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Map of Almaty's Top Tourist Spots (From City Centre to Mountain)
Things to Do in Almaty: The Top 12 Picks (Ranked by Travelers)
| Attraction | The Hook (What is it?) | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Zenkov Cathedral | One of the world's tallest wooden buildings, famously built without nails. | 30 Mins |
| Kok Tobe Hill | The city's highest viewpoint, featuring a cable car and a bronze Beatles statue. | 2-3 Hours |
| Green Bazaar | The chaotic, historic heart of the Silk Road where locals actually shop. | 1 Hour |
| Shymbulak Resort | A world-class, Swiss-style ski resort near city | Half Day |
| Medeu Rink | The highest Olympic-sized ice rink in the world | 1-2 Hours |
| Panfilov Street | Almaty's pedestrian "Arbat"—full of street art, coffee culture, and music. | 1 Hour |
| Big Almaty Lake | A Famous Lake | Half Day |
| Charyn Canyon | The "Grand Canyon's" little brother | Full Day |
| Kolsai & Kaindy | A spooky "Sunken Forest" lake and beautiful alpine lakes | 2 Days |
| Arasan Baths | The finest Soviet-era bathhouse in Central Asia | 2-3 Hours |
| President's Park | A manicured garden with a massive colonnade that frames the snow-capped mountains. | 1 Hour |
| Local Food | Experience tradition Kazakhstan food, Korean dishes and taste modern coffee. | N/A |
Zenkov Cathedral – The Wooden Masterpiece (Built Without Nails)
Standing in the middle of Panfilov Park, the Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral) looks like it was made of candy. It is bright yellow, pink, and green, topping out with golden domes that shine in the sun.
It is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The local legend says it was built without a single nail. While modern restoration has probably added a few metal supports, the original structure was indeed an engineering marvel of wood.
Just interlocking timber construction that survived a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in 1911 while the rest of the city collapsed.
Step inside to smell the incense and see the intricate Orthodox icons. Women should cover their heads (scarves are usually provided at the door), and men should take off their hats.
Outside is Instagram gold. The park is full of pigeons—thousands of them. Buying seeds and feeding them is a local tradition (and a chaotic photo op).
Explore the Rest of Panfilov Park
The cathedral shares space with the 28 Panfilov Park. The park itself is a bizarre and fascinating mix of religion, war, and music.
The Giant Soviet Statues: Walk towards the east side of the park and you will see the Memorial of Glory. It is impossible to miss—massive, jagged black metal sculptures of soldiers bursting out of a granite wall. Right in front of it burns the Eternal Flame.
The Museum of Folk Musical Instruments: Inside, you can see the dombra (two-string lute) and kobyz (ancient violin) that define Kazakh steppe music. Sometimes you can hear live performances of traditional music right in the lobby.
Military History Museum: It's old-school and dusty, filled with WWII relics, tanks, and planes. It's a stark contrast to the colorful cathedral just a few hundred meters away.
Kok Tobe Hill – The Beatles, The View, and The Cable Car
"Kok Tobe" means "Blue Hill," and it is the highest point in the city. It is basically a fun park on top of a mountain, offering the best panoramic view of Almaty.
For some weird reason, there is a life-sized bronze statue of The Beatles here. It was the first monument to the band in the entire former Soviet Union. You can sit on the bench next to John Lennon with Almaty sprawling below you.
Do not take a taxi up. Take the cable car from the station near the Hotel Kazakhstan. The ride takes about 6 minutes and glides over old neighborhoods and fruit gardens.
Timing is very important. The best plan is to start about one hour before sunset.
Our Experience: Sadly, we missed this during our visit in November. We went up after it was already dark. It felt a bit like Namsan Tower in Seoul, South Korea. Even in the dark, we still got to see the beautiful city lights.
Green Bazaar – Taste Before You Buy (Sensory Overload)
If you want to understand the soul of the Silk Road, go to the Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar).
The current structure opened in the 1970s, but the market has operated since 1875. It's where Almaty residents shop for real, which makes it more interesting than most tourist markets.
The market splits into sections. Produce, meat, dairy, spices, Korean food, bread, and random household goods. The spice section hits hardest—Kurdish vendors run most stalls, and they pile saffron, cumin, coriander, and dried peppers into mountains of color and scent.
What to Buy in Green Bazaar?
- Dried fruits and nuts (Kazakhstan grows excellent apricots)
- Honey from mountain regions (taste before buying)
- Korean kimchi (large Korean minority in Almaty makes this ubiquitous)
- Qazy (horse meat sausage, if you're curious)
The meat section displays horse meat openly. Whole legs hang from hooks. If you're squeamish about seeing where meat comes from, skip that corner.
One practical note: bathrooms are hidden in the back. Ask someone to point them out before you need them urgently.
Medeo Skating Rink – The Highest Rink in the World
Before you reach Shymbulak, the bus stops at Medeu. This is a legendary Soviet structure.
Built in the 1970s, it is the highest Olympic-sized skating rink in the world (1,691 meters). Because of the altitude and the pure mountain water used for the ice, more world records have been broken here than at any other rink.
Even if you don't skate, you must climb the dam. Behind the rink, there is a massive dam protecting the city from mudslides. To get to the top, you have to climb 842 stairs.
You will see grandpas sprinting up and fit teenagers struggling. The view from the top—looking down at the rink nestled in the valley—is worth the burning thighs.
Shymbulak Mountain Resort – From City Center to 3,200m in 30 Minutes
Shymbulak is why Almaty exists as a tourist destination. hymbulak sits at 2,200 meters, but the lifts go up to the Talgar Pass at 3,200 meters.
In most cities, getting to a world-class ski resort requires a 3-hour drive. In Almaty, you can take a public bus. Bus #12 from the city center (across from the Hotel Kazakhstan) to Medeu.
The resort opened in the 1950s as a Soviet training facility for Olympic skiers. Now it's a commercial resort with modern lifts, hotels, and restaurants. The skiing is good.
In Winter (Nov-April): It is the best ski resort in Central Asia. Prince Harry has skied here. The slopes are steep, the snow is real, and the après-ski scene involves mulled wine on sunny terraces.
In Summer (May-Oct): It is a hiking paradise. You can ride the lift to the top and touch the glaciers. The air is thin and crisp.
The cable car works in stages. You ride from the base to Medeu, then transfer to continue to Shymbulak's mid-station, then take a chair lift to the top.
Medeu + Shymbulak Mountain Resort?
Medeu works best as a combo with Shymbulak (1-2 days). Most visitors stop at Medeu on the way to or from the ski resort. If you're here in winter and you skate, the experience is unique. If you don't skate, a 20-minute photo stop is enough.
Walk Down Panfilov Street (The "Arbat") – Coffee & Street Art
After the mountains, come back down to earth on Panfilov Street. It is Almaty's attempt at a European pedestrian boulevard. Locals call it the Arbat (copying Moscow's famous street). It runs through the center, closed to cars, lined with cafes and shops.
Start at the west end near the Republic Square. Walk east past coffee shops, bookstores, and souvenir stalls. The real action happens in the side streets. Small galleries show local artists. Soviet-era buildings hide modern cafes in their courtyards.
You'll find third-wave coffee shops serving quality espresso next to traditional chaikhanas (tea houses) that haven't changed since 1970.
The walk takes 30-45 minutes if you're just walking. Add time for coffee stops, shopping, or exploring side streets. It's not a major attraction—it's connective tissue between other spots.
But it shows you daily Almaty life, which most tourists miss while rushing between famous sites.
Big Almaty Lake—Turquoise Water That Changes Color Daily
This is the poster child of Kazakhstan tourism. BAO (Big Almaty Lake) sits at 2,500 meters, nestled in a bowl of snowy peaks.
The color is unreal. Depending on the time of day and season, it shifts from milky teal to deep emerald to bright turquoise. It supplies the drinking water for the city, so it is strictly protected.
You cannot swim here. Don't even put your feet in. Guards with whistles will yell at you. It is a reservoir. The Road: The road to the lake is frequently closed to private cars to protect the environment.
Charyn Canyon – The "Grand Canyon's" Little Brother (Day Trip)
Okay, this requires leaving the city, but you can't come to Almaty and skip this.
This is NOT the Grand Canyon. It's not the same scale, the same red rock colors, or the same dramatic. But it's the best canyon in Kazakhstan, and if you're spending 5+ days in Almaty, it makes a worthy day trip.
Located about 3 hours east of Almaty (200 km), Charyn Canyon looks like someone took a piece of Arizona and dropped it in the steppe.
The main part of the canyon is called the Valley of Castles. The red sandstone has been eroded by wind and water into shapes that look like towers, witches, and fortresses.
How to Visit Charyn Canyon?
Start at the top rim for the panorama. Walk down the stairs into the canyon floor. It is an easy 3km walk to the Charyn River at the end. It is flat and family-friendly. In summer, it gets to 40°C (104°F). Bring water. There is literally no shade until you reach the river.
How to Get from Almaty to Charyn Canyon? (5 Options for 2026)
Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes – The Sunken Forest (The 2-Day Commit)
If you have time, combine Charyn Canyon with these two lakes. But be warned: This is a 2-day trip. Trying to do Charyn, Kolsai, and Kaindy in one day is impossible.
Kaindy Lakes – The Sunken Forest
The sunken forest is legitimately unique. There's nothing else quite like it. Tree trunks rise from turquoise water like skeletal fingers. It looks unnatural, like a movie set. But it's real.
An earthquake in 1911 triggered a landslide that dammed a gorge. The valley flooded. The trees died but didn't rot due to cold water. Now they stand preserved in a lake 2,000 meters high.
Kolsai Lakes – 3 Alpine Lakes
People often call these lakes the "Pearls of Tien Shan." This is not just one lake, but actually three different ones sitting high in the mountains.
Each lake lies at a different height. The water is a deep blue color, and it is so calm that it acts like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the green forest around it.
- Lake 1 (Lower Kolsai): This is where you arrive. It is accessible by car and very developed. You can rent a rowboat paddle out into the silence. It is family-friendly and stunning.
- Lake 2 (Middle Kolsai): This is for the hikers. It is an 8km trek (one way) uphill from Lake 1. The reward is a pristine lake with almost zero tourists.
- Lake 3: This is located right on the border with Kyrgyzstan.
Where to Overnight? (Saty!)
You won't find a Marriott out here. Your base camp will be Saty Village, a small settlement sandwiched between the canyons and the lakes.
Accommodation here is almost exclusively Homestays (Guesthouses). This is the cultural highlight of the trip. You stay with a local family.
Charyn Canyon to Kolsai Lake Distance & Route: Plan 1 or 2 Days?
Arasan Baths – Get Naked and Get Scrubbed (Soviet Spa Style)
Back in the city, wash off the canyon dust at the Arasan Baths. Built in the 1980s, this is one of the finest bathhouses in Central Asia. The architecture is grand—domed ceilings, marble slabs, and massive wooden doors.
Choose between the Russian Banya (hot and humid), Finnish Sauna (hot and dry), or Turkish Hamam (warm stone).
The Scrub: Pay extra for the service. A large man or woman will scrub you with an exfoliating mitt until you lose a layer of skin, then beat you with oak or birch branches (venik) to improve circulation.
First President's Park—Where Almaty Residents Actually Relax
This park rarely appears in tourist guides. That's precisely why it's here. First President's Park (named for Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev) opened in 2001. It's 73 hectares of landscaped gardens, fountains, walking paths, and space to breathe.
This is where Almaty shows you what it's like to live here. Families picnic on grass. Teenagers skateboard. Young couples walk hand-in-hand. Old women sell seeds to feed the pigeons. Just a well-maintained urban park doing what urban parks do.
As long as you want. Some visitors walk through in 20 minutes. Others sit for 2 hours with a book. It's a place without obligations. Go at 7pm on a summer evening. The temperature drops from daytime heat.
Eating Almaty—From Horse Meat to Korean BBQ
Almaty's food is a delicious mix of Russian, Kazakh, Korean, and modern European styles. You can try a new cuisine every day.
The national dish is beshbarmak, a plate of horse meat and noodles. The name means "five fingers," but don't worry, restaurants provide forks now.
Korean BBQ is also everywhere here, though the kimchi tastes slightly sweeter than usual.
Finally, the modern coffee scene is booming. With trendy cafes and people working on laptops, the city feels more like Melbourne than Central Asia.
Where to Eat in Almaty:
- For Traditional Kazakhstan: Gakku Restaurant (Locals approve).
- For Korea Dishes: Seoul Restaurant or any place packed with Korean families.
- For Coffee: Shops like Coffeedelia and Espresso Lab serve quality espresso drinks ($2-4). Wi-fi works.
What to Do in Almaty in Winter vs. Summer
| Feature | Winter (Nov - Mar) | Summer (May - Sep) |
|---|---|---|
| Attractions | Medeo Skating Rink, Shymbulak, Zenkov Cathedral, Kok Tobe Hill, Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park | Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lake, Big Almaty Lake, Medeo & Shymbulak |
| Best For | City Explore Skiing & Snowboarding at Shymbulak Ice Skating at Medeu |
Outdoor terraces, festivals, Hiking, Outdoor cafes and parks |
| Clothing | Heavy coat & boots (-15°C is possible). | T-shirt & shorts (but bring a jacket for mountains). |
How Long to Stay in Almaty—And How to Not Waste Time
Almaty is perfect for a 4 to 6-day trip. A good plan is to spend your first day or two exploring the city, then take day trips to nature spots like Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake. Since these are easy trips, you can simply add more days if you want to see more.
Want a ready-made plan? Below is an overview of our classic 6-Day Asia Odyssey Travel Itinerary. It works in every season and covers all the major highlights, including Medeo, the Canyon, and the famous alpine lakes.
Day 1: Almaty Arrival
Day 2: Almaty City Tour (Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, Central Mosque, Green Bazaar, 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park, Kok-Tobe Hill)
Day 3: Almaty - Medeo Gorge - Almaty (Shymbulak Peak, Sunkar Falcon Farm, President Park of 1st President)
Day 4: Almaty - Saty Village (Charyn Canyon National Park)
Day 5: Saty village - Almaty (Kaindy Lake & Lower Kolsai Lake)
Day 6: Almaty Departure.
Where to Stay in Almaty (Safety & Location)
Stay within the rectangle formed by Dostyk Ave and Seyfullin Ave. ou are walking distance to the Metro, the parks, and the best cafes.
- Hostels: Almaty has amazing, clean hostels ($10-$20/night).
- Apartments: Renting an apartment is very popular and often cheaper than hotels.
- Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton (at the top of the Esentai Tower) offers insane views, but you pay for them.
How to Get Around (Yandex is Your Best Friend)
The Metro: Almaty has one metro line. It is limited, but the stations are beautiful (chandeliers, marble). It's worth taking just to see it.
Download Yandex Go: Download this before you arrive. It's like Uber but works better in Kazakhstan. You set your destination, see the price upfront, and pay in cash or card. Drivers speak minimal English but the app handles communication.
FAQ about Almaty, Kazakhstan
Is Almaty safe? Yes, safer than most cities its size. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft happens (pickpockets in markets). Police are visible but rarely interact with tourists unless you cause problems.
When is the best time to visit? Summer (June-September) for hiking and lakes. Winter (December-March) for skiing. Avoid April-May (mud season).
How expensive is Almaty? More expensive than Bishkek or Tashkent. Cheaper than Western Europe. Budget travelers: $30-50/day. Mid-range: $70-100/day. Luxury: $150+/day.
Is there WiFi? Hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free WiFi. Quality varies. Download offline maps before mountain trips.
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