Explore Bishkek: 10 Impressive Things You Can’t Miss

10 Best Things to Do in Bishkek

1. Admire the Brutalist Architecture around Bishkek

One of my favorite things about Bishkek is that when walking around the city, you are often surrounded by some of the coolest-looking Brutalist architecture you will ever see and you can't help but imagine what it must have been like to be living in the USSR way back when Kyrgyzstan was part of the Soviet Union.

Places like Manas Statue, Ala Too Theatre, the State History Museum are some of my favorite structures here with its emphasis on materials, textures and construction, producing highly expressive forms that often look rather brutal and out of place, almost as if it was built in the bygone era.

If you love these kinds of buildings from the Soviet era, there are a ton for you to see here so be sure to spend a day, strolling around the streets of Bishkek and keep an eye out for these awesome structures.

Where to Stay in Bishkek?

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Koisha

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Mid-Range

Madison Ave Hotel Bishkek

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High-End

Bishkek Centrum Hotel

Superior King Room | $$$

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2. Learn the History of Kyrgyzstan at the State History Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

When I first visited Bishkek in 2016, the State History Museum was under renovation and it took them several years after I left to finally open, so when I had the opportunity to revisit the city in 2023, I just had to check it out and see exactly why it took them so long, and I'm glad to say, the museum is incredible!

The museum is dedicated entirely to preserving the culture and history of Kyrgyzstan and its people going all the way back to the pre-historic period with excavated artifacts all the way to its struggle for independence during the Soviet era and how they revived their national identity in later years.

The museum is divided into 3 floors with a pretty easy-to-follow route that will take through each period in order allowing you to see how Kyrgyzstan is formed and how the country developed throughout history through collections of awesome artifacts and displays. Inside, you will find all kinds of interesting displays like a fully decorated yurt highlighting the nomadic past as well as excavated Buddha's images which showed the Buddhist past, something that is not so easy to see in this part of Asia nowadays.

If you love world history and you want to learn more about this part of the world, be sure to check out the State History Museum. The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except on Mondays and the entrance fee is 150 SOM per person.

3. Check Out Ala Too Square ❤️ Must Visit

Ala Too Square is an airy public square located right in front of the State History Museum and the place serves as the central square and a gathering place for various events and celebrations that are often held here throughout the year. The square is named after the mountain range Ala Too, which surrounds the city and you can see it from the second floor of the State Museum History.

The square is adorned with beautiful fountains, colorful flower beds, and benches for locals to sit and hangout while being surrounded by some of the most impressive structures in the city like Manas Statue and the beautiful golden domes of the buildings around Ala Too as well as the Ala Too mountain range looming behind.

It is a perfect place to hang out especially in the evening when local people would come out in droves and hang out with their friends and families, socializing, and relaxing at the end of a long day. If you enjoy people-watching, this is a great place to be.

4. Hike Around Ala-Archa National Park ☀️ Great Day Trip

The beauty of Bishkek lies in its proximity to one of the best national parks in the country, Ala-Archa National Park. If you're craving nature, you're just a 30-minute car ride away from this breathtaking park. Once there, you can escape the city and immerse yourself in the vibrant flora, lush green vegetation, snow-capped peaks, and the rushing rivers of Ala-Archa National Park's valleys.

You have two options to reach Ala-Archa National Park: an organized day trip, which is the most convenient, or taking a 265 marshrutka from Osh Bazaar. If you choose the marshrutka option, it will get you close to the park, and from there you'll need to take another taxi or hitchhike to reach the parking lot, which is about a 15-minute ride away. It's important to inquire about the last marshrutka departure time to ensure you don't miss it.

At the entrance of Ala-Archa National Park, you will find two trails, and a map will guide you through your options. The first trail is the waterfall trail, which veers left along the Ak-Sai river and leads to Ratsek base camp. This trail is a great choice for a long day hike, as it takes approximately 5 hours to ascend from Alplager hut and around 3 hours to descend. Along this trail, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the waterfall. If you have your own tent and food, you can even opt to stay overnight and explore the local peaks the following day.

Another trail available in Ala-Archa National Park is the Ala-Archa Valley Trail, which is the easier of the two options. This trail follows a leveled path alongside the picturesque Ala-Archa river, leading you through the valley until you reach the breathtaking landscape of Ala-Archer Valley. The trail is relatively easy and should take you no more than 5 hours to complete the round trip. It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the valley without the need for extensive hiking or climbing.

5. Hike the Konorchek Canyon

Another fantastic hiking destination near Bishkek is the Konorchek Canyon trail, which offers a unique and contrasting environment compared to Ala-Archa. This trail is relatively less known, even among the locals, so you can expect a more secluded and immersive experience. The Konorchek Canyon trail showcases stunning rock formations, intricate geological features, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a hidden gem waiting to be explored, providing an opportunity to discover a different side of the region's natural beauty.

Reaching the Konorchek Canyon trail using public transport can indeed be a bit challenging, as the trail starts just off the main highway connecting Bishkek to Issyk Kul. To get there, you'll need to take a marshrutka heading towards Karakol and get off at this location here.

After disembarking from the marshrutka, head west towards the bridge, and from there, you can follow a trail for approximately an hour. As you continue along the trail, you will eventually reach an opening that offers a panoramic view of the entire red sandstone canyon. From this vantage point, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of the canyon in its entirety. Take your time to soak in the stunning surroundings and enjoy the unique landscape of the Konorchek Canyon.

For a more convenient and hassle-free experience, I highly recommend opting for an organized tour to Konorchek Canyon. These tours typically include transportation to the canyon and often combine visits to other nearby attractions like the Burana Tower making it extremely convenient to get to many places at once.

6. Visit the Burana Tower

If you have an interest in the history of the Silk Road in this region, then a visit to Burana Tower is highly recommended. This tower serves as a significant reminder of the ancient city of Balasagun, which was established towards the end of the 9th century. Exploring Burana Tower allows you to delve into the rich history of the Silk Road and witness one of the few remaining remnants of this once-thriving city.

The site itself comprises the tower, a museum, and a few gravestones adorned with intricate markings. You have the opportunity to climb the tower and admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

To reach Burana Tower, you will first have to take a taxi to East Bus Station. You can use apps like YandexGo and Uber to hail a taxi in Bishkek. From there, you can take a marshrutka to Tokmok and then hail another taxi to take you to the tower. The total trip duration would be approximately half a day.

However, for a more convenient and organized experience, I highly recommend considering the Burana Tower Day Trip Tour. This tour provides a hassle-free journey to the tower, ensuring you have a dedicated guide and transportation throughout the excursion. It saves you the trouble of arranging multiple modes of transportation and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the historical significance of Burana Tower.

7. Try Loca Kyrgyz Food at Navat or Cafe Faiza

As is the case in any country, truly experiencing a place involves indulging in its local cuisine. When it comes to Kyrgyzstan, there are two highly recommended eateries that my local friends always suggest: Cafe Faiza and Navat.

Cafe Faiza was the first place I tried, and I absolutely loved it. They offer a fantastic selection of local food at an affordable price. The restaurant is highly popular among the locals, which often makes it quite busy during lunch and dinner hours. However, this bustling atmosphere is a positive indication of its quality. When it comes to dining at a local restaurant, Cafe Faiza sets the bar exceptionally high.

Another highly recommended restaurant is Navat, located on Togolok Moldo Street. Navat Restaurant stands out with its beautiful decoration and cozy atmosphere, creating an inviting dining experience. The staff members are friendly and English-speaking, making it easy for visitors to receive recommendations and assistance. Moreover, Navat offers a diverse selection of Central Asian cuisine, providing ample opportunities to explore and indulge in the flavors of the region.

8. Get your Coffee Fix at Sierra Cafe

Located in the heart of Bishkek, Sierra Cafe offers a delightful escape with its cozy atmosphere and Western-style cafe vibes. It's the perfect spot to satisfy your coffee cravings in the morning, with their delicious lattes being a popular choice.

If you're looking for a place to work on your laptop, Sierra Cafe provides a welcoming environment, friendly staff, and fast Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, if you're interested in enjoying a budget-friendly meal, they offer a "menu of the day" option featuring affordable Western-style lunches. Whether it's for a caffeine boost, a productive work session, or a satisfying meal, I highly recommend you check out Sierra Cafe while you are in Bishkek.

9. Enjoy Friday Live Music at Chicken Star

If you're looking for a laid-back yet entertaining Friday night experience, make sure to drop by Chicken Star. The restaurant itself is a Korean restaurant which is rather strange to be recommending you to visit while you are in Bishkek but every Friday, the restaurant hosts a live music night where talented local bands often perform for both locals and travelers to enjoy.

Korean culture is also becoming a much bigger part to the youth here as the influence from South Korea are sweeping through Central Asia, defying all geographical borders, thanks to the worldwide popularity of Korean shows and bands like Squid Games and BTS respectively. They also serve delicious Korean food and it is a great wy for us travelers to see what life is like for the youth here as well as a chance to see some of the best local performers in Bishkek.

The Friday Live Music event begins around 6 PM all the way to 9 PM but the restaurant is open from 11 AM to 10:30 PM every day, so if you are in Bishkek on a Friday, be sure to drop by Chicken Star.

10. Walk around Osh Bazaar

Osh Bazaar is an excellent destination for finding affordable items of your choice. This vast market offers a wide range of products, from fresh vegetables to winter jackets. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to observe the everyday life and customs of the average Kyrgyz people, offering a glimpse into their lifestyle that differs from the city center.

However, it's important to be cautious of pickpockets in the area. Even my local friend had her purse stolen while she was there. Therefore, please ensure the safety of your belongings by keeping them secure and within sight at all times.

11. Bonus: Try all the Foreign Food in Bishkek

Here's a bonus tip in case you're tired of Central Asian food during your stay. During my 5-month visit, there were times when I craved something other than plov. Luckily, Bishkek offers a fantastic selection of delicious foreign cuisine. Here are some of my favorite spots:

Furusato is a Japanese restaurant managed by a Japanese chef who relocated to Bishkek with his wife many years ago. While it may be a bit pricey, the restaurant serves authentic Japanese dishes, from delightful eel preparations to fresh sushi. The chef always takes the time to greet guests, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

For those yearning for proper Korean barbecue, I highly recommend Arirang Restaurant. They offer a wide range of side dishes to accompany the freshly grilled meat, along with soju to enhance the flavors. Make sure to come with a hearty appetite, as you'll be indulging in a generous amount of meat and soju.

How to Get to Bishkek?

There are numerous flights available from Europe and Asia to Bishkek, offered by airlines such as Aeroflot and Air Astana. If you're traveling from the US, Emirates offers a route to Bishkek via Dubai. To find affordable flight deals that align with your itinerary, I recommend browsing through popular platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia.

How to Get Around Bishkek?

There are several transportation options to get around Bishkek. In many cases, walking is a convenient choice for shorter distances within the city. However, if you need to travel further, buses and marshrutkas (minivans) are available and provide coverage to most destinations in the city. For the most convenient option, you can use YandexGo or Uber to hail a taxi to take you anywhere in Bishkek at an affordable price.

If you're planning to visit places like Ala-Archa, Burana, and Konorchek, you can catch a marshrutka from the East Bus Station at any time of the day. These minivans operate on a "leave when it's full" basis, ensuring efficient transportation to your desired locations. You can also easily arrange a taxi using YandexGo, Uber, or from your hostel or hotel, offering greater convenience as they also wait for you, eliminating the need to navigate your way back independently.

What to Pack for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Central Asia

Are you looking to dive deeper into Central Asia? Here are a selection of travel guides and itineraries for traveling in Central Asia:

• Looking for a complete one-month itinerary and a travel guide for Central Asia? One Month Itinerary For Central Asia
• For a complete itinerary to Kazakhstan, check out: 10-Day Backpacking Kazakhstan Itinerary.
• Looking for things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan? Check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Almaty.
• If you are staying in Almaty for a while and want to explore the city's culinary delights, be sure to check out our 10 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Almaty.
• Want to get off the beaten path in Kazakhstan? Shymkent is an awesome place to visit. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Shymkent.
• Want to visit Turkestan in Kazakhstan? Check out our Complete Travel Guide to Turkestan.
• If you want to witness the city of the future in Central Asia, Astana is definitely the place you want to be. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Astana.
• A great country to start your journey in Central Asia is Kyrgyzstan since it is the easiest country to enter the region. Here’s a complete 3-week itinerary travel guide to Kyrgyzstan.
• Kyrgyzstan is known for its mountains, and one of the best treks you can do is the Ala Kul trek. Here’s a travel guide for trekking the Ala Kul trail and how you can do it in 2 days.
• The Pamir Highway is one of the best road trips you can do in your life, and it begins in Osh, Kyrgyzstan and ends in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Here's a complete guide on how to plan your Pamir Highway road trip.
• If Kyrgyzstan is known for its mountains, then Uzbekistan is known for its culture and architecture. With several ancient Silk Road cities, there is a ton to see in Uzbekistan. Here’s a 2-week itinerary and a travel guide in Uzbekistan.
• Last but not least, one of the hardest countries to visit in Central Asia is Turkmenistan, and you will require a lot of planning before you can visit. Here's a complete travel guide with a one-week itinerary for Turkmenistan.
• You can watch all my travel videos from Central Asia here: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.
• Looking for more travel guides for Central Asia? You can find more on my Central Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit the All Destination Travel Guide page.