Almaty is a stunning city. From the moment we arrived, we sensed it would be an amazing experience. Being a university town with many young people, it’s clear there’s some wealth here too. You’ll notice the beautiful buildings, sleek cars, and well-dressed folks everywhere.
We decided to take it easy and not plan out our days too much. While we had a few key sights in mind, we also enjoyed just wandering around.
1. The Arasan Baths: This bathhouse is a great spot to spend a couple of hours. It’s known as the best bathhouse in Central Asia for a reason. The marble bathing area is beautiful, the facilities are spotless, and there are separate sections for men and women. You can shower, steam, and try out various saunas. They also offer massages. (Cost: 1,500KZT on weekdays and 2,000KZT on weekends.)
2. Panfilov Park: Named after the Panfilov Heroes, a group of 28 soldiers who died in 1941 fighting off the Nazis, this park is wonderful for relaxing with a book and an ice cream, especially in the summer. (Free)
3. Zenkov Cathedral: Located in Panfilov Park, this colorful cathedral built in 1904 is a functioning Russian Orthodox Church. The beautiful frescoes inside and the stunning exterior are worth a visit. (Free)
4. The Green Market: We love visiting local markets, and this one is bustling with fresh fruits, meats, nuts, clothing, and household items. The vendors, from all over Central Asia, are friendly and the fresh foods are delicious. (Free…unless you buy something!)
5. Central Mosque: The largest mosque in Kazakhstan, it’s open for visits every day except Friday. Note: women need to cover their arms, legs, and heads. (Free)
6. Pedestrian Street: This area is best visited around sunset when it’s lively with street vendors, musicians, and the absence of cars. (Free)
7. Big Almaty Lake: Just a 30-minute drive south of Almaty, you can find the beautiful Zailiysky Alteau Mountain Range. There are hiking options and picnic spots, with the Big Almaty Lake offering amazing views. The lake’s color varies from green to turquoise to gray depending on the season. (Access: Bus 28 from Al-Farabi and Navoi roundabout, then a 15km hike; or a taxi from the city for about 2,000KZT, or by Private Vehicle. 200KZT park fee)
8. Medeu Ice Rink and Chimbulak Ski Resort: These spots make for a great day trip. In winter, you can skate or ski, and in summer, it’s perfect for hiking or just enjoying lunch with a view. (Medeu: 800KZT admission. Chimbulak: Day ski pass 5,000KZT, one lift ticket 600KZT, return gondola ticket from Medeu to Chimbulak 2,500KZT. Bus 6 and 6A from Dostyk street run every few minutes. It’s a 30-minute ride to Medeu.)
9. Kok-Tobe: At 1,100m above sea level, this is the place for fantastic views of Almaty. Once at the top, you can eat at restaurants, buy souvenirs, enjoy rides, climb a wall, and see a bronze statue of the Beatles! (Two ways to get here: cable car from Dostyk & Abay Aves. – 2,000KZT, or bus 95 or 99 for 80KZT to the terminus, then a shuttle bus to the top for 500KZT.)
10. Opera/Ballet: Almaty has a vibrant music and theater scene. Check out the Philharmonic, Abay State Opera, or Ballet Theatre. With several performances a week, it’s a great evening out if you have a midrange budget. (Ticket costs vary from 400-1700KZT)
There are so many things to do in this laid-back city that we couldn’t cover them all. Another tip is to simply wander around, meet the locals, and try the fresh, seasonal fruits and local food. Enjoy your stay in Almaty – we surely did!
Have you been to Almaty? Did we miss anything? Let us know below!