About Bishkek
Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, home to around 900,000 people.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Bishkek
1
Ala-Too Square
2
National Historical Museum
3
M V Frunze Museum
4
Russian Orthodox Cathedral
5
Fine Arts Museum "Gapar Aitiev"
6
Victory Square
7
Panfilov Park
Budget travel
Free things to do in Bishkek
Ala-Too Square
Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Victory Square
Panfilov Park
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 Ala-Too Square
- Visit National Historical Museum
- Visit M V Frunze Museum
- Eat at Buffet
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- Visit Fine Arts Museum "Gapar Aitiev"
- Visit Victory Square
- Eat at Grenki
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Panfilov Park
- Eat at Oasis Azian Doner and Kabab
Where to eat
Local favourites
Buffet
The buffet is an ordinary place for public meals with wide menu of different dishes and desserts. The middle price of lunch about 350 - 400
Grenki
Great food, variety of choices. Interesting design. Neat and clean. Friendly staff and comfortable.
Oasis Azian Doner and Kabab
Here you get a very tasty shawarma.
Cafe Faiza
Excellent local food frequented by locals. Great samsas and laghman (noodles). Popular so you may have to wait for a free table.
Dolce Vita Pizza
Possibly the best pizza in Bishkek, with thin crust is baked in an open-fire oven; there is also a whole range of other Italian dishes and p
Кафе Шао Линь (Shao Lin)
Well known Chinese restaurant near Western Bus Station. The quality is up to most western standards, but tends to be oily. The soups are esp
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Futuro Hotel Bishkek
Some way from centre (take bus along Chuy) but gets great reviews for comfort, service & facilities.
- $
Shah Palace Hotel
Clean hotel with multilingual staff.
- $
Dostuk Hotel Bishkek
Soviet-style monolith business hotel with conference facilities, friendly & efficient. Separate hotels from time to time operate within this
- $
Hotel Ak Keme
Mid-range hotel, tired decor. With conference center, fitness club, indoor and outdoor pools with bar access, and spa.
Interhouse City Centre
Basically okay place, but some street noise. Friends Hostel used to share this building but they've gone elsewhere.
Shopping
- Osh Bazaar
- Dor Doi Bazaar
- Geoid
- Zum Department Store
Nightlife
- Sierra Coffee
- Adriano
- Coffee Relax
- Save The Ales
- 12 Bar
- Metro Pub
Museums & culture
- National Historical Museum
- M V Frunze Museum
- Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- Fine Arts Museum "Gapar Aitiev"
In pictures
Bishkek gallery
Keep exploring
