Ashgabat Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital city of Turkmenistan
About Ashgabat
Ashgabat's historical appellation is "The City of Love" but nowadays its modern nickname, "The City of White Marble" will seem vastly more appropriate. Saparmurat Niyazov, the president of Turkmenistan from 1985 to 2006, transformed the city from a relatively drab Soviet capital to a city of pure white marble buildings, many containing some rather overbearing symbolism (the Ministry of World Affairs building is a perfect illustration). Short ofPyongyang, Ashgabat is probably the best example of what happens when a city gets redesigned according to the vision of exactly one man, and most visitors will find themselves at first awestruck and then severely confused given the sheer similarity of most of the buildings.
Top Attractions in Ashgabat
Explore the best things to see and do in Ashgabat:
- ★Alem Center
- ★Aşgabat Golf klub binasy
- ★Asghabat Zoo
- ★Ashgabat Botanical Garden
- ★Ashgabat Flagpole
- ★Constitution Monument
- ★Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- ★Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex
Where to Eat in Ashgabat
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴AlpEt Steakhouse
- 🍴Altyn Jam
- 🍴Hezzet Restaurant
Where to Stay in Ashgabat
- 🏨Archabil Hotel (formerly Hotel President)
- 🏨Divan Hotel (formerly Hotel Nissa)
- 🏨Grand Turkmen Hotel
- 🏨Hotel Ahal
- 🏨Hotel Ak Altyn
- 🏨Hotel Nebitchi
Ashgabat Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: