14 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Bukhara, Uzbekistan!

A highly recommended city for those interested in sightseeing in Uzbekistan is Bukhara. Located to the west of Samarkand, this city is filled with not only classic Islamic architecture but also buildings with unique and rare decorative styles, making it a charming destination packed with the essence of Uzbekistan tourism.

This time, we’ll introduce 14 recommended spots to visit in Bukhara. Be sure to use this guide as a reference when planning your trip!

1. Lyabi-Khauz

Lyabi-Khauz is an artificial pond located right in the center of Bukhara's city area. Surrounding the pond are many of Bukhara’s iconic tourist spots such as Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, and Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka, making it a must-see area.

The Lyabi-Khauz area is beloved as a relaxing spot for Bukhara residents and is dotted with cafés known as chaykhana. It’s also a perfect place to start your sightseeing in Bukhara.

2. Kalyan Minaret

A highly popular attraction that almost every tourist visiting Bukhara goes to is the Kalyan Minaret. Alongside the "Blue Samarkand," it is no exaggeration to say it is a symbol of Uzbekistan.

Built in 1127, the Kalyan Minaret stands approximately 48 meters tall, showcasing the advanced Islamic architectural techniques of the time. The sand-colored minaret stands out beautifully against a cloudless blue sky. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Bukhara, making it a perfect spot for photography.

3. Chor Minor Madrasah

Located in the old city northeast of Lyabi-Khauz, Chor Minor is another popular tourist attraction in Bukhara. Its exterior differs slightly from the typical Islamic architecture often seen.

Chor Minor features four minarets, each topped with small blue domes resembling miniature domes. From the windows inside the building, all four minarets can be seen at once.

Interestingly, all four minarets differ in shape, design, and size. Be sure to walk around the entire structure to appreciate these unique variations during your visit.

4. The Ark Fortress

Located on a roughly 20-meter-high hill in the northwest of Bukhara’s city center, The Ark Fortress is a prominent landmark and an essential destination for any visitor.

Surrounded by walls shaped like an upside-down sake cup, this man-made castle has a striking appearance. The original Ark Fortress dates back to around the 4th century BCE. Although it has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, it has long stood as Bukhara’s protector.

Inside the Ark Fortress, visitors can explore various rooms including torture chambers, prisons, guards' quarters, mosques, halls for thrones and events, mints, and workshops. The interior layout resembles a small town enclosed within fortress walls, offering a glimpse into the past.

There is also an on-site museum providing detailed insights into the history of both the Ark Fortress and Bukhara. Take your time exploring it when visiting.

5. Baha' al-Din Naqshband

Located about 12 km east of Bukhara’s city center, the Baha' al-Din Naqshband Mausoleum is a must-visit spot for those seeking a sacred and spiritual atmosphere. Though slightly distant from central Bukhara, it is highly recommended.

Often referred to as the "Mecca of Central Asia," this site is one of the largest pilgrimage destinations in the region. Baha' al-Din Naqshband was a 14th-century Islamic philosopher from Bukhara who led a branch of Islamic mysticism that still thrives throughout Central Asia today.

The mausoleum complex centers around the main building and includes mosques, madrasahs, and minarets—showcasing the full essence of Islamic architecture. Witnessing devout worshippers in prayer can be a deeply moving experience. Be sure to include this spiritual site in your itinerary.

6. Trading Domes (Taqi Bazaars)

“Taqi” means “roof” in the local language. As the name suggests, the Taqi Bazaars refer to domed bazaars found throughout Bukhara.

Historically, there were five types of Taqi Bazaars in Bukhara. Today, only three remain:
Taqi-Sarrafon, once the largest currency exchange market in Central Asia
Taqi-Telpakfurushon, known for selling hats, kitchenware, and daily goods
Taqi-Zargaron, which housed 36 jewelry merchants


The Taqi Bazaars exude the bustling atmosphere of Silk Road merchants. The entrances were built wide enough to allow camels carrying goods to pass through, adding to the exotic ambiance. Now, all the remaining Taqi Bazaars are lined with souvenir shops, making them the perfect spot to end your Bukhara sightseeing trip.

7. Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah

Relatively new among Bukhara’s historical buildings, the Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah was built in the mid-17th century.

While many Islamic structures in Bukhara feature striking blue and white designs, the interior of Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah is decorated with warm tones such as browns and reds, making it distinctive.

Directly in front of it stands the Ulugh Beg Madrassah, the only building in Bukhara linked to Ulugh Beg, the fourth ruler of the Timurid dynasty. These two madrasahs make for a popular tourist attraction, and they are often visited together. Don’t miss them when in Bukhara!

8. Samanid Mausoleum

Located slightly east of central Bukhara, the Samanid Mausoleum was built from the late 9th to the mid-10th century. It is a rare surviving structure from before the introduction of Islam to Bukhara.

In the early 13th century, when Bukhara fell to the Mongol invasion, many historical structures were destroyed. However, the Samanid Mausoleum had already been buried underground, sparing it from destruction. Its miraculous preservation has made it a symbol of good fortune and historical significance.

Its geometric patterns made from sun-dried bricks show influence from the ancient Sogdian culture and Zoroastrianism, creating an exotic atmosphere.

9. Chor-Bakr Necropolis

Located slightly west of Bukhara’s city center, the Chor-Bakr Necropolis is home to the tombs of many prominent historical figures of Bukhara. It is also well-known as a major pilgrimage site.

Originally a remote village of ascetic monks, the site became sacred when a tomb was built here for a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Over time, mosques, madrasahs, and tombs for the royal Shaybanid family were added, and today the necropolis consists of around 30 buildings.

The vast grounds are enclosed by tall brick walls and have only one entrance—a rare feature not commonly seen in Bukhara’s other historical sites. Be sure to take your time when visiting Chor-Bakr to appreciate its tranquil and spiritual atmosphere.

10. Mir-i-Arab Madrasa

Located in the heart of Bukhara, Mir-i-Arab Madrasa is a prestigious Islamic educational institution that continues to teach Islamic theology to this day.

Its architecture embodies Islamic art with blue domes, intricate mosaic designs, and a courtyard surrounded by a two-story building. Mosaic panels inscribed with verses from the Qur'an and the symmetrical layout make it the quintessential example of Islamic architecture—an ideal starting point for your Bukhara exploration.

Interestingly, Mir-i-Arab Madrasa has produced many notable Islamic theologians and was so respected that even the Soviet government, which banned religion, couldn’t shut it down. The madrasa is located in the same area as other famous landmarks like the Kalyan Minaret, making it easily accessible.

11. Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah

Located right in the center of Bukhara in front of Lyabi-Khauz, the Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah was constructed in the mid-17th century.

What makes this madrasah especially unique is the depiction of phoenixes on its façade. Since Islam prohibits idolatry, illustrations of animals on religious buildings are extremely rare and hardly seen on other structures in Bukhara. Be sure to examine the artwork closely when you visit.

During summer, the madrasah also hosts traditional dance performances with dinner, making it a delightful evening experience for summer visitors to Bukhara.

12. Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum

Located to the west of Bukhara’s city center, Chashmai Ayub is a uniquely shaped structure with a small spring inside. According to legend, the biblical figure Job (Ayub) created the spring by striking the ground with his staff to help the people of Bukhara, giving the place great significance.

Built of sun-dried bricks, the rectangular building is modest in size with cylindrical and irregularly domed roofs. Despite its simple appearance, the spring’s water is believed to have healing properties, attracting many visitors seeking blessings. As both a sightseeing destination and a spiritual site, Chashmai Ayub is highly recommended.

13. Bolo-Khauz Mosque

Situated to the west of Bukhara’s city center, the Bolo-Khauz Mosque was constructed in 1718 and was originally used exclusively by the royal family.

Its most distinctive feature is the intricate combination of geometric, thunderbolt-style, and floral motifs, rendered in red, brown, and green—unlike anything commonly seen at other tourist sites. On sunny days, the mosque’s reflection in the adjacent pond creates a stunning visual effect.

14. Magoki-Attor Mosque

Located right in the heart of Bukhara, the Magoki-Attor Mosque is renowned as the oldest mosque in the city. Due to repeated destruction and reconstruction caused by foreign invasions, the structure has three distinct vertical layers representing different eras.

The lowest layer is from the Buddhist period,
The middle from the Zoroastrian period,
And the uppermost from the Islamic period.


When visiting, be sure to observe and compare the layers.

Made of sun-dried bricks, the mosque has a modest exterior, featuring geometric patterns and carved motifs in red clay. While its interior may differ slightly from typical Islamic architecture, that uniqueness adds to its charm.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Attractions in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

When thinking of Uzbekistan, many likely picture Samarkand—the “blue city”—or the iconic blue-domed mosques.

However, Bukhara offers a rich blend of cultures and architectures spanning different eras, from magnificent Islamic buildings to rare pre-Islamic structures. Even those unfamiliar with Islamic or Silk Road culture will find much to enjoy.

There are available flights to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, making access relatively convenient. A walk through Bukhara’s city streets feels like stepping back in time.

Be sure to visit and experience it for yourself!