BEST THINGS TO DO IN BISHKEK

Is Bishkek worth visiting? What are the best places to visit in Bishkek? What’s the best time to visit Bishkek? In this guide on the 20 Best Things to do in Bishkek you’ll find everything you need to know regarding Bishkek tourism to plan your Bishkek trip.

The capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan makes a great getaway to further explore the country. And offers the perfect base to learn about the country while preparing for or relaxing after a stay in the mountains. Moreover, despite being home of less than 1 million inhabitants, Bishkek features a great food scene and vibrant nightlife.

Check out my Instagram and Tiktok videos of my trip to Kyrgyzstan for additional travel stories and tips. And make sure to keep this Bishkek Kyrgyzstan travel guide handy as it contains all the top things to do in Bishkek.

Best things to do in Bishkek downtown

1. Walk around Ala-Too Square

Ala-Too Square is Bishkek’s main square, the heart and centre of the city. Thus, it’s the best spot among Bishkek attractions to start your city tour. It’s a safe and easy to navigate city, yet you may wish to book a guided city tour to learn more about Bishkek’s history and wonders.

Square Ala-Too was built in 1984 in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic. Consequently, every building around the square is a clear symbol of brutalist soviet architecture and an example of the city’s recent past. 

In the middle of Ala-Too Square stands a large statue of Manas, one of the Kyrgyz national heroes. It was built on the 20th anniversary of the Kyrgyz Republic to replace and old sculpture of Lenin. There’s also a giant Kyrgyz flag and a large fountain where locals refresh on hot summer days.

2. Spot Lenin’s Statue behind the State History Museum

In 2011, on the 20th anniversary of the Kyrgyz Republic, a sculpture of Manas replaced that of Lenin in the middle of Ala-Too square. Yet, the old Lenin’s sculpture was not destroyed nor abandoned. On the contrary, this is now standing very close to its original location and right behind the State History Museum.

Spotting a Lenin’s statue is always a unique experience as there are not many left in the world. I’ve only got to see this and the ones in Tiraspol Transnistria during my trip to Moldova. Thus, it will appear on every list of what to do in Bishkek and you should definitely include it in your Bishkek itinerary.

What you won’t be able to do though is get into the State History Museum. This is under renovation, has been closed for years, and has no expected time of re-opening.  

3. Admire the Victory Monument in Victory Square

Victory Square is one of the main squares in Bishkek. It was built in 1985 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of World War II and hosts the Victory Monument and an eternal flame. 

The Victory Monument consists in three large red graphite pillars forming an arch simulating a Kyrgyz yurt. At the centre of the arch-yurt there’s the sculpture of a Kyrgyz mother awaiting the return of their husband and son from the war.

She’s usually surrounded by fresh flowers and newly weds as many Kyrgyz couples take their wedding pictures here. And by guards, with a changing of the guard ceremony taking place every hour. 

4. Photograph the White House of Bishkek

Bishkek’s White house, as you probably guessed, is the country’s presidential office building. It’s of Stalinist design and makes a cool spot for photographies. No wonder there’s plenty of street art and soviet sculptures tours of Bishkek available to tourists.

It’s works started in 1977 and were completed in 1985, when the White House became the headquarters of the Kyrgyz Communist Committee. As it remains the seat of Kyrgyzstan’s administrative power it’s not possible to visit the inside of White House.

5. Relax at the parks

Bishkek is a green city featuring plenty of parks. The following are the best parks to discover in Bishkek, loved by locals and tourists alike.

Oak Park: It’s one of the oldest in the city and serves as an open air museum. It hosts over 90 unique sculptures commemorating the 60th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s accession to the Soviet Union.

Erkindik Park: This park is built in a very long and narrow shape and surrounded by beautiful trees, ideal for city sports. 

Panfilov Park: Founded in 1924 and named after a Soviet hero, is the perfect place to enjoy some amusement and carnival rides. It’s a very popular among locals, so it’s great for people-watching too. 

6. Attend a show at The Opera House

You surely know that one of the best things to do in Russia is attend a performance at a ballet or opera house, as Russian artists are some of the best in the world. Well, goods news are this is applicable to most of the Soviet Union really. And tickets outside of Russia are well more affordable. 

Thus, one of the best things to do in Bishkek is attend a show at the opera house. The quality of the shows is really high as performers are local students and Kyrgyz and Russian artists. Just as in Tbilisi Georgia, Yerevan Armenia, or Chisinau Moldova.

Although it’s hard to get tickets online, these can be purchased daily at the ticket offices within the Opera House. Worst case scenario, you’ll get to enjoy the Opera House from the outside which is also really beautiful and worth including in your Bishkek itinerary.

7. Bath at a traditional Banya

Feeling tired after a whole day of exploring a new city? Don’t worry, relaxing in a Russian banya is one of the best things to do in Bishkek.

Russian banyas are public bath houses containing hot saunas and cold pools. These are very beautiful, made out of high quality marble and tastefully decorated. As one is expected to bath nude, areas are sex segregated. 

Russian banyas were proper social institutions back in the day, just like the Hammams in Morocco. Many personal and business deals sealed in them. Plus bathing in Banyas has multiple health benefits. One of the most popular Russian Banyas in Bishkek is Zhirgal Banya, famous for huge white doms. 

8. Enjoy the National Museum of Fine Arts

Kyrgyzstan National Museum of Fine Arts is one of the must-visit museums in Bishkek for art lovers. It holds a large collection of works from Russian and Kyrgyz painters, most of which evoke Kyrgyzstan’s stunning landscapes. Other works fully enhance the Soviet Union and communism, something you won’t find in the West.

The museum, with over 18,000 items is storage, also hosts several felt works and beautiful old carpets, so common in the area. It’s open from 11am to 6pm everyday except for Mondays and tickets are roughly $1. 

Best things to do in Bishkek markets

9. People-watch at Osh Bazaar

Osh Bazaar, named after the Kyrgyz city Osh, is the main market in Bishkek. It’s huge, with some open-air areas and other stalls located within four different large buildings. 

Here you’ll find anything one may need: fruit, vegetables, bread, sweets, meat, cheese, nuts, fish, spices, toiletries, clothing, shoes, jewellery, tools, souvenirs, etc. Prices are affordable and bargaining is expected. Plus vendors will usually give free samples to customers. I got to try plenty of cheese and horse meat and you can see on my Tiktok videos.

All these fresh products make Osh Bazaar a really photogenic spot. And a great one to chat with locals and get some insights into their lives. You can reach the Bazaar within a 20 minutes walk from Ala-Too Square. Plenty of Marshrutkas also stop nearby, and a taxi here will cost less than $1.

10. Get lost at gigantic Dordoi Bazaar

Dordoi Bazaar is on the top ten world’s biggest markets, which makes it one of the most important markets in Central Asia. This large bazaar comprises nine different markets, divided according to their main selling products. Here you’ll find products from all over the world.

The bazaar is somehow oriented to mass selling, with many local shops and restaurants making their shopping here. Despite being quite far from Bishkek’s city centre, a taxi ride to Dordoi Bazaar will only take 20 minutes. The cost should be around $2 so if you are into markets it’s definitely worth it. 

11. Go back in time at the Soviet Bazaar

If you are in Bishkek on a Sunday morning and love old Soviet items, make sure to step by Bishkek’s Soviet Bazaar. This weekly flea market is an early morning one, at is only runs from 7am to 11am on Sundays. 

Located on the South side of Bishkek, at about 25 minutes and $2 drive from Ala-Too Suqare, it’s the perfect place to spot and buy antiques from the Soviet era. This means much more than old communist items as the market is also a great source of old photo and video cameras, tools, coins, stamps, lamps, etc. 

Best things to do in Bishkek for foodies

12. Try the finest traditional Kyrgyz food

Bishkek is the best place in Kyrgyzstan to sample first quality Kyrgyz food. Local dishes are usually based on fried rice or noodles, serves with vegetables and meat. Beans, eggs, milk, cheese, bread and plenty of sugary sweets complete the Kyrgyz food scene. 

Must-try local dishes include:

• Shasklik: Grilled meat cubes that resemble kebab
• Manti: A minced meat dumpling
• Landman: A stuffed rolled pastry 
• Plov: Rice dish with vegetables and meat
• Beshbarmark: Noodles with boiled horse meat in its broth

The best places to try these local Kyrgyz dishes are Navat, Cafe Faiza, Frunze Restaurant and Taxim Cafe.

13. Enjoy the international cuisine scene

Bishkek is a lively modern city where thousands of expats have settled and brought in the very best of their own cultures. Therefore, Bishkek offers lots of opportunities food-wise that you won’t find anywhere else in Kyrgyzstan.

If you love asian food check out Furasato for the best sushi, Arirang for delicious Korean dishes, and Baan Baan Thai Cafe for first-class Thai food. And Restaurant Vinoteka has delicious European-style dishes. Dolce Vita might serve the best pizza in town.

14. Sample the national drinks

Walking around Bishkek you’ll quickly spot stalls selling two unknown drinks I red and blue barrells. One is white, the other is brown. Locals seems to love them. And one of the best things to do in Bishkek is trying both.

Don’t expect to like them at all though, cause most probably you won’t be able to finish more than a couple sips of any. However, they are only around $0.20 and the fun involved in chatting with local sellers, trying the drinks in front of them, and figuring out how to actually swallow these in is well worth the disgust.

Nothing wrong with the drinks, locals absolutely love them. They are even known as Kyrgyz cola and way more popular than its black western version. They are just not what Western taste is used to.

There’s lots of fermented milk and wheat involved, as opposed to fizz and sugar. If you’d like to see my reactions to trying them, check out my Tiktok account. I regularly post food and travel content there.

15. Relax at a fancy cafe

Lots of cozy cafes have recently popped up in Bishkek, making the city a great spot for remote workers and book lovers.

Considering the poor food scene in the country, having breakfast or getting some treats in a fancy local cafe is one of the best things to do in Bishkek. Bring on your laptop, book, or travel guide and enjoy the unexpected oasis these cafes have become in Bishkek. 

16. Taste freshly brewed beer

If you are looking for the best bars in Bishkek or the top things to do in Bishkek at night, local breweries will rank very high among them. If you are into beer, consider joining these nightlife tours of Bishkek.

Beer culture in Kyrgyzstan is way deeper than you would expect, knowing it’s a muslim country. Yet, they are also culturally Russian in a way so drinking alcohol is common for many Kyrgyz. Therefore, exploring the local breweries and sampling its inexpensive beer is one of the best things to do in Bishkek.

Some of the best places to try craft beer in Bishkek are:

Brewster: A cozy bar offering board games, finger food, and a a large selection of craft beer. 

Save the Ales: A quiet pub serving delicious craft beers perfect to enjoy in a relaxing evening out. 

No Name Bar: A garage-looking bar serving plenty of local craft beers and finger food. 

Best things to do in Bishkek outskirts

17. Check out a deserted circus

Back in the days, there use to be a huge Soviet Circus in Bishkek which made the delights of its inhabitants. However, the place was abandoned a few years ago and exploring it is one of the best things to do in Bishkek.

This old circus building is a clear statement of the old Soviet Union’s architectural desires. And of their will to promote arts, sports, and culture among its citizens. Nowadays, it makes a great photo stop.

18. Visit the Holy Resurrection Cathedral

One of the most unusual among Bishkek things to do is visiting the Holy Resurrection Cathedral. At the end of the day, Kyrgyzstan is a muslim and ex soviet country so churches are not in every corner in Bishkek.

The Holy Resurrection Cathedral, known as the Russian Orthodox Church, might be Bishkek’s nicest religious building. Its blue roof and golden domes stand out above the city and make great contrast with its Soviet-style backdrop.

This spectacular church is home of Bishkek’s Russian orthodox community, so expect to find plenty of paints, candles and gold inside.

You can get there within a 15 minute walk or 5 minute drive from Ala-Too Square. Schedule your visit between 7am and 6pm as otherwise it would be closed. It is totally worth a stop and one of the best places to visit in Bishkek. 

19. Explore a random neighbourhood

If you are anything like me and love chatting with locals and seeing with your own eyes how their daily life might be, you’ll agree that exploring a random neighbourhood is one of the best things to do in Bishkek.

Take a long walk in whichever direction you feel like going. Look for a school or university for instance, as these tend to be lively spots surrounded by lots of shops. Or just jump on the first marhsrutka and see where it takes you.

Exploring a residential area, non touristic parks, corner shops, and random spots is one of the best ways of getting to know a city, a country and its peoples. And Bishkek is no exception to that.

20. Go on a day trip

On of the best things to do in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan is to use the city as a base to deeply explore this wonderful country. The following are the best day trips to take from Bishkek, you can read more about them on this post on the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan.

Burana Tower: This tower 80km from Bishkek is the only remaining of the old Balasagun city, once a major stop along the Silk Road. Thus, it’s the best ancient site to visit in Kyrgyzstan and can be reached by car, a combination of public buses, or with a guided tour.

Ala Archa National Park: It’s the Kyrgyz National Park closest to Bishkek, only 40km away from the city. It’s really popular among locals and tourists and is accessible by car, public transport, and guided tours.

Alamedin Gorde: This mountain area 30km from Bishkek is home to hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking treks. It’s accessible by car, taxi or a combination of public transports. 

Belogorka waterfall: This stunning 60-meter waterfall is one of the best hiking spots near Bishkek. It’s 70km from the capital and accessible by private transport only. The hike to the waterfall takes 1.5 hours and is stunning.

Kol-Tor Lake: You can explore this mountain lake at 2,700 meters above sea level in a 2 hour hike. The lake is 90km away from Bishkek and only accessible by private transport or guided tour.

Recap on the best things to do in Bishkek

Bishkek is a multicultural city packed with historical buildings, wonderful parks, museums and restaurants. Although the highlight of Kyrgyzstan are its landscapes and nomadic culture, there’s so much to do in Bishkek I strongly recommend spending a day or two in the city.

Exploring the old Soviet buildings, relaxing in its parks, going to the opera, sampling local cuisine and shopping at Bishkek’s markets will make your Kyrgyzstan visit a memorable one. Please leave a comment below with any questions or reach out through my Instagram or Tiktok pages, where I’m always available. Have a wonderful trip to Bishkek Kyrgyzstan.