Today, follow our guide to fully explore Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric cities along the Silk Road. Often called the “Second Mecca,” Bukhara has been a center of Islamic learning for centuries and is famous for its 2,500-year-old history as a Silk Road hub, from the era of the Samanids to the Timurids. This legendary city is also tied to the tales of One Thousand and One Nights and is the home of the beloved folk character Afandi.
Bukhara is wonderfully walkable - most of its landmarks are within a compact 6 km stretch - making it easy to immerse yourself in its living history, lively bazaars, and warm local atmosphere.
Your exploration begins at Chor Minor Madrasah, the four-towered gem that once graced the cover of Lonely Planet Central Asia. Built in 1807 by the wealthy merchant Khalif Niyazkul, its four unique minarets are believed to represent the four major religions of the world, with decorations that some interpret as Buddhist prayer wheels, Christian crosses, Zoroastrian motifs, and Islamic patterns. This charming structure is all that remains of a once-grand madrasa complex.
Continue to Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, the beating heart of Bukhara since the 17th century. Built around a peaceful pool shaded by mulberry trees, this square was once a lively Silk Road trading hub. Its three surrounding monuments — the Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasah, the Nadir Divan-Beghi Khanaka (Sufi hospice), and the Kukeldash Madrasah - are masterpieces of Central Asian architecture. Today, Lyabi Hauz remains the social center of the city, lined with cafes where locals sip tea and travelers watch the world go by. Don’t miss the playful statue of Khodja Nasreddin (Afandi), the wise fool of Sufi legend, riding his donkey.
Nearby is the Magoki Attori Mosque, Bukhara’s oldest surviving mosque, dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Situated 4.5 meters below ground level, this mosque is a true archaeological wonder, displaying ancient brickwork and terracotta ornamentation. It now houses a small carpet museum (admission self-pay).
From there, stroll through Bukhara’s famous Trading Domes, a network of 16th-century domed bazaars - Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Sarrofon, Telpak-Furushon, and Tim Abdullah Khan. Once bustling hubs for jewelers, money changers, and silk merchants, they still sell traditional crafts, carpets, and souvenirs, allowing you to experience Bukhara’s mercantile spirit firsthand.
Next, reach the Po-i-Kalyan Complex, the iconic centerpiece of Bukhara’s skyline. Here you will admire the 47-meter-high Kalyan Minaret - so magnificent that Genghis Khan spared it from destruction. The adjacent Kalyan Mosque, with its 288 domes and capacity for 10,000 worshippers, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, with its turquoise domes and active Islamic school, together form one of Central Asia’s most stunning architectural ensembles.
Your final stops are the Ark of Bukhara, the ancient fortress that served as the royal residence for centuries, and the nearby Bolo Hauz Mosque, known as the “Mosque of Forty Columns” for its 20 exquisitely carved wooden pillars reflected in the pool in front. Inside the Ark, explore its throne room, coronation mosque, and museums, or climb to the top for sweeping views over the city.
Optional sunset tip: For an unforgettable end to your day, watch the sunset from the Ark’s walls or a rooftop near Po-i-Kalyan. As the minarets glow golden and the call to prayer echoes across the old city, Bukhara feels truly timeless.