Bukhara
Khiva is like an open-air museum, you will see few locals and mainly tourists. Unlike Khiva, Bukhara is very much lived in. Bukhara was my favorite place in Uzbekistan. The narrow streets, friendly locals, nice restaurants, and tea houses make it a great place to visit.
It is possible to see all the highlights in one day. I recommend starting early so you can see the beautiful minarets and madrassas when it is not busy and when the sun is rising. Also, in summer, it gets very hot (up to 40°C / 104°F). If you can’t stand the heat, go out early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
10 things to do in Bukhara
1. Chor Minor Madrasa
Chor Minor translates to “Four Minarets” in Persian and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The building was constructed in 1807 as a madrasa. Nowadays, you will find a shop inside, and you can walk up the stairs for 15.000 UZS (1 USD). Opposite the madrasa is an antique shop.
2. Lyabi Khause square
A square in the heart of Bukhara, with a pond in the middle, surrounded by lots of trees that create shaded areas for visitors. On the square, you’ll also find restaurants and two madrasas (Nadir Divan Begi Madrasa and Kukaldosh Madrasa). The square is popular with both locals and tourists, and it’s a great spot to sit down and have a drink.
3. Ismail Samani Mausoleum
Situated in Samani Park, the Ismail Samani mausoleum was completed in 905. It is the burial place of Ismail Samani, who ruled much of Central Asia and parts of Iran. Despite the age of the building, most of it has remained intact and is considered an architectural masterpiece from the early Islamic period.
4. Ark of Bukhara
Dating back to the 5th century, this fortress was a city within a city. Up until the invasion by the Red Army in 1920, the Ark was inhabited by 3,000 people. Within the walls of the Ark were royal palaces, government offices, stables, and libraries. The Ark witnessed many historical events, including the rule of the Samanids, the Mongol invasions, and the arrival of the Red Army in the 19th century. Since the Russian forces arrived, the Ark has mostly been in ruins. The remaining sections house museums displaying the history of the Ark.
5. Po-i-Kalyan ensemble
The ensemble includes three buildings that surround the square: Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. The Mir-i-Arab madrasa is still an active Islamic school. The Po-i-Kalyan complex is part of the World UNESCO Heritage site.
6. Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah and the Ulugbek Madrassah
The two madrasas are located opposite each other on the same square. The Ulugbek Madrassah, built during the Timurid period in 1417, has a simple design, focusing on knowledge and wisdom. The Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah, constructed two centuries later during the Ashtarkhanid Dynasty in 1652, is more decorative than its neighbor, emphasizing wealth and cultural richness.
7. Bolo Khauz Mosque
Bolo Khauz mosque was built in 1712 and is located opposite the Ark. It is an active mosque, so keep in mind to dress appropriately when entering.
8. Walk around the Old bazaar
Artisans continue the traditions of their ancestors, making ceramics, scarves, carpets, handmade Damascus steel knives, and traditional small paintings. Wander around the shops, and you might find some great souvenirs to take home.
9. Visit the the gallery of Shavqat Boltaev.
We stayed at the guesthouse of this famous local artist who passed away in 2022. The photos depict the lives of the people in Bukhara. It’s free to enter the gallery, and you can buy prints to support it.
10. Book a guided tour to know more about the history and culture of Bukhara.
If you want to learn more about Bukhara’s history, culture, and the sights mentioned above, make sure to book a walking tour with a local guide. Ask for recommendations at your hotel or guesthouse—they will definitely be able to help. If you’re traveling during the summer, try to book an evening tour to avoid the heat.
Where to eat in Bukhara?
There are plenty of nice restaurants and tea houses where you can take a quick break or have a long lunch or dinner.
- Lyabi Khause Square: A beautiful square with a pond in the middle, surrounded by historic buildings. There are also many restaurants around the pond. We didn’t have dinner here, but we loved coming just for a glass of wine or coffee. It’s great for people-watching and enjoying the surroundings.
- Le Bonnet: The staff is very friendly and love to speak English. I really enjoyed the crispy eggplant salad. They don’t serve alcohol.
- Silk Road Teahouse: There are a few teahouses in Bukhara, but we especially liked this one—maybe because it had air conditioning, and we were so hot from walking outside. For 70.000 UZS (5.50 USD) per person, you can try all the teas and coffees. Included are 3 local sweets.
- Donuts and coffee: Tucked away is the best coffee spot in Bukhara. You can sit outside in the courtyard or inside with air conditioning. Don’t skip the donuts—they are freshly made.
How to get around?
By train
Traveling from Khiva to Bukhara can be done by train or by taxi. The taxi fare ranges between 85 – 110 USD, depending on whether you want to include visits to the three fortresses near Khiva.
If you’re skipping Khiva and traveling from Tashkent, the best option is the Afrosiyob train, a bullet train connecting Tashkent and Bukhara. From the train station in Bukhara, it’s about a 20-minute drive to the old town. The best way to get there is by ordering a Yandex Go. Make sure to download the app before you travel to Uzbekistan.
By foot
Bukhara is larger than Khiva, but the old town is still very walkable. In summer, it gets very hot (around 38°C/100°F), so make sure to take breaks out of the sun and drink plenty of water.
By taxi
The streets in Bukhara are narrow, and the city is more walkable compared to Tashkent and Samarkand. Order a Yandex Go if you need to carry a lot of luggage or are travelling from the train station to the guesthouse.
Where to stay in Bukhara?
Make sure to stay in the old town of Bukhara. There are plenty of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, and the old town is very walkable.
- Art Guest House USTO: Owned by the family of the local artist Shavqat Boltaev. The wife runs the guesthouse and enjoys chatting with guests. It’s located in the old town, on a quiet, narrow street.
- Boutique Old Bukhara: Within walking distance of all the attractions, this hotel has a beautiful courtyard where you can enjoy breakfast every morning.
- Kukaldosh Boutique Hotel: A stunning hotel located in the historic center of Bukhara, near Lyabi Khause Square.
