How to Visit Bukhara: A Complete Budget Travel Guide

Once a major stop along the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara is one of Uzbekistan’s most atmospheric cities, steeped in over two thousand years of history. In this travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to Bukhara on a budget – how to get there, where to stay, and all the must-see sights that make Bukhara one of the most unforgettable stops in Central Asia.

With its maze-like alleys, centuries-old madrasas, bustling bazaars, and clay-coloured domes, Bukhara offers a glimpse into a time when caravans passed through town trading spices, silk, and stories. Unlike the monumental flair of Samarkand, Bukhara charms with its lived-in feel, where locals sip tea in shaded courtyards and time seems to slow down. Best of all, it’s a very walkable and budget-friendly city, making it perfect for independent travellers and backpackers.

How to Get to Bukhara on a Budget

Getting to Bukhara is quick and easy, especially by train. The city is well connected to other major Silk Road destinations in Uzbekistan, including Tashkent, Samarkand, and Khiva. There are two main types of trains: the Afrosiyob, a high-speed modern train, and the Sharq, a slower but more budget-friendly option with traditional seating. You can check schedules and purchase tickets for all the trains through the Official Uzbek Railways website. It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance, especially for the Afrosiyob, as it tends to sell out quickly during peak season.

How to Get Around Bukhara

Bukhara is incredibly easy to explore on foot – in fact, walking is the best way to soak in the city’s charm. Most of the major sights are all within walking distance of each other in the old town. The narrow alleyways, shaded courtyards, and clay-brick architecture are best enjoyed at a slower pace.

If you’re staying a bit outside the centre or don’t feel like walking, you can easily get a Yandex Go (the local version of Uber). It’s cheap, convenient, and saves you from the language barrier.

Top Things to Do in Bukhara

Bukhara is a city that feels like a living museum: quieter, more compact, and more atmospheric than Samarkand. With its mud-brick alleys, centuries-old mosques, and laid-back vibe, it’s a place to slow down and wander, getting lost in its timeless charm.

Get Lost in the Old City

The best way to experience Bukhara is to just walk. Wander through narrow, winding streets, past crumbling madrasahs, and hidden courtyards. The Old City is small enough to explore on foot and full of surprises.

Admire the Kalyan Minaret and Po-i-Kalyan Complex

No trip to Bukhara is complete without visiting the Po-i-Kalyan Complex, the architectural heart of the old city and one of the most iconic landmarks in Uzbekistan. At its centre stands the Kalyan Minaret, a towering structure that has watched over Bukhara for nearly 900 years.

Built in 1127, the Kalyan Minaret rises nearly 46 metres high and was once the tallest building in Central Asia. Nicknamed the “Tower of Death”, legend has it that criminals were once thrown from the top, but today, it’s admired for its intricate brickwork and historic significance. Even Genghis Khan was so impressed by it that he spared the minaret while destroying much of the surrounding city.

The minaret is flanked by two beautiful structures: the Kalyan Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, still functioning as an Islamic school today. The vast square in front of the minaret is the perfect place to sit, rest in the shade, and take in the grandeur of Bukhara’s golden age.

Come at sunrise or sunset for the most magical light, when the bricks glow warm and golden, and the square is peaceful and quiet.

Visit the Ark of Bukhara

Sitting proudly at the edge of the old town, the Ark of Bukhara is a massive fortress that once served as a royal residence for Bukhara’s emirs. With foundations dating back as early as the 5th century, this imposing citadel was not just a palace. It was a self-contained city, housing mosques, government buildings, and stables. Entrance Fee: The entry fee is approximately 40,000 Uzbek Som (about €3.50).

From the viewing platform, you can get sweeping views over the square and the surrounding city. It’s an atmospheric spot, especially in the early morning before the crowds arrive.

Explore the Bolo Haouz Mosque

Just across the road from the Ark of Bukhara lies the elegant Bolo Haouz Mosque, a hidden gem that often surprises visitors with its delicate beauty. Built in 1712, this mosque was once the emir’s official place of worship, and today it continues to function as a working mosque, making it one of the most atmospheric spots in the city.

What makes Bolo Haouz stand out are the stunning wooden columns at its entrance – 20 intricately carved pillars rising to support the richly decorated ceiling of the iwan (entrance hall). Their elegant reflection in the adjacent haouz (water pool) gives the mosque its name, which translates to “Mosque of the Pool.”

See the Chor Minor Madrasah

Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood, Chor Minor is one of Bukhara’s most charming and unusual landmarks. Unlike the grand, symmetrical madrasas you’ll see elsewhere in Uzbekistan, this one is delightfully quirky. Its name means “Four Minarets,” and that’s exactly what you’ll find here: four small towers, each with a slightly different design.

Shop at the Old Trading Domes

Bukhara’s domed bazaars are still full of life, selling handicrafts, scarves, jewellery, and ceramics. Even if you’re not shopping, they’re fun to wander around and imagine what the markets would’ve been like in the Silk Road days.

Catch the evening atmosphere at Lyabi-Hauz

This tree-shaded square around an old pool is the heart of Bukhara’s social life. Locals gather here in the evenings, and there are plenty of cheap cafes where you can a tea and just watch the world go by.

Where to Stay

Bukhara offers a wide range of accommodation options, catering to all budgets, and the number of choices continues to grow as Uzbekistan becomes an increasingly popular tourist destination. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, or luxury stays, you’ll find something to suit your needs on the usual platforms like Booking.com.

In Autumn 2022, I stayed at Dervish Hostel, which was welcoming, budget-friendly, and located within walking distance of all the major sites in Bukhara.

Where to Eat

Bukhara is known for its rich culinary heritage, offering a variety of traditional Uzbek dishes that reflect the city’s history as a Silk Road hub. Here are some places where you can enjoy authentic meals:

Where to After Bukhara

After exploring the wonders of Bukhara, you might be wondering where to head next in Uzbekistan. Luckily, this country is filled with fascinating destinations, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few ideas for your next adventure: