Best Things to Do in Khiva in 2026
Stepping through the ancient gates of Khiva feels like stepping onto a film set.
While Samarkand impresses with its grand monuments and Bukhara charms visitors with its trading history, Khiva feels like a perfectly preserved open-air museum. Behind its towering walls lies one of the world’s best-preserved Silk Road cities, where turquoise minarets, winding alleyways and old madrasas look almost exactly as they did centuries ago.
During my 2 weeks in Uzbekistan, Khiva was one of my favourite stops. It’s much smaller than other famous cities in Uzbekistan, but that quiet, untouched feeling is what makes it so awesome to explore!
From climbing ancient towers and exploring hidden courtyards to watching sunset over the old city walls, here’s my list of the best things to do in Khiva, Uzbekistan
1. Wander Itchan Kala Old Town
The biggest attraction in Khiva is simply exploring Itchan Kala.
Surrounded by impressive mud-brick walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the historic heart of the city. Unlike many old towns where the main sights are scattered across a modern city, Khiva’s most famous landmarks are all packed together inside the walls.
The best way to experience Itchan Kala is to put your map away and simply wander. There are plenty of signs around the city just in case!
You’ll find beautifully decorated madrasas, ancient mosques, traditional homes, small craft workshops, quiet courtyards hidden behind wooden doors
The atmosphere changes throughout the day. Early mornings are peaceful, with locals going about their daily lives before the tour groups arrive, while evenings bring a magical glow as the old buildings light up.
My Tip: Find accommodation inside or close to Itchan Kala if you can. Being able to walk through the old city early in the morning and after sunset is one of Khiva’s biggest highlights!
2. Climb the Islam Khoja Minaret
The Islam Khoja Minaret is one of Khiva’s most recognisable landmarks and the tallest building in the city.
Standing at around 57m tall, the minaret offers one of the best views over Khiva – especially at sunset! The climb is steep and narrow up a winding staircase, but the view is 100% worth it.
Islam Khoja ended up being my favourite viewpoint in Khiva. From the top, looking across the sea of turquoise domes and mud-brick rooftops, you can really appreciate how well-preserved Khiva is.
Whilst you’re here, it’s located right beside the Islam Khodja Madrasah which you can check out too.
3. Kuhna Ark Fortress
The Kuhna Ark was once the residence of Khiva’s rulers and served as a fortress, palace and administrative centre.
Walking through the entrance, you can explore former courtyards, reception rooms and museums that explain the history of the Khiva Khanate.
One of the highlights is climbing the watchtower, which offers another awesome viewpoint over Itchan Kala.
I found the fortress particularly interesting because as it shows that Khiva wasn’t just a beautiful trading city, it was also a powerful political centre along the Silk Road.
4. Sunset from Kuhna Ark Watchtower
Although Khiva has several viewpoints, the Kuhna Ark watchtower (Ak Shayx Bobo) is arguably the most famous place to watch sunset.
As the sun drops behind the old city walls, the golden light transforms Khiva’s blue tiles and sandy-coloured buildings.
It is one of the best moments to simply stop and appreciate where you are.
5. Tash Hauli Palace
Tash Hauli Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in Khiva.
Built in the 19th century, this former royal residence contains more than 150 rooms and several courtyards decorated with intricate blue tiles and carved wooden details.
The palace gives an insight into the lives of Khiva’s rulers, with separate areas for official meetings, private living spaces and the royal harem.
The craftsmanship here is incredible, particularly the detailed tilework and traditional Uzbek architecture.
6. Kalta Minor Minaret
The Kalta Minor Minaret is probably Khiva’s most photographed landmark. With its bright turquoise tiles and unusual wide shape, it looks unlike any other minaret in Uzbekistan.
The original plan was for it to become the tallest minaret in Central Asia, but construction stopped after the death of the ruler who commissioned it. As a result, it remains unfinished – but this unfinished design is exactly what makes it so memorable.
It is impossible to walk through Khiva without seeing it. It’s one of the first buildings you’ll be greeted with if you arrive through the West Gate (Ata Darvoza).
7. Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa
Standing directly beside Kalta Minor, the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa is one of the largest madrasas in Khiva.
Built in the 19th century, it once housed hundreds of students studying Islamic sciences. Today, the building has been converted into a hotel, but visitors can still admire its impressive exterior.
The decorated entrance and huge courtyard are some of the best examples of Khiva’s traditional architecture.
8. Juma Mosque
The Juma Mosque is unlike most mosques you will visit in Uzbekistan.
Instead of towering blue domes and elaborate decoration, the mosque is famous for its incredible wooden columns. More than 200 carved pillars support the roof, creating a peaceful, atmospheric and slightly dark interior…
The lack of natural light makes the mosque feel almost mysterious, and it is easy to understand why this is considered one of Khiva’s most unique buildings.
9. Walk Khiva’s City Walls
One of the most underrated things to do in Khiva is walking along the old city walls.
The walls surrounding Itchan Kala stretch for more than two kilometres and provide a completely different perspective of the city.
From here, you can see the contrast between Khiva’s historic buildings and the desert landscape surrounding the city.
It is especially beautiful around sunset when the mud-brick walls turn golden.
10. Try Traditional Khivan Food
Khiva has its own regional cuisine that’s noticeably different from elsewhere in Uzbekistan.Some dishes to look out for include:
- Shivit osh: colourful green noodles made with dill and served with meat and vegetables
- Tukhumi barak: boiled dumplings filled with egg
- Plov: Uzbekistan’s famous rice dish
- Samsa: flaky pastries filled with meat or vegetables
Many restaurants inside Itchan Kala have rooftop terraces where you can enjoy dinner overlooking the old city. One of my favourites was La Terrassa.
11. Sunset Drink at la Terrassa
If you’re looking for the perfect place to end the day, head to La Terrassa for a scenic drink.
Located near western walls of Itchan Kala, this rooftop restaurant and bar offers one of the best views in Khiva. From the terrace, you can look back across the city’s skyline glowing in the golden evening light.
We stopped here for a beer after a day of sightseeing, and it ended up being one of our favourite evenings in Khiva. It can get busy, so it’s worthwhile booking a table if you want to eat.
12. Experience a traditional Khorezm performance
Khiva is one of the best places in Uzbekistan to experience traditional Khorezm culture.
One aspect of this is a Khorezm dance performance. Unlike the graceful dances found elsewhere in Uzbekistan, Khorezm dancing is much faster and more energetic, with expressive hand movements, dramatic facial expressions and rhythmic footwork.
These performances sometimes take place in public, but are mainly in madrasas or restaurants in Itchan Kala, so the cost is included with the dinner/entrance fee.
These performances are a great way to learn more about the region beyond its architecture. You’ll get to see music, dance, and traditional clothing.
13. Amir Tora Madrasa
Away from Khiva’s most famous landmarks, the Amir Tora Madrasa is one of the old city’s hidden gems.
Located inside Itchan Kala, this unfinished madrasa dates back to the late 19th century and was commissioned by Amir Tora, the brother of the Khan of Khiva. Construction was interrupted before the building could be fully completed, meaning the madrasa never reached the same level of grandeur as some of Khiva’s better-known monuments.
However, that is part of its charm. Unlike the crowded Kalta Minor Minaret or Islam Khodja Minaret, Amir Tora Madrasa feels peaceful and overlooked. Its beautifully decorated entrance, traditional blue tiles and intricate brickwork give you a glimpse into the craftsmanship that makes Khiva so special.
While you may not spend long here, it’s worth adding to your route as you explore the quieter corners of Itchan Kala. It’s a good reminder that Khiva is not just about a handful of famous sights – almost every street has a story.
14. Explore Khiva’s Gates
One of the most unique things about Khiva is that the old city is still surrounded by its historic defensive walls. The best way to experience this is by visiting the four city gates, which once controlled access into Itchan Kala.
The gates are located at each side of the old city: Ata Darvaza to the west, Bagcha Darvaza to the north, Palvan Darvaza to the east and Tosh Darvaza to the south.
The western Ata Darvaza is the main entrance and the gate most visitors pass through when arriving in Itchan Kala. Nearby, Palvan Darvaza is perhaps the most historically interesting, as it once served as the entrance to the khan’s prison and was connected with the city’s trading routes.
Walking around the outside of the old walls is a great way to appreciate the scale of Khiva. From ground level, the walls can seem impressive enough, but seeing them stretch around the entire city gives you a better idea of how important this fortified Silk Road settlement once was.
15. Browse Khiva’s Craft Workshops
Khiva has a long tradition of craftsmanship, and wandering through the old city, you will find workshops selling handmade goods.
Look out for:
- carved wooden souvenirs
- traditional textiles
- ceramics
- embroidered fabrics
Many artisans are happy to demonstrate how their products are made, making the workshops feel more like small museums than souvenir shops. That said, it’s a great way to support locals while taking home something more meaningful than a typical souvenir.
16. Khiva at night
One of my favourite things about Khiva is experiencing the city after most visitors leave.
During the day, Itchan Kala can become busy with tour groups, but in the evening, the atmosphere completely changes.
The streets become quiet, the buildings are illuminated, and the old city feels almost frozen in time.
Simply walking through the empty alleyways after dinner is one of the best free things to do in Khiva.
17. Day trip to the desert
Khiva sits on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding landscape.
So if you’ve got a spare day, I recommend escaping the city walls to explore the Fortresses of Ancient Khorezm.
Scattered across the desert, these enormous mud-brick fortresses date back more than 2,000 years and once protected one of Central Asia’s most important ancient kingdoms. Today, their crumbling walls and remote locations make them some of Uzbekistan’s most fascinating archaeological sites.
The most popular stop is Ayaz Kala, dramatically perched on a hill overlooking the desert. Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. Most tours also visit Toprak Kala, once the capital of ancient Khorezm, where you can still wander through the remains of palaces, temples and defensive walls.
If the fortresses aren’t your vibe, there are also options to desert yurts, camel rides or viewpoints for sunset.
FAQs
Can you visit Khiva independently?
Yes, Khiva is one of the easiest places in Uzbekistan to visit independently.
The main attraction, Itchan Kala (the old walled city), is compact and completely walkable, with most sights located within a few minutes of each other.
You don’t need a tour or guide to enjoy Khiva, although hiring a local guide for a few hours can help bring the city’s history life.
What is the best thing to do in Khiva?
The best thing to do in Khiva is simply wander through Itchan Kala and explore the old city at your own pace.
While highlights like the Kalta Minor Minaret, Kuhna Ark and Islam Khodja Minaret are unmissable, Khiva’s real charm comes from its atmosphere – walking through ancient streets, admiring the blue-tiled architecture and imagining life inside this Silk Road trading city centuries ago.
What are free things to do in Khiva?
Once you’ve paid for your entrance into Itchan Kala, most of the best things to do in Khiva are free.
Walking through the streets, admiring the city walls, exploring the old neighbourhoods, visiting local markets, watching craftsmen at work and enjoying sunset views over the city.
What are things to do in Khiva at night?
There isn’t much to do in Khiva at night. However, the old town is particularly beautiful after sunset when the crowds disappear and the old city empties.
The best things to do in Khiva at night include walking through the illuminated streets of Itchan Kala (it’s very safe), climbing a viewpoint for sunset, enjoying dinner at a rooftop restaurant, and returning to the main squares to see the historic buildings lit up.
Is Khiva expensive?
No. Khiva is one of the more affordable destinations in Uzbekistan.
Accommodation, food and transport are generally inexpensive compared with most European destinations, and many of the best experiences are free.
Your main costs will be entrance tickets for historic sites, any guided tours or activities and restaurants.
Are there any more things to do in Khiva?
Besides the list I’ve already covered, there’s a few more things to do in Khiva, but I didn’t think they were worth adding to the main list. Most of them are madrasahs, and you don’t need to see every single one in Khiva!
- Kazikhana (also known as Zindan): A small city prison located near the Ata Gate main entrance.
- Museum of Mennonites
- New Method School
- Kazi Kalon Madrasah
- Shergazi Khan Madrasah
- Matpanabay Madrasah
- Kutlig Murad Inak Madrasah
- Abdulla Khan Madrasah
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