7 days in Uzbekistan: a perfect itinerary to see the highlights of the Silk Road

Uzbekistan is a land of majestic Islamic architecture, vibrant bazaars, and deep-rooted Silk Road history. This 7 days in Uzbekistan itinerary will guide you through the country’s four must-visit cities that we visited during this trip: Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent.

I’ve been wanting to visit Uzbekistan for a very long time. I originally planned this trip for June with my mum, but as many people warned me that it’s unbearably hot then (imagine me living in Qatar, I know what the heat is, so if the locals warn you, you listen). We changed our plan and went somewhere else instead. Nonetheless, the trip had to take place at some point. October is high season in Uzbekistan as the weather us cooler and comfortable for sightseeing. For me, it was a bit too cold, but surely pleasant with the sunshine.

Plus, I’ll cover transportation tips on how to move between cities using trains, buses, and private taxis—so you can navigate Uzbekistan with ease. We didn’t rent a car this time, but instead researched and used private and public transportation, so I’m ready to tell you all about it.

Khiva 2 days: why start your 7 days in Uzbekistan in Khiva?

Khiva feels like an open-air museum, with its well-preserved old town, Itchan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From all the places we visited during these 7 days in Uzbekistan, Khiva was my favourite. Maybe it is not as impressive as Samarkand, but it feels the most unique and as if it stopped in time (even though it was rebuilt multiple times). The best thing you can to in Khiva is wander through its narrow alleys, surrounded by intricately tiled mosques, madrassahs, and minarets. It seems, that in the past to enter the old town you had to buy a ticket. The gates with scanners still are there, but nobody needed a ticket to enter.

In the past, Khiva had a dark times of being a slave-trading stop and known for terrible cruelty. Now, it’s history, yet important to learn.

While Khiva is really small and you could easily see it in one day or less, it is quite rich in attractions, so I’d recommend staying there for two nights, so you have a chance to go for a walk early in the morning before all the crowds show up. And believe me, lots of people visit Khiva, especially large groups of tourists. Because the town is small, it fills very fast.

As I mentioned earlier, Khiva is an open-air museum with around 50 sites to see. For most of them, you need an entry ticket that you can purchase in the information point. It covers many of the sites, however, you will still need to buy extra tickets for some of them.

The highlights of Khiva:

- Kalta Minor Minaret: The unfinished yet iconic turquoise-tiled minaret.
- Kunya-Ark Fortress: Explore the inner citadel, once home to Khiva’s rulers.
- Juma Mosque: Known for its unique wooden columns and serene atmosphere.
- Tash Khauli Palace: Marvel at the opulent interiors of this 19th-century palace.

How to get to Khiva

Getting to Khiva, one of Uzbekistan’s most stunning Silk Road cities, requires some planning, as it is not directly accessible by high-speed trains or major airports. The most common way to reach Khiva is via Urgench, the nearest city with an airport and railway station, located about 30 km outside of Khiva.

Flight: If you’re arriving by plane, you can fly into Urgench International Airport (UGC) from Tashkent, with daily flights operated by Uzbekistan Airways taking around 1.5 hours. As we only had 7 days in Uzbekistan, to save the time, we took a flight to Urgench from Tashkent (as we flew to Tashkent from Qatar). I suggest that you arrange an airport pickup beforehand as it might not be that simple once you land. The transfer normally cost around 10-15$ and should not exceed 30$. You can also take a local marshrutka (shared minibus) for a cheaper option.
Train: If you prefer train travel, there is a night train from Tashkent to Urgench, which takes approximately 16 hours, followed by a short taxi ride to Khiva. If you want to reach Khiva from Bukhara, a new direct train route to Khiva has been introduced, taking 6-7 hours and offering a scenic ride through the Uzbek desert. If we weren’t short on time, this option seems quite nice, in my opinion.
Taxi: you can take a shared taxi from Bukhara to Khiva (5-6 hours, $15-20 per seat) or a private taxi for more comfort (around $60-80 USD). We chose the latter from Khiva to Bukhara.

Where to stay in Khiva

I would say that the best place to stay in Khiva is within the walls of the old town. Even though Khiva is not big, staying inside is just so amazing to immerse yourself in the spirit of the town. We stayed in Arkanchi hotel and I’d say that it was a great choice. Some other hotels that we considered:

Best boutique hotel: New Star Boutique Hotel
Best mid-range hotel: Arkanchi hotel
Traditional experience in madrasa: Orient Star hotel
Best budget hotel: Khiva Siyovush hotel

Best restaurants in Khiva

We had some good food in Khiva, and there are a few places worth visiting. However, I must admit that nothing beats Terrassa Cafe. There are actually two of these restaurants now, one next to another. While their food is the same, the ambience is very different and because if that, I think you should eat in both. The most popular one is Terrassa with a rooftop and great views. The second one (which is the old one) has great indoors with traditional decor and warm atmosphere.

A couple of other restaurants in Khiva I recommend:

Khorezm Art Café – Cozy atmosphere with excellent manty (Uzbek dumplings).
Bir Gumbaz – A traditional Uzbek restaurant with homemade-style food.

Bukhara: 2 days

Our next stop in 7 days in Uzbekistan is Bukhara. Bukhara is Uzbekistan’s most historically significant city, with over 140 protected monuments. Unlike Khiva, which feels like a well-preserved museum, Bukhara is lively and authentic, with locals still living and working within its historic streets.

The city has been continuously inhabited for over 2,500 years and remains a center of Islamic scholarship and culture. The Ark of Bukhara, an imposing fortress, was once the seat of Bukhara’s rulers and is a must-visit. The Poi Kalyan Complex, home to the Kalyan Minaret, is one of the most stunning sites in the country, particularly at sunset. The Lyabi Hauz Ensemble is a charming area to relax by a pond, surrounded by ancient madrassas and teahouses. Finally, don’t miss the Chor Minor, a small but unique madrassa with four distinct minarets- for me this was the most beautiful place in Bukhara. Also, I need to mention the Samanid Mausoleum, one of the oldest and most beautifully designed structures in the Islamic world.

However, I must admit that Bukhara was my least favourite city during the 7 days in Uzbekistan and I feel that it could be skipped if you are short on time.

How to get from Khiva to Bukhara

From Khiva we travelled to Bukhara by a taxi. However, this is not the only option.

Train: The cheapest option, taking 6-7 hours. However, for us the timings were not great to take the most out of our itinerary and not get up before sunrise. You can book your train ticket here.
Shared or private taxi: Costs $15-20 per seat, taking around 5-6 hours. We asked in the hotel if they know any trusted drivers to take us to Bukhara and that’s what we did.

Where to stay in Bukhara

Luxury: Mercure Bukhara Old Town – A modern 5-star hotel with a blend of traditional Uzbek architecture.
Mid-range: Boutique Safiya Hotel – A beautifully decorated guesthouse in the historic center.
Budget: Rumi Hotel – A great budget option with excellent location and friendly service.

Traditional madrassas

Some traditional madrassas (Islamic schools) became boutique hotels and are very popular among travellers. Here you have some most recommended:

- Amulet Hotel: Once a functioning madrasa from the 19th century, this boutique hotel retains its historical charm with intricate wooden doors, courtyard-style architecture, and traditional Bukharan decor. Located near Lyab-i-Hauz Square, it provides easy access to Bukhara’s main attractions. It’s a really, really stunning hotel, but it seems that it gets booked out for weeks if not months in advance.
- Khurjin Hotel: Situated within a historic madrasa, Khurjin provides guests with an authentic experience. The best thing is the rooftop that offers views over the backside of the Kukeldash madrasa.
- Komil Bukhara Boutique: While not a madrasa, this hotel boasts a historic dining room in typical Bukharan style, offering a very atmospheric experience.

However, I recommend booking them way in advance as they usually sell out fast since they are touristic attraction, too.

Best restaurants in Bukhara

The Plov– I loved the delicious plov in a very traditional restaurant outside of the centre (truly, it’s a must)
Chinar Restaurant – One of the best restaurants in Bukhara, known for its delicious kebabs and live music.
Old Bukhara – A top choice for trying traditional plov and manti (dumplings).
Doston House – A hidden gem serving home-cooked Uzbek dishes in a traditional setting.
Ayvan Restaurant – Offers fine dining with local and international dishes in a historic building.
Minzifa Restaurant – A rooftop eatery with a stunning view and delicious vegetarian-friendly dishes

Samarkand: 2 days

Samarkand is truly stunning. I must tell you that my 7 days in Uzbekistan would be incomplete without Samarkand. While I loved Khiva a lot, it is hard to compare and choose the winner, because these two places are so different.

Samarkand is undoubtedly the most famous city in Uzbekistan, home to some of the most impressive Islamic architecture in the world. The crown jewel of Samarkand is Registan Square, a breathtaking complex of three grand madrassas adorned with intricate mosaics and domes. The Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane (Amir Timur), features one of the most beautiful interiors in Central Asia. The Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the world, showcases grand domes and detailed tilework. Another must-visit is Shah-i-Zinda, a mesmerizing avenue of tombs decorated with brilliant blue tile mosaics. Finally, the Ulugh Beg Observatory, built by the famous astronomer Ulugh Beg, is a fascinating scientific site.

Make sure that you visit the Registan Square during the day, preferably early to avoid crowds (so you can take breathtaking photos in a dress), and in the evening for a beautiful light show over the madrassas. There’s a little kiosk outside to give you all information and timings about it.

Where to stay in Samarkand- madrassas

Hotel Bibikhanum – Located near the famous Bibi-Khanym Mosque, this hotel embraces the elegance of Samarkand’s Islamic architecture, with beautifully decorated rooms and a charming courtyard that offers views of the mosque’s impressive domes.
L’Argamak Hotel – Situated just steps away from the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, this boutique hotel combines Uzbek craftsmanship with modern comfort, offering an authentic experience in the heart of Samarkand’s historic district.

Best restaurants in Samarkand

Platan – An upscale restaurant serving a mix of Uzbek and international cuisine.
Bibikhanum Teahouse – A charming spot for fresh bread, traditional sweets, and tea.
Karimbek – Famous for its juicy shashlik (grilled meat skewers) and traditional Uzbek cuisine.
Samarkand Restaurant – A historical restaurant serving authentic Uzbek dishes in a stunning setting.
Ikrom Shashlik – A must-visit place for grilled meat lovers.
Emirhan– my favourite restaurant with a lovely terrace.

Tashkent: 1 day

As the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is a vibrant city that blends Soviet-era architecture with modern developments and ancient historical sites. The Khast Imam Complex is the city’s spiritual heart and houses the Uthman Quran, one of the oldest Qurans in the world. The Chorsu Bazaar is a must-visit for experiencing the local way of life and sampling traditional Uzbek food.

The Amir Timur Square is a central landmark dedicated to Uzbekistan’s national hero, surrounded by grand buildings and fountains. Art lovers should visit the State Museum of Applied Arts, which showcases Uzbekistan’s rich artistic traditions. For a more Soviet-era experience, exploring the Tashkent Metro, with its beautifully decorated stations, is a unique and inexpensive activity.

If you are short on time and want to discover the highlights of Tashkent in a convenient way, a walking tour might be an excellent idea.

Top attractions in Tashkent:

Khast Imam complex – Home to the ancient Uthman Quran and several beautiful mosques.
Chorsu Bazaar – A lively market where you can find spices, fresh produce, and Uzbek street food. Just make sure you go early and not in the late afternoon, as it is when the stalls start to shut down.
Amir Timur square – A central square featuring a grand statue of Tamerlane.
State Museum of Applied Arts – A fascinating museum showcasing Uzbek textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.
Tashkent metro – One of the most beautiful metro systems in the world, with elaborately designed stations. Actually, it is one of the best things to do in Tashkent.
Navoi opera theater – A stunning Soviet-era opera house where you can watch performances for an affordable price.
Tashkent TV tower – The tallest structure in Central Asia, offering panoramic views of the city.

Where to stay in Tashkent

Hyatt Regency Tashkent – A luxurious five-star hotel with elegant rooms, a spa, and a rooftop lounge offering panoramic city views.
Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace – A historic hotel with a classic European facade, featuring a lush courtyard, pool, and upscale dining.
International Hotel Tashkent – A refined option for business and leisure travelers, with spacious rooms and a peaceful garden setting.
Art Eco Hotel – A boutique-style hotel with Uzbek-inspired decor and an eco-friendly concept.

Where to eat in Tashkent

Central Asian Plov Center – The ultimate spot to try authentic Uzbek plov cooked in massive Kazan pots.
Afsona – A stylish restaurant that modernizes traditional Uzbek recipes while preserving their authentic flavors.
Caravan – Known for its cozy ambiance and delicious Uzbek and Central Asian dishes, with live music performances.

All you need to know about travelling to Uzbekistan

How to move around Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has a well-developed transportation network, making it quite easy to travel between cities and explore local attractions. You might heard already that the best way to move long distances is by the high-speed Afrosiyob train, as it is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.

Slower but more affordable Sharq and regular trains also operate on these routes. For more flexibility, shared taxis (marshrutkas) and long-distance buses connect smaller towns and rural areas, though they can be less comfortable. Personally, I think the train is really amazing, so I wouldn’t really choose buses, but it’s an option nevertheless.

Within cities, Yandex Go (similar to Uber) is the best option for convenient and affordable taxi rides, while public buses and the Tashkent Metro provide budget-friendly alternatives.

If you prefer a private transfer, many tour companies offer driver services (I often chose drivers from Booking.com or Kiwi Taxi), which can be ideal for reaching more remote destinations like Khiva. This is what we did from Khiva to Bukhara and Bukhara to Samarkand. Renting a car is possible but not widely recommended due to road conditions and local driving styles.

Money matters

The Uzbekistani Som is the local currency; 100000 som is around 7,8 US$. Carry cash, as card acceptance may be limited in some areas.

There are many ATMs available for cash withdrawal in bigger cities, however, we have encountered one problematic situation with withdrawing cash. The cash machine (ATM) swallowed the bank card and to retrieve it, we had quite a lot of hassle and needed a local person to help us with the language and speaking to the staff over the phone (who were not willing to help much). We had to insist a lot to get someone come to the ATM and get the card out. In the same booth, the other machine swallowed someone else’s card too, so I suspect it is not an isolated incident.

When to travel to Uzbekistan

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and vibrant bazaars.

Summers (June to August) can be extremely hot, especially in desert regions, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F). I originally planned to go end of June or beginning of July, but I was warned that it is extremely hot, so I reconsidered. However, if you plan to explore the mountainous areas, summer is ideal for trekking.

Winters (December to February) can be quite cold, particularly in Tashkent and the northern parts of the country, though this season offers fewer crowds and a unique perspective on Uzbekistan’s historic sites. If you want to experience Uzbek culture at its best, consider visiting during Navruz (March 21), the Persian New Year, when the country celebrates with festivals, music, and traditional performances.

The internet

It’s worthy having a prepaid sim for data in Uzbekistan. It is possible to buy a sim card at the airport, but it took us a long time waiting in line. Possibly,

If you prefer a flexible, pay-as-you-go model without the need to manage multiple plans, Drimsim may be the better choice. However, if you seek competitive data packages and a feature-rich app experience, Yesim could be more suitable. Consider your travel itinerary, data usage habits, and preference for additional features when making a decision.

See also:

Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Klook for all sorts of bookings- offers discounts.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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7 days in Uzbekistan: the highlights of the Silk Road and itinerary.

7 days in Uzbekistan: a perfect itinerary to see the highlights of the Silk Road