Rudaki Park and the monument to the poet Muhammad Rudaki in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

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Rudaki Park

Top choice in Dushanbe


Extensive Rudaki Park, with its beautiful canopy of mature trees, offers a series of pathways through flower gardens and alongside lakes and fountains. Home to the giant flagpole and a much-photographed statue of Rudaki, and with glorious views of the city's iconic new buildings and monuments, it makes for a great location for a picnic in summer or snowy vistas in winter.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dushanbe attractions

1. Rudaki Statue

0.12 MILES

Beneath an impressive arc of blue mosaic stars, the nation's most revered poet, Rudaki, is honoured here at the heart of the central park named after him…

2. Bayrak

0.16 MILES

Built to commemorate 20 years of independence, the world's second tallest flagpole stands at 165m and is the centrepiece of Dushanbe's central ensemble of…

3. Palace of Nations

0.23 MILES

This grand modern building, dubbed locally as the White House, is the official seat of the president of Tajikistan. Although closed to the public, its…

4. Parchan

0.26 MILES

Crowning the fountain-filled thoroughfare outside the National Library, this national monument was built to commemorate Tajikistan's independence. Cast…

5. Statue of Ismoil Somoni

0.3 MILES

One of Dushanbe’s most impressive modern monuments, this statue celebrates the 10th-century founder of the Samanid dynasty. With an art-deco quality to…

6. National Library

0.31 MILES

Opened in 2011 and constructed to resemble an open book, this US$40 million archive is reputed to be Central Asia's biggest library. It makes an…

7. National Museum

0.35 MILES

Tajikistan's national museum is housed in an impressive modern building with an elliptical roof and giant atrium. The collection encompasses three main…

8. Gurminj Museum

0.38 MILES

Hidden within a private family compound behind unmarked green gates is a precious collection of antique musical instruments originating from across…