The Osh Bazar in Bishkek

Osh Bazar is one of the biggest markets in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital. Located at the western outskirt of the city, it’s easy to access via public transportation.

Osh market is known throughout the country for selling all sorts of products, and it’s a great place for tourists to buy souvenirs.

Visiting the Osh Bazar

The Osh market is one of the must-see sights during a visit in Bishkek.

Located at the western end of Bishkek, it’s one of the biggest gathering places in the capital. The many stands and intimate streets make it a curious and charming place to visit. It’s also the place to go for the cheapest products. Kyrgyz and Uzbek from the South of the country come here to sell their goods.

Use your four senses to discover Osh bazar: look at the stands decorated with colorful dry fruits, smell the fragrance of oriental spices and listen to the competition of merchants trying to sell their goods. You can find all goods needed for the daily life, including traditional and modern clothes at an advantageous price. Food, furniture, clothes, and souvenirs: you name it, it’s there.

Osh bazar attracts a lot of locals every day, who come to fill in their fridges. This is usually the market where meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables are the cheapest in the city.

Don’t miss out on the impressive dry fruits and nuts sold in the bazar. Raisins, apricots, apples, cherries and kiwis, among others, are naturally dried and keep a delicious, often sweet taste.

If you get hungry during your visit, stop by a stand to try a Korean salad, a samsa, ayran (yogurt) or local cheese.

In another part of the market, you’ll be able to glance at the handmade fabrics that bring a lot of colors to the market. It’s a great place to get souvenirs and gifts for your family. And don’t forget to open your eyes: this is a great place to understand how locals live.

The market is open every day, except on Mondays. To get there, you can take one of the many buses that go to market from the city center. You can also walk there, which takes around 20 minutes.