A stroll down Rudaki Avenue, admiring the neo-classical buildings, enjoying the flowers and trees, stopping off at a cafe, such as the Cafe Istanbul or Choikhona Rokhat to watch the world go by.
Go on one of Goulya's Sunday walks, enjoy the fabulous places visited, and meet people who can give you the low-down on what is going on in the city.
Walk in Rudaki Park, have a shashlyk, see local families enjoying a day out at the funfair and playing sports.
Visit the superb Museum of National Antiquities, learn about the history and culture of Tajikistan, and view the magnificent reclining statue of Buddha, the largest in Central Asia. A new ethnographic museum is in an adjoining building.
Visit the museums on Tolstoy Street, including the house of the celebrated writer Sadriddin Aini, and poet Mirzo Tursunzoda and the musician Ziyadullah Shahidi.
Go to hear Shashmaqam, the classical music of the Muslim world.
Enjoy the scents and bustle of the bazaars at Shaikh Mansur (the 'Green' market) with the superb array of fresh and dried fruit, vegetables, and everything else imaginable.
Go to Victory Park and look out over the city and the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Bactria Centre and buy some of the handicrafts made by women from high up in the Pamir region.
Go to the Artists' Colony, view the paintings and carvings, meet the characters there, have a vodka with them, and perhaps buy a painting or a carving.
Visit the Suhrob Art Gallery, and buy a present from the shop downstairs.
Eat at La Grande Dame Brasserie (top end) or Oshi MChS Cafe (local cafe).
