Coffee, Hammams and History: A Perfect Day in Tashkent

Staying centrally in Tashkent, we eased into the day the way all good days should begin: with proper coffee. After a slow morning start, we walked a few minutes to Bon! Coffee, a favourite with locals who care about their espresso as much as the ambience.

The space is modern, calm and quietly confident — no gimmicks, just good beans and skilled baristas. The flat white was spot-on: balanced, silky, not overheated, and served in a cup size that made sense. Credit where it’s due — Tashkent’s coffee scene has matured quickly, and Bon! is proof that Uzbekistan now comfortably holds its own on the specialty coffee front.

At 9:30 am, our private concierge and driver, Aziz from Silk Road Concierge, collected us directly from the hotel. Like all excellent private services, Aziz arrived early, immaculately presented, and with a spotless, comfortable vehicle waiting curbside. There was no rush, no clipboard theatrics — just a warm greeting and an effortless start to the day.

Our first destination was Khast Imam Square, the spiritual heart of Tashkent. The drive itself was part of the experience, moving from wide Soviet-era boulevards into quieter historic neighbourhoods. Aziz narrated gently as we went, giving context without overwhelming us — the mark of someone who truly understands their city.

At Khast Imam, time slowed. The Barak-Khan Madrasa, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, and the library said to house one of the world’s oldest Qurans sit together in serene harmony. Pale stone, turquoise tiles, birdsong and open courtyards created an atmosphere that felt contemplative rather than touristic. This was not a place to rush through with a camera checklist — it invited you to linger.

From there, we continued to the Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s great markets. The vast domed structure is alive with colour and sound: pyramids of spices, dried fruits, fresh bread straight from tandoor ovens, and vendors proudly offering samples. Aziz guided us through confidently, helping translate conversations and gently steering us away from tourist pricing traps. It’s exactly this kind of local insight that elevates a private concierge experience far beyond a standard tour.

By early afternoon, it was time for a complete change of pace.

We headed to Aram Hammam & Spa, tucked away behind an understated entrance that belies the calm inside. Inspired by traditional Eastern bathhouses but finished to modern luxury standards, Aram was the perfect mid-day reset. Warm marble, hushed voices, and the scent of eucalyptus immediately lowered the pulse.

The hammam ritual — steam, exfoliation, warm water and massage — was deeply restorative. After hours of walking stone courtyards and market lanes, the spa experience felt not indulgent, but necessary. We emerged relaxed, unhurried, and very glad we’d planned the day this way.

Refreshed, we resumed sightseeing with a visit to Amir Timur Square, the symbolic centre of modern Uzbekistan. The statue of Timur stands proud, surrounded by grand architecture reflecting Tashkent’s layered history — imperial, Soviet and independent. Nearby, we strolled through shaded parks and wide pedestrian spaces, watching families, couples and chess players enjoying the late afternoon light.

Our final cultural stop was the State Museum of Applied Arts, housed in a former diplomat’s residence. Intricate carved ceilings, hand-painted walls and textile displays showcased Uzbekistan’s extraordinary craftsmanship. Even for non-museum enthusiasts, this one is a standout — intimate, beautiful and deeply rooted in place.

As the sun began to soften, Aziz returned us to our hotel, offering suggestions for dinner and quietly confirming the next day’s plans before departing. No pressure, no sales pitch — just professional, thoughtful service to the very end.

Travelling around Tashkent is straightforward, but travelling well is another matter. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work fine for simple point-to-point journeys. But for a day like this — layered, cultural, relaxed, and seamless — a private concierge made all the difference.

We weren’t just transported; we were guided. We learned, asked questions, adapted the pace, and felt genuinely welcomed into the rhythms of the city.

My advice? As with Bali, don’t simply choose the cheapest option. A well-chosen private concierge in Tashkent offers transparency, cultural insight and flexibility that’s worth every dollar. For a full-day private service (around 8–10 hours), prices are very reasonable by international standards — and the value delivered is exceptional.

Tashkent surprised us — elegant, calm, generous and deeply proud of its heritage.

And that, paired with good coffee and a hammam, makes for a pretty perfect day.

— Lindsey