What is Bishkek?
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan‘s capital, is likely your first stop in the country and a city worth a day or two of exploration explore. Located just south of the boarder with Kazakhstan and an easy six-hour bus ride from Almaty, it is worthwhile to visit the cities in conjunction—I recommend flying into Almaty to start your Central Asian journey, then proceeding from there to Bishkek and the rest of Kyrgyzstan (guide on getting from Almaty to Bishkek here).
Sitting at just over one million residents, Bishkek is one of the region’s larger cities and possess a distinctly Soviet feel. There is no shortage of remnants of Soviet times, most obviously the large statue of Lenin still standing behind the national museum. If your time in Kyrgyzstan is limited, the nature is objectively more of a draw. If you are not in a rush, however, there is more to Bishkek than first meets the eye.
What to do in Bishkek
State History Museum, Ala Too Square, & Lenin Statue
For your first stop in Bishkek, I recommend the State History museum. On your way to the uniquely shaped building, you will also encounter the expansive Ala Too square and Bishkek’s large flagpole and equally large Kyrgyz flag. There is not much to do in the square itself beyond looking up at the flag—one of the world’s best, in my opinion—but it is worth checking out regardless. Also, don’t miss the large Lenin statue behind the museum. Kyrgyzstan is one of the few former Soviet republics that still proudly displays Soviet-era monuments, and this one stands out.
The museum is one of the better state museums I have explored. There is a good collection of ancient artifacts and english explanations to accompany, and an interesting collection of cultural exhibits like yurts and traditional dress. My favorite part of the museum, however, is the top floor. Covering the period beginning with the Soviet Union and ending today, the floor is dedicated to presenting modern Kyrgyzstan. The Soviet exhibits are intersting and focus on Kyrgyz contribution to various war efforts and the republic’s place in the USSR, and the post-Soviet section examines the development of the Kyrgyz flag and currency as well as the county’s place within the modern international world. State museums are always a good introduction to the country, but I think this one is worth going out of your way to see.
National Museum of Fine Arts
Another pleasant surprise, Bishkek’s art museum is my favorite in Central Asia. It is fairly large and features an impressive collection of art from across the country and region. Most of the collection is landscapes and scenes showcasing nomadic life, though there is also some Soviet art and felt art. There are also several areas dedicated to temporary exhibitions. I visited twice over three months and both had been rotated out, so there is always something new to see. It is also a short walk from the State Museum, making the two easy to combine—actually, the whole center is very walkable.
CCCP (SSSR) Antiques
With shelves and hallways overflowing with Soviet-era books, pines, passports and more, it would be easy to get lost for hours rummaging through CCCP’s collection. The prices are affordable and, if nothing else, the collection is unique. If you are interested in finding some Soviet souvenirs to take back home, this is the place to go.
The shop itself is difficult to find (here is the Google Maps location). It is set back in a sort of alley on a block that seems to be a sort of mall. It is very central, though, so doesn’t require going out of the way. It is also much more convenient than a flea market.
National Opera and Ballet Theater
Located right across the street from the art museum, Bishkek’s ballet and opera theater is worth a stop if only to marvel at the impressive Soviet exterior. I, however, would recommend not stopping there. There are frequently shows in said theater, and tickets are reasonably priced. The theater-going etiquette is a little different from what one might expect in America, so look out for that as well. When I visited, I lucked into a performance of Swan Lake put on by a Russian ballet company—I think it was a Tuesday night.. The experience cost me less than $20 and it was absolutely worth it.
It is worth noting that Kyrgyz—and I’ve heard other post-soviet—people clap in a synchronized fashion. I did not know this going in and was very confused when the performance ended to the audience clapping together. I prefer our sporadic clapping, but this was interesting to see.
Osh Bazaar
Bishkek is a Central Asian city, so it of course has an expansive bazaar that is worth checking out if you have the time. It is not particulaly memorable as far as bazaars go, but the large marketplaces are always a good place to get a feel for a city’s pulse. Osh Bazaar is notably large. There are multiple buildings in the area housing smaller variety bazaars. There is also the large food hall pictured above, and around that are semi-outdoor halls with vendors also selling food. If your time in Bishkek is limited I might stick to the other things on this list, but the Bazaar is still worth seeing if just for a quick lunch.
TUMAR Art Salon
If you were as captivated as I am by Kyrgyzstan’s beautiful felt artistry, then Tumar is absolutely worth a stop. Don’t be fooled by the name—it is a shop not an art gallery—but it is still interesting, reasonably priced, and where I bought some of my favorite Central Asian souvenirs to date. The shop specializes in felt carpets and pillow cases, but there are also some bags and leather works available.
Lagmankana
With the best boso lagman I ate in Central Asia, Lagmankana is a great place for a meal if you are in the area. It is a little ways out of the center so I am not sure I would make the trip if you aren’t already headed that direction, but it is a great place if you are staying nearby. I went multiple times each time I visited Bishkek and am still thinking about the Lagman. I recommend specifically the boso. The classic type is good, but boso is universally a safer bet.
Wide Open Road 