Best of Bishkek: Osh bazaar, iconic city sights and family dinner

Private Bishkek City Tour:

Soviet to Modern

ABOUT TOUR

Perfect for newcomers, our half-day tour is a comfortable and insightful way to see Bishkek's famous spots, from Ala-Too Square to Osh Bazaar. With a private air-conditioned car and an English-speaking guide, you'll get personal stories behind each sight. Learn about Kyrgyzstan's history, admire the heroic statues, and view beautiful Soviet-era buildings. This tour also includes a delicious lunch with local dishes at a national restaurant, completing your experience of Kyrgyz culture.

Set against the backdrop of Central Asia's Tian Shan mountains, Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, abounds in spacious squares, wide boulevards, marble-faced public buildings and multiple monuments reflecting the country's history including, primarily, the Soviet period. These and other prominent sights make up this tour and allow visitors to see Bishkek in its variety.

You will see such sightseeings as Ala-Too Square and The Old Square, White House, The Oak Park, The Square of the Revolution Fighters, the oldest building in Bishkek, The Alley of Artists, The Museum of Arts, The Museum named after M.Frunze, City Philharmonic and many others places upon your request. The route includes more than 30 attractions and our guide will tell you the story of each of them.

It is not a real city tour without visiting real Central-Asian Bazaar! Our guide will take you through the endless merchant rows of the Osh market, where you can try to eat sweets directly from the counters.

What to expect

1

Osh bazaar

Your journey through Bishkek begins as your friendly guide and driver pick you up from your hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your day. The first stop is the legendary Osh Bazaar, an open-air market where the true essence of Kyrgyz culture and daily life comes alive. As you step into this bustling market, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant displays of fresh produce, colorful spices, handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional musical instruments. The energy of the market, with its mix of aromas, chatter, and local vendors, creates an unforgettable experience. Your guide will help you navigate the lively stalls, introduce you to local specialties, and even teach you how to bargain like a local!

2

Kyrgyz National Philharmoniс Hall

Leaving the market behind, we’ll dive into Bishkek’s architectural and cultural gems with a visit to the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall. Its white marble façade, perched atop a hill, gives it a grandeur that is accentuated by stunning stained glass and hammered copper details. As you stroll past the Mayor's Office and the International University, your guide will share insights into the country’s artistic heritage and Soviet influence on Kyrgyzstan’s culture.

3

White House

A short drive takes us to the White House, the seat of the Kyrgyz government. This imposing building has witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in the country’s modern history, including the 2005 Tulip Revolution and the 2010 uprisings. Your guide will bring these events to life, sharing stories of protests, political change, and the resilience of the Kyrgyz people.

4

Ala-Too square

Next, we arrive at the very heart of Bishkek—Ala-Too Square, the city’s central gathering place. "Ala-Too" means "motley mountains," a perfect reflection of Kyrgyzstan’s stunning landscapes. The square is home to many significant landmarks, including the State Historical Museum, which houses over 90,000 exhibits showcasing the country’s rich history. At the center stands a towering 100-meter flagpole, guarded by an honor guard, while nearby, the statue of Manas, the legendary Kyrgyz hero, stands tall. Your guide will introduce you to the stories and legends behind these landmarks, giving you a deeper understanding of the country’s past and present. A short walk from here, you’ll also find Panfilov Park and the Lenin Monument, offering a fascinating contrast between Soviet history and modern Kyrgyz identity.

5

Opera and Ballet theatre

Continuing our journey through Bishkek’s cultural heritage, we stop by the Opera and Ballet Theatre, a stunning example of Soviet-era classical architecture. Built during the Soviet period, the theater is known for its ornate facades, intricate frescoes, and paintings by famous Kyrgyz artists. Your guide will share stories about the golden age of opera and ballet in Kyrgyzstan and how these art forms became an integral part of the national culture.

6

Victory square

It is dedicated to the Victory in the World War II. In the center of the square stand three massive granite arches, forming the silhouette of a yurt(Kyrgyz nomad house). In the center of the composition is a sculpture of a woman with a cup in her hands at the feet of which the eternal flame burns, symbolizing a soldier’s mother waiting for her husband and sons to return from the War.

7

Central Mosque

The Bishkek Central Mosque is considered as one of the largest mosque in Central Asia. The mosque is built in an Ottoman revival style, with four minarets, each with three balconies. Inside, the mosque can simultaneously pray up to 6 thousand people. Taking into account that in the courtyard of the mosque can still pray 20 thousand people.

8

Bishkek

Afterward, we will drop you off at your hotel in Bishkek, marking the end of the tour. We wish you a beautiful evening ahead!