Bishkek Overview

Overview

Bishkek is a classic modern Soviet-style city with marble buildings and boulevards that seem too large for its population of around 700,000. Among the high rise apartment blocks typical of Soviet times, you'll find Central Asia creeping in again. Farmer markets ( bazaars ) are springing up everywhere and money changing seems to be one of the main industry. Apart from the distinctly communist-style museums and the general open atmosphere, there is not much to keep you in Bishkek, but you will spend quite a bit of time there anyway in all probability, as it is the main travel hub for Kyrgyzstan and the best place to get information or make bookings. Bishkek is not a particularly safe city at night. It is highly recommended against taking an unaccompanied stroll at night. Stay out of the parks at night and avoid walking alone or in small groups at night. At night, stay away from the area around and especially in front of the Dostuk hotel (where Heaven is located). The area is known for prostitution and crime. DO NOT walk from nightclub to nightclub at night. Spend 100 som (about $2.50) for a taxi instead. Criminals wait outside the bars and clubs (especially the ones frequented by ex-pats), follow drunk ex-pats, and then rob them. Above all, be careful in Bishkek. There's a lot of crime and foreigners are targeted. Due to the extremely high rate of prostitution, there is a very high level of venereal diseases- please take precautions if having sexual contact. For some, Bishkek is a little like Eastern Europe 20 years ago and for others, it is just a poor city with little character. Possibly somewhere in the middle lies the truth. Bishkek is not an old city and lacks few, if any, landmarks. For most travelers it is just a stop on the silk road to refresh supplies and return to the mountains. But, for many international workers and their visiting guests it is home. Come with little expectations and you will be pleasantly surprised!