Fun and entertainment Uzbekistan

Very recommendable for its restaurant part, the Irish pub is no less recommendable for its pub side, especially on concert nights. Beer is pretty cheap, half the price of the new lounge. Unfortunately, we will have to make do with local or Russian beers, unless the situation improves in terms of import permits, and the same goes for whiskies. In short, an Irish pub which has only the name but a great potential. Very popular with Tashkent expats and lively on match nights.

A show not to be missed under any circumstances. In this theatre of historical costumes, you can enjoy a unique parade while discovering a breathtaking collection of costumes, highlighted through the reconstitution of great historical frescoes. A collection of more than 200 costumes in total, and dozens of choreographies. One can thus travel between the Bronze Age and the 21st century, passing through the Timurid period, the Greco-Bactrian kingdoms and Zoroastrianism. The show lasts about an hour and takes place every night at 5pm.

This building, built during the Second World War by prisoners of war, remains the benchmark for cultural events in Tashkent. The programme is varied, with performances every day alternating between ballets and operas. Regularly, some of the great names of European music perform for the pleasure of the Uzbek intelligentsia. The fares are then multiplied by 10, but in normal times the ticket price remains quite popular. The cash desk is open from 10am to 2pm and from 3pm to 7pm every day except Monday.

Registan Square is beautiful at any time of the day or night, but it is true that it has a special cachet at night, when it is illuminated. During the high tourist season, a sound and light show will delight the crowds from 9pm onwards, recounting the great adventure of the Uzbeks and the Tamerlan epic. Even if, in the end, you prefer the sobriety of a classic ignition, it's an event not to be missed, especially if you're staying in the old town, which doesn't offer much beyond that, once night falls.

This chain appeared in 2019 and had some setbacks before finally opening in a brand new location near Amur Timur Square. A good place to stop during a visit of the city in front of a good coffee or a nice pastry. There is a good choice, the products are good and the service is warm and we appreciate the comfortable sofas and the space. We find all the quality of service and welcome that characterized the first Black Bear shops: a rarity in Uzbekistan. A second address has opened at 46 Shota Roustavéli street.

A pretty establishment with softened lights where you come to dine with your family or have a drink with friends in the first part of the evening. Cuisine with a fusion food spirit with a strong Central Asian and Middle Eastern inspiration, cocktails, large choice of alcohol. Also some vegetarian dishes. The atmosphere is calm, lulled by jazz or sou beats, but sometimes the atmosphere comes alive with the more frenetic rhythms of techno music on some nights. If you're not in the mood for dancing, then you can migrate to the pleasant terrace.

At the exit of the park by the Al-Ferghani street which crosses it (former Karl-Marx street) stands the Regional Theatre, former residence of the governor. Behind the facade of Soviet architecture, under the high ceilings of the palace, plays in Uzbek or Russian are played today, generally recounting in a rather classical way the epic of Uzbekistan under Tamerlan. Even if you don't speak the language, it can be quite interesting to experience the jovial atmosphere in the theatre during and after the performances.

In an atmosphere of mud bricks and old Hollywood movie posters, wealthy young Tashkentois come here to eat or drink a drink while listening to Russian music or attending major sporting events. Unlike the after-hours addresses open in Tashkent, here you will find reasonable rates and a more calm and good-natured atmosphere, resolutely student-friendly and relaxed. Cocktails are well catered for, as are the European dishes on offer in the evening. A good downtown drop-off point.

It's a bit far from the city centre, but it's in this club that the young students of Tashkent meet, around a large dance floor with mainly Western sounds, some Russian hits, and special evenings in the 1980s. Nothing really extraordinary or new for a Western look, but it is the occasion to order some rather successful cocktails, to get acquainted with the locals in a young and relaxed atmosphere, and why not get a bit of movement on the dance floor.

It is in this young and trendy café that you can taste delicious cappuccinos and other lattes, while chatting on the terrace or surfing the web. The golden youth of Tashkent likes to meet here with friends. We also recommend fresh fruit juices. It's rather quiet and it's perfect for an early evening, even if the atmosphere is a little pinchy. Lovers of more popular atmosphere will pass by, but this kind of address is still rare enough in Tashkent to be presented.

This bookstore-café is a pioneer of its kind in Tashkent. During the day, you can come and enjoy this beautiful, well-lit room to drink an espresso or a cappuccino, sip a fruit juice or a lemonade, while biting into a piece of cake accompanied by its fetish novel. It's all the trendy and cultural student intelligentsia that comes here, on the terrace or among the books. Regular events, concerts and debates are organized in the evenings. The menu also offers some good club sandwiches and other snacks for salty food lovers.

The theatre of the Russian avant-garde has been emulated all over the world. In Tashkent, Mark Weil founded this independent theatre in the 1970s with a group of young acting students. It was one of the first theatres of its kind to appear in the Soviet bloc and it is almost a miracle that this scene has continued to exist until today. Some plays are subtitled in English, so don't miss the opportunity to see a unique show in the Uzbek cultural landscape.

Three concert halls dedicated to classical music and commissioned by the late President Islam Karimov in the early 2000s, when Tashkent began to change its face and fill up with prestigious buildings. The imposing building is in neo-classical style, supported by colonnades. You will be able to hear all the best Uzbekistan has to offer in terms of classical concerts. It was here, in particular, that an 8-year-old Uzbek boy, Edward Yudenich, a minor classical music prodigy, created the buzz by conducting the Uzbek State Orchestra.

This bar is a good place to go for a coffee during the day, in a modern and warm place. The decoration seeks to recreate a western atmosphere with large windows, exposed bricks and a slightly licked design. Even if it's not quite like that, the effort is there! Come and have a drink in the evening: the cocktails are not too bad and you can sip a beer quietly while smoking a hookah. It is also possible to have lunch or dinner, with a menu that offers salads, pizzas and cream cakes.

Located next to the Khadia Khoji Mosque, this establishment is an old socialization place for the old (male) people of the district. At the same time tchaikhana, a traditional social centre and meeting place, people come here to drink tea, chat or play chess. Time seems to have stopped there, in the heart of the labyrinth of the old town. Take the opportunity to visit the mosque opposite, whose courtyard is a small Garden of Eden, in the shade of the vines.

Opposite the Narbutabay Madrassah, on the other side of the parking lot, you will find young (and old) people in front of a soda stand. This is gazvoda, which is literally translated as sparkling water. Produced from liquefied honey, this soft drink will make you happy to endure the hot days in Kokand. Sit on the small shady bench or stand at the counter and cool your throat with this 100% natural sweet drink. Served only in spring and summer, it is believed to have many virtues.

This address is mostly frequented by European tourists but it is pleasant, at the foot of the Bibi Khanum mosque. You can drink cardamom coffee with sweets or a traditional green tea. On the terrace under the iwan, we know that the prices are overpriced, but the place is appreciated. You can also have lunch or dinner there: the cuisine is of quality and simple. You will find classic Uzbek and Russian dishes such as borscht. An option in the old town that is not given for what it is, but can be a pleasant relief.

The Wishbone café was started by Gertrud. Although she was ready to leave her native Germany for Bukhara, Gertrud was not ready to give up a good cup of coffee and a homemade German cake. So she recreated what she sorely missed: it became the Wishbone café. Here you can drink espresso, real espresso, prepared in a real espresso machine and taste homemade cakes reminiscent of our neighbours across the Rhine: Apfelstrudel, cheesecake or rather Käsekuchen but also walnut cake, chocolate cake or plum tart.

For a Bukhara spice tea, ginger tea or cardamom coffee in a pleasant and relaxing setting. The Silk Road Spices Tea House is popular with tourists: the tea menu is wide and of high quality and the establishment is a perfect stopover for tea time. It is possible to dine by ordering 24 hours in advance. The plov of Bukhara is skillfully concocted there, don't hesitate to come back for lunch or dinner, upon reservation.

The café of the El Merosi theatre is a pretty little haven of peace where the black and white photographs and the white and pastel colours are particularly soothing and warm. Excellent espressos are prepared here, there is a good choice of teas and fresh pastries follow one another throughout the day. Try the walnut cake: a real marvel! There is also a good selection of locally made chocolates of excellent quality. The atmosphere is calm and cosy, but of course comes alive during the performances.