What to do in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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So you’ve committed to the Kyrgyzstan adventure of your dreams and booked flights to the nations capital of Bishkek, but is there any point in hanging around?
Despite being Kyrgyzstan’s biggest city and the centre of commercial and administrative activity, adventure isn’t far with one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful national parks less than an hours drive from the centre of the city! But that’s not all, the city has a rich urban lifestyle with a range of things to see and do from relics of Kyrgyzstans Silk Road heritage to its more recent Soviet-era.
Here’s all the best activities, sights and food in Bishkek for the beginning or end of your trip to Kyrgyzstan!
If you’re still planning, check out the perfect Kyrgyzstan itinerary here and the essential packing list here.
Honestly, we have way too much info to share from spending over a month in Kyrgyzstan for just a few blog posts, so be the first to know about the release of our upcoming Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide. The first 50 on the waitlist will receive our entire Google Maps pin list for free with their copy.
Contents
The best restaurants in Bishkek
You’ll more than likely spend at least one night in Bishkek during your trip, which means a lunch and dinner in the capital. Here’s the best spots you shouldn’t miss for some local delicacies like shashlik, beshbarmak and lagman.
Navat at 114/1 Togolok Moldo street or Level 4, Dordoi Plaza, 115 Ibraimov street
This popular chain dishes up the best of Kyrgyz and Central Asian cuisine in a professional dining environment. It’s an authentic, reliable and relatively affordable option to try a range of local food on a first night in the country or to wrap up the trip.
Torro Grill at 93 Shopokov street
A Kyrgyz spin on the familiar steakhouse. This modern, upmarket venue grills different locally sourced beef steaks, lamb and fish alongside burgers and salads. This is a great option to celebrate the end of a trip in Kyrgyzstan’s wilderness or just load up on high-quality protein before making your way out of Bishkek.
This European style cafe has you covered for any meal of the day, including a decent breakfast range of favourites like omelettes, pancakes and full breakfasts. They also serve some of the nicest coffee in Bishkek (I tried a lot).
Things to see
Bishkek is slowly building a reputation with travellers to the region thanks to its young population and rapid development in recent years, blending with rich cultural history to create a Central Asia hotspot that resonates with short-term travellers and even its budding digital nomad scene. From the usual array of museums and cultural sights, to one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful national parks, there is plenty to see and do in the city no matter how long you plan to stay.
Ala-Too Square
Located in the heart of the city and across the road from the State History Museum, Ala-Too Square is the central square of the city and one of its most iconic landmarks. It was built in the 60’s during Kyrgyzstans Soviet-era and features beautiful fountains surrounding a statue of Manas, the legendary hero of Kyrgyzstan. Beyond just being beautiful, you can find many vendors and cafes around the square in the summer.
Ala Archa National Park
Those mountains you see towering over the city? That’s Ala Archa National Park and despite being one of the most accessible national parks we’ve ever been to, it ranks as one of the most beautiful too! With elevation ranging from 1,500m to nearly 5,000m and a whole range of single-day and multi-day hikes ranging from just a few hours to as long as week. This is a must visit, even if you only go for a few hours and stroll the gentle, concrete pathed river trail! The park entrance is easily reached from the city centre.
Osh Bazaar
In the city’s west you’ll find it’s oldest and largest traditional market, the Osh Bazaar. You can find just about everything here or in its adjacent indoor bazaars, from fresh produce and household items to jewellery and electronics, there’s even an entire market solely for purchasing mobile phones! Seriously, there are dozens of stalls selling even the latest iPhones, with their battery health displayed clearly on their price tags!
Shopping in Bishkek
Bishkek is the place to pickup any last-minute gear you might need for camping during your time in Kyrgyzstan, as outside of Bishkek your options will be extremely limited and likely very expensive. This is also the place to pick up a SIM or eSIM so you can stay connected during the trip (when you have reception in towns and settlements!), and change over any cash you have at good rates in major banks or exchanges.
Expedition.kg at Vefa Center
This specialty outdoor and camping store on the B1 level of the Vefa Center has you covered for camping essentials you might still need before heading out into Kyrgyzstans expansive wilderness. Basic water filters, chlorine tablets, headlamps and camping equipment like gas is available at reasonable prices.
Red Fox near Dordoi Plaza
If you haven’t brought your own, this is the best place to pick up a high-quality tent and outerwear like puffers or weather-proof bottoms. They sell a range of high-end trekking shoes, backpacks and sleeping bags for a range of temperatures.
That’s It!
If you’ve made it down here, thank you so much for reading!
Now you’re ready for the trekking trip of a lifetime in Kyrgyzstan!
