About Almaty
Almaty is one of Kazakhstan's major cities, home to around 1,977,011 people.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Almaty
1
Kok Tobe hill and cable car
2
Zenkov Cathedral
3
Panfilov Park
4
Medeu ice rink / Shymbulak ski area
5
Big Almaty Lake day trip
6
Green Bazaar
7
Republic Square
8
First President's Park
Budget travel
Free things to do in Almaty
Zenkov Cathedral
Panfilov Park
Big Almaty Lake day trip
Green Bazaar
Republic Square
First President's Park
Ascension Cathedral
St Nicholas Cathedral
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Ascension Cathedral
- Visit St Nicholas Cathedral
- Visit Central Mosque
- Eat at Alasha
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Sophia Cathedral
- Visit Holy Kazan Cathedral
- Visit Museum House of Akhmet Baytursynov
- Eat at Basilic
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Museum of Almaty
- Visit Museum of Archeology
- Visit Kok-Tobe Park
- Eat at China Town
Where to eat
Local favourites
Alasha
Uzbeki restaurant. Brace yourself for being sung at, danced at, and horse meat.
Basilic
Sit-down canteen with an English menu. Low prices and offers local specialties such as horsemeat.
China Town
Inexpensive Chinese eatery, large servings. Plenty of vegetarian dishes such as tofu.
Crudo Steakhouse
Steakhouse, mixed reviews on food quality and value for money. Good if you would like to try horse.
Mamma Mia
Chain pizzeria with filling portions, veggies won't starve.
Namaste
Good Indian food.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Astra Hotel
Mid-range business hotel, clean, friendly and close to main railway station.
- $
Hotel Almaty
Pleasant hotel facing the Opera House. Not to be confused with the place of the same name at Kuanyshbayev 38а, way out beyond Sayran bus sta
- $
Hotel Ambassador
Creaky old place but clean, and good value for what you pay.
- $
Hotel Berkana
Central but in a quiet area, good value for money.
- $
Kazakhstan Hotel
In a 1977 Soviet block but smart and clean.
Shopping
- Green Bazaar
Nightlife
- Barmaglot Bar
- WL13Bar
- Fuller's Pub Pheasant Feather
- Yard House Pub
- The Shakespeare Pub
- Harat`s Pub
Museums & culture
- Ascension Cathedral
- St Nicholas Cathedral
- Central Mosque
- Sophia Cathedral
- Holy Kazan Cathedral
- Museum House of Akhmet Baytursynov
In pictures
Almaty gallery
Keep exploring
