MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Bukhara

Where to Stay in Bukhara

Bukhara Central Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full spectrum of lodging options from hostels to luxury hotels

  • Hostels

    Mainly cater to manage your money travelers and backpackers. Many are located within or very close to the Old City.

  • Guesthouses (Boutique Hotels)

    The most popular and atmospheric accommodation. Many are converted traditional Uzbek houses, often family-run.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Standard hotels offering comfortable rooms and amenities like air conditioning and attached bathrooms.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Higher-end hotels, including international chains and upscale boutique properties, with modern amenities.

Unique local accommodation types

  • Traditional Guesthouses

    Signature accommodation, meticulously restored historic residences, offering an authentic stay steeped in Uzbek hospitality.

  • Self-catering options

    Available, though more limited. Traditional guesthouses are generally more prevalent and distinct.

  • Homestay and community-based tourism opportunities

    Less formalized, often arranged through local tour operators, offering cultural immersion with a local family.

  • Camping and outdoor accommodation

    No designated camping facilities within or near Bukhara. Desert yurt stays are part of organized excursions.

Neighborhood Guide

Bukhara effectively has two main areas to consider for accommodation, each offering a distinct atmosphere.

Old City Ichon Qal'a

Pros
  • Immersive historical atmosphere.
  • Most key sights are within walking distance.
  • Charming guesthouses with authentic culinary experiences.
  • Visible police presence and well-lit at night.
Cons
  • Can be noisy in central areas.
  • Limited vehicle access, requiring quick walks with luggage.
  • Fewer modern amenities.
  • Standard precautions against petty theft apply.

New City

Pros
  • Easier access for taxis and vehicles.
  • Wider range of modern amenities and larger hotels.
  • Residential areas can be quieter.
  • Closer to train station and airport.
Cons
  • Requires transportation to reach Old City attractions.
  • Less historical ambiance and a more generic urban feel.
  • Main roads can be noisy with traffic.
  • Lacks the ancient heart feel.

Safety Considerations

General Safety
  • Both the Old City and New City are very safe.
  • Old City gains from visible police presence.
  • Well-lit at night in tourist areas.
  • Overall low crime rates for tourists.
Things to Note
  • Observe standard precautions against petty theft.
  • Crowded areas may warrant extra vigilance.
  • Keep valuables secure in busy markets.
  • Be aware of surroundings at all times.

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation / Noise Levels and Ambiance

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation

Old City is ideal for attractions, most major places within walking distance. New City requires taxi/marshrutka to Old City but is closer to Kagan train station and Bukhara Airport.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Old City is atmospheric, bustling during the day, lively evenings around Lyab-i Hauz. The Modern part of the city is quieter in residential zones, with main roads noisy during the day; ambiance is more current.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure your preferred accommodation and potentially save money.

Advance booking recommendations by season

  • High Season (April-May, Sep-Oct): Book several months in advance, especially for popular guesthouses. Prices are typically highest.
  • Shoulder Season (March, November): Book about a month beforehand for particular options. Prices may be slightly lower.
  • Low Season (June-Aug, Dec-Feb): Generally easier to find availability, even last minute. Prices are lowest due to weather.
  • Reserving directly with guesthouses via their official websites or email can sometimes secure a better rate.

Trusted booking platforms and local reservation systems

  • Major international booking platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia are widely used and reliable.
  • These websites provide a variety of options and guest reviews.
  • Direct booking with guesthouses or hotels can sometimes secure a better rate.
  • Direct communication with establishments allows for special requests.

Additional Booking Considerations

Negotiation customs for walk-in rates
  • For smaller guesthouses, especially in low season or for prolonged visits, a slightly better rate may be possible.
  • This is not common for established hotels or during peak season, where prices are usually fixed.
  • It is not widely practiced for all accommodation types.
  • A friendly approach is always best if attempting to negotiate.
Deposit and cancellation policies
  • Policies vary significantly by property and booking platform.
  • Always check specific requirements before confirming.
  • Many family-run guesthouses tend to have more flexible policies.
  • Confirmation of policies is advisable.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Season Impact

Accommodation prices typically double or triple during the high seasons.

Boutique Guesthouses

Highly sought after boutique guesthouses are specifically affected by demand and price increases.

Off-season Savings

Planning your travel for the shoulder or low season can lead to significant savings on lodging.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for different budget levels and travel styles, focusing on the charm and value Bukhara offers.

Budget-Friendly Options

Amelia Boutique Hotel

Can offer budget-friendly rooms; a traditional guesthouse with picturesque atmosphere.

  • Good value
  • Central location
  • Charming atmosphere
  • Breakfast frequently included
Caravan Hostel

A clean, well-located hostel with dorms and private rooms, popular with backpackers.

  • Clean facilities
  • Centrally located
  • Social atmosphere
  • Suitable for solo travelers

Mid-Range Options

Hotel Omar Khayyam

A beautifully restored traditional house with a lovely courtyard, central location, and excellent service.

  • Authentic Bukharian experience
  • Central location
  • Excellent service
  • Beautiful traditional design
Hotel Minzifa

Known for authentic decor, welcoming hospitality, and a comfortable stay.

  • Authentic decor
  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Comfortable rooms
  • Often family-run

Luxury Choices

  • Devon Begi Hotel

    A premium boutique hotel near Lyab-i Hauz, combining traditional architecture with modern comforts.

  • Wyndham Bukhara

    An international brand hotel in the New City, with modern amenities including a pool, meeting international standards.

  • Hotel Amulet

    An elegant guesthouse blending traditional Uzbek design with modern comforts for a luxurious, culturally rich stay.

  • Facilities

    Many luxury hotels offer amenities such as spas or swimming pools.

Family-Friendly & Solo Traveler Options

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Many traditional b&bs offer family rooms. Properties with courtyards like Hotel Omar Khayyam or Amelia Boutique Hotel are suitable. Larger hotels like Wyndham Bukhara offer more facilities.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels like Caravan Hostel are good for meeting others. Many guesthouses also welcome solo travelers with safe, comfortable single rooms.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    For longer stays, consider direct negotiation with guesthouses for better rates. Many offer discounts for extended visits.

  • Local Connection

    Guesthouses often offer more service and a local connection for long-term visitors.

Properties with Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

Immersive Experience

Most boutique guesthouses within the Old City are housed in historic buildings, providing an inherently immersive experience.

  • Sleeping within a piece of Bukhara's history.
  • Authentic design and decor.
  • Traditional courtyards.
  • Family-run hospitality.
Examples

Hotels like Omar Khayyam, Minzifa, and Amulet are comfortable and beautifully decorated.

  • Traditional textiles
  • Wood carvings
  • Artifacts
  • Reflecting Uzbek architectural styles

Trusted Accommodation Booking Platforms

Booking.com

Booking.com - Global platform with diverse options and guest reviews.

Agoda

Agoda - Strong presence in Asia, good for unique guesthouses.

Hostelworld

Hostelworld - Best for budget travelers and solo adventurers.