Discovering Almaty: cultural capital of Kazakhstan

Almaty, the cultural capital of Kazakhstan and the country's largest city, is nestled at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains. With a rich history shaped by numerous peoples over the centuries, it was the capital for nearly 70 years before ceding the title to Astana in 1997.

Nonetheless, Almaty remains the vibrant heart of Kazakhstan, attracting visitors with its unique charm and vitality.

This article will highlight the many facets of Almaty, from its breathtaking landscapes to must-see attractions, along with some tips to make the most of your visit to the city.

🍎 The name "Almaty" means "City of Apples," derived from the Kazakh language. The Soviet version, "Alma-Ata," literally translates to "Grandfather Apple" in Kazakh. The region, abundant in orchards, is renowned for its local apple trees, which produce the globally consumed "Aport" apples, a major symbol of Kazakhstan's cultural capital.

Must-see places in Almaty

From the mountains to the city with its sparkling skyscrapers, along with lush parks, trendy cafes, and a vibrant nightlife, Almaty is a destination where there is something for everyone.

For city lovers

• Arbat is a pedestrian zone that includes Panfilov and Gogol streets, near the Zhibek Zholi metro station, offering a lively atmosphere, especially in the evening with street musicians, cafes, and twinkling lights. It’s a pleasant place to stroll, even after midnight, as Arbat remains vibrant.
• Panfilov Park, named in honor of the 28 guards of the Panfilov Infantry Division, is a historical symbol of Almaty. Established in the late 19th century, this green park is home to the majestic Zenkov Ascension Cathedral, the tallest wooden church in the world.

• First President Park, dedicated to Kazakhstan’s first president Nursultan Nazarbayev, is a beautiful park with views of the mountains, located in the upper part of the city. With well-maintained greenery and fountains, it’s a popular spot for relaxation, where locals enjoy picnics, yoga sessions, and games.

• Terenkur offers a lovely walking path along the canal, designed to accommodate the rushing water from the mountains in spring when the snow melts. It’s perfect for morning jogs or evening strolls.
• Central Park (Gorky Park) is more than just a park; it’s a place filled with memories and traditions. New graduates celebrate the end of their studies here, young couples capture moments of their love, and many children discover the joys of green spaces for the first time, enjoying bike paths, a water park, attractions, and boat rides, among other activities.

For those looking to escape the city (region of Almaty)

• Kok Tobe Mountain features a park with a slightly Soviet ambiance and offers stunning views of the city. You can reach it by taking a cable car from the city near Abay Square. We recommend going at sunset. Additionally, there are several ethnic restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with a fantastic view.

• Medeu, one of the most beautiful sites near Almaty, is located at the foot of the Ili Alatau mountains in the Malaya Almatinka River valley. It is home to the Medeu skating rink, a symbol of Almaty, perched at an altitude of 1,691 meters and famous for numerous world speed skating records.

• Shymbulak is a ski resort renowned for its excellent skiing conditions and spectacular landscapes, offering impressive panoramas from its peaks accessible by cable car. It holds the Guinness World Record for the highest night skiing slope in the world (3,200 meters). The area is also popular year-round for hiking, yurt rentals, and horseback riding, providing breathtaking views of the city from over 3,000 meters in altitude.

How to get around Almaty?

The city is quite walkable, with a well-established network of buses and trolleybuses offering frequent routes at affordable rates.

Taxis are also commonly used and readily available. For greater price transparency, it’s recommended to use ridesharing apps like Yandex.Taxi or Uber.

If you want to learn more about Kazakhstan beyond Almaty, you might be interested in our travel guide to Kazakhstan, an ebook, with 64 pages of content to help you plan your trip. You can also contact us directly.

What budget to plan to visit Almaty?

The cost of living in Almaty is generally considered affordable compared to many European cities.

1. Accommodation: Prices for lodging vary, but a good hostel costs around 10-20 euros per night, while an apartment can range from 200 to 500 euros per month, depending on the location and type.
2. Dining: Eating at budget restaurants costs around 5 to 10 euros per meal. Meals at more upscale cafes can go up to 20-30 euros.
3. Transportation: A public transport ticket costs between 0.30 and 0.50 euro. Taxis are also affordable, with starting fares around 1 euro.
4. Groceries: Food prices are reasonable. For example, a liter of milk costs around 0.60 euro, bread is about 0.40 euro, and fruits and vegetables are often very affordable.
5. Leisure: Cinema tickets cost around 3 to 5 euros, and recreational activities such as sports or museum visits are also affordable.

Your budget will depend on the duration of your stay and your habits. However, on average, a budget traveler can expect to spend between 40 and 70 euros per day, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.

Where to stay in Almaty?

The safest and most accessible way to find accommodation in Kazakhstan is through Booking.com, where you can book hotels, hostels, apartments, and guesthouses at reasonable prices.

Airbnb options are also available, but they tend to be more expensive, and many hosts may be inactive.

If you’re looking for an apartment, the go-to local site/app is Krisha.kz. You can find options for both short and long-term stays. The only drawback is that the platform is not translated into English, and you’ll need to contact the owners to book your stay.

🏠 Good to know: Often, reservations are made without prepayment. You pay the amount upon arrival.

It's up to you to choose the level of comfort you prefer. One recommendation: to stay close to everything, opt for the neighborhoods of Medeu, Samal-2, Samal-3, and Bostandyk.

When to go to Almaty?

The best time to visit Almaty depends on your activities, as the city offers different attractions throughout the seasons. Generally, the most popular seasons are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November).

Spring (April-June)

It's a pleasant time with moderate temperatures, ideal for exploring tourist sites, hiking in the surrounding mountains where the snow melts and opens up many trails, and enjoying the city's parks. However, the early part of the season is often rainy.

Spring also marks the start of festival season in Kazakhstan, the perfect opportunity to discover local culture and traditions. Nauryz, the New Year celebrated on the spring equinox, gives rise to festivities throughout the country in March, including three public holidays from March 21 to 23. Highlights include parades, concerts, traditional games such as kokpar and asyk, yurts set up in town squares, and an abundance of Kazakh dishes.

Summer (June-August)

Temperatures can be high, sometimes reaching 30°C, but it’s a great time to explore the mountainous areas and resorts like Shymbulak, where the weather is cooler.

Mid-July is particularly ideal for mountain hiking.

Autumn (September-early November)

September, with its dry and sunny weather, is considered the best time to visit Almaty, as temperatures begin to drop in October with the onset of the first frosts, leading to cooler nights.

The weather is mild, and the city is illuminated with autumn colors, making it a perfect time for hiking. On the third Sunday of September, Almaty celebrates its City Day with a spectacular fireworks display, marking the end of summer holidays with various festive events, concerts, festivals, and activities for everyone.

Winter (November-March)

Winters are long, cold, and snowy, with temperatures often falling below zero, reaching between -10°C and -15°C in January and February. Frosts that begin in late October can last until the end of March, with snowfall continuing into April.

This is the ideal season for winter sports, with several ski resorts nearby.

The snow also adds a special charm to the city.

How many days to visit Almaty?

It all depends on your pace and the number of places you want to visit.

A three to four-day stay in Almaty allows you to explore the main attractions of the city and its surroundings at a comfortable pace.

If you want to take your time to fully immerse yourself in the city and dedicate several days to the mountains, plan for at least a week.

You can contact us via Instagram or WhatsApp to arrange guided tours of the city and the surrounding area. We'll put you in touch with a trusted local partner.

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