Chorsu Bazaar

The name means "four ways", after the crossroads in the old town where traders have met for centuries. Today the core of the market is a round domed hall where meat, dairy and spices are sold on circular tiers, with open-air rows for fruit, vegetables and bread around it.

It is a working market for city residents rather than a souvenir stop, which is what makes it worth the time. Vendors often let you taste nuts, dried apricots or kurt, the salty dried yoghurt balls. Further out there are sections for textiles, skullcaps, ceramics and kitchenware.

The Kukeldash madrasa stands on the hill right next to the market, and the Chorsu metro station is at the entrance.