Central Mosque of Imam Sarakhsi in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Things to do in  Bishkek

Kyrgyzstan, at first glance

Bishkek might not be the prettiest capital at first glance, but anyone willing to stick it out for a few days will find plenty of charms, from leafy Soviet-style parks and imposing Ala Too Square to bustling Osh Bazaar. Bishkek is also the first port of call for anyone arriving by air in Kyrgyzstan. This compact and traffic-filled capital of just under 100,000 people starkly contrasts the green and mountainous country that lies just outside city limits. But don’t let the first impression get to you—there’s plenty of things to do in Bishkek worth experiencing.

Learn more

Explore Bishkek by interest

Top activities in Bishkek

3 Days tour Issyk Kul lake: Eagle show and Nomadic living

3 Days tour Issyk Kul lake: Eagle show and Nomadic living

star-5
24
From
$630.00
3-Day tour around Issyk Kul Lake with Yurt stay and Eagle hunting show

3-Day tour around Issyk Kul Lake with Yurt stay and Eagle hunting show

star-5
22
From
$700.00
All in one-day: Bishkek city tour and Ala-Archa National Park

All in one-day: Bishkek city tour and Ala-Archa National Park

star-5
34
From
$95.00
The magnificent and mystic Son Kol lake in 2 days

The magnificent and mystic Son Kol lake in 2 days

star-5
3
From
$475.00
Bishkek’s finest: Ala Archa Nature Park Essential Tour

Bishkek’s finest: Ala Archa Nature Park Essential Tour

star-5
28
From
$75.00
Horseback riding on the mountains of Chon Kemin National Park

Horseback riding on the mountains of Chon Kemin National Park

star-5
7
From
$130.00
Immense and breathtaking Issyk Kul lake in 1day

Immense and breathtaking Issyk Kul lake in 1day

star-5
43
From
$165.00
A superb horse riding in Chon Kemin valley, 1 day

A superb horse riding in Chon Kemin valley, 1 day

star-5
22
From
$170.00
2-Days in Song Kul Lake as Nomad - horseback riding & Yurt stay

2-Days in Song Kul Lake as Nomad - horseback riding & Yurt stay

star-5
17
From
$400.00
Ancient Burana and Konorchek Canyons

Ancient Burana and Konorchek Canyons

star-5
20
From
$115.00
The hiking paradise Ala Archa National Park, 1 day

The hiking paradise Ala Archa National Park, 1 day

star-5
76
From
$85.00
Bicycle touring

Bicycle touring

From
$150.00
per group
One-day tour from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake

One-day tour from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake

star-5
4
From
$130.00
The perfect day: Ala Archa National Park + Bishkek city tour

The perfect day: Ala Archa National Park + Bishkek city tour

star-5
34
From
$105.00
Discovery of Natural Beauty: Trekking Around Bishkek

Discovery of Natural Beauty: Trekking Around Bishkek

From
$116.00
Kol Tor lake

Kol Tor lake

star-5
1
From
$170.00
Central Asian Manty Cooking Master Class

Central Asian Manty Cooking Master Class

From
$26.61
Private Bishkek City Tour: Soviet to Modern

Private Bishkek City Tour: Soviet to Modern

star-5
7
From
$60.00
2 days - to the Issyk-Kul Lake with canyons and waterfalls

2 days - to the Issyk-Kul Lake with canyons and waterfalls

star-5
11
From
$390.00
Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyons

Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyons

star-5
9
From
$140.00
See all Bishkek tours

Explore our promoted experiences

Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Bishkek

When to visit

Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit Bishkek, which tends to enjoy pretty mild weather outside of July and August when sizzling daytime temperatures hit. Time your summertime visit with Kyrgyz Independence Day on Aug. 31. The annual festival is a chance for travelers to catch a festive game of kok boru, one of the country’s most distinctive traditional sports. It’s horseback polo played with a headless goat carcass.

Getting around

The grid-shaped downtown is small and walkable, making it easy for pedestrians to navigate the main sights, from tranquil Oak Park to the century-old Kyrgyz National Opera and Theater. Otherwise, taxis (both official and unofficial) are readily available and reasonably priced, along with rideshare services. Adventurous travelers will enjoy hopping on marshrutkas, or shared minivans, that have no fixed stops or timetables but pick up passengers along main thoroughfares. You may be surprised how many people can fit inside a van.

Traveler tips

Whether you’re in the market for horse meat or Kyrgyz cosmetics, a trip to Osh Bazaar is indispensable for anyone passing through Bishkek. It’s a great place to load up on nuts, spices, traditional bread, and salted cheese balls (kurt) before a hike or horseback ride outside the city. The bazaar is also packed with potential souvenirs, from the felted caps—ak-kalpak—that Kyrgyz men wear to toy yurts.

Attractions
0
Tours
117
Reviews
654
EN
5d974557-ea7c-4a7e-b145-5b13b0fefc8d
geo_hub

People Also Ask

How many days do I need in Bishkek?

If you’re just planning on visiting the capital, then count on at least three days. Bishkek is a city that demands to be experienced rather than simply ticked off a list, so you’ll want to give yourself ample time to wander around. One of the city’s pleasures is the opportunity to observe everyday life in the Kyrgyz capital.

...More
Do people speak English in Bishkek?

Yes and no. While it is common for people in the hospitality industry to know English, the most typical spoken language after Kyrgyz is Russian. Learning a few basic words and phrases of either language can be helpful before arriving in Kyrgyzstan. Translation apps are also a handy device.

...More
Do I need a visa to visit Bishkek?

That depends. Citizens of the United States and EU member states can stay for up to two months in Kyrgyzstan without a visa, meaning you can simply show up at the airport and get a stamp in your passport. Some other nationalities may need to apply for an e-visa in advance, so check with the Kyrgyz embassy.

...More
How should I dress in Bishkek?

There’s no hard and fast rule about Bishkek fashion and no particular requirements for modesty. You’ll find many styles in the city, from trend-setting fashionistas in party outfits and heels to traditionally dressed men and women from outlying villages. Wear whatever you’ll feel comfortable walking in.

...More
What religion are most people in Bishkek?

Most people in Kyrgyzstan (over 90 percent) are Muslim. That said, Kyrgyzstan is officially a secular country, and their interpretation of Islam tends to be far from strict. For example, it is legal to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages—something you’ll notice right away in Bishkek.

...More
Does Bishkek have good nightlife?

Yes. While Kyrgyzstan is better known for its pastures, mountains, and horse-rearing pastoralist communities, Bishkek is the best spot in the country for nightlife-seekers. You’ll find a wide variety of bars, nightclubs, and pubs. Music lovers will appreciate the International Jazz Festival, held in various venues throughout Bishkek each spring.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top activities in Bishkek?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Bishkek?
A:
Check out things to do near Bishkek:

More Tours in Bishkek