The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan – The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

This is the complete travel guide to Bukhara Uzbekistan: what are the best places to visit and the top things to do in Bukhara, one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan? After having visited Bukhara already 4 times, I’m happy to share this comprehensive Bukhara city guide, including information on where to stay and the best restaurants in Bukhara.

Bukhara is a city unlike any other in Uzbekistan. Walking between the numerous arches and cupolas of the old city feels like walking back in time. But not like traveling back in time to a period where things were less advanced. No, in Bukhara it’s quite the opposite.

The city breathes an architectural genius that is seldom found in our modern metropolises. The sheer mastery and craftsmanship that went into building the minarets, cupolas and walls of this city will baffle you.

 Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - Bukhara City Guide - Travel to Bukhara

Bukhara is an architectural mirror of the past. While there have been restoration efforts to repair buildings that were in ruins, these reconstructions were much more subtle than in the cities of Samarkand or Khiva and the old center hasn’t changed much.

Best places to visit in Uzbekistan - Bukhara - Uzbekistan 10-day itinerary

For some people, this might not feel 100% authentic, but it still feels like a very genuine place, even if it’s not as it used to be. Bukhara doesn’t feel like a big open-air museum the same way Khiva does. It’s a city that is very much lived in.

Uzbekistan One Week Itinerary
The restored Chor Minor Madrassah

In this travel guide to Bukhara Uzbekistan, you’ll find what are the most beautiful places to visit in Bukhara, where to find them and how much visiting each place will cost. Bukhara is not just about architecture so you’ll also find a list of cool things to do in and around Bukhara city.

Tip: See my Uzbekistan Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Uzbekistan!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Things to know before you visit Bukhara Uzbekistan

  • If you arrive by bus or by train, you’ll arrive in the newer part of Bukhara city. This part is called Kagan, a 20-minute drive from the old city center of Bukhara. You can get from the bus or train station to the old city center by taxi for 20,000 UZS to 25,000 UZS (Uzbekistani Som). Taxi drivers will try to charge you double the amount so don’t give in!
  • That’s why I recommend installing the Yandex Taxi or Yoko Taxi app on your phone. Both apps allow you to order a taxi to easily get around and show you the rate in advance. They’ll also save you the hustle of bargaining for a good price.
  • There are nowadays plenty of ATM’s in Bukhara and you can also pay by credit card or cash in Euro or US Dollars at hotels, restaurants and shops.
  • Be aware that Uzbekistan is a conservative country so dress appropriately (so no short dresses, tops showing cleavage, and short shorts), even if it’s soaring hot. You should also cover your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and mausoleums.

Discover the mystical Silk Road cities and travel along the ancient caravan trails in the mountains and desert of Uzbekistan during the 14-day Highlights of Uzbekistan Adventure Tour!

Silk Road Tour - Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan - Bukhara Travel Guide - Best things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara City Guide
best places to visit in Bukhara

Is Bukhara safe for tourists?

The first time I traveled to Bukhara was during a solo trip to Uzbekistan in 2017. The city was already very safe back then for solo (female) travelers and Bukhara remains a safe destination for tourists.

The city is quite small and the people are delighted to see foreigners. You might get approached by young Uzbek people eager to practice their English or by locals who’ll invite you for tea.

Bukhara has a good touristic police presence so petty crimes such as mugging and pickpocketing are unheard of.

Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to have good travel insurance that covers both medical health and theft.

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The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide
Bukhara Travel Guide - Bukhara Uzbekistan - Things to do in Bukhara

Another recommendation I would have would be to avoid drinking tap water in Bukhara. While tap water is generally considered safe, the water pipes in Bukhara tend to be very old and drinking water there could cause some stomach issues.

To avoid buying plastic water bottles, I would recommend bringing a LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle.

This is a bottle that filters water using a filtration device. If you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria or parasites gets trapped in the filter, while the clean water passes through.

When is the best time to visit Bukhara?

The best time to visit Bukhara is in spring (April until early June) or in fall (mid-September until early November). The summer months in Uzbekistan can be soaring hot (up to 40 °C) and winters very cold (down to -15 °C).

However, spring and autumn are high seasons. If you want to avoid crowds and you don’t mind the hot or cold temperatures, you should visit Bukhara during summer or winter.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide
If you visit Bukhara towards the end of August you will see plenty of fresh fruits…

I’ve already visited Bukhara during summer (August), winter (December) and high season (September).

If you visit Bukhara during the summer and don’t cope so well with the heat, avoid going out of your guesthouse between noon and 4 pm and you should be fine.

Bukhara can be quite cold during winter and it’s not uncommon for the city to receive a good amount of snow during the coldest months of the year. If you visit Bukhara in winter, I would recommend bringing warm clothes.

Solo female travel in Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads
Bukhara in December 2017.

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Samarkand Uzbekistan - Best things to do in Samarkand city - Shah-i-Zinda

How many days do I need to visit Bukhara?

You could visit all the highlights of Bukhara in one day. I’d even recommend going on a guided walking tour so you don’t miss out on any of the beautiful sites in Bukhara.

However, if you have some time, I’d recommend taking at least 2 days to fully experience Bukhara as there are also interesting places to visit near the old city center.

The most beautiful places to visit in Bukhara Uzbekistan

Bukhara city is divided into two parts: the old city and the new city (called Kagan).

While the majority of the city’s inhabitants lives in Kagan, the older part is the most interesting area. This is where you’ll find most of the beautiful madrassahs and minarets.

A taxi can bring you from the train station to the old city for 20,000 UZS and getting there takes about twenty minutes.

Bukhara Uzbekistan Map

1. Ark fortress

The Ark is one of Bukhara’s oldest structure and it holds several museums, a mosque and old stables.

This white citadel used to be a military fort and the symbol of the state’s power.

attractions of Bukhara

The Ark has been standing proud as the entrance to the old city of Bukhara since the 5th century AD. It was used as a real fortress until the early 1920s.

Bukhara Ark - Bukhara City Guide - Bukhara Uzbekistan Travel Guide

This massive citadel has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the ages. It is said that the Emir himself blew up the palace so it wouldn’t fall into enemies hands.

Bukhara Ark Walls - Things to do in Bukhara - Bukhara Travel Guide
The Ark Fortress walls

Before going into the Ark, I suggest taking a moment to climb the Bukhara Observation Tower that stands opposite the citadel. From that vantage point, you’ll be able to see the fortress from above.

Walking inside the fortress is a good activity to do in the early evening when the sun is setting. From the top of the walls, you’ll have a beautiful view of the western part of the city and park Samanidov covered in the last rays of sunlight.

visit of Bukhara
This is the view from the fortress while the sun is setting…

Ark Fortress opening hours and entrance fees

The Ark is daily open from 9 am until 8 pm. The standard entrance fee per person is 40,000 som. It’s also possible to visit the citadel with an audio guide for an additional 20000 som, but the devices are often out of order…

I would recommend visiting the Ark with a guide as it might be more interesting than reading the brief info on the small panels at the different exhibitions.

2. Po-i-Kalyan ensemble

The Poi Kalyan ensemble is a courtyard surrounded by the Kalyan minaret, the Miri Arab Madrassah, and the Kalyan mosque. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the old town and the crown of Bukhara.

self-guided tour of Bukhara

People come from all over the world to witness the beauty of this place. The blue cupola of the madrassah is covered in a golden glow during sunset.

Visiting Bukhara

The Kalyan Minaret was built in 1127 AD. Its height is about 47 meters and it dominates the center of the old city.

Because of this, it was called the Kalyan minaret which means ”great”. It’s so impressive that Genghis Khan decided to spare the tower after conquering Bukhara.

discovering Bukhara

The Kalyan mosque that stands next to the minaret is the largest mosque in Bukhara and a great place to visit in the early morning. The best time to visit it is at sunrise and if you go there earlier than the official opening time, you can visit the mosque for free. Otherwise you’ll have to pay an entrance fee of 20,000 som.

Kaylan Mosque Bukhara Uzbekistan - Bukhara Travel Guide

When you visit this mosque, wear some appropriate clothes that cover your shoulders. When I was there, I saw a group of tourists who had obviously forgotten they were in a sacred place.

Po-i-Kalyan Ensemble Bukhara Uzbekistan - Bukhara Travel Guide - Places to visit in Bukhara Uzbekistan

The best place to enjoy a sunset over the Po-i-Kalyan ensemble is from the upper terrace of Cafe Chasmai Mirob located at a corner of the square.

This is what the view from the restaurant looks like:

How to visit Bukhara

3. Ismail Samanis Mausoleum

The Ismail Samanis Mausoleum is located in Samanidov park, a beautiful tree-lined park with small canals, and a pool of water. This is one of the oldest few buildings that remain from the rich Persian Samanid dynasty that ruled Central Asia until the 10th century.

The shrine is considered to be one of the oldest monuments in the Bukhara region.

lists of places to see in Bukhara

When Genghis Khan invaded the city, a flood had covered the mausoleum in mud and so it got protected from the destruction that plagued the rest of Bukhara.

The site was only rediscovered in 1934 and it took two years to excavate the monument from the ground and mud that covered it.

The mausoleum stands next to a small pond of water and it’s a great place to relax at sunset.

There is also a small amusement park nearby where local families go to enjoy one of the many rides in the early evening.

4. Lyab-i-hauz Ensemble

Lyab-i-Hauz means ”by the pond” in Persian. It’s the name of the area that surrounds one of the few hauz/khauz or small water ponds of Bukhara.

When Bukhara was first built, it was possible to find smaller ponds like this one in every inner courtyard of the old city. Nowadays, they are much rarer and Lyabi Hauz is one of the few remaining ponds in the city.

Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - Bukhara City Guide - Travel to Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Bukhara

The pond is surrounded by small restaurants, souvenir shops, a very unique madrassah, and a mosque.

What is very special about the Madrassah of Nadrid Divan-begi, that stands on one side of the pond, is that it has one of the few Islamic mosaics depicting animals instead of purely geometrical shapes.

architecture of Bukhara
This is one of the few Islamic mosaics that depict animals…

This is a place that is not only visited by tourists but also by locals. It’s not uncommon to see young teenagers from Bukhara hanging out at the tables of restaurants near the pond in the evening.

5. Chor Minor Madrassah

Chor Minor, which means four minarets in the Tajik language, is one of the most charming buildings in Bukhara. It has four turquoise domes and it’s a lovely place to see during sunset.

interesting buildings of Bukhara

The four towers above this building were never intended to be used as religious minarets. They are believed to reflect the world’s four religions.

The building itself was the gatehouse to a nearby madrassah. The turquoise cupolas of this building are very often covered by storks’ nests.

Chor Minor Bukhara Uzbekistan - Bukhara Travel Guide - Places to visit in Bukhara

Chor Minor is oddly located in Bukhara because it’s a bit far off from the center of the old city and it’s lost in the center of a residential area.

Although Chor Minor is quite a tall building, it’s almost impossible to catch a glimpse of it until you’re right next to the old monument.

6. Ulugbek Madrassah

This madrassah is relatively small compared to the ones found in the Po-i-Kalyan Complex but it’s still very beautiful. It shares its name with a similar madrassah found in Samarkand.

stunning places in Bukhara

The man who ordered its construction was called Ulugbek and he was an enlightened and intellectual ruler. He was very concerned about the development of science in Uzbekistan. While he was alive, Bukhara was a very strict and conservative city.

He decided to build this madrassah in the hopes that the city would eventually become a center of science and education instead of being so conservative.

monuments of Bukhara

The construction was built in 1417. The portal of the building has a carved inscription taken from the Koran: ‘The pursuit of knowledge is the responsibility of every Muslim man and woman’.

This building could receive up to 80 students. They studied subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, and Arabic.

7. Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah

Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah is part of the architectural ensemble of Ulugbek Madrassah and is found right across from it. However, it is much bigger and more beautiful.

Historic center of Bukhara - Best places to visit in Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

It was built a few centuries after the Ulugbek Madrassah and clearly shows how architecture evolved drastically in the time period between the two constructions.

While the Ulugbek Madrassah is quite simple, the Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah is grand and elaborately decorated.

gorgeous madrasahs of Bukhara

The walls and portals of this madrassah display almost all the decoration techniques used in those times: reliefs, gorgeous tiles, brick mosaic, and ornamental stalactites.

Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah Bukhara - Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan

8. Bolo Khauz Mosque

Bolo Khauz is just a hundred meters away from the Ark citadel and is totally worth a visit. This mosque has some of the most stunning and intricately carved wooden pillars I have ever seen.

Bolo Khauz Bukhara Uzbekistan - Places to visit in Bukhara old town

The ceiling above the pillars is covered in gorgeous frescoes and geometrical patterns.

Bolo Khauz Bukhara - Places to visit in Bukhara City - Bukhara Travel Guide

There is a small pool of water (khauz) in front of the mosque. Locals occasionally come to sit next to this pool and relax in the shade of the surrounding trees.

If you fancy eating some shashlik, you’ll find a great restaurant called Bolo Khauz Chaikana (see “Restaurants in Bukhara in the section below) right across from the mosque.

9. Chor Bakir complex

When I was in Bukhara I had the chance to visit a cemetery unlike any other; the Chor Bakir Necropolis.

This vast cemetery covering almost 3 hectares is located just a few kilometers outside of the old town of Bukhara and it’s really worth a visit.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

It was the burial place of Abu-Bakr-Said and many people in Uzbekistan consider this sacred place to be a very important pilgrimage site.

While some people might find the idea of visiting a cemetery quite strange, Chor Bakir is a place that I found very beautiful.

It’s located outside of town so you’ll need to walk for a bit more than an hour, take a taxi to get there or visit the cemetery as part of the Bukhara Countryside Tour (see Bukhara City Tours below).

The best things to do in Bukhara

1. Visit the animal market

If you want to see something totally out of the ordinary in Bukhara, I recommend an early morning visit to the animal market. Hundreds of Uzbek shepherds gather in a small field near Bukhara on a weekly basis to buy, sell and trade livestock.

people of Bukhara

I went there with the owner of my guesthouse since he convinced me it would be the perfect opportunity to take great pictures and he was absolutely right.

Locals of Bukhara

We took a taxi from the Ark for about 4000 som and drove for 10 minutes before reaching the field where the animal market was organized.

This animal fair takes place on Sundays from 3 am to 9 am. To get there simply mention you want to go to ”Molbazaar – animal market” to your taxi driver.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

2. Watch a street performance

There are many musicians and dancers performing in the streets of the old city of Bukhara during high season. It’s not uncommon to come across people dressed in traditional clothes dancing to an eerily beautiful song.

Some of these dancers might even invite you to join them if they notice you are a foreigner.

street performances in Bukhara

It’s also quite common to see street musicians perform in the evening and entertain tourists with their beautiful music.

street shows in Bukhara
You’ll often come across musicians in the central squares of Bukhara in the evening…

3. Travel around the old city by rickshaw or “Rolls Royce”

A great way to discover Bukhara is from the back of a rickshaw. Some drivers even pimped their rickshaw into a “Rolls Royce”.

Rolls Royce Rikshaw - Things to do in Bukhara city

For a modest price, these rickshaws take you to sites in the old city which are impossible to reach by car. You can customize your itinerary according to your interests. You can also stop along the way to soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of this ancient city.

Things to do in Bukhara - Bukhara Travel Guide

4. Walk along the water canals of Bukhara

Bukhara is a city that used to be famous for its water system. Up until a century ago, the city had an extensive network of water canals and more than 200 stone pools (khauz).

This is where people used to gather, gossip about their neighbors, drink some water and wash their clothes.

activities to do in Bukhara
The pools and canals are where people would get together and chat about their daily lives…

However, the water wasn’t changed often and Bukhara became notorious for water-borne diseases. It is said that the average 19th-century Bukharan died by the age of 32. Nowadays there are a lot fewer canals running through the city.

5. Wander around the Old bazaar

Bazaars and markets are the living and beating hearts of every Islamic city. Bukhara is no different.

When visiting the old city, you should absolutely stroll around its bazaar. The market is found under the old trading domes right in the center near Po-i-Kalyan Ensemble.

markets of Bukhara

Unfortunately, nowadays only souvenirs are sold at the bazaar. It’s impossible to find the spices, silk, and rugs that used to be sold there.

I can only imagine how the shouting of merchants from all over the world must have filled these domes centuries ago. The market does retain a certain charm from its former glory though and I’m sure you’ll find some interesting souvenirs for your loved ones there.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide
The building in which the bazaar is held has some dome-like roofs…

6. Visit one of the numerous museums in the city

Although Bukhara is not a big city, it has a lot of museums to explore.

One that I recommend visiting is the workshop museum of Bukhara dolls. This museum was established in the hope of reviving the ancient tradition of making dolls of paper mache in Bukhara. Doll making was and still is a very important tradition in Uzbekistan.

This museum is full of dolls representing very famous people from the Uzbek folklore. there are dolls made in the likeness of the emir of Bukhara and his guards while some look like rich merchants or peasants.

Tourists can also buy any doll they like in this museum.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

Another museum that is worth a visit is the Palace of Moon-like Stars also called Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa.

This used to be the summer palace of the last emir of Bukhara, Alim Khan. This museum is located outside of the city and can be reached by taxi for 10,000 som or as part of the Bukhara Countryside Tour (see Bukhara City Tours below).

It combines Russian architecture with traditional Islamic designs. There are three buildings within the compound as well as a beautiful water pool. You can walk and discover the museum by yourself for 30,000 som.

If you’d like the services of a guide, you’ll have to pay an extra 30,000 som.

7. Enjoy the sunset in Samanidov park

Samanidov park is a lovely place to enjoy the sunset. During sunset, tons of small exotic birds gather in the trees of the park and create a fantastic ambiance while the temperature cools down.

The park also has a few water canals so the temperature there is always comfortable, even during the warmest summer days.

A lot of local families come here in the early evening to enjoy long walks between the trees or to enjoy a ride on a Ferris wheel located at the end of the park.

If you visit Samanidov park during the early evening, make sure to visit Samanidov mausoleum located at the end of the park. Towards the end of the day, this monument is bathed in a beautiful warm light.

Samanidov mausoleum Bukhara Uzbekistan - Places to visit in Bukhara
Samanidov mausoleum

8. Travel around the city on a hop-on-hop-off bus

Bukhara has now Hop-on Hop-off Buses that will bring you to all the different places of interest in one day. They have a bus that leaves from Lyab-i- Hauz every day between 9 am and 6 pm.

It circulates between the old and the new city and goes around the different monuments located outside of the city.

Because you can hop on and off the bus as many times as you like during the day with only one ticket, it’s the best way to see as many things as possible in the shortest amount of time.

how to get around Bukhara

9. Visit Uba, a village famous for its clay ovens

If you are staying around Bukhara for more than just a few days, and you love traditional craftsmanship, I absolutely recommend you visit the small village of Uba.

This is a small Uzbek town that is famous for its clay ovens.

towns to visit near Bukhara

Almost everyone in the village of Uba makes a living crafting clay ovens. These are made with the vast supplies of clay that are found in the rivers near the town.

places to visit near Bukhara

The oven makers of Uba love to receive foreigners in their town and they are proud to show their work.

Uzbek hand-made crafts

While in Uba, I met an incredibly talented sculptor; Kubara Babaeva. She is 87 years old and she has been sculpting clay figures since she was 6.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide
Kubara Babaeva has been sculpting fantastic creatures since she was 6 years old…

The little statues that she lovingly brings to life represent fantastic creatures and otherworldly beings.

If you visit her workshop in Uba, you’ll see that even in old age she keeps a sharp mind and is sculpting these statues with so much passion. Hearing her tell how spirit guides inspire her work was nothing short of extraordinary.

If you want to visit Uba for its clay ovens or to visit Kubara Babaeva, you’ll have to first take a taxi.

Ask the taxi driver to bring you to ”Karvon bazaar gijduvan avtostayanka”. A taxi to get there should cost around 8000 som. At this location, you’ll see a minibus station.

From the station, you can ask around and find a shared van that goes to the village of Uba in the Vobkent district.

This is what the station looks like:

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

You can also order a taxi on the Yandex Taxi or Yoko Taxi app to get to Uba.

10. Climb up Bukhara observation tower

This observation tower is the perfect place to admire the Ark Fortress from above. It’s also a great vantage point to see the old buildings of the city become orange in the rays of the setting sun.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

I wouldn’t recommend going up there in the middle of the day as the view probably won’t be so spectacular as during sunset.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

A ticket to go up the observation tower costs 40000 Som and you can go all the way to the top in a small elevator.

The tower is right across from the street in front of the Ark of Bukhara.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide
This is the view of the Ark from the tower…

11. Visit the photo gallery of Shavqat Boltaev

During my second visit to Bukhara in 2019, I stayed at the guesthouse of the city’s most famous photographer; Shavqat Boltaev. Sadly, Shavqat passed away in 2020.

He had a photo gallery in Bukhara where he exposed a vast collection of the photos and portraits he took in and around Bukhara.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

In memory of his father, Shavqat Boltaev’s son is nowadays opening the photo gallery. You can find the gallery on Jubar Street, at the inner courtyard of an old caravanserai. You can recognize its entrance as it mentions “couchsurfing community”. Type this in on maps.me and you’ll see the exact location.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

The photo gallery also exposes the work of other Uzbek photographers and it’s a great way to discover the country from the eyes of locals.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

Shavqat made portraits of people from all the different cultures that compose the unique melting pot of Bukhara.

The way in which he captured moments from the daily life of the locals is absolutely stunning. If you love portrait and documentary photography, visiting this gallery will leave you speechless.

Visiting this gallery is free and you can always encourage the photographers exposing their pictures there by buying prints and postcards.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide
The late Shavqat Boltaev

Bukhara City Tours

I recommend taking a guided city tour in Bukhara. There’s so much history and stories to be told from this ancient Silk Road City. Visiting Bukhara with a guide will make your trip even more interesting!

You can get an English-speaking guide at the tourist information center in the center of the old town. You’ll pay $50 for a 3-hour guided tour and $80 for a 5-hour tour.

You can also book one of the guided city tours below.

After you’ve seen Bukhara’s beautiful historical sites, you could also go on a guided tour to see all the historical sites in the countryside near Bukhara: the Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace (Palace of Moon-like Stars), Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum and the Chor Bakr Necropolis.

The best restaurants in Bukhara

1. Old Bukhara

Old Bukhara is in my opinion one of the best restaurants in Bukhara. The menu offers a wide selection of Uzbek dishes and if you like to try some traditional Uzbek lamb, Old Bukhara serves delicious tender chops and mutton.

The restaurant has a nice-looking traditional decor with a beautiful courtyard and a nice rooftop terrace. The staff is really friendly and attentive.

2. Bolo Hauz chaikana

A Chaikhana, or a teahouse, was a place to rest along the legendary Silk Road. It was a place where travelers would rest, sip tea, and sing together. Bolo Hauz Chaikana was inspired by these traditional teahouses and it’s the perfect place to rest and enjoy a great meal with your friends.

This restaurant is very close to the Ark citadel and at a walking distance from the Bolo Hauz mosque. Because of this, the prices are a little bit higher than in other less touristy places, but it’s still very reasonable even with the usual 10% service charge added.

Bolo Hauz Chaikana has a very simple interior but the design of the place is not the reason why I loved this restaurant so much. The food there was fantastic and the portions really huge. They also serve Uzbek salads, soups, plov (pilaf) and noodles.

3. The Plov

 The Plov is a new restaurant in Bukhara where you can eat… plov! Plov is the most famous dish in Uzbekistan and this restaurant prepares it in the traditional way.

The restaurant has a European design and on the walls hang old and recent pictures representing Bukhara. It’s a place where the locals come to eat plov, it’s very budget-friendly and it’s the best restaurant in Bukhara to try this traditional dish.

Where to eat in Tashkent - Plov Uzbekistan
Making plov

Where to stay in Bukhara?

There are plenty of very good hostels and guesthouses in Bukhara. The best place to stay is in the old town near all the popular attractions and sights.

In Uzbekistan, tourists have to register every night in a hotel, a hostel or a guesthouse.

When you check-in, the owner of the establishment will ask you for your passport so they can register you online. They might also give you a registration slip upon check-out. You have to keep these registration slips on you as they can be checked when you leave the country.

1. Art Guest House Usto

Art Guest House Usto is one of my favorite guesthouses in Bukhara. It was owned by Shavqat, the famous Bukhara photographer who recently passed away. Nowadays his wife runs the guesthouse and she is most hospitable and welcoming!

The guesthouse is located in a quiet part of the old town. Check out rates and availability for “Art Guest House Usto”

2. Dervish Hostel

Dervish Hostel is the best hostel to stay in Bukhara if you’re on a budget and/or easily want to connect with other travelers. The dorm rooms are exceptionally clean, there’s a large cosy courtyard and the breakfast included in the price is delicious.

The hostel is centrally located in a quiet neighborhood, just 5 minutes away from the Liaby Khaus ensemble, so getting there is quite easy and convenient. Check out rates and availability for “Dervish Hostel”

3. Old Gate Hotel

Old Gate Hotel is a beautiful hotel I recommend for those with a mid-range budget. The hotel is located in the heart of Bukhara, near the Ulugbek Madrassah.

Old Gate Hotel is a former family home and Nurbek, the kind and hospitable owner of this family-run hotel, will be happy to tell you about its fascinating history.

The lavishly decorated rooms are spacious and clean and you’ll get a continental or buffet breakfast in the morning. Check out rates and availability for “Old Gate Hotel”

4. Shohnishin Boutique

For those who’re looking for a high-end stay in Bukhara, I highly recommend Shohnishin Boutique.

This brand new hotel (opened in 2022) is located 50 meters from Lyab-i-Hauz. The beautifully ornated rooms have large windows facing the quiet inner courtyard and offer all the amenities for a comfortable stay.

The hotel offers one of the best breakfasts in town (or so I heard) and the owners are very friendly, kind and caring. Check out rates and availability for “Shohnishin Boutique

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

Great festivals to attend in Bukhara

Nowruz holiday – March 21st

Nowruz is one of the most treasured holidays in Uzbekistan. It’s known as the Persian new year. It’s a day to celebrate nature and to welcome spring.

In Uzbekistan, people celebrate this day by enjoying delicious food with their neighbors, friends, and family. In Bukhara, you can expect plenty of street performances and shows of traditional dances during the holiday.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide

Day of Khudja Nassridin – April 1st

Khudja Nassriddin is a philosopher known for his witty humor. He is at the center of many anecdotes and popular folk tales.

In Uzbekistan, he became a symbol of humor, wisdom, and jokes and according to legends, he lived in Bukhara. Because of this, there is a festival dedicated to him every year on the 1st of April.

Silk and spice festival – last weekend of May

This is one of the most famous festivals held in Bukhara and it attracts international and Central-Asian visitors. During the last weekend of May, many different spices that were popular during the Silk Road period are on display in the bazaar of Bukhara.

People visit the city during that weekend to buy and sell spices from all over Central-Asia.

Melon Festival – July 30th to August 2nd

During this festival, Uzbek farmers proudly show their harvest of melons. They have over 100 different types of melon on display. It’s a great time to buy melons as they usually are much cheaper during those few days.

Independence day – September 1st

This is probably the most important day in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan became an independent country on September 1st, 1991.

Since that day, the whole country celebrates the anniversary of independence with performances, shows, and musical events. Streets and squares are decorated with flags and military parades can be seen in almost every major squares of popular Uzbek cities.

Fireworks can also be seen at night over Bukhara.

Day of Bukhara city – 19th-20th of October

These are two days dedicated to the city of Bukhara. Acrobats and street performers fill the streets of the old city while craftsmen show a display of handmade iron tools and knives on stalls in the market.

New Year – December 31st

Although Uzbekistan is mainly Muslim, the New Year (January 1) has been celebrated since the Soviet times in the same fashion it’s celebrated around the rest of the world.

Before New Year, people carefully prepare for the holiday. They dress up a tree; decorate the streets and houses with garlands.

The main heroes of Uzbek New Year are Grandfather Frost and Snow Maiden, who are named in Uzbekistan as Korbobo and Korkiz.

every day life in Khiva

My Bukhara Photography Gear

Below is an overview of the gear I used to capture the beauty of Bukhara. You can also see my article on photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers for more information.

How to get to Bukhara

Bukhara is located in the southwestern part of Uzbekistan. It’s relatively far from other Uzbek cities and getting there takes a while but it’s still easily reachable by train, bus or shared taxi.

Bukhara is now connected by train to Tashkent, Samarkand, and Khiva.

The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide
For more information about train travel in Uzbekistan:

The Complete Guide to Train Travel in Uzbekistan

1. How to get from Tashkent to Bukhara

Getting from the Uzbek capital to Bukhara is very easy. There is a high-speed train that connects the two cities as well as a standard train. It’s also possible to take a night train towards Bukhara.

Traveling between the two cities by bus is also super convenient.

Getting from Tashkent to Bukhara by train

Tashkent’s main railway station (the northern railway station) is a large building with blue windows dating from the early 1980’s. Getting there by metro is pretty straightforward.

You just have to get out at the Tashkent metro station on the blue Uzbekistan Line. Getting there by taxi from the city center should cost around 16000 Som.

Afrosiyob Fast train Uzbekistan - Train Travel Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads
Some trains in Uzbekistan are very modern…

You can nowadays easily buy train tickets online on the official Uzbekistan Railway website. You’ll also find an overview of the train schedules from Tashkent to Bukhara. Consult my Uzbekistan Railways Guide to learn how to book the train tickets and select your seats.

From the train station in Kagan, the new part of Bukhara, you can catch a taxi to the old city for 20,000 som. Taxi drivers waiting at the station like to overcharge tourists but you shouldn’t pay more than this.

Tip: install the Yandex Taxi or Yoko Taxi app to easily order a taxi online and receive the rate upfront.

Getting from Tashkent to Bukhara by bus

Long-distance buses connecting Tashkent and Bukhara leave from the bus station near the Olmazor metro station.

You can buy bus tickets directly at the bus station or online. Bus prices tend to change quite regularly but they generally cost around 66.000 som.

There is a bus that leaves Tashkent at 3 pm and that arrives in Bukhara the next day at 4:25 in the morning.

2. How to get from Khiva to Bukhara

Khiva is another stunning Silk Road city and a trip to Uzbekistan should include a visit to both locations.

Transportation between the two cities is well organized and there are daily one or two trains going from Khiva to Bukhara; one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon. Check the train schedule here.

The train station in Khiva is located just outside of the old city, so you don’t really need a taxi to get there.

The train from Khiva to Bukhara is usually a night train (it goes all the way to Tashkent) and the journey takes 8 hours. You can book your train ticket online. Consult my Uzbekistan Railways Guide to learn how to book the train tickets and select your seats.

3. How to get from Samarkand to Bukhara by train

There are direct trains between Samarkand and Bukhara making traveling between these two cities very easy.

There are about 5 trains a day connecting the two cities, including night trains. Check the train schedule here and consult my Uzbekistan Railways Guide to learn how to book the train tickets and select your seats.

Bukhara City Guide - Bukhara places of interest

I hope this travel guide was useful and I wish you a great time in Bukhara. If you have any questions, suggestions or current updates (change in prices, etc), let me know in the comments below! I like to keep my travel guides up-to-date!

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14 thoughts on “The 20 Best Things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan – The Complete Bukhara Travel Guide”

  1. Enjoyed reading all the post of Uzbekistan. It is quite detailed. Can you suggest a bit more about National parks for wildlife? Thank you so much.

  2. Christine Armbruster

    Hello! Thank you for all of your suggestions and thoughtful advice for travelers to Bukhara! One thing that may have changed- I went to go to the animal market this Thursday morning and it was closed. It may be winter hours, as it’s the end of November, but for others who might be getting up early and heading out there, it might be closed and they should check first. Thanks!

  3. Hello, May 29, 2023 and The Kalyan mosque was only charging 5000 to enter, vs the 20000 you mention above; otherwise, thank you for the wonderful guides for all of Uzbekistan.

    1. Hi Bill, that’s great to hear. Maybe it was a special offer or they’ve changed their prices. Thank you for letting us know! Warm wishes, Cynthia

  4. Loved your post . Very informative.
    We are planning a visit to Uzbekistan in late August early September

  5. Nicely written, but I don’t agree that all places worth visiting in Bukhara can be seen in one day. How about Mokhi-Khasa – the summer residence of Bukhara Emir? Or Chor Bakr Mausoleum? These places are outside the city and need at least 2-3 hours to visit each.

    1. Hi Ed, the main places within Bukhara’s city center can be done in one day. Of course, there’s always more to see and do and if people have extra time, they can go and visit these additional places outside the city. How did you enjoy your visit to Bukhara?

  6. Hi, thank you so much for your post! Could you please suggest us what should be the order of visiting the cites? We only have one day but want to visit as many places as possible…

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