Historic Bukhara
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Po-i-Kalyan complex and Kalyan Minaret | A minaret built in 1127, about 46 metres tall, with the Kalyan Mosque and the twin turquoise domes of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. | Central Bukhara; loveliest just before sunset |
| The Ark and its views | The old fortress of the emirs of Bukhara, with walls up to about 20 metres high and a view over the city from the top. | North-west of the old town |
| Bolo-Hauz Mosque | A mosque from 1712 overlooking a pool, with slender wooden columns added in 1917. | Opposite the Ark |
| Lyabi-Hauz square | A square around an old pool, lined by the Kukeldash and Nadir Divan-Beghi madrasas, loveliest in the evening. | Central Bukhara |
| The Samanid Mausoleum | One of Bukhara's oldest monuments (10th century), with brick patterns that change with the light, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. | Samanid Park |
| Chor Minor | A small building with four towers and turquoise domes from 1807, once the gateway to a madrasa. | Near Lyabi-Hauz |
The bazaars
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The trading domes | Old bazaars under brick domes, for carpets, silk, embroidery, knives and copper. | Between Lyabi-Hauz and Po-i-Kalyan |
Khiva
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Itchan Kala | A whole city inside its walls, with minarets, palaces and madrasas, on the World Heritage list and like an open-air museum. | Khiva, western Uzbekistan; allow at least one night |
| The Kalta Minor minaret | A massive, squat minaret clad in turquoise tiles, left unfinished. | Inside Itchan Kala |
| Islam Khoja Minaret | Khiva's tallest minaret, with a view over the whole old town from the top. | Inside Itchan Kala |
Tips before you go
- Saudis enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, with an onward flight ticket within that time.
- The high-speed train from Tashkent to Bukhara takes about 4 hours and sells out quickly, so book early.
- Spring and autumn are the best times; summer is very hot in Bukhara and Khiva.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Bukhara?
The Po-i-Kalyan complex and Kalyan Minaret, the Ark, Bolo-Hauz Mosque, Lyabi-Hauz square, the Samanid Mausoleum, Chor Minor and the trading domes.
Is Bukhara the city of Imam al-Bukhari?
Yes. Imam Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari, compiler of the Sahih, was born there in 194 AH, and his complex today is near Samarkand.
How long is the train from Tashkent to Bukhara?
About 4 hours by high-speed train; tickets sell out quickly, so book early.
How many days do I need for Bukhara and Khiva?
Two days for Bukhara, and one or two for Khiva because of the distance between them.
Planning your trip to Uzbekistan? Read Travel to Uzbekistan from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.