City: Dushanbe
Top Things to do in Dushanbe
Top 10 Free Things to do in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Translating to "Monday" in Tajik, Dushanbe was once a tiny mountain village known for its Monday market. Today that village has become a metropolis, but the Barakat covered market remains one of the most vibrant attractions in the city. Dushanbe's wide, tree-lined avenues are home to a number of monuments and museums, including the Unified Museum and the Museum of Antiquities, as well as a beautiful opera theater and myriad cafes and teahouses where visitors can sample Tajik sweets.
Restaurants in Dushanbe
1. Pamir Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
The Pamir Mountain range is part of the Western Himalaya and features several peaks over 7000m. The terrain is diverse from towering peaks to high altitude desert plains and climate conditions can vary from +35C to -40C depending upon the time of year. The Pamir Highway follows paths forged long ago by the ancient Silk routes, when that precious commodity travelled from China to European and Arabian markets and traded goods returned in its stead. Legacies of those forgotten times can still be seen with cliff top fortresses and ancient caravanserais. The highway winds over 2000km from Samarkand in Uzbekistan through Dushanbe (capital of Tajikistan) and the Pamir mountains to Osh in Kyrgyzstan and then on to Bishkek (capital of Kyrgyzstan) through the Tien Shan mountain range. The peoples of Central Asia hold hospitality as a value of great importance and travellers are warmly welcomed whether the visit is planned or otherwise!
Reviewed By KaisuR14 - Helsinki, Finland
Mountains, rivers, forests. I travelled on the border between Tadjikistan and Afghanistan and could see the Afghan countryside that you can't see otherwise. There is the river Panj (Amu Darya), a narrow, but turbulent river, between the countries. You can see from the road snowy peaks of Pamir and Hindu Kush too. Unfortunately, Isis killed four travellers in summer 2018 when I was there.
2. Rudaki Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By carolas936 - Marietta, United States
Rudaki Park, in the heart of Dushanbe is about 20 acres in size, formally laid out with paved paths, formal flower beds, fountains, statues and surrounded by government buildings. The park is a colorful expression of Tajikistan national pride. It is named after Muhammad al Rudaki (858-941), one of the first poets to write in modern Persian. He was born in what is now Panjakent, Tajikistan, and was the court poet to Samanid ruler Nasr II in the early 10th century. On the east side of the park, radial walkways converge on a massive statue of Rudaki, under a mosaic arch. The north center of the park has a tall flagstaff with an enormous Tajikistan flag. The flagpole fronts a small lake with paddle boats for rent. The park is meticulously laid out and cared for, with formal flower beds, tree-lined walkways, benches, and fountains. The Presidential Palace is on the west side, the National Museum of Tajikistan on the north, and the National Library to the South. Just south of the park is a statue to Ismoili Somoni under a modernistic gold arch. During the summer, the park can be hot, so a visit in early morning or late afternoon can be cooler. The fountains are lit at night, making it a visual delight. Its extensive size and paved paths make it a good place for walking, jogging, or bike riding. Kiosks sell ice cream and cold drinks, and there are occasional public toilets. Rudaki park is easy to get to (Trams run along Rudaki Avenue to the east), and is open 24 hours each day. There is no entrance charge.
3. Haji Yaqub Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By WeakKneeTraveler - Singapore, Singapore
This is a must visit when in the city. The architecture as well as the interior are beautiful. Do note as conservative dress code and head skarf are required for ladies. They are pretty strict on dress code.
4. Ismaili Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By btw2017 - London, United Kingdom
This is a fairly new building. It serves as a prayer hall as well as other services such as early years classes. It is a majestic building and resembles the mountainous Pamir which surrounds Khorog . Must attend the tour as the building will make more sense. ie, The bricks used to build this majestic place came from neighbouring Uzbekistan
5. Varzob (Dushanbinka) River
6. Victory Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
The Victory park is located in the eastern section of town. It is easily reached by bus 37, getting off at the intersection of Shohtemur and Druzhby Narodov Street. It is a difficult 1.5 km walk uphill to the park.. It is easier to take a taxi from the town center to the restaurant area, then a 5 minute walk from there to the memorial area. The park is immaculately maintained and the many fir trees provide areas to relax in the shade after the difficult walk. We were the only visitors here, which made the memorial seem more solemn. We noticed that the main memorial area where a red star used to be was bare, but the outline still remained in the grass. The eternal flame is in the shape of a pink star, but was not lit. On the wall behind the flame area was a Soviet hammer and sickle insignia, and the words, "No one is forgotten and nothing is forgotten", which is in both Russian and Tajik script.The tiled area is huge with seating areas on either side. There are steps leading to the lower level from the memorial area. This area is known as the "Alley of Heroes". There are eight levels in the descent, and on either side of the level areas are four photos of war heroes with their names below. In the areas where there were no photos available, a Soviet insignia was inserted. At the bottom of the steps on either side were two plaques. There were 32 names on the left and 31 on the right. These were names of the soldiers in the alley, who received the title, " Hero of the Soviet Union". More than 300,000 Tajiks went to war, and over 60,000 didn't return. A total of 72 Tajik soldiers received high honours in the war, of which 63 are represented here. The park was constructed in 1975, but didn't officially open until 1985 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the end of the war. At that time a cable car was in operation, but the cable car station is now a restaurant. We thought that the park was beautiful but the views were not as we anticipated, as the pollution made it difficult to see the city clearly. We walked back to the main road where the Dushanbe Brewery is located. We missed visiting this, as it closes at 5 pm. Many mashrutkas are on this route which can take you back to the town center. If you take bus 37 for four stops south on Druzhby Narodov Street, the St Nicholas cathedral can be viewed. If you are interested in war memorials, there are others in the Rail Ways Park behind the Train Station and the Victory monument on Ayni Street.
7. Varzob gorge
8. NOOR ART GALLERY
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Welcome to Noor Art Gallery located at the Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Hotel. Noor Art Gallery exhibits one of the most distinguished public art collections in Dushanbe. Its displays include the works of Tajikistan's prominent masters such as Farrukh Negmatzade, Eraj Olimov, Bahrom Ismatov, iliyos Mamadzhanov, Maksud Mirmukhamedov, Abdullo Ubaidullaev, Behruz Zabirov and others. Noor Art Gallery also features unique handmade jewelry embellished with semi precious gems, adras/atlas fabrics (ikat fabric), handmade rugs, a great range of national souvenirs and Tajik handicraft products, such as woodcarvings, jewelry boxes, pottery, clothings made from traditional handmade textiles, florentine mosaics and many more. According to a famous saying, art reflects life. So come and visit Noor Art Gallery to learn more about oriental culture and people.
Reviewed By 457dianai - Riga, Latvia
Great family store with unique souvenirs, unique atmosphere and unique taste. Combination of modern and traditional trends, handmade, family run. Great service + they ship to everywhere in the world! Definitely worth visiting, even if just like an art gallery!
9. Statue of Ismoil Somoni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By alikarim - Dallas, United States
Ismail Somoni was a ruler and hero of this region and there are many places named after him in the city. The statue is across from the Parliament buildings, and from teh Rudaki Park and National Library. The statue and park grounds, the map of this empire, gardens, water structures etc are well kept and in good order. Worth visiting for a photo opportunity and to enjoy the various monuments, parks and Museum/Library here.
10. National Library of Tajikistan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Azizus - Dushanbe, Tajikistan
The National Library is the biggest library in the region having a repository of more than 3 mln books and hundred thousands of e-books and periodicals as well as rare ancient manuscripts.
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