15+ Unforgettable Things to do In Bishkek – Kyrgyzstan’s Capital City

Kyrgyzstan has been at the top of my bucket list since the moment I discovered the Central Asian mountain paradise. 

If you’re chronically online like I am – spending hours scrolling through enchanting videos of unique destinations around the world – you’ve definitely come across Central Asia’s most awe-inspiring country.

From heart-warming, hospitable local culture to incredible outdoor adventure activities, Kyrgyzstan has something unique for every kind of traveler.

For me, it was the horseback riding adventures over mountain passes and along scenic lakes that incentivized me to book the flight. 

But after spending several days exploring Bishkek – the gateway to adventures all across the stunning landscapes of Kyrgyzstan – I realized that the capital city had so much to offer!

Bishkek is more than just a pitstop to the country’s jagged peaks and vast lakes.

There’s a world of culture to be explored in the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Here’s my epic list of the top things to do in Bishkek – complete with recommendations from my adventures with my local Kyrgyz friend!

Top Things to Do in Bishkek

With Recommendations from My Local Kyrgyz Friend!

1. Visit Osh Bazaar

The Osh Bazaar is one of the top attractions in Bishkek – visiting this local market was the highlight of my time in the capital city!

Known for its maze-like array of vendors selling everything from local spices, aromatic teas, and курут (kurut) – a salty and sour, dried, fermented yogurt ball popular as a Kyrgyz snack – Osh Bazaar is a Kyrgyz cultural paradise for travelers hoping to get a “taste” of Kyrgyzstan in the city.

Not to mention, it’s a great place to get souvenirs!

Walking into the bazaar, I was greeted with the sounds of vendors exchanging bargains in Krygyz, Uzbek and Russian.

Local vendors offer special deals on Kyrgyz delicacies, fresh produce, and even knock-off name brand clothing like Gucci and Dior (it’s all counterfeit clothing, but who can really tell?). 

Though I was lucky to visit the bazaar with a local Kyrgyz friend who helped with the bargaining, if you plan to visit the Osh Bazaar (or other local markets like Dordoi Bazaar – the largest local market in Central Asia) by yourself, make sure to haggle for a good price!

Haggling is especially important for purchasing souvenirs and clothing. 

2. Explore Bishkek Museums

In the little research I did about Bishkek before arriving, I had discovered a long list of museums in the city that showcase the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan.

Among the best museums in Bishkek are the State History Museum – a collection of objects and artifacts from Central Asia, specifically Kyrgyzstan – and the Museum of Fine Arts – artistic treasures from all over Kyrgyzstan.

As someone who loves to learn about the history and culture of the country I’m exploring, a museum is always at the top of my travel itinerary.

I had the opportunity to explore the State History Museum with my local friend, and learn about ancient artifacts and the cultural heritage that weaves itself into modern Kyrgyzstan.

At the State History Museum, I explored exhibits showcasing ancient ceramics, hunting tools, a collection of traditional Kyrgyz clothing, and a beautiful yurt display. 

My favorite exhibit in this expansive national museum was the display of local, handmade шырдак – shyrdak, a colorful, stitched carpet often used as decoration for the yurts.

If there’s one museum you add to your Kyrgyzstan itinerary, let it be the State History Museum in Bishkek.

Here are a few of my other favorite museums in Bishkek:

3. Try Kyrgyz Street Drinks

As I walked around the city of Bishkek, I was shocked to see a plethora of “Shoro (Шоро) stands” – the Kyrgyz equivalent to the classic American “lemonade stand”.

On nearly every street corner stands a colorful array of Kyrgyz street drinks including максым (maksym) in the red barrel and чалап (chalap) in the blue barrel.

Maksym is what I like to call, “bread water”, a drink containing fermented grains. It has a wheat-y, beer-like taste. Chalap is a salty, carbonated Kyrgyz equivalent to the middle eastern fermented yogurt drink, ayran. 

If you’re adventurous, you’ll indulge in аралаш (aralash), a bubbly, salty mix of maksym and chalap. Usually these street drinks can be as cheap as 10-20 som (less than $1 USD)!

Watching my local friend down the savory Kyrgyz delicacy like water, I figured, how bad could it be?

Here’s what I thought about these Kyrgyz street drinks:

I definitely wasn’t used to the fermented, salty taste of aralash, but it was WORTH IT to try Kyrgyzstan’s liquid gold!

4. Street Art in Bishkek – Scavenger Hunt!

Soviet-era architecture isn’t the only thing that leaves a lasting impression in Bishkek.

All around the city, bursts of color and creativity bring the streets to life through vibrant murals and striking graffiti. I spent hours wandering through Bishkek’s neighborhoods, on the hunt for Kyrgyzstan’s unique and decorative street art—and I was not disappointed!

A street art scavenger hunt is a great way to explore Bishkek on foot!

5. Discover Soviet Architecture in Bishkek

You won’t have to wander far to spot remnants of Bishkek’s Soviet past.

From imposing concrete facades to grand public squares, Soviet-era architecture still defines the city, offering travelers a glimpse into its complex and layered history.

As I wandered the streets of Bishkek, I searched for the minimalist, geometric forms that defined Soviet-era architecture.

Beyond the stark yet elegant symmetry of the State History Museum, a prominent example of the Soviet architectural style in Ala Too Square, traces of this unique architecture appeared in everyday buildings.

Apartments, supermarkets, government offices each portrayed the era that valued function, uniformity, and ideological presence over ornamentation.

6. Enjoy the Fountains at Ala Too Square

Ala Too Square, named after the striking mountains surrounding Bishkek, is the city’s largest central plaza.

With the State History Museum and the Gapar Aitiev Fine Arts Museum on either side of the plaza, Ala Too Square is the cultural center of Bishkek.

Fountains in the center of the square are the perfect way to cool off during the day. At night, these dancing jet streams come to life much like the awe-inspiring fountain show in Las Vegas. 

At the heart of Ala Too Square stands a statue of Manas, the legendary hero who united the tribes of Kyrgyzstan. 

When I visited Bishkek, this statue was under construction! However, I was still able to see the 45m flagpole displaying the Kyrgyzstan flag.

Ala Too Square hosts the changing of the guard every hour during the summertime, and every two hours during the wintertime. Plan your visit to Ala Too Square and the State History Museum to correspond with this unique cultural event!

7. Marvel at Kyrgyzstan’s White House

If you’re wandering around Bishkek, chances are, you’ll pass by the monumental white marble Kyrgyz White House!

Modeled after Stalinist architecture in Moscow, this historical monument was originally constructed as the headquarters for the Communist Party’s Central Committee. Today the White House functions as a presidential and parliamentary office building. 

8. Try Local Kyrgyz Cuisine

I heard rumors that horse meat is a staple of Kyrgyz cuisine.

And even though I would spend twelve days horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan, I told myself I would give anything a try…even if it meant indulging in the peculiar protein source I had just rode hours earlier. 

Kyrgyz cuisine reflects the nomadic culture, consisting of hearty soups with root vegetables and meat dishes with nourishing ingredients. Beef, lamb and horse are staple meats in the Kyrgyz diet. In the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan, yak meat is often served.

When I explored Bishkek with my local Kyrgyz friend, I enjoyed Kyrgyz cuisine at a local restaurant called Navat – Bishkek’s “chain restaurant” serving traditional dishes in a cultural setting. 

I was NEVER disappointed by the food in Kyrgyzstan. 

Spending hours horseback riding can really make you hungry.

But at every yurt camp, we were often served an “appetizer” soup – for example, beet soup with beef and potatoes – along with our main course which oftentimes consisted of beef or lamb with potatoes or hand-pulled noodles. 

Kyrgyzstan is predominantly Muslim, therefore pork is never served. Additionally, vegetarian meals are fairly uncommon, however many of the yurt camps we stopped at were happy to accommodate dietary restrictions – the locals are incredibly kind and hospitable! 

Here are a few of my favorite dishes I tried in Kyrgyzstan, so you can enjoy them too!

So what does horse meat taste like? What did I think of it? You’re probably wondering…

I was really reluctant to try horse meat. I love horses and horseback riding – I never imagined someday I would EAT my favorite animal! But when I travel, I always try to experience the culture like a local, even if it means trying something unusual!

Horse meat is similar to beef, but tastes a bit “gamier” and more tough. If you have the chance to try it, I definitely recommend indulging in the local cuisine! 

9. Discover Bishkek Central Mosque

On my flight to Bishkek, I watched a short, cinematic walkthrough video of Bishkek showcasing the main sites and attractions in the capital city.

Bishkek’s beautiful Central Mosque was featured in the video. 

After seeing the beautiful minarets – towering high like the mountains surrounding the city – on my small seat-back screen, I knew I had to visit the mosque. 

With my Kyrgyz friend and his girlfriend, Lily and I explored the central courtyard of the Central Mosque, watching as the sun set over the grey domed structure.

We were provided with a hijab and abaya, garments required for women visiting the mosque.

With the Ala Too Mountain Range in the distance, the Bishkek Central Mosque is a beautiful site to add to your list of things to do in Bishkek! Make sure to respect ritual prayer and the dress code before visiting this mosque!

10. Visit Bishkek’s Victory Square

Located a short distance from Bishkek Central Mosque and TSUM Shopping Mall is a beautiful monument dedicated to the victory of the allies over Nazi Germany in World War II. 

Victory Square contains the jaw-dropping Victory Monument which features three striking red marble granite arches that join together to form the shape of a yurt – a national symbol of Kyrgyzstan. 

At the center of the monument is a statue of a woman and an eternal flame guarded by the Kyrgyzstan National Guard. The statue is a symbol of the women awaiting the return of the soldiers. The eternal flame commemorates the fallen soldiers.

11. Wander Around One of Bishkek’s Malls

If you’re planning on visiting Kyrgyzstan during the summer, you’ll experience the Central Asian summer heat in Bishkek!

The perfect place to cool down after a street art scavenger hunt or a visit to the Osh Bazaar is at one of Bishkek’s many malls!

In the heart of the city, connected to the Bishkek’s best luxury hotel (Sheraton), you’ll find Bishkek Park Mall – a local mall with a variety of clothing stores, restaurants (including Navat, a great restaurant to taste Kyrgyz cuisine), and even a supermarket (a great place to buy water bottles or Kyrgyz snacks for your adventure!).

Bishkek Park Mall is a great place to shop for clothing essentials for your trip around Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek Park Mall also has a currency exchange center where you can exchange your money for local currency at a great rate. 

TSUM is another local mall with a variety of stores and brands – a great place to escape the summer heat after visiting the Central Mosque nearby!

12. Ride the Ferris Wheel at Panfilov Park

A short walk from Ala Too Square and the State History Museum is Bishkek’s premier theme park.

Panfilov Park is a fun adventure for all ages! At this local theme park there are a variety of kids rides and carnival games, the perfect place to visit if you are traveling with young kids.

I really enjoyed riding the ferris wheel at Panfilov Park (less than $2 USD per person). The views of Bishkek and the surrounding mountains were incredible!

13. Relax at a Local Bathhouse

When you visit Kyrgyzstan, you’ll want to immerse yourself in the local culture as much as possible.

Beyond experiencing “yurt life” and indulging in Kyrgyz delicacies, I recommend taking some time for relaxation at a local bathhouse. 

A “banya” is the Russian equivalent to a traditional Turkish hamam or a Roman bathhouse. There are many local banyas around Bishkek including Zhirgal Banya (Lechebno-Ozdorovitel’nyy Kompleks Zhyrgal) – a traditional Russian bathhouse in the city centre – and Sumbule – a luxury bathhouse just outside of Bishkek, recommend by my local friend.

Most of the time, these bathhouses will offer separate bathing areas for men and women – nude bathing or using a thin towel is encouraged.

Bathhouses are social experiences where you can scrub down, and “sweat it out” before jumping into a cold pool which is great for circulation!

14. Marvel at the Many Statues in Bishkek

As you traverse along sidewalks adjoined by soviet-era architecture in Bishkek, you’ll pass by many statues and monuments.

In Bishkek, there are statues and monuments commemorating legendary heroes and paying tribute to the lives lost in war.

Among the many statues and monuments are the statue of Manas in Ala Too Square (which was under renovation when I visited Bishkek in late June 2025) and the Victory Monument. 

15. Stroll Around Bishkek’s Parks

The Soviet-era “concrete jungle” has many peaceful parks – the perfect place to picnic or relax after walking around in the heat! 

Oak Park is one of Bishkek’s oldest parks, scattered with statues shrouded by the shade of monumental oak trees.

Panfilov Park, centrally located near Ala Too Square, is a geometrically-designed theme park with a ferris wheel that is fun for all ages!

Chinghiz Aitmatov Park, named after Kyrgyzstan’s famous writer, is just a short walk from Bishkek’s Opera and Ballet Theater (connected to Oak Park). 

There are so many local parks to explore in Bishkek!

16. Enjoy Rooftop Views of Bishkek at IWA Rooftop Lounge

At the top of the tallest building in Bishkek, the Sheraton Hotel (the best luxury hotel in Bishkek!), is a beautiful rooftop lounge and restaurant featuring the most incredible views of the city skyline. 

IWA Restaurant and Lounge is a rooftop restaurant serving up Japanese/Central Asian fusion dishes.

For the incredible views of Bishkek and the surrounding Ala Too Mountains, this restaurant is a great place to visit if you’re staying at the Sheraton, or if you’re willing to splurge a little for a unique blend of Japanese/Central Asian cuisine!