Where to Go in Almaty

We've compiled the top 10 places you can visit in Almaty to spend your time inexpensively and enjoyably.

In recent years, Almaty has undergone noticeable transformation. The central streets have gained the luster of global megacities, and the city's infrastructure has been updated. New establishments have appeared where you can go to spend your leisure time qualitatively. However, in addition to numerous cafes, shopping centers, and pubs, Almaty also has public places you can visit without having a lot of money with you.

Place: Panfilov Pedestrian Street and Arbat
Address: corner of Panfilov and Kabanbay Batyr streets. Arbat - Zhibek Zholy Avenue between Abai Khan and Kunayev.
What to enjoy: creativity of artists and street musicians, art objects and installations, boutiques, cafes, children's playgrounds.

Almaty's Arbat is one of the most visited places in the city. From morning till late evening, you can hear the sounds of music here: from classical tunes on saxophones to Kazakh national motifs performed by dombra players.

Local artists exhibit their works here, at the corner of Zhibek Zholy and Panfilov. Among their canvases are many colorful landscapes, paintings of purebred Kazakh horses, and portraits. Prices for these artworks vary depending on the size and complexity of the painting. But it's worth admiring the artists' works; there's plenty to admire.

Arbat also has fashionable mass-market boutiques, and Zangar and Passage shopping centers where you can buy clothes, shoes, electronics, and much more. You won't have any trouble finding snacks on Arbat; there are fast food joints, cafes, and restaurants.

Every year from late August to the end of September, the ArtBatFest contemporary art festival takes place on Arbat: performances, graffiti exhibitions, workshops and lectures, dances, street theater.

© photo courtesy of the Almaty City Administration

A walk along Arbat smoothly transitions into a stroll along Panfilov Street. Like Arbat, it underwent reconstruction in 2017, turning into a modern pedestrian zone. Now, it's pleasant to spend an evening here, walking on neat cobblestones or sitting in a cafe.
The street stretches from Arbat and leads to the heart of old Almaty - the Abay Opera and Ballet Theater (GATOB).
On weekends, craft fairs may take place on Panfilov.

Place: City Parks and Squares
Addresses:
- 28 Panfilov Guards Park - Kazbek bi Street square - Zenkov - Gogol - Kunayev
- First President Park - Al-Farabi Street, corner of Navoi Street
- Square near Astana Square (old square) - Tole bi Street, corner of Abai Khan Street
- "Karagaily" Pine Park - Kababay Batyr Square - Nauryzbay Batyr - Seifullin - Karasai Batyr.
- Bayseitov Street Square - Kurmangazy - Abai Khan - Shevchenko - Panfilov

What to enjoy: abundance of greenery, neat landscaping

28 Panfilov Guards Park is the cradle of the city's history. Founded in the late 19th century, it has been a favorite place of Almaty residents and tourists for many decades. Among the century-old coniferous trees, there are plenty of benches where you can hide from the scorching Almaty sun. The park is home to many squirrels, and you can even ride a pony or a horse-drawn carriage here.

The park houses the Memorial of Glory - a monument to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War - and the eternal flame.

One of the highlights of the park is the Ascension Cathedral located on its territory - a building of incredible beauty included in the list of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage. Only wooden elements were used in its construction, and Almaty residents proudly tell guests of the city: the temple was built without a single nail! You can admire the beauty of the cathedral both from the outside and inside; its doors are open to tourists.

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The First President Park is one of the largest parks in Almaty. In 2011, a spacious park for walks opened here on the site of blooming apple orchards, founded back in Soviet times, and later - a huge abandoned wasteland.

Here, there is a large fountain, spacious coniferous alleys, a small Japanese-style garden, as well as a neat topiary corner and a gazebo located on the peak of a hill, offering a magnificent view of the mountains. Also, along the park's territory, there are special tracks for running.

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The Square near Astana Square (Almaty residents call it the old square) is a small cozy space for walks. It is located near Panfilov Pedestrian Street, opposite the building of the KBTU University. There is a monument to heroines Manzhuk Mametova and Aliya Moldagulova, as well as a beautiful fountain "Akku" with statues of swans.

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The "Karagaily" Pine Park is another cozy place on the city map, surrounded by pine groves and located in the center of Almaty. The park attracts tourists and locals with its tranquility, picturesque alleys, and a favorable atmosphere for relaxation. In addition, "Karagaily" provides ideal conditions for outdoor sports activities, attracting enthusiasts of an active lifestyle.

An important object on the park's territory is the monument to the victims of the Holodomor, which struck Kazakhstan in the 1930s. The sculpture of an emaciated hungry mother holding a child in her arms cannot leave anyone indifferent. Almaty residents and guests of the city bring flowers to the monument, honoring the memory of millions of people who died due to the policies of the Soviet authorities and accelerated collectivization.

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The quiet square on Bayseitov Street, located between Kurmangazy and Shevchenko streets, is ideal not only for walks but also for sports activities. There are outdoor exercise equipment and an excellent skate park here.

Place: Medeu and Shymbulak
Address: Kerey-Zhanibek Khantar St., 465
What to enjoy: fresh mountain air, breathtaking nature

One of the first recommendations of where to go if you've arrived in Almaty is Medeu.

Medeu is a picturesque natural site in close proximity to the city. It is famous for its ice rink located at an altitude of over 1,600 meters above sea level. From November to April, Almaty residents and tourists skate here under the open sky and enjoy the majestic mountain views. During the summer, various open-air events and concerts are held on the rink's premises.

Getting to Medeu from the city center is easy and fast. Bus number 12 goes there from the Dostyk-Kurmangazy stop. There are also special excursion shuttles - double-decker cabriolet buses that comfortably take you not only to Medeu but also to the main attractions of Almaty.

In addition to the skating rink, Medeu is famous for the "Health Stairs" - the ascent to the mountain dam, consisting of 8 stair flights with 842 steps. As you climb up, you'll be treated to indescribable views of the gorge and the city of Almaty lying at the foot of the mountains. Climbing up the dam, you can walk towards the Gornelnik thermal spring. At an altitude of 1900 meters, one of the pools is filled with hot water all year round, while the other one is cold. There is also a sports ground nearby and an atmospheric mountain café.

If you go even higher up the serpentine road (or use the cable car or eco-taxi at the approach to Medeu), you'll reach another iconic place on the map of Almaty - the Shymbulak ski resort. The enchanting beauty of the Zailiysky Alatau gorge combined with the sleekness of a modern ski base delights tourists. Shymbulak is the place that Kazakhs proudly refer to as "no worse than Switzerland!" There are comfortable hotels, cafes, and restaurants here, although they can't be called budget-friendly. The resort has 4 cable cars (combi). Combi 2 will take you all the way to the Talgar Pass, at an altitude of 3200 meters, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking panorama.

Place: Kok Tobe
Address: The funicular to Kok Tobe mountain departs from the intersection of Dostyk and Abai avenues (above the Arman cinema). Route taxis depart from the final stop of buses No. 95 and 99 (Omarova St., east of Dostyk Ave.)
What to enjoy: city views from a height of 1130 m, riding the Ferris wheel and attractions, mini-zoo

The highest point of Almaty, Kok Tobe mountain, is a must-see for everyone visiting the southern capital. There are usually quite a few people on Kok Tobe. Some prefer to stroll along the alleys and mini-zoo, while others throw coins into the Fountain of Desires, admire the city panorama from the Ferris wheel, and observation decks.

Kok Tobe is a great place for families with children. There are children's attractions, a mirror labyrinth, and a rope park. In the evenings on weekends and holidays, festivals and performances are held on the concert stage of Kok Tobe. Foreign tourists can get acquainted with Kazakh cuisine at the Abay restaurant. The cost of a round trip on the funicular is 5000 tenge for adults and 2500 tenge for children.

Place: Central Park of Culture and Recreation named after M. Gorky and Almaty Zoo
Address: Gogol St., 1
What to enjoy: walks along green alleys, riding attractions, catamarans, and boats

The park with a 150-year history has absorbed the spirit of the city more than any other place. If you want to know what Alma-Ata was like decades ago, take a walk in the park, preferably avoiding attractions, cafes, and private buildings if possible. There are not many untouched alleys left in the park, but they still exist, whispering stories from the Soviet past to their guests when the park was the favorite place of city residents and was recognized as the best park of culture and recreation in the USSR.

© sxodim.com

The modern Gorky Park in Almaty is a place for fun and entertainment, including attractions, a water park, and a zoo.
There is a small but very picturesque lake in the park. During the warm season, you can ride boats and catamarans here, and on clear days, you can take stunning photos by the lake against the backdrop of the bright snow-capped peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau. For thrill-seekers, there is a skate park in the park, and anyone can play basketball and volleyball here and train on outdoor bars.

Adjacent to the park is the Almaty Zoo. Not long ago, a large-scale reconstruction took place here, the aviaries were updated, and the zoo was replenished with dozens of animals, including exotic ones. Now, giraffes, rhinos, kangaroos, polar bears, and hundreds of other species live in the Almaty Zoo. The Almaty Zoo has a volunteer program that allows all animal lovers to participate in the life of the zoo, take care of the animals, and help visitors navigate its large territory.

The entrance fee to the zoo is 800 tenge for adults and 300 tenge for children under 12 years old.

Location: Botanical Garden
Address: 36D Timiryazeva St.
What to enjoy: beauty of plants, fresh air

When asked where to go in Almaty to breathe clean air without leaving the city limits, the answer could be - to the botanical garden. The huge territory of the garden represents a rich collection of flora, including valuable rare species brought from Europe, South and North America, and Asian countries.

The park area is neatly landscaped, with a pond with lilies and a fish pond. Throughout the park, there are signposts that make it easy to navigate among the numerous alleys.

© almatycity.kz

Comfortable benches are installed throughout the garden, and there are drinking fountains.

The cost of a single entry for adults is 850 tenge, for children and seniors - 503 tenge.

Location: City Museums
Addresses:
Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan - 44 Samal 1 St.
Museum of Kazakh Folk Musical Instruments - 24/A Zenkova St. (corner of Gogol St.)
Almaty Museum - 132 Kabanbay Batyr St.
A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts - 30 Satpaev St.
What to enjoy: unique exhibits and immersion in the history and culture of the region

The Central Museum of Almaty is a gem of cultural heritage. The museum offers an exciting journey through the history and art of Kazakhstan. Visitors can immerse themselves in the richness of cultural heritage through exhibitions dedicated to the history, ethnography, and art of the region. Modern interactive exhibitions make the visit both fascinating and educational. Here, each exhibit is part of the amazing history of this land.
The entrance fee for adults is 1000 tenge, for children - 500 tenge.

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Museum of Kazakh Folk Musical Instruments
Try to list all the Kazakh musical instruments you know on your fingers. Did one hand suffice? Then a visit to the museum named after Ykhlas is simply necessary for you! Here you can learn a lot about the musical heritage of the country and hear the sounds of various instruments. The museum's nine halls house a unique collection of instruments, including personal instruments of outstanding Kazakh musicians and performers such as Ykhlas, Zhambyl, Nurgis Tlendiyev, and others.

In addition to Kazakh folk instruments, the museum exhibits instruments from neighboring countries such as Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
The museum building itself is also an exhibit. It was built during the time when Almaty was the city of Verny and represents a preserved example of Russian architecture.

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Another museum, located in a unique building, is the Almaty City Museum. The museum is an outstanding cultural center offering unique exhibitions documenting the region's development history. Exhibits covering a period from archaeological finds to products of Soviet times and modernity create a diverse study of cultural heritage. Visitors can appreciate the value of fascinating exhibits and delve deeper into the key events that shaped and characterize the history of Kazakhstan.

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A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts is another place where tourists and residents can go to learn more about the culture of the Kazakh land. However, in addition to samples of folk art such as paintings, carpets, and jewelry, the museum houses a solid collection of priceless examples of Western and Eastern painting and sculpture. Here are originals of works by world-famous artists such as Rembrandt, Hals, Vasnetsov, Aivazovsky, and many others.
An avant-garde feature of the museum is the hall dedicated to the renowned Kazakh artist Abilkhan Kasteyev. In his large-format canvases, you can read the history of the Kazakh people, their traditions, and way of life.

The museum features interactive displays where paintings literally come to life and gain dynamics. The museum building often hosts workshops and thematic exhibitions.

Location: Almaty Terrenkur Trails
Addresses:
First Terrenkur - parallel to Dostyk Street, from Abay to Ospanov
New Terrenkur - trail from Bellagio restaurant to Esentai Mall
What to enjoy: clean air and physical exercises

Terrenkur trails are health paths for walks in mountainous terrain. The main distinctive feature of terrenkurs is a slight uphill climb. In Almaty, there are 2 trails for walking and health improvement, where you can go to spend pleasant time, breathe fresh air, and listen to the murmur of the river.

The First Terrenkur stretches along Dostyk Street. If you plan to go up, you should start at the intersection of Dostyk and Abay streets. A little to the east of Dostyk Street, behind the Novotel hotel, the trail begins. Along it, you can climb up 4.5 km, reaching a height of 1058 meters above sea level. Along the way, you can sit on benches, ride on swings, and have a snack at a cafe. Pleasant sounds of the Malaya Almatinka River will accompany you throughout the distance.

© skych.kz

The New Terrenkur starts higher, in the foothills, not far from the Bellagio restaurant. Above it, a barely noticeable trail branches off from Kerey-Zhanibek Khandar Street. Following it across the river via a bridge, you will soon reach the terrenkur. This is a pleasant place equipped with benches and picnic areas.