Thimphu

Ambient Cafe

An elegant and relaxing cafe in a central location. A professional Turkish coffee roaster ensures the coffee is always fresh. Full range of espresso-based coffees. Cold brew. Freshly roasted beans (ground or whole). Wide selection of delicious cakes. Large range of teas. Fresh juices. Homemade ice-cream. Healthy vegetarian snacks and meals. Sourdough bread and baguettes. Panoramic views over the city streets and mountains beyond. Free Wi-Fi.

Daily 08:00-21:00 (last order for food - 20:30)·Nu 100–125 (coffee), Nu 80–100 (cakes)

Bingsu

A small cosy cafe inside a resort courtyard. Open to non-resort residents. Serves cappuccino and Americano. Specializes in East Asian shaved-ice desserts and custard tarts. A wide rage of homemade ice-cream.

Open Wed-Sun

Botanical Gardens

On lush hillside about 10 km from the city, the gardens offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.

Brusnika Russian Cafe

Russian Bakery

Full range of coffee. Continental cafe-style meals with good selection of bread. Views over Ludrong Park and Thimphu Dzong

Tue-Sun 09:00-20:00·mid-range

Cafe Luna

A very small, cozy cafe. Good selection of books. Excellent coffee and teas. Simple and wholesome meals.

Centenary Park

Coronation Park

On the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.

Changangkha Lhakhang

Constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley, and is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist emanation of compassion. The temple affords wonderful views over the entire valley. Go to see the prayer ritual inside the monastery and talk with the students here.

Nu 500 for all non-Bhutanese

Changyul Park

A 7-acre river-side park. Traditional Bhutanese structures. Community hub. Cafeteria. Performance plaza.

Closed · opens 5 am·Nu 20

Choki Traditional Art School

A private non-profit school specializing in the traditional 13 arts of Bhutan. Offers free education to the underprivileged. 340-year-old museum, with live demonstrations and opportunities to try Bhutanese painting and to make butter tea. Gift shop.

Mon-Sat: 9Am-4:30PM

Daily Delight

Kangen Cafe

Bright and atmospheric cafe. Excellent coffee. Wide choice of boba tea and shakes. Good selection of books to read on the premises. Friendly and helpful staff.

09:00-21:00 daily

Dhyana Thimphu Meditation Centre

Modern centre. Classes in shamatha and vipassana meditation taught by experienced lamas.

Druken Yeti

The Yeti

A cute, small bar. Popular with the cool middle-aged crowd. Wide range of alcoholic beverages. Simple wholesome meals.

Wed-Mon 15:00-23:00

Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre

A weaving centre employing around 20 professional weavers. Showroom on top floor.

Gazom Desserts

A cosy cafe. Specializes in Japanese-style desserts and food. Excellent coffee. Matcha served in bowls. Dinner on reservation basis only

Open 11:00

Hayate Ramen

https://www.facebook.com/BhutanRamen/

Owned by a Japanese lady and her Bhutanese husband. Hayate offers authentic ramen and sushi. Japanese-style decor.

11:00-21:00 (closed Tue)

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Public Library

A modern facility. Child friendly. Good selection of English books. Appreciates donations of popular titles, especially those on Buddhism and Bhutan.

Little Himalaya Cafe

Cosy and chic. Good coffee. Desserts. Light meals. Friendly and helpful service. Small selection of books. Alcohol. Free WIFI

Daily: 09:00-22:00

Ludrong Memorial Garden

A lovely garden with ponds and bridges and unobstructed view of Thimphu Dzong. The garden was donated to the public by the Royal Grandmother, HM Kesang Choden, in memory of her late brother.

Lungta

One of the largest handicraft shops in the city centre. Good selection of hand made goods from all over the Himalayan region.

Madam Yen

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Stylish interior. Large picture windows. Friendly and efficient service. Excellent coffee and desserts.

National Folk Heritage Museum

A traditional house that showcases rural life. Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound.

Mon-Fri 10:30-16:30, Sat 10:30-13:00, Sun 11:30-15:30·Nu 150

Simtokha Dzong

Semtokha Dzong

Built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha was the first dzong to be built in a unified Bhutan. It houses the country's main Dzongkha language learning institute.

Smilers Cafe-Bar

Smilers

A cool bistro with a distinct urban tone. Excellent continental food. Espresso-based coffees. Wide range of alcoholic drinks. Fast and efficient service.

Snow Leopard Theatre Repertory

Small private theatre. Bhutan inspired productions. Innovative. Family-friendly.

Statue of Dordenna Buddha

Sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5-m bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The site also offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley, which are especially stunning at sunset.

Nu500 for all non-Bhutanese

Takin Preserve

The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.

Tarayana Foundation

Tarayana trains and supports the vulnerable and disadvantaged to make traditional handicrafts. Displays are uninteresting and the selection of goods is limited but the quality of the handicrafts is excellent and they offer a more rustic and genuine feel that those on sale at the commercial handicraft shops.

Tashichho Dzong

Tashi Chhoe Dzong

Built in the 18th century by Shabdrung Rinpoche to house government officials. Later, it was enlarged to accommodate both the monastic and civil bodies. Three times suffering severe damage from fire and once from an earthquake in 1897, much of the historic building dates from the rebuilding in 1902. To accommodate the national government and the central monastic body, the dzong was totally refurbished and enlarged in 1962, a year after Thimphu was designated the nation's capital. The main structure of the whitewashed building is two-storeyed with three-storeyed towers at each of the four corners, topped by triple-tiered golden roofs. There is also a large central tower or utse. The towers and roof are beautifully lit at night.

Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery

Ziluka Nunnery

The seat of the 17th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo. Built in 1976, the nunnery is home to over 60 nuns. Large statue of Thangtong Gyalpo, views over Thimphu Dzong. Very friendly and welcoming. Ceremonies conducted on request.

The Grey Area Coffee Lounge Bar

Run by well-known personality and Bollywood actor Kelly Dorji. Chic and cosy interior. Live music. Dance area. Coffee. International cuisine.

Wed-Mon 11:00-23:00