UZBEKISTAN

The Tashkent Metro isn’t just a way to get from A to B – it’s one of Central Asia’s most surprising cultural treasures. Opened in 1977, it was the first metro system in Central Asia, built not only for transportation but also as a showcase of Soviet engineering and artistry. Today, it’s a fast, reliable and wonderfully affordable way to explore Uzbekistan’s capital – and a journey underground feels a bit like stepping into a museum.

Each of the 3 lines and nearly 30 stations has its own theme and they are nothing like your average metro stops. Kosmonavtov Station pays tribute to space exploration, with glowing blue lights and portraits of famous cosmonauts – a place where commuters travel alongside Yuri Gagarin. At Alisher Navoi Station, Uzbekistan’s most beloved poet is honored through intricate mosaics and stunning domes, making it one of the most elegant spots on the network. Meanwhile, Mustaqillik Maydoni Station celebrates independence with marble pillars and ornate chandeliers that feel more like a palace hall than a metro stop.

For decades, photography inside the metro was strictly forbidden for security reasons, which only added to its mystery. Since 2018, cameras are welcome and visitors can now capture the artistry and grandeur that locals have enjoyed for years.

So, next time you’re in Tashkent, don’t just think of the metro as transport – think of it as an underground gallery where every ride is a journey through history, culture and a little bit of Soviet-era space-age charm.