Here are 15 things to do in Bishkek! If you’re keen to visit the Kyrgyz capital, I’ve got you covered.
Most cities we visit offer an overwhelming amount of activities and places to visit, so much so, that we often find ourselves making compromises in order to cover the places we’re most interested in. This was not the case for Bishkek where to-do-lists are best tossed out the window.
At first glance, the Kyrgyz capital doesn’t appear to offer much in terms of attractions, but we quickly discovered this is the kind of place that you need to experience – sit back, relax, and see where it takes you.
VIDEO: Bishkek Travel Guide
It’s only when you linger in Bishkek and start chatting with expats and locals, that you begin to discover that this city is home to a whole slew of quirky sights, trendy cafes, relaxing parks, underrated attractions, and imposing monuments.
Bishkek won us over in a matter of days and by the end of our visit we understood why so many travellers choose to linger here and others find a way to call it home. But now on to the sightseeing; in this post I’m going to show you 15 things to do in Bishkek on your visit:
15 Things To Do In Bishkek
1) Ala-Too Square (Ала-тоо аянты – Площадь Ала-Тоо)
First up, we visited Ala-Too Square, which is the central plaza in Bishkek. While there isn’t much to do here, it’s one of the city’s major landmarks featuring plenty of benches and water fountains where you can take a quick break.
Built in 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kyrgyz Soviet Social Republic. Moreover, here you’ll also find a statue of Manas commemorating the 20th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s independence. State events and celebrations take place here along with occasional protests.
2) State Historical Museum
Just across the street you’ll find the State Historical Museum. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations when we visited but if you wander around the back of the building you’ll find an imposing Lenin statue.
When open to the public, it houses an eclectic collection of Soviet era items. Additionally, along with mementos from the 2010 revolution.
3) Osh Bazaar (Ош базары)
Another place you’ll want to visit in Bishkek is the Osh Bazaar. It may not be the biggest in Central Asia, but it’s a bustling hive of activity where you could easily spend several hours. Hence, we had no problems at the market, but we were warned by expat friends and locals to ignore the fake police who may ask to see documents and camera permits.
Inside the market you’ll find fresh produce, local snacks and clothes. Thus, if you’re adventurous with your tastes buds, be sure to try the dry cheese balls which taste a bit like salty goat cheese. Our find of the day was a half of kilo of dates for 100 Som (roughly $1.50 USD). Bargain!
4) Abandoned Casino
Remember my earlier spiel about Bishkek being a little quirky? Indeed, the city has plenty of abandoned buildings to explore, none being more fascinating than the forgotten casino.
Here you’ll find graffiti, smashed objects and possibly teenagers hanging out. Also, be sure to bring closed shoes as there is an abundance of broken glass on the ground.
5) Victory Monument
Directly across from the abandoned casino, you’ll find the Victory Monument which was built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of World War 2.
The three curved arcs represent a yurt, and the sculpture of a woman standing near the eternal flame is meant to symbolize her waiting for her husband and sons to return from the war.
6) Erkindik Park and Ice Cream
I spent more time in Erkindik Park than anywhere else in Bishkek. Whether I was jogging to burn calories or licking ice cream to gain them back, I couldn’t get enough of this place.
Popular with locals, especially on the weekends, you’ll find this park lined with trees charming at all of times of day. It tends to be quieter in the mornings and busier in the late afternoon and early evening.
7) Zhirgal Banya Bath House
I’m a sucker for saunas and public baths! If I touch down in Finland or South Korea, spending ample time at the sauna is an absolute must. When I found out Bishkek had a popular bath house I just had to check it out. Separated by gender, you strip down to your birthday suit and alternate between steam rooms and saunas. I went to check out the polar plunge dome with ice cold water.
As I was tip-toeing my way down the ladder I was suddenly thrust face first into the pool. Gulping water I immediately swung my head back and noticed a burly man of Kyrgyz World Nomad Games proportions looking down at me with his arms crossed. I had just been pushed into the pool by another grown naked man. Not even know how to react I just ended up swimming to the other end.
Aside from being shoved I did enjoy my experience at Zhirgal Banya.
8) Retro Rollerskating Rink
Found a warp tunnel where you can time travel back to the 80s? If not, may I suggest visiting the roller rink in Bishkek?
I thought roller-skating would be a lot like ice skating and/or rollerblading; I was wrong. I’m sure my bambi on skates impression provided plenty of humor for the mostly local teenage clientele.
The amount of times I nearly hit the ground was comical to say the least.
9) Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Abdylas Maldybayev
We missed the start of opera and ballet season by just a few days, however, if you’re in the city at the right time, that’s something you could consider doing as we heard the performances are top notch.
10) Bishkek Cafes
If you’re interested in chillin’ like a villain you’ll find Bishkek has a collection of worthwhile cafes to pass an afternoon.
Check out Q cafe where you’ll slurp on gourmet coffee and chow down on freshly baked muffins and Dvorak cake.
11) Hiking outside of Bishkek with Trekking Union
If you’re craving a day-trip from Bishkek, you can always plan a hike to the nearby mountains with the Trekking Union.
With hikes happening every weekend you’ll find yourself out in nature with good company along the way. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks and proper footwear. Also, don’t be shocked if the 12 kilometer hike you’ve signed up for is actually a 25 kilometer jaunt.
VIDEO: Hiking in Kyrgyzstan
12) Kyrgyz traditional food and International cuisine
As far as traditional Kyrgyz food is concerned, there’s plenty to sample ranging from grilled meats to dumplings, and noodles to mixed rice. Also, be sure to try fermented mare’s milk (kymyz – Кымыз) which is a flavour you won’t soon forget.
International options are also plentiful in Bishkek with some great steakhouses, Japanese and Korean restaurants. Thus, our favorite was Chicken Star where you can enjoy spicy Korean chicken and tteokochi spicy rice cakes with your pint of beer.
VIDEO: Kyrgyz Traditional Food
13) Craft Beer Scene
Save The Ales! I’m always up for a good cause and if you’re jonesing for a craft IPA you’ve come to the right place.
Here you’ll enjoy the casual atmosphere and company of others when things get dark in the city.
14) Oak Park
With our time in Bishkek winding down, we visited Oak Park which is full of peculiar sculptures and offers a nice green escape.
Definitely, it’s worth a visit if you’re already in the area.
15) Panfilov Park (Панфилов көчөсү – улица Панфилова)
Lastly, there’s Panfilov Park, where you can enjoy all sorts of carnival rides right in the heart of Bishkek.
All in all, we had an enormous lunch before visiting so that meant the roller coaster was off limits for us, but it shouldn’t necessarily be for you.
Bishkek Photo Essay
Here is a brief photo essay to inspire you to visit Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan!
And that’s a wrap for our trip to Bishkek. This city is the kind of place that you experience as opposed to ticking off attractions, so it ended up being a fairly relaxing trip after a few busy weeks of travel around Kyrgyzstan. As always, if you have any suggestions of things to do in Bishkek, feel free to share your tips with fellow travellers in the comments section below.
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Wow, Bishkek sounds like such a hidden gem! I love how the city mixes quirky sights with cultural experiences. Ala-Too Square and Osh Bazaar seem like perfect places to start, but the real highlight for me has to be hiking in the nearby mountains. The Trekking Union sounds like an amazing way to explore nature with great company. Plus, I’m definitely intrigued by the Kyrgyz traditional food and the fermented mare’s milk!
“Such a comprehensive and helpful guide to Bishkek! I had no idea there were so many amazing things to do in Kyrgyzstan’s capital. From the stunning Ala Archa National Park to the vibrant Osh Bazaar, this list really highlights the best of what the city has to offer. I’m definitely adding Bishkek to my travel bucket list—thanks for the great recommendations!”
This post is fantastic—thank you for sharing such valuable insights! The information is not only clear but also incredibly useful, making it easy to put into action. Really appreciate the effort and detail!
Thank you for sharing this detailed travel guide to Bishkek! Your list of activities captures the city’s unique blend of cultural, historical, and quirky attractions, from Ala-Too Square and Osh Bazaar to hidden gems like the abandoned casino and retro roller rink. The insight on Bishkek’s relaxed vibe and the thrill of discovering local cafes, saunas, and parks makes it feel so inviting. Plus, the mountain hiking options sound perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Bishkek truly seems like a place where one can both unwind and uncover surprises along the way—your guide brings it all to life beautifully.
“Such a great travel guide! Bishkek sounds like an amazing destination with so much to offer. I love how you highlighted both cultural spots and outdoor adventures. This post is definitely going on my travel bucket list—thanks for the recommendations!”
“Thank you for this insightful post! I truly appreciate the depth of information and practical advice you’ve shared. It’s always great to come across content that not only informs but also inspires action. Keep up the great work!”
Exploring Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty, making it a fantastic travel destination. From visiting Ala Too Square, which is the heart of the city, to exploring the vibrant Osh Bazaar for an authentic local shopping experience, there’s so much to see.As a Softglaze member, sharing insights about these top activities can inspire others to explore the rich culture and stunning scenery of Bishkek, creating unforgettable memories in this vibrant city.
“Thanks for this amazing guide! Bishkek looks like such a hidden gem. Out of all the activities, which one would you say gives the best cultural experience for first-time visitors?”
“Great guide! Bishkek seems like such a vibrant mix of culture, history, and nature. The blend of Soviet architecture with stunning mountain views sounds amazing. Which of the top 15 would you say is an absolute must for first-time visitors?”
“Fantastic guide! Bishkek looks like such a hidden gem with so much to offer. I love how you’ve included a mix of cultural sites, nature spots, and local experiences. Definitely adding this to my travel bucket list—thanks for sharing!”
Nice travel blog.
“Thanks for this awesome guide! Bishkek seems like such an underrated gem with a rich blend of culture and nature. Exploring Ala-Too Square and hiking in the nearby mountains sound like must-do activities. I’m curious—what’s your personal favorite spot in Bishkek that really captures the spirit of the city?”
Fantastic guide! Bishkek has always intrigued me, and this list of top things to do is incredibly helpful. I love the mix of cultural sites, outdoor activities, and local experiences you’ve included. This is definitely going to be my go-to resource for planning my trip. Thanks for the great recommendations!
“This travel guide is fantastic! The list of top things to do in Bishkek is comprehensive and really highlights the best of Kyrgyzstan’s capital. Your recommendations and tips are incredibly helpful for planning a visit. Thanks for putting together such an insightful and detailed guide!”
“Fantastic guide! Bishkek seems like a hidden gem with so much to offer. Your top 15 list is comprehensive and highlights some amazing spots. I especially appreciate the mix of cultural sites, natural beauty, and local experiences. Definitely adding Bishkek to my travel bucket list. Thanks for the detailed recommendations!”
Very Very Nice Blogging
Extremely excellent!! So beautiful and nice pictures.
Such a beautiful pictures..Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing this information with us.
Really awesome place all photography is very good.Thanks for the post
The pictures look so amazing. Thanks for Sharing!
Looks amazing thanks for sharing. I visited these places in the summertime.
The pictures look so amazing.
Interesting adventure… Nice scenery for hiking!
The pictures look so amazing. Would love to visit Bishkek. Thanks for Sharing!
Thanks Abhinav! It is a beautiful city.
The video you added in a blog about 15 things to do in Bishkek is quite interesting & informative too
Thanks Pradish! We’d love to revisit again someday.
Hi, thanks for this post. It is exactly what i was looking for
Thanks! Glad to hear that.
I am glad both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have lifted visas for foreign travellers. I would love to see issyk kul in Kyrgyzstan. Thanks for the post
Thanks Mutlu! Highly recommend Issyk Kul. The rugged beauty of this country is unrivalled.
Very informative post, full of colorful images and description that makes it a perfect page to read and know about the glory of Kyrgyzstan as a fantastic destination. Worth reading. Thanks & warm regards for this great share.
Thank you very much Shashank!
It looks like there is a wide range of things to do in Bishkek.
I’ve been intrigued by these Central Asian countries for some time now. Hopefully, I will be able to get to one of them in the future.
I knew next to nothing about Bishkek before I read this post. It was nice to see there is quite a bit to do. Victory Monument and the abandoned casino would be right up my street.
The day hike to the gorge looks incredible as well!
Thanks for sharing Samuel, this has whet my appetitie for adventures in Central Asia!
Thank you very much Tom! I hope you get a chance to visit. Our time in Kyrgyzstan has made us realize we want to see much more of Central Asia.
Bishkek seems to be an awesome city to visit, especially with those mountains in the background! Nice photos, regards!
Thank you! The mountains sure provide a beautiful backdrop.
Great Blog. Very Interesting. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
Thanks James!
This is interesting! Sincerely, I clicked on the article because I was so curious to know where exactly Bishkek is. I’m from Eastern Europe, but never heard of it. It looks like a good place to relax and enjoy the silence. 🙂
Thanks Paula! I think it is still very underrated in many ways.
Hey , Thank for this nice guide and Osh Bazaar is full of colors and smell. A nice place to discover some of the Kyrgyz culture.
Thanks Kaminska! That bazaar was a fav of ours.
really awesome place all photography are very good.
Pictures and place both are looking beautiful, i would love to visit Bishkek one day but sadly not soon as i am already planning to visit Canada.
This is wonderful list to do best thing in Bishkek & a special post for those never been at Bishkek! Well there are the lot of thing those attract peoples toward Bishkek.
So Bishkek with amazing thing to do.
Great, that is an awesome place and it have so many good things to enjoy. i really like beauty of these places and so stunning photos you shared of that place.
Wow! i inspired with the list of things to do in Bishkek. I like amazing mountain view wonderful pictures you shared.
Hei Sam! What an amazing trip you had, I bet you had a great time eh? Never have I thought to visit Kyrgyz before, but this, your post might totally change my mind! The view is incredible. Hiking or trekking is pretty tiring, but I think it wouldn’t be as tiring when you have that view along the way! And yes, tasting their traditional food is an important thing to do every time we visit new country or place, right? Well, thank you for writing the list! I’d like to suggest you to visit Southeast Asia, though. Phuket! Beautiful beaches and lots of things to do! Come and stay with us, you can explore or just relax for awhile. Exclusive ocean view and infinity pool, oh yes! Please do visit our website for more information! Thank you.
Just to say I love your blog! I first found you when I was searching for information about Bergen. You have inspired me to start my own blog! 😀 thank you!
Awesome Photography 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us.
Awesome Article: Amazing Photography 🙂 Keep Shearing Such Useful Article!
Hi Sam and Audrey, it’s been ages, but I am so glad you also visited Bishkek and liked it. I spent about 3-4 months here, used as a base for visas too when I backpacked in Central Asia. A truly inspiring city for me and you have also done it justice here. Safe travels. Jonny
Thank you for all the great information. I love hearing about places like this. Another destination to add to the growing list:)
Thanks for sharing info Erkindik Park in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is the awesome place great helpful information about this blog. Thanks again.
great pics! thanks for sharing!
this is an amazing place to visit. i would definitely take some time to visit these places.
Great article with good insights. It will help people who are planning to go to BISHKEK.
Amazing photography! It was great Bishkek. Thanks for sharing it.
Wow such a great things to do and amazing pics. Thanks for sharing.
Retro Rollerskating looks like amazing experience , Great photography
Thanks for sharing this blogs
Awesome Pictures its looking pretty cool and lovely in this post. This article will help the traveler what to do in Bishkek.
Hi,
Great post. What other parts of Kyrgyzstan did you visit?
Great post. What other parts of Kyrgyzstan did you visit?
BISHKEK is like a heaven on the earth because last year i visit here with family we enjoy a lot. every thing is looking naturally. especially we enjoy mountain hacking. thanks for sharing a such a beautiful blog.
Thank you, Sam, for this fantastic post. I have never been to Bishkek before. But this place looks super cool to take some vacation. Very nice looking photography. Thanks for sharing. loved it:)
Stunning Photos and useful trip.
I’d be first in line for the retro rollerskating! Looks awesome!
Interesting adventure… Nice scenery for hiking!
Central Asia is so interesting, yet there are few travel bloggers writing about them.
thanks for sharing!! i didn’t know the place! great pics!
So awesome place ad suggested amazing things of that beautiful place. so stunning photos you shared.
Bishkek would be great place to be. Thanks for the awesome share 🙂
Awesome post! Bishkek looks awesome!
Love the old soviet architecure!
Pinning this for later. Looks fabulous and weird.
Wow!!! What a wonderful pictures you shared. Views are amazing. Great information you shared about blog post. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Also plan a tour in South Asian country Nepal and experience diverse customs and traditions.
Great Photography! thanks for sharing.
Wow😍😍😍
Looks amazing thanks for sharing.
I visited this places in summer time. The people are very friendly and hospitality. Don’t worry really safe country. I booked tour with Mega Tour. Very professional guides and drivers
?
Thank you! We felt inspired in Bishkek.
Would like to go back to Nepal again someday.