The Jayma bazaar stretches for more than a kilometre along the western bank of the Ak-Buura River, between the central park and the railway. It is one of the largest and most atmospheric open-air markets in Central Asia — divided loosely into sections for fruit, spices, household goods, livestock, fabric and traditional kalpak hats.
Go early. The heat builds by mid-morning, and the best produce moves out fast. Cash only, mostly Kyrgyz som; bring small notes for hagglers who claim never to have change. Pickpocketing happens but is not aggressive — keep wallets and cameras out of back pockets and you'll be fine.