Uzbekistan named one of best places to travel next year
Uzbekistan has made the list of the best places to visit in 2027 by the American travel publisher Frommer, with easier travel, low prices, and historic Silk Road cities among the main reasons for its selection.
The country appeared in the publisher’s annual Best Places to Go in 2027 guide. The list features destinations from around the world without ranking them.
Travel writer Pauline Frommer described Uzbekistan as a destination worth visiting before it becomes crowded with international tourists.
The publication highlighted two improvements that made travel more convenient: expanded visa-free access, including for US citizens, and better railway connections between major cities.
Frommer’s also pointed to the country’s relatively low travel costs. According to its estimates, a metro journey costs around 30 cents, a meal or admission to a major attraction is about $5, and a comfortable hotel room is between $50 and $75 per night.
What makes Uzbekistan worth visiting?
Beyond affordability, Frommer’s focused on Uzbekistan’s architecture and cultural heritage.
Samarkand’s centuries-old mosques and madrasas received particular attention for their colourful tilework and links to the Silk Road. The guide also recommended Bukhara, highlighting its preserved mediaeval buildings and historical importance as a trading centre.
In Tashkent, the publication singled out Soviet-era architecture and the city’s decorated metro stations as attractions in their own right.
The former Aral Sea offered a different experience. Frommer’s suggested visiting the dried seabed and abandoned ships to understand one of Central Asia’s most serious environmental disasters.
The guide also noted the US State Department’s relatively favourable travel advisory for Uzbekistan compared with popular European destinations such as France and Spain.
Tourism growth supports Uzbekistan’s rising profile
Frommer’s recommendation comes as Uzbekistan records strong growth in international tourism.
Uzbekistan welcomed 4mn foreign visitors between January and April, up 29.9% year on year. Tourism service exports reached $1.6bn during those four months, an increase of 40%.
Improved transport links have helped make historical destinations more accessible. In May, Uzbekistan launched the Jaloliddin Manguberdi high-speed train between Tashkent and Khiva, reducing the journey to approximately 7.5 hours. The service also stops in Samarkand, Bukhara and Urgench.
Uzbekistan also introduced 30-day visa-free entry for US citizens in January 2026, removing the previous age restriction. The measure aims to encourage more travel and strengthen ties between the two countries.
