All of the best things to do in Khiva, Uzbekistan’s open-air museum!
Khiva is one of the most interesting places to visit in Uzbekistan, teeming with fascinating history and beautiful architecture. The old walled city of Itchan Kala is a UNESCO heritage site. In 2024, the city of Khiva is the Tourism Capital of the Islamic World.
As Khiva is located much further away from Tashkent than other Silk Road cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, fewer tourists make the journey. This means fewer tourists, particularly if you visit in the low seasons. We visited Itchan Kala early on a summer morning and felt like we had the place all to ourselves!
Khiva is rapidly growing in popularity as a tourist destination, but still gets a fraction of the visitors that Bukhara and Samarkand see. A visit to Khiva is a must on any Uzbekistan trip. I promise, it will not disappoint!
Why visit Khiva?
Khiva is a beautiful, walled city filled narrow, winding alleyways of mud-brick and spectacular blue mosaics.
Khiva was a vital trading post along the Silk Road, which brought with it an intersection of global influences that have shaped the history and culture of the region.
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Khiva became the capital of the Khanate of Khiva in the early 17th century, known for its magnificent architecture and vibrant bazaars. Khiva was also the site of a brutal slave market, where millions of mostly Persian and Russian slaves were bought and sold over hundreds of years.
The architecture of Itchan Kala is well preserved and restored making Khiva feel like an open air museum.
The best things to do in Khiva, Uzbekistan
Most of the best things to do in Khiva are located inside Itchan Kala (the walled city).
Entry to many of the best sites in Khiva is covered with the Itchan Kala ticket. This gives you access to the old walled city and most of the museums and monuments inside over 2 days. Tickets cost 200,000 som.
There are some sites that are not covered with the ticket which you can buy tickets for inside the old city.
The best thing to do in Khiva: Visit Itchan Kala
By far the best thing to do in Khiva and the reason that people flock to this beautiful city is to visit Itchan Kala. The old walled city of Khiva is full of sites to explore.
My favourite thing to do was to just wander around, walk down alleyways, peek in doorways and discover things that way. It is amazing what hides behind some of Itchan Kala’s inconspicuous facades.
These are a few of the must-dos in Itchan Kala.
Visit Kunya Ark museum
Located behind an impressive entrance is an open courtyard with archaelogical escavations showing some of the oldest parts of Itchan Kala.
Inside is a museum that provides a concise yet thorough history of the region. If you don’t plan on taking a guided tour through Itchan Kala, visiting Kunya Ark museum is one of the best things to do when you first arrive in Khiva. I didn’t discover this place until my last day in Itchan Kala, but wish that I had visited first. It provides some much needed historical context which is helpful for other sites in the complex.
Pahlavon Mahmoud Mausoleum
If you’ve seen pictures of Khiva you will be familiar with the Pahlavon Mahmoud Mausoleum, the blue dome that dominates Khiva’s skyline. Pahlavon Mahmoud was a 14th Century poet and philosopher known for his compassion and generosity to the poor and oppressed.
Pahlavon Mahmoud Mausoleum is considered the patron saint of Khiva making his mausoleum an important place of worship to this day. Visiting the mausoleum is one of the best things to do in Khiva. There is a real sense of reverence inside the mausoleum that makes you want to whisper. Even if you’re not into the history of it, it is worth it for the chandelier and tile work alone.
Entry to the Pahlavon Mahmoud Mausoleum is not included in the Itchan Kala ticket. You can buy tickets at the door for 25,000 som.
Visit the Islom-Hoja museum and climb the minaret
Climbing the Islom-Hoja minaret and seeing the spectacular view over the old town is one of the best things to do in Khiva. As the tallest minaret in all of Uzbekistan, it is well worth a visit. Even if you’re a little scared of heights like me!
The minaret is not included in the Itchan Kala pass. You can buy a ticket near the minaret.
At the bottom of the minaret is the Museum of Applied Arts. While I wouldn’t describe it as one of the best things to do in Khiva, it is included in the Itchan Kala pass and is worth popping your head in while you’re there.
Juma Mosque
Juma Mosque is unlike any other mosque you will see on your travels through this region. There are no domes or minarets, no fancy tilework. Instead you will find a single story structure built to mirror the style of the original 10th century mosque.
The prayer hall contains over 200 carved wooden pillars that are like a museum of wood carvng styles over time. The oldest pillars are over a thousand years old, with many other being from the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries.
Being one of the best things to do in Khiva, this place can get quite busy. If you can, arrive early when it opens at 8am. There really is nothing like having this place all to yourself!
Head to the watchtower for sunset
This is probably the most popular place in Khiva to watch the sunset. Just a few moments there and you will see why! Sunsets along the silk road really are awe-inspiring. Watching the mud-brick buildings turn a rich shade of amber, and the blue tiled minarets sparkle in the last light of the day – it really makes you hold your breath.
The perfect end to a day of exploring, catching a sunset from the watchtower is one of the best things to do in Khiva. The watchtower is not included in the Itchan Kala pass. You can buy a ticket near the tower.
Walk the city fortress walls
Another great afternoon activity is to walk the city walls of Itchan Kala. The walls offer a unique perspective over the old town and are perfect for taking photos and enjoying the sunset.
I wouldn’t try this in the heat of the day as there is no shade and the sun can be really harsh in Uzbekistan. It’s an activity best enjoyed at sunset.
You can purchase tickets at the North Gate for 20,000 som.
The best things to do in Khiva outside of Itchan Kala
Marvel at Isfandiyar Palace
Isfandiyar Palace or Nurullabay Palace is one of the best things to do in Khiva outside of the old city.
The palace is a stunning example of late 19th-century Khivan architecture with intricately decorated interiors and elaborate woodwork. It offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Khivan rulers of the time.
Although outside of the city walls, entry to Nurullabay Palace is included in the Itchan Kala pass.
Take a day trip to visit desert fortresses
A popular day trip from Khiva is to visit the region’s desert fortresses. The fortresses are all located within a few hours drive of Khiva making this one of the best things to do if you have a free half day in Khiva.
Some of the fortresses date back as far as the 4th Century. While some have had sections partially restored, others remain as ruins.
It’s an interesting day trip to explore the history of the area and get a better understanding of the vastness of the desert around Khiva.
Check availability of desert fortresses day trip here.
Visit the Moynaq and the Aral Sea ship graveyard
Now this is a very long day trip to take from Khiva. When I was planning my trip to Uzbekistan I originally thought I would travel to Nukus and then onto Moynaq to see the Aral Sea ship graveyard.
When I was in Khiva I realised it is entirely possible to take a day trip from Khiva to Moynaq. It’s a long day, but if you’re not that interested in visiting anything else in Nukus, it will save you a decent amount of time.
We organised our day tour to the Aral Sea ship graveyard through Central Park Hostel.
The absolute best thing to do in Khiva!
It’s a no brainer, Itchan Kala is the best thing to do in Khiva. If you’re visiting in summer, like we did, take advantage of the early mornings to beat the heat.
We arrived at 8am to buy our tickets on the first day. The second day we returned at 7am and it was almost empty, the temperature was perfect and the light was perfect for photos.
We went back even earlier on the third day because the early morning was our favourite time to be there.
The museums and some sites don’t open until 8am, but you can wander around Itchan Kala at any time of the day or night.
Where to stay in Khiva, Uzbekistan
Budget – Central Park Hostel has to be the best budget accommodation option in Khiva. This is where we stayed during our time in Khiva and I would rebook in a heartbeat. The staff are super friendly and helpful with planning daytrips and onward travel, everything is spotlessly clean, the restaurant nextdoor is cheap and delicious and it is less than 5 minutes walk from the entrance to Itchan Kala. If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, you really can’t beat this place!
Mid-range – Ulli Oy Hotel & Terrace is the best value hotel located within the walled city of Itchan Kala. This family run hotel offers breakfast, a terrace with views of Kalta Minor minaret and all at affordable prices.
Boutique – Madrasah Polvon-Qori Hotel provides the most unique and authentic accommodation experience in Khiva. Located inside an old madrasah just inside the East Gate of Itchan Kala, this hotel is a step above the rest in terms of old world charm.
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