If I had to choose just one favourite city in Uzbekistan, it would probably be Khiva.
Completely surrounded by ancient mud-brick walls, Khiva’s Old Town felt unlike anywhere else I’ve travelled. While Samarkand impressed me with its grand monuments and Bukhara charmed me with its atmosphere, Khiva felt like completely stepping back in time. I spent two days here before flying back to Tashkent and honestly wish I’d had another night just to wander the streets after the crowds disappeared.
If you’re planning a trip, these are the best things to do in Khiva, along with where I stayed, how to get there and a few tips from my visit.
Quick Answer
| 🇺🇿 Is Khiva worth visiting? | Absolutely |
| ⏰ Recommended stay | 2 days |
| ✈️ Easy to reach? | Yes – by train, road or via Urgench Airport |
| 💰 Budget | Moderate |
| ⭐ Best for | History, photography and wandering |
Why Visit Khiva?
Unlike Samarkand and Bukhara, Khiva feels almost entirely preserved within its ancient city walls.
The UNESCO-listed Itchan Kala is compact enough to explore on foot, with winding streets, towering minarets and centuries-old buildings around every corner. Rather than rushing between attractions, I found myself slowing down and simply enjoying the atmosphere.
It ended up being my favourite city in Uzbekistan.
How to Get to Khiva
Khiva is the westernmost stop on most Uzbekistan itineraries, but it’s surprisingly easy to reach.
🚆 Train
Overnight and daytime trains connect Khiva (or nearby Urgench) with Bukhara and Tashkent.
🚐 By road (What I did)
I travelled to Khiva by van as part of my group tour after visiting Bukhara. Although it’s a longer journey, it was comfortable and gave us a chance to see more of western Uzbekistan along the way.
✈️ Flying
I flew back to Tashkent from Urgench International Airport, which is only around 30–40 minutes from Khiva.
It’s a very small airport, making check-in and security incredibly straightforward, and a convenient option if you don’t want to make the long overland journey back across the country.
→ Flights from Urgench to Tashkent
Best Things to Do in Khiva
1. Wander Through Itchan Kala ⭐
Honestly, this was my favourite part of Khiva.
Rather than rushing from monument to monument, I’d recommend simply wandering through the narrow streets inside the ancient city walls. Every corner seems to reveal another beautiful doorway, minaret or courtyard.
It genuinely felt unlike anywhere else I’d travelled before.
2. Visit Kuhna Ark
Kuhna Ark was once the residence of Khiva’s rulers and is one of the city’s most important historic sites.
As well as exploring the courtyards and buildings, it’s worth climbing to the viewpoint for panoramic views across the Old Town.
3. See Juma Mosque
Juma Mosque is unlike most mosques you’ll visit in Uzbekistan.
Instead of elaborate tiled facades, the interior is supported by more than 200 carved wooden columns, creating a peaceful atmosphere that’s completely different from the grand architecture of Samarkand or Bukhara.
4. Explore Tash Khauli Palace
Tash Khauli Palace, also known as Tosh Hovli or the Stone Palace, was one of my favourite buildings to photograph in Khiva. Built in the 19th century as a new residence for the Khans of Khiva, it feels quite different from the older Kuhna Ark.
The palace is particularly known for its beautiful blue tilework, carved wooden columns and intricately decorated courtyards. It once contained the Khan’s private living quarters and harem, as well as spaces used for receiving guests (see the yurt in the courtyard) and administering justice.
Today, you can wander through the historic palace complex and some museum and exhibition spaces, but honestly, the building itself is the highlight. If you love architecture and photography, definitely don’t skip this one.
5. Take an Uzbek Bread-Making Class
One of the cutest activities I did in Khiva was a traditional Uzbek bread-making class!
After spending so much time exploring mosques, madrasas and historic buildings, it was really nice to do something completely different and actually get hands-on with a part of Uzbek culture. I got to learn how traditional bread is prepared and shaped before being baked in a tandir oven — and, of course, eat the finished product afterwards.
It’s also a really easy activity to fit into a Khiva itinerary because the class itself doesn’t take very long. Similar bread-making experiences in Khiva run for around 45–50 minutes.
Want to try it yourself?
🥖 Book the Uzbek bread-making class in Khiva here!
6. Watch Sunset from the City Walls
One of the best times to experience Khiva is late in the afternoon as the warm light hits the mud-brick buildings.
If you have the chance, head up onto the city walls or to one of the viewpoints for sunset.
7. Enjoy Dinner at Terrassa Restaurant
This ended up being one of my favourite meals in Khiva.
Terrassa Café & Restaurant overlooks the Old Town, making it a fantastic place for dinner after a day of sightseeing.
I’d definitely recommend timing your visit for sunset if you can.
8. Photograph the Kalta Minor Minaret
Even if you know nothing about Khiva before arriving, you’ll almost certainly recognise the striking turquoise Kalta Minor Minaret.
Although it was never completed, it has become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
9. Stay Inside the Old Town
If your budget allows, I’d absolutely recommend staying within Itchan Kala.
Being able to walk through the quiet streets early in the morning or after most visitors have left was one of my favourite parts of visiting Khiva.
Where I stayed
I stayed at Hotel Muso To’ra, which was an excellent base for exploring Khiva’s Old Town on foot.
→ Check availability at Hotel Muso To’ra here
10. Explore the City After Dark
One thing that surprised me was how peaceful Khiva became in the evenings.
After the tour groups left, the streets were almost empty and many of the monuments were beautifully lit, making it one of my favourite times to wander around.
11. Join a Guided Walking Tour (Recommended)
Although I visited as part of a group tour, I’d still recommend joining a local walking tour if you’re travelling independently.
The history of Khiva is fascinating and having a guide really helps bring the Old Town to life.
→ GetYourGuide Khiva: Historical City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
12. Slow Down and Get Lost
This probably isn’t the answer most travel blogs would give, but honestly one of the best things I did in Khiva was stop worrying about seeing everything.
The Old Town is compact enough that it’s almost impossible to get properly lost, so I’d encourage you to put Google Maps away for an hour and simply wander.
Some of my favourite photos came from streets that weren’t marked as attractions at all.
Where to Stay in Khiva
If you’re only visiting for one or two nights, I’d strongly recommend staying inside Itchan Kala.
You’ll be able to walk everywhere, experience the Old Town before the day-trippers arrive and enjoy Khiva once it becomes much quieter in the evening.
Budget: Hotel Euro Asia Khiva – Ichan Kala
Mid-range: Hotel Muso To’ra ⭐
Luxury: Farovon Khiva Hotel
Is Khiva Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
I visited Khiva as a solo female traveller and found it to be one of the easiest places to explore in Uzbekistan.
The Old Town is compact, pedestrian-friendly and I always felt comfortable walking around during the day and evening. As with anywhere, it’s worth taking the usual precautions, but overall I’d happily recommend Khiva to other solo travellers.
Final Thoughts
Out of all the cities I visited in Uzbekistan, Khiva was probably my favourite.
There’s something incredibly special about waking up inside a centuries-old walled city, wandering quiet streets before breakfast and watching the buildings glow in the late afternoon sun. While Samarkand has the famous landmarks and Bukhara has its bustling Old Town, Khiva felt the most unique – and it’s the city I still think about most.
If you’re travelling through Uzbekistan, I wouldn’t skip it.
Alexx
Planning Your Uzbekistan Trip?
If you’re travelling through Uzbekistan, these guides might also help:
- Starting in the capital? Read my guide to Is Tashkent Worth Visiting?
- Planning your time there? Here are the best things to do in Tashkent.
- Looking for accommodation? Check out my guide on where to stay in Tashkent.
- Heading east first? Read my guides to the best things to do in Samarkand and Bukhara.
- Still deciding between them? (Coming soon: Samarkand vs Bukhara vs Khiva.)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours, hotels and services that I’ve personally used or genuinely believe will add value to your trip.
Alex's Adventures 