24 Hours in Khiva, Uzbekistan

Khiva is a small city located in Uzbekistan, known for its preserved old town and unique architecture. If you only have 24 hours to spend in Khiva, here is a guide to help you make the most of your time.

9:00 AM – Breakfast at a local cafe

Start your day off with a traditional Uzbek breakfast at a local cafe, such as Cafe Zarafshan. Try out some plov (rice and meat dish) or somsa (stuffed pastry) to fuel up for your day of sightseeing.

10:00 AM – Explore Ichan Kala

Ichan Kala is the historic walled city of Khiva, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a few hours wandering through the narrow streets and admiring the unique architecture and intricate tile work on the buildings.

12:00 PM – Visit the Kalta Minor Minaret

The Kalta Minor Minaret is a stunning blue and green tower located in the center of Ichan Kala. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

1:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant

Try out some traditional Uzbek cuisine for lunch at a local restaurant, such as the Khan-Ermatov House. Don’t miss out on trying the shashlik (grilled meat skewers) or lagman (noodle soup).

2:00 PM – Visit the Kunya-Ark Fortress

The Kunya-Ark Fortress was once the residence of the Khiva Khanate rulers. Explore the various rooms and courtyards, and climb up to the throne room for impressive views.

4:00 PM – Shop at the bazaar

Head to the nearby bazaar for some souvenir shopping and to experience the local culture. Don’t forget to try out some of the local sweets, such as halva or pashmak.

6:00 PM – Dinner and drinks at a rooftop restaurant

End your day by watching the sunset from a rooftop restaurant, such as the Orient Star Khiva. Enjoy some delicious Uzbek food and drinks while taking in the stunning views of the city.

8:00 PM – Watch a traditional dance performance

Many restaurants in Khiva offer traditional dance performances in the evening, such as the Khiva Madrasah restaurant. Sit back and relax while watching the skilled dancers perform.

10:00 PM – Rest and relaxation

After a busy day of sightseeing and exploring, it’s time to rest and relax. Head back to your hotel or guesthouse for a good night’s sleep, ready to tackle another day of adventure in Uzbekistan.