Things to Do at Ala-Too Square

Complete Guide to Ala-Too Square in Bishkek

About Ala-Too Square

Ala-Too Square is Bishkek's central public plaza, costs nothing to visit, and stays open around the clock, sitting at the intersection of Chuy and Erkindik avenues. The square was the scene of Kyrgyzstan's 2005 Tulip Revolution and the 2010 uprising, and bullet marks from the latter are still faintly visible on the facade of the former government building on the south side. A 10-meter statue of Manas, the legendary Kyrgyz warrior, replaced the old Lenin monument in 2003 and stands in front of the State Historical Museum, a Soviet Brutalist block whose top floor holds panoramic murals of nomadic life on the steppe. The changing of the guard at the flagpole happens every hour on the hour from 8:00 to 18:00, performed by soldiers in traditional Kyrgyz dress with high white felt kalpak hats, and tourists gather to photograph the synchronized routine that lasts about five minutes. The fountains along the square's northern edge run from May through September and are lit in changing colors after dark. A shashlik (lamb kebab) vendor operates near the east entrance where 4 skewers cost 200 KGS (about $2.30 USD) and the charcoal smoke drifts across the plaza on windless evenings. The Tsum department store on the west side has a basement supermarket selling kymyz (fermented mare's milk) for 80 KGS per liter if you want to try it. Bus routes 35 and 42 stop directly at the square.

What to See & Do

Manas Statue

The 15-meter bronze statue of the epic hero Manas dominates the square's center. It's impressively detailed and worth a close look, especially if you know the legends surrounding this figure in Kyrgyz culture.

State Historical Museum

The imposing building behind the statue houses the country's main historical collection. The Soviet-era architecture is as much a draw as the exhibits inside, which give you a decent overview of Kyrgyz history.

Changing of the Guard

Happens at regular intervals during the day at the flagpole. It's a brief ceremony but adds a bit of pomp to your square visit - locals often pause to watch too.

Fountains and Gardens

The landscaped areas around the square provide some relief from the concrete and are particularly pleasant in spring when everything's blooming. Good spots for photos with the mountains in the background.

Victory Monument

The eternal flame and memorial to WWII victims sits at the square's edge. It's a quieter, more contemplative spot that locals treat with genuine respect.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

The square is accessible 24/7 as it's a public space, though it's most lively from late afternoon to evening

Tickets & Pricing

Free to visit and walk around - no admission fees for the square itself

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon to early evening when locals come out to stroll, or early morning for photos without crowds

Suggested Duration

30 minutes to 1 hour for a leisurely walk and photo session, longer if you're people-watching

Getting There

Ala Too Square sits dead center in Bishkek. Any marshrutka (shared minibus) will get you within walking distance, and most downtown hotels are close enough to reach on foot. Airport taxis take about 45 minutes-traffic permitting. The square hugs Chuy Avenue. That is Bishkek's main street, so once you find it, you have found the square. Bishkek Park shopping center is nearby, and the old town restaurants are all within easy walking range.

Things to Do Nearby

Oak Park
A pleasant tree-lined park just behind the square where locals play chess and kids ride carnival rides - it's got that timeless Central Asian park atmosphere.

Bishkek Park Shopping Center
Modern mall with international brands and decent food court, useful for a coffee break or some air conditioning after square-wandering.

White House
Kyrgyzstan's seat of government is just a few blocks away. You can't go inside, but the building and surrounding area give you a sense of the political center.

Panfilov Park
Another green space within walking distance, popular with families and featuring an amusement park that's charmingly stuck in time.

Central Mosque
Bishkek's main mosque is a short walk away and represents the city's Islamic heritage alongside all the Soviet architecture.

Tips & Advice

The mountain views are clearest in the morning before the afternoon haze settles in - plan photo sessions accordingly

Evenings tend to be more atmospheric when families come out to stroll, but mornings are better for unobstructed monument photos

The fountains aren't always running, so don't count on them for photos - they seem to work sporadically

Street vendors sometimes set up around the square selling snacks and souvenirs, but selection varies wildly day to day