Places / Asia / Uzbekistan
Bukhara
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At a glance
- Country
- Uzbekistan
- Region
- Bukhara Region
- Population
- 280,000
- Best time to go
- April to May, September to October
- Main airport
- Bukhara International (BHK)
- Coordinates
- 39.77°N, 64.43°E
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Overview
Bukhara is the most atmospheric of Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities, a sand-coloured old town of madrasas, domed bazaars and quiet lanes that has changed less than its rivals.
Life centres on Lyab-i Hauz, a pool shaded by mulberry trees where locals sit over tea in the evening. Everything is within walking distance, so give yourself two or three days to slow down and get properly lost.
Things to see
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Photo: Официальный веб-сайт Агентства культурного наследия Республи, CC BY 4.0 Po-i-Kalyan
The Kalyan Minaret, nearly 50 metres tall, rises above a great mosque and the still-working Mir-i-Arab Madrasa.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: ほっきー, CC0 Ark of Bukhara
The massive fortress of the emirs, with museums inside its sloping mud-brick walls.
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Photo: Mario J. Schwaiger, CC BY-SA 4.0 Lyab-i Hauz
The old town's social heart, a pool framed by a madrasa, a lodge and teahouses.
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Photo: Apfel51, Public domain Samanid Mausoleum
A small, perfectly proportioned tomb from over a thousand years ago, its brickwork woven like basketry.
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Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0 Chor Minor
A quirky gatehouse with four turquoise-topped towers, tucked into a residential lane.
Things to do
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Photo: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0 Browse the trading domes
The domed medieval bazaars still sell carpets, suzanis, knives and caps.
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Photo: Miss Kamola, CC0 Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa
The last emir's summer palace on the edge of town, a curious mix of Russian and Central Asian styles.
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Photo: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hammam
Steam and scrub in one of the old bathhouses that have served the city for centuries.
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Evening at Lyab-i Hauz
Join families around the pool for green tea, shashlik and people-watching as the lights come on.
Where to stay
Around Lyab-i Hauz
Right in the centre of the old town, with restaurants on the doorstep.
Hotels in Around Lyab-i HauzOld town guesthouses
Courtyard homes run by families, for a quieter and more traditional stay.
Hotels in Old town guesthousesNew town
Larger modern hotels, a short taxi ride from the historic centre.
Hotels in New town
Getting around
The old town is compact and best explored on foot. Taxis are cheap for trips to the summer palace or the station.
The airport is around 15 minutes from the old town. Trains from Samarkand take about two hours and arrive at Kagan station, a short drive out of the city.
When to go
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) bring warm days and comfortable evenings. Summer is scorching, while winter is cold, dry and very quiet.
Plan your trip to Bukhara
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.