City: Bishkek
Top Things to do in Bishkek
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Just at the northern edge of the Ala Too mountain range lies Kyrgyzstan's lively northern capital, Bishkek. With numerous green spaces, parks and gardens alongside Soviet-era buildings and monuments, the city retains its former Soviet Asian flavor. The city is home to many monuments and cultural institutions, including the National Historical Museum and Ala Too Square, where the changing of the guard takes place daily. The Dordoy Bazaar provides ample shopping, especially for Chinese exports.
Restaurants in Bishkek
1. Ala-Archa Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By JSS71 - Vadodara, India
Ala Archa is a place of pride for Bishkek that is a nature Park about 45 minutes drive. Once you enter park situated on mountain you feel and see greenery fresh air cold river water coming from heights. You see squirrel and distincted birds. Basically it's a trail. And.you have to walk as per your stamina. Must visit.aatraction at Bishkek.
2. Panfilov Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By WMBandit - Shanghai, China
I like how green it is and the number of parks there are in Bishkek. Nice stroll around the park- lots of snack stands and shops around as well. It was great to see the fairgrounds with cheap reasonable costs. I was told that many dates back to the Soviet-Union Era:) Lovely walk and close to everything- walkable too to other points of interest.
Lovely place for a chat and quiet times.
3. Museum of Fine Arts
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Roman J - Bangkok, Thailand
The Fine Arts Museum stands out from other cultural Bishkek locations. Sure, the building could be in a better shape, same counts for the insight lightning, but overall the presented art work is great. An interesting journey between carpets, paintings, photographs and art installation. We were impressed from the etchings and drawings from some German artists. Great details and images. Between the exhibits we found also plenty of interesting work form Kyrgyz artists. A place which gives rather gray Bishkek a rather colorful and different face. We loved it.
4. Ala-Too Square
Overall Ratings
4 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By photo_AC - Singapore, Singapore
Any visit to Bishkek will include passing by or spending some time at Ala-Too Square. The main attractions are all nearby, within walking distance - History Museum, White House, various parks, shopping centres, the artists' lane, etc.
During the daytime, it can be incredibly hot on the Square. At night, it's much cooler and the Fountains work during the warmer months. Nice place to people watch. The huge state flag also has a changing of guard every hour - interesting to photograph goosing-stepping soldiers!
On Nooruz (21 March) & Independence Day (31 August), it is used for the large scale celebrations - concert, Performances, parade, etc.
5. Osh Bazaar
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By Teh Zaitun H
Beautiful hand crafted souvenirs from Kyrgyzstan. Their quilted coats are well stitched and their embroidery are quite fine. A maze of little stores that can be intimidating as you may lose your way. Bargaining is allowed but not neccesarily they will bring the price down. Be careful of your personal belongings, keep your purses and handphones close to you.
A fine place to look for souvenirs.
6. Bishkek Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Daniel W - Dubai
Central Bishkek nice clean mall wooth excellent supermarket and some boutique shops. Good little food court on top floor
7. State History Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
History anywhere in the world being one of my favorite interests, a visit to the State History Museum was one of my top priorities, when in Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan's capital city is quite pleasant with its broad avenues and sidewalks and its many trees, but there is not too much to see.
When standing on the big Ala Too Square and facing the corrugated iron fence around the modernist cube from Soviet times, which houses the museum, I was rather disappointed, but less so than the German couple I met there, who had the same plans as I did. Nowhere could I read in the internet that this place is closed and it seems that the museum doesn't have a website (in any language).
8. Monument to Those Who Died For Freedom
Overall Ratings
4 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By kiltmaker2 - Evanston, Illinois
This monument is located in front of the Presidential Palace which is next to Ala Too Square. This monument is easily spotted if you are in front of the Palace.
9. Monument to Manas the Great
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Geminican - San Jose
This is located in the center of Bishkek near the presidential palace and the Parliament building. The monument itself is similar to many other monuments you have seen in the world, but Manas is considered the national hero in Kyrgyzstan.
10. Monument to Chingiz Aitmatov
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Aigul K - Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan
This monument is relatively new, dedicated to best known figure in literature - Chingiz Aitmatov. His poems/stories are very popular not only in Kyrgyzstan but also in Europe especially in Turkey. One of his most popular stories is Djamilia, a love story between a Kyrgyz woman and a Kazakh guy. If you understand Russian you can find the movie on youtube. Unfortunately, he died in 2008 with hundreds of people attending his burial. His graveyard is established in Ata Beiit, which is located about 30 km from town.
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