Mustaqillik Maydoni Independence Square
Tashkent's grand central plaza, featuring the iconic Independence Monument and a moving WWII memorial, vibrant with fountains.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & beautiful fountains
Mustaqillik Maydoni Independence Square
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & beautiful fountains

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tashkent's grand central plaza, featuring the iconic Independence Monument and a moving WWII memorial, vibrant with fountains.
"A majestic square with impressive monuments and beautiful fountains, especially enchanting at night."
🚶♀️ Evening Ambiance
Enjoy the square at night when fountains are active and monuments are lit. Great for a peaceful walk.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the grandeur of the Independence Monument and the solemnity of the WWII Memorial.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Independence Monument
Central Square
A massive pink granite monument topped with a golden globe, symbolizing Uzbekistan's sovereignty.

WWII Memorial
East side of the square
A poignant tribute with an eternal flame and golden pages inscribed with the names of fallen Uzbek soldiers.

Fountains
Central colonnade area
Series of fountains that create a vibrant atmosphere, especially enchanting during evening visits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Strolls & Fountains
Respectful Observation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Advice for a night tour of Tashkent
🚶♀️ Evening Ambiance
Enjoy the square at night when fountains are active and monuments are lit. Great for a peaceful walk.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the grandeur of the Independence Monument and the solemnity of the WWII Memorial.
Englishman in Toshkent
⏳ Time Allocation
Plan for about an hour to explore the main attractions of the square.
👮♂️ Security Presence
Note the strong military and police presence; it's a sign of the square's importance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Evening Ambiance
Enjoy the square at night when fountains are active and monuments are lit. Great for a peaceful walk.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the grandeur of the Independence Monument and the solemnity of the WWII Memorial.
⏳ Time Allocation
Plan for about an hour to explore the main attractions of the square.
👮♂️ Security Presence
Note the strong military and police presence; it's a sign of the square's importance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mustaqillik Maydoni is a grand and significant public space in Tashkent, praised for its impressive Independence Monument and the poignant WWII Memorial. Visitors enjoy the lively fountains, especially during evening visits, and the overall sense of national pride it evokes. However, some find the lack of direct access to certain monuments and the Presidential Palace limiting.
"The Independence Square as one might presume is located in the very center of Uzbek capital. It's a pretty big area with several attractions to see and visit, and some you can not.
The central part occupies a long colonnade with a mythical bird on top in the middle. In front of it are series of fountains (not working in Oct).
Behind it is the Independence monument - massive pink granite monument with golden globe on top with Uzbek state engraved in the middle. Instead of that globe here used to be Lenin statue during the Soviet era, but was removed after gaining independence. No access to the monument, you can only observe it from a distance.
To the left is the white classic style Presidential palace with no access even close to it.
To the right is the WWII memorial you can freely roam around with eternal flame and casualties from Uzbek inscribed in golden pages.
Parks around these attractions are nicely manicured with strong military and police presence. Count on up to an hour to see the entire area"
Dejan Braki
"Even if it is a majestic square, it's not possible to go anywhere near the Presidential Palace. Even the garden beyond the fountain is not accessible."
David Reali
"It is one of the best place in Tashkent"
Munisa Munisa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mustaqillik Maydoni is centrally located in Tashkent, making it easily accessible by taxi or public transport. Many bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short ride from major hotels. If you're arriving by metro, the 'Mustaqillik Maydoni' station is directly connected to the square.
Yes, Independence Square is a major landmark and is within walking distance of several other key sites in Tashkent, including the Amir Timur Square and the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan.
From Tashkent International Airport (TAS), the most convenient way to reach Independence Square is by taxi. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
The Tashkent Metro's 'Mustaqillik Maydoni' station on the Yunusobod Line serves the square directly. It's a very convenient option for exploring the city.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Yandex Go are widely used in Tashkent and are a reliable way to get to Independence Square from anywhere in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mustaqillik Maydoni Independence Square is a public space and entry is free for all visitors. You can wander around and admire the monuments without any admission fee.
The square is open 24/7 as it's a public plaza. However, the best experience is during daylight hours or in the evening when the fountains are on and the monuments are illuminated.
The fountains are typically operational during the warmer months, from April to October, and are particularly beautiful in the evenings. It's advisable to check locally for exact timings as they can vary.
While the main square is accessible, direct access to the Presidential Palace is restricted. You can view it from a distance, but you cannot enter the grounds.
While there aren't official guided tours specifically for the square itself, many city tours of Tashkent include a stop here. You can also explore independently or hire a local guide.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the impressive Independence Monument with its golden globe, the solemn WWII Memorial with its eternal flame, and the central colonnade with its fountains.
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the main areas of Independence Square, taking photos, and appreciating the monuments.
Absolutely! Many visitors recommend visiting in the evening to see the illuminated monuments and active fountains, which create a magical atmosphere.
The Independence Monument symbolizes Uzbekistan's sovereignty and freedom. It replaced a statue of Lenin after the country gained independence from the Soviet Union.
Restrooms and cafes are not directly within the main square area. It's advisable to use facilities before or after your visit, or at nearby establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the full view of the Independence Monument, the eternal flame at the WWII Memorial, and the fountains, especially when lit up at night.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the public areas of Independence Square. However, be mindful of any restricted zones or security personnel.
For dramatic shots, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise or before sunset. Evenings offer beautiful illuminated scenes with the fountains.
You can photograph the Presidential Palace from a distance, but you cannot get close to it, and photography within restricted areas is prohibited.
While you can photograph the memorial, it's a place of remembrance. Be respectful and avoid intrusive or disrespectful photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Symbolism of Independence Square
The surrounding area includes the classic white facade of the Presidential Palace, though access to its grounds is restricted. The presence of manicured parks and a noticeable military and police presence underscores the square's significance as a national symbol and a venue for important state events and public gatherings.
Visitors often find the series of fountains particularly captivating, especially during the warmer months when they are active and illuminated in the evenings, adding a dynamic and beautiful element to the grand plaza. It's a place where history, national pride, and civic life converge.
Experiencing Independence Square: Tips from Visitors
While the square is visually impressive, it's important to note that access is limited in certain areas. You can admire the Presidential Palace from afar, but you won't be able to enter its grounds. Similarly, the Independence Monument is best viewed from designated points. Visitors recommend allocating about an hour to fully appreciate the main attractions, including the WWII Memorial with its eternal flame.
Be prepared for a strong security presence, which is a common observation. This is a testament to the square's importance as a national landmark. Despite the lack of extensive facilities directly within the square, its accessibility via metro and taxi, combined with its free entry, makes it a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting Tashkent.
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