Entertainment in Uzbekistan
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A
SMI
More bar than nightclub, this is where people gravitate after an evening of club hopping. The flow of so many inebriated people to one place can have a creative effect on the environment. As one British expat put it, 'SMI morphs into whatever you want it to be at six in the morning'. SMI is the Russian acronym for 'mass media', and the walls pay due homage to the honourable craft of the scribbler.
reviewed
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B
Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre
Tashkent has a full cultural life, some of it, such as drama, of interest mainly to Uzbek and Russian speakers. But one of Central Asia's best cultural bargains and a highlight for all visitors to Tashkent is the Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre, where you can enjoy quality classical Western opera almost any night (except during the months June to August). Shows change daily - in just a week you can see Swan Lake, Carmen, Rigoletto and the Uzbek opera Timur the Great.
The interior harbours various regional artistic styles - a different one in each room - executed by the best artisans of the day, and under the direction of the architect of Lenin's tomb in Moscow.…
reviewed
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C
Ilkhom Theatre
Tashkent's other main cultural highlight is the progressive Ilkhom Theatre, which stages productions in Russian but occasionally has English subtitles. Known for bucking trends, its productions often touch on gay themes and racial subjects, putting off some locals but thrilling Tashkent's expat community, many of whom are big supporters of the theatre. You'll see such oddities as Shakespeare plays entwined with Beatles music.
The theatre also stages occasional jazz concerts as well as art exhibitions in its lobby.
reviewed
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Puppet Performance
Bukhara's old town is eerily silent by night, which is part of its charm, but there are several early evening entertainment options. A favourite is the puppet performance, held at a theatre on the western end of Lyabi-Hauz. The three-part amateur performance, with a traditional wedding ceremony as the usual theme, is held in Tajik, Uzbek and English.
The show is staged mainly for the tour-bus crowd but individuals can piggyback; shows are often cancelled if there are no tour groups in town.
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Folklore and Fashion Show
Across Lyabi-Hauz in the Nadir Divanbegi Medressa, the nightly folklore and fashion show, with traditional musical performances and dancing. Do not book this through Uzbektourism or you may be forced to buy the dinner at a premium; book at the gate or through the Tourist Information Centre instead.
The show is staged mainly for the tour-bus crowd but individuals can piggyback; shows are often cancelled if there are no tour groups in town.
reviewed
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D
Tri Bochki
Occupying a prime, shady nook right on Ankhor Canal, this brewpub/restaurant has some of the best - and best-priced - homebrew in town. Their recipe was supposedly invented by German monks in 1514. There's live jazz by night and an equally cacophonic chorus of birdsong by day. From the bridge near Turkeston Palace on Navoi kochasi walk 50m north, passing two other restaurants on the way.
reviewed
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E
Gasthaus
Spry waitresses in German country outfits serve up foaming litre steins of homemade brew to the strains of oompah music in a this biergarten by a busy autobahn. The unfiltered brew is particularly endearing and goes well with the real Bavarian sausages (6000S). The summer patio is popular despite the street noise and the 20% service charge.
reviewed
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F
Sky Club
As other clubs have come and gone like so many Tashkent NGOs, Sky Club, on the 14th floor of Le Grande Plaza hotel, remains popular year-in, year-out. Its giant, flashing Twister board of a dance floor will either serve as a cheap thrill or make you want to jump out the window, depending on how much alcohol you've consumed.
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Blues Café
Dizzy, Louie, BB and company adorn the walls and set the bluesy vibe at this snug cocktail lounge. The nightly live jazz usually takes the form of Eddie the solo piano player, but occasionally a larger ensemble materializes. The creative snack menu includes khachapuri (cheese-filled Georgian samsa).
reviewed
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G
Studio Café
The nouveau riche Uzbek crowd and hip, Hollywood-themed interior belie that you can actually get a reasonably priced beer here - a pint of Shimkent costs 1500. The streetside patio is sweet, while inside bartenders adeptly shake up a dizzying array of cocktails to the beat of crisp-sounding Russian and Western pop.
reviewed
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Ye Olde Chelsea Arms
It's grossly overpriced and the gaudy décor will hardly make real Londoners feel at home, but it fills up every night and outdraws Tashkent's two Irish pubs. It's also the only place in Tashkent where you can recline in a street-side 'throne booth' and nibble on Welsh rabbit.
reviewed
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I
Dance show
A fashion and traditional dance show takes place in the Alloquli Khan Medressa nightly in the high season, by request at other times. Book tickets through the tourist information office or at the gate, and be sure to ask for a discount, which is often granted to tourists.
reviewed
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Sharq
The Registan area shuts down around 21:00, but there's action downtown if you look hard enough. This is a pool bar weeknights but turns into a pretty good club on weekends, albeit one catering mainly to a younger set.
reviewed
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El Dorado
As in much of the country, locals tend to gravitate toward 'dance bars', basically restaurants that devolve into bacchanalian dance parties after dinner, often with floor shows. El Dorado is a good example.
reviewed
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Alyans
As in much of the country, locals tend to gravitate toward 'dance bars', basically restaurants that devolve into bacchanalian dance parties after dinner, often with floor shows. Alyans is a good example.
reviewed
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Silk Road Spices
This boutique teahouse offers a delightful diversion from all that sightseeing. They have exactly six spicy varieties of tea and coffee, served with rich local sweets such as halva and qandalat.
reviewed
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J
Ché
Mexican restaurant by day, Ché turns into a cosy, loungey club by night that plays good chillout music and draws an alternative crowd. It might be dead or it might be really, really happening.
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Pakhtakor Stadium
Soccer matches are held at the Pakhtakor Stadium, in the central park between Uzbekistan kochasi and Navoi kochasi. Tickets can be bought directly from the stadium box office.
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L
Diplomat-S
The place has a nutty, slutty streak that belies its serious name. One of the few clubs where you can still be making poor lifestyle decisions at 03:00 on a Tuesday night.
reviewed
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M
Alis
Check out Uzbeks in their element at two of the best dance bars in town, Alis and Baccara. Reserve a table ahead of time on weekends because you need a seat to get in.
reviewed
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Baccara
Check out Uzbeks in their element at two of the best dance bars in town, Alis and Baccara. Reserve a table ahead of time on weekends because you need a seat to get in.
reviewed
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Nughay Caravanserai wine tasting
Djamal Akhrarov has an informal wine shop and tasting room in this 18th-century caravanserai. The local wines are surprisingly good, in particular the cabernets.
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Muqimi Musical Theatre
Best bet for traditional Uzbek folk singing, dancing and operettas such as Brothers, Matchmakers and Bridegroom's Contest.
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Bar Chinzano
This smoky bar draws a friendly, Russian-speaking crowd of regulars and is one of the few options in town for late-night eats - try the pizza.
reviewed
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P
Tashkent State Conservatory
Chamber concerts, Uzbek and Western vocal and instrumental recitals in an impressive new edifice. Entrance is around the back.
reviewed