What to do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan - 17 tips for the Silk Road city

What to see and do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan? Once an important trading post along the Silk Road, this city has a stunning city centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are our top tips for things to see and do in Bukhara - a magically beautiful city!

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Bukhara in Uzbekistan

Bukhara is by far one of the most interesting cities to visit in Uzbekistan. The city has existed for more than 2500 years and for a long time served as an important trading centre along the Silk Road - the network of caravan routes that in the Middle Ages ran between China and Europe, through Central Asia.

Many conquerors and cultures have influenced the city over the years, including Persians, Mongols and Russians. Today, the city is part of the country of Uzbekistan, and tourism is growing.

Buchara has an incredible amount of culture and history to offer, and the historic part of the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. An amazing city in our opinion - we were completely overwhelmed!

Bukhara is located in Uzbekistan, about 570 kilometres southwest of the capital Tashkent.

What to do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan?

So what can you see and do in Bukhara? We visited this city a few weeks ago, during a press trip, and were totally enchanted. We've put together our top tips for the city and its surroundings.

1. Strolling in the old town

What we particularly liked about Bukhara is that the historic centre, where you find most of the sights, is so compact. It is short distances and largely car-free. Strolling around on foot is often the best way to get around, whether you want to see historical sites, shop or just soak up the atmosphere.

Is it safe to walk around on your own? We have to say that we have rarely felt as safe as here! It is very peaceful and people are fantastically friendly.

3. admire the Po-i-Kalan complex

One of the main sights of Bukhara is the Po-i-Kalan complex, located in the centre of the old town. The complex consists of three parts: the Kalan Mosque, the Kalan Minaret and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. Madrassa = historical centre for Islamic studies, both Qur'anic and other subjects, such as law and literature.

The 48-metre-high minaret was built in 1127, to be used for Muslim prayer calls. Over the years it has also been used as a watchtower and, in times of war, to scout for invading armies.

The minaret is also sometimes referred to as the "Tower of Death" because, according to legend, it was used for executions, by simply throwing the condemned from the top.

The Kalan Mosque, which means 'Great Mosque' in Persian, is a mighty building that took on its current appearance in 1514, during the reign of Shaybani Ubaidullah Khan.

Opposite the mosque is the madrassa Mir-i-Arab. This was built thanks to Sheikh Abdullah Yamani of Yemen, also known as Mir-i-Arab, who acted as Ubaidullah Khan's spiritual mentor.

4. see Ulugbek Madrassa 

Another impressive madrassa in Bukhara is Ulugbek Madrassa, which was built in 1417, during the Timur Dynasty. This is the oldest madrassa built by Ulugbek, and it is the oldest preserved madrassa in Central Asia.

The building can be seen as a monument to the heyday of Central Asian architecture, and many other madrasas were built on its model. Today, the madrasah is part of the UNESCO heritage in Bukhara, and the building houses a small museum that tells about the restoration of historical monuments in the city.

5. visit the Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa

Opposite the Ulugbek Madrassa is Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa. This madrasa was built in 1652, much later than the first one. The architecture is also different, with much more decoration and beautiful ornamentation.

The ceilings, mosaics and paintings, for example, are marvellous.

6. Discover the Ark of Bukhara fortress

Another important destination in Bukhara is Ark of Bukhara. This massive fortress was built in the 5th century AD. The fortress functioned as a military structure, while housing something resembling an entire city.

I Ark of Bukhara various royal courts have been based here, so you'll find places like the throne room, court and court mosque. Today you can also find several small museums here. Plus, you'll have great views of the rest of the city!

7. Get up the Shukhov Tower

Right next to the Great Fortress is the Shukhov Tower. This water tower was built in 1219, with schemes by the Soviet engineer, inventor and scientist Vladimir Shukhov.

The tower supplied water to Bukhara until 1975, when a fire broke out and burnt down the tower's wooden cladding. Today, the tower has been restored and serves as a tourist attraction, with a café, restaurant and, of course, a viewpoint.

8. Check out Ismail Samani's Mausoleum

Ismail Samani Mausoleum originates from the Persian dynasty The Samanids, which freed itself from the Arabs in the 8th century and conquered places like Bukhara and Samarkand.

The dynasty chose Bukhara as its capital and it flourished during the first half of the 10th century. The assassination of the Samanid ruler in 1004 marked the end of the dynasty. A building reminiscent of this era is the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani.

9. Shop at the Farmers Market

Not far from Ismail Samani's Mausoleum you will find Farmers Market, a local food market filled with everything from meat and vegetables to bread, pastries, spices and nuts. Most things can be bought in bulk here - even spaghetti - and it's interesting to check out the different local specialities.

For example, you can try 'kurt', which are a kind of small balls made from fermented milk. You might not like them, but trying them out is always exciting, right?

10. Discover the Bolo Hauz Mosque

The Mosque Bolo Hauz has a unique architecture, which makes it different from other mosques in Central Asia. This mosque was built in 1712 and is listed by UNESCO along with many other buildings in Bukhara.

As a tourist, you are welcome to peek in, as long as you follow the dress code. It should perhaps be added that, despite the picture, it went well with short sleeves and skirts / trousers that go over knees. Women must wear headscarves and shoes may be removed outside.

11. Take a peek inside the Nadir Devanbegi madrassa

Madrassa Mr Nadir Devanbegi is another magnificent and beautiful madrassa in Bukhara. The madrasa was built by Nadir Devonbegi in 1622-1623 during the reign of Imam Quli Khan. What sets this building apart is, among other things, the fine bird motifs on the front.

If you enter the courtyard, you'll be greeted by countless vendors selling various crafts and traditional clothing.

12. Visit the carpet museum in the Maghoki Attori mosque

Maghoki Attori is a historic mosque, which today serves as a carpet museum. Here you can see real old oriental carpets, and learn more about the craft and history.

13. photograph you at Chor Minor

One thing you definitely don't want to miss doing in Bukhara is visiting (and photographing yourself at!) Choir Minor. This very special building is in fact nothing more than a historic gatehouse, which was located next to a now destroyed madrassa.

The name means 'four minarets', but the towers are not minarets, but simply decorative towers. There is an idea that the four towers symbolise different religions. The reason for this idea is that different religious symbols have been found, such as a Christian cross, a Buddhist prayer wheel, and Islamic and Zoroastrian motifs.

14. Hang out at Lyabi House Square

There is a small pond in the centre of Bukhara, at Lyabi House, which offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. There is a restaurant, several cafés and an ice-cream parlour.

We ended up here time after time. Sometimes for an ice cream, sometimes for a beer. Always nice!

15. Dining with a view at Chasmai-Mirob

Chasmai-Mirob is a restaurant in the old town of Bukhara where we had lunch one day. We had the buffet here and it didn't stand out, but what stood out was the view. Wow! If you want a nice Instagram picture, of yourself with a cup of tea in front of the most beautiful part of the city, then this is where you should go!

16. Find crafts and clothes

If you visit Uzbekistan, you won't want to miss out on crafts and clothing. There are incredible crafts made from silk, wood and metal, among other materials. There are also wonderfully colourful or finely embroidered garments. In Bukhara, you'll find lots of shops and stalls in the old town.

17. Eat at Kukaldosh Garden

We ate in several places in Buchara, and our best dining experience was at Kukaldosh Garden. Here you can sit in a large lovely garden, surrounded by greenery, lighting, fountains and live music. A very lovely environment!

The food was also good here, with a wide range of both traditional and slightly more innovative dishes.

More to do in Bukhara

Want even more tips on things to see and do in Bukhara? Here you will find some more suggestions.

• Archaeological excavations is located, right next to the Maghoki Attori Mosque and the Carpet Museum.
• Dolon Restaurant has a nice roof terrace with lovely views.
• Oriental Tea House is a cosy restaurant serving traditional dishes.
• Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa is the summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara, and also houses a museum.

Where to stay in Bukhara?

There are of course many different hotels to choose from in Bukhara. We stayed at the Suzangaron hotel, which has an extremely good location in the centre of the old town.

The bed was quite hard and those staying on the ground floor had a very loud noise in the foyer. The welcome and service was excellent as was the breakfast.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Do you have the time and opportunity to see more of Uzbekistan? Some of the most popular places to visit, in addition to Bukhara include Samarkand, Chiva and the capital Tashkent, as well as nature experiences in Uzbekistan.

To get between cities, you can travel by train, for example. In Uzbekistan, modern express trains are available, making trains an excellent means of transport. Click on the image below to see all our tips!

More tips on things to do in Bukhara?

Have you visited this mythical place in Uzbekistan? If so, what are your top tips on what to see and do in Bukhara?

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