Home › Destinations › Khiva
Khiva, Oʻzbekiston - Things to Do in Khiva

Things to Do in Khiva

Khiva, Oʻzbekiston - Complete Travel Guide

Khiva stands as one of Central Asia's most perfectly preserved medieval cities, a UNESCO World Heritage site that transports visitors back to the days of the ancient Silk Road. Located in western Uzbekistan's Khorezm region, this oasis city is renowned for its stunning Itchan Kala (inner city), surrounded by imposing clay walls and filled with magnificent madrasas, minarets, and palaces that showcase exquisite Islamic architecture spanning several centuries. Once a major trading hub and the capital of the Khiva Khanate, the city today serves as a living museum where traditional crafts continue to flourish alongside historical monuments. The compact old town, with its narrow streets and distinctive blue-tiled buildings, offers an intimate glimpse into medieval Central Asian life, while the surrounding modern city provides contemporary amenities for travelers seeking to explore this remarkable destination.

Top Things to Do in Khiva

Explore Itchan Kala Old City

Wander through the UNESCO-listed inner city, enclosed by ancient walls and packed with over 50 historical monuments. The compact area contains stunning examples of Islamic architecture including madrasas, mausoleums, and the iconic Kalta Minor minaret with its distinctive turquoise tiles.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost around $10-15 and are valid for multiple days. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 to fully appreciate the historical significance.

Climb the Islam Khoja Minaret

Ascend the tallest minaret in Khiva for panoramic views over the ancient city and surrounding desert landscape. The narrow spiral staircase leads to a viewing platform offering spectacular photo opportunities of the old city's layout and architecture.

Booking Tip: Included in the general Itchan Kala ticket. Visit during golden hour for the best photography conditions. The climb can be challenging for those with mobility issues due to steep, narrow stairs.

Visit Traditional Craft Workshops

Discover master craftsmen creating traditional woodcarvings, ceramics, and textiles using techniques passed down through generations. Many workshops are located within historical buildings, offering insight into both artistic traditions and architectural heritage.

Booking Tip: Most workshops welcome visitors for free, though purchasing items supports local artisans. Prices range from $5-50 for authentic handicrafts. Look for workshops displaying the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage certification.

Experience Traditional Uzbek Cuisine

Sample authentic Khorezm regional specialties including shivit osh (green noodles), tukhum barak (egg dumplings), and local plov variations. Many restaurants operate in converted historical buildings, providing atmospheric dining experiences.

Booking Tip: Traditional meals cost $5-15 per person. Book dinner at Terrassa Cafe or Old Khiva Restaurant in advance during peak season. Try street food near the city gates for budget-friendly authentic flavors.

Take Desert Excursions to Ancient Fortresses

Venture into the Kyzylkum Desert to explore ancient fortress ruins like Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala, remnants of the ancient Khorezm civilization. These archaeological sites offer insight into pre-Islamic Central Asian history and stunning desert landscapes.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $40-80 per person including transport and guide. Book through your hotel or local tour operators. Bring sun protection and water as desert conditions can be harsh, especially in summer.

Getting There

Khiva is accessible via Urgench Airport, located about 35 kilometers away, which receives domestic flights from Tashkent and limited international connections. The high-speed Afrosiyob train connects Tashkent to Khiva in approximately 8 hours, offering a comfortable overland option. Shared taxis and buses also operate between major Uzbek cities, though journey times are longer. From Urgench, local taxis or buses provide transport to Khiva city center for around $5-10.

Getting Around

Khiva's main attraction, Itchan Kala, is entirely walkable and vehicles are restricted within the old city walls. The compact size means most sites are within a few minutes' walk of each other. For longer distances or trips to modern Khiva, local taxis are readily available and inexpensive, typically charging $2-5 for city rides. Bicycle rentals are available from some guesthouses for exploring the surrounding areas at a leisurely pace.

Where to Stay

Itchan Kala (Old City)
Near West Gate
Modern Khiva Center
Urgench Road Area
Near North Gate
East Gate Vicinity

Food & Dining

Khiva's dining scene centers around traditional Uzbek and Khorezm regional cuisine, with many restaurants housed in beautifully restored historical buildings within Itchan Kala. Local specialties include the region's famous green noodle soup (shivit osh) and unique plov variations. Traditional teahouses (chaikhanas) offer authentic experiences alongside local bread, tea, and sweets. For upscale dining, several restaurants provide rooftop terraces with views over the ancient city, while street vendors near the gates offer affordable snacks and traditional breads. Most establishments cater to international tastes while maintaining authentic flavors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Uzbekistan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Besh Qozon

4.6 /5
(5749 reviews)

Forn Lebnen

4.6 /5
(393 reviews)
bakery bar store

Tanuki

4.5 /5
(292 reviews)
meal_delivery

AZUR - Terrace Garden

4.7 /5
(255 reviews)

Sushi Time

4.5 /5
(254 reviews)

Fillet Restaurant

4.8 /5
(232 reviews)

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Khiva is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable for exploring the outdoor historical sites. Summer months can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making daytime sightseeing challenging, though early morning and evening visits remain pleasant. Winter brings mild days but can be quite cold at night, with occasional rainfall. The shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather, clear skies for photography, and fewer crowds, making them optimal for experiencing the city's architectural wonders.

Insider Tips

Purchase the combined ticket for all Itchan Kala monuments to save money and gain access to sites that may appear closed but are actually accessible to ticket holders
Stay overnight within the old city walls at a traditional guesthouse to experience the magical atmosphere after day-trippers leave
Bring cash in local currency (Uzbek som) as many small vendors and craft workshops don't accept cards, and ATMs can be limited within the old city

Explore Activities in Khiva