You are in the Heart of Bukhara

Bukhara is a city where history speaks to you – in the whispers of minarets, the shade of ancient madrasahs, by the pool at Lyabi-Hauz, in the ornate palace tiles, and the aroma of freshly cooked plov. It’s easy to lose yourself in the alleys of the Old Town, step into a craftsman’s workshop, or hear a folk tale come to life on a city square. Follow our guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

What to do?

1. See the two main symbols of the city – the Ark Citadel and the architectural complex of Poi Kalyan.

2. Climb the Shukhov Tower.

3. Explore one of the oldest madrasahs – Ulugh Beg Madrasah, the beautiful Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, and the unique Chor-Minor Madrasah.

4. Admire the luxurious decor of the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara – the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace.

5. Stroll under the famous trading domes of Bukhara – from Lyabi-Hauz to Miri-Arab Madrasah.

6. Be amazed by the beauty of the ayvan decorated with majolica at the Khanaka of Divan-Begi.

7. Relax by the pond at one of the cafes on Lyabi-Hauz.

8. Discover paintings of Bukhara at the Museum of Fine Arts, located in the former store of Savva Morozov.

9. Stay at one of the boutique hotels.

10. Soak in the atmosphere of the old town’s narrow streets.

11. See how wealthy Bukharans lived at the House-Museum of Merchant Fayzulla Khodjaev.

12. Enjoy a steam bath in the ancient Bukhara hammams with massage and herbal tea.

13. Take a photo with the statue of Khoja Nasreddin on Lyabi-Hauz Square.

14. Attend a folklore show with dancing and a traditional clothing display at the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah.

15. Learn the secrets of making traditional papier-mâché dolls at Iskandar Hakimov’s workshop.

16. Visit a local artisan to learn about knife-making, Bukhara carpet weaving, traditional clothing, winemaking, or miniature painting and calligraphy.

17. Visit the local bazaar.

18. Take a guided tour and wine tasting at the "Shokhrud" winery.

19. Travel to the ceramic center of Gijduvan (40 km from Bukhara) and try Gijduvan shashlik.

20. Relax by Tudakul Lake and taste the local fish.

TOP 5 souvenirs

- Knives;
- Carpets;
- Local textiles;
- Tote bags;
- Bukhara sweets.

What to taste

- Bukhara pilaf (Oshi-Sofi);
- Gijduvan shashlik;
- Olot-style samsa;
- Bukhara kaymak with hot flatbread;
- Vaguri – Bukhara-style lamb.