30 Best Places To Visit In Bukhara
I have completed my whole series of places one can visit in Bukhara as a tourist. While the major ones I have written are dedicated blog posts there are a few which do not require a dedicated blog post but it is part of the tourist circuit and one must see these places. So in this blog, I have listed 30 Best Places To Visit In Bukhara which comprises all the tourist places that one can visit on a trip to Bukhara.
30 Best Places To Visit In Bukhara
I have listed down most of the places that a tourist usually visits. A major portion of these are near the Ark of Bukhara at Registan Square so most you can cover in two days including the other places which are little outskirt. I would suggest two days with a day buffer if you are someone who would like to go around places and see everything in detail.
Ark Of Bukhara
This is a ticketed monument and I would recommend you start your tour of the city from here. Most of the tourist attractions are located nearby so on day one you will be able to cover a lot of them.
Click here to read the detailed blog post about this place, check it out for more details.
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Bukhara Tower
An old soviet water tower which has been modified into a viewing platform. From here you will get a good panoramic view of the Ark of Bukhara. Access to this tower requires a ticket.
The location of this tower is right opposite the main gate of the Ark of Bukhara and is very easy to spot due to its height.
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Bolo Hauz Mosque
This is a functioning mosque located diagonally opposite the Ark of Bukhara. Built in 1712 this mosque featured beautifully carved wooden pillars. No ticket is required to visit this place.
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Zindon Prison Bukhara
This is the legendary prison where British officer Colonel Charles Stoddart was imprisoned before being executed. Famed for its famous Bug Pit where dreaded prisoners would be thrown. This is a ticketed monument.
Click here to read the detailed blog post about this place, check it out for more details.
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Persian Square
Nothing much remains except for the open leveled ground; this is located right next to the Poi Kalon Complex. You will pass by this place on your way to Poi Kalon Complex Bukhara.
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Poi Kalon Complex
This is the star attraction of Bukhara and comprises three structures, Kalon Tower, Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, and Kalon Mosque. You would need a ticket to enter Kalon Mosque.
Click here to read the detailed blog post about this place, check it out for more details.
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Madrasah of Emir Alim Khan
Built by Sayyid Mir Muhammad Alim Khan in 1915 who was the last Emir of Bukhara. This is located right behind Kalon Tower.
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Toqi Zargaron
This is one of the largest trading domes in this area. Best place to do all your shopping. Keep in mind to bargain hard and expect a tourist price for anything.
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Ulugh Beg Madrasa
This madrasa was built by Ulugh Beg between 1417 and 1421, he was the grandson of Timur. He was known for his advanced research on astronomy.
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Abdullah Khan Madrasa
Madrasa was built by Abdullah II between 1587 – 1590. This madrasa is located opposite Ulugh Beg Madrasa.
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Tim Abdulla Khan Trading Dome
This is another trading dome containing shops for tourists.
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Bozori Kord Bathhouse
This is a functioning bathhouse and tourists can experience being bathed by another human being.
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Toqi Telpakfurushon
This is another trading dome containing shops for tourists.
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Magoki Kurpa
This mosque was built in 1637 and located near the trading domes.
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Old Bath Ruins
This is not a functioning bathhouse but an excavated one. One needs to see this from the main road and visitors are not allowed inside. There is however nothing to see as it is not covered and you can see from the main road itself.
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Ulugbek Caravanserai
A caravanserai built by Ulugbeg mostly in ruins.
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Magoki Attori Mosque And Carpet Museum
This mosque which is relatively very small was built on top of Zoroastrian temple ruins. It is dated somewhere between 9 – 10 AD. This is now a Carpet Museum
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Nadir Divan Begi Khanaka
This is part of the Lyabi Khause Ensemble and was built by Nadir Divan Begi between 1620 – 1621. This served as a madrasa and also as a rest house. The main purpose of a Khanaka was its big hall rooms were used for discussion amongst scholars.
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Divan Beghi
The large reservoir has a direct connection with the Jewish Synagogue. Read that blog and know its relation and history. This water body is surrounded by many cafes and restaurants and is a perfect way to relax for the day Sun. Another attraction out here is the 600-year-old mulberry tree.
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Nadir Divan Begi Madrasa
The most striking feature of this madrasa is the front façade which features two large mystical birds on either side. This madrasa was built by Nadir Divan Begi between 1622 and 1623. This place has a madrasa, caravanserai, and hostels for students.
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Khodja Nasreddin Statue
Right next to the Divan Beghi is a small garden and the star attraction out here is the statue of Khodja Nasreddin. He was a legendary court jester in different folklore around the world. People associate him with different countries and in Bukhara they believe he was originally from here. He is even popular in India and my childhood was spent watching his notorious mischievous stories on television.
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Kukaldosh Madrasah
This madrasa is part of the Lyabi Khause Ensemble and was built during the reign of Abdullah-Khan II. The madrasa was constructed between 1568 – 1569.
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Toki Sarrofon
This is another trading dome containing shops for tourists.
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Abdurahmani A’lam Madrasa
This is a small madrasa located behind the Old Bath Ruins. This madrasa was built by Mirza Abdurahman a’lam in 1809.
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Khoja Gaukushon Mosque
Originally this place was a slaughterhouse and a place for trading animals. This mosque was built by Khan Abdullah II in the year 1570 and has a smaller version of the Kalon Tower (minaret) in front of it. This mosque is located in front of the Abdurahmani A’lam Madrasa. There is a small fountain-like water reservoir in front of the mosque. Channels of water flow past this section of the city creating a unique vibe.
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Chor Minor
The small madrasa has blue tiled pillars on each corner. This place is a short walk from Lyabi Khause Ensemble.
Click here to read the detailed blog post about this place, check it out for more details.
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Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace
This place is on the outskirts and I visited this on the second day along with the other places mentioned below. This was the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara before this place was annexed by the Russian Red Army. This is a ticketed monument.
Click here to read the detailed blog post about this place, check it out for more details.
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Chor Bakr Memorial Complex
The necropolis or the last resting place of the four “Bakrs” who were direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed.
Click here to read the detailed blog post about this place, check it out for more details.
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Synagogues In Bukhara
There are two last surviving synagogues in Bukhara. One of them is located near to Lyabi Khause Ensemble.
Click here to read the detailed blog post about this place, check it out for more details.
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Jewish Cemetery
The historic Jewish Cemetery also houses a WWII memorial.
Click here to read the detailed blog post about this place, check it out for more details.
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Ismail Samani Mausoleum
This monument is located within Samonids Recreation Park. This mausoleum is the last resting place for the rulers of the Samanid Empire. This was built around the 10th century during the reign of Ismail Samani.
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Samonids Recreation Park
This a recreation park and since you have to enter this to visit Ismail Samani Mausoleum you very well enjoy it. Other than a beautiful park this place also features a large water body for recreational boating and an entertainment park having rides. I enjoyed riding the Ferris wheel and honestly, this was my very first experience with it.
Shopping At Bukhara
The best place to go would be near the Poi Kalon Complex, especially the trading domes. Apart from the trading domes you will find shops scattered all around selling various things like traditional clothing, memorabilia, fridge magnets, dolls, toys, etc.
Bargaining is part of the deal so the better you bargain the sweeter the deal for you. I found the shopkeepers not that very aggressive which I faced in Egypt. So the shopping experience will be a comfortable one.
What To Eat At Bukhara
When I am traveling I love to eat local food so for me it was tons of Kebabs and Noon (bread) along with some sweet dishes like Napoleon Torti & Medovik – Russian Honey Cake. Uzbekistan has some unique flavors of Lay’s chips like Kebab and Lobster.
