About Ashgabat
Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan, home to around 1,030,063 people.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Ashgabat
1
National Museum
2
Museum of Fine Arts
3
Turkmen Carpet Museum
4
Museum of Turkmen National Values
5
Oguzhan Palace
6
Turkmenistan Independence Monument
7
Inspiration Park
8
Ashgabat Botanical Garden
Budget travel
Free things to do in Ashgabat
Turkmenistan Independence Monument
Inspiration Park
Ashgabat Botanical Garden
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit National Museum
- Visit Museum of Fine Arts
- Visit Turkmen Carpet Museum
- Eat at Hezzet Restaurant
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Museum of Turkmen National Values
- Visit Oguzhan Palace
- Visit Turkmenistan Independence Monument
- Eat at AlpEt Steakhouse
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Inspiration Park
- Visit Ashgabat Botanical Garden
- Visit Asghabat Zoo
- Eat at Altyn Jam
Where to eat
Local favourites
Hezzet Restaurant
Authentic Turkmen food that you can eat seated on the ground in a yurt, or at a table, stuff like shashlik.
AlpEt Steakhouse
Have the steak, or just some coffee.
Altyn Jam
European dishes and sweets.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Divan Hotel (formerly Hotel Nissa)
Apparently owned by family of Saparmurat Niyazov, this is a four-star hotel with air conditioning, swimming pool, pool bar, sauna, Turkish s
- $
Archabil Hotel (formerly Hotel President)
Very skyscraper-like.
Grand Turkmen Hotel
- $
Hotel Ak Altyn
Visa accepted (MasterCard is not). Contains offices of the British Embassy and American Information Centre, so it's a good place to stay if
Hotel Ahal
Shopping
- Berkarar
- Hemdem Haly
- State Shopping Center Gulistan
Nightlife
- City Pub
Museums & culture
- National Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Turkmen Carpet Museum
- Museum of Turkmen National Values
- Oguzhan Palace
- Turkmenistan Independence Monument
In pictures
Ashgabat gallery
Keep exploring
