Things to do & places to visit in Bukhara Province, Uzbekistan

Bukhara Province #3 destination in Uzbekistan 2023. The average rating score is 4.30 based on 5.675 traveler reviews, of 36 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Samarkand, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 15:34.

Top things to do (17)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Great Minaret of the Kalon (699 reviews)
- Grand and Great.
Lookouts • Religious Sites

Kalon means a great is most incredible Minar and iconic structure in entire Central Asia. Built in 1127, this Minar is a shining example of beauty, grandeur and aesthetic excellence. The ornamental bands around the structure, use of glazed blue tiles, artistic finesse is a treat to every connoisseur of heritage. The wonderful ambience in the evenings around the Minar gives an out of world experience. Not to be missed. See more..
4.5 Chor-Minor (585 reviews)
- Amazing!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

It is worth to walk with tine streets. Our hotel was just few minutes walking from this littli gem and we visited this place 2 times. One time at sunrise and at sunset, too. We claimed with old stairs to the roof. Very beautiful pace See more..
4.5 Samanid Mausoleum (498 reviews)
- Can't believe I almost missed it
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

We almost left without having seen it, but found it by mistake by hanging out in the biggest park of the city. While the rest of the park may not be particularly inviting, this one is a must. It is amazing something so old survived in such a good state. Unlike other sites in Uzbekistan, this is not a reconstruction, but the real thing. We did not have a guide, so just ended up googling the information, which was still fascinating. Do yourself a favor and see it. No entrance fee. See more..
4.5 Lyab-i-Hauz (460 reviews)
- Cool and pleasant
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I have never thought that such a pool can chill you down. After long walking through the places of sightseeing in hot weather it was quite surprising and very pleasant to feel cooler temperature near this pool. Enjoyed every moment sitting there. You can also eat in one of the restaurants located there. I will definitely visit the place again when I am visiting Bukhara next time See more..
4.5 Moschea Bolo-khauz (296 reviews)
- Adhan
Points of Interest & Landmarks

After visiting the Citadel of Ark, walk across to another hauz pool and Bolo Haouz Mosque. Try to do it during adhan, call to prayer, and then just sit on the bench opposite the iwan/entrance to enjoy. The mosque only dates back to 18th century and the 20 carved columns were added 100 years ago to support the roof of the summer praying terrace. Look up to the colourful ceiling and the top of the columns with elegant muqarnas (ornamented vaulting). See more..
4.5 Mir-i-Arab Madrasa (286 reviews)
- Aesthetic wonder.
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Located by the side of tall Kalon Minaret, this beautiful Medressa is a classic example of shining blue domes. Tourists are not allowed inside but one can see from outside. This Medressa is named after 16th century Naqshbandi Sheikh from Yemen. The view in the evening is spellbinding. See more..
4.5 Poi Kalyan Mosque (205 reviews)
- Huge open courtyard
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Beautiful and huge mosque in a large complex, including a massive open courtyard. When I visited in Oct '22, there were extensive renovations going on, which spoils both experience and photography, but I understand these things must happen at some time. The walls and portals/iwans are covered with majolica and blue/white ceramic tiles and mosaics in the Timurid style. See more..
4.5 Trading Domes (197 reviews)
- Mixed
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Look, we're all tourists when we visit Bukhara and this bazaar is not too bad. There are of course the stacks of Chinese-made T-shirts, but also some fine miniature paintings (I bought one from Feruz Temurov, who runs a small shop with his wife there), clothing outlets and handicraft shops. The spice shop is beautifully done, but the prices are more than double of what you pay in the markets - buyer beware ! See more..
4.5 Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah (127 reviews)
- Stunning muqarnas
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

The iwan/entrance of this madrassa has one of the most beautiful muqarnas (islamic vaulting) you will ever see. Most of its colours are rather demure, earthy and saffron, until you see the half rosette in the middle, which explodes in deep blue and gold. The side-panels are also stunning and exquisite in mostly blue and yellow. The inner courtyard is now more a collection of handicraft shops and is badly in need of restoration. See more..
4.5 Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum (115 reviews)
- Beautifully preserved architecture !!! A MUST SEE IN BUKHARA
Cemeteries

We visited the complex on a rainy day and it was worth it . The ceilings, the walls the architecture is beautifully made. our guide explained us the history behind and we spent some time seeing the beautiful poetry work done. See more..
4.5 Fayzulla Khujayev House (46 reviews)
- Worth a visit
History Museums

Unique experience. No English speaking guides but it is fairly self-explanatory. I enjoyed the fact that there were several local couples doing wedding photos there, although we had to walk around them. I need to read more about the local history to understand the significance of the owner of this house. There is at least a brief blurb in my Uzbekistan book that is part of the Bradt series. See more..
4.5 Kosh Madrasah (34 reviews)
- Very memorable experience
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Located between the Ark and the Kolkhozny Bazaar, there are two structures standing face to face. I highly recommend Abdulloxon Madrasa, which is unrestored, non-functioning and in a near-ruin condition. You can explore the second floor and the roof, but be forewarned that the stairs are steep and dusty. it's totally off the beaten track, and I bet you will have the whole compound to yourself. There's a 5,000 som admission fee. See more..
4.5 Gijduvan ceramics of The Narzullaevs (22 reviews)
- Truly magnificent!
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Narzullayevs family has been specializing in this unique form of pottery for more than 100 years. Today this center is the home for the sixth generation of potters. When you visit this center you get to have a complete tour of the pottery workshop, the pottery museum and the pottery shop. In addition to this you can see and buy the Gidjuvan embroideries done under the patronage of the Narzullayevs ladies. We got an added fun musical performance by our host when one of my daughters asked about the musical instruments hanging in the center. The pottery is unlike anything seen elsewhere in Uzbekistan. The colors of the glazes are earthern. Browns, greens and blues are used in a novel manner. It is not surprising that the House of Narzullayevs is internationally famous and it's potters are invited to many foreign pottery events. See more..
4.5 Art Museum Kamoliddin Behzod (20 reviews)
- Hidden gem, well worth a visit.
Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Despite being located just beyond the Lyabi-Hauz, it doesnt seem to get many visitors. The entrance fee of a few thusand som, well worth it, as it extends to a number of different floors and parts of the building. Great for a late afternoon visit, if you have been to the small photo gallery located almost opposite in the old Olimjor caravansaray building, mentioned in Lonely planet. See more..
4.5 Balyand Mosque (13 reviews)
- Superb Small Unrestored Mosque
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

This was one of the best Mosques I have seen. It's small but is beautiful inside and outside. We visited when nobody was there and could appreciate the work on the walls. Have a guide to read about it. Was very peaceful. Worth the walk from town See more..
4.5 Palace of Bukhara Emirs (11 reviews)
- A Piece of History
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings

Located a little way out of town the Palace complex and gardens are a bit rundown and neglected on the outside, but it is the insides which are very intricately done and true to their culture and what one would expect at the Emir's Palace. So don't be put off that it is off the beaten track and that the gardens and exteriors are not what you would expect, the insides would make you feel the effort was worthwhile. See more..
4.0 Ark of Bukhara (667 reviews)
- Bukharan History
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

My partner and I were pleasantly surprised that our visit to the Ark was much more interesting than we initially thought. The dioramas of the Ark as a fortress after the entrance/ticket window weren't particularly great, but the exhibits inside gave a nice history of Bukhara. The restored mosque was a highlight, as was one of the restored courtyards. If you're lucky (and pay a little extra), you might get a guide to let you see the unrestored sections (and Bolshevik damage) of the Ark in addition to a panoramic view of the Old City. See more..
4.0 Palace of Moon-like Stars (Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa) (214 reviews)
- Worth the trip
History Museums

The summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, located just outside the city. See more..
4.0 Nodir Devon Begi Madrasasi (168 reviews)
- Unusual iwan
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Originally intended as a caravanserai, it later converted to a madrassa. The fact that it was modeled on the famous Sherdor in Samarkand explains the unusual and unorthodox peacocks, face and sun on the facade of the iwan. Very colourful and picturesque from the outside, the inside is pure touristic, with shops galore. See more..
4.0 Monument to Hodja Nasreddin (120 reviews)
- Cute
Monuments & Statues

I love this status of Hodja Nasreddin. How can you miss it while in the middle of Bukhara. I loved it. very cute. See more..
4.0 Zindan (117 reviews)
- Is it a dungeon though?
Historic Sites

Really enjoyed this museum, described as "Do visit if you like mysteries and not too susceptible". 10000 to enter which was reasonable. Gruesome 'bug pit' and a few prison cells. Fun dusty mannequins and some information about the prison. Not huge but enough fun for all. See more..
4.0 Ulugbek Madrasah (101 reviews)
- Aspiration to knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and woman
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

One of the older madrassas in Bukhara, build by the great Ulugbek, grandson of the Greater Timur. The entrance is not as exuberant as some others, but it is still covered in majolica tiles with beautiful calligraphy. The corded columns framing the entry are exquisite. I simply love what he had inscribed above the iwan/entrance : "Aspiration to knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and woman". He was a wise man and some of today's fundamentalists could learn a lot from him. See more..
4.0 Maghak-i 'Attari Mosque (101 reviews)
- Bukhara's oldest mosque
Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

About 100m to the west of the Lyab-i Hauz pool is the art-historically important Maghak-i Attari mosque, now about 4.5m below the actual ground, which shows how old it is. Archaeologists have established after excavations that a first mosque had been constructed here in the 9th century on top of a temple of Zoroastrian fire worshippers. What we see today is mostly from the 12th and the 16th century. In the east and on the actual ground level is a gate from the 16th century. Going down some steps one comes to the 12th century southern gate with its rich decoration, mainly of bricks, but also some blue glazing, but all not in the best condition. Here one can see how most gates must have looked like in Bukhara and the rest of Uzbekistan before extensive renovations with new tiles in Soviet times. The mosque was closed, when I passed by, since probably some restoration work is planned. On a plaque outside it says that in here a Museum of the History of Carpet Weaving was opened in 1991. See more..
4.0 Chor-Bakr necropolis (94 reviews)
- Chor-Bakr Necropolis
Ancient Ruins

Situated a few miles outside of Buchara this place was built to house the remains of Abu-Bakr-Said, who died in 971 AD, and who was one of the four of Abu-Bakrs (Chor-Bakr) - descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site ans quite right to. There are a huge ensemble of buildings with unique architecture, which was built over three centuries, is considered holy and revered place for pilgrims It is very easy to navigate and is well looked after, there will always be a few people trying to sell you things but not too much hassle. There are also some of the buildings being used by local craftsmen which is a great site to see, Enjoyed our little stop off and also got some things from the local market outside. See more..
4.0 Bukhara Synagogue (74 reviews)
- 16th century synagogue
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

This is one of the two synagogues in Bukhara. It's a well-maintained place with good caretakers. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the Jewish community of Uzbekistan had to leave the country mainly for economic reasons. However, those who stayed make sure the synagogue(s) and the cemetery are in good condition and being taken care of. Some of the Torahs they have are approximately 2,000 years old. In 2000, Secretary Madeleine Albright visited this synagogue and, according to Rabbi Aaron Siyanov who she talked to, she promised to tell her Middle Eastern counterparts of peaceful co-existence of Muslims and Jews in one community as exemplified by the synagogue and a mosque located in one neighborhood. See more..
4.0 Nodir Devon Begi Xonaqosi (68 reviews)
- Nodir Devon Begi Xonaqosi
Architectural Buildings

This may be just another beautiful Mosque and Madrasa, but again, they are all different, beautiful and worth a visit to see the spendor See more..
4.0 Kukeltash Madrasah (68 reviews)
- A bit disappointing, but ...
Educational sites

Once I visited Bukhara just for Kukeltash Madrasah. The reason was the designs on the walls and doors. The patterns were in place. Nicely renovated and it was my gain. Otherwise Kukeltash Madrasah is rather dead place. There is not much to see there. But, this is the same in most of the historical places in Uzbekistan. Simply everything was quickly renovated (not restored but renovated) during Soviet Union time and most of the historical places lost their soul. See more..
4.0 Gaukushan Madrasah (25 reviews)
- another historical ensemble
Educational sites

This madrassah is a part of the ensemble, which includes a pool, Khodja Kalon mosque, a minaret, and the Gaukushon madrassah itself. Find it on the map and get away from the central monuments -- this place is worth a visit. See more..
4.0 Samonids Recreation Park (16 reviews)
- Lots to see and do.
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Only walked through this area on our way to the Mausoleum. It has lots of fairground attractions built by Soviets. See more..
4.0 Jeyran Ecocenter (12 reviews)
- Great effort by enthusiastic biologists
Zoos

This place is located approximately 50 km (30 mi) away from Bukhara and definitely worth a visit if you are into animal world and preservation activities. Our tour guide Sasha along with her husband and colleagues put every effort in making sure endangered species are protected, There are several special open air cages/fenced zone for baby gazelles, goats, sheep, as well as old species who need care. Also, there are four lakes for animals and birds. Depending on your time limit, there are various tour options: from 1-1.5 to 3-3.5 hours. The entrance fee is about $5-10 depending on whether you are an Uzbek resident or a foreigner. They suggest you visit when it's not super hot or cold, i.e. April-May, and September-October. Try to visit in the morning hours when it's hot to avoid sunburn See more..