What to do in Bukhara? Discover the most beautiful highlights on the Silk Road

Bukhara felt to us like a city slowly coming to life. Not only because of its impressive madrassas and minarets, but especially because of the feeling of literally walking through layers of history. Bukhara was once an oasis in the desert , built around water and trade. And you can still feel it: in the heart of the city lies a large water reservoir that was once crucial to life in this arid region. It's not for nothing that, according to some, Bukhara literally means "city of water and houses."

During our visit, Bukhara surprised us not only with its centuries-old atmosphere, but also with something very contemporary: the first art biennial , featuring international works under the title "Recipes of Broken Hearts." A beautiful blend of old and new—precisely what makes this place so special.

Bukhara: A city built around water and stories

Bukhara is all about contrasts: dusty streets leading to perfectly restored squares, centuries-old mosques alongside modern art installations, and teahouses where you naturally slow down the pace.

The old city is compact, making it easy to explore on foot. And that's precisely what makes it so enjoyable: you don't have to hunt for highlights. Bukhara is easy to discover, almost like a book you open slowly.

What to do in Bukhara: Strolling through the old city

Our days always began with wanderings without a plan. In the old town, every street feels like a movie set: sand-colored walls, carved wooden doors, small shops selling carpets and ceramics, and everywhere that gentle silence you rarely find in big cities.

During the day, Bukhara is vibrant, but never overwhelming. And in the evening, when the buildings are warmly lit and the city seems to breathe more softly, it feels almost magical. If you'd like to learn more about the history and significance of this city, book a guided tour .

Tea Ceremony at the Oriental Tea House: Bukhara at its most tranquil

One of our favorite moments was the tea ceremony at the Oriental Tea House . Places like this are what make Bukhara so unique: not a quick stop, but an experience that naturally slows you down. We sampled several delicious herbal teas accompanied by some sweet treats and nuts. Tea is certainly one of the most important beverages in Uzbekistan, and it's served with every meal.

We sat in a charming interior with traditional decor, small tables, rich fabrics, and fragrant tea. Bukhara invites you to linger. To observe. And to listen to the gentle rhythm of a city that has welcomed travelers for centuries.

Plov cooking class: the taste of Uzbekistan in one dish

If there's one dish you absolutely must try in Uzbekistan, it's plov . During a cooking class, we learned how to make this classic dish: rice, carrots, spices, and beef —but above all, patience and tradition.

Plov feels like the cuisine of Bukhara itself: simple in its essence, rich in its experience. And the best part: every region has its own version, allowing you to rediscover the dish throughout your travels. Interested in taking a cooking class in Bukhara yourself? Find more information here .

Samoni Park & the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani (10th century)

One of the most impressive places we found was the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani , located in Samoni Park . This 10th-century mausoleum is not large in size, but it is significant.

What you sense here is the power of simplicity and craftsmanship: the brick patterns are so refined they almost resemble lacework. The building is often considered one of the oldest and most beautiful Islamic structures in Central Asia.

And Samoni Park itself is a lovely place to pause for a moment—to let the city sink in. We also admired the traditional cradle that's still in use. Babies are securely strapped in and fitted with a kind of urinal. Very special.

Bolo Hauz Mosque: the mosque of the 40 pillars

The Bolo Hauz Mosque is one of those places where you automatically pull out your camera—but it also makes you pause. The wooden columns (the "40 pillars") reflect in the water, giving the mosque a dreamy quality.

This is Bukhara at its most elegant: a place where architecture and atmosphere blend seamlessly. It's a wonderful stop, especially in the late afternoon, when the light softens. Nearby, you'll find several fruit stalls selling freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. You'll also find the old water tower, built by Shukhov, which served as part of the city's water supply in the 1920s. Today, you can take the elevator to the top of the tower for a view of Bukhara and the nearby Ark.

The Ark of Bukhara: the imposing home of the emir

Anyone who truly wants to understand Bukhara must visit the Ark , the ancient citadel that towers high above the city. For centuries, this was Bukhara's center of power: the place where the emir (or khan, shah, or sultan, depending on the era) lived and ruled.

As you walk through the gate, you immediately sense that this was another world: a closed-off city within a city. From the top of the citadel, you have a magnificent view of Bukhara, and you truly grasp how vast this oasis must have once been. The old section behind the palace is particularly impressive; walk through it all the way to the old walls, and you'll have a truly magnificent view!

Lunch in a 14th-century caravanserai

One of the most moving moments during our visit was lunch in a restored 14th-century caravanserai . This was once a rest stop for nomads and traders traveling through Central Asia along the Silk Road.

Today, this place has taken on a new meaning: about 50 students with mild disabilities learn to draw, paint, and make paper here. It was wonderful to see how heritage is not only preserved but also given a social role. If you ask us what to do in Bukhara, I would definitely recommend this!

These kinds of places linger — much longer than a classic landmark.

Maghak-i Attari Mosque: a hidden gem in Bukhara

The Maghak-i Attari Mosque is less well-known than other monuments, but that's precisely why it's so special. It sits below street level, as if the city were literally built on top of it.

It's a place you walk into almost by chance and suddenly find yourself transported to another era. A quiet reminder of how ancient and complex Bukhara truly is.

Bukhara by night: when the city becomes a fairy tale

In the evening, Bukhara takes on a completely different atmosphere. The squares are softly lit, the minarets stand out against the dark sky, and a kind of romantic stillness hangs over the city.

Bukhara by night isn't something you "do," it's something you experience: a leisurely stroll past historic buildings that look as if they've been waiting for travelers for centuries.

Hammam in Bukhara: A traditional wellness experience

After a day of wandering past minarets, mosques, and ancient squares, there's nothing better than immersing yourself in a real hammam in Bukhara . This city is also the place to experience a traditional Uzbek bathhouse—and believe me, it's as intense as it is unique.

We chose the Shahriston Hammam Bathhouse , an authentic hammam where you can still feel how travelers on the Silk Road once washed away their dust and fatigue. The treatment can be quite harsh, but that's precisely what makes it such an unforgettable experience. The highlight is when you're rubbed with a mixture of ginger and honey . It feels as if your body is starting to boil from within—a unique sensation that, according to locals, is wonderful for your circulation and skin.

Tip: Go with an open mind, drink plenty of water afterward, and preferably plan it for the evening so you can relax right afterward. This isn't a spa massage, but a ritual that will completely reset you.

Where to stay in Bukhara? Boutique Hotel Safiya

We stayed at Boutique Hotel Safiya , a cozy and charming base in Bukhara. It's the kind of hotel that perfectly suits the city: small, warm, and personal.

Ideal for returning to a quiet place after a day of walking where you can truly relax.

The hotel is located near the old center of Bukhara and has many authentic elements.

Day trip and route: from Bukhara to Samarkand via Gijduvan and Sarmish Soy

Anyone traveling from Bukhara to Samarkand can easily add two unique stops that are often overlooked, but are definitely worth it.

Gijduvan: pottery according to centuries-old tradition

In Gijduvan, we visited a potter who still works as they did centuries ago. The most beautiful detail? In October, they gather plants from the desert to make coal , which is used to fuel the kilns—both for pottery and for bread.

About 200 pots are fired each time. It's impressive to see how much craftsmanship is still alive here.

And as if that wasn't enough, we also sampled the freshly baked bread during lunch. Simple, warm, and delicious.

Sarmish Soy: Petroglyphs in a Forgotten Valley

Our second stop was Sarmish Soy , on the southern slopes of the Karatau Mountains. This place felt almost surreal: a silent valley where thousands of rock carvings lie hidden.

It's estimated that you can see over 4,000 petroglyphs there, depicting horses, people, and scenes from life. The oldest engravings are said to date back to 9000 BC , while the most recent date back to the 18th century.

It's like walking through an open-air museum, where thousands of years of history have been left behind on rocks.

Practical tips for Bukhara

Best time to visit Bukhara

• April – June : ideal weather, pleasant temperatures

• September – October : warm but less hot, perfect for walking

• July – August : very hot, sightseeing can be strenuous

How many days do you need?

• At least 2 days before the highlights

• 3 days if you also want to enjoy yourself and plan your excursions

What to wear?

At mosques and religious sites it is important to:

• to cover shoulders and knees

• to bring a scarf (especially for women)

Tip for photography

Bukhara is the most beautiful:

• early morning (peace + soft light)

• just after sunset (lighting + atmosphere)

Bonus tip: Want a unique wellness experience? Book a traditional hammam in Bukhara , such as the Hammam Bathhouse Shahriston.