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Bishkek

Bishkek is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, situated near the border with Kazakhstan in Central Asia. Formerly known as Pishpek and later Frunze during the Soviet era, the city has emerged as the vibrant heart of the nation.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Kyrgyzstani som (KGS)
Language
Kyrgyz, Russian
Timezone
+06 (UTC+6)
Local time now
03:02:45

Hotels in Bishkek

Bishkek offers a range of hotel accommodations for visitors to the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Whether you're looking for established hotels like Park Hotel and Нават Отель or other lodging options, you'll find various choices to suit your stay in the city. See all hotels →

Семетей
563 m from centre
АГУПКР
583 m from centre
Park Hotel
593 m from centre

Airports in Bishkek

Bishkek is served by several airports and aviation facilities, with Manas International Airport being the main gateway for international travel. Additional aviation infrastructure in the region includes Kant Air Base and several other aerodromes serving regional flights and emergency services. See all airports →

Авиациялык издөө-куткаруу кызматынын Байтик аэродрому
15.8 km from centre
Кант авиабазасы – Россия Федерациясынын 999-абазасы
19.9 km from centre
Манас эл аралык аэропорту
22.7 km from centre

Car Hire in Bishkek

Bishkek offers several car hire options for visitors looking to explore the city and surrounding regions. Local rental companies including EASY RENT, Аренда авто Компас, daniyar, Русская тройка, and Прокат авто Nomad provide convenient vehicle rental services for both short and long-term needs. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Bishkek

We're still gathering things to do listings for Bishkek — check back soon.

Restaurants in Bishkek

Bishkek offers a variety of dining experiences, from traditional Kyrgyz cuisine to international fare. Popular restaurants in the city include Concord, Изюм, Buhara Assorti, Song Kol Gold, and Hua Zeng, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. See all restaurants →

Concord
127 m from centre
Изюм
regional · 219 m from centre
Buhara Assorti
asian · 294 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Bishkek

Bishkek offers several swimming pools for residents and visitors looking to swim and relax. Options in the city include Максимум, Бассейн 69, Дениз, Открытый бассейн, and Бассейн Прадо. See all swimming pools →

Максимум
1.5 km from centre
Бассейн 69
1.9 km from centre
Дениз
1.9 km from centre

Spas in Bishkek

We're still gathering spas listings for Bishkek — check back soon.

Nightlife in Bishkek

Bishkek offers a vibrant nightlife scene with venues ranging from casual bars to lively hangouts. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening at Boho City Bar or drinks at Metro Pub, Leon, or Ailan, the city has options for night owls exploring the local social scene. See all nightlife →

Boho City Bar
261 m from centre
Ailan
271 m from centre
Leon
1.5 km from centre

Bars in Bishkek

Bishkek offers a variety of bars where visitors and locals can enjoy drinks and entertainment. From casual spots like Craft Bar to unique venues such as Temple Bar and Wine Бар #1, the city's bar scene provides options for different tastes and atmospheres. See all bars →

Craft Bar
savory_pancakes;chicken;american;italian;sausage;sandwich;coffee_shop;ice_cream;local;deli;friture;burger;steak_house;pa · 203 m from centre
Ала Тоо кинотеатр
311 m from centre
Temple Bar
321 m from centre

Cafes in Bishkek

We're still gathering cafes listings for Bishkek — check back soon.

Shopping in Bishkek

Bishkek offers a variety of shopping destinations for visitors and locals alike. From modern malls like Gold Bishkek and Caravan to traditional shopping centers such as ЦУМ «Айчүрөк», the city provides diverse retail and commercial experiences. See all shopping →

Gold Bishkek
734 m from centre
центр МОТО
736 m from centre
Берен Голд
769 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Bishkek

Bishkek offers several parks and green spaces where visitors can experience nature and outdoor recreation. Notable destinations include Парк имени Чынгыза Айтматова, Панфилов атындагы сейилбак, and Таттыбүбү атындагы гүл бакча, along with pleasant squares such as Борбордук сквери and Сквер Театральный. See all nature & wildlife →

Борбордук сквери
270 m from centre
Парк имени Чынгыза Айтматова
323 m from centre
Таттыбүбү атындагы гүл бакча
449 m from centre
Панфилов атындагы сейилбак
473 m from centre
Сквер Театральный
918 m from centre
сквер имени Максима Горького
919 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Bishkek experiences distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers typical of its continental location. Spring and autumn offer mild, transitional weather, making these seasons pleasant times to visit the city and explore the surrounding region.

Interesting Facts About Bishkek — Weird & Wonderful

  • Bishkek was formerly called Pishpek until it was renamed Frunze in 1926 during the Soviet period, reverting to its original name in 1991 after Kyrgyzstan's independence.
  • The city is also the capital of the Chüy Region, making it an administrative centre for both the nation and its surrounding region.
  • Bishkek is strategically located near the border with Kazakhstan, positioning it as a key gateway city in Central Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bishkek

What is the population of Bishkek?

Bishkek has a population of around 1,200,000 people as of 2024, making it the largest urban centre in Kyrgyzstan.

What currency is used in Bishkek?

The Kyrgyzstani som is the official currency used in Bishkek and throughout Kyrgyzstan.

What language do people speak in Bishkek?

Kyrgyz is the official language of Bishkek, though Russian is also widely spoken due to the country's Soviet heritage.

Is Bishkek the capital of Kyrgyzstan?

Yes, Bishkek is the capital and largest urban city of Kyrgyzstan, as well as the capital of the Chüy Region.

What was Bishkek called before?

Bishkek was formerly known as Pishpek, and was renamed Frunze in 1926 during the Soviet period before reverting to Bishkek in 1991.

Map of Bishkek

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