Tashkent

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