Image by Irene2005 on Flickr under Creative Commons License.

Cultural Venues in Bishkek (Self Guided), Bishkek

Bishkek is the cultural center of Kyrgyzstan. The city has a wide variety of theaters, operas, cinemas and libraries. Russia had a profound impact on Kyrgyzstan's culture, which you will notice on this tour. Come explore the rich culture of Bishkek and the Kyrgyz people.

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Guide Name: Cultural Venues in Bishkek
Guide Location: Kyrgyzstan » Bishkek (See other walking tours in Bishkek)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Author: vickyc
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:

The Manas Sculptural Complex
Kyrgyz State Philharmonic
Russian Orthodox Church
Drama Theater
National Library
Opera House
Ala Too Cinema

1) The Manas Sculptural Complex (must see)

The Manas Sculptural Complex, completed in 1981, is located in Manas Square. The main statue depicts a legendary hero on a magical horse who slays an evil dragon. Under this statue are other statues of the hero's wife and a wise man. This beautiful square is paved in red granite. There are other busts of local leaders, as well as fountains on the square.

Image by Vmenkov on Wikimedia under Creative Commons License.

2) Kyrgyz State Philharmonic

The Kyrgyz State Philharmonic has two separate halls and hosts a wide variety of concerts, from classical to traditional Kyrgyz to modern pop. Since 1980 the philharmonic has offered high-quality entertainment to the people of Bishkek, including symphonies and Kyrgyz orchestral musical performances.

Image by Vmenkov on Wikimedia under Creative Commons License.

3) Russian Orthodox Church

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral on the corner of Jibek Jolu and Togolok Moldo Streets is a large and impressive church. You will recognize it by its eye-catching sky blue domes. The interior of the cathedral is richly decorated with beautiful religious paintings. You will feel as if you are in Russia rather than in the predominantly Muslim city of Bishkek.

Image by Ondřej Žváček on Wikimedia under Creative Commons License.

4) Drama Theater

Drama Theater is the National Academic Drama Theater of Kyrgyzstan that stages professional performances. Actors from Russia and other ex-Soviet republics perform on this theater's stage. Be sure not to miss the staging of a traditional Kyrgyz poetic drama.

Image by greys on Flickr under Creative Commons License.

5) National Library

The National Library of Kyrgyz, located in the city center, was established in 1934. Over the years it has amassed a rich collection of national literature and historical documents. Their collection contains more than 6 million documents, including rare books, newspapers, magazines, dissertations, manuscripts and more.

Image by Aelfthrytha on Wikimedia under Creative Commons License.

6) Opera House

The Opera House, or more officially the Theater of Opera and Ballet, hosts great classical performances. It has already staged over 200 productions, including national masterpieces and world classics. Here you can see well-known productions, such as Manas and Swan Lake.

Image by Irene2005 on Flickr under Creative Commons License.

7) Ala Too Cinema

Located on the main square in the heart of the city is Ala Too Cinema. It is the largest cinema in Bishkek. In addition to watching a movie, you can enjoy the sculptures decorating the walls of the building that depict Soviet cosmonauts and other heroes.

Image by Irene2005 on Flickr under Creative Commons License.

Walking Tours in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Create Your Own Walk in Bishkek

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bishkek is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Monuments Tour

There are many monuments in Bishkek dedicated to important people who have played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan. A number of these monuments are dedicated to Soviet leaders. This self-guided tour will lead you to Bishkek's most famous monuments.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles

Bishkek Shopping Tour

Bishkek offers an amazing shopping experience, as you can find a variety of interesting local products, such as uniquely-designed Kyrgyz rugs, handmade pottery and jewelry made with semiprecious stones from the mountains in the area. Take this self-guided tour to explore the stores, boutiques and markets of Bishkek.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles

Bishkek Introduction Walking Tour

Set against the backdrop of Central Asia's Tian Shan mountains at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, 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... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.8 Km or 3.6 Miles

Museums & Galleries Tour, Part I

There are many interesting museums in Bishkek, the largest city in the former Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic. Visit the history museum, which teaches about the city and country's fascinating past. Also be sure to see the unusual open air museum that features sculptures by masters from all over the former Soviet Union. Take this self-guided tour to visit the most popular museums in Bishkek.

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Museums & Galleries Tour, Part II

There are several art galleries in Bishkek, most of which are gallery-shops so you can buy the art that you like. These galleries display traditional and contemporary Kyrgyz art: paintings, pottery, ceramics and more. Take this self-guided tour to gain a better understanding of Kyrgyz art.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.8 Km or 3.6 Miles