Bukhara With Kids: Sleeping in a Caravanserai & Exploring Uzbekistan’s Silk Road City

Bukhara is one of those rare places that feels timeless the moment you arrive — a city of turquoise domes, ancient caravanserais and long, sun-washed alleyways that seem to whisper Silk Road stories. Travelling here with kids was far easier than we expected, and honestly, more magical too. From slow train journeys across the desert to wandering through shady bazaars where artisans still carve, paint and stitch by hand, Bukhara offered the perfect blend of history, culture and family-friendly adventure.

Travelling From Khiva to Bukhara by Train

We travelled from Khiva to Bukhara by train — a seven-hour journey across a vast, open desert . At first, I wondered whether we should’ve just taken a taxi instead. It sounds crazy to taxi for such a long distance but taxis in Uzbekistan are unbelievably cheap, a taxi to Bukhara was almost the same price as 4 train tickets. But soon my doubts began to fade.

The train was spacious, calm and comfortable. The kids sprawled out with books, snacks and card games. We watched the landscape stretch out. We chatted with the people around us and met some really lovely travellers and locals. Train travel in Uzbekistan is one of those experiences that makes the journey feel just as rich as the destination.

I was also lucky enough to have a young local man swap bunks with me so I could have the bottom bunk. Uzbek people are so lovely and hospitable.

Why the Train Is Great for Families

If you’re travelling through Uzbekistan with kids, the train is such a good option. You can lie down, nap, walk around, read… all things that are much harder in a taxi. And even though the train was fully booked and the four of us were scattered across different parts of the carriage, everyone was so friendly that it truly didn’t matter.

Arriving in Bukhara: First Impressions of this Silk Road City

Stepping into Bukhara felt like stepping sideways in time. The city has this softness to it — sun-baked walls, cool stone archways, and quiet lanes that curve gently toward turquoise domes. Everywhere we turned, the facades were filled with detail: delicate brickwork, carved wooden doors, and mosaics that shimmered in blues and golds. Even the simplest buildings seemed to carry centuries of stories in their walls.

What surprised me most was how beautifully preserved the architecture is. Many of the madrasas and mosques are covered in dazzling tiles — geometric patterns, swirling calligraphy, and deep lapis blues that catch the light differently as the sun moves across the sky. Some facades are intricate like lace; others feel bold and monumental, rising out of the desert landscape with quiet confidence.

Inside these historic buildings, the artwork was even more incredible. Painted ceilings, wooden beams etched with floral patterns, and courtyards framed by arched galleries that felt wonderfully peaceful. The kids wandered through with wide eyes, tracing shapes on the walls, asking questions about the designs and colours. It’s such a hands-on way for them to connect with history.

Something travellers should know: Bukhara is far more spread out than Khiva. The old city isn’t a compact pocket — it’s a collection of squares, domes, courtyards and monuments scattered across a wider area. You find yourself drifting from one architectural treasure to the next: a madrasa here, a minaret there, then a quiet street that suddenly opens into a marketplace. There’s a lot to see, and each place feels just different enough to keep you wandering.

It’s the kind of city that asks you to slow down, look closely, and let the details pull you in. And that’s exactly what we did.

Staying in a Traditional Caravanserai

Our accommodation in Bukhara was a highlight all on its own — an actual caravanserai ✨.

Thick stone walls that kept the rooms cool in the heat. Heavy wooden doors. An inner courtyard where traders once tied their camels. Lanterns that flickered softly at night. Staying in one of these old Silk Road inns is easily one of the most unique places to stay in Uzbekistan, and the kids were absolutely enchanted by the idea that merchants slept (and snored!) in the same courtyard centuries before.

If you’re looking for something memorable, caravanserai accommodation in Bukhara is such a special experience.

Exploring Bukhara’s Old City With Kids

Bukhara’s old city is ideal for slow wandering. Everything is close together, the streets are pedestrian-friendly, and there’s a sense of calm here that makes family travel feel effortless.

Po-i-Kalyan Complex at Sunset

The Po-i-Kalyan complex is one of the most famous attractions in Bukhara, and seeing it at sunset was unforgettable.

The minaret — one of the oldest in Central Asia — glowed a soft honey-gold as the sun dropped, and the madrasa tiles shimmered in that iconic Silk Road blue. The kids ran around the wide open space while we soaked in the beauty around us. It felt like standing inside a painting.

The Domed Bazaars: Artisans, Crafts & Local Treasures

The domed bazaars of Bukhara were one of our favourite places to wander. Cool and echoey and filled with tiny workshops, they felt like working museums.

We watched woodcarvers tapping tiny patterns into walnut boxes, women stitching brilliant silk embroidery, and miniature painters balancing tiny brushes with impossible skill. It was such a hands-on way for the kids to learn about Uzbek crafts and traditions.

Climbing the Ark Fortress

One morning, we climbed the Ark Fortress — Bukhara’s ancient citadel. From its curved mud-brick walls, the city stretched out in ripples of rooftops, courtyards and domes. It’s a great stop if you’re doing Bukhara with kids: lots of open space, easy walking, and big views that give you a sense of how old and important this city really is.

Family-Friendly Food to Try in Bukhara

Uzbek food is delicious and surprisingly kid-friendly. Bukhara had so many simple, hearty meals:

• Plov (Uzbek rice cooked with carrots and spices)

• Samsa, baked in clay ovens until crisp around the edges

• Lagman, hand-pulled noodles in a rich broth

• Shashlik, tender grilled meat skewers

We often ate in small, family-run restaurants that felt like someone had welcomed us right into their home.

Evenings at Lyabi-Hauz

As the heat faded each evening, Lyabi-Hauz became the city’s social heart. Families strolled, musicians played gentle music, and the water reflected the glowing madrasa nearby. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring — cold drinks, soft breezes, and that warm community energy that makes travel memories stick.

Slow Nights in the Caravanserai

Back at our caravanserai, we’d sit around the courtyard playing cards, storytelling, and letting the day soften around us. The walls glowed under the lanterns, and everything felt peaceful and ancient. These were the moments that made Bukhara feel so special.

Is Bukhara Good for Kids?

Absolutely. Bukhara is safe, walkable, calm, and full of hands-on history. Our kids loved the bazaars, the fortress, the open squares, the friendly locals and the slow pace of the old city. For families travelling through Uzbekistan, we’d rank Bukhara as one of the best cities to explore.

Final Thoughts: Why Bukhara Belongs on Your Uzbekistan Itinerary

Bukhara became one of our favourite stops on the Silk Road — a city rich in stories, colours and gentle moments. From sleeping in a centuries-old caravanserai to wandering through glowing madrasa courtyards at dusk, it offered a depth and magic we didn’t expect. If you’re planning an Uzbekistan itinerary or looking for an unforgettable cultural destination to visit with kids, Bukhara absolutely deserves a place at the top of your list.