Bukhara lies about 300 kilometres West of Samarkand and is rich in history, culture, and architectural wonders. Unlike Samarkand, Bukhara boasts a more understated elegance, drawing travellers into its streets lined with little shops and towering madrasahs. Here are 12 of the best things to do in Bukhara.
A brief history of Bukhara
Bukhara, one of the famed cities on the Silk Roads of Asia, now in Uzbekistan, has been a nexus of trade since ancient times. The city rose to prominence under the Samanids. The Samanids (819–999/1005 CE) were an Iranian dynasty that ruled over what is now eastern Iran and Uzbekistan. They served under the distant Abbasid Caliph, who was the nominal head of the Islamic world based in Baghdad.
In reality, the Samanids were effectively independent. Under Ismail (who ruled from 892 to 907), the domains of the Samanids expanded, and Bukhara became the Samanid capital. In due course, Bukhara became a cultural and artistic center to rival Baghdad. Persian language and culture were predominantly promoted here instead of Arabic. The trade along the Silk Roads generated tremendous wealth for Bukhara, and this wealth was often used to support mosques, palatial residences, and tombs, still showcasing Bukhara’s might some 1000 years ago.
I stopped at Bukhara on my train journey across Uzbekistan. For more about this epic Silk Road train odyssey, read this article I wrote for Lonely Planet.









The best things to do in Bukhara
The Ark Fortress


In the heart of the ancient Silk Road city of Bukhara stands its oldest structure, the Ark of Bukhara. The Ark’s origins trace back to the 5th century, witnessing the rise and fall of empires. It also served as the nucleus of Bukhara’s political, social, and cultural life. Until the invasion of the Red Army in 1920, the Ark was home to some 3000 inhabitants. From its inception as a defensive bastion to its evolution into a regal residence and seat of power, the Ark today is a tangible link to Bukhara’s past, housing museums to showcase the city’s strength.
Po-i-Kalyan Complex

One of Bukhara’s main sights, this architectural ensemble includes the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Mir-i Arab Madrasah, all exemplifying exquisite Islamic architecture. From the entrance facades to the courtyard, a distinct ambiance lingers here. In fact, during the pre-Islamic era, a central cathedral of the Zoroastrians, one of the world’s oldest organized faiths, used to stand here.
During the 16th century, the influential Bukhara Khanate reigned over the city and its surroundings, leaving a lasting imprint evident in Po-i-Kalyan. During this period, the Kalyan Mosque’s grandeur rivaled that of Samarkand’s Bibi Khanum Mosque.
Are you interested in the more modern side of Uzbekistan? If so, read my guide to the most stunning metro stations in Tashkent at this link!
The Samanid Mausoleum


Built in the 9th century, this mausoleum is one of Bukhara’s oldest and most well-preserved monuments, representing early Islamic architecture and known to be the oldest funerary building in Central Asia. It was built in the 10th century CE as the resting place of the powerful Islamic Samanid dynasty that ruled from approximately 900 to 1000. The mausoleum contained three burials, one belonging to Nasr II, the ruler of Transoxiana and Khurasan.
The mausoleum is just outside Bukhara’s historic city center, but well worth the 15-minute stroll from the Ark. The Samanid Mausoleum is surrounded by a leafy park, where you can also find little kiosks for ice cream and cold beverages.
The Lyab-i Hauz Complex
A hotel tip: I stayed at the Porso Boutique Hotel located close to the Lyab-i Hauz. Very clean and comfortable rooms, beautiful couryard and an abundance of traditional breakfast items start from around 50€ per night.


Lyab-i Hauz is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Bukhara’s old town. Meaning “by the pool” in Persian, this historic area features a central pond bordered by madrasahs and shaded by mulberry trees.
Unlike many of its counterparts, Lyab-i Hauz survived the Soviet era, thanks to its architectural structures dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Kukeldash Madrasah (1568–1569) stands on the north side of the pool, while a khanqah (1620) and another madrasah (1622) grace the west and east sides.
Previously, Bukhara had many such pools, as they were the city’s primary water source. However, during the 1920s and 1930s, most of them were filled in due to health concerns. But Lyab-i Hauz survived, and its charm and historical significance make it a must-visit destination.
I used to come here for shadow and tea amid my hectic sightseeing – it makes a perfectly refreshing pit stop on a hot day!

The Trading Domes
Explore Bukhara’s ancient marketplace at the Trading Domes, where you can shop for souvenirs and crafts, and experience the bustling atmosphere of the Silk Road.
The present-day trading domes date back to the 16th century when Bukhara was growing rapidly due to its ideal location along the Silk Road. Originally, there were five dome-covered bazaars, each with its area of expertise. Four of the bazaars have survived to our day, and they are all located close to each other in the historic city center.
Toki Sarrofon, or Sarrof, bazaar was renowned as the Money Changers Bazaar, housing one of Central Asia’s biggest currency exchanges.
Toki Zaragon, the “jewellers’ bazaar”, is the largest of the bazaars, and when opened in 1570, it became the first trade dome of Bukhara, which had just become a capital.
Tim Abdulla Khan bazaar is noticeable for its beautiful lighting and cool temperature, perfect for trading fabulous fabrics and carpets.
Toqi Telpak Furushon is the fourth surviving bazaar. It used to be originally dedicated to book trade, yet later transformed into a spot to pick up any kind of headwear one might need.




Shopping in Bukhara
Talking of shopping, Bukhara is a paradise for souvenir hunting, offering a range of options to suit every budget. From vintage jackets to carpets, the Trading Domes and surrounding shops provide ample opportunities to find unique treasures.
I bought a fabulous jacket from Zardo’zlik, located between the trading domes. The owners have been in Bukhara’s gold embroidery business for generations.
Don’t forget to visit Bukhara’s bazaar!

Water Tower
Opposite the Ark of Bukhara, you’ll see a curious-looking tall construction. This is a Soviet-era water tower dating from 1929. From here, you’ll get gorgeous views over the old and new cities of Bukhara.
If you’d like to experience a night in a yurt in Uzbekistan, read about my visit to Bez Qala Yurt Camp in Karakalpakstan.
Bolo Hauz Mosque


This mosque from 1712 features intricate woodcarvings and colorful frescoes, offering a glimpse into Bukhara’s architectural heritage just across from the Ark of Bukhara. Today, the mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but originally, it served as a Friday mosque. In 1917, columns of painted wood were added to its entrance, enhancing the structure’s beauty and supporting the roof of the summer prayer room.
It’s easy to include the Bolo Hauz Mosque into your itinerary if you walk from the Ark of Bukhara to the Water Tower and then continue to the Samanid Mausoleum.
Magoki Attori Mosque


The Magoki Attori Mosque is situated at the heart of Bukhara’s old town near the Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble. Originally, a Zoroastrian Temple of the Moon occupied this spot, but with the advent of Islam in Central Asia during the 9th-10th centuries, a mosque was erected. Remarkably, it is one of Central Asia’s oldest surviving mosques, escaping destruction by the Mongols, though it underwent significant renovations in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Over time, the mosque became buried beneath layers of Bukhara’s cultural heritage, leading to its rediscovery and renovation in the 1930s. The rectangular structure features an original and slightly asymmetrical portal adorned with intricate geometric patterns in custom-carved brick tiles. Its name, ‘Magoki Attori,’ harks back to its pre-Islamic era when a pit (Magok) stood at the location, hosting a small bazaar where merchants of scents and spices (Attar) traded their wares.
I was only able to see the Magoki Attori Mosque from outside: its door remained closed, and there was quite an adamant black cat guarding it. Yet, for a reason I cannot pinpoint, seeing this mosque was one of my favorite things in Bukhara. Somehow, time seemed to slow down around it, and the place was surrounded by calmness.
Ulugbek Madrasah

The Ulugbek Madrasah, a precious relic from the Timurid era, is one of only a few Timurid-era buildings that survive in the Bukhara region.
Bukhara, in Ulugh Beg’s time, grappled with a diminished status following the Mongol conquest. Despite this, faint signs of revival emerged, notably with Timur’s efforts to reconstruct Bukhara’s Great Mosque. However, it was Timur’s grandson Ulugh Beg’s bold decision to erect the Ulugh Beg Madrasa in the 1420s that truly ignited Bukhara’s cultural renaissance.
This madrasa, the first one the astronomer-mathematician-ruler built, attracted scholars and scientists from across the Muslim world, becoming a nexus for intellectual exchange and spiritual growth. Its establishment laid the groundwork for Bukhara’s future as a center of learning and innovation.
The Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah

Standing proudly across from Ulugh-Beg Madrasah, Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah dates from 1652 and showcases the pinnacle of medieval craftsmanship in Central Asian architecture.
In contrast to the modest Ulugh-Beg Madrasah, Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah dazzles with its towering pishtaq portal adorned with intricate decorations and a multifaceted iwan gateway embellished with ornamental stalactites.
Medieval Hammams
I recently found out that there are also beautiful Hammams in Bukhara, Bozori Kord and Hammam Kundjak. The former is a men’s hammam near Toki Telpak Furushon dome whereas the latter is a women’s hammam near the Kalyan Minaret. They look gorgeous inside, and I highly recommend a visit – I may need to return to Bukhara just because I missed these on my first trip!
Bon voyage!
P.S. If you are interested in remoter areas in Uzbekistan, see my guide to the 12 best things to see and do in Karakalpakstan!




