Bukhara (in Uzbek Buxoro) is a city historically astride the Silk Road in the Samarkand through Bukhara region of Uzbekistan. It has a wealth of architecture and culture and is a must-see destination on any tour of this region. It's also easy to reach, with a relaxed national visa regime and fast transport by plane, train or highway with no plodding camels involved. With a population of 280,000 in 2020, its suburbs are modern and industrial, but its centre is an extensive, well-preserved Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
This city dates back at least 2500 years. It became Islamic after the Arab conquest of 751 AD, blossoming into a religious and cultural centre under the 9th / 10th century Samanid dynasty. It was sacked by Genghiz Khan in 1220; in the following century Timur embellished many of the cities he conquered but power and artistic patronage lay in Samarkand. The heyday of Bukhara, and basis for what you see today, came under the Shaybanid khanate from 1506 until 1598, especially under Abdullah Khan II the last of that lineage.
A swarm of small buses serves the city. They're sometimes described as marshrutkas or dolmuşes but they have fixed stops and run to a fixed timetable, though its details are known only unto Allah. In 2024 the flat fare is 2000 Som in town and 3000 Som out to Kogon and the railway station. Pay the driver on exit if there isn't a conductor. The only bus through Old Town is #9, running east-west past the Lyab-i-Hauz complex. Others run to points 1 km out, for instance #60 west side of the complex and #378 east side. Old Town itself is compact and mostly pedestrianised, so walking is the best way to explore. Taxis often try to rip off tourists.
1 Lyab-i Hauz is the grand plaza and pool at the heart of the Old City, laid out in the 16th century, in legend after a dispute between the khan and the Jewish widow landowner. "Hauz" means a pool, and the city had several for its water supply. They degenerated into cesspools and the Soviets filled them in during the 1920s/30s, but this one survived. Ranged around it are: Kukeldash Madrassah is north side, built in 1568 and in its day the largest in the Islamic world. It's now a hotel. Nadir Devan-begi Madrassah is east side, built in 1622 as a caravansarai, but hurriedly converted into a Madrassah when the local grandee deemed it so. Nadir Devan-begi Khanaka west side was built in 1620.
Hammam Borzi Kord, Mehtar Ambar 55 (within Toqi Telpak Furushon), ☏ +998 94 859 1616. Daily 06:00-23:00. Traditional bath house, mornings only for local men then after 14:00 for tourists of mixed gender. (updated Sep 2024) Hammom Kunjak, Nurobobod (100 m west of Kalan Mosque), ☏ +998 97 234 3233. Daily 09:00-21:00. The women's bathhouse. Most reckon it's an overpriced tourist trap. (updated Sep 2024) Football: FC Bukhara were relegated in 2023 and now play soccer in the Pro League, the second tier. Their home ground Buxoro Arena (capacity 22.700) is 2 km south of city centre. The playing season is March-Nov.
Sometimes local people invite for dinner to their home (i.e. near Kalyan mosque). Consider this authentic experience and leave locals some money after. Bolo Khauz Teahouse, Afrosiab St (next to Bolo Khauz Mosque). Atmospheric restaurant but touristy prices. (updated Sep 2024) Doston House, Kokill Kalon 5 (100 m east of Lyab-i Hauz bus stop), ☏ +998 91 445 2755. Daily 12:00-15:00, 18:00-21:00. Restaurant in a charming 19th century guesthouse in the old town.
Silk Road Tea House, Khakikat (south side of Po-i-Kaylan), ☏ +998 93 383 4034. Daily 10:00-18:00. Shop and cafe serving spice and herbal tea, saffron and ginger tea, coffee with cardamom, green and black tea as well as sweets including halva, qandalat and nabat. (updated Sep 2024) Shorud Wine Tasting, Sarafon 2 (south side of Lyab-i Hauz), ☏ +998 90 298 8800. Daily 10:00-23:00. Wine shop and tastings, friendly helpful owner. (updated Sep 2024)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €9 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Jul, Bukhara typically sees ~41°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-22. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy