A street in Khiva with shops and a minaret, one of the many things to do in Khiva

Things to do in Khiva

One of the ancient cities of the Silk Road, Khiva is often the Uzbek city that most tourists miss. Because it's harder to reach, most travellers to Uzbekistan tend to focus on the "Golden Trio" of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. While Samarkand has the grand scale of the Registan and...
The imposing mud walled entrance to the the Ark of Bukhara, with a ramp up to the gate - something you'll need to see on a two days in Bukhara itinerary

Two Days in Bukhara: Discovering the Desert Oasis City

If you're in the middle of planning a trip to Uzbekistan right now and you're here to figure out the best way to spend two days in Bukhara, then just know that I am very jealous. And that you've come to the right place. Bukhara is one of the three...
The Mir-i-Arab Madrasa and Kalan Mosque, some of the top things to do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Things to do in Bukhara: A Love Letter to Uzbekistan’s Soul

Most visitors to Uzbekistan come for the impressive scale of Samarkand, or the beautiful old city of Khiva, and I get it. If you've read my Samarkand post, you'll know that it was a photo of Registan that ignited my interest in the country. When I was actually in Uzbekistan,...
Shah i Zinda Necropolis in Uzbekistan, an essential part of a Samarkand itinerary

2 Night Samarkand Itinerary: Blue Tiles and Silk Road Magic

For travellers to Uzbekistan, Samarkand is usually absolutely top of the list. However, it can be hard to plan your Samarkand itinerary because the city is absolutely heaving in historical sites, beautiful architecture, and incredible places to visit. Realistically, you're going to have to get okay with the fact that...
Registan, one of the top things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

10 Incredible Things to do in Samarkand

The moment I knew I'd visit Uzbekistan one day was when I first saw a photo of Samarkand. You know the old romance trope of eyes meeting across a crowded room and knowing that person is The One? That was me, except it wasn't a person, it was shimmering turquoise...
A row of wine barrels in the Bagizagan winery in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The Bagizagan Winery: An Introduction to Uzbek Wine

When you think of Uzbekistan, you probably think of turquoise domed mosques and madrasas, intricate mosaics, or even their famous non bread. Wine isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind, but Uzbekistan actually has a thriving viticulture industry. This is especially evident in the Bagizagan Winery, just outside...
The Hotel Uzbekistan, a must do on a list of things to do in Tashkent

10 Best Things to do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s Capital City

For many visitors to Uzbekistan, the capital city of Tashkent is the first stop. It's often the transit hub: somewhere to land and spend a day or two before the real adventure begins. And sure, it might not be as striking as Registan in Samarkand, or as beautiful as the...
A market stall in chorsu bazaar in Tashkent, Uzbekistan - a good stop for travelling Uzbekistan as a vegan

Uzbekistan as a Vegan: What’s it Really Like?

Let me start off by saying: I was an idiot when I visited Uzbekistan. I did minimal planning and took the very Irish approach of "it'll be grand" to exploring Uzbekistan as a vegan. It was not grand. It was how I ended up in my hotel room in Samarkand,...
Vegan food in Tashkent: A salad and a soy pita wrap in Eco Cafe

Vegan Food in Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Discovering the Beautiful Eco Cafe

Note for 2026 Travellers: I'm gutted to report that as of Spring 2026, EcoCafe has closed its doors. It was a vegan haven in Tashkent for five years, but unfortunately wasn't sustainable longterm. As a vegan, I'm all too used to beloved places closing down, from London to Tashkent, so...