Things To Do
in Türkmenbaşy

Türkmenbaşy is a vibrant port city located on the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan. It serves as a key economic hub and is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring sandy beaches and stunning seascapes. The city is also home to various significant cultural sites, including mosques and parks.

With its rich history and modern developments, Türkmenbaşy offers a unique blend of tradition and progress.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the City
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Türkmenbaşy Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia, where you can admire its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Head to the Caspian Sea coast for a relaxing lunch at a beachside café, followed by a stroll along the waterfront promenade to enjoy the sea views.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, then take a leisurely walk through the city center to experience the vibrant atmosphere as the sun sets.

day 2
Day 2: Cultural Discoveries
morning
:

Visit the Türkmenbaşy State Historical Museum to learn about the region's rich heritage and culture.

afternoon
:

Explore the local bazaar to shop for traditional crafts, textiles, and spices, and try some street food for lunch.

evening
:

Wrap up your trip with dinner at a popular restaurant known for its authentic Turkmen cuisine, followed by a visit to a local café for coffee or tea.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a Local Restaurant$10
Coffee$2
🚌Public Transport Ticket$0.50
🏨Night in a Budget Hotel$30
🛒Grocery Shopping for Essentials$20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches.
  • Rich cultural heritage and friendly locals.
  • Mild seasons provide pleasant weather for exploration.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Language barrier may pose challenges.
  • Public transport can be infrequent.
  • "Salam" - Hello
  • "Sag bol" - Thank you
  • "Hawa" - Yes
  • "Yok" - No
  • "Siz nirede?" - Where are you from?

Places to Visit in Türkmenbaşy

Visit one of these nice places.

Caspian Sea Beach

Capture stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Caspian Sea.

Türkmenbaşy Mosque

The intricate details of this mosque make for breathtaking photographs.

The City Center

Modern architecture and lively streets provide a vibrant backdrop for urban photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Türkmenbaşy

Turkmen cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors and traditions, heavily influenced by Central Asian and Middle Eastern culinary practices.

Türkmenbaşy Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Plov

A traditional rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, and spices, often served at celebrations.

Must-Try!

Döner Kebab

Grilled meat, usually lamb or chicken, served with flatbread and vegetables.

Manti

Dumplings filled with minced meat and served with yogurt sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Türkmenbaşy Bazaar

The main market where you can find fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies.

Street Food Stalls

Scattered throughout the city, offering quick bites like kebabs and pastries.

Climate Guide

Weather

Türkmenbaşy experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F), while winter temperatures range from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F). Spring and autumn are mild, making these seasons ideal for travel.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Elders

Always greet elders first and show them respect.

Dress Modestly

Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.

Hospitality

Expect warm hospitality; it’s customary to accept offers of food or drink.

Safety Guide

Safety

Türkmenbaşy is generally safe for tourists; however, it's wise to stay vigilant in crowded areas. Avoid discussions about politics or religion and be cautious when taking photographs of government buildings. Emergency services are available, but it's good to have travel insurance.

Tipping in Türkmenbaşy

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated; rounding up the bill or adding 10% is common.

Payment Methods

Cash is preferred, but some places accept credit cards; ensure you have Turkmenistan Manat.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it a great time for outdoor activities.

Summer

Hot and dry weather; perfect for beach activities but be prepared for high temperatures.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors; ideal for exploring the city.

Winter

Mild winters with occasional snowfall; a quieter time to visit with fewer tourists.

Nightlife Guide

Türkmenbaşy at Night

The nightlife in Türkmenbaşy is relatively low-key, with a few bars and cafes offering live music and a relaxed atmosphere. Most locals enjoy spending evenings with family or socializing at home. For those looking for a lively scene, some hotels have entertainment options, and beachside venues may host events during the summer months.

Hiking in Türkmenbaşy

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kopet Dag Mountains

A scenic range ideal for hiking, offering trails of varying difficulty and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Yangykala Canyon

Known for its dramatic cliffs and colorful rock formations, this area provides excellent hiking and photography opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Türkmenbaşy by plane.

Türkmenbaşy International Airport

The primary airport serving the city, offering domestic and limited international flights. It is located about 10 km from the city center.

Getting Around

Walkability

Türkmenbaşy is moderately walkable, especially in the city center where attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. However, some areas may lack pedestrian paths, so caution is advised when navigating busier roads. Sidewalks are generally available but can be uneven in places.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Turkmen

The majority ethnic group, with a rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Minority Groups

Includes Russians, Uzbeks, and other ethnicities, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

Soccer is the most popular sport in Turkmenistan, with local teams and leagues attracting significant attention.

Wrestling

Traditional wrestling is a celebrated sport, often showcased during national celebrations and events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Türkmenbaşy can be congested during peak hours, but the city is generally manageable for driving. Public transportation includes buses and taxis, but schedules may not be very reliable. Biking is also an option, with some areas having bike lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Türkmenbaşy.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

While meat is a staple, many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, especially in urban areas.

Halal Food

Most food in Turkmenistan is halal, but it's best to confirm with the restaurants.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Türkmenbaşy are basic, and major hospitals are available for emergencies. It is recommended to have health insurance that covers medical evacuation, as advanced medical care may require travel to Ashgabat. Pharmacies are present but may have limited stock; bringing personal medications is advisable.

Discover Turkmenistan

Read more in our Turkmenistan 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkmenistan Travel Guide