21 incredible things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty, the previous capital and the biggest city of Kazakhstan, is often the beginning aspect of a trip to significant Asia. Many travelers treat it only as a short stopover before heading to a different, more eye-catching, and unique destination.

however really, Almaty itself is , enjoyable, and interesting region to visit that deserves greater consideration. there are such a lot of extremely good things to do in Almaty that should maintain you busy for at the least a couple of days and the city can be an outstanding base for exploring southern Kazakhstan which is barely staggering.

Almaty at once stole my coronary heart. before my first shuttle to Kazakhstan, I had no idea what to expect from the city yet I stayed there longer than I planned and now I always return there excitedly I may also be in Almaty once more.

there are such a lot of reasons why you should visit Almaty too: fascinating place with marvelous nature just backyard the city, laid-returned vibe, super architecture, or astounding culinary scene.

And so nowadays I share with you my favorite things to do in Almaty so you can plan your travel there too!

where is Almaty

Almaty, the greatest metropolis in Kazakhstan (with a population of basically 1,8 million people) is found in the south-east part of the nation, close the border with Kyrgyzstan and China. The capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana) is found some 1200 km faraway from Almaty.

a brief heritage of Almaty

The area around Almaty become inhabited already in the Bronze Age but Almaty itself is a fairly new city.

In 1854, all over the time of the Russian Empire, Russians based the fort right here to take care of the empire. It was a push to inhabit the enviornment and fifteen years later there were already more than 10 thousand people living right here. In 1921 the identify of the location changed into modified from Verniy to Alma-Ata and 6 years later the metropolis grew to be the capital of the Kazakh self sustaining Soviet Socialist Republic.

Almaty developed hastily, new industries and factories were opened, and the population of the city grew. as soon as Kazakhstan obtained its independence in 1991, Almaty (then renamed to its latest identify) remained the capital except 1997. these days it remains the biggest city in Kazakhstan and its main economic and tourist hub.

premier time to discuss with Almaty

Almaty is pleasing all 12 months lengthy, however, the premier time to seek advice from is between June and September when the weather is best and you'll simply discover the area round Almaty too. if you like snow and winter actions seek advice from Almaty in December or January, just take into account some places like huge Almaty Lake should be would becould very well be off-limits then.

a way to get to Almaty

getting to Almaty is in reality reasonably handy as there are a lot of airways serving the native airport, providing each home and international flights.

throughout my trips to Almaty, I flew with Turkish airways from Istanbul, Ukrainian airlines from Kyiv, Uzbekistan airways from Tashkent, or with LOT from Warsaw to Astana (after which I modified for a domestic flight to Almaty) and my next trip turned into supposed to be with Belavia from Minsk. however there are best a couple of alternatives on a way to get to Almaty.

The airport is located fairly near the center, which you can seize the local bus or Uber / Yandex Taxi to get to the city. i attempted all of the alternatives, depending on what time I arrived in Almaty. if you have issues with the internet and want to order Uber trip go to the vacationer information point and they will assist you for sure, the pleasant woman there shared her internet reference to me so I may find a ride.

You may also prebook the switch from the airport to your accommodation – click here for particulars.

which you can additionally come to Almaty with the aid of instruct (there are connections from/to Astana, Turkistan and extra destinations in Kazakhstan and abroad). The coach station is determined on the northern fringe of the center, now not removed from Raiymbek batyr metro station.

in case you arrive via marshrutka from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, you are going to come to Sayran bus station from the place you deserve to take the bus or taxi to the middle.

the way to get around Almaty

many of the foremost places to visit in Almaty are in the middle and inside going for walks distance from every different so that you can quite simply get there walking (and wandering around Almaty is in fact very satisfactory).

in case you deserve to get a bit further away which you could use the metro or the wide network of buses (that you would be able to get the ticket from the driving force). In Almaty, you can also use Uber or Yandex Taxi.

where to dwell in Almaty

There are quite a lot of areas to live in Almaty to make a choice from. top of the line Almaty accommodation is observed within the core, so between Abay and Raiymbek Avenues and up south to Dostyk Plaza.

listed here are informed areas to dwell in Almaty:

most suitable Almaty tours

in case you like discovering the new area with the tour (which I in reality like doing), there are some first rate excursions that you would be able to choose from in Almaty too. listed here are my excellent selections:

things to do in Almaty

And now, let's talk about all the highest quality issues to do in Almaty. here is the overview of my favourite Almaty points of interest.

Wander across the middle

the primary issue remember to do in Almaty is to simply wander around the center and its backstreets. The streets are lined with bushes and instantly permit you to overlook you're within the large metropolis. you are going to find there a lot of cafes, eating places and small shops hidden within the charming corners.

The middle isn't very small but pleasing adequate to wander around. My favorite enviornment is between Abay Avenue and the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, that's also where you will discover lots of the satisfactory cafes and eating places.

for those who go for a stroll across the imperative part of Almaty i like to recommend starting at/close Abay Avenue and going down from there – Almaty is built on a hill and this fashion you are going to stay away from going up.

delight in parks

if you need to calm down head to one of the parks that you can locate within the center of Almaty. There are numerous them, some of them are small, others entice many locals who want to benefit from the green house within the metropolis.

essentially the most usual ones are the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Park on Astana rectangular (where the statue of Lenin was discovered), or significant Park. you are going to find there standard activities like playgrounds, small electric powered automobiles for youngsters, fountains with lovelocks, pigeons and lots of benches to calm down.

a bit of additional up from the center, which you can discuss with likely essentially the most alluring of all Almaty parks – the primary President's Park (named after Nursultan Nazarbayev). It's a reasonably new addition to the city's surroundings, which opened in July 2010. The park is well-known for its colonnade and delightful flower composition however the leading cause to talk over with the region is the captivating views of the astonishing mountains within the heritage.

Go to Kok Tobe Hill

one of the most most fulfilling and easily reachable viewpoints of Almaty and the encompassing Tian Shan mountains is Kok Tobe Hill, determined in the crucial part of the metropolis. To get there that you may take the cable vehicle from close the inn Kazakhstan and Republic Palace – a few minutes of the scenic ride will take you to the accurate of Kok Tobe.

On the hill, which you can benefit from the entertainment park with all the usual attractions just like the ferries wheel, see the Beatles monument (the first one in the world when John Lenon is sitting while the rest of the band is standing behind him) or have a dinner within the amazing restaurant.

however the main cause to visit Kok Tobe is the remarkable view of Almaty and the mountains round. when you are here close to sunset time it's even more fascinating, when every thing is covered within the smooth, yellow easy.

See Soviet structure

fanatics of Soviet architecture will find Almaty very pleasing while those who are not in fact standard with this architecture style can have a superb opportunity to admire what turned into built in the mid-twentieth century.

one of the crucial gold standard examples of brutalism are in Almaty, you could't pass over areas like resort Kazakhstan, Palace of the Republic, Arman Cinema (with a fine looking bas-reduction), Palace of Pioneers, Memorial of Glory or Kazakh State Circus. These are most effective just a few example of brutalist architecture in Almaty, which you could examine extra about it in my chums Mark and Kirsty article here.

You may additionally be a part of the Soviet architecture tour in Almaty – click here for details.

shop on the eco-friendly Bazaar

Bazaars in submit-Soviet nations are epic and the one in Almaty is no different. The eco-friendly Bazaar (as that's its name) is essentially the most generic of the metropolis's markets and you can find here all styles of sweets, including the native ones.

The leading corridor is split into sections with signals above asserting what that you may purchase in every half (the indications are in Russian however symbols are blanketed too so you can without difficulty bet what's where). anyway the commonplace fruits, vegetables, cheese, spices, or meat which you can additionally buy right here products average for crucial Asia, similar to kumys (fermented dairy product made from mare's milk) or horse meat.

In different parts of the bazaar, which you could discover clothes, furniture, and other random issues but the meals hall is the place you don't are looking to leave out!

See govt structures

Between 1929 and 1997 Almaty became the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic and later impartial Kazakhstan and still today which you could locate far and wide the metropolis many important executive buildings from that period. Two structures you could't miss are the ancient govt apartment on Astana square and Akimat condo (Mayor's office) on Republic square however there are many greater that you're going to undoubtedly stumble across.

stop on the cool cafes

For me, one of the vital striking things in Almaty changed into an amazing cafe scene. there were so many first rate cafes, with most economical prices and a fine alternative of foods and drinks, together with strong point coffee. during each and every of my trips to Almaty, I managed to discover new cool areas and that i certainly not had ample time to verify all of them (besides the fact that I had days dedicated to cafes most effective and managed to seek advice from five or greater in just a few hours).

My favourite cafes in Almaty encompass Cafe Nedelka, urban coffee, big apple espresso shop or JumpinGoat coffee. For greater wonderful cafes to visit in Almaty check my chum Megan's article here.

surprise at fascinating Zenkov Cathedral

here is one of the crucial captivating Orthodox churches I've ever viewed and you'll't miss it all through your travel to Almaty.

The cathedral, determined within the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, is a colorful masterpiece product of timber. What's much more fascinating is the indisputable fact that it changed into developed without a nails and is the 2nd tallest picket constructing on the planet, with a height of fifty six meters.

The cathedral changed into entire in 1907 and recently it went through a renovation process to shine greater than ever. here is likely the prettiest building that you can locate in Almaty!

locate old constructions from the Russian Empire instances

Zenkov Cathedral is essentially the most magnificent wooden constructing in Almaty however there are a few appealing historical houses strewn around the center too. There don't seem to be as many of them as as an example in Chernihiv in Ukraine but they come from the equal time: conclusion of the 19th / starting of the twentieth century (most of the wood houses were destroyed within the 1887 earthquake notwithstanding).

These are the usual wooden structures from the Russian Empire, with all the appealing particulars that catch an eye. the most famous one is the Kyzyl Tan building, observed near the green Bazaar – you're going to spot it appropriate away for bound with its brilliant yellow colour and fancy particulars.

See the relevant Mosque

the vast majority of people in Kazakhstan are Muslim hence which you could discover some appealing and miraculous mosques within the nation (like those in Nur-Sultan, the capital). The important Mosque in Almaty is observed close the green Bazaar and is a high-quality instance of Islamic structure. It turned into opened in 1999, after the ancient mosque burnt down, and is without doubt one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan that may fit up to 7.000 friends.

walk down Arbat highway

the most regular pedestrian zone in Almaty is the part of Zhibek Zholy street, everyday also as Arbat (the name comes from the extra famous Arbat road in Moscow). It was in reality the first pedestrian road within the metropolis, made in the late 1980s, and nevertheless today is without doubt one of the favourite locations for locals and tourists to shop and hang out in.

which you can find there just a few vital shops, similar to TsUM (principal widespread branch store, opened in 1961) but what makes it truly cool and stalls with artwork, well-nigh like within the customary Arbat. There are also lots of restaurants and cafes if you would like to sit down down and chill out.

See beautiful metro stations

even though the building of the Almaty metro started nonetheless within the Soviet times, the primary line turned into opened simplest in 2011. at the moment, there is only one metro line with 9 stops but the enlargement of the gadget is planned quickly.

however the metro stations are new and never as grand as in Moscow (Russia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), or Kharkiv (Ukraine), they are nonetheless in reality pretty and worth seeing. many of the stations have eye-catching decorations with Kazakh folk patterns, murals, and reasons while others are extra contemporary.

The ticket for the metro expenses handiest 80 tenges (round 0,20 USD) and permits you to see all of the stations.

seek advice from relevant State Museum

if you like touring museums however have time simplest for one then important State Museum is your choice. this is probably the most largest museums in imperative Asia that was dependent in 1931 and at the start found within the cathedral. On the three floors of the modern building, you could discover over 200.000 artifacts of Kazakh background and culture – here is the greatest assortment of this form in Kazakhstan.

different enjoyable museums in Almaty you may want to talk over with include Musical gadgets of Kazakhstan Museum, Kasteyev Museum of first-class Arts, or Tselliny modern Arts center. however there are around 30 museums within the metropolis so you will discover whatever thing for your taste for sure.

discuss with Botanical garden

anyway the a lot of parks and nature appropriate backyard of the city there's an additional place with the natural elegance you'll want to see and that's the Botanical garden. It changed into centered in 1932 and nowadays that you would be able to locate there not only local species from Kazakhstan but additionally vegetation from Russia, the Caucasus, East Asia, and North america.

essentially the most fascinating part of the Botanical backyard is the eastern backyard, with the extraordinary view of the mountains in the history. Some materials of this eco-friendly enviornment still want renovations but altogether here is such a phenomenal region to talk over with and a chilled getaway from the busy metropolis.

eat apples

did you know that Almaty is the birthplace of modern apples? Even the former identify of the metropolis, Alma-Ata, capacity "Father of Apples" in the Kazakh language. The researches and exams proven that the wild apples from the area of Almaty gave origins to most cultivars of the domesticated apple.

There are nevertheless wild apple forests near the metropolis and you may talk over with those although they are not so easy to discover so stronger rent a ebook.

Almaty is terribly happy with its apple heritage and you may discover numerous symbols with apples all over the place the city. be sure to consume native apples when you talk over with Almaty, the most excellent ones may also be found at the eco-friendly Bazaar.

are attempting Kazakh food

Kazakh delicacies is terribly a lot meat-oriented, chiefly on mutton and horse meat however even vegetarians can locate some tasty alternate options. i used to be really very surprised by the food in Kazakhstan, always it tastes so an awful lot greater than it looks and the vast majority of dishes i attempted had been in reality delicious.

probably the most stuff you deserve to are attempting include beshbarmak, quwyrdaq, pilaf, sausages and bread.

there are lots of restaurants serving traditional Kazakh food in Almaty, a few of them are also decorated in a normal means, making the whole consuming out journey much more special.

If food is your aspect make sure to be part of the meals tour in Almaty – that you can locate the particulars right here.

Go to Medeu

a short bus ride far from the center of Almaty you could find Medeu – the highest located ice-skating ring on the planet, located at an elevation of 1,691 meters above sea degree. in case you like ice-skating here is a spot to discuss with, mainly in the wintry weather months.

however even outdoor of the wintry weather season, Medeu is value traveling. the encircling mountains are really fantastic, that you can go for a stroll or hike round and the place is very easy to attain.

I at all times come to be following the highway to the weird triangle-ish constitution and up to the Medeu Dam as that's the place the views are definitely astounding.

To get to Medeu you need to take bus no 12 from Dostyk Avenue (the primary cease is on the opposite aspect of resort Kazakhstan), go to the closing cease and you'll be correct in front of the ice-skating rink. which you can get the ticket from the bus driver.

Take cable car to Shymbulak

once you are in Medeu take the cable car to the larger constituents of the mountains, to Shymbulak ski hotel. There are really three cable automobiles, the closing one achieving up to 3200 meters above sea stage on the Talgar circulate.

to claim the views from there are miraculous is a sarcasm – the panorama of Tian Shan mountains (the Zaiilisky Alatau mountain latitude to be accurate) is miraculous and may take your breath away. On the other aspect, down under, which you can spot Almaty.

whereas this is a well-liked snowboarding vacation spot which you could come right here for the views best, additionally that you can have tea in a traditional yurt so high in the mountains.

If the cable automobile doesn't work that you would be able to take the minibus from Medeu to the bottom of Shymbulak at 2200 meters above sea level.

that you could also go for the organized tour to Medeu and Shymbulak – click on right here for details.

Be amazed by way of large Almaty Lake

huge Almaty Lake is probably the most superb yet effortlessly reachable area you can consult with close Almaty. It's most effective round 30 km faraway from the core of the metropolis and you may get there with the aid of taxi.

massive Almaty Lake is known for its marvelous turquoise colour and miraculous scenery around – the region is so desirable it looks unreal. You actually don't want to leave out it all over your commute to Almaty. The lake is found around 2500 meters above sea level and is surrounded by way of mountains so be organized for that.

sadly, in the wintry weather months, it's a bit extra intricate to attain the lake because the street could be icy and slippery so here is more a summer season exercise (despite the fact if you manage to find a motor vehicle with winter tires and vehicle chains that you can are trying to discuss with in wintry weather too).

huge Almaty Lake will also be visited because the tour from the metropolis too – click right here for details.

you can study extra about touring huge Almaty Lake at my buddy Megan's weblog right here.

gain knowledge of extra about nomadic traditions

one more unique region to discuss with near Almaty is the Ethno Hunn Village. There which you can be taught all in regards to the nomadic customs and traditions as locals will reveal these.

You could be first showered with chocolates (this is frequently executed at Kazakhs weddings as sweets are purported to carry success) after which you could see the ordinary yurt and learn about residing in them, observe traditional crafts, games, or dances and even meet the falconer.

in case you have an interest in nomadic life in vital Asia that you could't omit this charming region! click on right here for the particulars on tour to Hunn Village.

Go for journeys around Almaty

The area round Almaty is hands down essentially the most desirable part of Kazakhstan. that you may locate there mindblowing surroundings and a few of the most wonderful places you are going to ever see.

that you could use Almaty as a base and discover the enviornment from there. most of the places can be found as day trips (youngsters occasionally these are very lengthy day trips) besides the fact that children occasionally it's more desirable to head for 2-three days to totally admire the appealing nature.

places you fully can't omit throughout your trip to Kazakhstan, which are reachable from Almaty encompass Charyn Canyon, Kolsai + Kaindy Lakes or Altyn-Emel countrywide Park but there are extra locations to seek advice from there.

listed below are one of the most advised day journeys from Almaty:

closing concepts on touring Almaty

As which you can see there are lots of superb issues to do in Almaty and the city itself may also be a pretty good vacation spot, now not best a base for exploring the surprising enviornment around. while there could be now not that many striking Almaty attractions, there is an outstanding laid-returned and friendly vibe in order to make you enjoy the location.

When planning a visit to Kazakhstan make sure to supply Almaty slightly of your time, you may find it irresistible a good deal greater than you are expecting!

For the end I left just a few announcements that may interest you:

register to my publication or observe me on Bloglovin to get updates in regards to the new posts

join my fb group about japanese Europe, the Balkans and former usa and fasten with fellow visitors and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!

I've blanketed a number of convenient hyperlinks of services and products I for my part like and use so that you can plan your personal go back and forth to Kazakhstan too. They are often affiliate hyperlinks. This potential i'll get a small commission if you e-book/buy anything else through my links, at no extra fees for you. thank you!

if you enjoyed that publish why don't you share it along with your friends? that might suggest so lots to me! also be bound to be part of 27.000+ fellow tourists and observe me on facebook, Twitter, G+ or Instagram for shuttle updates and much more images! if you don't need to miss new posts register to my publication or observe on Bloglovin!