For your trip to Uzbekistan, it’s useful to bring some cash in US dollars or euros, along with a bank card. You’ll need Uzbek som for everyday expenses, including markets, small cafés, taxis and souvenirs.

Exchange money at banks, official exchange offices, the airport or major hotels. Avoid unofficial money changers, even if they offer a better rate.

Cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and shops, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash. This makes travelling easier and gives you a backup if card terminals aren’t working.

Tashkent is a spacious, green city with many different sides. The Old Town’s traditional neighbourhoods and madrasas sit alongside wide avenues, Soviet architecture, modern districts and cosy cafés.

Allow at least two days for your first visit. On the first day, explore the Hazrati Imam complex, Chorsu Bazaar, Kukeldash Madrasa and several metro stations. Spend the second day discovering central Tashkent: Amir Temur Square, the Monument of Courage, museums, parks and the modern Tashkent City district.

Tashkent is best explored at a relaxed pace. Avoid trying to see everything in just a few hours. Leave time for leisurely walks, tea, plov and unexpected discoveries along the way.

Plov is an important part of Uzbek hospitality, family traditions and everyday life. In Tashkent, it is often prepared in large cauldrons in the morning, ready to bring people together around the table at lunchtime.

A well-known place to discover plov is Beshqozon Plov Centre. Here, you can see the enormous cauldrons, take in the aroma of spices and try the Tashkent version of the dish.

Every region, and even every family, has its own way of making plov. Rice, meat, carrots, chickpeas, raisins and spices come together in different combinations. Trying plov is a chance to enjoy its flavour and discover an important part of Uzbekistan’s culture.