Why Uzbekistan Is the Morocco You Never Knew You Needed
Uzbekistan Emerges as the Underrated Gem of Central Asian Travel
Uzbekistan isn't called the "Morocco of Central Asia" for nothing: it has the same intoxicating Eastern charm, ancient cities, spice-scented bazaars, and centuries-old traditions of hospitality. But unlike Morocco—a six-hour flight from Moscow—Uzbekistan is just three hours away, requires no visa, and costs significantly less.
Like Morocco with its Marrakech and Fez, Uzbekistan rests on three crown jewels. Samarkand is the answer to Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fna, but instead of snake charmers, you'll find the turquoise domes of the Registan. Bukhara is a frozen medieval city, its covered markets and Ark Citadel untouched by time. Khiva, a walled museum-city, rivals Morocco's Aït Benhaddou—only far better preserved.
The Real Difference
It's not the architecture—it's the atmosphere. Morocco is infamous for its pushy touts who grab your sleeve and demand payment for every photo. In Uzbekistan, locals are warm but never intrusive. No one chases you down shouting, "You want?" It's Morocco without the Marrakech hassle.
Uzbekistan also wins on safety: its crime rate is nearly half that of Morocco's.
What About the Cost?
A weeklong trip to Samarkand for two starts at $1,600–2,700 (150–250,000 rubles). Morocco? $4,000–4,800 (360–430,000 rubles). The difference is even starker on the ground: a meal at a good Uzbek restaurant runs $6–7; in Morocco, it's 1.5 to 2 times pricier.
Then there's logistics. In Morocco, you'll need a car or endure long bus rides. In Uzbekistan, the Afrosiyob high-speed trains zip between Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent in 90–120 minutes—air-conditioned, with coffee included.
Who Will Love It
Travelers who want the real East—without crowds of pickpockets, aggressive vendors, or logistical nightmares. Foodies who live for plov, bazaar lovers, and architecture buffs.
Who Should Skip It
If you're chasing ocean waves and surfing—or if you're a vegetarian (meat dominates Uzbek cuisine), woman.ru notes.
The Verdict: It's Morocco, stripped of the tourist traps—then upgraded with visa-free flights, incredible food, and an East that hasn't been staged for outsiders.
