13 amazing things worth doing in Almaty

Get ready to discover the best things to do in Almaty! Add these attractions to your itinerary in Kazakhstan and you will definitely not regret it.

The former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan, Almaty (also known as the "City of Apple Trees") is one of the most fantastic places to stay when traveling through Central Asia. Almaty is home to over 1.5 million people and boasts the urbanism of a large city with the charm of an Asian cultural center. Although the capital of Kazakhstan has been moved to Astana, Almaty's influence on the history of Kazakhstan makes it a key cultural center of the whole country. For guests of the region, Almaty has many attractions worth visiting, restaurants worth trying, and activities worth doing. Regardless of whether you have a few days or a whole week to explore the city, Almaty is definitely worth including in your itinerary in Kazakhstan!

What to do in Almaty

1. Explore the colorful Ascension Cathedral. Explore the colorful Ascension Cathedral The ancient cathedral, known as the Ascension or Zenkovsky Cathedral, is one of the main attractions of Almaty. And you will be able to see it in all its glory, as it was renovated in 2019.

2. Take a walk in Panfilov Park. There is a charming city park around the Ascension Cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Almaty. Here you will find cozy benches located along wide footpaths. Since the park is located in the city center, it's a great place to grab ice cream and sit in the shade of the trees on a hot summer day. Or just use it as a place where you can immerse yourself in the bustling urban energy of Almaty.

3. Learn about the history and art of Kazakhstan at the local museum. In the center of Almaty, near Panfilov Park, there are several wonderful museums on a variety of topics. Especially in summer, when the heat becomes unbearable, visiting museums can be a great way to escape the heat and learn more about the history and traditions of Kazakhstan.

4. Try the local Kazakh cuisine. You can try local dishes such as beshbarmak (horse meat noodles) and manti (dumplings with spices and meat or vegetables), or more regional dishes such as pilaf or borsok (fried bread).

Traditional Kazakh oriental cuisine

5. Take the Kok Tobe Cable Car. If you are looking for fabulous views right in the city center, pay attention to Kok Tobe. This is a hilltop entertainment area connected to the city by a modern cable car. It can be quite crowded here, especially on weekends, but it's a worthwhile adventure to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the mountains. At the top of the hill there are several high-end restaurants and bars, a Ferris wheel and other amusement park-like attractions.

Beautiful view of Almaty city from Kok-Tobe

6. Relax in the Arasan baths. Located next to Panfilov Park, the baths are a luxurious and relaxing way to relax after a day of sightseeing. As soon as you enter this historic building, you will be greeted by the bright colors of the decor and spacious interiors. There are several heated pools where you can have a great time.

7. Visit the Central Mosque. Islam is the most popular religion in Central Asia and plays a huge role in culture and society. In Almaty, you can visit one of the most beautiful mosques used for worship by local residents - the Almaty Central Mosque. Visitors can freely enter in appropriate clothing (long trousers for men, headscarf for women).

8. People watching in the Park of the First President. This is a huge park located about 15-20 minutes drive from the city center. Inside the park you will see beautifully landscaped woodlands and wide sidewalks. It is a very peaceful and beautiful place where you can enjoy the late hours of the day when the sun is setting.

Park in Almaty

9. Take a walk along Zhibek Zholy pedestrian street. This is one of the best places to have a coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. The walking street, located near the city center, is full of cozy cafes and cheap eateries. For the tired traveler, Zhibek Zholy is the place where you can just stroll around, watching street performers or admiring the craft shops and kiosks.

10. Ice skating in Medeu. During the colder months, one of the most interesting activities in Almaty is ice skating at the Medeu outdoor city skating rink. Located in the mountains (more than 1,600 meters above sea level), it is located a little away from the city center. Visiting Medeu for a day of ice skating is a fun break from the chaos of the city center. In summer, you can visit Medeu and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Medeo Skating Rink

11. Take a ride on the slopes of Shymkent. This is a mountain resort located on the outskirts of Almaty. People from all over Kazakhstan (and the world) come here to ski. If you are a skier, you can rent equipment and buy ski passes here. But you can come here at any time of the year to enjoy the incredible views and fresh mountain air.

Mountain Resort Shymkent

12. Go to the Big Almaty Lake. This lake (known to locals as "Bao") is a great place for picnics and hangouts, located high in the mountains of the Tien Shan. If you want to avoid the crowds at the Great Almaty Lake, go there on a weekday or early in the morning.

Big Almaty Lake

13. Or to the nearest national park! If you are tired of Almaty and want to get some fresh air, there are many national parks nearby that are worth a visit. From rocky canyons to glacial lakes, golden sand dunes and ancient petroglyphs, a huge number of weekend trips can be made just a few hours away from the center of Almaty. However, the choice of location depends on what kind of outdoor activities you want to try. Some of these places are more suitable for hiking, others for swimming. Kolsai Lakes National Park is a magnificent park with 3 glacial lakes (in some of them you can swim), surrounded by waterfalls and evergreen forests.

Kolsai High Mountain Lake

Kaindy Lake is unique, colorful and serene, and is certainly a favorite natural attraction in Kazakhstan. It is a turquoise lake surrounded by evergreen trees.

Charyn Canyon is a stunning red canyon with a river flowing through it, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon or the southwestern United States. You can go hiking and swimming here.

Altyn-Emel National Park is an extensive park with large golden sand dunes located in the middle of a flat steppe. It is incredibly remote and picturesque, as not many visitors come here.

Tamgaly-Tas is a rocky park, which contains ancient petroglyphs, and a picturesque river flows by.