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Reasons to visit Almaty, Kazakhstan – one of my fave cities

Last Updated on 01/07/2024 by kami

Of all the countries in Central Asia, Kazakhstan was the one that least interested me, simply because I had no idea what to expect from it.

While I had some basic knowledge about all the other -Stans, Kazakhstan was terra incognita for me, the only thing I could think of there was the endless steppe.

I didn’t plan to visit it properly, I was only supposed to shortly stop there on my way to the neighbor Kyrgyzstan . But the moment I arrived in Almaty – a former capital and the largest city in Kazakhstan – I knew I’m gonna enjoy it there.

Eventually, I’ve spent 5 days visiting Almaty, much longer than I usually stay in one place during my travels and I was so sad when I was leaving for Bishkek .

There aren’t any spectacular things to see and do in Almaty but the city just feels right, at least for me.

Here is a couple of reasons why you should visit Almaty, Kazakhstan and why I loved it there so much!

Almaty, Kazakhstan – the easiest introduction to Central Asia

Not only Kazakhstan is the biggest country in Central Asia but Almaty airport is the biggest one in the country.

Most European major airlines fly there, Air Astana – the national airline of Kazakhstan and one of the best in Asia – has a hub in Almaty too.

That gives you plenty of opportunities to get to the country and finding a good deal isn’t so difficult.

I, for example, flew with Turkish Airlines (Prague-Almaty, Bishkek-Prague) for some 300€ but saw tickets for half of this price too!

By train you can directly travel to Almaty from Russia, China, Uzbekistan and numerous destinations in Kazakhstan.

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is some 5 hours by minibus away (and those depart every half an hour or so, once the bus is full).

Almaty, Kazakhstan was one of the most European cities outside of Europe I’ve been to. Everything there just felt kind of normal to me.

If you traveled to some post-Soviet cities before (like Tbilisi , Yerevan or Chisinau ) you will find Almaty much easier to deal with – it’s not so chaotic, drivers let you cross the street, bus stops are clearly marked and the city is easy to navigate.

But at the same time, Almaty has this exotic vibe you might expect in Central Asia, just at the very light level.

I can’t think of a better starting point of any journey in the region!

When you visit Almaty you will get familiar with the reality of Central Asia, limit the culture shock and prepare yourself for the rest of your trip in the area.

Welcoming people of Almaty

Everywhere I went to in Almaty people were extremely friendly and willing to help.

I didn’t even have to ask, they’ve seen I’m a tourist and on numerous occasions they approached me, asking if I need help, directions or advice.

On the bus stops people made sure I took the right bus, the drivers made sure I arrived when I wanted to, even when I took the wrong entrance to the metro station (because the ATM was there) I was stopped by the young guy who was concerned I was lost.

In every cafe, restaurant or shop people were really friendly and welcoming and everywhere I felt really taken care of.

The most epic situation was at the train station when I wanted to exchange my free train ticket from work for the actual ticket to Astana and accidentally I caused mini-riots there.

Lovely women working there didn’t really know how to deal with my ticket, I blocked one of the three working ticket offices for 3.5 hours yet they didn’t chase me away.

Patiently they tried to figure out how to issue me the ticket, they abandoned their lunch break, called to the headquarters, at some point invited me for the tea to their office.

Eventually, I had to buy the ticket anyway (I was ready to do that half an hour through the whole issue but didn’t know how to tell that seeing how involved they were) and they still kept apologizing they couldn’t help me.

On the contrary in Astana I didn’t encounter any nice situation with people, they all seemed cold and didn’t smile at all.

Visit Almaty and enjoy its laid-back vibe

I found Almaty to be a super laid-back city.

People didn’t seem to rush, even on the main streets (with the exception of the area around the Green Market but these are always a whole different universe).

There were numerous green spaces to chill out and the view of the mountains just south of Almaty gave a refreshing feeling.

Even if it’s the biggest city of Kazakhstan it didn’t overwhelm me, not even once.

My favorite thing to do in Almaty was to walk around, taking random streets lined with trees and just enjoy the place and its atmosphere.

Mix of architecture in Almaty

The first settlement in the area of Almaty, Kazakhstan was founded in the Bronze Age, however, the city was first mentioned in the 13th century when it was one of the stops on the Silk Route . You won’t find many remnants of the great past in Almaty though.

The majority of the architecture is a great example of the Soviet past and if you like Socialist realism style you’re in for a treat.

In the former USSR this style is much richer than in Central Europe , e.g. there’re small patterns on the blocks that make the place so much more beautiful.

In Almaty, it’s not difficult to spot these details and even the most random concrete structure can look special.

Among these, I’ve also found some true gems of brutalism as well as some old and pretty wooden houses.

But the most beautiful building you will see in Almaty is the Zenkov Cathedral – second tallest wooden building in the world.

It was finished at the beginning of 20th century and looks like from a fairy tale with colorful rich ornaments.

Don’t forget about Almaty metro too, it might be new but built in the grand Soviet style, with marble floors and beautiful Kazakh ornaments.

Cafe culture in Almaty

It was the most surprising thing about Almaty and the one I enjoyed the most there. The city has an exceptional cafe culture!

Every afternoon I tried to visit a different cafe, I even had a “cafes day” on Sunday where I spent most of the time writing in few places and every single one I visited in Almaty was amazing!

Not to mention they were all really affordable!

Usually for a coffee and cake I paid around 5-6€, much cheaper than in similar places in Poland .

Every cafe had also some decent food options.

As always Foursquare was a great help with finding the best spots!

My favorite cafes in Almaty were Nedelka, Urban Coffee, United Coffee, and Traveler’s Coffee while Coffeeroom and Marrone Rosso weren’t really my kind of places.

Just like in Yerevan , I dare to say that Almaty, Kazakhstan might be a perfect destination for freelancers, with affordable prices and good wifi in the cafes!

Speaking of food – Almaty has a very diverse food scene and even being a vegetarian isn’t a problem there.

While the local non-meat options might be tricky to find there’re top world’s cuisines to choose from anyway!

I had Georgian, Indian and Italian food in Almaty as well as bought so many local goodies at the Green Market! And again everything was at very reasonable prices!

Quirkiness in Almaty

I like unusual places and tracking down quirky and alternative spots is always big fun for me!

In Almaty I didn’t have to look too hard for them, quirkiness was everywhere around!

Weird sculptures, interesting architecture, Soviet circus, a big smiling face or painted carpet with typical Kazakh patterns on the pavement, metro stations turned into small galleries, love locks, bird feeders and uncountable small, weird details here and there… Almaty was all about quirkiness for me!

My top 3 weird things there were:

I’ve never seen something like that before and I don’t even know how to describe them properly!

It consists of two machines connected with wires. A big one is a massive case with no screen, just a couple of diodes – that’s where you insert the coins (can be all at once!) and where you collect the ticket.

Another part looks like candy disposer in the shops and that’s where you collect your change if you inserted more than the fare (it was 80 tenge for a ride, 0.20€!).

Sometimes the machine is broken and doesn’t give you the ticket, then you still insert money there and the driver gives you a piece of paper that is your ticket!

• The Soviet Monument to World War 2 heroes! A masterpiece of Soviet propaganda! I loved every single detail of it!
• Apples! Did you know that Almaty is the supposed to be the birthplace of apples ? Even the old name of the city, Alma-Ata, means the father of apples!

Almaty is a perfect base to explore the incredible nature around!

First of all – don’t make my mistake and don’t visit Almaty in November!

While I loved the city I couldn’t experience all it had to offer to the fullest!

One of the reasons why you have to visit Almaty for more than just a day or two is the huge variety of trips around!

A friend recommended me an Ecotourism Information Center that offers good and affordable tours and their offer really was impressive but most of the tours run from April/May till October.

The only one that was likely to take place was Charyn Canyon but it was canceled too due to the lack of people (the price was 13€ for the whole day!).

Even if I didn’t really use this company they were really easy to deal with (and spoke good English!) so I can recommend them.

And I know I will visit Almaty again in future to go to the following places around:

• Charyn Canyon
• Big Almaty Lake
• Kolsai Lakes

Fortunately, when visiting Almaty there’s no need to go away from the city to experience the amazing nature!

Right in the center, there’s Kök Töbe, a nice hill with lovely views over the city.

Unfortunately, in November the cable car to get there was under repair so I had to skip the trip there (next time!).

But a short bus away (no.12 from in front of Hotel Kazakhstan) can take you to Medeu – the highest Olympic sized ice stadium in the world where almost 200 world records were made!

Not only it’s an interesting spot, but it’s also a starting point of the hike (or cable-car ride) to Chimbulak – a ski resort with breathtaking views.

I was determined to hike there but the weather started to change for worse and it became too slippery so I’ve decided to return. Still, views that I could see were pretty amazing!

You can learn about Kazakh culture when visiting Almaty

Just outside Almaty, you can find Hunn village – the etno center showing the culture and traditions of Kazakh. It is such a fascinating place that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Almaty!

You can learn there all about the history, culture and traditions of Kazakh people, see how the kumiss is done, watch the horse games and witness the incredible bond between the eagle and his owner.

Pictures in Hunn Village, as well as pictures of metro and from Chymbulak, were taken during my trip to Almaty in December 2019, when I was testing the new mirrorless Nikon Z50 camera . It’s a perfect camera for travelers – easy to use, handy and takes amazing pictures! If you are looking for the new camera – I can definitely recommend it!

Almaty – one of my fave cities!

I’m really picky when it comes to naming a destination “my favorite place”. In my top 10 list I have maybe 7 cities and that’s all.

After I had a chance to visit Almaty and get to know it a little bit I can with no doubts include it in this very elite list I have!

It’s still not close to being Prague , Yerevan or Sarajevo for me but it has a very solid position in my heart.

And just like with the other cities, I can’t really say why I enjoyed it so much. It was a combination of many things, listed above, and the fact that I just felt right there.

I even dare to say I can imagine living there for a while (which of course will never happen as I like my life in Poland too much ).

When, after 3 days in Astana , I returned to Almaty I felt like coming back home.

Silly, I know, but I was just happy to be there again. Being in this city brought a smile to my face, just like that.

On my last day in Almaty, I woke up to the most perfect winter wonderland.

The sun was shining, the city was covered in snow and it was even more beautiful than before! I couldn’t say “good-bye” to Almaty, it was only a “see you”!

Visit Almaty – practical information

Unfortunately, when I check recently they are no longer operating which is a huge shame! But there are still lots of options to choose from!

Click here to check the best deals on the best accommodation in Almaty!

It is kind of true as there’s no connection from the terminal itself but you can walk some 5 minutes and you will find a bus stop.

From there bus no.92 will take you to the center: Raiymbek Ave, Almaty 2 train station and Abay Ave.

If you don’t feel like dealing with taxi drivers and confusing public transport in the new city you can prebook the airport transfer – click here for details!

From the Almaty 2 train station, the trolleybus no.5 will take you to Abay Ave., the Raiymbek batyr metro station is around 10 minutes walking from the train station.

If you come by minibus from Bishkek you will arrive at Sairan bus station from where you can take trolleybus no. to Abay Ave.

I also had US dollars with me (that’s the most convenient currency when traveling in Central Asia and the exchange rate is really good) and exchanged it a couple of times in various locations: at the airport, on Dostyk Ave close to Satpaev and on Gogol Str. Everywhere, including the airport, the rate was similar and pretty good.

• As always the best source of information about restaurants and cafes was Foursquare

Otherwise, you have 5 days after arriving in Kazakhstan to register with the Migration Police – if you fail to do so you might be in some serious trouble.

I was pretty nervous if this really is true as I didn’t register after all but when I was leaving to Kyrgyzstan the only concern of the border control was if I need a visa to Kyrgyzstan as they couldn’t find it in my passport (we don’t need one).

As of 2017 citizens of numerous countries can enter Kazakhstan visa free!

I can recommend SafetyWing that offer the insurance dedicated to travelers just like you and me.

Click here to get the insurance policy for Kazakhstan here.

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

• If you don’t want to miss new posts and news from me click here to sign to my newsletter! You can also follow me on Bloglovin!
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Kazakhstan too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. If you like what you are reading and seeing here and would like to support me and my blog please consider using those links. It would be like getting me a virtual drink that you don’t have to pay for! Thanks!

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69 Comments

Anastasia Sofia

Fab post, I’m hoping to visit this summer so at the moment I’m loving reading any and all posts about Central Asia as there still isn’t that much content knocking about. I’m so excited to hear you found it to be friendly and laid back, I tend to love places with those friendly chill vibes. Very excited!

Thanks! I really hope you will make it there this summer and I’m sure you will enjoy Central Asia big time! It is a little bit demanding when it comes to traveling but overall it’s a wonderful place and still so undiscovered! If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Shibani Medhi

Thank you for this detailed post. I was planning to go to Almaty from India and this really helped!

I’m glad you found it useful. Enjoy your trip!

balkanyrudej

Ok, architecture in Almaty is a little bit crazy, but for me more important and interesting are mountains. You wrote, that there are some organised trips to some mountains atractions. But is it also possible to have trekking on your own? Do they have some marked paths?

A friend of mine has been trekking in mountains near Almaty and apparently there’re marked paths. I was interested in organized tours only because I don’t feel brave enough to go hiking on my own in November, otherwise I’d have probably tried that as well!

After reading your article and looking at the pics I must say I got quite tempted to go there! The ticket machine is crazy indeed! But obviously that’s not the only reason the place is so intriguing ;) The architecture – what a mixture of the styles, the mountains – amazing and the nice surprise with the food :)

I hope you will get there one day, Almaty has so much to offer!

Nick @ concrete and kitsch

Thanks for this, Kami! It will be really useful to plan for our trip there this September!

What was travel from Almaty to Bishkek like on minibus? Easy? No issues on the border? I feel like I’ve read several accounts of being left at the border of KG and KZ, and want to know about your experience with that trip.

Sorry for butting in here but the more information the better, right? ;) I didn’t have trouble travelling from Almaty to Bishkek on a minibus. Our driver did come look for me and my friends since it took us much longer getting a stamp, due to being more inexperienced with these queues and the officers being much slower handling our foreign passports. I felt that if it had taken us much longer he might have left without us. I guess it’s good to know this might happen so you can try and move quickly through the whole process. And in case you are being left, there are always busses you can take that only travel from their side of the border to Almaty/Bishkek. Travelling from Bishkek to Almaty we didn’t have a lot of time so simply took a taxi from the inner city to the border which only cost us about 3-4 Euros each.

Thanks for your response, Kathi! Much obliged! :)

just like Kathi I didn’t have any problems. I was the last one leaving the border, I felt it took me ages (but also we were there at the calmer time, around 3pm) yet still had to wait some 15 minutes for the bus. In that time I was asked numerous times if I need a taxi to Bishkek and there were mini buses waiting to be filled in as well. And even if it took me longer at the border I still had no problems with crossing, I was just a nice oddity for guards

Thanks for the post that I’ve been waiting. We plan to visit this city next year. Before your description I expected sth totally different and now I think this city won’t meet my expectation.we will see.

I hope I surprised you in a positive way and you will enjoy Almaty as much as I did!

I was kind of waiting for this post since I saw tons of snow on your fan page while Poland was just soooo grey. :-) I like the sentence about incidentally causing some riots. :D Good that the people didn’t get angry and they actually tried to help you. Coffee in this big “jar-mug” looks pretty cool!

thanks :) cafes in Almaty were just the best! :)

Romantic Vagabonds

Nice, looks like you had an excellent time…Good going! It’s really great post. Very easy to read and peaked are interest. Anyway I’m just wanted to ask you – do you speak Russian? If not, then how difficult was it getting around? We planning to visit, and know just a smattering, definitely not enough to converse. Thank you :)

Thanks! My Russian is really terrible, I can communicate in the basic way and somehow get around with that. I always keep promising myself I will learn more before another trip to the East and then again end up speaking a mix of Polish and Czech with a lot of hand waving! ;)

I’m not a big fan of Soviet Union architecture but it is very opulent and still very enjoyable. Love the emerging vibrant culture specially the coffee shops! Looks like it is worth a visit.

It definitely is worth a visit! Such a nice surprise it was! :)

ohhhh how i miss this city! for all of the reasons mentioned above and more! i only spent 7 or 8 days there, but i could easily live there for a year or so. it is just a cool place!

it so is!!! It doesn’t happen to me very often but I could easily picture myself living there too!

Nice post. I love your enthusiasm and insight. Heading to Almaty in 2 weeks.

thank you! I hope you will enjoy Almaty as much as I did :)

Mark Bennetts

Thanks for this post, it will come in very useful. There seems to be plenty of interesting architecture (read Socialist realism) to keep me happy for a few days. Medeu and Chimbulak look like they are worth visiting. I think we are going to visit Astana and also head across to Turkistan when we start our travels there.

You should definitely go to Astana too! It’s so different and also interesting but not nearly as cool as Almaty. I was considering going to Turkistan as well but left it for the next time. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Kazakhstan, such a great country it is!

It seems to be very interesting place. Architecture is a little scary ;) I have never been in this part of world. I think that is good place to start with it :)

it’s not scary, it’s beautiful! :) I think Almaty is the easiest starting point to explore Central Asia, it still feels pretty European and not so overwhelming :)

You have a very good sense of observation! And I really liked your photos. It’s amazing how parts of Romania look exactly like in these photos.

Thank you! I guess most of the places that used to be under the Soviet rule (either as a part of USSR or just dependent countries) look very much the same!

Just discovered your blog, and I’m so happy I did. Really inspiring for a new travel blogger like myself! I will definitely be following your travels from now on ;)

Great relation. Very nice photos. I found your blog today morning but have much to read now :) Great blog, congratulation! :)

Joshua Cummings

Hmm, i may have to put almaty on my travel list! i’ve been curious about visiting the sfans before but wouldnt have thought to visit almaty. Thanks for your blog!

Almaty is a great city and so surprising! Probably a must visit destination in Kazakhstan! And the mountains around are just stunning!

Hi there! I just discovered your blog and have been especially enjoying your posts about Eastern Europe and Central Asia. I lived in Almaty for a year and enjoyed it so much. It looks like you spent a lot of time near the apartment I lived in (close to Panfilov Park). It was so much fun to look through your photos and re-live all my favorite places :) It’s hard to make people understand what’s so great about Almaty, but you did a nice job capturing the small details of the soviet architecture, the everyday scenes from the Green Bazaar, and the cozy little cafes all over the place that make the city really special. I’ll definitely be following your travels from now on!

Thank you! Lucky you to spend so much time in Almaty, I really enjoyed the city and would love to return there whenever I have a chance!

Excellent post about Almaty… where I lived 3 years. Beautiful pics !

thank you! I’m a little bit jealous that you had a chance to spend so much time in Almaty!

I would visit Almaty in the second half of August , I would like to know if at this time if I go out in the night for clubbing there are people in the city , or are empty because people move to holiday resorts.

Hi Gabriele. Honestly I can’t answer your question as I was there in November. But Aude who commented above you has lived there for a longer time and has a blog so why don’t you contact her? I’m sure she will be a better source of information than me!

oooh Amazing place a lot of adventure!!! now Im planning for this trip.

I’m sure you’d enjoy it there!

Great post. I’m here now and found this super helpful!

Thanks! Hope you’re having a good time there!

Thanks Kami for a wonderful description, looking forward to visit Almati. Can you suggest best time to visit.

Thanks! Definitely don’t go there in November ;) I think September should be really good!

Oh thank you, dear Kami, so pleasant to read this and understand that you felt thst charming little thing about my city ? I was very pleased, thank you very very much. There are so many things that I could tell you about the city! I’m planning tours with my mother in Almaty and just found out your blog ☺

Good luck with your tours! I’m sure they would be a great help for travelers trying to get to know Almaty!

Co zobaczyć w Kazachstanie - okolice Ałmaty

[…] Głównym ośrodkiem południowo wschodniej części Kazachstanu jest Ałmaty. To największe miasto, a w latach 1991-98 także stolica, która straciła nieco pozycję na rzecz mocno dofinansowanej i rozbudowywanej w nowoczesnym stylu Astany. Nadal pozostaje jednak głównym ośrodkiem naukowym, kulturalnym oraz przemysłowym. Część obywateli szybko się tu bogaci, o czym świadczy między innymi duża liczba naprawdę drogich samochodów przemierzających ulice. I o ile rozwarstwienie społeczne jest w Kazachstanie bardzo duże i bieda stanowi tu wciąż duży problem, tak tutejsze ośrodki miejskie mogą bez kompleksów rywalizować z europejskimi. Jeśli chcecie poznać miasto bliżej odsyłam Was do anglojęzycznego tekstu koleżanki Kami » […]

Hi! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts about Kazakhstan. I am currently playing professional soccer here all the way from the United States. I recently started a blog and would love to know what you think. :)

I will definitely take a look! Hope Kazakhstan treats you well! Have a great time there!

It’s wonderful to go through your blog. I am planning to visit Almaty on November for 4 days. 7th November around 6 PM I would land there and planning to take back my flight either on 11th November morning or on 12th November morning.

Can you please briefly suggest me where are the places I should try to visit and where should I plan to stay?

Looking forward to hear back from you.

Thanks – Sush

Hi Sush, thank you for your comment! Why don’t you ask my Facebook group about travelling in former USSR, there are some Almaty experts that would definitely help you with some recommendations! Here’s the link: https://facebook.com/groups/121053081614593/ You should definitely go for the day to Medeu and Shymbulak. In Almaty you will find all the important things in the center, more or less between the train station and a bit north of Abay. It’s a great city, I’m sure you will enjoy it!

Really helpful post! Right now I am reading your blog sitting in the garden of Alma Cinema Hostel, can really recommend it! Almaty is a beautiful city!

I’m glad you found the post helpful and I’m really happy you enjoy Almaty! Have a great time there!

Hello Kami, Enjoyed every bit of information u shared about Almaty. Thanks Dr Sushil

I’m glad you liked it! All the best!

Ricardo Ribeiro

Just wanted to thank you this great article. I am considering returning to Europe from Almaty and the text has loads of interesting and useful info.

I’m glad you liked it. Almaty is such a great city really!

Vinod Kumar

My friend, you share very good post to Almaty Kazakhstan. its very good info to make holiday to Kazakhstan. you post very good photos with interesting places. i am so happy to read this article. i want to visit this beautiful place. thanks & keep updating…..

Thanks so much for this article! Going there in 2 months for my semester abroad and now I’m looking forward to that even more :)

I think you will enjoy it. There is so much to do and see in and around Almaty!

Surekha Srivastava

What goodies or things as memo of the place shd. be bought from Almaty as we intend to visit it in the end of July this year

there’re some nice felted souvenirs or jewelry, you can also take home some local food

Mads Bech Madsen

Thanks Kami, for this great and very informative site. Been searching for something like this. The daugther is traveling to Kimep Uni/Almaty for a 4,5 months stay. This is a 5. semester from Copenhagen Uni. As a father one always thinks the daugther is so very young. But at the age at 22 she has now traveled in 31 country., which is a lot more than the father :). Again, thank you – I will read every bit :) all the best / Mads

Thank you for your nice comment. Good luck to your daughter, I’m sure she will enjoy Almaty!

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Thursday, 31 October, 2024

Why the Almaty Region is an ideal family getaway

Two women removed from British Airways flight for fighting over MAGA hat

Lost Mayan city found in Mexican jungle by accident 

© S b Vonlanthen on Unsplash

ADa Wein is a Travel Tomorrow reporter. She is a Belgian-born writer who has lived in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. She writes about travel, culture, arts, and politics. Ada publishes the newsletter Art & Terror , a weekly press review where politics meets art. She has contributed to Book Salon, Aslan Media, and published children’s stories and fiction, some of which can be found on Ephémérides . Art & Terror was created to explore philosophical debates on political matters through various mediums: essays, analyses, poetry, pictures, and documentaries. ADa lives in Brussels with her two daughters.

On my journey to discover the Almaty Region, I met a Swiss family during an unexpected stopover in Istanbul. They were returning home to Kyrgyzstan, but their faces lit up when I mentioned my destination. Almaty, just a four-hour drive from Bishkek, had become their favourite spot for family weekends. They described it as the perfect destination for children, with plenty of activities to keep young travellers entertained. Whether you’re coming from nearby regions or further afield – New Delhi is only three hours away, while Seoul is just five hours by air – Almaty is the ideal getaway for families looking for a short holiday packed with fun.

And with Kazakhstan’s recent expansion of direct flights to Europe, getting there from cities like Brussels, less than seven hours away, has become even easier. Direct routes to Vienna, Budapest, and Riga are also set to increase, making Almaty even more accessible for families.

1. Nature at your doorstep

Almaty’s natural landscape is awe-inspiring, particularly for families who love spending time outdoors. The city sits at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, providing endless opportunities for adventure without straying far from urban comforts. 

Kok Tobe is a great place to start. Accessible by cable car, the ride itself is an exciting experience for children – especially if they’re not afraid of heights! – with panoramic views of the city unfolding beneath them. At the top, there’s plenty to explore – a mini-zoo, playgrounds, and amusement rides keep the kids entertained, while parents can relax at nearby cafés, taking in the stunning mountain peaks.

For winter enthusiasts, Medeu Ice Rink offers a unique family experience – skating at the world’s highest outdoor rink, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Even the children will be thrilled by the sheer novelty of it.

In the summer, the nearby Shymbulak Ski Resort transforms into a family-friendly hiking destination. The cable car rides offer easy access to breathtaking mountain views, and the trails are perfect for children to explore the fresh mountain air. Parents and kids alike can enjoy the adventure of hiking or even mountain biking along paths suitable for younger adventurers.

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2. A cultural adventure

While Almaty is a paradise for outdoor activities, its cultural side offers equally rich experiences that appeal to all ages. The city is steeped in history, from its connection to the ancient Silk Road to its deep-rooted Kazakh nomadic heritage. This blend of history and tradition, alongside modern life, makes Almaty a captivating place for families to explore together.

A perfect example of this balance is Panfilov Park, a lush green space ideal for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll. At the heart of the park stands the Zenkov Cathedral, a striking wooden structure that has withstood the test of time – and earthquakes. Walking through the park, children can run around, while parents appreciate the beauty and historical significance of this remarkable building.

For a livelier experience, a visit to the Green Bazaar is a must. The market’s vibrant mix of colours, scents, and sounds create a sensory adventure for the entire family. Kids will love exploring the stalls filled with fresh fruits, spices, and local snacks, while parents can hunt for unique souvenirs or stock up on local delicacies. It’s a place where the traditional market atmosphere comes to life, offering a glimpse into everyday Kazakh life.

Dining out in Almaty is just as easy and enjoyable for families. The city’s restaurants serve both local Kazakh specialities and more familiar international dishes, making it easy to find something everyone will enjoy. Traditional favourites like  beshbarmak  – Kazakhstan’s hearty national dish of meat and noodles – are perfect for sharing after a day of exploration.

And if you want to take your family’s cultural immersion a step further, a visit to the Nomad Ethnic Centre is the perfect way to experience Kazakhstan’s nomadic past. 

3. The nomad ethnic centre

Despite my initial concerns that the Nomad Ethnic Centre might feel too touristy, it has managed to maintain its authentic charm. Set in the open air at the foothills of Ushkonyr in the  Almaty region , the centre offers a true immersion into the traditional culture of the Kazakh nomads. It feels like stepping back in time, with history brought to life in a way that guests can not only watch but actively engage with.

Owned and run by a local family, the atmosphere is warm and genuine, more like a cultural exchange than a typical tourist attraction. Children will be captivated by the sight of golden eagles, both trained and wild, soaring above as they hunt, while the Kazakh warriors on horseback—clad in armour weighing up to 25 kilos—provide a striking glimpse into centuries-old nomadic traditions.

What sets this experience apart is the family’s deep love for what they do. Rather than offering standard performances, the family members compete against each other in traditional games and sports, showcasing their skills in horse riding, archery, and the fast-paced game of Kokpar—Kazakhstan’s version of polo, once played with a goat carcass. Their enthusiasm is infectious, making the re-enactments of historical battles and competitions feel vibrant and personal.

Moreover, children can also sample  baursak  – a local fried dough treat – while parents might test their taste buds with  kumis , fermented horse milk. Much like  Marmite , kumis can be an acquired taste, but it’s a fun way to introduce children to new and unfamiliar flavours from Kazakhstan’s nomadic traditions.

5. Where to stay: family-friendly options

When it comes to accommodation, those who enjoy nature, have the option of camping near Charyn Canyon or the Kolsay Lakes, a fantastic way to immerse your family in Kazakhstan’s great outdoors. If you’d prefer a more comfortable stay, the luxury resorts around the lakes offer family-friendly amenities and the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

As I explored the area, I couldn’t help but imagine how perfect it would be to organise yoga retreats, spiritual escapes, or even Sufi-inspired journeys at the new guesthouse near Charyn Canyon. Surrounded by nature, with the tranquil sound of the river nearby and the vast open sky above, this setting is ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with the land and with themselves. Whether it’s a family holiday or a retreat to recharge, the peaceful atmosphere makes it the perfect place to reconnect.

6. Kazakhstan: Always an adventure

As the Swiss father said to me when we parted ways, “It’s always an adventure to visit Almaty.” His words couldn’t have been more accurate. Almaty is a destination where both children and parents can find joy in the same experiences, each for their own reasons. From the thrill of riding the cable car to Kok Tobe, to the wonder of skating at Medeu, to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Charyn Canyon and the peaceful serenity of the Kolsay Lakes, every moment in Almaty and its region feels like an adventure.

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Kazakhstan calls for investors with ‘Born Bold’ global campaign 

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The Best Things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan

This post is a travelguide about the best things to do in Almaty. My favourite city in Kazakhstan.

It was my first morning in Almaty when I went to the top floor balcony of my hostel. The sky was clear blue and in front of me I could see the sun rising over the snowcapped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains that reach well over 4000 meters. It was there and then that I fell in love with Almaty.

But its not just the nature of Kazakhstan at your doorsteps. Almaty is a fascinating city in its own right. Even though there are no obvious tourist attractions there are plenty of things to do in Almaty including a number of exciting daytrips.

What to do in Almaty

Unlike Astana , Almaty is a city of history with many traces left of its past. The Soviet period has had a huge influence on the development of Almaty with plenty of parks, large squares, broad avenues, socialist architecture and huge memorials. It makes Almaty a pleasant green city .

The large Kazakhstan hotel and the Abai Opera theatre are fine examples of the Soviet legacy, but even in the most unexpected places you will find details of Almaty’s intriguing history. Soviet art such as the Soviet mosaics are everywhere in Almaty if you know where to look for them.

Unfortunately some of the Soviet mosaics are getting lost in projects to modernise the city. Dennis Keen from Walking Almaty is involved in trying to preserve them with Monumental Almaty .

Despite the Soviet traces, Almaty is also a modern city. Luxurious appartment buildings stand next to the old Soviet flats and fancy shopping malls and hip cafes cater for the new elite.

It is in Almaty where I find this interesting mix of its old Soviet past and the lifestyle of a new Kazakh generation that all comes together. A modern city that breathes history. Nursultan (Astana) might be the new capital, but the heart of Kazakhstan is still in Almaty.

The Best Things to do in Almaty

1. arasan wellness center.

My first day in Almaty it was raining. There is no better thing to do in Almaty when the weather turns bad then going to an old Soviet spa. In that time most homes could not afford their own shower, instead people used to go to a communal bathhouse, the banja . Even tough most households now do have a shower, a visit to the banja is still a popular outing for families and friends.

Arasan is one of the largest bath houses in Asia. The womens section has 2 floors with different sauna cabins, showers, peeling rooms, massage rooms and a pool. At first I felt a bit lost in this huge complex among Kazakh and Russian woman. They were all wearing felt hats and I stood out for not having one. In the Russian sauna women also beat each other with leafy branches called veniks. .

Once I got used to the sauna ritual it was very relaxing. In the end I loved the experience and it was certainly one of my favourite things to do in Almaty.

2. Almaty Metro

Almaty has an excellent metro network. Even tough construction already started in 1988 it was never finished. When the Soviet Union broke down funds dried up and things were left the way they were.

But in 2005 Nazarbayev decided to finish the job. The metro is therefore a new addition that opened in 2011. The stations are built to impress and although they are no match to the Moscow metro a small tour is among the fun things to do in Almaty.

Each station is different and has its own character with Kazakh patterns and symbols. On top of that it is a cheap way to travel around the city.

3. Kok Tobe Cable car

Kok tobe is the most popular thing to do in Almaty for families with kids. The cable car brings you on top of the Kok tobe hill where there is a small amusement park and zoo for children. It’s a perfect place for people watching, but the main reason to come to Kok tobe is the wonderful view over the city. Don’t miss the quirky Beatles statue.

If you don’t fancy taking the relatively expensive cable car you can also take bus number 95 or 99 to their terminus on Omarova and take the minivan from there to the top of the hill.

4. Panfilov Park & The War memorial

The Panfilov Park is named after the Panfilov heroes. 28 soldiers from Almaty who died fighting the Nazi’s outside of Moscow. General Panfilov managed to delay the advance of the enemy towards the capital, but his infantry did die in combat eventually.

The huge memorial statue in the park shows the 28 soldiers, but is a memorial to all the Kazakh soldiers who died in the first and second world war. Nowadays the park is a popular green space in the city where couples stroll and children feed the pigeons.

5. Zenkov cathedral

In the center of the Panfilov Park is the Zenkov cathedral. One of the few Russian Orthodox churches that survived the Soviet Union. In that time it was a museum. But as soon as the Soviet Union broke down the church opened its doors again. The Zenkov cathedral also survived several earthquakes, because it is entirely made of wood. Remarkably no nails were used in the construction.

6. Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

In panfilov park you will also find the small Kazakh museum of Folk Musical Instruments. They show traditional musical instruments such as the dombra. Worth a look if you are into music and curious to know what traditional Kazakh music sounds like

7. Almaty Central Mosque

The Almaty Central Mosque is the largest mosque in Almaty. The mosque is relatively new, but it was built on the site of an older mosque that burned down in 1987.

8. Almaty Green Market

The green market was one of my favourite things to do in Almaty. It is an excellent place to do some shopping and to experience a central asian bazaar where you can buy souvenirs, dried fruits, spices and fresh vegetables.

Another reason to come here is the cheap Kazakh food. Several Uigur restaurants serve excellent laghman (noodle soup with tomato and peppers) and beshbarmak (Kazakhs national dish of boiled noodles with horse meat) . This is also the place to try Kymyz (fermented horse milk) and Shubat (fermented camel milk) or Kazakh’s apples . Almaty means father of apples and Kazakhstan is in fact the birthplace of the first eatable apple.

9. Rakhat Chocolate factory

Near the Green market you can already smell Rakhat’s chocolate factory. The factory store sells a huge variety of Kazakh chocolate and judging by the long line of people it must be very good. The factory sometimes gives tours.

10. Panfilov Street Promenade

The Panfilov street promenade is a new addition to Almaty. The area saw a complete renovation and was redesigned by a Danish designer. It was finished in 2018 and is now a pleasant pedestrian street in the centre of Almaty.

As new as it looks today, this is one of the oldest parts of Almaty. When reconstruction was going on they discovered a cobblestone pavement under the asphalt. Historians believe this was part of the government square that was built in 1928 in front of the first government building in Almaty.

11. Abai opera house

At the end of the Panfilov street promenade you will find the beautiful Abai Opera house built in 1934. It is one of the oldest buildings in Almaty and was named after the Kazakh Poet Abai.

The Abai opera house still performs opera’s, ballets and classical musical performances of high quality. You can check the Abai Opera House website to see their latest schedule.

12. Central Gorki Park

Almaty is full of green spaces and Gorki Park is another park in the city popular with families. In the spring it is full of flowers and there is an entertainment park for children. There are also several restaurants that serve excellent shaslyck .

13. Arbat – Zhibek Zholy

This treelined pedestrian shopping street is popular with locals and you are likely to end up at Arbat at some point during your time in Almaty. It has a nice atmosphere with cafe’s, street musicians and artists selling their paintings.

14. Central State Museum

The Central State museum is one of the largest museums in Central Asia and has extensive collections about Kazakhstan’s history. This is one of the best museums in Almaty.

Even tough the museum already opened in Almaty’s cathedral in 1931, the current building was built in 1985. The architecture of the building is impressive. If you are near Republic square it is worth taking a look, even just to see the museum from the outside.

15. Republic Square

The main square in Almaty has been used for festivals, celebrations, military parades and mass demonstrations. There are some interesting architectural landmarks around this square and therefore it is among the top things to do in Almaty.

First of all there is the Independence monument with a statue of a golden warrior on top. Below the monument is a handprint of former President Nazarbayev in a bronze copy of the constitution. The bronze panels surrounding the monument show important events from Kazakhstans history. Across the monument is the former Presidential palace . Even tough it is closed for visitors, the architecture is impressive.

16. Nikolski Cathedral

The small Nikolski cathedral is another Russian Orthodox church in Almaty worth a visit only if you are in the neighbourhood.

17. Almaty Botanical garden

With so many well maintained parks full of flowers in spring, the botanical garden was a bit of a dissapointment. The large green space at the outskirts of the city is neglected and not what it could be. It felt more like a walk through a pine forest where squirrels were playing in the trees than a garden.

That said, it is not unpleasant to wander around here and smell the fresh mountain air, but then there are so many places in Almaty where you can do that. Better head up to do some hiking in Almaty’s mountains.

18. President’s Park

This large park at the outskirts of Almaty is a popular picture spot for wedding couples. With the mountains in the back and flowers everywhere you do understand why. It opened in 2011 and it all feels very new and shiny.

19. Kazakh State Circus

If you love Soviet architecture, the Kazakh State Circus in Almaty is a must visit. The building resembles anything you like it to be. A circus tent, a traditional yurt or even a stranded spaceship.

There are still shows and the circus is famous for their award winning equestrians that perform impressive horseback stunts.

20. Auezov Drama theatre

Opposite the Kazakh State circus lies the Auezov Drama theatre. Another fine example of Soviet architecture. Most of the theater plays are unfortunately in either Kazakh or Russian. For more information about its history and their schedule you can check the theater’s website .

21. Walking Almaty

There is no person that knows Almaty better than David Keen from Walking Almaty . He knows all the hidden secrets of the city and is now on a mission to document all Soviet art in Kazakhstan with Monumental Almaty . His walking tours are excellent and a great way to explore some off the beaten path places in Almaty.

The best things to do near Almaty

Almaty is in the vicinity of some of Kazakhstan’s best national parks . Nature is so close and there are so many exciting things to do near Almaty, yet it isn’t as easy to visit these places as you would think. While Medeu and Shymbulak are easy to get to, most other things to do near Almaty require your own transport or a tour.

Of course there is always the possibility of using a combination of public transport and hitchhiking to reach the things to do near Almaty. Hitchhiking is in fact quite common in Kazakhstan, but not for free. A small payment is expected in the end.

Then there are tours. If you want an english speaking guide or a private car with driver things can get pricy. However, if you are happy to share the costs with other people and don’t mind the lack of an english speaking person there are reasonably priced tours out there. Several hostels and local agencies run affordable community tours to the places mentioned below.

I personally had a positive experience with the charyn canyon and kolsai lakes tour from the Almaty backpackers hostel . Local agencies like Steppe spirit advertise their tours on their instagram sites in Russian. You can contact them for assistance in english.

Another option is to rent a car. This might turn out cheaper than taking private taxi’s or a tour and will give you a lot of freedom and flexibility. Do keep in mind that only a few companies allow you to drive outside of Almaty.

You can check my post about planning your Kazakhstan itinerary for the ultimate one week roadtrip around Almaty including some of the best national parks in Kazakhstan such as the Charyn Canyon, the Kolsai lakes and Altyn Emel National Park.

22. Big Almaty Lake

Almaty is a heaven for those who love the outdoors. Less than an hour by taxi is the Big Almaty Lake in the middle of the mountains. One of the must things to do in Almaty.

Even tough it was already mid April the lake was still frozen and covered in snow when I was there. I wasn’t able to see its turquoise colour that it is famous for. During my second visit I wasn’t very lucky either, because it was raining. Still, it was amazing how quickly you can be in pristine mountain sceneries from the city.

How to get there: The best way to get to Big Almaty lake is by finding other people and sharing a taxi. From President’s park bus number 28 drives every 30 minutes to the entrance of the park, but from there it is still a long walk on the road or along the pipeline towards the lake.

The border guards in this area take their job very serious. Big Almaty lake is close to the border with Kyrgyzstan and the lake provides drinking water for Almaty. Bring your passport along and be careful with hiking. Under no circumstances hike towards the lake, because you can get a fine.

For more information I can recommend this guide to Big Almaty Lake .

23. Shymbulak & Medeu

Shymbulak and Medeu are among the most accesible places near Almaty to visit the mountains. The ice skate ring in Medeu and the ski resort of Shimbulak bring you straight into nature. In winter it is a center for winter sports and in summer a hikers paradise with several interesting day hikes.

How to get there: Bus number 12 from accross the Kazakhstan Hotel goes every 30 minutes to the entrance of the Ice skate ring in Medeu. To go further to Shymbulak you can take a cable car or a minivan (cheaper) up the mountain.

24. Butakovka waterfall and Furmanov peak

From Medeu there are two hiking trails you can do. An easy trail of about 4 hours goes to the Butakovka waterfall and a more challenging trail of about 7 hours goes towards the Furmanov peak.

Both are easy to reach by public transport and if you want a quick way to get to Almaty’s mountains for a day these hikes are a good option. Read the detailed hiking guides on caravanistan for more details on the Butakovka waterfall and the Furmanov Peak .

If you are an experienced hiker and prepared to walk at high altitudes you can also consider the four peaks trail. After Furmanov peak you can continue your walk to peak Panorama, Bashuta and Shymbulak. All above 3000 meters. Read the excellent hiking guide from Sandy feet for more details.

25. Charyn Canyon

The Charyn Canyon was one of the highlights of my time in Almaty and even though it is not that easy to get to, it is well worth the effort.

The road through the rolling grasslands can not prepare you for the beauty of the Charyn canyon and the rocky landscape hidden below. It felt like I was in a different country. While hiking through the canyon every turn had new spectacular views.

You can do it as a daytrip and there are plenty of tours available, but you can also sleep there and spend some days exploring the different canyons. Read more in my Charyn Canyon travel guide

26. Aksai Gorge and monastery

In the beautiful Aksay valley you will find the still active Aksay monastery. It is another quick and easy way to get out of the city into nature if you have your own car. Several agencies also offer day tours to the Aksai monastery

27. Lake Issyk

Another beatiful lake in the vicinity of Almaty is lake Issyk, not to be confused with Issyk-kul in Kyrgyzstan. The turquoise waters surrounded by alpine mountain sceneries make this a great daytrip from Almaty.

Read more about the tragic history of Lake Issyk in this guide from Megan starr about how to visit Lake Issyk .

28. Kolsai Lakes & Kaindy lake

Another highlight during my time in Almaty was my 2 day trip to the glacial Kolsai Lakes and the Kaindy lake.

The road to the lakes is spectacular and an adventure in itself. Once in Saty you can experience true Kazakh hospitality at one of the homestays. From here you can hike up to the lakes through beautiful pine forests and incredible views on the mountains all around you.

Read more in my post about how to visit the Kolsai Lakes and lake Kaindy .

29. Tamgaly Petroglyphs

Surrounded by the Kazakh steppes you will find the ancient Tamgaly petroglyphs. There are more than 5000 rock carvings from the Bronze Age depicting sun deities, animals, people and hunting scenes. Getting there on your own is difficult, but several agencies offer day tours.

They should not be confused with the buddhist carvings of Tamgaly Tas that lie north of Almaty. They are also worth a visit, but are much newer and not as spectacular as the ancient Tamgaly petroglyphs. 

30. Altyn Emel National Park

Unfortunately this beautiful national park with singing sand dunes, ancient burial mounts, petroglyphs and 260 different species of wildlife is almost impossible to visit if you don’t have your own car. tours are available, but can be quite expensive. Renting a car is in fact one of the best options and totally worth it.

For me it was a highlight of my trips to Kazakhstan. You can read more in my Altyn Emel National Park travel guide . 

The best places to eat in Almaty

1. kaganat (dostyk 108).

Kaganat is probably the cheapest option in Almaty. It is a canteen style buffet restaurant with a mix of Russian and Kazakh food. Excellent for vegetarians as they have different salads as well.

2. Dastarkhan (Nauryzbai Batyr street 124)

Another canteen buffet style restaurant that is cheap and good is Dastarkhan. In my opinion slightly better than Kaganat with more choice and a better quality of food

3. Rumi (Dostyk Avenue 63)

This restaurant is making excellent central asian and middle eastern food. The interior of the restaurant looks beautiful and gives you the feeling you are in the middle east. Not the cheapest in this list, but prices are still reasonable.

4. Navat (Dostyk Avenue 48)

This good restaurant has an extensive menu of central asian and Kazakh food including classics like beshbarmak and lagman.

5. Green Market

The green market is a very cheap place to try out some Kazakh and central asian specialities such as plov , laghman and Beshbarmak . Depending on where you go it will be a bit hit and miss, but I had my best laghman in the Green market. If a restaurant is busy that is a good sign.

6. Gorki Park

Gorki park is probably the best place to have shaslyck. You will already smell the scent of grilled meat and all you have to do is follow your nose.

The best hostels in Almaty

Staying in hostels has its advantages and disadvantages. Its cheap, social and you meet lots of interesting people at the expense of your privacy. Cleanliness and silence should also not be high on your priority list. Hostels come in different forms and varieties, but hostel culture is quite similar all around the world.

Kazakhstan is bringing the social aspect of hostel culture to a different level tough. Kazakhs hospitality lives on in Kazakhs hostels. Where in most countries hostels are solely used by foreign travellers, hostels in Kazakhstan are used by Kazakh people themselves as well. In fact, some people choose to live in hostels.

In the dormitory of sky hostel i was the only traveller with the other beds being occupied by kazakh girls who have made the dormitory their home. Another Kazakh guy lived in the hostel because it was 5 minutes from his work so that he did not need to drive an hour every day to get home.

Almaty Backpackers hostel (Elebekova 20/9)

Another excellent and very social hostel in Almaty is the Almaty Backpackers hostel . In this hostel it is very easy to meet other travellers and share the costs for tours to Big Almaty Lake, the Charyn canyon and the Kolsai Lakes. The tours the hostel offers are very good and the staff is very friendly.

The star in Almaty backpackers is the friendly Aya who cooks our breakfast, cooks us dinner, cleans the house and gives away free hugs to everyone. She will tell you whole stories in Kazakh even if you dont understand it. Aliya and Lana at the reception make sure you know how to get around Almaty and can translate Aya’s stories for you.

Kazakhstan Hotel

It is not exactly the cheapest option in town, but if you want to stay in a true Soviet hotel you can sleep in the Kazakhstan hotel built in 1977. It is the third tallest building in Almaty and a symbol of the city.

Almaty Travel tips

Visa and registration in almaty.

Most nationalities can travel to Kazakhstan visa free for 30 days. Check Caravanistan about the latest visa rules.

The rules regarding registration are unclear. Some say it is no longer needed under the visa free regime, but others did report problems when they were not registered. If you fly into the country registration is done automatically. If you come in by land that is not necessarily the case.

You are given an immigration paper that you need to keep carefully. If it has two stamps you are registered. At the land border you can either ask for the second stamp or register yourself at the OVIR office. The latter is not an easy process so it is best to make sure you get the second stamp at the border.

In Almaty the OVIR office is far from the centre in a new building near the Almaty Arena (address: Algabas 1- 5k 20-22).

Language in Almaty

Kazakh (a Turkic language) and Russian are the main languages in Almaty. Both are written in the cyrillic script.

I would recommend to learn some basic Russian phrases before you visit Almaty. The Cyrillic script looks more difficult than it is and it is actually quite easy to learn.

English is not widely spoken, but with google translate it is possible to get by. In hostels people often speak a basic level of english.

Money matters in Almaty

Kazakhstan uses the Kazakh tenge. There are plenty of ATM’s and exchange offices to get money. Exchange offices accept dollars, euro’s and russian roubles.

Almaty is not an expensive city and expect to pay between 20 or 30 dollars a day. For example, a bed in a dormitory hostel is available from $5 onwards and a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is also around $5. Public transport is cheap and if you use Uber a taxi ride in the city costs between 2$ and 3$.

How to get around in Almaty

By Foot : Almaty is not the best city to travel around in by foot. Most of the things to do in Almaty are quite far from each other.

That said, simply walking around in some of the neighbourhoods to see the Soviet architecture can be quite fun and enjoyable.

Despite the long distances I walked quite a lot in Almaty because I liked to explore the backstreets and suburbs. If you have enough time walking can be a great way to get to know Almaty, but if your time is limited and you need to get from one tourist attraction to the next there are plenty of other options.

By bicycle : Although I wouldnt say Almaty is a very bicycle friendly city it is now possible to rent bicycles. Almaty introduced 50 automated bicycle stations throughout the city where you can pick up a bicycle and return it in another station.

It is a very easy and affordable way to explore the city. You can check the Almaty Bike website to see how it works and how you can pay.

Public Transport in Almaty

By bus : Almaty has an excellent bus system and a ticket costs from 80 to 150 tenge. There are so many busses taking different routes that it might be tricky to find out which bus to take. One way is to tell the driver the name of your destination and they will either say yes or no.

A better way is to check the website citybus.kz or use the app 2Gis that will tell you exactly which numbers you should take. You can buy the tickets in the bus or buy the Onay card .

If you are staying in Almaty for a couple of days it is worth it to buy the Onay Card. You can use it for both the bus and the metro and a ride is cheaper than buying it in the bus or the metro (80 tenge instead of 150 tenge). The card costs 400 tenge and includes a single ride of 80 tenge. You get 320 tenge back if you return the card. Read here for more information on how the card works and where to buy it.

By Metro : Another cheap way to explore Almaty is taking the metro. Most sights are within 10-20 minutes walking from a metro station.

Raymbek Batyr – Almaty II Train station

Zhibek Zholy – Arasan baths, Panfilov Park & Green market

Almaly – Abai opera & Ballet theatre

Abai – Koktobe, Kazakhstan hotel, Central State Museum, Republic square

Baikonur – Sky hostel, Nikolskyi cathedral

Mukhtar Auezov Theatre – Kazakh Drama Theatre, Kazakh State Circus, Kasteev art museum, Almaty Towers

Taxi’s in Almaty

Using taxi’s in Almaty might be more expensive than the metro or the bus, but is still relatively cheap.

Basically any car can be a taxi. Just stand on the roadside and wait for a car to stop. Tell the driver your destination and negotiate the price. If it is not an official taxi and the driver is not going your way, he might drive on.

I personally preferred to use Yandex (Russian version of Uber). It is quick and easy with no need to negotiate a price or explain where you need to go. I never had to wait for more than 5 minutes. On my last visit in june 2019 Uber was no longer working in Kazakhstan.

How to get to Almaty

Almaty has an international airport and several airline companies offer reasonably priced tickets to and from Almaty.

Almaty is also relatively close to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan and it takes about 5 hours by marshrutka to travel between the cities. In my post about backpacking Kazakhstan you will find more practical information about travel in Kazakhstan

From within Kazakhstan there are several nighttrains to most cities including Nursultan (13 hours highspeed) and Shymkent (13 hours highspeed). Read more about train travel in Kazakhstan in my post onn How to travel by train in Kazakhstan

Safety in Almaty

Almaty is in general a safe city. If you follow normal precautions it is unlikely you will encounter any problems as a tourist. Theft and robberies do happen, as in most cities, and are especially common at night.

Another problem in Almaty is corruption. From fake policemen to legitimate officials that claim you have done something wrong and that you need to pay a fine. I have never had any problems during my visits to Almaty and in my experience such instances are becoming increasingly rare for foreigners.

Solo female travel in Almaty

Almaty is a great destination for solo female travellers. I travelled alone for two weeks throughout the city using public transport and never had any problems.

Almaty is a multicultural city with Muslim Kazakhs and a sizeable Russian minority. Even though it is appreciated to dress modesty, I felt Almaty has a liberal attitude if it comes to fashion.

One thing to take note of in Almaty as a woman traveling alone are unlicensed taxi’s that sometimes take advantage of solo tourists. For your own safety it is best to use Yandex.

Sustainable Travel in Almaty

Kazakhstan is just opening up to tourism. Traveling sustainably in Almaty, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels. Where possible, I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can also look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Use public transport : Almaty has a well-developed public transportation system with buses and marshrutkas. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of taxis or private cars to reduce carbon emissions. Even better is exploring the city by foot.

Leave no trace principle : When exploring the nearby National Parks, stick to designated trails when they are there and leave no trace of your presence. Ensure you take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. Kazakhstan is an Islamic country that is just opening up to tourism. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian, can go a long way in building meaningful connections.

Disclaimer : This post about the best things to do in Almaty contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

17 thoughts on “The Best Things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan”

Great guide to a great city. It’s still on my list. Only saw Kazachstan from the border Uzbekistan ;D

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We have considered teaching in Almaty several times and it looks like an interesting place. Love that they kept the Moscow style theme to the metros. I love that style of the ones here in Kyiv. Great pictures!

I can’t say this has ever been on my bucketlist – but it is now! awesome job!

Almaty looks like a beautiful place with perfect blend of nature and historical heritage. Thanks for sharing

What a fascinating place – one of those ‘not on the tourist trail’ destinations. Love all the spring colours. Seriously need to look beyond the norm for our future travel. Thank you. Kx

It has been a long time since I read such a comprehensive guide to a city, with so many beautiful pictures, and down to earth details! I wanna go there!

What a fantastic and helpful post!! I didn’t make it to Kazakhstan when I travelled the Silk Road five years ago. I would love to head back to the region and explore more.

Thank you for sharing your experience in Kazakhstan, it sounds and looks like a really interesting destination.

Such great information – thanks for the inspiration to visit Almaty!

Hi, thanks for sharing your experience in Almaty, and it’s in my bucket list next April-2021

Thank you for this. Would so like to visit Kazakhstan and the Silk Route area. But don’t know either Kazakh or Russian. It will take me few years to learn Kazakh.

The points you have mentioned in this article are useful. I am really happy to say it’s an interesting post to read. Thanks for sharing this information.

Good advice ! thanks for sharing !

I am a tour guide from Almaty. Very nice and detailed description of our city! Thanks!

Wow, it’s all here, I don’t need to buy a Lonely Planet or search anywhere else for the trip I am currently planning for a 5 day roadtrip near Almaty in May next year.

Awesome guide! Using it for inspiration / planning for my April 20-30 (2024) visit in Kazakhstan (3.5 + 2.5 days). With a visit to Nur-Sultan / Astana in between by night-trains. So your other guides has also been useful! Thank you, Phillip

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