Discover Bishkek: 6 Unmissable Experiences in Kyrgyzstan's Capital
Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, is a city full of surprises — from lively cafés and leafy city parks to international cuisines that reflect its growing cultural diversity. Once overlooked, Bishkek is now developing rapidly, attracting visitors from around the world with its mix of tradition and modern charm.
6 Best Places to Visit in Bishkek
By The Great Goat Expeditions Team, 24/03/2025
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Osh Bazaar – a bustling market full of spices, fresh produce, and souvenirs.
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City Parks – green escapes like Panfilov and Oak Park, perfect for a stroll.
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Ala-Too Square & State History Museum – Bishkek’s historic and cultural heart.
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Central Asian Ashkanas – traditional eateries serving plov, lagman, and samsa.
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Walking Food Tour – sample the city’s blend of local and international flavors.
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Craft Breweries – a rising trend in Bishkek’s nightlife scene.
1.) Get lost in the Osh Bazaar
The Osh Bazaar is the largest Bazaar in Kyrgyzstan and one of the largest in Central Asia. Locals come from neighbouring towns and villages everyday to purchase goods here. Its a great place to explore for an hour or two, although you may get lost on occasion due to the maze-like layout of this giant market.
While you can pretty much purchase anything here, we recommend checking out the fruit and vegetable markets. The incredible variety of the fruit and vegetables on offer here is testament to Kyrgyzstan's fertile land and diverse climate. And better still, its cheaper than anywhere else in Bishkek, you can buy 5kg watermelons for less than a dollar.
While there are no official, labelled prices to items in the Osh Bazaar, the Kyrgyz Babushka's (Soviet Grandma's) rarely try and rip you off, so haggling isn't normally necessary.
Goat's head and feet for sale in the Osh Bazaar - It's certainly not for the faint-hearted
2.) Visit one of Bishkek's many city parks
It's fair to say the Soviets loved their city parks, and this couldn't be more true than in Bishkek. Bishkek's CBD offers an impressive range of immaculate parks, filled with flowers, Kyrgyz Relics and of course, a statue of Lenin or two.
A personal favourite of ours is Oak Park, located next to Ala-Too square. Filled with impressive displays of flowers and trees, it is a perfect place to grab a coffee and escape the Central Asian summer heat. Or check out some of the local beer gardens and cocktail bars which are also located in the park.
Statue of Lenin in Victory Park
3.) Check out Ala-Too Square and The State History Museum
When it comes to iconic landmarks in Bishkek, Ala-Too ("Great Mountain") Square sits at the top of the list—and for good reason. As the official heart of the city, the square is always buzzing with activity.
At its center stands a statue of Manas, the legendary tribal leader of Central Asia, while the State History Museum, located nearby, offers a fascinating glimpse into Kyrgyzstan’s past.
Locals flock to Ala-Too Square at every opportunity—whether it’s Kyrgyz skater teens carving through the open space or elderly men showcasing eagles used in traditional nomadic hunting. To experience the square at its finest, visit between 7-9 PM, when the lights illuminate the plaza and the local breweries come to life.
Kyrgyz Soldiers performing the change of guard afront Ala-Too Square
4.) Savor authentic Central Asian cuisine at an Ashkana
A plate of fried Lagman (A Kyrgyz staple)
An ashkana is a traditional Central Asian cafeteria-style eatery, serving up a variety of home-style dishes in a casual, no-frills setting. These eateries are deeply rooted in local culture and are a staple across Central Asia.
In Bishkek, ashkanas are everywhere, offering affordable, hearty meals that reflect the flavors of the region. From freshly baked samsa (meat-filled pastries) to steaming bowls of lagman (hand-pulled noodle soup) and plov (rice pilaf with meat and vegetables), the menu is packed with homemade flavors.
Ashkanas are loved by locals and travelers alike for their authenticity, quick service, and unbeatable prices. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for a traditional Kyrgyz meal, an ashkana offers a taste of Central Asian hospitality without breaking the bank.
5.) Go on a walking food-tour
While Central Asian cuisine is a must-try, Bishkek boasts a surprisingly diverse international food scene—and trust us, it’s delicious! From Turkish kebabs and Korean fried chicken to Thai curries, the city is home to a variety of affordable and high-quality restaurants serving global flavors.
One of Great Goat Expeditions’ favorites is Central Asia’s unique take on sushi. Spoiler alert: all the sushi is fried! While a Japanese chef might raise an eyebrow at this unconventional twist, the result is surprisingly tasty. If you're curious, SushiSet, Kyrgyzstan’s largest sushi chain, has multiple locations across Bishkek.
With its wide, walkable streets, Bishkek is perfect for a self-guided food tour. To balance out the hearty meals, take a break in one of the city’s many green parks and grab a high-quality Italian-roasted coffee from one of the many cafés dotting the city.
A Korean Feast in Bishkek
6.) Get tipsy at one of Bishkek's many Craft Breweries
If we haven't sold you on Bishkek already, then we will now. Bishkek has an impressive range of craft breweries on display, offering a range of Russian, Central Asian and European beers, ales and ciders. Don't be mislead by Kyrgyzstan's connection to Islam, the locals love to drink! These craft breweries are always full of local students or perhaps middle-aged men trying to hide from their Babushka wives and integrate with the occasional tourist passing by. Bishkek's breweries are a great place to speak with locals, but make sure you know some Russian. Be sure to check out Save The Ales Brewery, its lively, vibrant and offers an impressive range of craft ales.
Ohh, and did we mention?.... Bishkek also has two Irish Bars that are pretty interesting and worth a look.
And there we have it, that's our top recommendations for things to do in Bishkek. If you would like more information or travel advice for Bishkek or other Central Asian destinations then feel free to reach out to as at greatgoatexpeditions@gmail.com or via our contact page: