Why live in Tashkent?
Tashkent is an affordable, friendly, and culturally rich city. Expats enjoy its low cost of living, family-friendly festivals, and well-connected transport system. The city is safe, walkable, and full of green spaces, which makes it an attractive option for families.
A local expat says: “The people are warm and welcoming, and there’s always something happening, whether it's a music festival, a theatre production, or just a spontaneous gathering at a chaikhana (Uzbek tea house).”
Getting around: Transport in Tashkent
Navigating Tashkent is relatively easy, thanks to its well-organised public transport system and affordable taxis. Whether you prefer the metro or the convenience of ride-hailing apps, getting from one place to another is straightforward.
- Metro: One of the most beautiful in the world, with stunning Soviet-era stations. Affordable and efficient.
- Buses: An extensive network and easy to use.
- Taxis & ride-hailing: Apps like Yandex Go make getting around simple and inexpensive. Traffic can be challenging during busy hours.
- Walking: The city is becoming more walk-friendly, with new pavements appearing in key areas.
- Cycling: There are cycling paths in the centre of the city, although watch out for unaware pedestrians!
- For families, walking, taxis, and using the metro are often the easiest options.
Activities for kids in Tashkent
From outdoor adventures to interactive play zones, Tashkent offers a variety of family-friendly activities that cater to children of all ages, providing fun and educational experiences throughout the city.
Magic City
This entertainment complex is designed specifically with families in mind. It includes an aquarium, theme park, interactive exhibits, and play areas for kids. There are plenty of options for entertainment, from musical fountains to laser shows and arcade games. Magic City also has cafes and places to grab snacks, making it a great place to spend the whole day.
Parks and amusement parks
- Central Park: A free-to-enter amusement park with a lake, various rides, and places to eat, drink and relax.
- Eco Park: A popular park for evening walks. Tashkent Running club also meet here during the winter.
- Japanese Garden: A beautifully curated garden, which is great for picnics!
- National Park: A large and well-kept park that connects to Magic City.
- The Botanics: A popular spot for walking, cycling and running. It comes to life in the spring and summer!
Ice skating at Humo Arena
For a fun and active day out, the Humo Arena offers ice skating for all ages. The ice rink is spacious, and the atmosphere is family friendly.
Swimming pools and waterparks (summer activity)
In the hot summer months, Tashkent’s swimming pools and waterparks offer a perfect escape for families looking to cool off and have fun. From large aqua parks with slides and entertainment to quieter pool complexes ideal for younger children, there’s something for every family. Here are five top picks to consider.
- Atlantis Aqua Park: A family favourite, featuring multiple pools, water slides, and a children's play area. The park often hosts entertainment programs, including performances by animators and artists, making it a lively spot for both kids and adults.
- "More" (Sea) Pool Complex: "More" offers a spacious environment with pools suitable for all ages. The complex provides amenities like sunbeds and shaded areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for families.
- Mojito Pool Complex: Mojito is known for its relaxed atmosphere, combining swimming facilities with lounge areas. It's an ideal spot for families looking to unwind while children enjoy the water.
- Villa Grand Pool: Located within the Grand Mir Hotel, Villa Grand Pool offers a serene environment with both adult and children's pools. The facility is well-maintained, ensuring safety and cleanliness for all visitors.
- Dolce Vita Pool: Dolce Vita provides a family-friendly setting with clean pools and comfortable lounging areas. It's a great place for families to spend the day, with facilities catering to both adults and children.
Expat challenges & how to overcome them
Adjusting to life in a new country comes with its challenges. Here are some common hurdles and tips for making the transition smoother:
- Language barrier: Most locals do not speak English, so it’s recommended to learn some basic Russian or Uzbek phrases. However, people are very patient and accommodating, and it’s easy to get by using translation apps.
- Healthcare access: Private clinics, such as Tashkent International Clinic, often provide more suitable services for expats, with international-standard care available.
- Finding international products: Specialist shops and services like TezParcel help bridge the gap for hard-to-find items.
- Making friends: Joining expat groups (e.g. Internations), attending community events, and visiting popular social spots (e.g. Tashkent Tavern) can help build connections.
- Air quality: There can be problems with the air quality during the winter, which can make outdoor exercise a challenge. To combat this at school, we have air purifiers in every room, and it can be a good idea to purchase one for your home too.
- Things to bring with you: While Tashkent offers many amenities, certain items can be hard to find or more expensive. Consider bringing:
- Specific over-the-counter medications
- Favourite personal care products
- Specialist ingredients
- Electronics and accessories
One expat parent shares: “At first, we had trouble finding some of the baby items we were used to, but now we rely on a few good expat stores to make sure we have what we need.”
Events and national holidays in Tashkent
Tashkent hosts a variety of cultural events and national celebrations throughout the year, offering plenty of opportunities to experience Uzbekistan’s rich traditions.
- Navruz (March 21): The Uzbek New Year, celebrated with festive events, traditional music, and sumalak (a wheat-based dish). The city comes alive with performances and family gatherings.
- Ramadan & Eid: During Ramadan, many restaurants adjust their hours, and after sunset, families gather for iftar meals. Eid is marked with community prayers and feasts.
- Theatre & performing arts: The Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre offers world-class performances. Tashkent’s Ilkhom Theatre is known for contemporary and experimental productions. The ballet ‘Lazgi’ is a must!
- Music & film festivals: Events like the Tashkent International Film Festival, International Jazz Festival, and various classical music performances attract international audiences.
An expat shares: “The Navruz celebrations are fantastic for families – the whole city is out, and it feels like everyone is celebrating together.”
Sports in Tashkent
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Tashkent, whether as spectators or participants.
- Football: Pakhtakor Tashkent FC is the city’s main football team. Matches are held at Pakhtakor Stadium, and tickets are generally affordable and easy to get hold of.
- Ice hockey: The local ice hockey team, Humo Tashkent, plays in the Kazakhstan professional league. Matches take place at the Humo Arena, and tickets can be purchased through iTicket. It’s a fun and family friendly atmosphere, and the standard of play is excellent!
- Running clubs: There are two main running clubs in Tashkent: Tashkent Runners and DieHard. Both are very inclusive and friendly clubs, meeting several times a week across the city.
- Marathons & running events:
The Samarkand Marathon Series is very well organised and includes races in historic settings (Samarkand and Bukhara) and Zaamin National Park – Uzbekistan's oldest national park.
- Other sports:
- Tennis facilities, including those at the Olympic Tennis School, offer lessons and courts for rent.
- Swimming pools and fitness centres such as Yunusabad Sports Complex provide excellent facilities for families.
What to buy and where to shop
From traditional markets to modern malls, Tashkent offers a variety of shopping experiences. You can find everything from fresh local produce to high-end fashion and international brands.
- Local bazaars: Chorsu, Mirobad, Eco and Alay bazaars offer fresh produce, spices, and traditional Uzbek goods. Boz Bazaar is very close to the school and is a great example of a small, authentic and non-touristy bazaar.
- Supermarkets: Korzinka and Makro stock international products alongside local staples.
- Shopping malls: Tashkent City Mall, Samarkand Darvoza, Chimgan (near Eco Bazaar) and Next Mall cater to fashion and tech needs. New malls are popping up all the time!
- Handicrafts & souvenirs: Uzbekistan is known for its rich artisanal traditions, and Tashkent offers some fantastic options for unique gifts and home décor:
- Suzani embroidery: Beautifully hand-stitched textiles that make stunning wall hangings or bedspreads.
- Ceramics: Hand-painted pottery from Rishtan and Gijduvan, famous for intricate blue and turquoise patterns.
- Silk & ikat fabric: Locally woven silk scarves, dresses, and table runners featuring vibrant patterns.
- Traditional hats & clothing: From doppi skullcaps to richly embroidered robes, these items showcase Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage.
- Specialist shops: Human House and Teplo Store are great for unique, locally made items.
- Tashkent Food Mall: Like food markets in other international cities, this is a good spot to sample a variety of local and international cuisine.
Pro tip: Bargaining is expected at local markets but not in supermarkets and malls.
For parents, it’s helpful to know that supermarkets stock baby essentials like diapers and formula, though specific brands may be limited.
Weather in Tashkent throughout the year
Tashkent has a continental climate, meaning it experiences distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters.
- Spring (March-May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10-35°C (50-95°F). This is a great time to explore parks and outdoor cafés.
- Summer (June-August): Can be extremely hot, with highs reaching 45-50°C (113-122°F). Many locals and expats escape the city for the mountains or lakes.
- Autumn (September-November): Comfortable temperatures (15-30°C / 59-86°F) and beautiful fall colours make it one of the best times of year to explore.
- Winter (December-February): Cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 0°C (32°F). Snowfall is common but doesn’t last long, and many people enjoy visiting ski resorts like Amirsoy.
One of our expat parents says: “We love the spring and autumn seasons here. The weather is perfect for taking the kids out to the parks, and it’s ideal for picnics.”
Seasonal produce in Tashkent
Uzbekistan is known for its rich agricultural heritage, and Tashkent’s markets offer an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year.
- Spring: Expect fresh herbs like coriander and dill, along with young radishes and early strawberries.
- Summer: This is the best time for Uzbekistan’s famous melons and watermelons, as well as peaches, cherries, and apricots.
- Autumn: Markets overflow with grapes, pomegranates, apples, and persimmons, making this the best season for fruit lovers.
- Winter: Dried fruits and nuts become staples, along with citrus fruits like mandarins and lemons.
Expats often visit Chorsu Bazaar, Mirabad Bazaar, or Alay Bazaar to explore the freshest local produce, ideal for cooking or gifting.
Weekend getaways from Tashkent
Uzbekistan is filled with breath-taking destinations just a short trip away from Tashkent:
- Samarkand & Bukhara: Famous for stunning Silk Road architecture and rich history.
- Charvak & Chimgan: Ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and picnicking by the lake.
- Nukus & the Aral Sea: A fascinating, off-the-beaten-path trip for those interested in Uzbekistan’s environmental history.
Basic Russian and Uzbek phrases
Knowing a few key phrases can make life easier for expats. Here are some essentials:
- Hello: Assalomu alaykum (Uzbek) / Zdravstvuyte (Russian)
- Thank you: Rahmat (Uzbek) / Spasibo (Russian)
- Yes: Ha (Uzbek) / Da (Russian)
- No: Yo'q (Uzbek) / Net (Russian)
- Please: Iltimos (Uzbek) / Pozhaluysta (Russian)
Even small efforts to speak the language are appreciated by the locals, especially in Uzbek.
Useful apps for life in Tashkent
Staying connected and navigating the city is much easier with these essential apps:
- Yandex Go: The best ride-hailing app for Tashkent, offering affordable taxi services.
- Yandex Maps: More accurate than Google Maps for local navigation.
- iTicket: The go-to platform for booking tickets to concerts, theatre performances, and sports events.
- Telegram: The most popular messaging app in Uzbekistan, widely used for local community groups and services.
- Korzinka App: Useful for grocery shopping at Korzinka supermarkets, allowing users to collect reward points and access promotions.
- Uzrailway: Essential for booking train tickets to cities like Samarkand and Bukhara.
- Payme: One of the most widely used mobile payment apps in Uzbekistan, allowing users to pay for utilities, internet, mobile services, and more - all in just a few taps.
- Uzum: Uzbekistan’s leading e-commerce platform, offering everything from electronics to fashion with nationwide delivery and at good prices.
- Google Translate: Useful for translating Russian and Uzbek text in real-time, including menu items and signs.
Tashkent offers a great balance of cultural immersion, modern conveniences, and family-friendly activities. While there are challenges, they are often outweighed by the warmth of the local community and the opportunities for exploration and growth. By embracing the local culture, being open to new experiences, and staying connected with fellow expats, you can create a fulfilling life for your family in this exciting city.
