Ramadan and Travel: What Tourists Should Know

Uzbekistan is a secular state, and Ramadan doesn’t close the country to tourists, but there are a few things worth knowing in advance.

What changes

Many fasting locals don’t eat or drink during the day, from dawn to sunset. Some cafes and teahouses may run shorter daytime hours, but in the evening, after iftar, things pick up — restaurants and bazaars are often livelier than usual.

Can tourists eat and drink during the day

Yes — tourists who aren’t fasting can eat and drink as normal. The polite approach is to avoid doing it too visibly in crowded public places, especially near mosques.

The upside of visiting during Ramadan

Evening iftars at teahouses have a special, warm atmosphere that’s hard to find at other times of year. Monuments and museums run on their normal daytime schedule, and there are usually fewer tourists around.

What to plan for

If you’re considering a trip, check the exact Ramadan dates for that year — they shift annually according to the lunar calendar.

Confirm Ramadan dates and exact opening hours before your trip — they depend on the year and the region.