Tashkent lies in the northeastern part of Uzbekistan, close to the Kazakhstan border. It is the country's capital and home to the world's busiest international airport. As a result, you'll almost certainly need to travel into and out of Tashkent. Most visitors only stop through for a few hours, but if you have the time, it's well worth staying for a few days. If you're looking for Soviet-style architecture, Tashkent has enough to offer. The Uzbekistan Hotel, a cream-colored behemoth structure that was certainly fairly spectacular in the 1970s, is the most notable. Tashkent is also home to the Tashkent Tower, the world's 11th highest structure. In their revolving restaurant, you may have a cold drink while taking in the views.

The majestic Hazrat Imam Complex is Tashkent's most striking attraction. The mosques and madrasahs are a terrific way to get a taste of the stunning architecture you'll see during your Uzbekistan vacation. It's also a wonderful spot to get a taste of what's to come farther north in terms of shopping.

Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Hours: N/A

Samarkand features the most opulent and gorgeous architecture in the country. The Registan, a trio of buildings surrounding a huge courtyard, is the city's crown jewel. You will want to go to the Registan multiple times throughout your stay because it is less crowded early in the mornings, but it's even more beautiful when it's lit up right after sunset. It is, without a doubt, Uzbekistan's most gorgeous complex. There are a plethora of more fascinating sights to see in Samarkand. The Shah-i-Zinda is a boulevard lined with bright blue mausoleums, and the Gur-e Amir Complex is where Uzbekistan's national hero, Amir Temur, is buried.

Samarkand also has a number of exciting eateries where locals dress up and dance in between courses. And, because Uzbekistan is so inexpensive, your supper and drinks will be far less expensive than you may think for a night out. Make sure you stay for at least three days to visit all of the sights.

Location: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit:

• April to June
• August/September

Hours: N/A

Bukhara is Uzbekistan's retail mecca. You cannot stroll inside a madrasah or along any of the pedestrian-friendly streets in the Old Town District without seeing Uzbekistan's famous hand-woven textiles. Bukhara's shopping is fantastic. You'll discover hand-woven blankets, stunning jackets, colorful bags, and everything else your heart desires in historic trading domes from the Silk Road's heyday. Bukhara is the place to go if you want to buy some Uzbek souvenirs on your trip!

Aside from shopping, Bukhara is home to a plethora of beautifully maintained mosques and madrasahs. To be precise, there are 140 protected structures. Although the architecture is not as dazzling as in Samarkand, Bukhara has a longer history. It was an important hub for Islamic doctrine and culture, as well as a prominent station on the Silk Road trading route.

The majority of the guesthouses are concentrated around the lovely lake in the middle of Bukhara's charming, tiny downtown district. In the evenings, the lake is a favorite area to have a nice draft beer while watching the sunset and people watching. You won't have to haggle with taxi drivers because all of the historic sights in town are easily accessible on foot. The most picturesque historical sites in the city are the Kalyan Mosque, the Kalyan Minaret, and the Chor Minor. You should go to the Kalyan Mosque early in the morning before the tour buses arrive, so you may appreciate it in peace.

Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: (Spring and autumn)

• March through May
• September through November

Hours: N/A

Itchan Kala is the name of Khiva's old city. The city contains 54 historic buildings. The majority of visitors hire a local English-speaking guide for the day because navigating the city can be difficult. It's a charming old city full of surprises around every curve and through every unclear doorway. Just wait until you arrive at Khiva if you thought Bukhara was formed with gift shops! Every street is crowded with vendors, and every ancient structure has at least one vendor. Souvenirs are sold even in restaurants. Bukhara's shopping is likewise amazing. You'll discover hand-woven blankets, stunning jackets, colorful bags, and everything else your heart desires in historic trading domes from the Silk Road's heyday.

The Tosh-Hovli Palace, also known as the Stone Palace or Tash Khauli, is a must-see in Khiva. Because you can't cross between the two sectors, there are two entrances. In the first, a horse carriage gifted to Khan Mukhammad Rakhimkhan II in 1876 is on display in the front parlor. There are two nearly identical rooms here, each with lovely blue tiling. In one of the courtyards, there is a yurt on display.

Location: Khiva, Uzbekistan
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: March through May (spring)
Hours: N/A