10 Best Things to Do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Are you planning to visit Bukhara, Uzbekistan? Here, we’ve mentioned the 10 best things to do in Bukhara that you should definitely add to your bucket list.

Bukhara, a city in Uzbekistan with a history dating back over two millennia, is a treasure trove of culture, architecture, and history.

Located along the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history and culture.

With its well-preserved historical sites, vibrant bazaars, and welcoming atmosphere, Bukhara is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of the past and the present.

In this article, I’ll explore some of the best things to do in Bukhara to make the most of your visit to this enchanting city.

Interesting Facts about Bukhara

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Here are five interesting facts about Bukhara:

Bukhara is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 2,500 years. It was an important centre of trade, religion, and scholarship along the ancient Silk Road.
Bukhara has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved Islamic architecture and historical monuments.
Bukhara was a centre of Islamic learning during the mediaeval period, producing renowned scholars and theologians such as Imam Bukhari.
Bukhara has been ruled by various empires and dynasties throughout its history,.
Bukhara was once a major centre of Jewish life, with a Jewish population that dates back to the 4th century CE.

Why Should You Visit Bukhara?

Bukhara is a fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history and culture. It is home to several well-preserved historical monuments that are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

A visit to Bukhara allows visitors to experience the sights and sounds of this historic trade route and learn about the cultural exchanges that took place along the way.

Bukhara has been a melting pot of cultures and religions throughout its history, resulting in a unique blend of Islamic, Persian, and Central Asian influences.

Visitors can experience this diversity through the city’s art, music, and cuisine. Bukhara is known for its warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can stay in traditional guesthouses and interact with locals to learn more about the city’s culture and history.

Best Things to Do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Here are the 10 best things to do in Bukhara, Let’s discuss them one by one.

1. Skygazing from Chashmai Mirob

Skygazing from Chashmai Mirob is one of the best things to do in Bukhara for every kind of tourist. A flight of stairs will lead you up to the cafe Chashmai Mirob, which is located only a few metres north of the Kalon Minaret.

Many flocks here more for the sunset vistas than for the meals or beverages.

The café has stunning views of the Kalon Mosque, its minaret, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa at dusk. After enjoying the sunset, try some of the most delicious local cuisines there.

Location: Khodja Nurobobod St, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Famous For: Its beautiful sunset and spectacular view.

2. The Ark

The earliest and most widely recognized structure in Bukhara is none other than The Ark of Bukhara. From the fifth century until 1920, when the Red Army chose to bomb it, this was where numerous kings and rulers resided and exercised their authority.

Nowadays, it is home to several fantastic museums where you may learn a little bit about the history of Bukhara and the splendour of its emperors.

One of the most popular sights in Bukhara, this exhibit perfectly captures the city’s regal magnificence before the Russian invasion.

Location: Afrosiab St, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Famous For: Historical monuments, iconic structures.

3. Kaylon Mosque, Minaret and Mir-i-Arab Madarsa

These three Bukhara’s numerous religious buildings are among the most impressive and must-see attractions in the city.

Massive in size, the Kaylon (Kalyan) Mosque was the largest building in Central Asia when it was completed in 1127. The Kaylon Mosque is a huge building with a capacity of 10,000 people.

The Mir-i-Arab is undoubtedly the most impressive of the three. The entryway is decorated with beautiful tile work, and on either side are two blue domes that sparkle. Everything turns a stunning shade of orange as the sun sets, making the scene even more amazing.

Location: 9 Khakikat St, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Famous For: Their religious values and rich heritage they carry.

4. Lyabi Hauz

From Lyabi-Hauz, Bukhara’s centre is born. Since its construction in 1620, the plaza has served as a gathering spot for local Uzbeks to unwind and talk about current events.

The nearby mulberry trees provide shade and relief from the occasionally oppressive heat.

Around the plaza’s perimeter, there are a lot of small businesses and restaurants.

Make sure to explore the passageways south-west of Lyabi-Hauz, which wind around countless tiny mosques, dilapidated madrasas, and a large number of kind individuals who want to invite you in for tea.

Location: Divan-Beghi, Bukhara, Uzbekistan, Buxoro, Uzbekistan
Famous For: Famous as it is built around a large artificial pond which was once used by nearby residents.

5. Ulugbek Madarsa

A short stroll to the east of the Kalyan Minaret lies a really lovely madrasa. It’s one of Bukhara’s most impressive sights and among the city’s oldest structures.

Although being unoccupied and in need of maintenance work, the interior’s design served as the inspiration for several others. As a result, Uzbekistan likely has many additional structures that appear similar.

Location: Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Registon ko’chasi, Samarqand, Uzbekistan
Famous For: Beautiful architecture and intricate tilework, which are characteristic of the Timurid style of architecture.

6. Madarsa Kosh

Madrasa Kosh is located just south of the Kolkhoz Market. It was built by Khanate Abdullah Khan II, a ruler of Bukhara in the 16th century. It’s a blend of the highly preserved and the slowly falling apart.

Due to its unique design and architecture, it has become one of the best things in Bukhara to see. It showcases the ancient Central Asiatic architectural work to the world.

A helpful suggestion is to get lunch in the Kolkhoz Market before going to Madrasa Kosh.

Location: QCF4+Q7V, M37, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Famous For: Its beautiful architecture, intricate tilework, and its prominent location in the Registan

7. Bug Pit at Zindon Prison

Bug Pit is Uzbekistan’s most horrifying historical site. In the years before their death, Arthur Connelly and Charles Stoddart suffered in this hole.

Guards poured rats, flies, and scorpions on the poor inmates in the pit, a 4 m-deep hole that is only accessible by rope.

There are a tonne of other fascinating, if not a little nasty, displays here in addition to the insect pit. Vising there is absolutely one of the best things to do in Bukhara.

Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Famous For: Its notorious and dark history and the number of deaths it records.

8. Samanid Park

Samanid Park is an old-fashioned Soviet-style park with several monuments, paths, and sporadic shady rides. There are several shaded areas where you may enjoy some fresh watermelon while taking in the scenery.

There are a lot of mosques and madrasas near the park that are worth seeing as well. We will definitely recommend you spend some time at this park as it is one of the best things to do in Bukhara.

Location: 110 Ulitsa Bakhauddina Nakshbandi, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Famous For: Its large statue of Al-Khwarizmi and the great view of the Historic Center of Bukhara it offers.

9. Kolkhoz Bazar

The Kolkhoz Market is a must-visit if you’re seeking for some affordable, healthy and local food. There are many good fresh produce options to explore because Uzbekistan ranks among the region’s top producers of fruit and nuts.

Kurt, a traditional cheesy Central Asian delicacy, and other traditional Central Asian fare may be found in the dairy department.

Since the Middle Ages, Central Asians have appreciated these cheese balls, which are produced from the milk of a cow, sheep, goat, camel, or mare. These are undoubtedly a flavour that develops.

Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Famous For: The amazing food it serves, particularly cheese and other dairy products.

10. Chor Minor

The fact that Chor Minor has four equally tall ornamental towers (not minarets) makes it particularly distinctive. It became well-known as a result of its appearance on the Lonely Planet covers for Central Asia.

The Chor Minor was built in the early 19th century by a wealthy Bukharan merchant named Khalif Niyazkul. The building was originally part of a larger complex that included a madrasa, a mosque, and a library, but only the minarets remain standing today.

Due to its distance from the main part of the old town, it is free from the majority of the bigger tour groups and offers some intriguing back alleyways to explore on the route back and forth.

You may also look around the Chor Minor mosque’s interior. Observing this historical site is one of the best things to do in Bukhara.

Location: 90 Mekhtar Anbar Str., Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Famous For: Its unique and ornate design, combines elements of Islamic, Persian, and Central Asian architecture.

Where to Stay in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Bukhara is the fifth-largest city in Uzbekistan and the capital of the Bukhara Region. The city has existed for more than five millennia. The greatest places to stay while visiting this city are listed below.

1. Overall Best Hotel in Bukhara – Boutique Hotel Minzifa

The boutique hotel Minzifa features a distinctive design in the traditional Bukharan architectural tradition. It is situated in the heart of the historic district of Bukhara, two minutes’ walk from the main street.

Location: Eshoni-Pir 63 Street, Bukhara
Amenities: Airport Shuttle, Non-Smoking Rooms, Free WiFi, and Family Rooms
Food Information: Fruits, Wine/champagne, and Kid-friendly Buffet

2. Best Luxury Hotel in Bukhara – Sahid Zarafshon Bukhara

At Bukhara, Sahid Zarafshon has a bar, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a shared lounge. with no-cost WiFi. The hotel provides room service, a 24 hr front desk, and currency exchange to its guests.

Location: 4 M Ikbol Street, Bukhara
Amenities: 2 Swimming Pools, Airport Shuttle, Non-Smoking Rooms, and Free WiFi
Food Information: Coffee House On-Site, Snack Bar and Breakfast in the Room

3. Best Cheap Hotel in Bukhara – Hotel Zaringiz

Hotel Zaringiz, located in Bukhara, includes a bar, a terrace, and a communal lounge. The accommodation has free WiFi, an open kitchen, a front desk that is open around the clock, and an airport shuttle service. Bukhara International Airport, which is 6 kilometers from the lodging, is the closest airport.

Location: QCFF+VFF, Mekhtar Ambar St, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Amenities: Airport Shuttle, Non-Smoking Rooms, Free WiFi, and Family Rooms
Food Information: Coffee House On-Site, Breakfast in the Room, and Tea/Coffee Maker

Where to eat in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

The majority of Bukhara’s eateries and coffee shops are situated close to the renowned Lab-i Hauz architectural complex, the city’s main tourist destination and cultural hub. The best eateries are listed below for your consideration.

1. Restaurant Caravan

Uzbek, European, and Uighur foods are served. The restaurant can offer welcome drinks, traditional Uzbek wedding reconstructions, and demonstrations of how to make halva and pilaf for tourist groups who make advance reservations. The decor is Uzbek traditional.

Location: 12, M. Ikbol str., Bukhara, Uzbekistan

2. Restaurant Dolon

The restaurant, which is situated between two renowned old domed retail arcades, has a wide selection of Uzbek and European dishes. One of their favorite dishes is shurva soup, along with shashlik kebabs.

Location: 27, Hakikat str., Bukhara, Uzbekistan

3. Restaurant Lyab-i Hauz

The restaurant is a complement to the well-known architectural complex Lyab-i Hauz, which dates from the 16th to the 17th centuries and is situated in the heart of Bukhara. The service is top-notch, and the menu, which features Central Asian and European cuisine, is vast and exquisite.

Location: B. Naqshbandi str., Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Conclusion – Best Things to Do in Bukhara

A visit to Uzbekistan would be incomplete without a few days spent in Bukhara, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and holiest city in Central Asia.

The city itself hasn’t undergone many alterations in the past 200 years despite formerly being the hub of religion, trade, and all of these things along the Silk Road. It served as the Islamic world’s intellectual hub as well. Without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Bukhara.

Hope, you have got to know the best things to do in Bukhara, haven’t you? Now, add these things to your bucket list and start exploring the city.

FAQs – Best Things to Do in Bukhara

1. What are the top attractions to visit in Bukhara?

The top attractions to visit in Bukhara are Chashmai Mirob, The Ark, Kaylon Mosque, Minaret and Mir-i-Arab Madarsa, Lyabi Hauz, Ulugbek Madrasa, Madrasa Kosh, Bug Pit at Zindon Prison, SamanidovPark, Kolkhov Bazaar, and Chor Minor.

2. What are the best restaurants in Bukhara?

The best restaurants in Bukhara are Minzifa Restaurant, Chinar Family Restaurant, Lyabi House Restaurant, Bahoriston Restaurant, Old Bukhara Restaurant, Siyoni Restaurant, Caravan Restaurant, Salom Inn Restaurant, and Lobi Gorbon Restaurant.

3. What are the best hotels in Bukhara?

The best hotels in Bukhara are Hotel Asia Bukhara, Amulet Hotel, Malika Bukhara Hotel, Omar Khayyam Hotel, Hotel Fatima, Hotel Kavsar, Komil Boutique Hotel, Minzifa Boutique Hotel, Zargaron Plaza Hotel, Lyabi House Hotel.

4. Is one day enough for exploring Bukhara?

One day is definitely not enough to explore all the sights and experiences that Bukhara has to offer. Bukhara is a city with a long and rich history, and there are many historic landmarks, cultural sites, and traditional bazaars to explore. Even if you only have a day, I would recommend focusing on a few key attractions to make the most of your time in the city.

5. What is Bukhara famous for?

Bukhara is famous for its rich heritage and history. Moreover, the art and craft of Bukhara is also highly impressive and well-known across the world. People also know Bukhara due to its rich Islamic Culture. The Silk Road History of this city also attracts history freaks towards itself. Furthermore, the hospitality and warmth that this country provides cannot be found in other places of the world.