Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is a vibrant and dynamic destination that beautifully combines nature, culture, and modern city life. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Tian Shan Mountains, Almaty offers an array of attractions, from bustling urban spaces to serene natural getaways just a stone’s throw from the city. Whether you’re here for a short visit or thinking of staying longer, Almaty has a charm that’s hard to resist.
Central Pedestrian Street
One of the most lively and iconic spots in the city is Almaty’s central pedestrian street. This area is the heart of the city’s social life, bustling with cafes, restaurants, and street performers. As you walk down the tree-lined avenue, you’ll encounter musicians, local artists, and people out enjoying their day. The street’s atmosphere is especially vibrant in the evenings when families and friends gather to relax after a busy day.
One fun feature is the presence of large, colorful apple sculptures—a nod to Almaty’s history as the “place of apples,” believed to be the ancestral home of the modern apple. You’ll also find street food stalls, souvenir shops, and plenty of spots to stop for a coffee or a snack. For an afternoon stroll or a casual dinner, this is the perfect place to start your Almaty experience.
Kok Tobe
Not far from the city center is Kok Tobe, a hill that offers stunning panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. The journey to the top is part of the fun—take the gondola ride, which gives you spectacular views as you ascend. At the summit, there’s a host of attractions, including cafes, a small zoo, and even a quirky Beatles statue, the only one of its kind in Central Asia.
Kok Tobe is ideal for visitors who want a taste of nature without leaving the city limits. It’s also a favorite spot for locals to catch the sunset, with the sprawling city below and the snow-capped peaks in the distance. If you’re looking for some downtime, Kok Tobe is perfect for a leisurely afternoon of wandering around and enjoying the views.
The Mosque
Almaty’s Central Mosque is a stunning piece of Islamic architecture and one of the most important cultural landmarks in the city. With its majestic gold dome and towering minarets, the mosque stands out as a beacon of spirituality and a peaceful place to escape the city’s fast pace. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or simply looking for a quiet place to reflect, the Central Mosque is a must-see.
Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque, provided they follow appropriate dress codes and respect the sanctity of the space. It’s especially serene in the early morning or late afternoon when the light casts a golden glow on its intricate designs.
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Almaty day trips
One of the best parts about staying in Almaty is the city’s proximity to incredible natural attractions. There are several day trips you can take to explore Kazakhstan’s breathtaking landscapes.
Shymbulak
One of our most memorable excursions was to Shymbulak, Almaty’s renowned mountain resort. To get there, we took a Yandex Taxi to the base of the gondola lift—an easy and affordable choice for getting around the city and its outskirts. Shymbulak is reachable via a series of three gondola rides from the Medeu Valley, and the ride itself is breathtaking. As the gondola ascends, the towering snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains come into full view, with each stop revealing even more stunning vistas.
The weather was perfect for the visit, but we weren’t the only ones enjoying the day—being a national holiday, the resort was packed with locals and visitors. The line for the gondola was reminiscent of a busy ski resort in Europe, but once we reached the top, it was all worth it. Snowboarders and skiers were still enjoying the last remnants of snow, and there was even a snow park still open for some late-season fun. We encountered visitors from all over, including a large group of Indian tourists, highlighting Shymbulak’s growing international popularity.
One of the highlights of the day was sharing a gondola ride with a local woman who had brought homemade doughnuts to share with her family but insisted on offering them to everyone in the cabin. The sense of community and kindness we encountered throughout our trip in Kazakhstan was unforgettable. We also met a Kazakh chemistry student, who gave us a glimpse into university life in Almaty, and a Dubai-based expat who had fascinating stories about property markets and travel in Central Asia. Shymbulak wasn’t just about the mountain views but also about the unique and friendly interactions that made the day even more special.
Great Almaty Lake
Located just 30 kilometers from the city, Great Almaty Lake is one of the most stunning natural sites near Almaty. The lake, surrounded by towering mountains, is famous for its bright turquoise waters that change color depending on the time of year. However, recent restrictions have made visiting the lake a bit more challenging, as access is limited, and you’ll need to plan ahead. Organized and private tours are the best way to visit, as public transport options are scarce, and access may require permits depending on the season.
Despite these hurdles, it’s well worth the effort. You can hike around the lake or enjoy the breathtaking views from designated viewpoints. Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited as the lake serves as a reservoir for the city’s drinking water. Unfortunately for us, we couldn’t visit the lake as we had some obstacles (read below).
A day trip to Kolsay and Kaindy Lake, and Charyn canyon
Even with our misfortunes in Almaty, we managed to go on a day trip to Kolsay and Kaindy lake, and to Charyn canyon. We will share more in a separate article of this amazing experience. We took a tour with Kazakhstan Very Nice – and it was very nice from initial communication to the very end. Here’s the link to the tour.
Practical details
How to get to Almaty
Almaty is well-connected to major international cities via Almaty International Airport. Flights from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East frequently land here, making it a convenient gateway to Central Asia. Once you arrive, Yandex Taxi is a reliable and affordable way to get to your accommodation. Public transport, such as buses, marshrutka, and the metro, is also available, but may not be as easy for non-Russian speakers to navigate.
We used a bus to get from Bishkek to Almaty.
Where to stay
When visiting Almaty, staying near the central pedestrian street offers the most convenience for accessing city sights, dining, and nightlife. The city has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly guesthouses and Airbnb apartments. If you’re planning to spend time exploring the mountains, staying near Medeu or Shymbulak is a great option for easy access to the outdoors.
Here is one of the apartments we stayed at and can highly recommend.
FAQ about Almaty
What’s the best time to visit Almaty?
The best times to visit are in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring both the city and surrounding natural landscapes. Winter is ideal for skiing at Shymbulak, while summer offers great opportunities for hiking and day trips.
Is Almaty a safe city?
Yes, Almaty is generally safe for tourists. As with any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take normal safety precautions.
What language is spoken in Almaty?
The primary languages spoken are Kazakh and Russian, though English is becoming more common, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
How do I get around Almaty?
Yandex Taxi is the most convenient way to get around. Public buses and the metro are also options, but Yandex Taxi is particularly useful for non-Russian speakers.
Living in Almaty
Almaty is not only a great place to visit but also a city where you could imagine living. The city offers a balance of modern conveniences with proximity to nature, which is hard to find elsewhere. With its vibrant cafe culture, excellent parks, and a backdrop of stunning mountains, Almaty has a lifestyle that appeals to both travelers and expats. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to many other international cities, and the friendly locals make settling in easy.
Our misadventures
No journey is complete without a few hiccups, and ours happened on our last evening in Almaty. After an incredible day exploring the city and planning an early-morning tour of the nearby lakes and canyons, an unfortunate accident left one of us with torn ligaments (or at least that was the diagnosis back then) after slipping down the stairs. A later trip to the hospital confirmed nothing was broken (which turned out to be not true months later), but it meant canceling the big tour to the countryside we had planned.
While we had to take it easy for the next few days, this gave us time to enjoy some quieter activities in the city, including exploring the local food scene with deliveries from Yandex Eats and enjoying the Kok Tobe gondola at sunset. It was a reminder that even when things don’t go as planned, Almaty offers plenty of ways to relax and enjoy the moment.
Almaty is a city where urban excitement meets nature’s tranquility. Whether you’re strolling along the central pedestrian street, taking in the views from Kok Tobe, or venturing out to the mountains of Shymbulak, there’s always something to discover. Despite a few setbacks, our time in Almaty left us with unforgettable memories. With its blend of friendly locals, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, Almaty is not just a place to visit—it’s a city you might find yourself dreaming of living in.
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