The capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, is the place where you will most likely start and finish your journey if you fly in or out of the country. The city doesn’t feel too big, and one day is enough to explore if you don’t have much time.
Bishkek
Day 1
Put on some comfortable shoes and go for a walk. It is possible to see the places listed below in one day.
Parliament building (The white house)
The Parliament Building is where the office of the president is located. The building is a seven-story Stalinist modern construction and has witnessed a few riots and protests, particularly during the 2005 Tulip Revolution and the 2010 Kyrgyz Revolution. Construction of a new White House started in 2022 and is nearing completion.
Oak park
Oak Park is near Ala-Too Square. It is one of the oldest and most well-known parks in Bishkek. The park is popular with families and regularly hosts art exhibitions. It is also close to Panfilov Park, which was designed in the shape of a star and features outdoor rides.
Ala Too square
When I was in Bishkek, Ala-Too Square was under construction, so it was very noisy. I can imagine the square gets very lively and attracts a lot of people. The square is the central gathering place in Bishkek. It was constructed in 1984 and was originally named Lenin Square, with a large statue of Vladimir Lenin at its center. After Kyrgyzstan gained independence in 1991, the square was renamed Ala-Too Square, which translates to “great mountains” in Kyrgyz.
Opera and Ballet Theater
Formally known as the Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theater, this venue is located in the heart of Bishkek. The building, completed in 1955 during the Soviet era, features an ancient Greek classical style with impressive columns.
Tickets to watch a performance can be purchased at the door.
Day 2
Osh bazaar
Visit the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek. We went to the bazaar early in the morning. It can get very busy, and you could easily spend a few hours here. You can literally buy everything—spices, fresh produce, household products, clothes, and souvenirs are just a few of the items you’ll find. Most locals do their everyday shopping here.
You’ll often find yourself walking in big crowds, and the walkways can get narrow. Make sure to keep an eye on your valuables, as pickpocketing is not uncommon. Stay alert and consider leaving your valuables at the hotel.
State History museum
Formally known as the Lenin Museum, this Soviet-era museum is located on Ala-Too Square and offers an opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of Kyrgyzstan. The State History museum has three stories and provides a good insight into the lives of people during the Soviet era, including the Russian Revolution and World War II. Another floor is dedicated to the nomadic lifestyle, showcasing traditional yurts, clothing, and artifacts.
Where to eat?
In Central Asia we lived of the crispy eggplant salad with fresh herbs, vegetables and sweet chili sauce. The best! Definitely give this a try.
Restaurants in Bishkek I would recommend:
- Papuri – Georgian restaurant with cozy seating. Definitely order the khinkali and some Georgian house wine.
- Chicken Star – If you’re looking for something different from traditional Kyrgyz food, this Korean restaurant is a great choice. It offers vegetarian and vegan options, but also has fantastic Korean fried chicken.
Breweries in Bishkek:
- Brewster Craft Beer – After traveling in Kyrgyzstan for a week, it was great to try some sour beers. They have a big selection of beers, mostly Russian IPAs. The draft beers are brewed in Bishkek.
- Save the Ales – My favorite brewery in Bishkek is Save the Ales. It has a great outdoor beer garden, friendly staff, and they serve food and cocktails.
Coffee shops in Bishkek:
- Flask Coffee – People in Kyrgyzstan mainly drink tea, so it was great to find a place that specializes in coffee. The interior looks great. This place seems to attract expats.
- Capito Coffee, Bakery & pizza – This café has quite a lot of space and is a good place to meet up with friends or get some work done. The coffee and focaccia baked in the wood-burning oven are excellent.
- Sierra Coffee – This well-known chain in Kyrgyzstan has locations not only in Bishkek but also in Karakol. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and their coffee beans are sourced from their own farms. Sierra Coffee is popular among locals and expats.
Where to stay?
- Hyatt Regency Bishkek– Located next to the Opera and Ballet Theater, the Hyatt Regency is just a 15-minute walk from Ala-Too Square and is close to restaurants, bars, and shops. The outdoor pool is particularly nice in the summer.
- Navat Hotel – This boutique hotel is a 10-minute walk from Ala-Too Square. The rooms feature traditional patterns in their decor, offering a unique and cultural experience.
- Golden Hotel – The staff at this hotel are very friendly. It’s a 25-minute walk to Ala-Too Square and is conveniently close to shops and restaurants, such as Papuri.
How to get around?
By taxi
Download the Yandex Go app! You can use it to order a taxi but also to reserve a Yandex Go scooter in Bishkek.
Everything is within walking distance if your hotel is near the main attractions. Traffic can get congested, so if you are staying within the city it might be easier to hire a Yandex Go scooter or simply walk.
A taxi to the airport takes about 30 minutes and costs around 1000 som (10 euro).
Visiting other countries in Central Asia?
Do you want to see more than only Bishkek? Have a look at the itinerary for Kyrgyzstan. We also have itineraries for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
