You Are in the Heart of Almaty

Almaty is a city where the mountains begin right behind the houses. In just one day, you can ride a cable car, admire a wooden cathedral, feed squirrels in the botanical garden, and enjoy a Korean dinner. We’ve gathered 20 ideas to help you experience Almaty from every angle – active, culinary, cultural, and inspiring.

What to do?

1) Take the cable car up to Kok-Tobe Mountain.

2) Enjoy the rides at the Central Park of Culture and Recreation.

3) Stroll along the local Arbat – Zhibek Zholy Street.

4) See mammoth remains, a replica of the “Golden Man” (Kazakhstan’s national symbol), and two entire halls of gold at the National Museum.

5) Admire the beauty of the Ascension Cathedral.

6) Shop for souvenirs at the Green Bazaar.

7) Feed squirrels, photograph carp – or yourself – at the Botanical Garden.

8) Discover the country’s traditions at the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments.

9) Count the city’s fountains – and see one of the most beautiful: the “Eastern Calendar”.

10) Snap a photo of the “crown” on Hotel Kazakhstan – Almaty’s first skyscraper.

11) Explore the mountain resort of Shymbulak.

12) Skate at Medeu – the world’s highest-altitude ice rink.

13) Hike into the mountains: to Gorelnik Gorge, Tourist Peak, or the Bogdanovich Glacier.

14) Soak in the atmosphere of the Old Japanese Road.

15) Witness how the Almaty Lake changes color – from emerald to turquoise.

16) Swing on the “Sky Swings” at 2,500 meters above sea level.

17) Relax in the thermal springs of Alma-Arasan.

18) Steam in a traditional Saka sauna.

19) Explore every corner of Charyn Canyon.

20) Embark on a nature trip: to the Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Lake Tuzkol, or the Assy Plateau.

Did you know that…

Almaty is a capital of Soviet modernism – with a glass library, mosaics, and one of the most unique circus buildings in the world?
Almaty is home to the second tallest wooden church in the world – the Ascension Cathedral.

What to try?

- “Aport” apples – the iconic symbol of Almaty;
- Beshbarmak;
- Palau (Kazakh-style pilaf) and manty;
- Kazy (horsemeat sausage) and kumys (fermented mare’s milk);
- Korean cuisine.

What to bring back?

- Sweets from the “LOTTE Rakhat” factory;
- Honey made from camelthorn;
- Local Arba Wine;
- Handicrafts made of felt and stone;
- Kese-shki – ceramic tea bowls.