All of Dushanbe’s major landmarks are conveniently situated along Rudaki Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare. Strolling down this bustling avenue, you’ll encounter numerous beautiful squares and university buildings. Don’t miss the picturesque Komsomol Lake, which is accompanied by a lovely park. Dushanbe is also home to three summer amphitheaters, a water park, a zoo, and a circus, offering a variety of entertainment options for every taste.
Dushanbe’s architecture is a rich blend of national motifs, creating a unique cultural atmosphere. One of the city’s iconic landmarks is the Rohat Teahouse, built in 1958. In 2017, CNN Travel named it the world’s best teahouse. This architectural gem, adorned with Tajik-style columns, open terraces, and intricate glass mosaics, has been a symbol of Dushanbe for more than 60 years.
For those interested in architecture, exploring the older sections of the city is a must. Here, you’ll find homes beautifully decorated in the Tajik national style, featuring eye-catching columns, arches, statues, high reliefs, and intricate patterns.
Another significant landmark is the Palace of the Nation, the presidential residence and one of Dushanbe’s most prominent symbols. Constructed in 2008 in a neoclassical style, this imposing building, dedicated to Ismoil Somoni—the founder of the first Tajik state—took eight years to complete. It was ranked «silver» in a 2015 list of the world’s most impressive presidential palaces, second only to the White House.
Adjacent to the Palace of the Nation is a flagpole flying Tajikistan’s national flag, which is recognized as the world’s second tallest. The flag itself is 60 meters long, weighs 420 kilograms, and flies at a height of 165 meters, making it a visible landmark from nearly anywhere in the city.
Dushanbe’s main square, Dusti Square, perfectly embodies the city’s evolving landscape. Established in 1961 and named after the Tajik word for «friendship,» the square has undergone numerous transformations. In 1991, a statue of the famous poet Ferdowsi replaced a Lenin statue, and in 1999, an impressive monument dedicated to Ismoil Somoni was added. This monument is accompanied by a towering arch, crowned by a golden circle with a 5-meter diameter. Within the platform supporting the arch is a museum housing a replica of the ninth-century Bukhara Mausoleum of the Samanids.
One of the most significant historical sites near Dushanbe is the Hissar Fortress, the city’s main archaeological treasure. Located over 20 kilometers from the city, this fortified complex features two Islamic religious schools and a 16th-century mausoleum. The fortress walls, over a meter thick and dotted with numerous loopholes, once served as the residence of the local governor, or bek, during the city’s time under his rule.
Modern architectural landmarks in Dushanbe are equally impressive. Notable examples include the monument to the renowned Ismoil Somoni and the statue of the national poet Rudaki. Rudaki Park is particularly stunning, with its elegant fountains that light up at night. The city’s rich Islamic architectural heritage is represented by several religious centers, with mosques being the most prominent.
Dushanbe is also home to several museums. Among the most unique is the Gurminj Museum of Traditional Musical Instruments, which regularly hosts musical evenings where local artists perform masterpieces on the displayed instruments. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Museum of Antiquities, as well as the archaeological and ethnographic museums, which feature extensive collections with deep historical roots.
A special mention goes to the National Library of Tajikistan, recognized as the largest library in Central Asia. Its collection has grown from 1.5 million items in 1946 to over 6 million today, including rare manuscripts by luminaries like Ibn Sino, Ferdowsi, and Rudaki. Attracting over 100,000 readers annually, the library’s modern nine-story building, constructed in 2012, is designed to resemble an open book.
The Central Cathedral Mosque of Dushanbe, also known as the Juma Mosque and named after Khoja Yakub, is Tajikistan’s largest mosque, with a capacity to accommodate 120,000 worshippers. Spanning an impressive 12 hectares, the mosque, completed in 2019, is a relatively new addition to the city’s religious landmarks.
Another notable site is the Ismaili Center, built in 2009, which serves as a hub for Muslim religious and cultural activities. With its medieval-inspired architecture, the center not only attracts devout Muslims but also many secular tourists. The venue frequently hosts fairs, exhibitions, and various cultural events.
St. Nicholas Cathedral, built in 1943, is one of only six Orthodox churches in Tajikistan. Adjacent to the cathedral is a cemetery, known for being the final resting place of prominent scientists and cultural figures from various nationalities. The cathedral also houses a spiritual and administrative center that offers Russian language courses to the public.
The Catholic Church of St. Joseph, established in 1974 near the airport, serves as one of just two Catholic parishes in the country, making it a unique religious institution in Dushanbe.
For those interested in arts and entertainment, the Kokhi Navruz Cultural and Entertainment Center is a must-see. Also known as the center for handicrafts, this breathtaking facility is often hailed as one of Tajikistan’s most beautiful buildings. Opened in 2014, its inaugural guests were the heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation states. Now accessible to the general public, the center’s various halls—Guliston, Didor, Zarandud, and Arzhang, among others—are guaranteed to impress even the most discerning visitors. Covering an expansive 35,000 square meters, the center showcases a plethora of handmade art and offers amenities such as a souvenir shop featuring national crafts, a billiards room, a bowling alley, a cinema, and much more.
