stop is the Peoples’ Friendship Palace. Completed in 1980, this concert hall reflects Soviet modernism with its square design and intricate decorations. Next to the palace, you'll enter the Tashkent Metro - a landmark in itself - and travel to the Mustaqillik Maidoni (Independence Square) station. This metro line was built between 1971 and 1980.
Nearby is the History Museum of Uzbekistan, built in 1970. The building's cubic design features concrete slabs that form geometric patterns inspired by Uzbek motifs. Next to the museum is another relic of the era - the 16-storey Shark Publishing House, completed in the 1970s.
The tour continues to the Zhemchug house, an experimental 16-storey monolithic building completed in 1985. With 120 apartments and five courtyards, each rising 10 metres every three storeys, this unique structure is an example of innovative Soviet design.
The final stop is the Hotel Uzbekistan, a 17-storey landmark opened in 1974 in the heart of Tashkent. If possible, head to the top floor for a panoramic view of the city.
After a busy day, you'll return to your hotel, ending your Soviet Architecture tour in Tashkent.
Duration of the tour: 6 hours
Price includes:
- Guided excursion service;
- Entrance tickets to excursion objects;
- Transport during the excursion.
Prices, per person
Tour Enquiry
The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour.
Our guides will follow your own pace.
The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm.
We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.
