Test your haggling skills at a bazaar

Bazaars are the heart and soul of many Central Asian cities, and Uzbekistan is home to some of the longest running markets in the region. Never just a market they were used as meeting points for merchants, traders, and common people, often housing chaikhanas (teahouses) serving refreshments such as green tea, local snacks, and the ubiquitous plov.

Here are a few of our favourites:

The Chorsu Bazaar is the largest market in Takshent, and most visitors’ first experience of a real Central Asian Bazaar. It is a bustling place selling everything from spices and produce to local handicrafts. The market is open every day but is at its best on weekends.

In Bukhara, don’t miss a visit to the famous trading domes. Dating back to the 16th century, each dome was originally dedicated to a specific kind of merchandise, for example the jeweller’s dome and the money changer’s dome. Nowadays they cater to both locals and tourists, selling clothes, jewellery, local food & drink, and handicrafts.

Samarkand’s Siab Bazaar is located close to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, in the centre of the city. Open every day and active from morning until night, this is the largest market in Samarkand and boasts a dizzying array of local produce, spices, fresh breads and local sweets, as well as local handicrafts.

Located in the town of Urgut around an hour outside Samarkand, the Urgut Market is one of the region’s most interesting bazaars and is at its best on Sundays. A fantastic place for people-watching, the bazaar spills out onto the street and sells everything from produce, clothing, and everyday items, to beautiful textiles and handicrafts.