Almaty is the biggest city in Kazakhstan and also one of the most beautiful places in Central Asia. It’s surrounded by tall mountains and full of history, parks, food, and friendly people. When I first arrived in Almaty, I didn’t know what to expect. But after spending a few days here, I fell in love with the city’s charm. There’s a peaceful feeling here, but also enough excitement to keep you busy all day. Let me take you through some of the best things you can do in Almaty that I personally enjoyed and highly recommend.
Walk Around the Green Bazaar
If you want to see the real life of the city, go to the Green Bazaar. It’s one of the oldest and busiest markets in Almaty. You can buy almost everything here—fresh fruits, spices, meats, clothes, and local snacks.
I tried some dried fruits and a special Kazakh sausage called kazy. The vendors are very friendly and often let you taste before you buy. The smells and colors around you make the experience even more fun. Don’t forget to bring some cash and bargain a little if you want the best price.
Even if you don’t buy much, just walking around the market is an experience by itself. It gives you a sense of the local culture.
Visit Kok Tobe Hill
Kok Tobe is a hill right next to the city, and it gives you one of the best views of Almaty. You can reach the top by cable car or by driving. I took the cable car, and the ride itself was exciting. You get to see the city from above, and the mountains in the background look stunning.
At the top, there’s a small amusement park, some restaurants, souvenir shops, and even a mini zoo. I spent about two hours just walking around and enjoying the view. There’s also a famous Beatles statue where people take pictures.
Sunset is the best time to visit Kok Tobe. The lights of the city start to shine, and the mountains turn golden.
Explore the Mountains at Medeu and Shymbulak
One of the best things about Almaty is that the mountains are so close. Medeu is a famous ice-skating rink located in the mountain valley. It’s known as the highest Olympic-size rink in the world. Even if you don’t skate, it’s worth visiting for the view.
From Medeu, you can take a cable car up to Shymbulak, which is a ski resort. In winter, people come here to ski and snowboard. In summer, it’s a great place for hiking or just enjoying the cool mountain air.
The views from the top are breathtaking. You can see snow-covered peaks, pine forests, and small rivers. I had tea in a mountain café and just sat there enjoying the silence. It’s one of those places that make you feel small in a good way.
Visit the Central State Museum
If you like history, the Central State Museum is a good place to learn about Kazakhstan’s past. The building is big and looks a bit serious from the outside, but inside it’s colorful and full of interesting things.
There are displays of ancient tools, clothes, and maps. You can see how the Kazakh people lived many years ago. I liked the section about the nomadic lifestyle. The museum also covers more recent history, including Soviet times and independence.
Everything is written in Kazakh, Russian, and English, so it’s easy to understand. It’s a quiet place, and you can take your time to walk through the rooms and read about the culture.
Walk in Panfilov Park and Visit Zenkov Cathedral
Panfilov Park is in the center of the city and is one of the most peaceful places in Almaty. The trees are tall, and there’s always a breeze. People come here to relax, walk their dogs, or have ice cream on a bench.
Inside the park, you’ll find the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral. It’s a wooden church built without nails, and the colors are bright yellow and blue. I went inside during a quiet moment, and it felt very calm and spiritual. The paintings and icons inside are lovely to look at.
Near the cathedral is a memorial for soldiers. It’s a respectful place, and many people come here to remember and lay flowers.
Enjoy Coffee and Local Food
Almaty has a growing coffee culture. There are many small coffee shops around the city. I found one called Traveler’s Coffee and had a great latte there. They also had good pastries. Another place I liked was Bowler Coffee Roasters. It’s modern, friendly, and full of locals.
For food, you must try some Kazakh dishes. Beshbarmak is a traditional meal made of boiled meat and noodles. The name means “five fingers” because people used to eat it by hand. I also enjoyed lagman, which is a noodle soup with beef and vegetables.
Most restaurants serve both local and international food. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are big. Don’t leave without trying samsa, a baked pastry with meat inside. It’s sold in bakeries and makes a great snack.
Take a Stroll Along Arbat Street
Arbat Street is a pedestrian area in the heart of Almaty. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The street is full of artists selling paintings, musicians playing songs, and shops offering souvenirs.
I bought a handmade fridge magnet and a wool scarf from a friendly lady. There are also small food stalls and cafés where you can sit and people-watch. It’s not a very long street, but it’s full of life.
I liked how everyone seemed relaxed and happy. In the evening, the lights turn on, and the place feels cozy and romantic.
Visit the Botanical Garden
If you like nature but don’t want to go all the way to the mountains, the Botanical Garden is a great option. It’s a large green space with plants from all over the world. Some parts of it are wild, while others are very well kept.
There are paths to walk, benches to sit, and lots of flowers and trees. It’s also a good place for taking photos. I spent a quiet morning here with a cup of tea and my book. Families, couples, and students often come here to relax.
The garden is close to the city center, and the entrance is cheap. If you love calm places, this is a must.
Explore the Almaty Metro
It might sound strange, but riding the metro is actually something fun to do in Almaty. The stations are clean, quiet, and very beautiful. Each one has a different design. Some have marble walls, golden decorations, and colorful lights.
It’s also a good way to move around the city if you’re tired of walking. The tickets are cheap, and the trains are always on time. I used the metro to go from my hotel to different areas of the city.
One of my favorite stations was Auezov Theater. It looked almost like a small museum with its art and tiles.
Ride to Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake is a stunning place located about an hour from the city. The lake is high in the mountains and has a special blue color that changes depending on the weather. It’s surrounded by hills and tall trees.
I went early in the morning with a local guide. The road is a bit bumpy, but the view when you arrive is amazing. The air is fresh, and the place feels very clean and untouched. You’re not allowed to swim in the lake because it’s a water supply, but just being there is enough.
If you like taking photos, this spot is perfect. Bring a jacket because it can be cold, even in summer.
Enjoy the Almaty Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the city doesn’t sleep. Almaty has a fun nightlife scene. There are bars with live music, clubs for dancing, and rooftop lounges with great views.
I went to a place called Line Brew for dinner and beer. It had a cozy feel and served both local and Western food. Later, I visited The Shakespeare Pub, which had good music and a friendly crowd.
If you like something more relaxed, try a rooftop bar. You can sit with a drink and look over the city lights and mountains. It’s a great way to end your day.
Almaty is one of those cities that makes you feel welcome the moment you arrive. It’s not too crowded, not too expensive, and full of little surprises. From mountain views to tasty street food, every day here brings something new. If you ever get the chance to visit, take it. You’ll come home with beautiful memories and probably want to go back again.
