As the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek is the main tourist destination in the country. Bishkek is known to be the safest city in the country and its people are welcoming. The city has several ancient architectural structures worth checking out. Museums and parks are also common in the city. Catering to all types of travellers, accommodation options range from five-star hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Football lovers should make sure to visit Spartak Stadium, which is the biggest in the country. Read on to learn about things to do in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
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1. Enjoy the archaeological collections in Kyrgyz State History Museum
Founded in 1925, the museum welcomed its first visitors in 1927. Supervised and overseen by archaeologist A.N. Bernshtam, the historical and archaeological department paid attention to the acquisition of ethnographic and natural science collections.
Recently reconstructed in 2021, it boasts an impressive range of 90,000 artefacts. If you want to learn about the development and achievements in the field of economy, science, and culture of Soviet and sovereign Kyrgyzstan, you must visit the museum and enjoy the archaeological and ethnographic collections.
Kyrgyz State History Museum
Address: VJH3+3GC, Chuy Ave, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Website: Kyrgyz State History Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
2. Marvel at the spellbinding architecture of the Holy Resurrection Cathedral
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This holy place is believed to have been constructed in the 1950s. After the older St. Nicholas Church was shut down, the Holy Resurrection Cathedral came into its place. One of the most eye-catching features of this Russian Orthodox Church is its intricate architecture and spellbinding facade. Tourists marvel at the domes that are coloured in a bright hue of blue contrasted by a whitewashed exterior that is embellished with mosaics and ornate carvings.
The cathedral is the bustling hub of social, religious, and cultural activities. It organises a wide array of events that feature youth gatherings, social service, pilgrimage, education, and communication with the armed forces. The cathedral also houses a library and museum and has a choir.
Holy Resurrection Cathedral (formerly St. Nicholas Church of Bishkek)
Address: 497 Jibek Jolu Ave, Bishkek 720033, Kyrgyzstan
Website: Holy Resurrection Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 7pm
3. Wander around Ala-Too Square
Ala-Too is the main and largest square located in the centre of Bishkek. A tall monument of Lenin and fountains of water will be your first sight in the area. That’s not all to be seen, The State Historical Museum is also located in the square. Get to learn about the cultural lives of the people of Bishkek. It is also a political area since it’s surrounded by parliament and the municipal council. Most of the buildings have a complex architectural design. A nice and well-maintained park, restaurants, and other businesses are available.
Ala-Too Square
Address: Chuy Ave, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
4. Admire the displays at the National Museum of Fine Arts
Home to several preserved art galleries, the National Museum Of Fine Arts is a must-visit. The architectural structure of the museum is the first thing to amaze you but the main sights are inside. The beauty of the artwork speaks for themselves, just by looking you get a clue on what the artist was trying to explain. Crafts like carving, weaving, and traditional jewellery of the people of Kyrgyz are among the collections. Sometimes the museum is known to host brief exhibitions featuring artisans from the country and abroad. Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theater and their huge library are some of the places that you can visit afterwards.
National Museum of Fine Arts
Address: 196 улица Юсупа Абдрахманова Бишкек, 720040, Kyrgyzstan
Website: National Museum of Fine Arts
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 6pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
5. Take a walk in Panfilov Park
Known as 28 Panfilov Park, it is a memorial park for soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. Visitors in the park will see several monuments mainly honouring the soldiers. The park is quiet with many trees providing shade. Small markets are found in the area. There are entertainment rides that your kids will love. Along the spacious walking path, you can enjoy cycling, walking your dog, or exercising. Feeding the doves and other birds along the walking path is also fun. The area around the park is extremely safe even at night. This is one of the best places to hang out and play with your children.
Panfilov Park
Address: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstanious
Opening hours: 10am - 11:30pm (daily)
6. Take a photo of the Manas Statue
Located in Ala-Too Square, Manas Statue is a monument of a warrior on horseback. Bishkek has many statues but this is considered to be the most impressive. Get to learn about the story of the legend on the statue. The other statues located beside it are said to be of his wife and a wise man. The architectural design of the monument is amazing and the monument itself is located in the neatly maintained Ala-Too Square. Horsemanship games are held in his memory annually. The stories behind the legend might be of different versions depending on the narrator but they are educative and entertaining. The fact that it is located in the square means that several tourist attractions like the museum are closeby.
Manas Statue
Address: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Admire Vladimir Lenin Statue
The statue of Vladimir Lenin has been constructed in about seven countries, Kyrgyzstan being among them. The statue of the communist is located behind the History Museum. The architecture behind the statue is amazing and you will just spot it from afar. Get to learn about the history of Lenin and the reasons why he was not loved by all. This is just clear proof that you can not erase history. Statues of Friedrich Engels and Marx who were also communists are located close to Lenin’s. Visit this place for an educative history lesson about these influential political leaders.
Vladimir Lenin Statue
Address: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Spend a day at Flamingo Amusement Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are looking for a place to relax while your kids play close to you, visit Flamingo Amusement Park. The well maintained green park is a quiet place for a family moment. The children’s playing park is available with lots of fun activities to do. Several cafes, shops, and restaurants are found in and out of the park. Nomad’s Land and Ala-Too Square are among places worth visiting that are close to the park. You can also get a relaxing massage at Spa Center Afrodita and Apollo, which is just a short distance from the park. It will be worth your time.
Flamingo Amusement Park
Address: 303 Mir Ave, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)
9. Go shopping at Osh Bazaar
Osh Bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in Bishkek. If you are looking for food, household amenities, and even carvings, you should visit this bazaar. Goods here are cheaper than other bazaars and malls. Food sold here is fresh since most of it is brought directly from the farm. This is the best place to buy traditional outfits. Small cafes and restaurants are common in the area in case you get hungry after a long stroll. The fact that it is an open market means that you can get anything you need just like a mall but cheaper.
Osh Bazaar
Address: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Opening hours: 8:30am - 7:30pm (daily)
10. Learn about local history at M V Frunze Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
M V Frunze Museum is named after one of the country’s revolutionary leaders, Sir Mikhail Frunze. The fact that the building has been around since 1934 means that its architectural design is worth setting eyes on. After a glimpse of the design, enter the museum where the real deal is. Get to know about the lives of the revolutionaries who fought for the country in the Soviet Era. The museum has two floors with the ground floor being a duplicate of the house where Frunze was born and the upper is made of exhibitions and photos. Most things are explained in Russian, a Google translator or guide might be handy. You are welcome to tour in the educative yet fun experience.
M V Frunze Museum
Address: 364 Frunze Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Website: M V Frunze Museum
Opening hours: Sun: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)
11. Visit the animals at Mini-Zoopark Zhivaya Ekzotika
Mini-Zoopark Zhiaya Ekzotika is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Bishkek. Visit the zoo to see animals like scorpions, crocodiles, monkeys, goats, rabbits, and several others. Get the chance to learn about the animals and how they ended up in the zoo. You can help the guides in feeding them and even get a chance to touch the ones that are not dangerous. Taking pictures is allowed and you will also get to learn and have fun. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which is just close to the zoo. For shopping lovers, Aichurek Mall is located close by.
Mini-Zoopark Zhivaya Ekzotika
Address: Chuy Ave., 92, Bishkek 720000 Kyrgyzstan
Website: Mini-Zoopark Zhivaya Ekzotika
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
12. Enjoy a night out at Karaoke-Disko Klub
If you need a place to relax and enjoy a drink then Karaoke Disko Klub is the place for you. There are a variety of drinks to choose from. The staffs are polite and will serve you with hospitality. You can try your singing skills on the karaoke stage. It is also known for hosting music bands so make sure you put on your dancing shoes. It is cosy and the atmosphere is fresh with music from different languages to choose from.
Karaoke-Disko Klub
Address: Gorky St, Bishkek 720000, Kyrgyzstan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Explore Bishkek
Bishkek has several tourist attractions and it may be hard to choose which one to visit. With the list we have prepared for you, we made sure to pick the best of the best. Start planning your trip today.
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